Business Report, Oct. 2022: Best Places to Work

Cecilia Cuntz, MD

Breast Surgeon

A decade of dedication.

Achieving ten years in business and being recognized among the Best Places to Work doesn’t happen by accident. At Bonton Associates, we believe success — for us and for our clients — comes from a culture that cares, connected by a collaborative spirit, common goals, shared values and a deep commitment to improving public infrastructure for the good of all. To our Baton Rouge office and our Shreveport team, thank you. We can’t wait to see what the next decade brings.

STARTUP

BEST PLACES

in Baton Rouge TO WORK

66 Betting big on carbon capture

9

10

Louisiana’s

boost or impossible dream?

Things to Know:

Pelichet Duggan

Cook:

Shetler

Climate change concerns were once seen as a threat to Louisiana industry, but now the petrochemical sector, positioning itself as part of the solution, is investing heavily on ‘low carbon solutions.’

68 Every man a king

The Hilton B aton Rouge Capitol Center has turned the tunnel made famous by Huey Long into a private, upscale entertainment space.

70  Distilling the Oxbow story

Olivia Stewart never figured on living in Louisiana again and the art history major certainly didn’t think her fight to s ave a familyowned company would make her a pioneer in the premium craft rum business.

Publisher: Julio Melara

EDITORIAL

Editorial Director: Penny Font

Associate Publisher, Executive Editor: JR Ball Managing Editor: Allan Schilling Online News Editor: Deanna B. Narveson

Staff Writers: David Jacobs, Eric L. Taylor

Digital Content Editor: Dillon Lowe

Contributing Writers: Sam Barnes, Tom Cook, Maggie Heyn Richardson, Chelsea Brasted, Emily Kern Hebert, Holly Duchmann

Contributing Photographers: Brian Baiamonte, Marie Constantin, Don Kadair, Tim Mueller, Collin Richie

ADVERTISING

Sales Director: Kelly Lewis

Senior Account Executives: Marielle Land-Howard Account Executives: Gabi Bivins Porter, Angie Laporte, Meredith LaBorde, Matt Wambles, Connie Zaragoza

Advertising Coordinators: Devyn MacDonald, Brittany Nieto, Cassidie Tingle

STUDIO E

Director: Taylor Gast

Multimedia Strategy Manager: Timothy Coles

Corporate Media Editor: Lisa Tramontana

Content Strategist: Allyson Guay Account Executive: Judith LaDousa

MARKETING

Marketing & Events Coordinator: Taylor Falgout Training & Events Coordinator: Emma Dubuc Events: Abby Hamilton

ADMINISTRATION

Business Manager: Tiffany Durocher Business Associate: Kirsten Milano

Office Coordinator: Sara Hodge

Receptionist: Cathy Varnado Brown

PRODUCTION/DESIGN

Production Manager: Jo Glenny Art Director: Hoa Vu

Senior Graphic Designer: Melinda Gonzalez Graphic Designers: Emily Witt, Ashlee Digel

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Audience Development Director and Digital Manager: James Hume

Audience Development Coordinator: Ivana Oubre

Audience Development Associate: Catherine Albano

A publication of Melara Enterprises, LLC

Chairman: Julio Melara

Executive Assistant: Brooke Motto

Vice President: Penny Font

Chief Operating Officer: Guy Barone

Chairman Emeritus: Rolfe H. McCollister Jr.

Circulation/Reprints 225-928-1700

email: circulation@businessreport.com

Subscriptions/Customer Service 225-928-1700

email: circulation@businessreport.com

Volume 41 - Number 2

©Copyright 2022 by Melara Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved by LBI. The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report (USPS 721-890 ISSN 0747-4652) is published monthly by Louisiana Business Inc. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Business address: 9029 Jefferson Hwy., Ste. 300, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. Telephone (225) 928-1700.

Periodicals postage is paid at Baton Rouge, La. Subscription rate is $96.00 for 12 issues, with 2 additional issues published annually in April and December.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report 9029 Jefferson Hwy. Ste. 300, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.

The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material—manuscripts or photographs, with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed return envelope.

Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. No information expressed here constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities.

STARTUP

THE B IG STORY

Eliminating Louisiana’s income taxes: Economic boost or impossible dream?

WHAT YOU READ: Louisiana lawmakers have begun looking into whether the state should eliminate its individual and cor porate income taxes.

WHY IT MATTERS: While the ef fort faces an uphill battle, it could spur important conversations about what Louisiana could and perhaps should be doing to try and create a more efficient and effective government, which in turn might make the state’s econ omy more competitive.

HE SAID IT: “At the end of the day, we’re a banana republic that’s run out of bananas,” Rep. Richard Nelson, the Mandeville Republican who authored the resolution that led to the study, told the House Ways and Means Committee.

BACKGROUND: Scrapping the state’s income taxes has been pro posed before, most famously in 2013 by then-Gov. Bobby Jindal, who got so much pushback when

he floated the idea prior to the legislative session that he aban doned it on the session’s first day. Last year, Nelson proposed get ting rid of both income taxes and increasing the state sales tax rate.

THE PROBLEM: Income taxes raise around $5 billion a year, so losing that money could lead to massive cuts to education, health care, transportation and other priorities. Lawmakers already have to figure out how to manage losing about $420 million per year when a temporary 0.45% sales tax rolls off the books in 2025.

SO WHY DO IT? Some of the committee’s discussion revolved around Louisiana’s sluggish pop ulation growth compared to booming states like Texas and Florida, which don’t have income taxes.

ON THE OTHER HAND:  The re lationship between tax rates and where people move is uncertain at best, and lists of the leading

states for in-migration include those that don’t charge income tax, such as Texas and Florida, as well as those that do, such as Georgia and North Carolina.

THEN AGAIN: Population growth is a measure of success but it’s not the end goal, Nelson says, adding that economies can be vibrant with or without income taxes. He says the main benefits of eliminating state income taxes would be to make Louisiana’s tax code more competitive and shrink state government, pushing more authority to the local level.

“If you cut out that state-ad ministered income tax, it gives you the opportunity to put a lot of the decision-making and funding back to the local govern ments, which are much more ef fective and efficient in spending taxpayer money,” he says.

THE DETAILS: While Nelson says some of his conservative col leagues would be happy to do away with income taxes and call

it a day, realistically, a plan will be needed to replace that reve nue. He expects the committee will look to other states without income taxes for guidance, and suggests that broadening the lo cal property tax base will be an important part of the mix. About one-third of Louisiana homeown ers pay no property tax, he adds.

LONG ODDS: While next year’s session will emphasize fiscal is sues, lawmakers typically are even more reluctant than usual to tackle sweeping changes in an election year. Lots of tax breaks and subsidies likely would have to be axed to make the numbers work, and those programs have powerful advocates. Any hint of messing with the state’s generous homestead exemption will bring out the torches and pitchforks. It’s going to be tricky, in other words.

THE LAST WORD: Nelson says that while “the devil’s in the de tails,” his colleagues seem to at least be open to the idea.

“Something needs to be done,” he says, “and I think they realize it’s got to be something big.”

—David Jacobs

local

Louisiana-based businesses are among our communities’ greatest assets. Employment and economic impact are just the beginning: local businesses build up communities and strengthen relationships.

If you’re looking for a bank that combines local relationships with the best products, services and technologies for your business, visit Red River Bank.

We’re

redriverbank.net 225-923-0232

Baton Rouge Lafayette Lake Charles New Orleans Northshore Shreveport

Subject to credit approval.

Laura Marshall 225-928-8203

Brian Wilkinson 225-928-8237

Edwin Lagarde 225-928-8252

Natalie Bourque 225-928-8266

David Thompson 225-928-8209

Henry Schexnayder 225-928-8263 Jordan Hultberg 225-928-8202 Tracy Rutledge 225-928-8290

3 THINGS TO KNOW:

ADONICA PELICHET DUGGAN

CEO, Baton Rouge Alliance for Students

1Adonica Pelichet Duggan comes from a family of educators, which inspired her to pursue a career in education as well. Duggan, born and raised in Baton Rouge, earned her bachelor’s from LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication before joining the Zachary Community School District in 2003 as its communications coordinator. Working with a small, nascent school system gave Duggan a non-siloed experience in seeing how a school system works and how decisions impact resource allocation.

“I use my skills in communication to support the work that I think is so important. Quality of life starts with educating our children well.”

2

Duggan stayed with the Zachary Community School System for more than a decade, leaving in 2015 after serving as supervisor of technology and communications the last three years. “I started asking myself then, if I were a parent, what would I need to know to feel empowered to make informed decisions about my child? Children and parents are the end consumer of the product we provide.” She then went to work for the neighboring East Baton Rouge Parish School System for two years before taking a position with local educational nonprofit New Schools for Baton Rouge.

3

Duggan left New Schools of Baton Rouge to launch the Baton Rouge Alliance for Students in March 2021. “We see our work as more broad than schools alone acting as the agent of change. There’s a missing gap on how we encourage and empower the roles that schools play and how to support them better.” In the future, the mom of four aims to increase community awareness for issues impacting Baton Rouge-area schools. “We have an opportunity in the next few years to decide the trajectory of the city, and we’ll either get it right or we won’t. I want people to understand the changes [made in education] and be energized by them.”

FAVORITE THINGS:

Triathlons

“I train for triathlons with my girlfriends—I go to the pool, bike with friends or clear my mind with a run.”

30A

“Our family has a beach house in Florida, and the memories I’ve made with my children make that my favorite spot.”

Gin and tonic “I’m a Hendrick’s-andtonic drinker.”

Cocha

Sweets

“Sugar is my weakness. The way to my heart is with a chocolate chip cookie.”

“It’s an opportunity to have a great meal but also get business done.”

DON KADAIR

Nominations open for Business Awards and Hall of Fame

BEGINNING OCT. 4, Business Report will ac cept entries or nominations for its 2023 Business Awards & Hall of Fame. We’re looking for success ful entrepreneurs, executives and companies to recognize, as well as longtime business profes sionals in the Capital Region for the Hall of Fame.

The awards pay tribute to individuals and companies, recognizing their many accomplish ments. Categories include Businessperson of the Year, Young Businessperson of the Year, and two Company of the Year awards (one for those with 100 or more employees, and another for those with fewer than 100 employees). The Hall of Fame recognizes a lifetime of achievement.

This year’s honorees will be profiled in the March edition of Business Report and recognized at a special event March 14 at the Crowne Plaza.

All entries and nominations must be sub mitted online no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. No exceptions to the deadline will be made. Previous recognition for the Business Awards does not prohibit someone from being recog nized again. Get the nomination form and see a list of previous honorees at businessreport.com.

Childhood comes and goes in a blink. We’re here through the stages of your life, with the strength of the cross, the protection of the shield. The Right Card. The Right Care.

2022 Hall of Fame inductees

Gerry Lane

FILE PHOTOS

Our Advanced Network of Care is Growing!

With more than 600 providers and counting, Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group covers a robust spectrum of care. In addition to your annual checkup, our experienced group of providers specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of illnesses and complex medical conditions. Meet the providers who have recently joined Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group. ololphysiciangroup.com

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health is a collaborative, coordinated and child-focused statewide network that provides patients with more access to physicians and providers specifically trained to care for children. Meet the providers who have recently joined Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health. ololchildrens.org

Lauren Buck, MD

Pediatric Otolaryngology

Paige Guillory, MD Pediatrics

Megan Hinson, NP Internal Medicine

Kay Miller, MD Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Annarita Nicosia, MD Medical Genetics

Karen Powell, NNP Neonatology

Michael Adamek, MD Hospital Medicine

Amanda Bolton, NP Medical Oncology

Brittany Bullock, NP Critical Care

Kelli Corkern, NP Internal Medicine

Richie Diaz, MD Hospital Medicine

Trent Estopinal, MD Hospital Medicine

Kayleigh Lejeune, MD Family Medicine

Mason Rau, MD Internal Medicine

Daniel Rees, MD Pulmonology/Critical Care

Brad Rodrigue, MD Internal Medicine Muddassir Sana, MD Interventional Pain Management

Shahrzad Talebinejad, MD Trauma Surgery

Megan Terrebonne, MD Hospital Medicine

Fast track to a skilled workforce:

How to access deep technical training for free

Proper training is the core of building a reputable brand. No matter their skill levels, all technicians should arrive at jobs prepared to give the customer helpful insights into the work being performed. A common barrier to comprehensive service is that the techs may be too green, or they don’t completely understand why they do what they do.

Today, on-demand immersive training programs for trades professionals are available to help ensure that even your newest technicians build great foundational skills and even the most seasoned can continue to learn and advance in their trade.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Library has partnered with Interplay Learning to offer, at no cost to patron, SkillMill for all-things maintenance training in HVAC, plumbing, electrical and appliance repair.

SkillMill is the world’s leading, always-on immersive learning solution for the skilled trades, delivering a growing catalog of courses and a comprehensive suite of measurement

and engagement tools for skilled trades businesses, educators, and workforce development programs.

By providing your techs with ongoing inhouse training opportunities, they will become proficient in basic to advanced jobs, tackle more calls confidently and, are ready to perform tasks to your customer’s satisfaction. Make training efficient, relevant, and scalable while saving you time and effort.

With access to 300+ hours of content and hands-on 3D simulations, SkillMill is like having another expert on your team.

What’s in it for business leaders? With a deep, technical understanding of their craft, you will not be needed to intervene as frequently to re mediate issues on service calls. This frees up your time for more important management tasks. Plus, you will experience greater cost savings from error reduction and decreased callbacks. SkillMill has other benefits like:

• Reduces training costs and ramp-up times.

• Enables you to rapidly advance the abilities of your entire team—no matter their

starting level.

• Scales easily so you can provide effective upskilling to as many people as possible.

• Delivers expert-led content on HVAC, Solar, Plumbing, Electrical, Multi-Family and Facilities Maintenance.

• Helps increase in-the-field performance and customer satisfaction with unlimited practice in a no-fail environment.

• Gives you the tools to assess your teams’ skills and abilities.

• Provides analytics and insights into team members’ usage and progress.

• Frees up your time to focus on employee development so you can retain a top crew of technicians.

Take your new technicians from green techs to field techs with field-like 3D and VR simulations that allow them to hone their skills in a no-risk environment. Visit ebrpl.com/skillmill to request a free SkillMill account or call the Reference Desk at the Main Library at 225-231-3750.

Gary Shetler

Owner, Door Renew

WHAT THEY DO: Door restoration WEBSITE:  doorrenew.com/batonrouge

NEXT GOALS: Increase sales and public relations

PRIMING

After completing his undergraduate degree, New York native Gary Shetler moved to Louisiana to work as a chemist at a St. Francisville paper mill. He eventually left the Capital Region to become a dentist and open his own practice in Georgia, where he worked for a decade, before becoming an endodontist and moving back to Louisiana to be closer to his wife’s family. He worked as an endodontist until retiring in 2006. Feeling energized, he would later begin a new career as a franchise broker, ultimately representing some 300 franchises. “On a whim, I decided to find a franchise to fit my own circumstances.”

BACK TO BUSINESS

At age 74, Shetler put a sign on Perkins Road in December 2018 advertising door restoration services and he launched a Door Renew franchise in Baton Rouge the following month. “I picked Door Renew because they have an extremely welldeveloped franchise system—and it fit my lifestyle at the time.” Since launching the business, Shetler has fine-tuned his restoration procedures to cut his project turnaround time from two weeks to one week or less. While he previously had to have a half-dozen doors in his shop at a time at various stages of the restoration process to maintain his bottom line, he now focuses on one to two doors at a time. “Focusing on one door from start to finish gives me greater control over the project.”

TOP COAT

About a year into operation, Shetler moved his business out of his garage into a shop roughly 2 miles from his home and hired an employee. “It doesn’t feel like work. It’s like my hobby. I spent years just playing golf and fishing without any real purpose, and that’s why I do what I do. I found a purpose.” In the future, Shetler aims to grow his business to have a three-month backlog of work, and to also eventually take a step back from restoring the doors himself to just doing sales and public relations work for the business. “I have found acceptance in this community that I didn’t think was possible. I meet and personally talk to every individual I work for.”

—By Holly Duchmann • Photography by Collin Richie

Proud To Be One Of The BEST Places To Work In

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Our average employee tenure exceeds 11 years. If you are interested in growing your career with us, visit www.CadenceInsurance.com.

Cadence Insurance.

agent

and conditions.

DESIGN

THE RESIDENCES AT RIVERMARK

451 Florida St., Baton Rouge

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM MUELLER

Owner: Mike Wampold

Architects: Gensler

Contractor: LEMOINE

Cost: $31.5 million

Date completed: By end of year 2022

Use: Apartments

FORM FOLLOWS

FUNCTION: “The units and rooftop pool feature beautiful river and city views, and we have a full-service bank and ATM on the property. The property has control access where residents can use their mobile apps to get into the building and into their units. We’re also the only property downtown to have a pet release area, an enclosed area on the bottom floor to allow pets to be off leash without going outside.”

—Samantha Custer, property manager

1. The Watermark is an 884-square foot, one-bedroom luxury apartment at The Residences at Rivermark in the former Chase Bank South Tower. The naturally lit, open-floor plan apartment features exposed concrete ceilings and wood floors throughout.

2. The kitchen includes quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, gas ranges and tiled backsplash. The apartment also includes lots of storage and closet spaces as well as a full-sized washer and dryer.

3. The Residences at Rivermark offers one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury apartments featuring custom-designed spaces and sweeping views of the Mississippi River. Situated on one corner of each floor is the three-bedroom, 1,869-square-foot Grandview apartment.

4. The Grandview apartment has three bathrooms including an en suite one for the master bedroom. The bathroom offers a stand-alone, glass wall shower and double sink vanity.

Townhouse development planned

The property had been listed for $4.585 million, or around $5 per square foot.

on Sept. 20 purchased a 22.64-acre tract on Old Jefferson Highway for a new townhouse development. The property, 14810 Jefferson Highway, is on the south side of Old Jefferson north of Antioch and close to the planned exten sion of Jones Creek Road. The listing identifies it as a four-min ute drive from Rouses in Long Farm and six minutes south of the Woman’s Hospital complex.

According to the Louisiana Commercial Database, the prop erty stayed on the market 1,128 days and closed for $4.02 million. The seller was the Safford fam ily and the purchaser was Cedar Grove Townhomes LLC repre sented by Ross Bruce of Dantin and Bruce Development. The property was listed by Mark R. Segalla and Matthew Laborde with Elifin Realty. At the time of sale, the property had been im proved with a single-family resi dence and multiple barns, which will likely be demolished.

According to the purchaser, the property has been rezoned from rural to allow for townhouse development.

“We plan to do a top-notch development here with a high amenity package with a re sort-type pool and clubhouse, playgrounds and other quality

neighborhood improvements,” Bruce says. “There will be a to tal of 147 lots that will measure 27 feet front by about 105 feet in depth.”

The activity generated by Long Farm and the services provided by Rouses along with nearby restaurants have sparked demand for residential properties in this corridor. Construction of the sub division should begin later this fall.

RETAIL BUILDING IN ZACHARY SELLS

The three-suite retail building at 4908 Main Street in Zachary just east of La. 19 sold on Sept. 21. The 4,000-square-foot, 20-yearold strip center was listed for $500,000 and closed for $470,000, or about $117.50 per square foot. The property is a fairly standard retail building with a metal struc ture and a brick veneer facade. The seller was JoAnn Sanchez, and the purchasers were Brandy

Ly Tran and Samnang Chuob. Both the seller and the purchaser were represented by Andrew Kennedy with Covington and Associates Real Estate.

“The center had two of the three suites occupied at the time of sale to a hair salon and finance company,” Kennedy says. “The seller had owned the property for over 20 years and decided it was time to sell. The new owner called me as soon as I put my sign on the property and we had a pur chase agreement signed very quickly. The new owner is looking to acquire real estate and this fit their portfolio.”

The new owners will continue to rent the property and offer the vacant unit for lease.

Tom Cook of Cook, Moore, Davenport and Associates has been an independent real estate appraiser for more than 20 years.

Numbers tell the

time endorsed by the Alcohol Beverage Control Board for bars on Saturday nights in which LSU or Southern University hosts an evening football game, as a way to reduce traffic congestion

BBP brings more than 30 years of expertise in instrumentation, analytical, valves, and control systems to the Southeast region. Since our founding, BBP has upheld the values of like, trust, and commitment to our customers and employees. We partner with leading manufacturers to deliver Automation Innovation to thousands of customers across a wide variety of industries. Through personalized attention and superior responsiveness, we take pride in being a company our customers value doing business with. At BBP, our employees enjoy coming to work where they can solve new challenges daily. Learn more about our team on our website at bbpsales.com/careers.

The

BY HOLLY DUCHMANN

The LDS Group has been committed to partnering with Louisiana dealerships to provide the best products, training, and local customer service since 1977.

Building a stronger

We’re upgrading the state’s infrastructure with storm-hardened equipment to protect your power and adding more carbon-free energy to preserve our growing communities.

At Entergy, we work for the moments you live for. That’s why we’re powering a brighter future for Louisiana with a cleaner, more reliable grid. Learn more at entergy.com/brightfuturela

GINO’S RESTAURANT

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON • PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLLIN RICHIE

WHEN SICILIAN IMMIGRANT and Gino’s founder Grace “Mama” Marino designed her restaurant’s first menu in 1966, she included the Sicilian staple arancini, a rice ball stuffed with ground beef, peas and parmesan cheese, rolled in breadcrumbs and deep fried. “She was the first to introduce arancini to Baton Rouge,” says Gino Marino, the restaurant’s longtime operator and son of the late Grace Marino.

But while the eatery’s early patrons liked the dish, they preferred it with a certain tweak, Marino adds. “Nine out of 10 plates would get sent back to the kitchen with the customer asking for a little red sauce,” Marino says. “So Mama started serving it that way.”

A lot has happened since Gino’s first opened on Perkins Road in the spot for merly occupied by Rama, (a building that was razed in 2021). The restaurant moved to its current location on Bennington Ave nue in 1975, where in the ensuing decades it has amassed a loyal following among both power brokers and everyday people.

The arancini remains one of its most popular and enduring dishes, a billiard ball-sized appetizer doused in plenty of red gravy. Mama also developed a seasonal crawfish version, Marino says, served with “pink” sauce infused with cream.

Order the arancini with a serving of Laurence bread, the restaurant’s parmesan and herb-topped Italian loaf, just right for tearing and dipping.

2Perhaps the most popular menu item at Gino’s is the arancini—a rice ball stuffed with ground beef, peas and parmesan cheese, rolled in breadcrumbs and deep fried. Pair it with an order of Laurence bread and you’ve got yourself quite the lunch.

Though simplistic in design, the multiple dining areas make it clear that this is a restaurant for classic southern Italian cuisine.

The well-stocked bar has a wide assortment of wines for the perfect pairing with any meal.

ADDRESS: 4542 Bennington Ave.

PHONE: (225) 927-7156

WEB: ginosrestaurant.com

CUISINE: Classic southern Italian, including pasta, lamb, veal and steaks

CHEF/OWNER: Gino Marino

SCENE: White tablecloths, Italian wines and unfussy simplicity

PRICING: $$

SCOTT DALY

THE JOURNEY TO ELITE

Scott is a veteran of the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams and served as a Chief Petty Officer, a Master Training Specialist, and as the Officer In Charge of Naval Special Warfare Detachment Ohio.

2022

BEST PLACES

in Baton Rouge TO WORK

Baton Rouge Youth Coalition, small company winner

Stirling Properties, medium company winner

Gresham Smith, large company winner

YOUR COUNSEL

183 ATTORNEYS. 8 OFFICES. 2 STATES. 1 CULTURE.

Kean Miller is committed to providing a positive and supportive culture for our attorneys and staff. And it’s why we were named one of the Best Places to Work in Baton Rouge for the ninth year in a row. Find out how to join our award-winning team at keanmiller.com/careers

LINDA PEREZ CLARK, MANAGING

LOUISIANA

discover what makes a great workplace in our community, as well as provide participating employers insight into what their employees think. Once again,

participating organizations were divided into three categories: small, medium and

Independent national firm Best Companies Group surveyed companies that chose to participate. For-profit companies and nonprofits as well as publicly and privately held companies are all eligible to participate, so long as they have a facility in Baton Rouge and a minimum of 15 full- or part-time employees working in the nine-parish Capital Region. Contract employees are not included in employee counts or

To ensure credibility, organizations with fewer than 25 employees are required to have an 80% or better response rate on the employee survey.

The first portion of the assessment involves a questionnaire about company policies, practices, demographics and benefits. The second portion involves a randomly selected group of each company’s employees, who respond— anonymously—to 78 statements on a five-point agreement scale as well as a handful of open-ended questions and demographic inquiries.

Best Companies Group analyzes and ranks participating firms on eight core focus areas: leadership and planning; corporate culture and communications; role satisfaction; work environment; employees’ relationships with supervisors; training, development and resources; pay and benefits; and overall employee engagement.

If you want your company to be considered for inclusion on next year’s listing of the Best Places to Work, go to bestplacestoworkbr.com and sign up for notifications about the 2023 survey.

The 60 companies on this year’s Best Places to Work list demonstrate what it means to care about employees, serving as a model for other businesses.

FOSTERING A SENSE OF TRUST

The Baton Rouge Youth Coalition keeps employees motivated and happy by developing a culture of camaraderie and going the extra mile.

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

COMPANIES

BATON ROUGE YOUTH COALITION

448 North 11th Street, Baton Rouge thebryc.org

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:

Founded in 2009, the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition (BRYC) is a community of dedicated students (fellows) and caring adults working together to advance equity through access to higher education. BRYC ensures its fellows have access to the best college preparatory resources money can buy—for free—to maximize the economic value of their degrees, build the lives they want for themselves and help future generations do the same.

TOTAL EMPLOYEES / EMPLOYER-PAID HOLIDAYS: 25 / 19

STANDOUT BONUSES OR BENEFITS:

Reimbursement for academic and professional development, four-day workweek, bereavement (4 days) and caregiver leave (12 weeks), organization covers 100% of vision, dental and life insurance benefits and 75% of health plan premium, retirement plan with employer match.

WHAT EMPLOYEES LOVE: Escape room-themed challenge, ability to work remotely, outdoor social gatherings, flexible work hours.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE:

Employee volunteer programs, fitness and wellness programs, employees required to take time off and prohibited from working while on vacation, tickets to sports and entertainment events, time management workshops, adoption benefits, managers are required to take work-life balance training.

KEEPING STAFF MEMBERS motivated and satisfied is a time worn challenge for the nonprofit sector, which often trades mod est pay for emotionally demand ing work. It’s something the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition, or BRYC, has carefully considered over its 14-year tenure helping hun dreds of low-income high school students meet an impossible dream—going to college.

The work is intense, says chief of staff Josh Howard, but BRYC backs its high expectations of staff with a workplace culture deeply invested in employee happiness.

It starts with fostering a sense of trust among the organiza tion’s 25 full- and part-time em ployees, Howard says. BRYC’s 10 “trust statements” hang on the walls of the organization’s North 11th Street offices. Among other things, the statements eschew gossip and require mindful com munication, thus reinforcing an organizational ethos in which both staff members and the youths they serve feel valued.

“I think one of the biggest things that we have come up with that really undergirds our culture is our trust statements,” Howard says. “Because when you trust someone, you’re willing to go the extra mile for them. You’re willing to work with them in the trenches, and you’re willing to do whatever it is that may be needed to get to the ultimate result, which is that our fellows’ goals are being achieved.”

“Fellows” is how BRYC refers to its participating students, who come from disadvantaged fami lies but have the potential to earn an affordable pathway to col lege if given the proper support. Currently, BRYC serves 375 high school students from 42 schools across Greater Baton Rouge with after-school tutoring, mentoring, mental health counseling, ACT

prep, and assistance with the col lege application process includ ing college campus visits. Most fellows are from families with lit tle or no exposure to the college application process.

The organization was founded in 2009 by then-Teach for America high school teacher Daniel Kahn, and is now led by another TFA alumnus, Lucas Spielfogel. BRYC has 577 alumni across the country, including 137 college graduates and 232 who are actively enrolled in ei ther two- or four-year programs. Howard says that the program’s college graduation rate among its fellows is five times faster than

the national average for low-in come students.

Ninety-six percent of BRYC’s May 2022 graduating seniors en rolled in college, supported by $5.56 million in aid.

The work isn’t easy, Howard says. It takes time, patience and a healthy dose of persistence.

Nearly every full-time staff mem ber works directly with fellows, each juggling about 40 students. But the high-stakes work is bal anced by a culture in which staff members enjoy creative freedom and support.

“We have this leveling-up cul ture here where, if you want to do something or if you have this

crazy idea, oftentimes, you’re not going to be told ‘no,’” Howard says. “We’re going to ask, ‘Is it the right time. Is it the right thing that you need to be focusing on?’ If so, cool. How can we make this a reality?”

Staff members work long hours during BRYC’s busy period at the end of the summer and in early fall when fellows are onboarded and programs kick off. But to bal ance those spikes, the organiza tion follows a four-and-a-half-day week, during which employees have learned to eliminate wasted time and improve efficiencies.

“Everyone is just more protec tive of their schedules and their

time,” Howard says.

To assist, the organization insti tuted a color-coded system that employees use to indicate their current state of personal pro ductivity and willingness to be interrupted. A staff member indi cates green, yellow and red zones on their virtual calendars, Slack channels or in physical meeting spaces. “If I’m green,” Howard says, “it means I’m in the zone and please don’t interrupt me.”

To reinforce its commit ment to effective communi cation among the staff, BRYC uses the Enneagram Personality Test, enabling team members to understand one another’s

communication styles. Staff members are also encouraged to come to work dressed in a man ner (within reason) that allows them to perform their best. They also can bring a pet.

And as chief of staff, Howard spends a lot of time checking in with employees, meeting over bimonthly coffee dates to dis cuss job fulfillment and level of satisfaction.

“We ask, ‘What are your goals? Are you enjoying BRYC?’ Or ‘how can I help you enjoy BRYC?,’” Howard says. “Because, ulti mately, we do want everyone to be as fulfilled and as happy as they can be.”

COLLIN RICHIE

The Ochsner Cancer Institute is bringing tomorrow’s cancer breakthroughs to the Baton Rouge region today. Our multi-disciplinary team provides comprehensive care to treat the entire person and specializes in treating all types of cancer for both adults and children. We deliver advanced technology and treatment options such as precision therapies, early tumor detection programs, integrative oncology and the largest clinical trials network in Louisiana, so that patients do not have to travel for high-quality cancer care.

Corey Falcon, MD Pediatric Oncology

Lindsey Fauveau, MD Breast Oncology

Laura Finn, MD Bone Marrow Transplant Matthew Giglia, MD Colorectal Oncology

George Golightly, MD General Surgery

Rockne Hymel, MD Radiation Oncology

Stephen Bardot, MD Urology/Oncology

Nathan Bolton, MD Surgical Oncology B. Jay Brooks, MD Hematology/Oncology Russell Brown, MD Surgical Oncology

Issam Eid, MD Head and Neck Surgical Oncology

Eric Luk, MD Hematology/Oncology

Brian Pettiford, MD Thoracic Oncology

Diogo Torres, MD Gynecologic Oncology Katrina Wade, MD Gynecologic Oncology

Kyle Jakob, MD General Surgery

Jeanette Kovtun, MD Hematology/Oncology

Zoe Larned, MD Hematology/Oncology

Cheree Bodden, NP Hematology/Oncology Khelsea Conley, NP Hematology/Oncology

Phaon Dunbar, NP Hematology/Oncology Sydney Prescott, NP Breast Oncology

Tyesha Taylor, NP Hematology/Oncology

Jessica Porter, PA Hematology/Oncology

MariaY. BreastCancerSurvivor

SMALL COMPANIES 2 nd

365LABS

Baton Rouge-based 365Labs helps first responders and public safety agencies modernize with connected technology and software. Since its launch in 2021, the software company has developed public safety solutions including emergency dispatch systems and community engagement tools.

WHAT EMPLOYEES LOVE:

• Company-paid health club membership

• Employer-reimbursed certification courses

• Weekly skill-share lunches

STANDOUT BONUSES OR BENEFITS:

• Interest-free loans for first-time homebuyers

• Remote work flexibility

• Company field trips to “destination cities”

LAGNIAPPE:

• Profit-sharing plan

• Company equity earmarked as stock options for employee incentives and awards

• Youth mentorship program and paid internships

First Bank and Trust is now BankPlus.

Our name may have changed, but the relationships remain the same. You’ll still see the same friendly faces you’ve come to rely on, and we’ll still be making our banking decisions locally. You’ll also enjoy access to more banking services and lending options, plus the latest technology to make your life easier.

bankplus.net/louisiana

Dennis Shill

Andy Adler

Gulf South Wealth Advisors specializes in retirement planning for couples, individuals and businesses. The advising group, staffed by a team of 15, also offers comprehensive planning, wealth management and insurance needs.

WHAT EMPLOYEES LOVE:

• Blue jean Fridays • Team lunches

• Group volunteer opportunities

STANDOUT BONUSES OR BENEFITS:

• Flexible work hours • Performance incentives

• Tuition reimbursement opportunities

LAGNIAPPE:

• Holiday parties • Quarterly luncheons

• Ergonomic furniture

SMALL COMPANIES

THREESIXTYEIGHT

ThreeSixtyEight is a full branding, advertising and marketing strategy firm based in Baton Rouge that has worked with big-name clients such as CenturyLink, McGraw-Hill Education, GE and Pepsi. Launched in 2016, this 29-person team works to challenge common thinking so that the community can create an uncommon future.

WHAT EMPLOYEES LOVE:

• Annual three-day retreat to a destination city

• Mini virtual retreat • Culture-first mindset

STANDOUT BONUSES OR BENEFITS:

• COVID leave—up to 80 hours available to care for yourself or a family member

• First Friday half day • Fully remote team

LAGNIAPPE:

• Culture club

• Multicultural holiday celebrations

• 91% millennial staff

THOMAS CULLENS

Walters Papillion Thomas Cullens is a progressive law firm that prides itself on having a family atmosphere centered on helping members of the Baton Rouge community with legal issues. Armed with a staff of 20, the law firm’s attorneys have more than 40 years of legal experience in the Capital Region.

WHAT EMPLOYEES LOVE:

• (Almost) unlimited days off

• Paid mental health days

• Birthday and anniversary celebrations

STANDOUT BONUSES OR BENEFITS:

• Profit sharing • Cell phone allowance

• Fully-covered health care premiums for employees and dependents

LAGNIAPPE:

• Cort Marshall, the official office cat

• Annual Halloween carnival

• Reimbursement for gym memberships

Best Places to Work

Companies with 15-49 U.S. employees

COMPANY ADDRESS

1 Baton Rouge Youth Coalition 460 N. 11th St. Baton Rouge, LA 70802

2 365 Labs 1 Smart Way, Suite 200 Baton Rouge, LA 70810

3 Gulf South Wealth Advisors 4610 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite A Baton Rouge, LA 70809

4 ThreeSixtyEight 212 S. 14th St., Suite B Baton Rouge, LA 70802

5 Walters Papillion Thomas Cullens LLC 12345 Perkins Road Baton Rouge, LA 70810

6 JCW Creative 2623 Government St. Baton Rouge, LA 70806

7 Fusion Architects APC 3488 Brentwood Drive, Suite 101 Baton Rouge, LA 70809

8 Faulk & Winkler LLC 6811 Jefferson Highway Baton Rouge, LA 70806

9 Sigma Consulting Group Inc. 10305 Airline Highway Baton Rouge, LA 70816

10 Wymar Federal Credit Union 37269 Highway 30, P.O. Box 457 Geismar, LA 70734

11 Ritter Maher Architects LLC

2987 Government St. Baton Rouge, LA 70806

12 Gatorworks 10988 N. Harrells Ferry Road, Suite 12 Baton Rouge, LA 70816

13 The Scott Law Firm 10636 Linkwood Court Baton Rouge, LA 70810

14 Assured Flooring & Countertops 4396 Perkins Road Baton Rouge, LA 70808

15 Franklin Associates LLC 250 S. Foster Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70806

16 Bonton Associates 232 Third St., Suitee 100 Baton Rouge, LA 70801

17 Baton Rouge Physical Therapy - Lake Rehabilitation Centers 5222 Brittany Drive, Suite A Baton Rouge, LA 70808

18 Stuart & Company General Contractors LLC 6126 Crestmount Drive

Baton Rouge, LA 70809

19 Elevator3 2600 Citiplace Court, Suite 150 Baton Rouge, LA 70808

TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE WEBSITE INDUSTRY NO. OF U.S. EMPLOYEES NO. OF PAID HOLIDAYS NEW HIRE REFERRALS PROFIT SHARINGS 401(K) RETIREMENT PLAN MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS WELLNESS PROGRAMS HEALTH CLUB MEMBERSHIP DIVERSITY PROGRAMS PTO FOR VOLUNTEERING CAREER DEVELOP. PROGRAMS SUSTAINABLE WORKPLACE CULTURE

Lucas Spielfogel Executive director thebryc.org Nonprofit 2519 nnnnnn

Mohit "Mo" Vij President and CEO 365labs.com Technology 2610 nnnnnnnnnn

James R. Evans CEO ameripriseadvisors.com/ team/gulf-southwealth-advisors/ Financial services 1511 nnn nnn

Kenny Nguyen CEO threesixtyeight.com Advertising/PR/ marketing 2812 nn nn

David Abboud Thomas Managing partner lawbr.net Legal 3019 nnnnnnnn

Samantha Hubert Director of operations thinkjcw.com Advertising/PR/ marketing 1811 n nnnn

Brad Guerin Principal and architect fusionapc.com Architecture 2312 nnnnnnnn

Tommy J. LeJeune Managing partner fw-cpa.com Accounting 4711 nnnnnnnn

Miles B. Williams President sigmacg.com Engineering 339 n

Our culture is FIIT – fun, intentional, inclusive and trusting

Summed up by our #1 value to 'Love what you do; bring people joy through your creativity,' which reflects our innovative, empathetic and collaborative environment

A true team where we are only as strong as the support we give to the people next to us

We truly care about the work we create and each other

Positive, lighthearted and focused on doing the right thing even when no one is looking

Diverse thinkers who are highly communicative and collaborative, having fun working together to make magic and move the needle

An energetic, hard working team that has cultivated a family-oriented, supportive, inclusive and transparent environment

Our industry is known for the effort that is required of our professionals, but we also know how to have a great time; our atmosphere is welcoming, flexible and encouraging

We manage the firm in a way that aligns the goals of the employees with the goals of the company

Ronnie L. Stephens CEO wymarfcu.com Financial services 1711 nnnn nnnn Employees are cherished and treasured just like our members are!

Scott A. Ritter Principal rittermaher.com Architecture 188 nn nn

Brian Rodriguez President gatorworks.net Advertising/PR/ marketing 299 nnn nnn

Paul "Woody" Scott Founder partner pwscottlaw.com Legal 2211 nnnnnn

Philip Ruiz de Chavez Owner and sales manager assuredflooring.net Construction 2810 nnnnn

Service: We are called to serve not just our clients, but everyone we encounter on a daily basis, including our co-workers

Values transparency, individuality and collaboration; professionals can grow their skills to achieve great things and be recognized for those achievements

We are a work family

Celebrating employees' personal and professional accomplishments

Perry J. Franklin President franklinassoc.com Consulting 338 nn nn We work hard and play hard!

Darius Bonton Principal bontonassociates.com Engineering 239 nnnnnnn

Seth Kaplan President and CEO brptlake.com Health care provider 476 nnnnnnn

Duane L. Mizell CEO stuartandcompany.com Construction 339 nn

Brandon Cornett CEO and co-founder elevator3.com Technology 1610 nn

nn

An energetic, diverse group of individuals working together to lead Louisiana toward a safe and sustainable water/transportation where people and resources thrive

A fun, family-oriented company where every team member is encouraged and supported to grow and reach their maximum potential personally and professionally

A fast-paced, deadline-driven, but somehow relaxing and fun environment at the same time!

nn

A casual, innovative working environment with passionate and friendly employees who crave learning and new challenges

13429 S Choctaw Drive

20 M&M Glass Company

Baton Rouge, LA 70815

Chris Van Pelt Owner mmglass.net Services 4610

Our employees are passionate and go the extra mile, seeing value in their work and staying eager to do well in their roles

DEDICATED TO keeping youkeeping wellyou well

At LCMC Health, we help people get the most out of life. That means keeping you well. And not just you, but your friends and neighbors, too. It’s what we do, from births to surgeries to checkups to emergencies, through more than two million patient visits each year. And we’re not slowing down. With 13,000 healthcare professionals across six hospitals, dozens of urgent care clinics and physician practices, comprising a $1 billion investment and counting, LCMC Health is making extraordinary care an expectation. We’re dedicated to keeping you, and every member of the communities we serve, well.

COLLABORATION IS THE MINDSET

A secret to the success of Stirling Properties is its commitment to a positive, relaxed and collaborative workplace.

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

1st

MEDIUM COMPANIES

STIRLING PROPERTIES

8550 United Plaza Boulevard, Baton Rouge stirlingprop.com

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:

Stirling Properties is one of the most comprehensive full-service commercial real estate companies. With over four decades of experience, Stirling specializes in commercial advisory services, brokerage, asset and property management, development and redevelopment, and investments over an array of property types across the Gulf South region of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida panhandle.

TOTAL EMPLOYEES / EMPLOYER-PAID HOLIDAYS: 156 (35 in Baton Rouge) / 10

STANDOUT BONUSES OR BENEFITS:

Wellness incentive days, additional vacation day for every five years of service, bank of insurance options for employees and dependents as well as multiple health coverage plans, retirement plans with employer match up to $500, business education workshops, fitness and wellness program, employee concierge services.

WHAT EMPLOYEES LOVE:

Stirling Fest where staff competes in games, races and sports events to raise money for nonprofit organizations, annual holiday party, participation in multiple community events.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE:

40 BUSINESS REPORT, October 2022 | BusinessReport.com COVER STORY 2022 BEST PLACES TO WORK Fitness and wellness programs, tickets to sports and entertainment events, personal development and stress management workshops, meetings and staff-only events are not held after-hours, schedule flexibility for family matters and events.

A FULL-SERVICE commercial real estate company based in Covington with 160 employ ees, Stirling Properties entered the Baton Rouge market three years ago, bringing more than four decades of experience in helping clients buy, sell and man age real estate across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.

Experienced agents and em ployees, many of whom have worked for Stirling for decades, provide keen knowledge and in sight, helping clients make smart decisions concerning real estate assets in changing times, says Steve Legendre, regional vice president of the Baton Rougearea market and a broker.

One of the biggest secrets to the company’s success is its com mitment to a positive, relaxed and collaborative workplace, Legendre says.

“I think what sets this company apart is that we offer so much to our clients, and we’ve been in business for so long,” Legendre says. “We offer so many good opportunities for employees to succeed and feel a part of the company and the community.”

The company’s culture fos ters the success of independent agents as they hustle to develop relationships and close deals with clients. But it also has the heft of a large corporation that supports staff with competitive salaries, benefits that are uncommon for commercial real estate agents and access to market research and analysis.

All this is wrapped in a “laidback” environment, Legendre says.

“It allows agents to be cre ative, and to stretch their talents and find opportunities that they might not have had anywhere else,” he says.

The company’s core values

were created by Stirling’s employ ees and reflect the company’s desire to encourage a support ive atmosphere steeped in the golden rule. “Do the right thing,” reads one. “Honesty and integrity are the foundation of our team, our work, and our commitment to clients,” reads another.

Stirling Fest, a companywide event, raises more than $60,000 annually for local charities while also building a sense of team among staff members who par ticipate in its lighthearted games, relay races and sports activities.

During the holidays, a social event called Mingle and Jingle rings in the season with mu sic, food, beverages and prizes. Employees also participate in ac tivities like the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, which raises money for charity while also encouraging health behav iors among participants.

Stirling’s employees can volun teer for their favorite charitable cause during normal business hours without taking personal time off. And its stewardship pro gram allows staff to select the

causes they think their office should support. A committee of employees manages and distrib utes company donations to local nonprofit organizations or civic initiatives.

A mentorship program pairs new hires and younger team members with Stirling’s many veteran staff members, providing support to mentees as they learn the dynamics of commercial real estate.

Among its generous benefits are a variety of health insurance options, each also including term

life insurance. Employees who opt for a high-deductible plan can open a health savings ac count, or HSA, in which the com pany contributes a set amount for individuals and families. Stirling Properties also offers pet insur ance and supplemental health plans.

Legendre says wellness is taken seriously, with the company’s Covington-based HR department operating an employee wellness program that offers numerous programs throughout the year that support mental and physical

health. These include free annual flu shots, biometric screenings and personal health assessments that help individuals live health ier. The program also incentivizes employees to participate in an online portal that tracks healthy eating and physical activities.

Legendre says these factors lead to a workplace environment that is collegial and supportive.

“Everyone gets along and sup ports one another,” he says. “We just sort of feed off each oth er’s energy. Collaboration is the mindset of everyone here.”

COLLIN RICHIE

PANGBURN GROUP

Headquartered in New Roads, The Pangburn Group offers comprehensive record-keeping solutions for nonqualified benefit plans and employer-owned life insurance. Since its inception, this Best-Places-toWork alumnus has grown to service more than 2,000 clients—businesses, nonprofit organizations and financial institutions—across all 50 states.

WHAT EMPLOYEES LOVE:

• Annual seafood boil

• Holiday party with rock band

• Snacks during busy business periods

STANDOUT BONUSES OR BENEFITS:

• 70% of staff works remotely

• Floating holidays to accommodate diverse workforce

• Employer covers 100% of medical insurance premium

LAGNIAPPE:

• Anniversary gifts

• Special celebrations for departments, such as an English tea party

• Philanthropy committee

MEDIUM COMPANIES

3 rd MAPP

MAPP, founded in 1991, is a commercial general contractor headquartered in Baton Rouge. Since its start, the company has expanded across state lines and now boasts a staff of 69.

WHAT EMPLOYEES LOVE:

• Holiday-themed lunches

• Unlimited paid time off

• Tickets to events

STANDOUT BONUSES OR BENEFITS:

• Incentive program with compensation

• Monthlong sabbatical after seven-and-a-half years

• Employer-paid life insurance

LAGNIAPPE:

• Halloween dress-up contest

• LSU tailgates

• Monthly cake day

LA 70810

Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Fastest Growing Tiger Businesses (LSU100) identifies, recognizes and celebrates the 100 fastest growing Tiger-owned or Tiger-led businesses in the world. Companies are confidentially ranked by Postlethwaite & Netterville by the companies’ compounded annual growth rate. Listing in this publication is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should

construed as an endorsement of the advisor by

Since the inaugural LSU100 event in 2011, Horizon Financial Group is the only company that has made the LSU100 growth list all 12 years.

5 th

MEDIUM COMPANIES

PROVIDENT RESOURCES GROUP

An LSU Roaring 10 alumnus, Provident Resources Group is a Baton Rouge-based national nonprofit that aims to make a positive impact in communities. Since its inception in 1999, it has undertaken a broad range of services including developing senior-living facilities, educational facilities and student housing, and acute health care.

WHAT EMPLOYEES LOVE:

• Monthly birthday and anniversary celebrations

• Employee appreciation events

• Annual crawfish boil

STANDOUT BONUSES OR BENEFITS:

• Anniversary milestone achievement with bonus pay

• Paid time off for office closures related to hurricanes and other severe weather events

• Employee assistance program with free consulting sessions and attorney consultations

LAGNIAPPE:

• Administrative appreciation day with half day for administrative staff

• Employer-paid life insurance plan

• Multiple health insurance options

MEDIUM COMPANIES

4 th HANNIS T. BOURGEOIS

Founded in 1924, Hannis T. Bourgeois LLP provides accounting, tax and advisory services to a diverse client base across south Louisiana. The company, with 100 local employees, boasts offices in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Denham Springs and Hammond.

WHAT EMPLOYEES LOVE:

• Flexible “dress for your day” policy

• “Pour at four” employee socials • Flexible work hours

STANDOUT BONUSES OR BENEFITS:

• Complimentary financial planning with local wealth management firm

• Employee concierge service

• Two-thirds of medical coverage covered for employee and dependents

LAGNIAPPE:

• Career development offered through THRIVE program

• Internally created Wordle-like and Sporcle-like puzzles

• Managers formally trained to encourage work-life balance

Chairman of the board and CEO Steve Hicks with Rheba Robertson, executive assistant.

46 BUSINESS REPORT, October 2022 | BusinessReport.com COVER STORY 2022 BEST PLACES TO WORK DON KADAIR

OUR FAMILY OF COMPANIES ARE HONORED TO BE RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF OUR CITY’S BEST PLACES TO WORK

For 96 years, we have strove to be one of the best places to work for our team. We are blessed to be considered as such and with those blessings come a belief that it is both a priviledge and a responsibility to give back to our community. From media to digital marketing to tacos and more, our vision is to enrich lives and serve others.

Best Places to Work

Companies with 50-249 U.S. employees

COMPANY ADDRESS WEBSITE

1 Stirling Properties 8550 United Plaza Blvd., Suite 101 Baton Rouge, LA 70809

2 The Pangburn Group Inc. 301 Major Parkway New Roads, LA 70760

3 MAPP LLC 344 Third St. Baton Rouge, LA 70801

4 Hannis T Bourgeois LLP 2322 Tremont Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70809

5 Provident Resources Group Inc. 5565 Bankers Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70808

6 Commerce Title & Abstract Company 2051 Silverside Drive, Suite 160 Baton Rouge, LA 70808

7 Guaranty Corporation 929 Government St. Baton Rouge, LA 70802

8 CMA Technology Solutions 8180 YMCA Plaza Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70810

9 Alvarez Construction Co. LLC 15015 Jamestown Blvd., Suite 100 Baton Rouge, LA 70810

10 Emergent Method 200 Laurel St., Suite 200 Baton Rouge, LA 70801

11 Grace Hebert Curtis Architects APAC 501 Government St., Suite 200 Baton Rouge, LA 70802

12 AccuTemp Services 2027 N. Harco Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70806

13 Lipsey's 7277 Exchequer Drive, P.O. Box 83280 Baton Rouge, LA 70809

14

First National Bankers Bankshares Inc. 7813 Office Park Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70809

15 Community Management LLC 140 Aspen Square, Suite H Denham Springs, LA 70726

16 The LDS Group 9016 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70810

17 Sparkhound 11207 Proverbs Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70816

18

The Moran Group 10538 Kentshire Court

Baton Rouge, LA 70810

19 A.C. Lewis Management 2137-C Quail Run Drive, Suite. A Baton Rouge, LA 70808

20 Providence Engineering and Environmental Group LLC 1201 Main St. Baton Rouge, LA 70802

21 Essential FCU 2370 Towne Center Boulevard, P.O. Box 738 Baton Rouge, LA 70806

22 BBP 337 Highlandia Drive

Baton Rouge, LA 70810

TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE WEBSITE INDUSTRY NO. OF U.S. EMPLOYEES NO. OF PAID HOLIDAYS NEW HIRE REFERRALS PROFIT SHARINGS 401(K) RETIREMENT

PLAN MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS WELLNESS PROGRAMS HEALTH CLUB MEMBERSHIP DIVERSITY PROGRAMS PTO FOR VOLUNTEERING CAREER DEVELOP. PROGRAMS SUSTAINABLE GREEN PRACTICES

Steve Legendre Regional VP stirlingprop.com Real estate 15610 nnnnn

WORKPLACE CULTURE

Culture is not just a slogan or words on a poster, it's an attitude that we live and nurture every day

Brian E. Pangburn

Principal and CEO pangburngroup.com Financial services 609 nn nnn

Indian holiday celebrations, such as Holi and Diwali; community outreach events; employees social committee that generates ideas

Michael A. Polito

President and CEO mappbuilt.com Construction 1938 nnnnnnn

Jay A. Montalbano Managing partner htb.cpa Accounting 1279 nnnnnn

Steve E. Hicks Chairman and CEO provident.org Nonprofit 576 nnnnn

We exist to change the industry and people in it for the better and our culture embodies this in the most fun loving, family atmosphere

Understands and supports work/life balance; provides individualized career development opportunities as well as flexibility in schedules to meet 'life' activities

Fair, collaborative, and engaging work environment which allows employees to reach their full potential and grow professionally

Calvert Stone Owner and principal commercetitle.com Real estate 5210 nnnn n We enjoy working with one another to help the people of our community achieve their dreams

Flynn A. Foster President guarantymedia.com Broadcasting, digital media, hospitality 1029 nnnnnn

Chad LeMaire Chairman and CEO cmaontheweb.com Technology 759 nnnn

We have a connected company culture where every employee feels accepted, valued and has a sense of belonging

Our culture is inviting and fun, while focusing on hard work and providing exceptional customer service

Carlos Alvarez CEO alvarezconstruction.com Construction 5312 n nnn Community driven with care and compassion for all!

Nick Speyrer President emergentmethod.com Consulting 16511 nnnnnn

Our culture is built on flexibility, accountability and relentless improvement—empowering team members to provide innovative solutions and extraordinary service

Gerald D. Hebert President ghc-arch.com Architecture 8912 nn nnn Great company culture that sets employees up for success

Joshua Davis President accutempbr.com Home services 1159 nnn

Laurie Lipsey Aronson Chairwoman and CEO lipseys.com Distribution 1437 nnnnnnn

Encourages employees to see strengths and opportunities within the company in order to achieve personal and professional success

Welcoming to all while fostering encouragement, to both individual and team, with a charitable, giving spirit

Pax Mogenson President and CEO bankers-bank.com Banking 15713 nnnnnn Customer-focused, inclusive, dependable, teamoriented, innovative and family-friendly

Jeff Harman CEO cmgt.org Property management 779 n nnnn

J. Keith Decell President theldsgroup.com Insurance 599 nn

A connected team of positive solution finders who communicate and genuinely care

n

Shawn Usher CEO sparkhound.com Consulting 1697 nnnnnnnnn

Promotes a fun, productive, customer service environment by maintaining long-term happy employees

A results-oriented company that enables employees to thrive in a stimulating, collaborative environment that encourages them to succeed

Kathryn Lemoine

Vice president and COO moranadvertising.com Advertising/PR/ marketing 5010 nn nnnn

Brian P. May President aclewismanagement.com Real estate 6811 nn

Wayne Smith CEO providenceeng.com Engineering 919 nnnnnnn

Richard Williams President and CEO essentialfcu.org Banking 10513 nnnnnn n

Scott Romero President bbpsales.com Manufacturing 11911 nnnnn

A tight-knit and highly collaborative work team that strives to be the best for not only our clients, but also each other

Our workplace is the best team ever: Teamwork makes the dream work!

An employee-owned, hybrid work environment full of extremely bright, talented people who want to make the world a better place and have fun while they are doing it!

An expectation that our efforts will consistently provide great service to internal and external members

A growth-minded company that gives employees opportunities to advance their careers and thrive in their roles

A COMPANY OF CULTURE

The Gresham Smith philosophy is if ‘people love where they work, then the rest of the business takes care of itself.’

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

1st

GRESHAM SMITH LARGE COMPANIES

10000 Perkins Rowe, Suite 280, Baton Rouge greshamsmith.com

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:

Gresham Smith is an architecture, engineering and design firm providing full-service solutions for the built environment. Working closely with clients to improve cities and towns, Gresham touches many areas of life: roadways and pathways that connect people and places, hospitals that promote well-being and recovery, clean water systems and corporate campuses of the future.

TOTAL EMPLOYEES / EMPLOYER-PAID HOLIDAYS: 1,018 (16 in Baton Rouge) / 8

STANDOUT BONUSES OR BENEFITS: New parent time off, adoption benefits, full suite of medical benefits for employees and dependents with company covering 100% of the cost, providing third-party resources for medical, financial and mental health advice, retirement plans with employer match, employees have the opportunity to become owners in the business, education and professional development cost reimbursement, mentorship programs.

WHAT EMPLOYEES LOVE: Regular after-work social gatherings and activities, financial rewards for employees who “go the extra mile,” fantasy football, March Madness and trivia competitions.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE: Fitness and wellness programs as well as reimbursement for gym memberships, paid time off to volunteer, flexible work schedule and telecommunity, manager training to encourage a healthy work-life balance, tickets to sporting and other entertainment events.

IT TAKES A lot to make a com pany of 1,100 employees feel personal, but that’s been the long time aim of architecture, engi neering and design firm Gresham Smith. Baton Rouge is one of the Nashville-based company’s 25 lo cations, a site focused on trans portation engineering projects for public and private clients includ ing the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

“My goal is really for us to have the best culture of any archi tecture and engineering firm in the world,” says Gresham Smith President and CEO Rodney Chester. “Because I really think if people love where they work, then the rest of the business takes care of itself.”

That means creating oppor tunities for employees to de velop their skills and experiences, valuing mental health and well ness, rewarding a job well done with spontaneous bonuses and competitive compensation and promoting an atmosphere that values work-life balance, Chester says.

Its investment in workplace culture has helped Gresham Smith retain talent more effec tively than its peers, he adds.

“Our turnover rate is definitely well below the industry median,” Chester says. “Even through the pandemic, when a lot of indus tries were experiencing even more turnover that normal, our turnover actually dropped.”

Chester also credits an existing culture of flexibility and a will ingness to adjust to employees’ needs.

“It’s always been important to make sure our employees have a good work-life balance,” he says. “I really feel like people work in order to live a life, they don’t live to work. We want to make sure that our people are able to spend a lot of time with their families.”

The firm’s spot bonuses demonstrate the value it places on recognizing a job well done, with Immediate financial rewards issued to staff members who have done something laudable.

Chester says the company’s

single profit center structure fosters collaboration and keeps things interesting for employ ees, who aren’t siloed within a lo cation. Rather, they might work with project partners across the company’s other sites.

“We feel like that’s really im portant,” Chester says. “It benefits our employees to work on a wider range of project types beyond just what that one office might be doing. And it greatly benefits our clients because it allows us to put our best expertise through out the entire company on a spe cific project no matter where that project may be.”

Employees are encouraged to keep a personal development

plan in which they document goals, including hard and soft skills they want to master and professional organizations they want to join. Employee advocates from Gresham Smith’s HR team build relationships with team members and are there to help remove obstacles to their success.

Executive staff members travel frequently to offices to fortify re lationships with local directors and their teams.

“It’s been critically important to me, getting around and inter facing with others,” says Chester, who has spent his entire career with Gresham Smith and has worked in its national headquar ters in Nashville as well as its

offices in Memphis and Atlanta.

Each Gresham Smith office engages in lighthearted em ployee activities that reinforce team spirit. In Baton Rouge, that could mean attending an LSU softball game or participating in trivia night, movie night or a crawfish boil. The staff also or ganizes March Madness brack ets and fantasy football face-offs. Philanthropy is a key feature, and includes volunteering for Braveheart, a Baton Rouge or ganization that supports foster children.

The firm’s diversity, equity, in clusion and belonging efforts in clude intentional recruitment of women and minority candidates

as well as veterans and individ uals with disabilities. DEIB is embedded in Gresham Smith’s proprietary training for all em ployees and features modules like leadership quotient, respect and culture, understanding bias, and community engagement. Four employee resource networks ensure staff members work in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment.

Comfortable with telework before the pandemic, Gresham Smith quickly pivoted to a virtual environment during its height. Today, the company’s work style is hybrid. But flexibility has been the name of the game, says Chester, with some employees

relocating during the pandemic to locations where the company does not have an office.

Chester says he is mindful of encouraging intentional face-toface interactions between staff members so that younger work ers, especially, have the ben efit of on-site mentoring. The firm is in the process of testing out workplace designs for the post-pandemic era that will fos ter teamwork while also ensuring flexibility.

“We want to be sure that the office works well for people,” Chester says, “whether they need collaborative or heads-down space.”

COLLIN RICHIE

MMR is passionate about people, upholding the same traditions and principles that have shaped our company, while keeping our employees at the forefront.

INTERNSHIPS FIELD PERSONNEL DISTRICT OFFICE

CORPORATE OFFICE

IEM was founded in Baton Rouge in 1985 as a security consulting firm. Since its inception, IEM has helped hundreds of government agencies and private industry customers with emergency management and disaster preparedness needs. In 2009, the company moved its headquarters to North Carolina but still retains a local office with a staff of nearly 100.

WHAT EMPLOYEES LOVE:

• Bowling competitions

• Company picnics and crawfish boils

• Impromptu in-office parties

STANDOUT BONUSES OR BENEFITS:

• Paid time off for jury service and witness duty

• Maternity leave for adopting mothers of young children

• On-demand internal professional development courses

LAGNIAPPE:

• Flexible schedules

• Work anniversaries recognized

• Lab coats and patches for team members when a project team develops a new innovative service or technology

BANK

Founded in Lafayette, Home Bank has since expanded across south Louisiana as well as into Mississippi and Texas. The bank—more than 120 years old—operates four branches in Baton Rouge.

WHAT EMPLOYEES LOVE:

• Popcorn Fridays

• Employee appreciation day

• Family members invited to company events

STANDOUT BONUSES OR BENEFITS:

• Time-off awards

• Charitable donations matched by employer

• Employer covers 100% premium costs for long-term care and life insurances as well as for short- and long-term disability benefits

LAGNIAPPE:

• Halloween costume contest

• Branch and team member spotlights

• Opportunities for employees to engage with local health or human services initiatives

• Financial planning workshops and classes

Our #1 focus will always be our people!

Commercial & Industrial MechanicalCommercial & Industrial Mechanical Systems expertise you canSystems expertise you can trust trust

"Our job is to make sure that our team is empowered, and that they have the tools needed to be successful...It's a really big deal, so it means a lot when the whole team can receive recognition."

to

awesome team for voting us a Best Place to Work in Baton Rouge!

--JP Hymel, President

Thank you to

employees for making FNBB one of the

to Work in Baton Rouge for four years!

th GALLAGHER

Founded in 1927, Gallagher specializes in insurance, risk management and consulting services for clients across the globe. Gallagher locally operates with a 160-person team.

WHAT EMPLOYEES LOVE:

• Annual company crawfish boil

• Annual holiday potluck events

• Pop-up social gatherings

STANDOUT BONUSES OR BENEFITS:

• Company matches up to 5% of 401(k) contributions

• Eligible for health care plan enrollment on first day of hire

• Free online therapy and counseling available for employees

LAGNIAPPE:

• “Employee of the Quarter” spotlights

• Designation and promotion celebrations

• Diversity mentorship program

• 80% of senior leadership positions in organization are held by women

5 th BENNY’S CAR WASH

COMPANIES

Since Benny’s Car Wash opened its first location in 1951, the local, family-owned company has expanded to detailing, oil changes and state inspections, along with adding B-Quik convenience stores and fueling stations. Benny’s now has more than 320 employees and nine locations in the Capital Region.

WHAT EMPLOYEES LOVE:

• Company match of employee charitable donations

• Tuition reimbursement

• On-site wellness visits offered twice a year

STANDOUT BONUSES OR BENEFITS:

• Health club membership or fitness/wellness program reimbursement

• Free counseling sessions by phone for all employees

• Free car washes and refreshments

LAGNIAPPE:

• Fitness and/or wellness programs within the workplace

• Financial planner available to all employees upon request

• Doctor visits facilitated at a discounted rate if employees do not have medical insurance coverage

BUSINESS REPORT LEADERSHIP

ACADEMY

LEARN | CONNECT | GROW

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Business Report’s Leadership Academy was by far the best training I’ve ever done and the only one I’ve ever left wanting more! The course was well structured, and the guest CEO speakers were very insightful”

BRYAN WESLEY, Wesley Construction

The Leadership Academy was an incredible experience. I gained so much knowledge about how to be a great leader, and I was immediately able to apply that knowledge to my career. It allowed me to expand my professional network and to learn from others outside of my field.”

MARY MOWAD GUITEAU, IIDA, IFMA, Holly & Smith Architects, APAC

The Leadership Academy allowed me to grow- both personally and professionally- while connecting with a wide array of peers in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Cultivating relationships with these folks from such diverse backgrounds and industries proved to have immense value throughout the program. Highly recommend!”

MYLES LAROUX, Highland Wealth - Northwestern Mutual

LOUISIANA

BUILDING THE FUTURE TOGETHER!

BEST PLACES TO WORK AWARDS

Doors open at 7:00 AM

Starts at 8:00 AM (ticket required)

sponsored by:

TOP 100 LUNCHEON

Doors open at 11:15 AM

Starts at 11:45 AM (ticket required)

FOR THE FRILL OF IT

BY ERIC L. TAYLOR

BY THE NUMBERS

A look at trends among Best Places to Work companies

11.67%

74.57%

Percentage of companies that say they have a strategy to recruit and retain a diverse workforce 47.45%

Percentage of companies whose senior leader is a woman

78.2%

Percentage of companies that provide formal inclusion and diversity training

Average percentage of health care premium costs absorbed by companies 28.28%

Percentage of company employees who work remotely

Percentage of employees who worked remotely prior to the COVID-19 pandemic

10 KEY IMPACTS

61Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, October 2022 10.61%

Best Places to Work

Overall winners

COMPANY

1 Baton Rouge Youth Coalition

2 Stirling Properties

3 Gresham Smith

4 The Pangburn Group Inc.

TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE

WEBSITE

Lucas Spielfogel thebryc.org

Steve Legendre stirlingprop.com

Herbert Moore greshamsmith.com

Brian E. Pangburn pangburngroup.com

5 IEM Brad Tiffee iem.com

6 365 Labs

7 Gulf South Wealth Advisors

Mohit "Mo" Vij 365labs.com

James R. Evans ameripriseadvisors.com/team/ gulf-south-wealth-advisors

8 ThreeSixtyEight Kenny Nguyen threesixtyeight.com

9 MAPP LLC

10 Walters Papillion Thomas Cullens LLC

11 Home Bank

12 JCW Creative

Michael A. Polito mappbuilt.com

David Abboud Thomas lawbr.net

Robyn Amrhein home24bank.com

Samantha Hubert thinkjcw.com

13 Gallagher Brad Fife ajg.com

14 Fusion Architects APC

15 Faulk & Winkler LLC

16 Sigma Consulting Group Inc.

17 Wymar Federal Credit Union

18 Hannis T Bourgeois LLP

19 Ritter Maher Architects LLC

20 Provident Resources Group Inc.

Brad Guerin fusionapc.com

Tommy J. LeJeune fw-cpa.com

Miles B. Williams sigmacg.com

Ronnie L. Stephens wymarfcu.com

Jay A. Montalbano htb.cpa

Scott A. Ritter rittermaher.com

Steve E. Hicks provident.org

INDUSTRY U.S. EMPLOYEES

Nonprofit 25

Real estate 156

Engineering 1,018

Financial services 60

Consulting 997

Technology 26

Financial services 15

Advertising/PR/marketing 28

Construction 193

Legal 30

Financial services 492

Advertising/PR/marketing 18

Insurance 25,000

Architecture 23

Accounting 47

Engineering 33

Financial services 17

Accounting 127

Architecture 18

Nonprofit 57

Best Places to Work

Overall winners

COMPANY

21 Benny's Car Wash

22 Commerce Title & Abstract Company

23 Guaranty Corporation

24 Gatorworks

25 BXS Insurance Inc.

26 CMA Technology Solutions

27 Alvarez Construction Co. LLC

28 Emergent Method

29 The Scott Law Firm

30 Grace Hebert Curtis Architects APAC

31 Assured Flooring & Countertops

32 Gallo Mechanical LLC

33 Franklin Associates LLC

34 Bonton Associates

35 Baton Rouge Physical TherapyLake Rehabilitation Centers

36 Gulf Coast Bank & Trust

37 AccuTemp Services

38 Lipsey's

39 First National Bankers Bankshares Inc.

40 Stuart & Company General Contractors LLC

TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE WEBSITE

Justin Alford bennyscarwash.com

Calvert Stone commercetitle.com

Flynn A. Foster guarantymedia.com

Brian Rodriguez gatorworks.net

Markham R. McKnight bxsi.com

Chad LeMaire cmaontheweb.com

Carlos Alvarez alvarezconstruction.com

Nick Speyrer emergentmethod.com

Paul "Woody" Scott pwscottlaw.com

Gerald D. Hebert ghc-arch.com

Philip Ruiz de Chavez assuredflooring.net

David Poor gallomechanical.com

Perry J. Franklin franklinassoc.com

Darius Bonton bontonassociates.com

Seth Kaplan brptlake.com

Gary Littlefield gulfbank.com

Joshua Davis accutempbr.com

Laurie Lipsey Aronson lipseys.com

Pax Mogenson bankers-bank.com

Duane L. Mizell stuartandcompany.com

INDUSTRY U.S. EMPLOYEES

Services 324

Real estate 52

Broadcasting, digital media, hospitality102

Advertising/PR/marketing 29

Insurance 725

Technology 75

Construction 53

Consulting 165

Legal 22

Architecture 89

Construction 28

Construction 502

Consulting 33

Engineering 23

Health care provider 47

Banking 770

Home services 115

Distribution 143

Banking 157

Construction 33

Best Places to Work

Overall winners

COMPANY

41 Kean Miller LLP

42 b1Bank

43 ShoppersChoice.com LLC dba BBQGuys

44 Community Management LLC

45 Phelps Dunbar

46 Elevator3

47 REV

48 AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana

49 MMR Group Inc.

TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE WEBSITE INDUSTRY U.S. EMPLOYEES

Linda Perez Clark keanmiller.com

David R. "Jude" Melville b1bank.com

Legal 317

Banking 738

Russ Wheeler bbqguys.com Retail 288

Jeff Harman cmgt.org

P. Ragan Richard phelps.com

Brandon Cornett elevator3.com

Property management 77

Legal 627

Technology 16

Joshua Descant eatel.com Wired telecommunications and data center496

Kyle Viator amerihealthcaritasla.com

James "Pepper" Rutland mmrgrp.com

50 Louisiana Women's Healthcare Kim Sangari lwha.com

51

The LDS Group

52 M&M Glass Company

53 Amedisys

54 Sparkhound

55 The Moran Group

56 Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

57

A.C. Lewis Management

58 Providence Engineering and Environmental Group LLC

59 Essential FCU

60

BBP

J. Keith Decell theldsgroup.com

Health care insurance services 254

Construction 715

Health care provider 256

Insurance 59

Chris Van Pelt mmglass.net Services 46

Scott G. Ginn amedisys.com

Shawn Usher sparkhound.com

Kathryn Lemoine moranadvertising.com

Todd D. Stevens marybird.org

Brian P. May aclewismanagement.com

Wayne Smith providenceeng.com

Richard Williams essentialfcu.org

Scott Romero bbpsales.com

Health care provider 16,788

Consulting 169

Advertising/PR/marketing 50

Health and human services 377

Real estate 68

Engineering 91

Banking 105

Manufacturing 119

INDUSTRY

Betting big on carbon capture

Climate change concerns were once seen as a threat to Louisiana industry, but now the petrochemical sector, positioning itself as part of the solution, is investing heavily on ‘low carbon solutions.’

FOR DECADES, MOUNT

ING concerns about climate change and the growing scien tific consensus that carbon di oxide emissions contribute to a warming planet were seen as existential threats to Louisiana industry. But in recent years, in dustry has sought to portray it self as part of the solution.

ExxonMobil, to name only one prominent example, has gone from allegedly burying its own climate change research and lobbying against emissions reductions to creating an en tirely new business division focused on “low carbon solu tions.” The corporation’s facili ties in Baton Rouge as well as in the rest of the world are on the clock to come up with green house gas reduction plans by the end of this year, and carbon capture may be one of the most important tools.

The company has committed $15 billion for lower-emission ini tiatives over the next five years.

“There’s going to be massive investment,” says Stephanie Cargile, ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge public affairs manager. “I certainly want Louisiana to be a part of it.”

Put very simply, carbon capture refers to putting the carbon that industrial processes emit under ground so it can’t escape into the atmosphere, then either leaving it there or using it to make other products. Depending on who you’re listening to, the technology is either a classic win-win, boost ing Louisiana’s economy while saving the planet, or a costly boondoggle that distracts from potential remedies that might ac tually work.

“Many in the industry be lieve that Louisiana could be

the leader when it comes to car bon capture technology,” says Tommy Faucheux, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association.

Carbon capture projects can help companies meet carbon-re duction goals—their own and their customers’—while reinvest ing in their facilities, he says. It could allow companies across the petrochemical sector to re main viable well into the transi tion to a lower-carbon future. So the return on those investments, while hard to quantify today, will include the retention of exist ing jobs and the creation of new ones, Faucheux says.

“This is the new wave of in dustrial investment,” he says. “The entire industry is working to decarbonize.”

More than $20 billion in po tential projects that could create 1,600 jobs in the transitional en ergy sector are either planned or being considered for the Capital Region, says Russell Richardson,

BY DAVID JACOBS

the path to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Edwards’ leadership is another reason companies are planning car bon capture investments in Louisiana, but chances are the next governor will have differ ent priorities.

RISKS AND REWARDS

senior vice president for busi ness development with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. Most would include a carbon capture element.

Louisiana is becoming a cen ter for proposed carbon capture projects because the state has some of the best geologic condi tions to sequester carbon diox ide, the pipeline infrastructure to transport it, and an industrial sector that produces tons of it, says Samuel Bentley, the geolo gist who is vice president at LSU’s Office of Research and Economic Development.

“It’s not about tree hugging,” he says. “The big drive for most of these companies is pure econom ics. That transcends politics.”

Supporters of the drive to carve out a leadership role for Louisiana in a lower-carbon fu ture certainly hope it transcends politics. Gov. John Bel Edwards has established a Climate Initiatives Task Force charged with helping to put the state on

Rob Verchick is a profes sor of environmental law at Loyola University New Orleans who served as deputy associ ate administrator for policy at the Environmental Protection Agency during the Obama ad ministration. Now a member of the governor’s climate task force, he says carbon capture and storage will at best play a marginal role in reducing the state’s carbon emissions.

The Biden administration, us ing funding authorized by the recent bipartisan federal infra structure law, plans to spend $2.6 billion on carbon capture demonstration projects and re gional pipeline networks to trans port CO2 for permanent storage or conversion into other end uses such as construction materials. Verchick argues that such subsi dies squander money that would be better spent replacing fossil fuels, thus delaying the transition to renewable energy.

“A better choice, I think, would be a rapid shift toward energy ef ficiency and renewable energy sources in both industrial and nonindustrial sectors of the econ omy,” he says by email.

While most proposed carbon capture projects are still in the planning stage, close to a dozen have been attempted, all of which fail to remove as much car bon as promised, says Monique Harden, assistant director of law

BOLD WORDS:  “Many in the industry believe that Louisiana could be the leader when it comes to carbon capture technology,” says Tommy Faucheux, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association.

DON KADAIR

and policy with the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice.

“They can’t be brought to scale,” she says.

Risks include groundwater contamination, ruptured pipe lines and human-made tremors caused by the buildup of pres sure underground, skeptics warn. Carbon dioxide still could leak into the atmosphere, and if it’s made into other products, those eventually will degrade; either de feats the stated purpose.

Harden says it can cost $85 per metric ton to capture and store carbon underground and that companies are proposing projects to sequester 5 million tons, with taxpayers being asked to subsi dize much of the cost.

“We’re looking at astronomical amounts of money,” she says.

The EPA currently has sole per mitting authority on permanent carbon sequestration projects in Louisiana, though the state Department of Natural Resources has requested the ability to be the primary regulator. State rules would be more stringent than the current EPA baseline, DNR

What is CCUS?

49 people hospitalized and forc ing about 300 to evacuate.

“We’re trying everything we can,” says Jeff Ard, who chairs the council.

At least two carbon capture projects that would affect the parish are being considered, but council members say the com panies involved haven’t done enough to explain the potential benefits and downsides. If noth ing else, the council’s move serves to get their attention.

Air Products, for example, has announced plans for a $4.5 bil lion “blue hydrogen” complex in Ascension Parish that calls for carbon dioxide injection wells across neighboring parishes.

spokesperson Patrick Courreges says.

“Our staff has more experience and knowledge about our state’s unique geology and how that would impact injection activi ties, because Louisiana’s geology is what they specialize in every day,” he adds.

In September, the Livingston

Parish Council voted unani mously to impose a yearlong moratorium on the injection wells used in carbon capture, despite not having the legal au thority to stop them. Residents attending the council meeting reportedly cited a carbon di oxide pipeline near Satartia, Mississippi, that ruptured, leaving

While Ascension would get the tax dollars and most of the jobs, Livingston gets only risk, Ard says.

At the very least, companies should pay the parish money that can be socked away to address potential environmental issues in the future, he argues.

“If you’re going to force it on us, we should at least get something out of it,” Ard says.

Our culture of care starts from within.

AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana is proud to be selected as one of the “best places to work” for seven years in a row.

Every man a king

CURIOUS ABOUT THE neon sign for “The Tunnel,” guests of the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center who wander down into the basement find themselves face-to-face with a unique part of Louisiana history.

Though built as a practical way to connect two hotels—The Heidelberg Hotel (now the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center) and The King Hotel (now the Hotel Indigo)—located across from each other on Lafayette Street, the tunnel gained notoriety be cause of rumors it was used by Gov. Huey P. Long in the early 1930s to escape the media and hide his mistresses from public view.

Long kept an unofficial resi dence in one of the Heidelberg’s suites, and the details of many business deals are said to have been worked out in the hotel’s Hunt Room. The hotel also served as the Louisiana State Capitol during a dispute between Long and Lt. Gov. Paul Cyr. When Long was elected as senator, he refused to relinquish his duties as gover nor and Cyr set up operations in the hotel. The tunnel was called “Peacock Alley” during this time because it was adorned with col orful tile that resembled peacock feathers.

The tunnel has been reimag ined by the Hilton Capitol Center as an elegant space for private

BY EMILY KERN HEBERT

The Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center has turned the tunnel made famous by Huey Long into a private, upscale entertainment space.

DOWN UNDER: The reimagined tunnel is meant to evoke feelings of the late 1920s and 1930s, when Huey Long reigned politically supreme in Louisiana.

COLLIN RICHIE

FILE PHOTO

POPULIST ICON: The tunnel, connecting two downtown hotels, gained notoriety because it supposedly was used by Gov. Huey P. Long in the early 1930s as a way to escape the media and hide his mistresses from public view.

dinner parties and other upscale events. Meant to evoke feelings of the 1920s and 30s, it features ex posed brick walls and an antique bar with an absinthe fountain, along with a portrait of Long and other historic images.

Right now, the space is pri marily being reserved for re hearsal dinners, as well as a space for grooms and grooms men to gather on the wedding day, says Leslie Thompson, di rector of sales and marketing for the Hilton Capitol Center. “When the brides and bridesmaids are getting ready in our big mezza nine suite, the guys can hang out here,” Thompson says. “They can plug into the smart TV and watch a game down here and have a re ally nice experience.”

Thompson says the hotel has plans to begin offering live en tertainment in The Tunnel by mid-October. A one or two-per son music group works well in the space, as do high-end cock tails in the attractive antique bar, she says.

For private dinners of 20 guests or less, the hotel offers an elab orate multicourse dinner in the space served on fine China with Long’s monogram, and crystal and silver that is used only in The Tunnel. “It’s a very elevated expe rience like you would have had in the ‘20s and ‘30s when they had those opulent multicourse din ners,” she says.

A murder mystery series is also in the works that will incorpo rate Long as one of the charac ters. The custom script is being developed by writer and history buff Larry Schexnadre, who has worked on similar events for Nottoway Plantation. It will be performed by actors with Center Stage Performing Arts Academy.

Thompson envisions some 40 guests gathering in The Tunnel for cocktails and a meet-andgreet with the actors. The ticket will include a craft cocktail, four-course meal, and wine with dinner. Dinner will take place upstairs because of access to the kitchen and because it’s easier for the actors to communicate when guests are seated at dinner. The actors will perform a scene in be tween each course of the meal. Everyone at a table will get a sep arate card with a question to ask

an actor and then report back to their group to try and solve the murder. The winning team will receive more time in The Tunnel and a tunnel-themed prize.

Thompson, a wine enthusi ast, also leads wine tastings with guests who would like to learn about the different varieties of wine and why to order one type over another when dining.

The hotel is planning an add-on experience to its popu lar New Year’s Eve party, which will have a Great Gatsby theme this year. The Secret Tunnel Experience will feature a fourcourse dinner on fine China and

crystal in The Tunnel.

When designing the space, Thompson said she wanted it to be a versatile because she wasn’t sure where its function was going to land.

“It’s kind of an ‘if you build it, they will come’ thing,” she says. “Everyone who comes down here says, ‘Is this a speakeasy?’ The an swer to that is I think we would definitely consider it, but if we do it, we’re going to do it right.”

The true speakeasies of today are often hidden inside another restaurant or venue or have “a whole bunch of weirdness where you’ve got to try to find a way to

get inside,” she says. The hotel staff has talked about installing a bookcase at the opening of the room to close it off. But for now, Thompson says she likes it when people see the neon sign and wander in.

While guests can explore the part of the tunnel on the Hilton’s property, it is sealed off with what appears to be concrete, Thompson says.

A route from the other hotel would make the most sense for a speakeasy, Thompson says.

“What would that entail? I have no idea,” she says, “but it’s proba bly harder than I think.”

COLLIN RICHIE

TOURING ‘THE TUNNEL’

Distilling the Oxbow story

Olivia Stewart never figured on living in Louisiana again and the art history major certainly didn’t think her fight to save a family-owned company would make her a pioneer in the premium craft rum business.

LOUISIANA NATIVE OLIVIA

Stewart never expected to live in her home state again. She had built a career in the New York art world and generally loved the work.

But after COVID-19 chased her back to the Pointe Coupee sugar farm where she grew up, she re alized she wasn’t challenged by her job at a Manhattan art consul tancy. And while she didn’t come home looking for a challenge, that’s exactly what she found.

Stewart is now president of Oxbow Rum Distillery, formerly Cane Land Distilling and Three Roll Estate. Based in downtown Baton Rouge, the company has at times been on the verge of shut ting down—having gone through leadership changes, layoffs and multiple rebranding efforts.

But with new partners and a new name, Oxbow is on the path to sustainability, Stewart says. The company’s story—making high-quality craft rum from some of the world’s best sugar cane di rect from her family’s farm—is as compelling as ever, and the new brand is meant to emphasize those roots.

Stewart also sees a bigger op portunity for the state as a whole. Kentucky bourbon is popular enough to be a tourist attraction; why not Louisiana rum?

Rum is often associated with fruity drinks by the beach and kitschy cartoon pirates. But pre mium rum also can provide a re fined, complex sipping experience much like a well-crafted bourbon. And much like a Napa Valley wine, the experience will vary based on where and how it’s made.

“We want to change the image of rum,” she says. “Oxbow can be a pioneer.”

DESPERATE TIMES

Stewart grew up at Alma, where her family has been farming sugar cane for generations. Her best friend was her dog, and she recalls running through the fields pre tending to be a runaway.

“It was very unique,” she says. “I didn’t know it was unique until I was a little bit older.”

Stewart attended Dunham in Baton Rouge before leaving for boarding school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at age 15. She went on to study art history and earn a master’s degree in art business.

Other than a brief stint bar tending in New Orleans, Stewart tread a focused career path. She worked at two Manhattan galleries and another in Los Angeles before moving back to New York to join the art consulting firm.

In early March of 2020, New York started shutting down busi nesses and events as part of the global effort to control the spread of COVID-19. Stewart and her fi ancé, Revel Griffith, whom she met in New Orleans, realized there was plenty of space and fresh air at Alma, so they rented a car and headed south.

“Once I got here, I realized the help that was needed with the dis tillery,” she says.

While “single-estate” rum distill eries, where the producers grow their own sugar cane, are rare

in the U.S., they are common in other sugar-producing regions. Stewart’s cousin started Cane Land Distilling in that spirit in 2016, though he would step away from the company for what she describes as personal reasons.

Her father, Alma CEO David Stewart, stepped in to lead the company. While he had turned Alma from the lowest-producing sugar farm in the state to the high est, a distillery is a “whole differ ent beast,” she says.

“He did the best he could,” she says, adding that he was nearing semi-retirement age. “I realized it was chipping away at him.”

A trademark issue led Cane Land to rebrand to Three Roll Estate, named after the three-roll mill that crushes the cane. The change set the company back, David Stewart told Daily Report in 2019. At the time, it was launching a rum-themed line of food prod ucts and working to expand distri bution into several states.

Though the distillery and Alma technically are separate busi nesses, the latter was subsidiz ing the former. While no one

associated with Alma wanted the distillery to fail, floating the new business indefinitely wasn’t ideal either.

Olivia Stewart says her father had to lay off a lot of people when the pandemic hit. Three Roll took the opportunity to pull back from states where sales were weak and focus on Louisiana.

“Desperate” is how she de scribes her first year. “I had to run it nearly every day not knowing if we would be open the next.”

But she found many of her skills translated to the new industry. Running galleries and managing teams builds leadership ability, while curating shows speaks to the ability to brand and market.

And in March 2021, things started to look up. As COVID-19 vaccines were becoming available, she met new partners with deep industry experience and a desire to grow together.

“Our team has a history of building successful spirits brands,” says Kris Comstock, CEO of Stockwell Reserve.

Based in Kentucky, Stockwell Reserve is a new effort to create a

SWEET STORY: Olivia Stewart, who left a career in the New York art world during the pandemic, is out to make Louisiana rum as famous as Kentucky bourbon.

DON KADAIR

craft distiller cooperative, meant to help small players pool their resources to compete in the na tional marketplace. While the exact nature of the business re lationship with Oxbow is propri etary—though Stewart stresses the company has not been bought out and she retains the final say—Stockwell provides strate gic growth capital, a shared sales team, marketing chops and distri bution help.

Comstock, who has a back ground working with major whis key brands, says Oxbow has a “fantastic” product and a market able story to tell.

“There is no one else that I know of that’s using the quality of sugar cane to make Grade A molasses to produce rum of this quality,” he says. “She has the opportunity to use the best of the best because of the sugar cane estate.”

A FRESH START

On Sept. 1, Three Roll Estate rebranded again, and the com pany officially became Oxbow Rum Distillery. Some products still will be sold in Louisiana with

the Three Roll label, but the truly premium stuff that the company wants to introduce to the world will carry the Oxbow name.

An “oxbow” in this context is a stream, river or creek that has become separated from the flow of water, such as False River in Pointe Coupee, which is respon sible for the fertile topsoil that nurtures Alma’s cane. The new name highlights the farm-tobottle business model.

“I wanted to connect it back to the land, because that land is so precious,” Stewart says.

Today, the company employs about 10 people. Stewart is the face of the company and chief strategist, while Griffith, whom she married in May, focuses on internal matters. She says sales are up almost 200% this year, ex ceeding pre-pandemic numbers.

Though Stewart is optimistic about growth, she would like to see Louisiana loosen regulations that make her job harder. For in stance, while Oxbow can host private events in its downtown tasting room, it is not allowed to

serve food or alcohol that isn’t produced there. It also cannot ship directly to consumers.

At the national level, a lack of regulation creates challenges. The big rum brands are allowed to cut

corners—such as adding cara mel coloring to make aged rum look darker—without telling the consumer, which makes it harder for a distiller that makes rum the traditional way to stand out.

But while consumer educa tion may be a work in prog ress, the aficionados are already sold. Oxbow has racked up nu merous awards; most recently, its rhum agricole took “best in class” at the American Distilling Institute’s 2022 International Spirits Competition.

The agricole-style rum is perhaps the purest expression of why the single-estate ap proach matters. While most rum is made with shelf-stable molasses, it can be made only with fresh-pressed juice, which means the cane needs to come straight from the farm.

The marketing benefit for Oxbow from all the awards is likely limited by the fact that they were won under a different name, though that doesn’t seem to bother Stewart. She is ready to go win them again.

DON KADAIR

BETTER TOGETHER: Partnering with Stockwell Reserve in Kentucky, Olivia Stewart hopes to more quickly grow Oxbow Rum Distillery, formerly known as Cane Land Distilling and Three Roll Estate.

FOUR YEAR FULL TUITION

The Webster Scholars Program provides full tuition scholarships each year to rising ninth grade students who reflect – in their academic and leadership talents – exceptional achievement. In addition to the Webster Scholars Program, Episcopal offers many partial tuition scholarships and a range of tuition assistance opportunities. To learn more, please visit: episc opalbr.org/admission/scholarship-opportunities.

Private high schools

Ranked by enrollment

PREV. RANK

COMPANY ADDRESS PHONE | WEBSITE

1 1 Catholic High School 855 Hearthstone Drive, Baton Rouge 70806 225-383-0397 | catholichigh.org

2 2 St. Joseph's Academy

3015 Broussard St., Baton Rouge 70808 225-383-7207 | sjabr.org

3 3 St. Michael the Archangel High School

17521 Monitor Ave., P.O. Box 86110, Baton Rouge 70817 225-753-9782 | smhsbr.org

4 4 Parkview Baptist School 5750 Parkview Church Road, Baton Rouge 70816 225-291-2500 | parkviewbaptist.com

5 5 Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 3200 Woodland Ridge Blvd., Baton Rouge 70816 225-753-3180 | episcopalbr.org

6 6

The Dunham School 11111 Roy Emerson Drive, Baton Rouge 70810 225-767-7097 | dunhamschool.org

7 7 Catholic High School of Pointe Coupee 504 Fourth St., New Roads 70760 225-638-9313 | catholicpc.com

8 8

9 13

Cristo Rey Baton Rouge Franciscan High School 4000 St. Gerard Ave., Baton Rouge 70805 225-615-7479 | cristoreybr.org

Ascension Christian High School 14408 EA Academy Road, Gonzales 70737 225-622-2800 | aclions.org

10 Silliman Institute 10830 Bank St., P.O. Box 946, Clinton 70722 225-683-5383 | sillimaninstitute.org

11 9

Ascension Catholic Diocesan Regional High School

311 St. Vincent St., Donaldsonville 70346 225-473-9227 | acbulldogs.org

12 11 St. John Interparochial High School 24250 Regina St., Plaquemine 70764 225-687-3056 | stjohnschool.org

13 12

14 14

15 15

Central Private School

12650 Gurney Road, Central 70714 225-261-3341 | centralprivate.org

False River Academy 201 Major Parkway, New Roads 70760 225-638-3783 | falseriveracademy.org

The Brighton School

12108 Parkmeadow Ave., Baton Rouge 70816 225-291-2524 | thebrightonschool.org

TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE

2021 HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENTANNUAL TUITION

Lisa Harvey Principal 1,114$12,695

Stacia Andricain Principal 1,083$12,245

UPCOMING LISTS:

STUDENT MIX GRADES SERVED

NOVEMBER Law firms Convention & meeting facilities

AFFILIATION YEAR EST. LOCALLY MAJOR PROGRAMS/AMENITIES

All boys 8-12 1894 Catholic

All girls 9-12 1868 Catholic

Ellen Lee Principal 576 $10,350 Coed 9-12

1:1 laptop program, innovative STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and mathematics) curriculum that embraces a holistic hands-on approach to learning

Four-time National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence; mission pillars: faith development in the Catholic tradition, academic excellence

1984 Catholic

Christian service program helps students become servant leaders who contribute 20,000 volunteer hours to the community annually

16 16

17 18

18 NR

Family Christian Academy 8919 World Ministry Ave., Baton Rouge 70810 225-768-3026 | fcacademy.net

Jehovah-Jireh Christian Academy

1771 N. Lobdell Ave., Baton Rouge 70806 225-932-2357 | jjcacademy.org

Greater Baton Rouge Hope Academy 15333 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge 70817 225-293-0141 | hopeacademybr.org

Don Mayes

Superintendent 463 $14,245 Coed Pre-K-12 1981 Christian

Dual-enrollment/AP classes, mission trips, 26 MS/ HS sports teams, vocal/instrumental music instruction, outstanding theater productions, highly competitive robotics team

Carrie Steakley

Head of school 367 $22,545 Coed Pre-K3-12 1965 Episcopal

Steven A. Eagleton

Head of school 279 $20,515 Coed Pre-K2-12 1981 Nondenominational

Jason Chauvin Principal 175 $6,410 Coed Pre-K3-12

AP, honors and dual-enrollment courses; signature honors thesis and lab-based ESTAAR programs; global learning journeys; award-winning robotics team

STEM, Harkness, leadership, advanced placement, dual-enrollment, fine arts, athletics, small classes, personalized attention

1904 Catholic Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation, highest ACT scores among Pointe Coupee schools, 95% of graduates go on to college

Eric Engemann President 174 DNR(1) Coed 9-12 2016 Catholic

Dustin Bagwell, Dana Bourgeois Campus administrators 147 $7,450 Coed Pre-K-12

1981 Christian

Part of a network of 37 schools in 24 states that combines college-preparatory classes with corporate work study for underserved and lowincome youth

Advanced STEM certification

Kevin Lemoine Administrator 147 $5,220 Coed Pre-K-12 1966 Nondenominational Junior and senior Beta, athletic and extracurricular activities

Tammy Crochet Principal 130 $7,345 Coed Pre-K-12 1845 Catholic

Cherie B. Schlatre Principal 129 $7,500 Coed Pre-K-12

Connie Bradford Executive director 117 $6,715 Coed Pre-K-12

Advanced and honors courses, college-preparatory and dual-enrollment courses; service-based learning, foreign exchange program, peer mediation, student retreats, March for Life, Beta

1886 Catholic

1967 Christian

College-preparatory, honors and business courses; dual-enrollment courses in math, English, sports medicine and psychology

College-preparatory classes, honors track, dualenrollment, advanced placement

Linda D'Amico Principal 88 $5,200 Coed Pre-K-12 1969 Nondenominational Dual-enrollment classes, eDynamic online elective courses, Beta

Kenneth Henderson Executive director 53 $13,720 Coed K-12 1972 Nondenominational

Christopher Granier

Principal 49 $7,500 Coed Pre-K-12 1983 Christian

Navonne Johnson

Principal 35 $6,100 Coed Day care-12

Linda L. Stone

Ben

1983 Christian

Principal 25 DNR Coed 1-12 2007 Nondenominational

Principal

Gralyn

Principal

Coed Pre-K4-12

Dedicated to students with dyslexia and related learning differences; reading therapy and therapeutic instructional strategies

Co-curricular programs in athletics, arts, and service organizations; dual-enrollment in math and English; state-of-the-art teleproductions class; Mac computer lab

Warrior College Prep Academy advances students into leadership roles in society

Research-based techniques customized to meet the needs of children with mild/moderate learning challenges, autism, Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, learning disabilities and other special needs

Christian Christian training

Coed 6-12 1996 Nonsectarian

academic foundation

class sizes, family atmosphere, diverse curriculum, growing athletic program

Researched by Alaine Keisling

Endorsements for the Nov. 8 election

passed more bills into law than any first-term senator from our state. He also points to the non partisan Center for Effective Lawmaking at UVA and Vanderbilt naming him as one of the top 10 most effective Republican senators.

is rare for most elected officials.

ROLFE MCCOLLISTER JR.

(Editor’s note: These endorsements are solely those of the author; Business Report does not make political endorsements.)

WE HAVE IMPORTANT statewide and local elections coming soon (early voting begins on Oct. 25). I encourage you to study the candi dates and issues and cast your bal lot to be heard.

U.S. SENATE: JOHN KENNEDY

Sen. John Kennedy is quite pop ular in his home state and has fans across America as a regular on national TV. He also counts many critics of some of his votes and colorful quotes. But I don’t think he much cares what his “woke” critics—as he describes them— think of him. He aims to represent his constituents in Louisiana and all predictions are that a major ity will vote to have him keep on truckin’.

Don’t confuse his drawl with a lack of intelligence. Kennedy is likely one of the smartest mem bers in the Senate: a grad of Vanderbilt, UVA Law and then on to Oxford for another degree. He is whip smart.

Kennedy has noted that he has

His record is a conservative one on issues like tax cuts, pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, strong borders, lower prescription drugs and insulin, school choice, pro-po lice, energy independence, prosmall business and standing up to China. I can say most conserva tives would support all of those— including me.

You may not like all—or any—of his colloquialisms or a few of his controversial votes involving our past president. But I bet you have never had a politician you agreed with 100% of the time. I haven’t.

As a conservative, I am worried about our country led by a senile president who has failed to unify our county as he promised at his inauguration and who brought inflation to a historic high. We need a senator who is smart, un afraid and a fighter. That is John Kennedy.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE6TH DISTRICT: GARRET GRAVES

I was surprised to see that Garret Graves even had any opponents qualify (two). No one can claim they will outwork Graves. And be cause of that—and his effective ness—they can’t promise they will get more done or deliver more for the people of the 6th District. As I have said before about his years serving, some things don’t change. Graves gets results. He talks the talk and then walks the walk. That

Graves is a true public servant. His list of accomplishments is long, representing billions of fed eral dollars for our region and Louisiana. This includes our coast, ports, health care, flood recovery, small business, our interstate, fish eries and the Comite Diversion ca nal. I think you see why he should be reelected.

Graves is a conservative who uses common sense and speaks frankly. I like that. He and his fam ily have sacrificed for our state and deserve our thanks. Graves is a man of character, vision and a proven leader for Louisiana.

1ST CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEAL-2ND DISTRICT: HUNTER GREENE

There are three sitting judges running for this seat on the ap pellate court. All have experience. In trying to discern who would be best on the appellate court, one can look at backgrounds and talk to those in the profession. I sur veyed the candidates and talked with those in law enforcement and others familiar with the judiciary hoping to learn who might add the most to this court.

Judge Hunter Greene, who got high marks, can be the best asset to the appellate court. His back ground includes being a CPA and working with the legislative au ditor. He then set up his own law practice handling a variety of legal cases. Greene was elected to the state House of Representatives and served nine years. He became a family court judge in 2015 and has worked hard and served well.

Greene and his wife have raised three children and he has been a basketball coach, Sunday school

IT IS A GOOD THING to be anchored by what the King of the universe says as to who we are versus how the world defines us. Identity is the bedrock of one’s life! At its core is MDIV: Meaning-Dignity-Identity-Value. Notice the five statements of identity from a kingdom of God perspective in I Peter 2:9-10: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had no received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1. One’s race is now identified

teacher and a member of the Kiwanis.

Greene states he will interpret the law as written and not make law from the bench, while holding attorneys and litigants account able and treating all litigants and attorneys fairly and equally.

I believe Judge Greene has the knowledge, experience and tem perament to be an excellent appel late court judge.

19TH DISTRICT COURT JUDGE-SEC. 2, DIV. G: ADAM KWENTUA

Adam Kwentua is a Baton Rouge native and graduate of University High and Tulane University. He got his law degree from the Southern University Law Center.

Since 2014, Kwentua has been an assistant district attorney where he is a senior felony prosecutor. He is a former southern regional director and Louisiana chapter president of the National Black Prosecutors Association.

In talking with those in law en forcement and the legal profes sion, it seems clear that Kwentua is the most experienced and best qualified to run this courtroom.

EBRSS SCHOOL BOARD RACES

DISTRICT 1: MARK BELLUE

Bellue has been a solid mem ber who supports children and giving families education choices. He is consistent and trustworthy and that is appreciated. Bellue is a graduate of Belaire High and LSU. He is a vice president with LUBA Workers Comp and volun teers with youth sports and the Boy Scouts of America. He is com mitted to putting the needs of chil dren—not the system—first. He deserves reelection.

not by color but being a son/daughter of the Kingdom of Heaven. 2. The worth of royalty is now opened to be a pipeline of communication between God and others as a child. 3. One is a part of a Kingdom nation that is defined by righteousness and holiness based on Christ’s performance, not ours, according to 2 Corinthians 5:21 4. Personhood is defined by whom possesses them. We are God’s possession by the purchase price of Christs blood (I Peter 1:19 5). The most precious of MDIV, is that we are the recipients of mercy. We do not get what we deserve, but by what God provides; see Titus 3:3-7 and Ephesians 2:4-5.

—Jeff Mitchell, Retired COL and Army Chaplain

DISTRICT 2: DADRIUS LANUS

I endorsed Lanus in 2018 when he defeated then-incumbent Veretta Lee. (Lee had been banned from teaching in EBR for cheat ing on testing but somehow got elected to the board.) Voters didn’t repeat that mistake in 2018.

Lanus brought a new energy to the board and his aim is to serve children and give them a choice— and a chance.

He is a graduate of Glen Oaks Magnet High School and Southern University. He went on to get a master’s in education leader ship and then a law degree from Southern University. He is now the executive director of 100 Black Men.

I certainly encourage voters to reelect Dadrius Lanus.

DISTRICT 3: CARLA POWELL

There is no incumbent in this race. Powell, a 17-year social studies teacher (now in Iberville Parish), earned a degree in so cial studies education and a mas ter’s in education administration and supervision. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in educa tional leadership at Southeastern University.

A Baton Rouge native, Powell serves as the Louisiana Council for the Social Studies (LCSS) presi dent-elect and is a member of the National Council for Social Studies board of directors.

She is eager to bring her class room experience to the board and serve the community and children.

DISTRICT 4: SHASHONNIE STEWARD

There is no incumbent in District 4 either. Steward is a Capitol High School grad who went on to Southern University and received her bachelor’s in psy chology and a master’s in crim inal justice. She is currently in her second year at the Southern University Law Center. She is the owner of a small business and in volved in the community: Park Forest East Civic Association (pres ident), Park Forest East Crime Prevention and Improvement District (president) and a member of Junior League of Baton Rouge.

Steward is dedicated to making a difference and ready to serve chil dren and families.

DISTRICT 5: CLIFF

“COACH” LEWIS

Clifford S. Lewis’ mother and

father were both educators and he attended public school before graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi. After a career in pro football, he en tered coaching and ended up at Southern University. He now works as a parental engagement coordi nator in the Baton Rouge school system. His children and grand children either attended or cur rently attend EBR public schools.

For the record, in 2018, I sup ported the incumbent who I believed was a solid supporter of children and families hav ing the right to school choice. Unfortunately, Evelyn WareJackson blows with the wind and can’t be trusted. She needs to be replaced by someone with integ rity—Cliff Lewis.

DISTRICT 6: NATHAN RUST

Rust is a small businessman, Baton Rouge native, graduate of public schools and active in our community. He is in the PTA, founded his Rotary Club and is a leader in Cub Scouts. His two chil dren attend a public school. He has shown he is dedicated to serv ing families and children and be lieves all should have the choice of a quality education. He is eager to serve EBR schools.

The incumbent, Jill Dyason, has been a supporter of school choice and I appreciate that. But she has served for more than 20 years— that’s five terms on the board. I spoke with her and said there comes a time to pass the baton to allow new perspectives, ideas and energy. I believe this is the time and Rust is ready to take the baton.

DISTRICT 7: GLORIA WALL

Gloria Wall graduated summa cum laude in pre-med from the College of St. Scholastica in Minnesota. She also obtained two advanced degrees before moving to Baton Rouge to begin her career in physical therapy. Wall estab lished her own business in 2006.

She also got involved serving our community, earning numer ous honors while also serving on the board of directors for Volunteer Health Corp and co-chairing the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. She currently sits on the board for A.C. Lewis YMCA, Rocketkidz Foundation, and Club South Runners. Now she is run ning for school board to unseat an incumbent.

That incumbent is Mike Gaudet, who has done some good things on the board and is someone who I supported in the past. No more. Gaudet lost his way and has shown he is more interested in protect ing the system, jobs and the bud get instead of putting children first and their right to choose the best school for them. I believe we should give Wall the opportunity to serve and do the right thing.

DISTRICT 8: JOSEPH BRITT

Joe Britt is a qualified candi date ready to step up and serve the children of East Baton Rouge. Incumbent Connie Bernard ini tially qualified but has since dropped out of the race (though her name will still appear on the ballot). We are fortunate to get a new representative here and Britt, with his business background, would be a good addition.

Britt has a management de gree from LSU, an MBA from the University of Houston and is working on his doctorate at the University of Florida. The senior manager at Westlake Chemicals served on the United Way board and has been a YMCA coach and a volunteer with Volunteers in Public Schools. He can be a good asset for the school board and our children.

DISTRICT 9: PATRICK MARTIN

Many in Patrick Martin’s family have served in education as teach ers, principals and professors. He is a graduate of public schools and his daughter attends a public char ter school. He has served on the BASIS charter board and the board of AMIKids, which helps troubled youth.

Martin is an attorney who served in the administration of Gov. Mike Foster and as general counsel for the legislative auditor. For the past 17 years, he has served the LSU System and is currently an assis tant vice president.

He wants to provide needed leadership and replace the incum bent, David Tatman, a lobbyist who has been on the board for 12 years. Tatman was the prime pro tector of Connie Bernard when she was asked to resign. Martin would be a fine replacement for Tatman to serve the children and bring re spect to the board.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

(For more details, visit ParLouisiana.org)

No. 1, Larger stock investments for trust funds: FOR

There are seven funds that are limited to 35% stocks. Some funds have not kept up with inflation. This would raise the limit to 65% and allow the state treasurer more flexibility to grow the funds over the long term.

No. 2, Property tax exemptions for veterans with disabilities: FOR

Parishes currently must indi vidually pass this exemption. This would allow it in any parish and exempt disabled vets from any new millages, too. It honors our vets and protects the disabled.

No. 3, Political activity for civil service workers when family members run for office: FOR

You would expect a spouse or parents to be able to campaign and appear in a photo with a candidate. This would allow that while keeping some restrictions. Categories may be a bit broad but all candidates want their family’s support.

No. 4, Waiving charges for water use if infrastructure is damaged: FOR

If the excess water billed was not a result of the user, it should be waived. Common sense.

No. 5, Local authority over property tax rates: FOR

I understand that when a cy cle comes to an end, almost ev ery taxing body rolls millage rates forward to reap a financial gain. This could allow more flexibility to keep millage rates lower longer unless needed.

No. 6, Property tax assessment increases in Orleans Parish: FOR

If a home were to increase 100% in assessment, the resulting tax hike would be paid over four years at 25% a year. This limits the an nual increase to a max of 10%.

No. 7, Limits on involuntary servitude: AGAINST

I spoke to the author of this amendment who is opposed to changes made and the resulting confusion it caused. He plans to clarify it and re-present it in 2023.

No. 8, Property tax assessments for certain people with disabili ties: FOR

Those 65 and over have their as sessment frozen and do not have to verify income annually. This would treat those totally disabled the same way. Seems fair.

Bridging the intelligence gap

city-parish government, a mem ber of the Capital Area Road and Bridge District and the architect behind many of the planning and transportation disasters over the past 20-plus years.

“That is almost unbeliev able that it is 80% local traffic,” a stunned Raiford was quoted as saying by The Advocate. “It’s a little eye-opening.”

Wow.

JR BALL

IT WAS A revelation unlike any other.

Never in the field of human en deavor have so many been so dumbfounded by such a simple truth.

Picture a group of gobsmacked flat-earthers having to reconsider their most ardent of beliefs after being confronted by … a globe.

So, you might wonder, what was this gut punch to the human condition?

The startling reveal that eight out of every 10 vehicles slog ging across the current “new” Mississippi Bridge and then clog ging Interstate 10 are being driven by locals crawling their way across the Baton Rouge metro.

Wait … what?

The numbers, like hips, don’t lie. And it’s true that pretty much all the vehicles parked daily on I-10 belong to residents of Baton Rouge and its neighboring parishes.

But, c’mon, you already knew that … right?

Only a fool—or someone re markably blind to the bajillion lo cal private school decals adorning all those pickup trucks, SUVs, lux ury sedans and Subarus—would think otherwise.

Which is precisely why your world should be turning upside down by the jaw-dropping reality that our cavalcade of highly paid transportation “experts” were ut terly clueless about Baton Rouge’s worst-kept traffic secret.

Was it even a secret?

Migraines were invented for ab surdities like this.

Among the oblivious count Fred Raiford—a court jester of a man who’s in charge of traffic for

And you want to be my latex salesman.

Equally stupefying is the truth bomb dropped on Kara Moree, project manager for Atlas Technical Consultants, the group advising our little banana repub lic. No way did she see this com ing, reckoning that 50% of the traffic grinding its way through Baton Rouge would be folks doing their damnedest to get somewhere other than here.

Doing her best Captain Louis Renault impersonation, Moree says she was shocked, shocked to find “we use I-10 as a surface street.”

“C’mon man. What we doin’ out here, man?”

Given that, can we believe any thing coming out of her well-paid pie hole?

A flabbergast of such magnitude hasn’t been witnessed in these parts since November 1993 when pigs went airborne after Curley Hallman and his otherwise un derachieving Tigers took down mighty Alabama, the defending national champion and winners of 31 straight.

Now seems like a good time to revisit a three-paragraph passage from a column I wrote in early April:

For decades upon decades tax payers in Baton Rouge and across the Capital Region have been un willing to pony up the tax dollars necessary to build a functioning local infrastructure. Consequently, as we’ve sprawled to the far reaches of East Baton Rouge Parish and deep into Ascension and Livingston parishes, the solu tion has been to funnel traffic onto I-10 and I-12, making it a federal problem.

So, it should surprise no one

that, according to a traffic engi neer friend, 75% to 80% of I-10 traffic in the Baton Rouge area is of the local variety. That figure jumps to 90%-plus during peakhour traffic.

Which means this new bridge isn’t about making it easier to go from Lafayette to New Orleans or Orange Beach, it’s about getting Capital Region locals to and from work each day. (End of rehash.)

This information has been around—and readily available in a report likely collecting dust some where in the bowels of Raiford’s department—since those heady days of the Kip Holden adminis tration when building a public-pri vate northern loop around Baton Rouge was all the rage.

How much money are we pay ing these brainiac consultants for information we’ve had in our pos session for more than a decade?

Raise your hand if you think there’s been some seismic shift in the cause and effect of Baton Rouge gridlock generation.

Something is wrong—very, very wrong—when a columnist of lim ited intelligence has better and more accurate information on our traffic nightmare than 1) the per son in charge of transportation for this parish and 2) the alleged ex pert who’s pocketing a hefty help ing of our tax dollars to share her remarkable consultant insights.

How can I get on this consultant gravy train?

Checking back with the engineer who’s advising me for free: He says the only feasible location for a new new bridge—if the goal is unclog ging the daily jam on the existing new bridge—is one that goes from the west bank and ties into East Baton Rouge somewhere between Brightside Drive and Bluebonnet Boulevard.

Raiford, our resident genius, however, says that’s a no-go be cause there’s already too much traffic in that area inching its way toward I-10.

Why? Because connected sur face street grids matter and Raiford and other local planning and transportation officials are ei ther A) too ignorant to understand this fact, B) too gutless to require

the right thing before approving new development, C) devoid of even a modicum of vision, or D) all the above.

Want proof? Just look at the scores upon scores of single-en trance subdivisions and de velopments that rely almost exclusively on Bluebonnet to reach civilization.

Which then opens the door for people like Mitch Ourso, the paro chial parish president of Iberville, to demand $3 billion be spent on an out-of-the-way bridge that might attract a few tax-generating gas stations, convenience stores and strip retail centers to his king dom but won’t do much in ad dressing the actual problem.

Let’s return to the numbers: Projections show an out of the way bridge will only reduce I-10 traffic through Baton Rouge by 19%—or roughly 24,000 of the 126,000 vehicles that daily cross the Mississippi River bridge. For comparisons sake, that’s essen tially the same number of vehicles that make the daily schlep across both the Sunshine Bridge and the “old” Mississippi River bridge near Southern University. The Audubon Bridge, near St. Francisville, is used by just over 6,000 vehicles daily.

But, hey, why should the new, new bridge be any different than the Sunshine and Audubon bridges—two Mississippi-crossing edifices that carry way less traffic than officials predicted when tell ing us just how badly we needed them.

Shawn Wilson, secre tary for the state Department of Transportation and Development—in full CYA mode— says don’t focus on the numbers behind the curtain. Rather, em brace the joy that a little bit is bet ter than nada.

This in no way is to suggest a new bridge over the Mississippi isn’t needed. It’s a critical compo nent in a multifront battle

But are we going to choose a bridge location that brings the best ROI or are we going to con tinue operating in the Louisiana Way?

That’s the $3 billion question.

Jeff Landry response to column

OUR LEGISLATURE WRITES our laws, the governor enacts them and I defend them. This is the case with our state’s abortion restrictions signed by Kathleen Blanco in 2006 and John Bel Edwards this year. After Dobbs, these trigger laws went into effect; and the only ambiguity about them has been created by those wishing for their demise (Life in Jeff Landry’s Louisiana, JR Ball, August 2022 issue).

As an elected official, it is my sworn duty to uphold all laws. Unfortunately, our state has too many officials who believe our laws are a buffet where they can pick and choose which to enforce based on their personal ideologies.

Just as consumers vote with their dollars, the ballot box reflects the true market of our ideas. And in 2020, our state voted overwhelmingly to support an amendment declaring a right to abortion and the funding of abortions shall not be found in the Louisiana Constitution.

Our “best and brightest” are not moving from Louisiana because of this supposedly intolerant democratic process. While you may live in a bubble where social issues are acceptable scapegoats for our state’s problems and dictator analogies are sold like hotcakes,

I do not.

People are fleeing our state almost as fast as your legacy media is losing subscribers for real reasons including tax-friendly policies, thriving business environments and a lack of COVID restrictions. They are also going to Texas, Tennessee and Florida in droves because those places are significantly safer than Louisiana.

Eight years ago, business owners feared for their properties; now they fear for their lives. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies like NOPD are struggling to recruit new police officers while misguided federal consent decrees prioritize woke politics over public safety—handcuffing cops, not criminals.

This is why we can’t have nice things: our elected officials refuse to enforce the laws because of “equity” when we are all equally getting victimized. As a result, our state continues struggling to attract good-paying jobs. Not too long ago, Louisiana had 23% of the nation’s refining capacity; today, it is only 21%.

While every state increasingly hosts menus with a taste of Louisiana, they now also host too many of our neighbors as their new residents.

At the same time, our educational

system does little to promote the education and skills necessary to make a decent living here. College is not meant to be a louder version of high school with more pronoun options. Rather, it is supposed to equip students for the world outside of academia. Instead of creating young leaders, our schools support diversity and inclusion of the individual but not of thought. Such blindness to our true problems, and thus the real solutions, is a byproduct of this echo chamber.

But these are merely glimpses into the failed policies and initiatives brought to you by Louisiana wokeness, resulting in innocent blood being shed in our streets while students scream to defund the police for trying to hold criminals accountable for their behavior.

Yet have any of our corrupted leaders been held accountable for creating this perfect storm of chaos and mediocrity?

No—because it is easier blaming our problems on my work as attorney general rather than exploring their true causes.

Such willful ignorance cannot possibly be good for business. It certainly is not serving Louisiana.

Jeff Landry, attorney general Baton Rouge

philanthropic) welcomed me at first. I had access to people and funds that most people never enjoy. While Rolfe’s editorial focuses on the ALIVE project, it points to a larger problem in Baton Rouge: the fear of change and a resistance to taking risks. Baton Rouge could do more to help keep young people and industry interested in the area. I left after trying for almost a decade to be part of a revolution to bring digital industry to Baton Rouge through LSU’s Center for Computation and Technology (CCT).

Baton Rouge coming ALIVE!

I WAS HAPPY to read Rolfe McCollister’s editorial (It’s time for Baton Rouge to come ALIVE, Rolfe McCollister, September 2022 issue).

While I will always be a Louisiana girl, I am glad to now be living in California.

It was often difficult to live in a place like Baton Rouge that wanted people like me to bring opportunity to the city and region, but then made change very difficult. I was very lucky, people in all the areas of Baton Rouge’s infrastructure (LSU, city, state, business and

The state, LSU and Baton Rouge initially wanted change, but the city and its leaders struggled with investing in long-term plans. Education was our biggest problem. The industries I brought to the table wanted an educated and diverse workforce. We struggled to change their minds in the absence of convincing data. We could promise that we would educate the population, but we could only point to numbers of people in a far adjacent industry (oil and gas) and those numbers were nowhere near what places like Google, Sony, Electronic Arts and Ubisoft were looking for.

Being in such a conservative place that took itself too seriously was another problem. I remember working on a very important project for over a year that would have brought game development to Baton Rouge from the biggest studio in the world. The board of BRADIC told me to go after big fish, yet when I did those same officials treated those big fish with disdain and arrogance. I remember being dismissed from a meeting at the “Big Fish’s” offices in Europe after members of the Louisiana-based team

showed up unprepared for this meeting with a world leader in the field and then acted as though the company should want to come to Louisiana because it’s, well, America. It was dismissive and arrogant. That contact had taken a year to develop and it was squandered in minutes. Baton Rouge had an opportunity to do something in that meeting that would have changed the state and it was treated like they were there pitching a new franchise at the Mall of Louisiana. I was embarrassed and that contact never took another call from me.

I loved what I did at LSU and I loved Baton Rouge. I felt welcomed (at first) and at home. But soon the conservatism and arrogance was doing real damage to my efforts, and eventually to me professionally. When I moved back to Los Angeles in 2012 I noticed that when people talked about politics, or indeed anything even remotely controversial, I became nervous. I realized that I had been editing myself for years in order to fit in. It’s not that Los Angeles doesn’t have a diversity of opinion—hardly. But even among conservatives where I live in the suburbs, there is an expectation that having a multitude of ideas is good for everyone in the end. That was dangerous to do openly in Baton Rouge.

If Baton Rouge is to take its place among the leaders of Southern or national midsized cities it must first take a long, hard look at its practices and attitudes. It must be willing to make 20-, 50- or even 100-year commitments to change the state’s educational attainment—both in educational levels and in diversity of degrees and

areas of specialty. It will have to make investments in content creation and stop looking outside for brilliance—there are educated, talented, capable people right there in Baton Rouge. Support them and they will stay and build infrastructure around their efforts. One need only look at the successes in Austin around SXSW, game development and Robert Rodriguez’s studio to see how this can work.

Perhaps if Baton Rouge were a little more self-reflective on how it sees history, education, diversity, women’s issues, religion, creativity and politics it would be easier to keep people like me (and all the folks in Los Angeles who come to my semi-annual jambalaya and gumbo parties) from leaving in the first place. If you want to change the state, stop looking out, and look in—both at your attitudes and also at the talent that has stayed and committed to making their art and commerce there.

I am grateful for the opportunities I had in Baton Rouge. Those were some of the most formative years of my career. But it came at a great personal and professional price. I encourage the city’s leaders to reconsider their efforts as they think about Rolfe’s editorial.

Build opportunities to support your local creative professionals, and reflect on ways to present the people of Baton Rouge in a way that makes the world sit up and take notice. That will come with education, humility, grace and clarity about the past and the future.

Stacey Simmons Los Angeles, California

IN GOOD COMPANY

This year’s Best Places to Work winners have certain values in common—teamwork, support, unity, collaboration. In this special advertising section, local businesses talk about what makes them unique ... and successful.

ASSURED FLOORING & COUNTERTOPS

FORMED IN February of 2005, the company offered only flooring services at first, but expanded to provide countertop installation and fabrication in 2008. Today, with its custom fabricators and design consultants, Assured Flooring & Countertops enjoys a reputation for combining the beauty of nature and craftsmanship to create exquisite interiors.

AFC has also grown to include 25 employees and multiple locations, including a showroom and a warehouse/fabrication facility. The

company caters to both residential and commercial construction projects, and its granite fabrication facility is currently the largest in the state, producing 7,000 square feet of granite per month.

The company culture promotes teamwork and values its employees. Leaders recognize the team with annual appreciation demonstrations that include bonuses, quarterly team building events, and holiday parties.

Our philosophy centers on continuous improvement, teamwork, transparency and making a difference.

A.C. LEWIS MANAGEMENT

ARTHUR C. LEWIS, III, owner of A. C. Lewis Management, has owned, managed, and built apartment properties since 1969. He has more than 50 years of experience managing multifamily housing, commercial offices, retail leasing, and commercial construction. The company currently manages and operates 21 multi-family properties throughout Louisiana.

Company culture is important at A.C. Lewis Management. The “hands-on” philosophy includes the involvement of senior team members in day-to-day operations. The company believes in hiring qualified professional people of good

character and keeping them happy by respecting and welcoming their input, providing them with progressive technology, and rewarding them with competitive compensation and benefits. New employees are also given opportunities to excel and advance within the company.

Employee recognition takes many forms, including holiday gifts, additional days of paid time off (PTO), an annual retreat, performance awards with plaques and cash prizes, reviews with feedback and pay increases, and Years of Service awards complete with personalized gift baskets and gift cards.

We take great pride in staffing our properties with the best-trained people in the business, and it shows through overall performance and positive feedback.

SCOTT LAW FIRM

James A. Spokes and Paul “Woody” Scott

PAUL “WOODY” Scott founded Scott Law Firm in 2010 on the premise that the legal industry was failing to keep up with what clients expected. He understood that by leveraging technology, he could provide better and more cost-efficient legal services, whether clients were looking for representation in personal injury, criminal defense or immigration cases.

Diversity and inclusion are also important at Scott Law Firm. Woody, who is fluent in Spanish, recognized that the local community included

many Spanish speakers, so he addressed that need. In addition, the staff includes employees from a number of countries, speaking at least five languages. The firm’s mission is to “spark positive transformation” in every community they interact with.

Scott Law Firm is proud of its team and believes that experience matters. Employees are routinely recognized for their dedication, hard work, special achievements and strong job performance.

The company culture focuses on diversity and inclusion, mutual respect, and high-quality representation.

B1 BANK

SINCE BEING FOUNDED in 2006, b1BANK has grown to have more than $5.5 billion in assets across Louisiana and now into Dallas and Houston, Texas. With this growth, so has the b1BANK team grown—and they are proud to give back to the communities they serve through the b1COMMUNITY initiative and the b1FOUNDATION.

b1BANK employees are afforded 16 hours of paid leave per year to volunteer for any non-profit, school, religious organization, or cause they are passionate about through the b1COMMUNITY program.

b1BANK’s commitment to service was reinforced by the establishment of the b1 FOUNDATION, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization with the purpose of promoting entrepreneurship and financial education, and to assist employees in their time of need through an Employee Relief Fund. Through payroll deductions, b1BANKers support each other when they need it the most in unexpected and unavoidable emergencies.

b1BANK prioritizes giving back to the communities that it serves.

ELEVATOR3 was founded to provide honest advice on software needs. Due to demand, it quickly expanded from a side gig to a 16-employee company with two offices. The company offers a unique mix of talented employees who take the time to understand clients’ challenges, and it invests in the team’s development in order to offer the best solutions possible.

Elevator3 has big ambitions and knows every partner and employee becomes part of the story. As a learning organization, it strives to create an atmosphere of trust and transparency.

Employee development and well-being is a priority because, in order to succeed, employees should be fulfilled and excited about their work.

The company makes a habit of recognizing employee accomplishments and demonstrating how their work creates a collaborative culture. This includes regular outings and bonuses for outstanding performance. Annual performance reviews are also conducted, which allows company leaders to recognize employees’ strengths and identify opportunities for growth.

We don’t simply build tools. We create solutions that help our clients stay ahead of the curve as they scale.

BATON ROUGE

IT STARTED as a single office in Chicago and has grown to a publicly traded global organization. Gallagher today has 850 offices in 68 countries, and 39,000 team members with service capabilities in 150-plus countries. It is the only publicly traded firm led by insurance professionals, and one of the few firms that offers a consulting staff of local, national and international caliber.

Fostered through three generations of family leadership, Gallagher’s approach to business has always centered on creating relationship value as true partners with our clients. Your Gallagher

team understands they can make a genuine difference in protecting and supporting your human capital only if they fully engage in your business.

Each quarter, local office leadership takes the time to recognize employee achievements and designates an Employee of the Quarter. An Employee of the Year is selected each year at the company’s annual sales conference. As part of the company culture, employees are routinely recognized and rewarded for their hard work and dedication.

Gallagher boasts a global client base and has been internationally recognized for industry leadership and best practices.

COMPANY NEWS

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate recently announced the affiliation of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Tiger Town based in Baton Rouge, which ex pands the brand’s presence in the state. The firm is owned and op erated by Shannon Andre-Dewey, who established Tiger Town Realty in 2007 after a highly suc cessful career in real estate sales. Andre-Dewey has grown the company to more than 40 agents, placing it among the top 10 per cent of brokerages in the market.

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has unveiled its latest state-of-the-art mobile medi cal unit. This $1 million mobile unit, the organization’s third, was made possible with support from the state of Louisiana. The mobile unit will allow Mary Bird Perkins to offer additional cancer screen ings in communities across 34 parishes and counties in south east Louisiana and southwest Mississippi. Since its inception, the Prevention on the Go pro gram has conducted over 100,000 free cancer screenings and de tected nearly 800 cancers.

APPOINTMENTS MEMBERSHIPS

Stonetrust Workers’ Compensation, a regional mono line workers’ compensation in surance company headquartered in Baton Rouge, is now rated AExcellent by AM Best. The new financial strength rating reflects Stonetrust Insurance Group’s overall balance sheet strength, which is assessed as very strong, while its risk-adjusted capitaliza tion is listed at the strongest level as measured by AM Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio.

AWARDS HONORS

Scott Brakebill and Brandon Landry are being honored by the LSU E.J. Ourso College of Business as 2022 Hall of Distinction inductees. In ad dition, Jaime Glas is this year’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient. Brakebill is the founder of Lagniappe Capital and co-founder of Conversion Partners. Previously, he held po sitions at Morgan Stanley & Co. and Bank of America. Landry is founder and CEO of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. Under Landry’s leadership, Walk-On’s has ex panded from a local favorite to a

national brand, bringing a taste of Louisiana to the rest of the country. Glas, otherwise known as “The Queen of Sparkles,” is founder and owner of Queen of Sparkles, a clothing and accessory brand based in Baton Rouge.

Dr. Dan Godbee, medical director for EBR Emergency Medical Services, has been named Medical Director of the Year by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. Godbee is a mechanical engineer and an emergency physician. As medical director, he is the only physician employed by East Baton Rouge Parish. Godbee rose to the rank of sergeant major in the Army be fore accepting a commission as a physician and working his way up to the rank of colonel. He is a Green Beret with numerous de ployments as both a physician and a Special Forces soldier.

Godbee

Manners of the Heart has been selected by Character.org as 2022 Champion for Character: Parents and Families. Founded in 1993, Character.org empowers people of all ages to practice and model core values that shape hearts, minds and choices. Manners of the Heart has developed differ ent resources for parents, from its heart education curriculum and family workshops to its weekly home connection.

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center recently recognized and presented several awards named after individuals who made meaningful differences in the fight against cancer. These awards honored Bob and Alice Greer; Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips; and Dr. Frederic Billings III. The Greers were the recipients of the Hillar C. Moore Jr. Memorial Outstanding Leadership Award, which recognizes those whose service has made a significant and unique contribution to the center’s philanthropic initia tives. Both cancer survivors, the Greers have spent decades giv ing their time and lending their fundraising abilities to Mary Bird Perkins. The Louis D. Curet Memorial Volunteer Fundraiser

Award was presented to Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips. The award recognizes an individual, organization or foundation that has launched or led a significant philanthropic effort in support of the center. Accepting the award on the law firm’s behalf was Brett Furr, a partner and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Foundation board member. The D. Jensen Holliday Memorial Community Service Award is presented annually to an individual whose vision and dedi cation have made a sustained and measurable difference in the fight against cancer. This year’s award was presented to Dr. Frederic Billings III. A retired medical oncologist, Billings worked at Mary Bird Perkins for more than two decades as a member of Louisiana Hematology Oncology Associates.

Postlethwaite & Netterville was once again named one of the na tion’s top 100 accounting firms by INSIDE Public Accounting. P&N, which came in at No. 66, was the only Louisiana-based firm to make the top 100.

Sanford Roy, Baton Rouge’s Merrill Lynch wealth management financial adviser and senior vice president, was recently named to the Forbes Best-inState Wealth Advisor list. Roy has been a wealth management ad viser with Merrill Lynch since 1998 and holds the certified in vestment management analyst certification, having completed his coursework at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He serves wealthy individuals and families, business owners and nonprofits.

Roy

YOUR BUSINESS COMPANY NEWS Kristi Thornhill of Neighbors FCU is the recipient of the 2022 Emerging Leader Award pre sented by the Louisiana Credit Union League. The award rec ognizes the achievements of exceptional individuals who con sistently integrate themselves into the industry through devel opment, service and engagement. Thornhill was recognized for successfully launching and man aging the Neighbors FCU virtual teller center from the ground up.

APPOINTMENTS MEMBERSHIPS

The Baton Rouge Alliance for Students announced the 202223 class of Changemakers. Over the next 10 months, program participants will deepen their understanding of Baton Rouge’s education ecosystem through ex posure to current and future is sues impacting education in our community. The cohort includes Jason Andreasen, Dr. Kimberly Bainguel, State Rep. Vanessa

Caston LaFleur, Richard Davis Jr., Tonnisha Ellis, Breianna Gage, Marlin Glenn, Jennifer Gomez, Alexandra Hamblen, Erin Harnsongkram, Lauren Hebert-Henderson, Johnathan Hill, Joseph Hollins, Raushanah Hunter, Travis Hutchins, Jasmin Johnson, Anthony Kimble, Mikki Mathews, Andree Miller, Kaleb Moore, Alyssa Panepinto, Steven Procopio, Kristi Richardson, Nathaniel Rust, Dana Salisbury,

David “Shea” Vela-Vick, Jesse Watson, Heidi Wendt, Natasha Whitton and Claire Willis.

Denise Dugas, senior director of behavioral and mental health at Our Lady of the Lake Health, has been elected to the Capital Area United Way Community Impact Cabinet. As an at-large member of the cabinet, Dugas will help drive decisions and rec ommendations related to direct

client service, grant-making, and advocacy work within the focus areas of education, income stabil ity, health and basic needs. Dugas has more than 30 years of experi ence as a health care leader, with the past 26 years as a senior-level executive working in large in tegrated health care organiza tions and freestanding behavioral health facilities. Throughout her career, she has been a strong ad vocate for the behavioral health

WELCOME BACK!

Amedisys is proud to be welcomed back to the Best Places to Work in Baton Rouge for the second consecutive year.

Thank you to our people who call Baton Rouge home.

Hillar C. Moore Jr. Memorial Outstanding Leadership Award

The Louis D. Curet Memorial Volunteer Fundraiser AwardThe D. Jensen Holliday Memorial Community Service Award

population and behavioral health providers alike.

The East Baton Rouge Parish School System has earned an Association of Energy Engineers International Award this year for its role in energy management and cost reduc tion. The Association of Energy Engineers recognizes pub lic-sector institutions, agencies, and organizations for outstand ing accomplishments in devel oping, organizing, managing and implementing compre hensive energy management programs. The EBRPSS energy management team developed a comprehensive energy program covering 6.5 million square feet on 95 campuses. The team’s goal was to manage energy and water utilities and engage and ed ucate all stakeholders to modify inefficient behaviors.

Jill Kidder, president and CEO of Visit Baton Rouge, has been announced as chair of the Southeast Tourism Society’s

board of directors for a one-year term effective Sept. 10. She will serve alongside various tourism professionals and leaders in the industry from the Southeast re gion of the country. Kidder previ ously served as the organization’s vice chair.

NONPROFITS

Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocates Association recently welcomed 17 individu als who were officially sworn in as CASA volunteers by Juvenile Court Judge Adam Haney. Each volunteer will be appointed to advocate for the best interests of

an abused child. The new ad vocates were sworn in follow ing a 32-hour training course, which prepares the volun teers for their advocacy work. Once assigned to cases, the volunteers will work to help abused and neglected chil dren reach safe homes with forever families.

Forum 225 has announced that its biannual fundraiser, Uncorked, will be Oct. 25, with a portion of proceeds benefitting Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge, a nonprofit resource center supporting individu als with physical, cognitive, mental, emotional or be havioral disabilities. The fall Uncorked theme, A Night of Noir, blends elegant with spooky, allowing attendees to celebrate the Halloween season in style and enjoy the pinot noir varietal. To register for the event or for more information, please visit the event page on Forum 225’s web site.

TRICHELL LAW FIRM ENTERING 5TH YEAR

Thanks to its old-school work ethic, cutting-edge approach to client representation, and loyal following on social media, TLF has become Baton Rouge’s most popular boutique law firm. Headquartered in a 100-year-old house turned office, this underdog-branded plaintiff’s firm has established itself as a major player since opening in 2018. Specialties include tort law, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, severe vehicular crashes, and pro bono civil rights cases. Founder Chase Trichell thanks the Capital City for its support and looks forward to many more years of plaintiff advocacy through creative civil litigation.

Despite appearances on programs such as Good Morning America, Dr. Oz, and CBS News, Trichell is most honored to have personally represented more than 300 individuals since founding TLF

Attorney Chase Trichell

Issue Date: October 2022 Ad 1 proof #2 • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hours from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees. Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2022. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329 225.500.0900 | trichellfirm.com trichellfirm | peopleslawyer chase@trichellfirm.com Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocates Association

21st Century Learning: Top performing schools choose classroom furniture to improve student performance

Every student learns differently. With a col lective of personalities, classroom furniture can impact high performing students from a young age. Furniture in classrooms are not only an intricate part of the environ ment, but also a tool within classrooms.

By utilizing the right furniture, teachers are able to increase student collaboration, focus, involvement, engagement, feedback, and stimulation. Ultimately, the right desks, chairs and tables can help teachers develop their students into proactive learners.

In Baton Rouge, Frost-Barber opened the largest educational furniture showroom in the state to help educators make the best decisions for their environments. There, Education Specialists help schools and institutions create effective active learning environments that meet the evolving needs of students.

CLASSROOM CONSIDERATIONS

Every learning environment, whether it’s a school, university or office, requires an ergo nomic touch. This ensures the environment supports learning by keeping students focused and comfortable. For example, flexible ergo nomic chairs will support the body’s natural movement and varying postures. When eval uating school furniture, it’s important to keep ergonomic principles in mind. Children need to be able to fidget, while still staying focused. Frost-Barber has furniture to address that need.

Classrooms are becoming more dynamic and engaging. Correctly designed classroom fur niture is an essential factor in the normal de velopment of all student abilities. Studies show that students using incorrectly sized furniture experienced higher levels of back pain, directly

affecting their ability to excel in the classroom.

Flexible classroom furniture will ensure classrooms are adaptable. Moreover, students from all levels will be able to utilize one room. The key to flexible, mobile classroom furniture is lightweight adjustability—giving classes the opportunity to transition their furniture to meet the needs of students. Additionally, adjustable furniture allows schools to purchase one set of furniture for all sizes of students, thus saving money in the long run.

Designed to demonstrate the very best prod ucts available in today’s market, Frost-Barber’s Baton Rouge showrooms let you experience the latest in architectural products, furniture solutions, and technology available. Please call to schedule a showroom visit at 9322 Interline Avenue or visit frost-barber.com to learn more.

SPONSORED BY:

BANKING & FINANCE

Veteran local banker Amy Province has been elevated to serve as Regions Bank’s mar ket executive for Baton Rouge and surrounding communities. She will collaborate with lead ers from Regions’ various busi ness groups to help their teams deliver Regions360, the bank’s comprehensive approach to meeting customers’ needs. In addition, Province will guide the collaboration of colleagues and community members to ad vance the bank’s community en gagement initiatives throughout the area. Province will continue serving as senior vice president and commercial banking rela tionship manager for business clients throughout the area.

Toni Singleton was recently hired by Investar Bank as a commercial relationship man ager in the Baton Rouge region. Singleton has 36 years of expe rience in managing business client relationships. Previously, she had an extensive career with Hancock Whitney and the for mer City National Bank.

COMMUNICATIONS

Trey Schmaltz has been ap pointed WBRZ general manager. Schmaltz, a Louisiana native and 12-year station veteran, has spent the last year and a half as WBRZ’s news director. He replaces Rocky Daboval, who announced his retirement in August.

EDUCATION

Adam McCloskey has been named director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at LSU. His areas of cli ent concentration include busi ness valuation, acquisitions, industry benchmarking, cash flow management and advertis ing. He previously served as the

SBDC associate director for the Fort Walton Beach and Panama City, Florida, offices, where he won the SBDC’s top consul tant award—the Florida SBDC Network State Star. His prior experience also includes a suc cessful media career, in which he launched a sports talk station in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

HEALTH CARE

Terri Hicks is the new chief executive officer of The Spine Hospital of Louisiana, at the NeuroMedical Center. Hicks was selected following a com prehensive national search led by the hospital’s board of di rectors. She brings more than 30 years of senior health care administration and operations to the role. Hicks was the CFO/ COO at P&S Surgical Hospital in Monroe, while also overseeing management of a second surgi cal hospital in the Monroe area. In her most recent position, she served as CFO for St. Francis Medical Center.

Dr. Victor Lin has joined Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center to oversee its expanded clin ical research program and genetic services clinic for pa tients across the region. Lin was previously an assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology. He has also joined Louisiana Hematology Oncology Associates, providing care to pa tients, particularly with clinical trials and genetics needs. His major clinical interests include precision oncology and molecu larly targeted therapies, thoracic oncology, and sarcoma.

Registered nurses Tammy Melito and Michele Carr have been appointed by Seaside Health System of Baton Rouge

as director of nursing and as sistant director of nursing, re spectively. Both Melito and Carr assumed their positions after years of service with the Seaside Healthcare System. Melito’s ca reer in nursing spans three de cades, and Carr has more than 22 years of experience in health care.

After a national search, Charles “Chuck” Spicer Jr. has been named president of Our Lady of the Lake Health and will lead the Baton Rouge market for the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Most recently, Spicer served as pres ident and CEO of OU Medicine in Oklahoma City, where he helped lead the transition to the newly formed not-for-profit OU Medicine Health System in 2018.

NONPROFITS

Charmel Gaulden is the new CEO and president of Foundation for Louisiana. Gaulden’s visionary leadership, deep knowledge and varied ex perience have already led to increased organizational ca pacity and improved outcomes during her time as the founda tion’s chief operating officer. She brings more than 15 years of philanthropic leadership, non profit administration, program design and strategic advocacy to her new role. She is known across the region for her inno vative grant-making and lead ership in criminal legal system reform. As a civil rights attorney, she achieved landmark wins in volving fair housing and support for survivors of domestic vio lence and continues to act as a convenor across sectors.

Christina Melton has been hired by Knock Knock Children’s Museum as executive direc tor. She has 30 years of expe rience in public-sector senior

management and broadcasting operations, as well as success in private-sector marketing, corporate communications and community outreach. She leaves Emergent Method, where she was serving as a market ing and communications exec utive. Before joining Emergent Method, Melton served as deputy director and longtime special projects director of Louisiana Public Broadcasting.

Anna Schwab has been named executive director for Of Moving Colors Productions. The Baton Rouge native previously worked as a dance educator for East Baton Rouge Parish Schools and served as director of finance for the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. Prior to that, she was an assistant to the devel opment director at Manship Theatre. Her arts administration experience includes grant writ ing, strategic planning and pub lic relations.

REAL ESTATE

Bryan Bresler has been named vice president and COO of CST Multifamily Real Estate Services and vice pres ident and COO of CST Land Developers. Bresler has served CST Land Developers for sev eral years on four major afford able housing developments in the Capital Region: Morningside at Juban Lakes, a $21 million senior housing development; The Reserve at Juban Lakes, a $23 million multifamily devel opment; The Reserve at Howell Place, a $71 million multifamily development now under con struction in north Baton Rouge; and The Reserve at Joor Place, a $93 million multifamily devel opment scheduled for closing in December 2022.

AMY PROVINCE Regions Bank

TONI SINGLETON Investar Bank

TREY SCHMALTZ WBRZ

ADAM MCCLOSKEY LSU

TERRI HICKS

The Spine Hospital of Louisiana

DR. VICTOR LIN Mary Bird Perkins

TAMMY MELITO Seaside Health System

MICHELE CARR Seaside Health System

RESEARCH

Garvin Pittman has joined The Water Institute as a senior project manager working on carbon sequestration and blue carbon projects. Pittman’s ex perience includes a wide range of coastal restoration and pro tection projects and programs

including construction man agement and development of restoration plans. Pittman is a certified project manage ment professional and cur rently serves as board chair for the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, where he has been a board member since 2019.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

This statement of ownership, management and circulation is being made pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3685.

The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report (publication number 721890) is published 14 issues per year by Melara Enterprises LLC, 9029 Jefferson Hwy., Suite 300, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. Annual subscription price is $96.00. The mailing address of The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report is 9029 Jefferson Hwy., Suite 300, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.

The publisher of The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report is Julio Melara. The Associate Publisher, Executive Editor is J.R. Ball. The Managing Editor is Allan Schilling. The mailing address for all is 9029 Jefferson Hwy., Suite 300, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.

The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report is owned by Melara Enterprises LLC. Principal stockholders in Melara Enterprises LLC are Julio Melara, Hillary Melara, Jonathan Melara, Jordan Melara and Manuel Fajardo, Jr.

The mailing address for all stockholders is 9029 Jefferson Hwy., Suite 300, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.

Information on the extent and nature of The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report’s circulation is included in the accompanying chart.

*Average †Actual

Total Paid and/or requested Circulation 5,610 5,416

Tot al targeted Complimentary Distribution 3,700 3,236

Total Distribution 9,310 8,652

Copies not distributed 562 383

Total Number of Copies 9,872 9,035

*Average of each issue during preceding 12 months †Actual number of copies of single issues nearest to filing date

BUSINESS HALL OF FAME LAUREATE

BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR

YOUNG BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR

COMPANY OF THE YEAR

100 or more employees

COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Less than 100 employees

To submit nominations online, visit businessreport.com/events

Deadline is Friday, November 4, 2022

CHARLES

CHARMEL

ANNA SCHWAB Of Moving Colors Productions

BRYAN BRESLER CST Multifamily Real Estate Services/CST Land Developers

the Baton Rouge Best Dressed Ball raised $1,489,100 toward local and national cancer efforts!

$138,500 was donated to our Access to Care Program giving patients the opportunity to have access to lodging and transportation during treatment.

$260,000 was donated to the Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge in New Orleans, Louisiana, giving patients a free place to stay while undergoing treatment.

$1,091,100 was donated to the overall efforts of the American Cancer Society.

The American Cancer Society is currently funding two grants in Louisiana for $812,000:

•Loyola University New Orleans Dallas Lawry, BSN, RN | $20,000

•Tulane University Michael Hoerger, PhD | $792,000

Eye Wander Photography

THE YEAR: 2003

Encouraged by Acadiana’s then-successful Louisiana IceGators hockey franchise, an East Coast Hockey League team in Erie, Pennsylvania, decided to make Baton Rouge its new home in 1996. Though never as popular as the IceGators, Baton Rouge’s Kingfish franchise initially averaged a little more than 6,000 fans per game and earned upward of $1 million in each of the team’s first three years. But the Pennsylvania owners’ tactics—refusing to discount season tickets and demanding more and offering less to corporate partners—eventually took its toll and the franchise was put up for sale in 2001. Local businessman Scott Bolduc bought the failing franchise to save it from bankruptcy, but his aggressive style also took its toll on the Kingfish, and the team moved to Canada in 2003.

COMING SOON

NOVEMBER 2022

40 under 40 Awards Issue

List: Law Firms and Convention & Meeting Facilities

Special Advertising Section: Legal Guide + Insights for Business

DECEMBER 2022

List: Banks, Credit Unions & SBA Lenders

Special Advertising Section: Your Money

“POOR ATTENDANCE and few corporate dollars are the deadliest combination in professional sports, as evidenced by the Kingfish losing more than $2 million since Scott Bolduc purchased the team. The on-ice losses, Bolduc says, were expected, but the community’s cold shoulder, especially from corporate leaders, has stunned him. To hear Bolduc tell it, everyone except Bolduc is responsible for the mess that is the Kingfish franchise. ‘People in this community who could have helped me have turned their back on this team,’ said Bolduc, anger rising in his voice. ‘I didn’t do anything to these people. If people in this town expect me to kiss their ass they’re wrong. I don’t kiss anybody’s ass.’”

—From the March 4, 2003, issue of Business Report

THAT ISSUE

DECEMBER 2022

BOOK OF LISTS 2023

The Ultimate Business Tool

GETTING AROUND: Business Report’s Mukul Verma takes a ride on the newly released and highly coveted Segway scooter.

LICKING ITS CHOPS: Proposed Wal-Mart for College Drive will threaten two local Albertsons stores.

Calvin Mills Jr.

FOUNDER AND CEO, HELPIT INC.

“I’ve been playing golf since I was 7 years old. I received my first driver and a set of clubs from Calvin Peete, the most successful African American to compete on the PGA Tour before Tiger Woods, after he won tournaments in New Orleans.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLLIN RICHIE