Upper Lafayette On The Move
Volume 65
May 2014
www.upperlafayette.com
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
Staff
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.
Jan Swift, Executive Director
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 or 337-769-7649
Volume 65 • May 2014 • www.upperlafayette.com
A Letter from the Executive Director The month of May is such a great time of year. Just coming off of a highly successful and fun crawfish boil which we hosted at John Paul the Great Academy, I can honestly sigh with relief that we enjoyed beautiful weather, a scenic setting at the school’s campus, and as always, delicious crawfish and heartwarming fellowship with our members and guests. IberiaBank and Beau Box Commercial Real Estate, as well as Schilling Distributing, have become our annual sponsors and their commitment ensured that our sixth annual crawfish boil was a successful event. May is the time of year where we enjoy future expectations and the celebration of life: we enjoy graduations, weddings, and so many family oriented occasions. I am grateful for our members and friends who contribute to our colorful memories of fun times and community commitment that makes life worth living. Upper Lafayette is a better place because of the shared dream of making life better for our whole community. On April 16, we had the pleasure of hosting our first RockHabits class, taught by Zachary Barker of LEDA’s Jan Swift Executive Director Opportunity Machine, at the Lafayette Parish North Regional Library in Carencro. This free seminar offered for local entrepreneurs is based upon the bestselling, Mastering the Rockefeller Habits written by Verne Harnish. The message inspired our participants to align their work values with the success factors of having the right people on the job, fine tuning your strategy of getting the job done, execution tips and remembering that “cash is the lifeblood of any business.” Zach’s warm and witty approach to teaching made the class relaxing and inspirational. He left us with the admonition to start each day with our “Top 5 Goals” which will serve to keep us on track in taking care of first things first. Funny how timeless lessons that we all “know” but need to reminded of resonate so deeply when delivered in the right way. Happy Mother’s Day to all you mothers out there, and may you each enjoy a blessed month of May, 2014. Make it memorable and thank you for your support.
Zachary Barker Executive Director Opportunity Machine
Upper Lafayette to Host May Meeting Focusing on Time Management Join us on Wednesday, May 21 for our May Membership Meeting focusing on time management. Christina Harper, Excelerant, will be the guest speaker for the event. Also at the event, representatives from United Way of Acadiana will speak about their new Leader in Me program, taking place in select Lafayette Parish Public Schools. The meeting will be held at Acadian Companies Auditorium, 2916 N. University Ave, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 each or $200 for a reserved table of eight. Please register online at www.upperlafayette.com/events. Special thanks to our generous sponsors, Advancial Federal Credit Union and Acadian Companies.
Christina Harper Excelerant
May 2014 • www.upperlafayette.com
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Sixth Annual Upper Lafayette Crawfish Boil a Success!
Monty Warren, Herbert Schilling and Jerry Vascocu
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Arlene LaBlanc and William Broussard
Rex Moroux
John Paul the Great Academy Headmaster Peter Fletcher
Bo and Jerry Ramsay
Tyler and Valerie Woerner with their daughter Vivi Mae
Isabella and Steve Santillo
www.upperlafayette.com • May 2014
Sixth Annual Upper Lafayette Crawfish Boil a Success!
Peter Fletcher, Frank Connolly and Rick Cambre
The El Koubi Family
Our Buddies from IBERIABANK
Rachel Brown, Brenda Foulcard, Ron and Brad Gaubert
Denise and Kelley Anderson
May 2014 • www.upperlafayette.com
Jan and Taylor Swift
Monty and Emma Warren
Christina and Bobby Hines with Ethan Smoorenberg
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Couret Farms Celebrates Groundbreakings
Upper Lafayette's Couret Farms has signed two new commercial tenants for its commercial lifestyle center known as the Market Place at Couret Farms. On April 7, a groundbreaking for Romacelli and Anytime Fitness health club was celebrated. Both facilities are scheduled to open by late 2104 in Phase 1, which space will total approximately 14,000 square feet. Also celebrated on March 28 was the new charter school, Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy, which is slated to open in time for the start of the 2014-2015 school year.
Anytime Fitness and Romacelli Groundbreaking April 2014
Residential sales are taking off briskly given the high demand for the upscale, convenient and affordable Traditional Neighborhood Development. Couret Farms is located on Pont des Mouton Road off of I-49 near the crossroads with I-10. Appealing to young couples and retirees alike, Robert Daigle with Kevin Hawkins and Bobby Hines the neighborhood has an ambience which appeals to the many people who enjoy walking, ease of access to all parts of Lafayette Parish and a carefree lifestyle.
For more information on Couret Farms, visit http://www.southernlifestyledevelopment.com.
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www.upperlafayette.com • May 2014
Spotlight on Jeri Allison and Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic We recently had the pleasure of visiting with Jeri Allison, Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic’s Executive Director. Joining LCHCC in August 21, 2013, Jeri has 25 years of experience in non-profit organization management. Although Allison grew up in Vidalia, La., she graduated from Comeaux High School after moving to Lafayette during her senior year of high school. She obtained degrees from the University of Washington and East Tennessee State University.
Jeri Allison Executive Director Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic
Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic is a 501 (c)(3) charitable health care organization located at 1317 Jefferson Street in the former St. Anne’s Infirmary. For over 20 years, the clinic has provided eligible working uninsured free general medical services which include vision exams, dental services, nutritional counseling, and standard gynecological exams. None of this would be possible without the legion of doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, dental hygienists, pharmacy techs and office workers who volunteer each and every week to make Clinic Nights each Tuesday and Thursday nights possible.
The primary goal of LCHCC is to make basic health care services accessible to lower income working Lafayette Parish residents so they will remain healthy enough to maintain their jobs, their homes, and their independence. Treating chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart ailments prevents patients from entering hospitals for acute care arising from neglecting their medical needs. The onsite pharmacy also provides much needed prescriptions at no charge which would otherwise be inaccessible to many of our working uninsured. In order to provide stability in its funding needs, Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic has organized two campaigns. The “Committee of 1,000” campaign chaired by Dr. Jay Culotta and Nick Gachassin III has set a goal of securing $1,000,000. Based upon similarly successful fundraising efforts by Jeri Allison in the past, the goal is to enlist 1,000 people to donate $1,000 each to reach the goal. The second campaign chaired by Bo Ramsay and Nick Gachassin, Jr. is the “Building One Healthy Community,” an ancillary fundraising effort designed to set up an endowed fund for long term financial needs of the clinic. To put the value of each dollar raised into proper perspective, for every $5 donated, the clinic is able to provide up to $15 worth of care. In 2013 alone, the clinic provided 1,625 services, 2,566 lab and x-ray referrals and 17,099 prescriptions. Jeri is an avid supporter of Upper Lafayette, and when asked why, she stated, “I am a big believer that we should support local businesses so that we may all be more effective as a community. If we are not supporting each other, we are not true to our mission of supporting families. This support has a domino effect which lifts us all.” For more information on Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic, please call (337)593-9208 or visit www.lchcc.net. Upper Lafayette as well as our whole community is a better place because of Jeri and LCHCC’s board of directors, donors and volunteers who work to keep this all important community asset open to serve our hard working citizens who need it most.
May 2014 • www.upperlafayette.com
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Spotlight on New Member: Van Eaton and Romero Established in 1977, Van Eaton and Romero has been a leader in Lafayette’s Real Estate industry for more than 30 years. Their customers, as well as many in the real estate industry, applaud their efforts as a business. They can truly claim to be the market leader in Acadiana, consistently listing and outselling their competition. Whether you are in need of residential, commercial or relocation services, they are trained to meet your needs for new space. Their agents work hard to maintain their 98 % customer approval rating, combining knowledge, experience, technology, and a genuine care for our community. Nationally recognized as two of the most powerful women in real estate by Real Estate Marketing and Relocation Magazine, Nancy Van Eaton Broussard and Gail Romero built their agency on a philosophy centered on education and innovation, and in doing so have created a firm that continues to grow and be successful, embracing the latest technology and adapting to industry changes. Nancy Van Eaton Broussard, Bill Bacque, and Gail Romero
Today, Nancy and Gail devote their time to managing the agency. They maintain a support system for their agents, providing an extensive amount of resources and equipment so their agents are prepared for any situation.
Together, Nancy, Gail, Bill Bacque’ and Richard Tanory prepare their agents with the skills, knowledge, experience, technology, and resources so they can offer their clients and customers the best service. There are several benefits to using Van Eaton and Romero for your Real Estate needs. With agents available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, aggressive acquisition of marketing and technology tools, more than 17 full-time agents and a support staff of 15, they are constantly working to preserve and promote the quality of life in Acadiana with their ongoing commitment to support numerous community services benefiting local education, children Nancy Van Eaton Broussard, Bill Bacque, Gail Romero and the performing arts. We at Upper Lafayette Dewitt “Zeen” David and Troy Hebert Economic Development Foundation are truly grateful for the warm support offered to us by Gail, Nancy, Bill and the Van Eaton & Romero team! To learn more about the variety of services that Van Eaton and Romero has to offer, please visit www.vaneatonromero.com.
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www.upperlafayette.com • May 2014
Spotlight on Board Member: Kirk LaCour Kirk LaCour, director of the National EMS Academy, has been a member of the Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation’s Board of Directors since January 2013. An active board member, Kirk is always available to lend a hand or assist in the needs of the foundation’s day to day activities.
Kirk LaCour Director National EMS Academy
Kirk has been in the field of emergency medical services for 15 years and is responsible for the training of medics at nine of NEMSA’s campuses throughout Louisiana and Texas. He has worked in many facets of public service: as a police officer, firefighter, paramedic, corrections officer, and most recently as a deputy coroner. He continues to utilize his business expertise to help non-profit organizations, serving as president and CEO for a rural volunteer fire department, and for the Louisiana Tactical Emergency Medical Society. He is also a voting board member for the Louisiana Association of Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technicians. He is currently studying to obtain a Juris Doctorate from the Southern University Law School in Baton Rouge while employed full time by NEMSA.
“I am extremely excited and honored to be a part of a great group of people who are working to help Upper Lafayette develop and thrive,” said LaCour. “I truly believe that great things are happening here, and I look forward to assisting with the growth of this community.” NEMSA is a division of Acadian and offers entry-level, continuing education, and refresher courses for a number of EMS career pathways, including EMTs and paramedics. NEMSA is a nationallyaccredited EMS training facility and an authorized American Heart Association Training Center for CPR and ECC courses. Since 1971, Acadian has been committed to providing the highest level of emergency medical care and transportation possible. In the past decade, the company has expanded to include a diverse suite of services in health, safety, and transportation. Acadian’s six divisions are Acadian Ambulance Service, Acadian Monitoring Services, Air Med, Executive Aircraft Charter Service, National EMS Academy and Safety Management Systems.
May 2014 • www.upperlafayette.com
Kirk LaCour with Jan Swift
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7 Tips For Effective Business Networking
Article Courtesy of the Dale Carnegie Team of Middle Louisiana/ East Texas Successful business networking builds strong relationships that are often beneficial to all parties involved. Consider the old saying: "It's not what you know, it's who you know." Business networking brings with it the advantage of recommendations and personal introductions, which can also lead to new business opportunities for you.
Tip #5: Remember Names - A sure way to impress a contact who you have previously met is by remembering his or her name. People feel a personal connection with you when you refer to them by name. Upon first meeting, use your new contact's name often throughout your conversation. This will help you to remember the name in the future and will also make a positive impression.
While establishing a strong network of contacts is essential, it isn't always easy. We've put together a list of tips that will help you build valued connections.
Tip #6: Don't Be Forgotten - It's a sad fact: within 48 hours of meeting you, people will often forget who you are. Whether it's with an e-mail, phone call or even an invitation to join your social media page, remember to follow up soon after your first meeting to stay fresh in your contact's mind.
The 7 Tips For Effective Business Networking Are: Tip #1: Be Visible - There are more ways than ever to get your name out there. Joining social networking sites such as LinkedIn or Twitter is a great way to begin creating a strong online presence. Use these sites to reach out to other professionals in your industry, not just people you already know. Post commentary or articles of interest, or publish a blog to promote your areas of expertise and provide updates on your achievements. Ask others in your "social groups" to recommend you and be sure to return the favor.
Tip #7: Connect Your Connections - It's a real possibility that many of your business contacts could help each other out - if only they knew each other. When you feel an introduction would be beneficial, why not introduce two of your connections? This will not only show your willingness to help, but it will also keep your name fresh in their minds. And who knows, they may soon return the favor.
Tip #2: Take The Focus Off Of Selling - People are more likely to do business with someone who they feel they've built a strong connection with. So don't think of networking events or groups as a way of gaining sales. Instead use these as opportunities to meet new people and begin building solid long-term relationships.
Executive Summary: Social networks have quickly become an important part of the business world - either through online social networking, a networking group or an event. However, they all need to be done proactively. That said, take the steps in your business and you will see how this will lead to mutually beneficial relationships.
Tip #3: Plan Your Introduction - When you meet someone at a social event, you only have 10-20 seconds to make a first impression. Just as a resume is a great written tool to concisely describe your qualifications, it is as important to come up with a short introduction to use for social meetings. While keeping in mind less is more, make sure to tell your new contact your full name, what company you are with and your area of specialty. And be sure to smile and make eye contact while you are speaking to keep them engaged.
For more information on Dale Carnegie classes, contact Jeff Benton at (337) 654-6548 or jeff.benton@ dalecarnegie.com.
Tip #4: Ask Questions - Once you have introduced yourself, it's important to give your new contact a chance to share. Ending your introduction with a question enables more to happen. And asking specific questions shows that you are truly interested. Most people enjoy talking about themselves and will be glad to respond. This can be a great start to building good rapport.
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www.upperlafayette.com • May 2014
Upcoming Upper Lafayette Events May Meeting Wednesday, May 21, 2014 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Acadian Companies For more information or to register, visit www.upperlafayette.com/events
Platinum Members
Silver 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
Opelousas General Health System Rader Solutions Shelf Energy, LLC SLEMCO Stella Maris Stirling Properties Total Pump and Supply, LLC Universal Sign & Manufacturing Company Walters Funeral Home
Gold Members Acadiana Rubber & Gasket Atmos Energy Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Dupré Logistics, LLC Fenstermaker & Associates Home Bank Omni Energy Services Pixus Digital Printing The Southwest Group Tobacco Free Living Van Eaton and 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 Guidry’s Uniforms Master Builders & Specialists, Inc. Oakbourne Country Club
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 Animal Aid Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission 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
May 2014 • www.upperlafayette.com
Bronze Members 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 Dupré Logistics 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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