Upper Lafayette On The Move Letter from the President, David Welch Thank you for being a member of our foundation and welcome to another exciting year for your organization; we have great expectations that 2014 will be as productive and successful as 2013.
Upcoming Events “Honoring Upper Lafayette Success” Jan. 22, 2014 Holiday Inn 2032 NE Evangeline Thruway 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. “Philanthropist of the Year” Mar. 19, 2014 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Last year, we developed a strategic plan to focus upon education, infrastructure and the promotion of our members’ businesses. To promote our businesses, we held eight meetings on topics such as real estate development, commercial banking and the economy. We produced David Welch, 20 original television shows on topics of strategic importance to the community. We held luncheons recognizing outstanding businesses and Stone Energy individuals for their success and community service. Finally, we produced the “Quest for the Best” personal growth seminar featuring Reggie Dupre, Red Lerille and Elise Bouchner. We look forward to seeing everyone at our first luncheon meeting on January 22nd when we will recognize Richard Zuschlag and Acadian Ambulance for business successes and contribution to bettering our community. Our work in education included membership in LAPESC, the Lafayette Public Education Stakeholders Group, with a mission to achieve a 95% high school graduation rate in the parish within six years. Our executive director, Jan Swift, will be vice-chair of LaPESC in 2014. Upper Lafayette members have also contributed directly to the successes achieved at Northside High School and NP Moss Middle School. They are making great academic strides and both have received a beautification face lift which has instilled a sense of pride and accomplishment in students and faculty. Enfranchising our full community with educational skills is a win-win proposition. The individual, the economy and the community all win when children learn and gain useful skills. Our work on infrastructure focused upon renewing interest in frontage roads along the Interstate highways, completing I-49 South, and promotion of safety enhancing roundabouts throughout our area. Upper Lafayette saw the addition of several new subdivisions, including Couret Farms which will be home to the area’s first Charter school, which will result in increased traffic in the area. We will continue our focus on infrastructure issues in 2014.
ULEDF Board of Directors & Staff
Upper Lafayette Success Stories Event
David Welch, President Cherie Hebert, Vice President Todd Citron, Sec./Treas. Adrian Baudoin Julie Dronet Don Dupuis Brenda Foulcard Ed Krampe Donna Landry Kirk LaCour Beau Phares Dwight “Bo” Ramsay Herbert Schilling Bryan Tabor Jerry Vascocu Monty Warren Jan Swift, Director Lauren Rabalais, Communications
Please mark your calendar for our fourth annual “Honoring Upper Lafayette Success Stories” event to be held Wednesday, January 22, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the former Holiday Inn, now the Ramada Inn, 2032 NE Evangeline Thruway in Lafayette. We will honor the incredible success of Richard Zuschlag and Acadian Companies, and swear in Upper Lafayette’s 2014 Board of Directors. We are adding a new celebration to our January meeting where we will honor long term employees or those team members who you believe have contributed to your company’s success. This event will be a wonderful way to kick off another great year!
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Tickets are $35 each, or a table for eight for eight may be reserved for $300. Please contact lauren@upperlafayette.com or call (337)769-7649 for more information. Registration may be made online at www. upperlafayette.com/events, or you may mail payment to ULEDF, P. O. Box 53107, Lafayette LA 70505. Special thanks to our sponsor, The Louisiana Campaign For Tobacco Free Living!
January 2014
www.upperlafayette.com Printed by Lafayette Economic Development Authority
John Paul the Great Academy
Driving through the beautiful entrance of John Paul the Great Academy at 1522 Carmel Drive in Lafayette is a wonderful treat for first time visitors, as well as the growing group of supporters and families who call the campus home. The first impression is overwhelming and always reminds one that there is no greater artist than God: the entry drive presents a stately row of seasoned oak trees that beckon all to stop and pay homage to the myriad of Religious statues, a prayer grotto, and 32 acres of lush land dedicated to the Catholic education of students, ages Pre-K 3 through 12th grade. Peter Fletcher, John Paul the Great’s Headmaster, took us on a tour of the campus during the 2013 holiday season. The magnificent building, built in the late 1920s and purchased from the Christian Brothers, has newly renovated classrooms, a 24 hour perpetual adoration Chapel, and rolling hills where the 220 students can spend their recess periods winding down Peter Fletcher between their rigorous classes. Headmaster A wonderful landscape awaits students and their parents who are looking for an education that offers safe and rigorous Catholic instruction and small class sizes which allow for personal instruction.
foundation of knowledge and reason. The school not only aspires to teach children to read and write, but also to love their fellow man. In doing so, John Paul the Great Academy prepares students for the future and also for eternity. In keeping with these educational standards, John Paul the Great Academy requires that each student participate in Speech and Debate for at least one year in order to prepare each for the challenges we all face as adults to stand and express our reasoned opinions. Acknowledging that well rounded students are the best citizens, the campus also proudly boasts championship titles in football, soccer, and volleyball. Upper Lafayette is grateful for our loyal member, John Paul the Great Academy as well as its Headmaster, Peter Fletcher, for enriching our community and supporting our foundation. For further information, please call (337)889-5345 or visit http://www.jpgacademy.org
John Paul the Great Academy provides each student with a traditional Catholic education providing a firm
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January 2014
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Spotlight on Mary Matthews Morrison Upper Lafayette is pleased to welcome Mary Matthews Morrison as chair of our newly formed Citizens Advisory Council. Mary has been married to Scott Mayor Purvis Morrison for 33 years, and they have three children: Shanea’, Shelly and Shawn. She is a graduate of Erath High School and the University of Phoenix with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration in 2004, and is Mary Matthews Morrison, currently working on Student Success Advisor, SLCC a Master’s Degree in & Education. Mary is First Lady of Scott employed at South Louisiana Community College, where she serves as Student Success Advisor. As the First Lady of Scott, LA, Mary works with the residents of Scott along with Purvis. She has been active in the community for many years, having served on the City-Parish Council representing District 1 and the first African American female to serve in this capacity.
Jan Swift interviewing Mary Morrison on Upper Lafayette on the Move, January 2014 Mary has volunteered at Westside Elementary as a United Way Reader. She has been a member of the National Association of University Women for seven years, holding the office of First Vice President and was awarded “A Tribute to Excellence Award” in 2010. She has been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for the past seven years and is an active member of the Lafayette League of Women Voters. Mary is a Eucharistic Minister at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church in Scott and is active on many committees of her church. She is a member of the Louisiana Association of Business Educators and American Health Information Management Association. She has worked with unwed mothers encouraging them to continue their education so that they will become self-sufficient. Mary is a Nationally Certified Medical Insurance and Coding Specialist. She is a graduate of Leadership Lafayette, class XXV and serves on the Board of the Leadership Institute of Acadiana. With her excellent people skills and constant efforts to improve our community, Mary is an excellent choice to chair our Citizen’s Advisory Council. This committee is charged with networking of ideas that will benefit Upper Lafayette Parish, as well as reaching out to community groups and individuals who would like to know more about Upper Lafayette’s mission to promote our wonderful community. Thank you Mary for your kind and generous spirit and willingness to serve!
Mayor Purvis Morrison with Mary Morrison, and family, Shanea' Morrison Nelson, Terry Nelson Jr. , Shelly Morrison & Shawn Morrison at the Wedding of Shanae’ and Terry Nelson on October 25, 2013, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Scott
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January 2014
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Upper Lafayette Celebrates the Holidays at Cajun Harley-Davidson We had a great time celebrating the holiday season with our members and guests at the warm, rustic and inviting Cajun Harley-Davidson dealership in Scott on Wednesday, December 11, 2013. Everyone enjoyed seeing the vast array of bikes and Harley-Davidson accessories on the sidelines of the social. The social is one of our favorite events to plan and host each year simply because we love having the time to visit with our wonderful members and guests. Many thanks to the Hebert Family for opening up the dealership after hours for this event, as well as to Schilling Distributing Company, Republic National Distributing Company, Jolie's Louisiana Bistro, and the Petroleum Club of Lafayette for their generous donations.
Angela and Curtis Morrison
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Gene, Phyllis and Ross Walters
January 2014
Brandon Hyde with Charlotte Leonards
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Upper Lafayette Celebrates the Holidays at Cajun Harley-Davidson
Kelly Raaz, LUS, interviewing Adrian Baudoin
Taking off for FoodNet Food Drive at the Cajundome
Rob Eddy with Cathie Gilbert and Melanie Bordelon
Adrian Baudoin, Dwight Prudhomme, A.J. Hebert and Geoffrey Hebert
Jan Swift, Adrian Baudoin, Jim Craft and Julie Calzone
Paul Molbert and Buck Leonards
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January 2014
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Upper Lafayette Recognizes Loyal Member: Grover Dunphy When we think of loyal members who selflessly support our foundation without asking for anything in return, Grover Dunphy, owner of Acadiana Rubber & Gasket comes foremost to mind. When we think of those individuals who work to improve our community’s safety and infrastructure, Grover Dunphy again comes to mind. Upon reflection of the many valued and kind supporters who make our work possible, we could not think of a better friend and business person to highlight in our January 2014 edition of Upper Lafayette on the Move than Grover Dunphy! Grover incorporated Acadiana Rubber & Gasket in 1974, and has been working since then at his location at 102 E. Simcoe in Lafayette servicing Industrial and Oilfield accounts for all of their hose, gasket and other rubber product needs. As the oil sector has grown throughout Acadiana and beyond, Acadiana Rubber & Gasket has grown to fulfill the critical needs of this all important segment of our local economy. Grover has also played an important role in his industry on the national level, serving as president of the consortium of 64 companies known as the Rubber and Gasket Companies of America. Recognizing the importance of citizen involvement in making our community safer and easier to navigate, Grover also has served as City-Parish Council District 7 Appointee on the Citizen Advisory Committee in recent years.
Grover Dunphy with Jan Swift during a meeting at Acadiana Rubber and Gasket in December 2013.
No article on Grover would be complete without mentioning his avid support of our local Louisiana sports teams. UL – Lafayette and LSU football are both lucky to have Grover promoting his beloved teams. His love of sports permeates any conversation, and let’s face it, he reminds us all of how much our lives revolve around the fun and camaraderie found at any football game! Grover is also a wizard in creating delicious snacks, specializing in a sumptuous cheese crisp that he is considering offering on the retail market. Upper Lafayette is proud and honored to have Grover Dunphy and Acadiana Rubber & Gasket as a loyal member. Thank you Grover, as well as your team at Acadiana Rubber & Gasket, for your encouragement and generous financial commitment to support Upper Lafayette’s mission to make our community one in which we may all be proud. For more information on Acadiana Rubber & Gasket, please visit http://www.acadianarubber.com or call 337.233.1614.
Grover Dunphy with Jill Merkl, Monty Warren, and Kenray Landry at an Upper Lafayette Member Social.
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January 2014
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Congratulations to the 2014 Upper Lafayette Board of Directors
David Welch, President President and CEO, Stone Energy
Cherie Hebert, Vice President Partner/Brand Strategist, BBR Creative
Todd Citron, Sec./Treas. General Manager, Hub City Ford
Adrian Baudoin VP Business Development, Acadiana Computer Systems
Julie Simon-Dronet, Executive Director of Operations, Cox Communications
Don Dupuis Chief Executive Officer, Acadiana Computer Systems
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January 2014
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Congratulations to the 2014 Upper Lafayette Board of Directors
Brenda Foulcard Executive Director, SMILE
Ed Krampe Owner, McDonald’s of Acadiana
Donna Landry VP Corporate Development, Our Lady of Lourdes Volume 61 Page 8
Kirk LaCour Director, National EMS Academy
Beau Phares Commercial Lender, Midsouth Bank
January 2014
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Congratulations to the 2014 Upper Lafayette Board of Directors
Dwight “Bo� Ramsay CFO & Chairman of the Board, Aries Marine
Herbert Schilling President and Chairman, Schilling Distributing
Jerry Vascocu President - Lafayette Market, IberiaBank Volume 61 Page 9
Bryan Tabor President, Ace Plumbing, Inc.
Monty Warren Vice President & Partner, Beau Box Commercial Real Estate
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Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation Mission Statement “Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation is an association of proactive individuals and business leaders joined together to be a catalyst for change. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance and direct the positive, planned growth of Upper Lafayette, focusing on quality of life, while participating in the overall development of the Greater Lafayette Metropolitan Area.” For membership information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Jan Swift at jan@upperlafayette.com or 337-769-7649
Special Thanks to our Supporters Platinum Members Acadian Companies Acadiana Computer Systems, Inc. Aries Marine Corporation ASH/Badger Oil Company Couret Farms Cox Communications Delta Media Home Furniture Hub City Ford IberiaBank Lafayette General Medical Center McDonald’s of Acadiana MidSouth Bank Our Lady of Lourdes Republic National Distributing Company Schilling Distributing Company Stone Energy Corporation Whitney National Bank
Gold Members Acadiana Rubber & Gasket Atmos Energy Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Dupre’ Logistics, LLC Fenstermaker & Associates Home Bank Omni Energy Services Pixus Digital Printing The Southwest Group Tobacco Free Living
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Silver Members Ace Plumbing, Inc. Arsement Machine and Supply, Inc. BBR Creative Cajun Harley Davidson Coburn’s Supply Company Edward Jones/Bob Crist Excelerant Guidry’s Uniforms Master Builders & Specialists, Inc. Oakbourne Country Club Opelousas General Health System Rader Solutions Shelf Energy, LLC SLEMCO Stella Maris Stirling Properties Total Pump and Supply, LLC Walters Funeral Home
Bronze Members Acadiana C.A.R.E.S. Acadiana Symphony Orchestra Advancial Federal Credit Union Anytime Fitness Upper Lafayette Aspen Clinic Associated Travel Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana Jean C. Breaux, Jr. & Associates Breaux’s Mart Bridge Ministry of Acadiana, Inc. Community Foundation of Acadiana Crawdaddy’s On-Site Catering Dale Carnegie-The Winner Institute Davis Property Management Derek Development Corp., LLC Joey Durel Drury Inn & Suites Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Lynn Guidry, Architect John Paul The Great Academy Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission
January 2014
Bronze Members Lee Verret/State Farm Insurance Agency Lowry’s Printing and Copying Flo Meadows, Coldwell Banker Melancon I-49 Storage Center Petroleum Club Ron J. Gaubert Realtors W. W. Rucks, III Sarah Schoeffler Schools of the Sacred Heart SMILE John Swift Sylvan Learning Center Teche Electric Supply, LLC Dr. Brent Jason Toups, LLC Terry J. Rogers, Ltd. Valerie Gotch Garrett, APLC WorldPay
Sponsors PLATINUM IberiaBank Lafayette Airport Commission LEDA Schilling Distributing Company Stone Energy GOLD Acadiana Computer Systems AT&T Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Excelerant Hub City Ford LOGA LUS Fiber McDonald’s of Acadiana Place de Lafayette Rader Solutions Tobacco Free Living SILVER Acadian Companies Advancial Federal Credit Union BRONZE City of Carencro City of Scott
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