By Bonnie Culverhouse

Greater Minden Chamber executive director Stephanie Barnette is excited about not only what is in Minden’s future, but in what’s going on right now.

Barnette told Minden Lions Thursday that most people don’t realize how much businesses are growing right now.

“Fibrebond is one of those businesses that’s had its ups and downs, but right now, they are adding on buildings, remodeling and taking care of their employees,” Barnette said. The company builds portable prison cells and has recently taken on constructing buildings for computer servers.

“There are top executives from Facebook, Google and others that are coming to Minden every week to sign contracts and deal with Fibrebond,” she added.

In addition, GOEX – a black powder manufacturer located at Camp Minden – has sold to Estes Energetics and remains the leading black powder manufacturer in the country.

Barnette also discussed partnerships between the chamber and City of Minden to host a job fair and a food truck association, all of which should bring more business and employees to the area.

Job Fair and Resource Expo 2023 is also hosted by Louisiana Workforce Commission, Coordinating and Development Corporation, State of Louisiana, Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College and Claiborne Memorial Medical Center.

It is scheduled for 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 5 at Minden Civic Center.

“We have more than 40 prospective employers and service providers that will be there,” Barnette said. “They need anywhere from 5 or 10 employees to 50 or 100.”

There are only around 100 tickets still available for the Greater Minden Chamber’s “Seas” the Opportunities, 81st Annual Awards Gala Tuesday, March 28.

Presented by Home Federal Bank, the banquet will take place at Minden Civic Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7 p.m.

Man and Woman of the Year awards will be presented, as well as Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Community Partner of the Year and others.