Upper Lafayette On The Move www.upperlafayette.com March 2015 Volume 75
One person can make a difference and everyone should try. - John F. Kennedy
Printed by Lafayette Economic Development Authority
Published by
Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation
Printed by
Lafayette Economic Development Authority
Board of Directors
Monty Warren, President Cherie Hebert, Vice President Todd Citron, Secretary/ Treasurer David Welch, Immediate Past President Adrian Baudoin Julie Dronet Brenda Foulcard Donna Landry Kirk LaCour Beau Phares Bryan Tabor Jerry Vascocu
Honorary Advisory Board Don Dupuis Ed Krampe Dwight “Bo” Ramsay Herbert Schilling
Staff
Jan Swift, Executive Director Elsa Dimitriadis, Communications Director/ Executive Assistant
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.
Mailing Address P.O. Box 53107 Lafayette, LA 70505
On the Web
www.upperlafayette.com
For membership information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Jan Swift at jan@upperlafayette.com.
Volume 75 • March 2015 • www.upperlafayette.com
A Letter from the Executive Director This month Upper Lafayette is proudly focusing on Philanthropy in Action. Not only will our March 18th meeting celebrate the many ways our members give back to the community through their charitable actions, but we encourage you individually to think about what you, your family and business do to make a difference in the lives of others. I’ll bet that when you take a moment and reflect upon this, you will be amazed at how many ways your life positively impacts others. I had the opportunity in late February to attend the Go Red Luncheon for Women put on by our local chapter of the American Heart Association. This charitable fundraising event was filled with hundreds of people, all celebrating and supporting the importance of taking care of our hearts and taking control of our health outcomes. Heart disease is the #1 killer of women and it is a silent disease in many cases, striking unannounced and taking way too many victims. It was poignant at the luncheon to hear the story of our friend and past Upper Lafayette guest speaker, former La. Chief Justice Kitty Kimball, who spoke of her own challenges associated with a debilitating stroke that occurred in 2010, and how it changed her life forever. A special treat, however, was seeing that two of our own members, Shelia Thibodeaux of IberiaBank and Judy Briscoe of Home Bank, Jan Swift, Executive Director had accepted the “Go Red Challenge” to improve their health. Not only did they both look beautiful in red, but they radiated the confidence earned when you know you have accomplished a goal that is both meaningful and life changing. Seeing their happy faces motivated me to write this letter to you – so please join me in congratulating Shelia and Judy next time you see them! And realize that not only did they help themselves, but they are helping others by serving as examples of radiant heart health. For more information, please visit www.goredforwomen.org.
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Dr. Koll (center) completes Rock-n-Roll half marathon in New Orleans, two years post injury
Dr. Monique Koll Advocates and Inspires on Behalf of Vulnerable Road Users Jan Swift recently had the pleasure of chatting with the executive director of BikeLafayette, Dr. Monique Koll, for a segment of Upper Lafayette’s On the Move. A woman determined to make a difference in her community, Koll’s message is one of not only safety, but inspiration and generosity. In October of 2012, Koll was training for a triathalon she intended to complete to commemorate her thirty-fifth birthday. Riding her bicycle on Fieldspan Road in Duson, she was hit by an unregistered, unlicensed driver. As she quips, she broke his windshield, and he broke her back. Monique awoke eight days later, partially paralyzed, spending the first two weeks in a Lafayette hospital and the following two months at Touro Infirmary Hospital in New Orleans.
opportunities to give back to her community. Recently appointed the executive director of BikeLafayette, Koll is an advocate for “complete streets,” an approach to city planning that takes into account all forms of transportation, including pedestrians, people with disabilities, cyclists and mass transit. She explains that sometimes those changes take time and are expensive, but sometimes they are just a matter of “restriping” as was recently completed on St. Landry and St. Mary streets in Lafayette. As our city is one of the fastest growing in the nation, Koll is excited that Lafayette is leading the state with bicycle planning, saying, “We need to use our streets more efficiently. More people doesn’t necessarily have to mean more cars.”
A local veterinarian and single mother, Koll’s life had changed dramatically. Initially needing a wheelchair and then progressing to a walker and cane, several things quickly became clear: the Acadian community is overwhelmingly supportive and people with disabilities have a hard time logistically getting around Lafayette. Due to comprimised hand strength, Koll is currently unable to return to veterinary medicine, but has sought
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BikeLafayette is Acadiana’s bicycle advocacy organization promoting bicycle safety, awareness and education in our area. Koll reminds us that this organization needs the community’s financial support in order to achieve its mission, as it only currently has funds to employ one part time employee: herself. With limited funds, but many dedicated members, BikeLafayette advocates and is involved in policy making, hosts events such as the upcoming Ride for Rox 2015, and organizes volunteer opportunities for the community. Current laws and tips for the road can also be found on their easy-to-navigate website, bikelafayette.org. Dr. Koll is excited about the how open to citizen input the planners of Lafayette’s future are, as recently seen during the PlanLafayette Week. She points out that the only thing that has shown to decrease accidents in a city is to increase the number of cyclists and vulnerable road users, and is encouraged by the Lafayette’s growth in this area. Koll has allowed her life changing accident to be an impetus for community advocacy and inspiration. She is available to speak to groups and you can learn more about her message at moniquekoll.blogspot.com.
PlanLafayette Hosts Series of Events to Highlight Comprehensive Plan PlanLafayette hosted a series of events, sessions and workshops in from February 4 – 11, 2015, to serve as a catalyst for ideas and provide updates on progress being made on Lafayette’s 20-year comprehensive plan which was officially adopted in July 2014. The comprehensive plan includes criteria for enhancing use of our streets for more than just cars, improving Lafayette’s zoning code as well as rezoning certain areas to encourage more flexible development and use of space, and revitalizing key neighborhoods. PlanLafayette Week wrapped up with City-Parish President Joey Durel’s State of the Parish Address where he pitched the need for revitalization of downtown. Durel focused upon the need for residential development downtown, and the possibility of repurposing the old federal courthouse on Jefferson Street. Highlights in 2014 included improved bike facilities on St. Landry Street and St. Mary Boulevard, amended litter laws, private funding for several Project Front Yard projects and the adoption of the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s “Complete Streets” policy for safer access for pedestrians, motorists, bicyclists and transit riders. PlanLafayette brought presenters from throughout the country to share their expertise in city planning and engineering and what they see as potential in Lafayette. One highlight of the week included a lecture sponsored by the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce by transportation engineer Peter Swift at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Swift discussed how to overcome barriers that prevent communities from building streets that work for all users (often known as “complete streets”), not just those driving. His presentation detailed how we can move forward on one of PlanLafayette’s major action items, providing mixed-use centers. For more information on the plan, please visit www.lafayettela.gov/ComprehensivePlan
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Don’t Forget to Register
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www.upperlafayette.com • March 2015
Scott Boudin Festival Garners Awards for Excellence The Scott Boudin Festival was recently recognized at the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals convention held in Baton Rouge on February 6th – 8th, 2015. The Festival was awarded the BEST PIN for Division 1 as well as winner of the BEST FESTIVAL T-SHIRT for Division 1. The biggest surprise was being named the BEST NEW EVENT OF THE YEAR for Division 1 State of Louisiana Fairs and Festivals. The success of the Scott Boudin Festival is a shining example of what can happen when a few people and 290 volunteers come together to celebrate the community they share and love. Upper Lafayette is proud to have the City of Scott and the Scott Boudin Festival as examples of shining stars in our community. The Scott Boudin Festival invites everyone to come enjoy this fun social event. From the young to the young-at-heart, all folks can participate in the activities of the weekend. The Scott Boudin Festival caters to families and individuals wanting enriching entertainment, exciting rides, good music and food, in other words – community fun in a safe environment. The musical lineup includes Keith Frank and Lil Nate, the rich “Zydecajun” sounds of Wayne Toups and the funky 80’s beat of The Molly Ringwalds. For more information on the Scott Boudin Festival to be held April 10 – 12, 2015, please contact scottboudinfestival@gmail.com or visit http://scottboudinfestival.com.
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the705 Young Leaders For a Better Acadiana Launches 2015 Mentorship Program Members of the Acadiana business community have once again stepped up to impart wisdom and share thoughts on leadership as participants in the705 Young Leaders Mentor Program. For the past few years, the705 has offered its members the opportunity to network and develop professional and personal relationships with local business leaders and elected officials. One proviso given to mentees: select someone outside of your own profession or circle to fully realize the greatest benefit. Gregg Gothreaux, CEO of LEDA and a second year mentor, explains, “We discuss how to succeed and what it takes to be a good influence on the community”. Jan Swift of Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation and another second year mentor, has learned that the program also serves as an educational tool for the mentors, stating, “Mentors benefit, too. Not only will they share their hard earned knowledge, I would guarantee 100 percent that they’ll come out so much more informed about business and today’s methods of communicating. It’s exposed me to ideas in business that I may have never heard, because we tend to stay in our own groups.” Another reason Swift serves as a mentor is to pay forward kindnesses shown to her by her own mentors who selflessly assisted her in her career endeavors.
2015 MENTORS * Joe Zanco - CFO, Home Bank * Gregg Gothreaux - President & CEO, LEDA * Jan Swift - Executive Director, ULEDF * Mary Morrison - SLCC; Lafayette Parish School Board District 1 * Dr. Joseph Savoie - President, University of Louisiana Lafayette * Don Briggs - President, Louisiana Oil & Gas Association * John Bordelon - President & CEO, Home Bank * Joel Robideaux - LA State Representative * Dr. Paula Carson - CEO, LITE * Kenneth Boudreaux - City/Parish Councilman, District 4 * Tonya Bolden-Ball - Owner/Prof. Coach, Renewed Perspectives * Margaret Trahan - CEO, United Way * Susan Holliday - CEO, Realtor Association * Vicki Chrisman - Director of Finance, ACA * Deidre Toups - President, HB Rentals * Dee Stanley - CAO, Laf. Consolidated Government * Don Bertrand - City/Parish Councilman, District 7 * Greg Manuel - Owner, Manuel Builders * Andre Comeaux - Senior VP, Regions Insurance
The mentors commit to at least four meetings over the course of a year, beginning in March and ending in December. For more information on the 705, please visit http://the705.org
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Below, left to right: Desi Comeaux, Hailey Vincent, Jan Swift, Hunter Hebert and Beth Chiasson
Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps Released March 4, 2015 The public was invited to view newly revised Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) for Lafayette Parish on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at the Heymann Center. Specialists were on hand to answer citizens’ questions and to provide additional information about the flood mapping process, the impact of new flood maps for Lafayette Parish and flood insurance benefits and requirements. Citizens are encouraged to view the maps, available online at http://gis2.lafayettela.gov/ FemaFloodZones Flood Insurance Rate Maps delineate flood-risk zones and serve as an integral part of the National Flood Insurance Program, which plays a key role in defense against flood losses on an individual, community, state and national basis. The preliminary flood maps were developed as part of the nationwide map modernization effort spearheaded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers the National Flood Insurance Program. The flood maps will help residents and business owners understand their current flood risk and make more informed decisions about where and how new structures and developments should be built to maximize safety.
The proposed maps shift about 11,000 acres out of flood zones along Ile des Cannes. Pat Logan of the City of Scott stated that a major drainage project helped the coulee handle more water. Carencro saw similar positive changes in revisions of the maps, though the city was not given credit for a large retention pond and related work to improve drainage on Coulee Beau Bassin, said Bonnie Anderson, with the Carencro planning department. The release of the maps begins a process of official and public review and comments, ultimately resulting in the adoption of the new digital flood maps. While adoption is voluntary, it is a requirement for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or manmade, including acts of terror. Thanks to Bonnie Anderson of the City of Carencro and Richard Burgess of the Advocate for content herein.
Tammy Theriot Celebrates 30 Years with Home Bank Join us in wishing a happy anniversary to Cash Management Officer Tammy Theriot of Home Bank. She is celebrating 30 years of service this month. Tammy began her career as a teller in 1985 at Home Bank’s Oil Center location. She is beloved by her coworkers and clients. Her banking expertise is only outmatched by her quick wit and flair for storytelling. Congratulations to you, Tammy! And thank you for being such a loyal member of Upper Lafayette on behalf of Home Bank.
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Crawdaddy’s Has a New, Upper Lafayette Location! We are very excited about the news that Crawdaddy’s On-site Catering, a successful on-site crawfish caterer has opened a home base location in front of the Jockey Lot at 3029 NW Evangeline Thruway. The location is a drive-thru and they opened just this week on March 3rd, 2015. Crawdaddy’s began in Breaux Bridge, The “Crawfish Capital of the World”, in 2003. Since then, Crawdaddy’s has been on the road, bringing crawfish all over the US, including places such as New York City. Crawdaddy’s buys directly from their farmers for guaranteed premium quality Louisiana mudbugs. Check out their new location and don’t forget to like them on Facebook or give them a call at 337-504-4127!
Speaking of Crawfish....
SAVE THE DATE!
Please mark your calendar for our seventh annual Upper Lafayette Crawfish Boil to be held on April 30, from 6 to 8 pm at Farm D’Allie in Carencro. Crawdaddy’s On-Site Catering will once again prepare its delicious crawfish, and we are grateful to our presenting sponsor, IberiaBank and supporting sponsor, Beau Box Commerical Real Estate, for making this fun event possible. Tickets will be $35 for adults and $20 for children. Stay tuned for more information!
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Thank you for your generosity.. Platinum Patrons ($5000)
Halliburton IBERIABANK Island Operating, Inc. Schlumberger Stone Energy
Platinum Members ($2400)
Acadian Companies Acadiana Computer Systems, Inc. Aries Marine Corporation ASH/Badger Oil Company Couret Farms Cox Communications Delta Media Home Furniture Hub City Ford Lafayette General Medical Center McDonald’s of Acadiana MidSouth Bank Our Lady of Lourdes PHI, Inc. Republic National Distributing Company Schilling Distributing Company Whitney National Bank
Gold Members ($1200)
Acadiana Rubber & Gasket Atmos Energy Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Dupré Logistics, LLC Fenstermaker & Associates Gulf Coast Bank Home Bank Omni Energy Services The Southwest Group Tobacco Free Living Van Eaton & Romero
Silver Members ($600)
Ace Plumbing, Inc. Arsement Machine and Supply, Inc. BBR Creative Cajun Harley Davidson Coburn’s Supply Company Edward Jones/Bob Crist Entergy
Silver Members
Bronze Members
($600)
Gauthiers’ RV Center Master Builders & Specialists, Inc. Oakbourne Country Club Prejean Creative Rader Solutions Shelf Energy, LLC SLEMCO Stella Maris Stirling Properties Total Pump and Supply, LLC Universal Sign & Manufacturing Company Walters Funeral Home
Bronze Members ($300)
Acadiana C.A.R.E.S. Advancial Federal Credit Union Anytime Fitness Upper Lafayette Aspen Clinic 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 Taylor Davis, Northwestern Mutual Derek Development Corp., LLC Joey Durel Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Lynn Guidry, Architect Jay Castille Construction John Paul The Great Academy Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro Lafayette Animal Aid Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission Lafayette Youth Soccer Association Lee Verret/State Farm Insurance Agency Lowry’s Printing and Copying Flo Meadows, Coldwell Banker Iqbal Merchant, CPA Melancon I-49 Storage Center Petroleum Club Proree, LLC Chad Romero, Northwestern Mutual Ron J. Gaubert Realtors W. W. Rucks, III Sarah Schoeffler Schools of the Sacred Heart SMILE John Swift
($300)
Sylvan Learning Center Teche Electric Supply, LLC Dr. Brent Jason Toups, LLC Valerie Gotch Garrett, APLC WorldPay
Sponsors PLATINUM Lafayette Airport Commission LEDA GOLD AT&T Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Dupré Logistics Hub City Ford The Southwest Group Tobacco Free Living SILVER Acadian Companies Advancial Federal Credit Union Schilling Distributing Company
City of Carencro City of Scott
BRONZE
A special thanks to the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) for being our Program of Work partner for 2015.
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