Upper Lafayette On The Move www.upperlafayette.com October 2014 Volume 70
Printed by Lafayette Economic Development Authority
Published by
Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation
Printed by
Lafayette Economic Development Authority
Board of Directors
David Welch, President Cherie Hebert, Vice President Todd Citron, Secretary/ Treasurer Adrian Baudoin Julie Dronet Don Dupuis Brenda Foulcard Donna Landry Kirk LaCour Beau Phares Dwight “Bo” Ramsay Herbert Schilling Bryan Tabor Jerry Vascocu Monty Warren
Honorary Advisory Board Don Dupuis Ed Krampe Dwight “Bo” Ramsay Herbert Schilling
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.
Staff
Jan Swift, Executive Director Elsa Dimitriadis, Communications Director/ Executive Assistant
Mailing Address
Cover photo: Participant in the Fun Run event at Run Upper Lafayette. Pelican Park in Carencro, LA on September 13, 2014. Photo by Elsa Dimitriadis.
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 or 337-769-7649
Volume 70 • October 2014 • www.upperlafayette.com
A Letter from the Executive Director As I sit down to write this letter to you, I am
just returning from the ABiz luncheon, “Women Who Mean Business,” held October 2 at River Oaks. It was not only a beautifully orchestrated event, but each of the honorees shared humble words of inspiration. Sitting with my friends at an IberiaBank table, the event’s premier and annual sponsor, the occasion provided an opportunity to witness women from all walks of life who truly do make a difference in our community’s quality of life. I mention the Women Who Mean Business luncheon because of the connection it has had with many Upper Lafayette members and businesses. Not only does IberiaBank underwrite this elegant tradition of lifting deserving women into the well-deserved spotlight, but many of our members have been honored! I’d like to shine the light on some of the superstars among us, including Marcelle Citron of Hub City Ford, Cherie Hebert and Sara Ashy of BBR Creative, Donna Landry of Our Lady of Lourdes, Judy Briscoe of Home Bank, Flo Meadows of Coldwell Banker Pelican Real Estate, Elise Bouchner and Christina Harper of Excelerant, Nancy Van Eaton Broussard and Gail Romero of Van Eaton & Romero, Betty Lowry of Lowry’s Printing, and Julie Dronet of Cox Communications. I am sure I have left someone out, but you get the point: our foundation is filled with Women Who Make A Difference! Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you for your contributions which are cherished and valued.
Jan Swift Executive Director
Speaking of great events, I hope to see you at our Quest For Your Best symposium which will focus on humor in the workplace and your life. Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle, Sen. Fred Mills and Lynley Jones of Grace Notes are sure to be a hit. This annual event will be held Thursday, October 23, 11 a.m. to 1:00 pm. at the Ramada Conference Center. You will not want to miss this one!
Quest for your Best - Focus on Humor Please join us on October 23, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Ramada Lafayette Conference Center, 2032 NE Evangeline Thruway, (the former Holidome), for an inspiring look at the importance of humor in the workplace and your life! Our guest speakers, Senator Fred Mills, Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle and Lynley Jones of Grace Notes will all provide their insight on how humor can transform and lift the mundane into the extraordinary. Tickets are $35 each or you can reserve a table for eight for $300. You may register online at www.upperlafayette.com/ events or email jan@upperlafayette.com for details. Special thanks to our sponsors:
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Focusing on the Airport & Our Economy in Alexandria and Lake Charles combined. The Lafayette Airport Commission feels the current terminal needs to be replaced by a new airport terminal, along with facilities to handle additional passengers, more aircraft, addition parking and better facilities. Four days a week, between Tuesday and Friday, the parking lot is at 95% capacity. A new terminal at Lafayette Regional Airport will accommodate the anticipated annual growth in passenger counts, increase public parking and improve the “parking lot to boarding gate” experience for airport customers.
Upper Lafayette welcomed Larry Sides
The panelists went on to explain that building a new terminal can be done with no interruption in services and that the existing terminal can be used until the new terminal is ready. The Lafayette Airport Commission proposes that the way to fund the expansion is through a one cent Lafayette Parish sales tax for one year dedicated to this one project. The one cent sales tax can generate about $38 million. State and federal grants will cover the remainder of the $90 million needed for the project. The proposed one cent sales tax will be dedicated for new airport terminal construction and it cannot be used for any other purpose. If approved by voters on December 6, the tax will start April 1, 2015 and end November 30, 2015. If voters approve, the one cent sales tax will be collected for 8 months only and it cannot be extended.
Lafayette Regional Airport was built in 1959 and remodeled twenty five years ago in 1989. While our terminal has served our market well, it will not meet our future needs. Cruse explained that for the past five years, the airport has surpassed the record breaking passenger numbers of each of the previous years, and current counts for 2014 show the airport is on track to break all time records again.
The meeting was a wonderful opportunity to see one another again and get to know new faces, while listening to and discussing an issue that affects us all. Rev. Susan Ferguson, Associate Pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church opened the meeting, and Corner Pantry provided a lovely lunch for all attendees. A special thanks to the Fly Lafayette Club/Lafayette Regional Airport for being our presenting sponsor.
Left to right: Robert Callahan, Jan Swift, Matt Cruse and Larry Sides
and Robert Callahan of Sides & Associates, and Matt Cruse, Chair of the Lafayette Airport Commission to our September 17th meeting held at the Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise (LITE) Center. Discussing the importance of supporting the Lafayette Regional Airport, our panelists outlined the significance of our airport on the local economy and quality of life.
The panelists explained that other airports in Louisiana, Alexandria, Monroe and Lake Charles, have built new terminals in recent years. While Baton Rouge has expanded their airport, New Orleans has unveiled plans for their new airport terminal. In looking at the regional airports that are closest to the size of Lafayette Regional Airport, in term of number of passengers alone, the numbers are impressive: During the past year Alexandria handled 333,652 passengers. Lake Charles had 123,000 and Monroe had 233,357. Lafayette had 471,332 passengers. Lafayette had twice the number of passengers as Monroe and more than the airports
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Spotlight on Member: Home Bank
Home Bank has grown from one location in 1908 to 27 in 2014, and the company recently celebrated crossing the threshold of $1 billion in assets.
Home Building & Loan, better
known today as Home Bank, was chartered in 1908 in Lafayette, making it the oldest financial institution in Lafayette Parish. Over the years, the company’s name has changed several times. In 1961, it became Home Savings & Loan Association, then in 1993, Home Savings Bank. In 2001, the company shortened the name to Home Bank to reflect its full-service banking capabilities. Personal banking has always been Home Bank’s trademark, and that tradition will continue as the company moves forward with new banking options and technologies. The bank has 27 full-service locations in the Louisiana regions of Acadiana, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, the Northshore, and in early 2014, they expanded into Natchez and Vicksburg, Mississippi through the acquisition of another historic financial institution: Britton & Koontz Bank. In Acadiana, Home Bank is a partner to many local organizations, schools and nonprofit groups. The company’s employees fully embrace the bank’s motto of “Good for business. Good for life” by giving of their volunteer hours and support at countless events.
Carencro Branch Manager Brandy Serrette and Assistant Branch Manager Cindy Cole encourage their staff to get involved in the local community. The idea of service and “paying it forward” is something Home Bank stands behind. Just recently, the bank joined forces with Saints punter Thomas Morestead to sponsor and promote the What You Give Will Grow foundation. The foundation’s goal is improving the lives of those in need through support of local organizations in the Gulf South region, with a strong focus on children’s charities and cancer initiatives. Home Bank is also a distributor of What You Give Will Grow’s “Geaux Give” card, which encourages random acts of kindness. The public is invited to stop by any Home Bank location to pick up a “Geaux Give” card and join in the effort to make our community a better place, even in small ways. These cards encourage good deeds, and there’s a website available to track these acts to see far the kindness can go. For more information about Home Bank, visit www.home24bank.com.
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Left: The original location of Home Bank, located on Jefferson Street in Lafayette, La., seen here circa 1920, is still in business today. Middle: Home Bank, then “Home Building & Loan” celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1958 at an event in the lobby of our Jefferson Street branch. In attendance were (L to R) Lafayette Mayor Jerry Domingeaux, Paul Blanchet, Xavier Mouton, R.E. Billeaud, Rex McCullough and St. Martinville Mayor Albert Maraist. Bottom Left: The Carencro crew is always having fun. Seen here are Chris Gisclair, Cindy Cole, Brandy Serrette, Veronica Savoy and Nichole Albarado with a cutout of Thomas Morestead. Bottom Right: Carencro’s Cindy Cole often gives her time as a volunteer at events like United Way’s Day of Action.
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RockHabits Comes To Upper Lafayette
“What core values are non-negotiable
for your business?” asks Zachary Barker. “What are your unique, non-replicable skills?” Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation was proud to partner with The Opportunity Machine (OM) and Scott Business Association to present RockHabits on Thursday, September 25 at Scott City Hall. RockHabits is the business planning curriculum that has accelerated the profitable growth of thousands of businesses around the world. The class was taught by Zachary Barker, Executive Director, Opportunity Machine.
with an overview for business alignment via the RockHabits One-Page Strategic Plan, and further individual guidance was offered via Zachary Barker and OM. For more information about Opportunity Machine and bringing RockHabits to your business and community, please visit opportunitymachine.org.
The class was offered at no charge to businesses located in Carencro, Scott, Duson and North Lafayette, areas that comprise Upper Lafayette Parish. Upper Lafayette and the OM staff is committed to providing the tools to assure that those businesses are poised for rapid growth, and RockHabits provides many of those tools. It forces business leaders to ask questions of themselves, examine their approaches and decide what steps they need to take to bring their business to the next level, to dominate their markets. Participating leaders from businesses such as Gotreaux Farms, Leona Sue’s Florist, Scott Eye Care and the Scott Business Association attended. Attendees walked away
Left to Right: Zachary Barker, Tonya Carola, Destin Ortego and Jan Swift
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Northside High School Holds Friday Night Extravaganza The air was full of celebration and achievement the evening of Friday, September 19, at Northside High School’s stadium and grounds. Prior to the big game in Viking Stadium against the # 5 ranked Evangel Christian Academy Eagles, various departments such as Math, Science, Legal Academy, Music, Radio Broadcasting, Health and others presented booths decorated with information relating to their studies. The juxtaposition of the educational focus parallel with the football team readying for their competition was impressive and visually compelling. Led by Principal Melinda Voorhies since early 2012, Northside has experienced a renaissance, with test scores and morale rising as the students are encouraged to reach for the stars. With her belief that any child can learn and that all students deserve a first class education, and surrounded by dedicated and talented teachers and staff, the school is thriving. Jan Swift served as a judge of the competition, and was joined by Greg Davis, CEO of the Cajundome, and Nick Pugh of the Pugh Family Foundation. All three have been active with the Lafayette Parish Public Education Stakeholders Council, as well as big fans of Melinda Voorhies! Congratulations to all of the students and teachers who were involved: they are all truly winners of whom Upper Lafayette is so proud.
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Lafayette Parish School Board Candidate Forums Hosted by LaPESC On September 23, 24 and 25, 2014, Lafayette Parish School Board candidate forums were hosted by the Lafayette Parish Public Education Stakeholders Council (“LaPESC”). The auditorium of the LITE Center allowed sizable crowds to attend the open event and hear directly from the school board candidates from the 9 districts about their views on all issues facing our school system. “The forums are a key strategy in ensuring that the community is provided an opportunity to hear from all candidates on how they stand on crucial issues such as increasing student achievement and preparedness in our community,” shared Stephen Bartley, Chairman of LaPESC. “It is LaPESC’s hope that these forums build community engagement and support for uniting in a common set of community principles and priorities for public education as the November 4 election quickly approaches.” The forums will replay on Acadiana Open Channel (AOC) (Cox 16/LUS 4) numerous times leading up to the election for those unable to watch it live. It is always interesting to watch these forums, because you can spend some time watching your candidates and hearing much more than a television or radio ad could ever convey. We are proud of LaPESC as well as the candidates who are offering themselves as public servants. Upper Lafayette members Adrian Baudoin of Acadiana Computer Systems and Chad Broussard of Sylvan Learning Center, as well as Jan Swift, Executive Director, serve as members of LaPESC on behalf of our foundation. While Upper Lafayette doesn’t endorse candidates, we highly encourage each of you to learn about the candidates running as your District School Board Member, and by all means, GEAUX Vote! Photo courtesy of Leslie Allyn Westbrook
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Lafayette Parish Public Education Stakeholders Council presents ED Talks
ED TALKS An initiative of LaPESC
“Transformational Leadership in Public Education” Tuesday, October 14, 2014 6 -7 p.m. Acadiana Open Channel Rosa Parks Transportation Center 101 Jefferson Street, Ste. 100 Admission is FREE
Please join LaPESC for “ED Talks” on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 to listen and discuss best practices and current trends in public educational leadership. Hollis Milton, MA, Superintendent of West Feliciana Parish Public Schools, an “A” district, will focus on “Transformational Leadership in Public Education.” The event will be televised live with the assistance of AOC.
Space is limited so please RSVP to jan@upperlafayette.com or call (337)769-7649 to reserve a spot.
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Run Upper Lafayette Held at Pelican Park We had a great time at our fourth annual Run Upper Lafayette held Saturday, September 13, 2014. Beautiful Pelican Park in Carencro serves as the site for our One Mile/5K Fun Run which is the perfect locale for this family-friendly event. We are fortunate to have the assistance of Todd Delahoussaye and volunteers from Cajun Road Runners to provide the technical know-how in timing the racers and sorting data to determine winners by age and gender. Jim Thibodeaux, Pelican Park Director, ensured that all of our runners’ needs were met. We are grateful for all the volunteers also. Its’ not easy putting on a run, but with such competent help it makes for smooth sailing! Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation is proud to have served as co-sponsor of Run Upper Lafayette with Bridge Ministry of Acadiana. This unique joint venture is a great opportunity to promote the wonderful attractions in Upper Lafayette and attract outdoors enthusiasts who have never witnessed the beautiful countryside we all know and love. We are also thrilled to assist Bridge Ministry raise money for the neighborhood Christian outreach work that it loving extends to deserving, under-resourced families. We want to recognize the sponsors of this year’s event: Jim Lambert Law Firm, Ann Laurent, DDS, Remembering Trish Foundation, and IberiaBank, for generously underwriting the event. We are also grateful to Elsa Dimitriadis and Brady McKellar of Wanderlust Theatre Co. for providing the sound system and playing fun tunes for our crowd. It is also always good to welcome our beloved Glenn Brasseaux, mayor of Carencro, to kick off the event. For more information on Bridge Ministry of Acadiana, see www.bridgeacadiana.com. For information on Pelican Park, please visit www.pelicanpark.net.
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Clearing Lafayette’s Clutter: Project Front Yard Lafayette has long been known for its food, music and joie de vivre, but it doesn’t always make the best first impression. From trash flowing into the Bayou Vermilion and litter strewn along roadways to the illegal temporary signs and tangle of utility lines cluttering major streets, the look of the city doesn’t always match its feel.
enforcement of litter and anti-dumping laws. City-parish Chief Development Officer Kevin Blanchard said the administration also plans to bring tougher anti-litter laws to the council with the goal of making it easier to prosecute the crime, and Police Chief Jim Craft said officers will start paying more attention to the issue.
“We’ve heard this for a long, long time,” said City-Parish President Joey Durel, who with a broad group of business leaders and community groups launched a wide-ranging beautification effort on September 29, called “Project Front Yard.” Durel said the hope is to create something that has a more lasting impact than a few litter cleanups. “We are talking about cultural change that we can make in Lafayette,” he said.
Lafayette Economic Development Authority President and CEO Gregg Gothreaux said the “Front Yard” initiative should address the one missing piece that some prospective business representatives notice when considering a move to Lafayette. “It’s easy to sell the culture and the strength of the local economy,” he said, “but getting past the first impression can take a bit more work.”
Plans call for a media campaign, revitalization of the gate ways to the city off I-10, public art projects and enhanced
Several “Project Front Yard” events are scheduled for October. For more information, please visit www.projectfrontyard.com.
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Upper Lafayette is the Focus of the705 at September Social The705 is THE organization for Young Leaders in Acadiana seeking to grow professionally and personally by participating in a variety of learning and leadership development opportunities. The705 promotes and encourages a spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism through community engagement. Whenever you hear about community initiatives relating to beautification, quality of life, and inspirational philanthropy, the705 will be at the table and contributing to successful outcomes.
He also encouraged the young professionals to get involved and create lasting change for our community. Service on boards and commissions is a great way for young business professionals to learn firsthand from some of our most engaged and committed civic, business and elected leaders. For more information about the705, please visit http:// www.the705.org. Photography courtesy of Megan Bergeron/Megan B Photography
On September18, Executive Director, Jan Swift spoke about Upper Lafayette and its importance to the Acadiana Region. She discussed initiatives that are in process and how they are working to transform Upper Lafayette Parish. Several of the705 attendees have already been engaged with our foundation’s work and have served as speakers or attended our meetings. Swift had the pleasure of introducing Lafayette City-Parish Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux who represents District 4, which includes North Lafayette. Councilman Boudreaux shared his thoughts on the necessity of community involvement, and the importance of a highly functioning school system to ensure a decent future for all of our citizens.
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OneAcadia Launched to Coordinate Economic Development in Acadia Parish The idea of Acadiana becoming a regional force
in economic development has really taken hold. There is truly a vested interest in seeing all of Acadiana thrive. And this renewed focus has led to Acadia Parish starting up its own initiative to leverage its own powerful business community throughout their parish. The idea for OneAcadia was born from the hope and vision of a unified Acadia parish with a common goal of promoting a healthy environment for progress through action. Acadia Parish’s cities and towns such as Basile, Church Point, Crowley, Rayne, Mermentau and Egan enjoy much in common yet have never, until now, had the opportunity to join forces parish wide to promote business opportunities in the region. Board member Henry Helo explains that the organization’s success depends on strong participation from community members and business leaders. “We learned in our early meetings that not only do our citizens and business leaders have a right to expect more action to realize the parish’s full potential, but that they are also willing to roll up their sleeves and join hands across the parish to create that action. It is true that there is strength in numbers. Since we are funded strictly through partnerships, increasing our numbers is vital to reaching our long term goals of public safety, education, business advocacy and economic development.” Laurie Suire, interim executive director of OneAcadia, provides positive and effective leadership as OneAcadia gets off the ground. According to Suire, “We want to be a parish-wide voice as Acadiana grows. We hope to unite the leaders of the Acadia business community,” Suire said. “We believe that through this we can help to create jobs in our parish as well as build economic vitality.” For more information on OneAcadia, visit www.oneacadia.com or email info@oneacadia.com. Best wishes to this organization!
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Kenneth Boudreaux, District 4 City-Parish Councilman Hosting State of North Lafayette Address Mark your calendar for October 14, 7:00 to 8:30 a.m., for an opportunity to meet with Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux at the new Buffalo Wild Wings located at I-49 at E. Pont des Mouton Road. Serving in office since January 2008, the councilman has held leadership positions including Chair of the Lafayette City-Parish Council and currently serves as Vice-Chairman. He is a three-time Finance Chairman over all Lafayette Consolidated Government budget hearings and twice named Professional Services Chairman over contracts. We encourage you to join us with our friend, Kenneth Boudreaux, to learn the latest developments affecting you and our community. For more information or to contact Councilman Boudreaux, please call (337)291-8804.
Platinum Members
Silver Members
Acadian Companies Acadiana Computer Systems, Inc. Aries Marine Corporation ASH/Badger Oil Company Couret Farms Cox Communications Delta Media Halliburton 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 Dupré Logistics, LLC Fenstermaker & Associates Gulf Coast Bank Home Bank Omni Energy Services Pixus Digital Printing The Southwest Group Tobacco Free Living Van Eaton & Romero
Silver Members Ace Plumbing, Inc. Arsement Machine and Supply, Inc. BBR Creative Cajun Harley Davidson Coburn’s Supply Company Edward Jones/Bob Crist Excelerant Gauthiers’ RV Center
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Guidry’s Uniforms 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 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 Taylor Davis, Northwestern Mutual 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 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
Bronze Members Petroleum Club Chad Romero, Northwestern Mutual 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 Valerie Gotch Garrett, APLC WorldPay
Sponsors PLATINUM Halliburton IBERIABANK Lafayette Airport Commission LEDA Stone Energy GOLD AT&T Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Dupré Logistics Excelerant Hub City Ford LUS Fiber Rader Solutions The Southwest Group Tobacco Free Living SILVER Acadian Companies Advancial Federal Credit Union Schilling Distributing Company
City of Carencro City of Scott
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BRONZE