ORVA Conference 2024
Registration is now open - ONLINE or call 318-325-1961 to be registered by phone!
Greetings:
I take this opportunity to invite you to the Ouachita River Valley Association's 57th Annual Convention, which will be held September 19-20, 2024 in West Monroe, Louisiana. The activities begin with registration at noon Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the West Monroe Convention Center in West Monroe, Louisiana, followed by a good, old-fashioned “Southern” fish fry at the Ike Expo Center (the “Ike”), just across town.
This year's convention promises to be a somewhat different but exciting event! In addition to several notable speakers and leaders who will present and discuss their perspectives concerning the Ouachita-Black Rivers Navigation Project (Project), we’ve built in several important panel discussions with key leaders in their field of expertise. We've assembled a slate of topics that we believe will be most interesting and informative. Our list of speakers includes government, industry, and professional leaders.
The convention is hosted by the City of West Monroe and supported by numerous sponsors. The Fairfield Inn and Suites, in very close proximity to the Ike and just across town from the Convention Center, has provided the government per diem rate for our convention attendees.
This year’s convention provides an excellent opportunity to meet the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers leadership for the Project, learn and develop professionally, network, exchange thoughts and ideas, and discuss those economic, navigation, and other issues relevant to the Ouachita-Black Rivers Navigation Project.
I look forward to seeing you in West Monroe. You will not want to miss this conference!
Sincerely,
Randy Denmon, President
Agenda And FAQ
Ouachita River Valley Association
57th Annual ORVA Convention
September 19-20, 2024 at West Monroe, Louisiana
Thursday, September 19
11:00 - 12 Noon Board of Directors Meeting
12 Noon Registration Opens
12:00 - 12:30 PM Coordination Meeting – Meet and Greet with Vicksburg District Corps staff and
Stakeholders
West Monroe Convention Center - 901 Ridge Avenue, West Monroe, Louisiana
1:00-1:10 PM Welcome and Announcements – Mr. Randy Denmon, ORVA President
4:30 - 4:35 PM Announcements and Closing Comments
4:35 PM Adjournment
“The Ike” - Ike Hamilton Expo Center - 501 Mane Street, West Monroe, Louisiana
6 PM Convention Social and Fish Fry
Welcome – Mr. Randy Denmon, ORVA President
Social and Fish Fry
Conclusion - Mr. Randy Denmon, President, ORVA
Friday, September 20: West Monroe Convention Center
8 - 9 AM Late Registration
Breakfast Items, juice and coffee will be available.
9 - 9:15 AM Announcements – Mr. Randy Denmon, President, ORVA
9:45 - 10:15 AM The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Mississippi Valley
Division –
10:15 - 10:45 AM Break - Networking Opportunities
10:45 - 11:15 AM The Ouachita-Black Rivers Navigation Project and River Operations
COL Jeremiah Gipson, Commander and District Engineer, Vicksburg District,
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
11:45 - 12 Noon Break
1:30 PM Raffle Drawing
1:40 PM Closing Comments – Mr. Randy Denmon, President, ORVA
1:45 PM Adjournment
The Ouachita River Valley Association (ORVA), in existence now for more than 130 years, is a non-profit organization that represents the economy's private sector and derives its revenues from membership dues and fundraising activities, such as our annual convention.
The convention agenda represents a change from the traditional convention podium agenda. We’ve added several important topics which will be presented in a panel format featuring leading individuals in those fields of discussion.
Security
Security will be available on-site at the convention and during the reception and fish fry.
Parking
Ample parking is available at the West Monroe Convention Center, and at the Ike Expo Center.
Lodging
Special convention rates have been negotiated with our sponsor hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites West Monroe, 606 Mane Street, West Monroe, Louisiana 71292 You may contact them at 318-582-1160 or register online. The $107 Convention Room Rate (the government per diem rate) will expire on September 5, 2024 so book early.
Displays
Our sponsors are encouraged to establish "vendor" booths. Please consider bringing business displays, handouts, brochures, and other reference materials. Please let us know if you wish to do so, and we will be happy to assist with the set-up of tables, etc. This was a tremendous plus at our last convention in West Monroe and we highly encourage it.
Registration/Payment
Make payment to via mail to ORVA C/O WM Chamber, 112 Professional Drive, West Monroe, LA 71291
You may also register online through the West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce website at westmonroechamber.org/orva
Convention Attire
Business casual attire is encouraged for the convention but please leave your coats and ties at home for the Thursday night fish fry. And don’t worry about the heat; the fish fry venue at the Ike is indoors and air conditioned! There’s just nothing better than a good old-fashioned Southern fish fry, complete with all the trimmings and your favorite beverage!
COVID Concerns
ORVA will address COVID protocols and mitigation efforts, including sanitation stations and mask availability. (The wearing of masks will be an individual decision and we will respect those who choose to wear a mask.)
Other
Please address any questions, comments, or concerns to Mr. David Weeks, the ORVA Executive Director. He can be reached at david.weeks.ORVA@outlook.com or via mobile at 318-366-3834.
A special “Thank You” to the staff of the West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce, the West Monroe Convention Center, and the Ike Hamilton Exposition Center for their tremendous support in planning and orchestrating this annual convention.