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INDUSTRY 2019 Edition
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To close out 2019, Biz New Orleans is taking a look at a few of the top local businesses across the many industries in our region. In this section, we focus on some industry standouts by learning more about their company, future endeavors and their bigger impact on the Greater New Orleans market.
American Red Cross Atmosphere Enterprises LLC “Atmosphere Movers” Caraway LeBlanc LLC Benny Cenac and Main Iron Works DMG Design + Build First American Bank and Trust Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union Lambeth House Major Services Inc. Notre Dame Health System Shirley “Toni” McCord, CPA, APAC Susco Solutions Stewart Lodges at Steelwood Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS University of Holy Cross West Jefferson Medical Center Westaff / Remedy Intelligent Staffing Xavier University of Louisiana Your CBD Store
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ACCOUNTING Shirley “Toni” McCord, CPA, APAC
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Since Shirley “Toni” McCord started her accounting career in 1988, she has become the sole owner of Shirley “Toni” McCord, CPA, APAC, a Professional Accounting Corporation. The firm, which still serves clients of the original owner, is currently an all-woman team of accounting professionals dedicated to assisting individuals and small-to-medium size businesses throughout the Greater New Orleans region. 31 years of experience have provided comprehensive knowledge in areas from tax planning and return preparation to tax problems resolution and IRS representation. They get to know their clients’ needs, challenges and desires, and apply smart strategies to help them achieve their personal and professional goals. The McCord team delivers
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national expertise with an exceptional, boutique experience. And McCord doesn’t stop at challenging norms with just her clients—she also works to challenge the idea that traditional CPA firms are “high-stress sweat shop environments”. McCord believes no one should have to choose between a great family life and a wonderful career. The firm cultivates an environment that recognizes a positive work ethic, and fosters support and flexibility for their employees. The McCord firm also supports the community— firstly, through helping small and medium businesses thrive financially, and secondly through membership in professional organizations, including the Louisiana Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
From left to right: Lesley-Anne Franklin; Terry Vial; Toni McCord, CPA; Cheryl McGovern; Babette Griffin; Melanie Ferguson
2908 Hessmer Ave., 2nd Floor Metairie, LA 70002 504-888-8333 · ToniMcCordcpa.com
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ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Your CBD Store
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Crystal Nugent knows what it means to struggle with anxiety. She battled with general anxiety and acute anxiety attacks since her teenage years, working with personal management and medical treatments to try to find the right balance for her and not quite finding it—until she met Rachael Quinn, founder of Your CBD Store. Quinn explained to Nugent exactly what highquality cannabidiol is and how Your CBD Store extracts it from high-quality specifically-sourced organic hemp from Colorado. Once Nugent tried it, she never looked back—and, after her personal success, she knew she needed to bring it to her community to help other people too. Nugent and Your CBD Store opened three local locations, joining the nation-wide brand growth
that saw the stores passing the 500-location mark. Your CBD Store’s status as the largest CBD brand nationally stems from the approach that Quinn stressed to Nugent: the high quality of the product helps guarantee satisfaction and trust from the store’s customers. The stores work with SunMed for their products; because the marketplace can be unregulated, Nugent acknowledges the importance of working with a provider, like SunMed, that offers the highest level of transparency and quality testing. Aside from their work providing relief with high-quality CBD products, Your CBD store also focuses on philanthropic endeavors. Nationally, they have given $10,000 to Veterans Initiative 22 and $25,000 to Bahamas Hurricane Relief. Locally,
Nugent has helped raise donations for ALS research and for the New Orleans chapter of the National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Crystal Nugent; owner, Your CBD Store
3613 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA 70115 6824 Veterans Blvd. Metairie, LA 70003
Cit y Name New Orleans • Metair ie
1818 Manhattan Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 1-888-775-4515 · YourCBDStoreNola.com
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AGING SERVICES Lambeth House
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Cutting-edge research and technology have always been at the forefront of aging services at Lambeth House, a continuous care retirement community in uptown New Orleans. Scott Crabtree, the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Advances in technology will provide more opportunities to live fuller lives as we age.” In late 2019, Lambeth House and Ochsner Health System will complete a 12-month pilot study demonstrating how telehealth can effectively aid in the treatment of seniors with Alzheimer’s or other dementia related illnesses. Each resident is equipped with iPads and FitBits from which information is gathered to help staff communicate with and understand each individual’s unique challenges.
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Healthcare providers are then able to provide medical services to their patients more efficiently— and, potentially, more effectively. The study also evaluates ways to reduce caregiver burnout at a staff level. The plan is to continue the study for an additional year as it is providing invaluable information for Lambeth House Memory Care residents and their families. Along with research and technology, wellness is paramount to the company’s commitment to healthy aging. Lambeth House hosts a 20,000 square foot Wellness Center in addition to its services for independent living, assisted living and nursing care. The wellness complex encompasses an art studio, interfaith chapel, meditation room, café and
a fitness center with an indoor saltwater pool. With active aging always at its core, the company’s mantra instructs residents and community members to “move well and move often!” With determination and focus, Lambeth House presents aging in a whole new way.
From left to right: Lynn Swetland, Chief Financial Officer; Jeré Hales, Chief Operating Officer; Scott Crabtree, Chief Executive Officer 150 Broadway St. New Orleans, LA 70118 504-865-1960 · Lambethhouse.com
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BANKING First American Bank and Trust
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For over 100 years, First American Bank and Trust has been a community bank that prides itself in customer service with 25 locations across Southeast Louisiana. First American Bank originated in the town of Vacherie in St. James Parish in 1910. Since then, the bank has expanded to 11 parishes including Jefferson and St. Tammany. During most of that expansion, First American Bank was led by J. B. Falgoust during his 63-year tenure of employment until his retirement in banking in 2016. He instilled a great work ethic into First American employees. His initiative to provide exceptional customer service continues to be a driving force of First American Bank. Today, First American Bank has total assets of $921 million. The size of the bank puts First American in a unique position to help both
consumers and small businesses. As of September 2019, First American Bank has $649 million of loans. The vast majority of their loan portfolio consists of mortgage loans for homeowners in Southeast Louisiana, as well as small business owners located within the 11-parish footprint of First American Bank. In addition to helping individuals purchase or build their dream home and helping small businesses with their growth and expansion, First American Bank maintains a strong capital base for its customers to deposit their funds. From online bill pay to mobile check deposits, First American Bank offers the latest in banking technology to provide the best possible banking services for its customers.
First American Bank and Trust, A Banking Tradition Since 1910 – Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.
Ronald J. Falgoust, President and CEO 2785 Highway 20, P.O. Box 550 Vacherie, LA 70090 225-265-2265 ¡ fabt.com
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BUSINESS CONSULTING
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Change waits for no one—as one of the leading IT service providers in New Orleans, few people know that better than Major Services, Inc. (MSI). From technical change to generational change, MSI has embraced it all, as this year the company passes the baton from founder Bobby Major, Jr., to his children Brittany Major (President and CEO) and Bobby Major, III (Vice President). Whether the project is large (network administration, programming and project management) or small (direct support by PC technicians), MSI has the tools, experience and personnel to handle it. Their base of 35 employees offer a wide range of services for private and institutional customers and MSI’s access to extensive additional resources means it can deliver solutions customized to its clients’ needs. Because of its reputation for integrity and an uncompromising regard for delivering high-quality service, MSI retains and has developed long-standing customers and a reputation as a top IT provider, growing from their initial specialization—working with local government agencies—to new heights, including financial systems, information processing and business consulting. As the new owners of MSI, Bobby III and Brittany are committed to operating the company with the same vision and laser-focus on growth as in the decades before. MSI, a company owned by a family of New Orleans natives, is committed to betterment and advancement of the city they and their employees call home. They are family first and New Orleans first—and with their focus on generational growth and their goal-oriented mission, both family and city will continue to prosper.
Brittany Major, President and CEO, and Bobby Major, III, Vice President
MAJOR S ERV I C E S
504-488-1300 · info@majorservicesinc.com
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Major Services Inc.
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SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT Susco Solutions
M Many companies think of software as a simple means to an end—input, and then result. But Neel Sus, founder of Susco, sees software as much more important than that. For Susco, intuitive business software enables its users to contribute in more meaningful and fulfilling ways. Great software, Susco believes, makes great business possible. Sus was working at Avondale Shipyards in 2001 when he developed the company’s first electronic work order system. While he expected management to be impressed with the efficiency gains from the system, he was deeply moved by the positive impact it had on all the end-users, and he couldn’t help but fall in love with software development. Until 2005, his dream was to become a “VP of Process Improvement” for a defense contractor —but all of that changed, as so much did,
after Katrina. Sus decided to try to be part of the “new” New Orleans, and opened his own company—Susco— in May of 2006. Operations took off in 2010 as they became the first mover in Louisiana for mobile application development. Susco developed the ElectionHub app, LSU Football’s first app, and FQ Task Force, an app dedicated to stemming crime in the French Quarter. With their team's deep specialization in C#.NET (Microsoft) application development, Susco refocused on internal business software development and mobile workforce apps in 2013. They continue to help high-growth mid-market companies (100-2000 employees) replace their legacy systems and digitally transform their business processes. They enable IT leaders to deliver high quality software at a faster
rate than their internal teams can do alone, creating great financial returns for the business… and much happier end-users. Meet the core Susco team: David Day, Brent Kelly, Robert Murrell, John McCawley, Sean Thompson, Brian Mulhall, Daniel Whitmore, Nolan Sherman, Jessica Guillot, Tyler Hardy and Neel Sus.
710 Papworth Ave., Suite 100 Metairie, LA 70005 504-264-9343 · suscosolutions.com
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CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY University of Holy Cross
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The University of Holy Cross got its start in 1916 under the auspices of the Marianites of the Holy Cross, an order of nuns founded in 1848. The Marianites—and, therefore, the university—are rooted in educating those who will grow to educate others, and in the philosophy of cura personalis: enlightenment of the whole person, mind and soul. The University of Holy Cross, which is a fully-accredited Catholic university and the only university on the West Bank, offers more than fifty undergraduate and graduate programs to its 1,100 students. These students benefit from the low student-to-faculty ratio (13:1), which provides them a personalized academic experience that encourages them to explore spiritual values and service opportunities. These smaller classes help cultivate and
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refine UHC’s values-based atmosphere and provide students with a strong footing as they graduate from the university and enter into the world to, as the school teaches, “do good and do well.” The university opened its first residence hall in August 2018 and plans to continue development on that front, as well as on their new health sciences center, which is slated to open on campus in January 2020 and will act as a home for classes and meeting spaces in the health care programs. Alumni of the university can be found in most any profession, giving back to their community and volunteering their time as they put into practice the University of Holy Cross’ central tenet: that true success comes from service to others.
Dr. Stanton F. McNeely III, President
4123 Woodland Dr. New Orleans, LA 70131 504-394-7744 · uhcno.edu
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DISASTER RELIEF American Red Cross
D Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. In fact, every eight minutes, someone is affected by a disaster in the U.S. This year, the Red Cross and its partners helped thousands of people whose lives were upended by disasters across the country, including here in Louisiana after the impact of Hurricane Barry. Hurricane Barry made landfall in Southeast Louisiana on July 13th as a category 1 storm. Residents across much of the state experienced a significant amount of rain, strong winds, tornadoes and storm surge inundation along the coast. Through the help of more than 300 volunteers, the Red Cross mobilized thousands of supplies and provided shelter to 185 individuals seeking refuge from the storm. After the storm had passed,
those same volunteers provided care, comfort and assistance to more than 650 residents who sustained impacts to their property and lives, including serving more than 10,200 meals and snacks and distributing more than 4,800 relief items like gloves, trash bags and brooms. Additionally, disaster health and mental health volunteers tended to the physical and emotional needs of those impacted. Donations are key to saving lives because they fund nearly 100 percent of these disaster relief activities. Donations of time are also critical, as volunteers comprise of more than 90 percent of the Red Cross’ humanitarian workforce. The commitment of donors and the compassion of volunteers not only prevents and alleviates human
suffering in the face of emergencies, but also provides the ever-important offering of hope to communities faced with rebuilding after a disaster. Red Cross disaster worker Hugo Adams chats with Sakoiya who is helping her mom, Jaimie Broussard, clean up with her new Red Cross gloves. The Broussards’ home was damaged by Hurricane Barry which made landfall in July.
Find us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook at ARCLouisiana. 504- 620-3105 · redcross.org/gift
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FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union
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Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union knows what it means to put member service first— one of the benefits of existing as a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution. Initially chartered in 1966, Jefferson Financial FCU now has more than 53,000 members and a dozen locations across south Louisiana as well as two locations serving six counties in Alabama—not bad for a financial institution that started on the second floor of a floral shop. As an institution that began to serve employees of the Jefferson Parish Public School System, their mission continues today by growing its offerings to include Business and Community Partners alike across its service region. A leader in the credit union industry of Greater New Orleans, Jefferson Financial is the second-largest credit union in the state, and they don’t plan to stop growing any time soon. Not even the recession could hold them back: even as many financial intermediaries pulled back on lending, Jefferson Financial made a commitment to not only continue service, but to also expand its offerings. Thanks to its partnership with Coastland Federal Credit Union, Jefferson Financial was able to expand its presence in Orleans and St. Charles Parish, and have since established operations in St. Tammany as well. Jefferson Financial plans to continue serving members while growing offerings that include Share Savings and Checking Accounts, services from Online Banking, Auto and Personal Loans and more. Those interested in becoming a member of Jefferson Financial can discover more through their website, JeffersonFinancial.org.
Mark Rosa, President/CEO
7701 Airline Dr Metairie, LA 70003 800-259-2471 · JeffersonFinancial.org
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EXPERIENTIAL MEETINGS Stewart Lodges at Steelwood
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“Customer experience” is the hot buzzword of the hospitality and business industry these days—but for the Stewart Lodges, which has been providing experience-driven meeting content for nearly two decades, it is an established part of Stewart Lodge culture. Employees under the Stewart Lodges umbrella share one common core value: to offer value-oriented, value-driven care to their customers, other employees and suppliers. In the Stewart Lodges philosophy, everyone deserves to be treated with time, care and quality consideration. The company practices what’s known as “experiential meetings”: meetings, conversations and gatherings that are focused on the experience of spending time together, whether on a golf course
or beside a roaring fire. This treatment creates a relationship—and a lifetime customer. As the clients of the Stewart Lodges can attest, organizations can see a higher retention and customer referral rate following experiential meetings. The Stewart Lodges specializes in experiencedriven meetings. For gatherings large or small, the Stewart Lodges provide interactive meals and events for the whole team, and their serene environment encourages interaction—whether in impromptu intimate conversation on the porch or by the lake, or in one-on-ones out fishing on the lake or golfing on the greens. When companies invest in their people with time, knowledge and passion, the people return that investment tenfold.
At the Stewart Lodges, business is connection; business is people. As a place where people connect, the Stewart Lodges brings out the best of your team. Come and see why they are “the South’s best-kept secret.” Jennie M. Campbell, CMP, CMM, PMP CEO, President
32311 Waterview Dr. East Loxley, AL 36551 251-602-1300 · stewartsteelwood.com
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HIGHER EDUCATION Xavier University of Louisiana
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Since its inception in 1925, Xavier University of Louisiana’s fundamental vision stands upon the education of students who would become agents of change in society, government and the church. Xavier’s students prepare themselves to lead and build a greater and more evolved national and global community. Xavier is recognized as the national leader in minority science education, ranking first in the nation in producing African-American graduates who complete medical school, as well as graduates who achieve PhDs in the life sciences. Xavier’s College of Pharmacy nationally ranks among the top four colleges, graduating 25% of all AfricanAmerican pharmacists. As the only historically Black, Catholic HBCU in the country, the University’s core curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts and offers
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almost four dozen majors in undergraduate, graduate and professional degree levels. Xavier is committed to increasing scholarships for deserving students, as well as continuing to foster excellence in teaching and research on campus. Their graduate network stands over 20,000 members strong worldwide in all walks of life. Xavier took first place in the South in a Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education special report measuring career preparation—the highest score of over 1,000 universities. Xavier is a valuable economic engine in its community, generating more than $320 million in economic activities, with $115.6 million of that number going to household earnings in the Greater New Orleans region. One of the area’s leading
employers, it provides over 4,200 jobs in Orleans Parish. Communities hoping to foster a more robust, diversified economic climate will find HBCUconnected investment a critical component of this effort. From left to right: VP of Student Affairs Mr. Curtis Wright, Senior VP of Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Anne McCall, President Reynold Verret, VP of Administration and Chief of Staff Ms. Patrice Bell Mercadel. 1 Drexel Dr New Orleans, LA 70125 504-486-7411 · XULA.edu @XULA1925
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HOSPICE Notre Dame Health System
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Continuum of care—it’s a phrase that the Notre Dame Health System uses often, and with good reason. It’s one of the best, most accurate ways to convey the breadth of the spectrum of care the post-acute healthcare ministry provides to patients from all walks of life in the Greater New Orleans Community for more than 40 years—all sponsored by the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The continuum includes independent and assisted living services, skilled nursing, home health, private duty home care, Medicaid waiver services and more. These services are provided through a range of health care centers, including Chateau de Notre Dame, Wynhoven Health Care Center, Our Lady of Wisdom, Notre Dame Home
Health, Notre Dame Hospice and Notre Dame Home Care. Notre Dame Hospice service began in 2010 with a license originally owned by Slidell Memorial Hospital. It has grown into a comfort care hospice service for patience for whom curative care is no longer an option. They work with people suffering from terminal illness with a life expectancy of fewer than six months. The emphasis in any Notre Dame Health System service is the patient. Patient-centered care, delivered dependent on patient need, helps provide patients and their families with choices that support quality of care and quality of life in the least restrictive environment possible. Now, as
baby boomers live healthier and longer, the health system is in an ideal position to provide services for the lowest cost to the large generation as they continue to age.
Wayne Plaisance, President & CEO
1000 Howard Ave., 10th Floor New Orleans, LA 70113 504-227-3600 · notredamehealth.org
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HOSPITAL West Jefferson Medical Center
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In April of 1960, the first community hospital on the Westbank of Jefferson Parish opened its doors to residents, becoming the first and best choice for healthcare in its region. Now, as West Jefferson Medical Center approaches its landmark 60th anniversary, it has firmly established itself as a prestigious community landmark and leader, with a broad economic and social footprint and national accolades. With a staff of more than 430 physicians and 1,530 employees caring for patients, the 419-bed medical center also encompasses six primary care locations and two fitness center locations. Brain and spine care, cancer care and emergency care—are among a wide spectrum of other services offered—West Jefferson
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Medical Center is actively fulfilling its goal of creating a healthier future for its community, complete with compassionate and world-class care close to home. The hospital continues to expand by partnering with LCMC Health to begin an $86 million renovation that will focus on some of the most critical healthcare areas, including the Outpatient Surgery Center, Endoscopy, Emergency Department and main hospital entrances. In July of 2019, they welcomed a new president and CEO, Rob Calhoun, who has a deep appreciation of the hospital’s legacy while keeping his vision towards the future. Thanks to the partnership with LCMC Health, the executive team sees a clear pathway forward to expanding access to healthcare in the community
through innovation and technology. With strong leadership and great collaboration, the hospital staff is coming together to celebrate sixty years of progress, growth and a history of unique care on the Westbank. From left to right: Dr. Robert Chugden, Chief Medical Officer ; Monica Bologna, Chief Nursing Officer; Robert Calhoun, President and Chief Executive Officer; Dodie McElmurray, Chief Operating Officer; Dean Roy, Vice President of Physician Services and Business Development 1101 Medical Center Blvd. Marrero, LA 70072 504-347-5511 · wjmc.org
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MOVING AND STORAGE Atmosphere Enterprises LLC
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Atmosphere Enterprises LLC, better known to the Greater New Orleans community as Atmosphere Movers, was founded in the mid-nineties by Chat Stockstill, owner, who still runs the moving, packing and storage company today alongside his wife, Tiffany. Since their humble early beginnings, they’ve expended to a 10,000-square-foot warehouse and two recently-purchased additional properties which they intend to develop into an upscale private storage space for items that require utmost care, from vintage cars to antique pieces. Thanks to their years of experience, Atmosphere Movers is equipped to take on any size job—local or out of state, single specialty item to entire school systems. They’ve worked with clients from the Jefferson Parish School Board to Federal Move “Road
Home to Recovery”—and even for ancient Egyptians, via a mummy they helped relocate for Tulane University. The company’s motto—“get you moved into a better tomorrow”—shows their dedication to treating every client like their only client. Their flat-rate prices guarantee no hidden fees, and they guarantee equal treatment and priority for any client, no matter the job. The company also gives back to its community, through donation of services to Coach Ogeron’s Basket of Hope, Childrens Hospital and others in need across the region. As a locally-owned and veteran-owned company, Atmosphere Movers is primed to both help Louisiana’s economic growth in the coming years and to expand from it, offering the most trusted, reliable
and reputable transportation, packing and storage solutions to clients now and for years to come. From left to right: Todd Morzan; Jaremy Jones; Warren “Chat” Stockstill; Sam Sanders
1840 Highway 59 Mandeville, LA 70448 1615 Poydras St., Suite 900/100 New Orleans, LA 70112 985-626-7600 · 225-248-0444 · 504-566-1919
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MEDICAL MALPRACTICE DEFENSE
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Caraway LeBlanc LLC
Caraway and LeBlanc met in the 1980s during their time working in radio and television broadcasting, forming a strong friendship that continued as the two enrolled in law school at the same time. Over the course of several late nights in law libraries—they kept their media industry jobs while in school—the two entertained dreams of a far-away day when they would be able to open their own law firm. That day came on February 27, 2007, when the friends finally opened Caraway LeBlanc LLC after years of cutting their teeth and expanding their experience at mid- and large-sized law firms. Thanks to their experience in communications as well as their hard-won legal expertise, they have been able to provide a fresh approach in their legal practice: individuality. To Caraway LeBlanc and their growing team of associates, their clients aren’t just a case—they’re individual people with their own unique needs that deserve their own unique legal solutions. The staff of Caraway LeBlanc has made a name for themselves thanks to this hands-on, personalized and experienced approach that they bring to bear for all of their health care clients, new and existing alike. The firm also understands that their clients come from a community, and that support for that community is instrumental in delivering the best legal services. Caraway and LeBlanc both volunteer legal services to a number of nonprofits, and have sat on boards for a myriad of organizations that provide benefits to the Greater New Orleans area.
Ann Marie LeBlanc & Katy Caraway
3936 Bienville Street New Orleans, LA 70119 504-566-1912 · Carawayleblanc.com
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STEAMBOAT Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS
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Captain William “Bill” Wilson has seen his share of riverboats. He would have had to, considering he began his career with the New Orleans Steamboat Company in 1978 as the captain of the Cotton Blossom. In the following decades, Captain Wilson served as the captain of the Riverboat President, Vice President and General Manager of the company and finally as the Marine Operations Manager. In this vital role, the captain assumed oversight of a new jewel in the New Orleans Steamboat Company’s crown: the newly renovated perfect complement to the NATCHEZ, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS. Beauty, function and technology have been brought together under the oversight of dozens of local master craftspeople to form the Riverboat
CITY of NEW ORLEANS from the initial shell of the Rock Island Casino boat. The new riverboat, which will provide harbor and dinner cruises as well as private parties and large charters, has been refitted stem to stern to provide a unique and contemporary event space that truly captures the beauty of being on the waters of the Mississippi. Captain Wilson indeed lives the mission of the New Orleans Steamboat Company where we re-create part of our American Heritage every day… the Steamboat Era! In a city where tourism is often dominated by large corporations, this company is family-owned and operated, begun in 1972 by the Dows, pioneers of riverfront development in New Orleans. Looking to the future, the captain is turning his attention to managing a renovation
of the historic Steamboat NATCHEZ after 45 continuous years of service.
Captain Bill Wilson, Marine Operations Manager
400 Toulouse St. New Orleans, LA 70130 504-569-1401 steamboatnatchez.com/ riverboat-city-of-new-orleans-tours
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RECRUITING AND STAFFING Westaff / Remedy Intelligent Staffing
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The first franchise of Western Temporary Service-Westaff was opened in New Orleans in 1958 by industry pioneers Grace and Robert Hagen. Their son Larry Caldarera joined them in the business in 1990 and he purchased Westaff from them in 2001. In 2018, he purchased Remedy from founder Suzanne Sehon and merged the two brands. Westaff and Remedy are both franchise divisions of EmployBridge, the nation’s largest industrial/ technical staffing company. This affiliation provides them with access to industry leading recruiting and assessment tools in an industry where technology and experience matter. Customers and employees benefit from their national scale, in-depth local knowledge and highly experienced team of recruiters. Combined, Westaff and Remedy are a one-stop shop for administrative, industrial, technical and professional personnel. They offer contract, temporary to permanent and direct-hire employment solutions to business and industry across the entire metro New Orleans area, including the River Parishes and Northshore. Westaff takes a creative approach in developing customized solutions for each client. According to Larry Caldarera, “We think outside of the box; at Westaff and Remedy, there is no box. We believe that staffing is a relationship business where no two customers are alike. People are an asset to the organization, not a commodity. Every year we connect thousands of people to the best employers in New Orleans. Our customers want and expect the best.” With initiatives like their Better Work Life Academy and most recent initiative with Delgado Community College to develop industry-specific mini modular training, Westaff plans to make a big difference in the local labor market by up-skilling people to meet the future needs of local employers. Larry Caldarera, President & CEO
111 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 720 Metairie, LA 70005 504-832-7237 · Westaffneworleans.com
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SHIPBUILDING
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Benny Cenac and Main Iron Works
For some, shipyards evoke thoughts of time gone by: craftsman using their hands and skills to bring together marine vessels of all kinds, designed to float and sail across waters great and small. For Arlen “Benny” Cenac, Jr. and the staff of Cenac Marine Services, that time is still very much now. Main Iron Works LLC sits fifty miles into the Intracoastal Waterway in Houma, a contemporary shipyard specializing in the construction, repair and repowering of marine vessels and barges. Founded by Arlen “Benny” Cenac, Jr.’s maternal grandfather, Horace “Jack” Guidry, in 1947, Main Iron Works has been providing shipbuilding and refurbishing services to the Houma area for over seven decades. Today, the historic shipyard serves as the home to a major building enterprise, building its first steel boat on Bayou Terrebonne and growing into a leader in the tug construction industry, providing push boats, tugboats, specialty boats and fishing vessels for marine transport companies. Main Iron Works, which was acquired by Arlen “Benny” Cenac, Jr. and the Cenac Group in July of 2015, operates as an independent entity under the wide umbrella of the Cenac Group. They have continued their progressive construction and design growth, expanding its services to include a full-service machine shop.
Arlen “Benny” Cenac, Jr. Expands Main Iron Works The new machine shop, certified with the American Bureau of Shipping, offers general machine work as well as specialty work including (but not limited to) propeller shaft construction and repair, steering components, specialized pump and prop repair and water jetting of parts. The shop is housed in a brand-new building, complete with two 10-ton overhead hoists and four 5-town overhead hoists. Their machinery is state of the art and includes five manual lathes, a shaft-straightening press, a waterjet cutting table, two double head sub-arc wielding machines as well as various support machines from mills and drills to saws and more. Thanks to Benny Cenac’s investment, facilities and operations within Main Iron Works have been modernized to keep the tradition of quality and innovation as set in place by Guidry over seventy years ago. The combination of
the Cenac Group’s resources and the core mission of other Cenac companies—including Cenac Towing—has made an ideal dynamic duo with Main Iron Works. Since Arlen “Benny” Cenac purchased Main Iron Works, the shipyard has transformed from a historic, classic shipyard to a state-of-the-art facility, complete with four dry docks, construction slips, warehousing, barge building and repair facilities, and painting and blasting facilities—all covered, ensuring on-time delivery for projects regardless of weather. Benny Cenac and Main Iron Works plan to expand their reach nationally, designing and building vessels for inland, lake and river systems across the nation. They’ve invested heavily in the physical plant’s capabilities, technology and human resources, and are set to see a hearty return on that investment—the shipyard is now equipped to build almost any vessel used in the sector nationally. This national investment fits with the Cenac Group’s strategic plan—in the upcoming years, the group is preparing to qualify for and participate in government contract work, a natural extension of their current capabilities. Arlen “Benny” Cenac, Jr. is always looking to find more ways to expand his business and his ever-growing pool of employees. Benny Cenac treats his employees like family, making sure that they all take pride in their work and in the company. He understands that the most important thing is making sure Houma is a thriving community and a great place to live. That’s why Benny Cenac does so much to give back to that community. His local philanthropy goes hand in hand with his efforts to move Main Iron Works into the future and continue to build a company that his ancestor would be proud of.
Main Iron Works / 148 Old Ferry Rd. Houma, LA / 985-876-6302 · mainironworks.com Cenac Marine Services, LLC / 742 LA-182, Houma, LA / 985-872-2413 · cenac.com
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Ryan McCroskey founded DMG with a focus on the customer—and in the years since its inception, that focus has paid off exponentially. In 2019 alone, the team has been honored as Remodelers Top 550, number 1 kitchen remodeler for General Contractor Magazine, an Inc 5000 company and recipient of two prestigious Chrysalis awards, not to mention McCroskey’s recognition as one of PRO Remodelers 40 Under 40. “We understand our customer’s vision, their needs, and the value of their time,” said McCroskey. He defines a project’s success based on how happy and satisfied a family is with their final product. To that end, McCroskey has made it his mission to have customer service be pervasive in
every aspect of DMG’s work. From the moment a potential client contacts DMG, care is taken to truly listen to what the customer wants and communicate with them how DMG’s process works. Throughout the design & build process, DMG’s core values— communication, teamwork, and accountability— keep customer service as a top priority. Every client has one point of contact who is available to answer questions and provide updates on the team’s work throughout the project. DMG aims to provide clients with a true sense of satisfaction thanks to the collaborative nature of the project from beginning to end. The design+build model, a start to finish collaborative involvement between DMG and the
client, has been proven very successful. This success is evidenced by DMG’s abundance of diversified awards and the overwhelming satisfaction of their clients.
From left to right: Justin Fredricks, Blueprint Designer / Estimator; Madeline Comeaux, Interior Designer; Ryan McCroskey, CEO; Aren McCroskey, General Manager; Brett Richman, Project Manager
2345 Metairie Rd. Metairie, LA 70001 504-275-6664 · DMGnola.com
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