Enough for a constellation: The Association of Fundraising Professionals has named its Greater Baton Rouge chapter a 2011 Ten Star Chapter. AFP has given 96 of its 213 chapters across the U.S. the designation for “achieving goals that align with key objectives in its long-range strategic plan.” Rev. Dan Krutz, local chapter president, says, “I am convinced our success speaks not only of the professionalism and commitment of our local members and nonprofit organizations, but more importantly of the responsiveness and generosity of the philanthropic community of the Greater Baton Rouge area.” Learn more about the AFP Greater Baton Rouge Chapter at its website here.
Time to choose: The Republican Party of Louisiana will hold district caucuses across the state on Saturday, April 28, as the first phase of delegate selection for the 2012 Republican National Convention. Republican voters will cast ballots at 30 sites from 8:30 am until noon. Twenty-five delegates and 12 alternates will be elected from each congressional district to vote at the Republican State Convention, where the election of delegates and alternates to the Republican National Convention will take place. Any Louisiana registered voter affiliated with the Republican Party as of Dec. 15, 2011, is eligible to participate. Voters will be required to present a valid photo ID in order to cast a ballot. More details and a full list of locations are available here.
Expanding at a healthy rate: U.S. service companies expanded in February at the fastest pace in a year, helped by increased demand for new orders and growth in hiring. The Institute for Supply Management says its index of non-manufacturing activity rose to 57.3, up from January’s 56.8. Any reading above 50 indicates expansion. The trade group of purchasing managers surveys roughly 90% of U.S. companies in all sectors outside of manufacturing. That includes retail, construction, financial services, health care, and hotels. A measure of new orders reached its highest point in a year. While the group’s employment index declined, it stayed at a level that suggests many service companies are adding workers.
