PORT STAFF
INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Brian Cox
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Patti Crockett
CHIEF OF STAFF
Tamara Kennedy
CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER
Micah Cormier
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Chambrel Riley-Williams
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION
Vickie Lewis
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
Alexandra "Alex" Hernández
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
Amber Becnel
AIRPORT DIRECTOR
Chanse Watson
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ON THE COVER: House Speaker Mike Johnson, President Donald Trump, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, and Executive Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group Euisun Chung during the March announcement of Hyundai Steel's $5.8B in Louisiana. Photo courtesy of The White House
It is an honor to introduce myself to you as the Interim Executive Director of the Port of South Louisiana. Having served as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Port Director, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated team committed to advancing our region’s economic vitality and global connectivity. Now, in this new role, I’m excited to continue that mission with even greater purpose.
This summer issue of PortLog is a celebration of progress, partnership, and possibility. We begin by spotlighting River Parishes Community College, a vital educational partner whose workforce training programs are shaping the future of our region’s industries. Chancellor Quinton Taylor and his team are doing remarkable work to prepare students for high-demand careers, and their collaboration with the Port is a model for how education and industry can thrive together.
We also commemorate a major milestone—65 years of the Port of South Louisiana. From humble beginnings to becoming the one of the largest tonnage ports in the Western Hemisphere, our journey has been defined by resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to service. This issue reflects on our history and looks ahead to the exciting developments on the horizon.
Among those developments is our partnership with Hyundai Steel Company on a transformative $5.8 billion manufacturing facility in Ascension Parish. Though the plant will reside within the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, our role in constructing a deep-water dock exemplifies the power of
regional collaboration. This project will bring thousands of jobs and position Louisiana as a leader in ultra-low carbon steel production.
We also feature Bertel Award Winner Kristi App of J.W. Allen & Company, whose decades of leadership in freight forwarding and customs brokerage have helped keep Louisiana’s supply chains strong and efficient. Her story is one of legacy, excellence, and deep commitment to our maritime community.
And we celebrate NATCO Food Service’s centennial—100 years of delivering quality products and service to customers across Southeast Louisiana. Their long-standing partnership with the Port and their dedication to employee well-being are truly inspiring.
Finally, we recap the PortSL Executive Regional Airport’s pivotal role during Super Bowl LIX. Under the leadership of Airport Director Chanse Watson, our airport welcomed hundreds of private aircraft and showcased the convenience and capability of our aviation infrastructure.
As we move forward, I remain committed to building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors and working with our commissioners, staff, and partners to ensure that the Port of South Louisiana continues to be a catalyst for growth and opportunity. Thank you for your continued support—and welcome to the Summer 2025 edition of PortLog.
Warm regards,
Brian Cox, Interim Executive Director
ryan burks commissioner
florence dumas commissioner
stanley bazile secretary
p. joey murray, iii chairman
louis joseph commissioner
robbie leblanc treasurer
jason duhé commissioner
brian cox interim executive director
joey scontrino vice chairman
julie hebert commissioner
TRANSPORTATION CENTER OF THE AMERICAS
The state legislature established the Port of South Louisiana in 1960 to promote commerce and industrial development along the 54-mile stretch of the Mississippi River that runs through the St. Charles, St. John and St. James tri-parish regions.
PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA TOTAL TONNAGE QUARTER 1 – QUARTER 2 COMPARISON (IN MILLIONS OF SHORT TONS)
PHILOSOPHY
The Port’s philosophy of development is to entice companies to set up regional operations within its boundaries. The Port serves primarily as a “landlord” port to more than 30 grain, petroleum and chemical companies. The exception to this is the port-owned world-class intermodal Globalplex facility SoLaPort, and the St. James Westbank property.
WORLD’S LARGEST PORT DISTRICT
The ports of South Louisiana, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, St. Bernard and Plaquemines make up the world’s largest continuous port district. They are responsible for moving one-fifth of all U.S. foreign waterborne commerce.
FACILITIES
Within the Port’s jurisdiction, there are seven grain elevators, multiple midstreaming operations, more than 40 liquid and dry-bulk terminals, the Globalplex Intermodal Terminal and the Port’s Executive Regional Airport.
PORT AREA
The Port covers a 54-mile stretch of the lower Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The Port begins at river mile 114.9AHP near the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and winds through St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes. It continues north to river mile 168.5AHP just north of the Sunshine Bridge.
MISSION
The Port is charged with a mission to promote maritime commerce, trade and development, and to establish public and private partnerships for the creation of intermodal terminals and industrial facilities.
GOVERNANCE
The Port is under the jurisdiction of the state of Louisiana and authorized by the state constitution. A ninemember board of commissioners directs the Port; all of them are unsalaried.
PATHWAY TO SUCCESS
River
BY MISTY MILIOTO
Parishes Community College offers opportunities for students to meet local workforce demands.
COMMITTED TO STUDENT SUCCESS
River Parishes Community College (RPCC) is dedicated to student success—whether learners are beginning a career, changing paths, or seeking advancement. The college operates with a three-part mission: degrees and certificates, workforce training, and adult education. As the premier post-secondary educational resource for Louisiana’s River Parishes region, RPCC is an openadmission institution with campuses in Gonzales, Reserve, Boutte, and Plaquemine.
Quinton Taylor was appointed interim chancellor in June 2022 and officially named chancellor in January 2023 after a nationwide search conducted by the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Board of Supervisors. Since 2022, RPCC’s enrollment has increased by 17%.
“In the most recent academic year, we enrolled approximately 3,500 students across all three mission areas,” Taylor says.
As chancellor, Taylor oversees day-to-day operations, including budget management, academic and workforce program relevance, industry and K–12 partnerships, advocacy, and student success. He credits the growth to a dedicated team delivering “legendary service” across all areas of the college.
“We’re rooted in our community and agile enough to meet local workforce demands,” he says. “Our partnerships with industry, expansion of dual enrollment, and focus on short-term training make us a leader in workforce development.”
Taylor adds that RPCC has also doubled the number of students who have completed their educational programs over the same period. “Preparing more skilled and qualified students for the workforce is the ultimate accolade,” he says.
TOPS IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Some of RPCC’s most popular programs include welding, electrical, instrumentation, crane operation, non-destructive testing, construction crafts, heavy equipment, and fiber optics. These offerings align with high-demand, high-wage jobs in the region.
Flexible and short-term, these programs are designed for fast entry into the workforce or to help students enhance their existing skill sets. RPCC works directly with local employers to customize training programs that meet real-world hiring needs.
“These partnerships ensure students graduate with job-ready skills and direct pathways to employment,” Taylor says. “They’re built with employer input, so students learn exactly what’s needed for the job—from technical skills to safety practices—and can perform from day one.”
Some of RPCC’s many industry partners include BASF, Dow, Shell, CF Industries, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Emerson,
Quinton Taylor, chancellor River Parishes Community College
Hyundai Steel, and the Port of South Louisiana. “We’ve created onboarding and advanced skills training, along with professional seminars and safety certification courses,” Taylor adds.
While some workforce development programs last just a few weeks, others can lead to employment in a matter of months. Many are offered at night to accommodate working adults and are designed to quickly move students into jobs.
SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS
RPCC’s Career Success Center offers a range of student resources—from resume assistance and interview preparation to career counseling and employer networking events. The college also recently launched Industry Match Day, where third- and fourthsemester students showcase their skills, participate in mock and formal interviews, and connect directly with potential employers.
Additional support services include holistic academic advising, tutoring, mental health resources, help securing internships, and one-on-one success coaching.
AFFORDABILITY AND FINANCIAL AID
RPCC is an affordable option for students, and a number of financial aid programs help make education even more accessible. For example, the M.J. Foster Promise Program provides financial support to Louisiana residents 20 years and older who are enrolled—or plan to enroll—in approved programs in information technology, manufacturing, construction, transportation and warehousing, and healthcare.
In addition, RPCC offers a variety of scholarships for new and returning students. These meritbased awards recognize academic excellence and extracurricular involvement.
EXCITING EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
RPCC continues to expand its reach through new initiatives. The Westbank Workforce Training Center at Donaldsonville High School provides dual enrollment and high-wage training programs, including high school equivalency and job readiness courses for adults. The center is a collaboration between RPCC and the Ascension Parish School Board.
The college also served as the lead education and training provider in Louisiana’s successful effort to attract a Hyundai Steel Corporation expansion to the state.
This fall, RPCC is expanding its Early College Technical Academy into St. John Parish through its Reserve Campus. The initiative allows high school students to earn their diploma, industry certifications, and—in some cases—associate degrees in process technology, electrical, and instrumentation.
Taylor also highlights the work of RPCC’s Energy Partners for Innovation and Collaboration (EPIC) Consortium, launched in August 2023. This group brings together more than 20 partners from education, industry, government, and capital sectors to help meet the evolving needs of the Gulf Coast’s workforce.
Through EPIC, the college will also launch the E3 Academy, an afterschool program focused on career readiness. Beginning this fall, third-grade students from Lowery Elementary School and Sorrento Primary School will participate in hands-on activities to strengthen skills in numeracy, literacy, and workplace readiness. The program is expected to expand to serve middle and high school students in the future.
START NOW
For anyone thinking about furthering their education or learning new skills, Taylor offers this encouragement:
“You don’t have to be perfect to begin—just be willing to work hard,” he says. “We’ll walk with you every step of the way. We invest in every student, meet them where they are, and help them reach their goals. We don’t just offer programs—we offer access to a world of possibilities, including a pathway to the middle class and prosperity.”
PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA CELEBRATES 65 YEARS AS A MARITIME POWERHOUSE
Tables were piled high with crawfish, corn, and potatoes as more than 100 guests gathered under the trees at the Port of South Louisiana’s Globalplex facility in Reserve, Louisiana to celebrate Maritime Day — and mark the Port of South Louisiana’s 65th anniversary.
The moment was a milestone for an operation that has grown from modest beginnings in 1960 into America’s largest tonnage port district and a vital multimodal facility handling approximately 238 million tons of cargo annually.
“I want everybody to give a hand to those here today celebrating 65 years of the Port of South Louisiana,” said Paul Matthews, the Port’s Executive Director. “That’s 65 years of being the number one tonnage port in Louisiana and the second largest port in the western hemisphere.”
Attendees included Port commissioners, executives, current and former employees, local and state elected officials, and representatives from shipping lines, terminal operators, and major industrial players who anchor the River Parishes economy. Matthews and other leaders offered remarks highlighting the port’s pivotal role in global trade as guests mingled, swapped business cards, and toasted to continued success for the Port of South Louisiana.
Though many U.S. ports predate it by centuries, the Port of South Louisiana’s achievements stand out among the nation’s maritime giants. New England ports trace their origins to the 1600s, ranking among the oldest in the country. Even the Port of New Orleans dates back to 1718, founded by the French.
“When you compare PortSL to other ports around the country that have been around for centuries, we have accomplished so much in so little time and have done more with less,” Matthews said. “And we keep going. The River Parishes continue to punch well above their weight class.”
Spanning 54 miles along the Mississippi River, the port encompasses the parishes of St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, and St. James. It serves as a vital hub in the Lower Mississippi River industrial corridor. PortSL was created to capitalize on the region’s natural strengths, including deepdraft access and excellent transportation connectivity.
EARLY DAYS
The global transition to standardized shipping containers in the late 1960s profoundly transformed logistics worldwide. During this period, the Mississippi River’s importance surged as a major route for Midwest grain exports and expanding petroleum trade.
Speaking at the anniversary event, Julia Fisher Cormier, Commissioner of the Office of Multimodal Commerce, said, “I visited the Port of Fourchon to celebrate their 65th anniversary recently, too. I guess our forefathers, sometime in the 1960s, were intuitive enough to realize we needed some ports to get things done. We’re lucky to have the foresight from those who created these ports and lucky to have the leadership here at the Port of South Louisiana and other lower Mississippi ports.”
BUILDING A BRAND
Brand recognition posed a significant challenge for PortSL in the late 1990s, an issue Gary LaGrange encountered firsthand when he became executive director in 1997 after 21 years with the Port of West St. Mary in Franklin.
“Without a doubt, the biggest challenge when I took over was the issue of recognition and brand name,” LaGrange said. “Back then, U.S. Customs established the boundaries for tonnage classification along the Mississippi River, and everything was labeled under the Port of New Orleans. This meant that PortSL wasn’t given due credit.”
DEEPENING, EXPANDING, AND DIVERSIFYING
Since 2016, the Mississippi River has been dredged three times to deepen the navigation channel from 42 to 50 feet. This allows larger post-Panamax vessels—ships too large for the original Panama Canal locks—to access upriver ports. These vessels can measure up to 1,200 feet long and 160 feet wide.
These advances coincided with major developments at PortSL facilities, which LaGrange described as an enormous opportunity.
“The biggest highlight for me was the transformation of the old Godchaux-Henderson sugar mill site in Reserve, Louisiana, into what is now the Globalplex Intermodal Terminal,” he said. “The site was developed to include cranes, warehouses, and transit sheds designed for the short-term storage of cargo before it’s transferred by truck, rail, barge, or ship. This meant that instead of relocating after Katrina, Crystal Hot Sauce, for example, decided to stay, marking Globalplex’s emergence as a fully functional cargo port for the first time.”
RESILIENCE IN THE POST-KATRINA ERA
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, PortSL sustained only limited damage and remained operational. This underscored its strategic importance to the U.S. economy and supply chains and enabled the port to play a key role in the region’s recovery.
“During Katrina, the Mandeville Street dock right next to the French Quarter caught on fire,” LaGrange recalled. “There was no way to fight the fire from land because there was no water pressure. The only way to fight it was from the fire boats on the river. One of the first on the scene was the Port of South Louisiana’s rescue runner.”
In the years following Katrina, significant federal and state investments modernized PortSL’s infrastructure and improved hurricane protection. The port also diversified its cargo beyond agriculture and energy to include chemicals, steel, and industrial materials.
The Globalplex Intermodal Terminal saw major upgrades to improve barge, rail, and truck integration, alongside rail enhancements through Canadian National (CN), Union Pacific (UP), and Kansas City Southern (KCS).
PortSL was also designated a key national security asset, securing grants under the Maritime Transportation Security Act to bolster cybersecurity, surveillance, and emergency operations.
LOOKING AHEAD
Today, PortSL moves roughly 15% of all U.S. waterborne commerce and is home to more than 50 large industrial facilities. It remains the nation’s No. 1 grain exporting port and a leading hub for energy commodities.
The port is investing in resilient infrastructure, emissions reduction, and expanded Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) capacity to remain competitive in a shifting global logistics landscape.
PortSL recently announced that Woodland Biofuels will develop a $1.35 billion carbon-negative renewable natural gas and ultra-green hydrogen facility at the port, using waste biomass to produce fuel and sequester CO₂, with the first phase expected to begin operations by 2028.
Governor Jeff Landry issued a statement recognizing PortSL on its 65th anniversary, highlighting its vital role in Louisiana and beyond.
“For more than six decades, the Port of South Louisiana has stood as a pillar of economic strength, not only for our state but for the entire nation,” Landry said. “The Port of South Louisiana’s continued growth and success reflect the unwavering dedication of its leadership, the hard work of its employees, and the steadfast commitment of all those who support its mission. I commend and congratulate the Port of South Louisiana on their 65th Anniversary and express deep gratitude for all their contributions to the state of Louisiana.”
At the end of the day, the celebration felt as much like a family reunion as an official commemoration — underscoring the deep connections between the port, its workers, and the surrounding communities that depend on its prosperity.
BRANCHING OUT FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE REGION
BY WILLIAM KALEC
The Port of South Louisiana’s role in the multi-billion-dollar Hyundai Steel project highlights regional collaboration among Mississippi River deep-draft ports.
Civic, economic, and industry leaders didn’t hold back in praising the magnitude of Hyundai Steel’s recent decision to invest $5.8 billion in a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Donaldsonville, Ascension Parish.
“Hyundai’s decision to invest nearly $6 billion in Ascension Parish speaks volumes about Louisiana’s skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and our ability to compete for innovative manufacturing facilities,” said Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry in March 2025. “This announcement makes clear that Louisiana’s manufacturing sector is roaring back, thanks to our historic tax reforms, our businessfriendly approach, and the many competitive advantages our state offers international powerhouses like Hyundai.”
Although the new facility will be entirely within the Port of Greater Baton Rouge’s footprint on the Mississippi River’s west bank, the Port of South Louisiana (PortSL) is partnering with Hyundai Steel to construct and oversee a deep-water dock. This dock is expected to receive millions of tons of raw iron ore annually.
“Our focus remains on promoting quality job creation within the three River Parishes by attracting new businesses to the Port of South Louisiana and supporting expansion opportunities for our current clients,” said Micah Cormier, PortSL Chief Commercial Officer. “We also recognized the unique opportunity to contribute to this project and the broader economic impact it will have statewide.”
PortSL’s extensive experience developing critical infrastructure at Globalplex and client sites across the Port District made it an ideal partner for Hyundai Steel.
As of summer 2025, the Hyundai dock project remained in conceptual design, with key details—such as length, weight capacity, crane capabilities, assigned operator, and completion date—yet to be finalized. However, the dock is planned to handle approximately 4 million tons of raw material, which will be converted into 2.7 million metric tons of steel for Hyundai, Kia, and several other U.S. vehicle plants.
“Port of South Louisiana’s partnership on this gamechanging project exemplifies the power of regionalism in driving economic progress that transcends political boundaries,” said former CEO Paul Matthews. “Our investment in this multi-use, deep-water dock will create ripple effects across the region, bringing jobs to families and spurring long-term growth and new investments. This project shows what’s possible when state and parish leaders, industries, and infrastructure partners unite behind a shared vision to reinforce Louisiana’s leadership in manufacturing and global trade.”
Beyond the 1,300 direct jobs (averaging $95,000 annually) and 4,100 indirect jobs generated by Hyundai Steel, the facility’s advanced technology could spur further economic development at existing and future manufacturing sites along the Mississippi River.
When it opens later this decade, the plant will be classified as an ‘ultra-low carbon’ steel mill powered by an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). Unlike traditional blast furnaces, EAFs are more compact, faster, cheaper, and more efficient, producing higher output while using electricity—not coke—as fuel, leading to a 70 percent emissions reduction.
In addition to advancing alternative energy growth, PortSL’s involvement underscores its commitment to collaborating with neighboring Mississippi River ports for the region’s benefit.
Earlier this year, the five Mississippi River deep-draft ports joined forces in a comprehensive cargo study—the first time such data was collected collectively. This foundational information will help industry stakeholders, maritime officials, economic development leaders, and government entities develop strategic plans to strengthen operations, address inefficiencies, and ensure long-term regional stability and growth amid global competition.
“Our work constructing this dock aligns with our collaborative approach to attracting business and creating jobs,” Cormier said. "The Hyundai Steel announcement, other Mississippi River port projects, and PortSL's commitment to the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) show that we recognize a collective, big-picture effort benefits all ports—and more importantly, the people of our entire region.”
PROVIDING THE GOODS
BY BELLA ANGELOS
“No shipment too big, no shipment too small, the customer’s always right.” For over 90 years, J.W. Allen & Company has lived by this mantra.
It’s easy to walk into a grocery store, grab food for the week, and head home without thinking about where the products came from. It seems simple, but the truth is the process of getting goods on shelves is far more complex than it looks. J.W. Allen & Company has been a critical link in that process since 1932.
As a freight forwarding and customs brokerage company, they serve as a vital nexus for cargo movement.
Kristi App, Chief Operations Officer at J.W. Allen & Company, describes their role in the maritime and trade industry simply as “a travel agent for cargo moving in and out of the country.”
J.W. Allen is part of the brokerage community that handles about 97% of imports entering the United States. They help importers and exporters navigate international trade regulations and manage the duties, taxes, and tariffs required on imports. On the logistics side, they coordinate
freight movement internationally, using strategic planning to determine the most efficient routes for their customers’ cargo overseas.
They’re also responsible for ensuring that goods moving to and from the country comply with U.S. trade regulations. Internally, this means adhering to guidelines from the Federal Maritime Commission and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Knowing the laws and regulations is crucial for properly advising customers.
Their work keeps communities, especially in Louisiana, stocked with the products people want and need. From food in grocery stores to dresses in local boutiques made from imported fabric, it all happens behind the scenes thanks to their efforts.
“Goods wouldn’t be on your shelves without freight forwarders and customs brokers,” App said. “It’s that simple.”
This applies not just to products arriving in the U.S., but also to those leaving the country.
“Especially here in Louisiana,” App said. “We feed fuel and power to the world with our products, so making sure those goods leave the U.S. and reach foreign markets is just as important.”
Success in freight forwarding means moving goods safely, efficiently, and effectively. With a well-maintained system, J.W. Allen & Company excels at this.
“I think success means being effective not only in my actions but also in the results of those actions,” App said.
Their efforts include advancing projects and supporting local trade associations. App emphasizes the importance of lobbying state and federal partners on legislation that affects freight forwarding. J.W. Allen has a long-standing, customerfirst approach and is deeply involved in its community.
“Since our founding in 1932, Mr. Allen was committed to trade associations,” App said. “We remain very active in associations and civic engagement.”
The company is involved with the International Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of New Orleans, the World Trade Center of New Orleans, GNO, Inc., and national associations in Washington, D.C. This involvement keeps them informed of industry developments.
“As a company, we take industry involvement very seriously,” App said. “That engagement helps us be a better resource for our customers.”
App’s dedication has earned her a distinguished reputation in Louisiana’s port community. Much of her guidance came from her father, William S. App, Jr., the 2009 recipient of the Bertel Award—an annual honor established in 1967 by
the World Trade Center of New Orleans to recognize significant contributions to the Louisiana port industry.
“My dad always said, ‘In this business, you have your word and your reputation,’” App recalled. “I never put either at risk. That nugget of wisdom has guided my career.”
In 2024, App herself received the prestigious C. Alvin Bertel Award. Though she is rarely at a loss for words, she admits this recognition was a special exception.
“I don’t lead with expectations of rewards,” she said. “I’m passionate about this industry. I love it. I love Louisiana, especially its maritime community. I don’t do it for accolades, but receiving this award was truly astounding.”
The Bertel Award represents more than an achievement—it connects her journey to the legacy of her father and past recipients, whose dedication and mentorship shaped her path. App’s title barely scratches the surface of who she is. She’s not only COO of J.W. Allen & Company but also a third-generation freight forwarder and customs broker, a woman, a mother, and a mentor. Her role is woven from many threads.
“I have a long career ahead and look forward to building on my work, hoping to make proud those who nominated me and honored me with this award,” she said.
As the industry continues to evolve, J.W. Allen plans to grow alongside it, always keeping its customer-first mission at the core.
“Our employees are our most important asset,” App said. “I’d put them up against anyone’s.”
Running a complex business requires a capable team united toward the same goal. That team, she says, is the spirit of J.W. Allen.
“They really are the heart and soul of this company.”
A CENTURY OF SERVICE
NATCO Food Service Celebrates 100 Years
BY FRITZ ESKER
Producing perfect, personalized cuts of meat and delivering them to a wide variety of customers is the mission of NATCO Food Service. The quality of the food and the service is not the only noteworthy thing about the Reserve-based company: this year, they celebrated 100 years of business!
The story of NATCO begins when Nicholas Lalla and his brother immigrated to the Crescent City from Palermo, Sicily. Nicholas Lalla opened up a grocery store/ butcher shop on Galvez St. and called it National Meat & Provision Co.
“Basically a meat market, but it also had produce and some dry goods,” said John Lalla, managing partner at NATCO and grandson of Nicholas.
In the late 1970s, the business closed its retail store and transitioned into servicing restaurants, and one of their first customers was the venerable New Orleans dining institution Commander’s Palace. That was the start of a long, fruitful partnership between NATCO and Commander’s. The restaurant would also forge partnerships with a variety of other local restaurants.
NATCO has remained in the Lalla family for three generations. In 1968, Nicholas’ son Leonard took over the business. In 1994, four of Leonard’s children assumed control of NATCO: Anne, John, Earline, and Thomas.
What are some of the services NATCO provides? In keeping with their origins, NATCO still provides its customers with high-quality meat. They work with boutique, high-end ranchers to offer the highest quality meats to their clients.
“The quality of our meat is what separates us from other places,” Charles Schimmel, COO of NATCO, said.
But meat is not the only food NATCO provides. They also provide milk, dairy, eggs, and other speciality items.
NATCO reps also work with chefs at high-end restaurants to help them with menu creation. While come restaurants have a menu that remains basically static, the kinds of restaurants NATCO works with have
some core menu items, but also showcase a few items that change from week to week.
“Our customers’ menus are dynamic,” Schimmel said.
NATCO operates out of a facility that is just under 100,000 square feet and is USDA-inspected and operated by HACCP-certified staff.
In addition to its work with restaurants, NATCO also works with institutional catering operators, specifically those servicing the offshore oil industry and ship provisioning distributors. They also work with independent retailers and wholesale grocery distributors.
Like any business, NATCO has faced challenges over the years. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 created many unique challenges for food service businesses. Schimmel said their institutional catering work stayed strong even though many restaurants struggled greatly. Their work with grocery distributors increased during the pandemic and continues to grow.
How has NATCO not just survived but thrived for 100 years? NATCO works hard to create a culture of excellence at every level of its operations. Every worker in every department has to care about their work and the service they provide to their customers.
“You have to care. So the people behind the scenes, making it happen, who do care, that would be the secret sauce,” said Stephen Daigle, transportation and safety manager at NATCO. “It’s just attention to detail and excellence in all we do.”
The culture of excellence extends to how NATCO treats its employees, and has been a cornerstone of its operations for its 100 years. Schimmel said it is not uncommon for NATCO employees to stay with the company for 30 years or more.
“We realize people have a choice where they work, and we try to create a family-style environment for our employees and that’s something that’s carried over through three generations,” Schimmel said.
Anne Babin, managing partner at NATCO, echoed Schimmel’s sentiments.
“My father always believed in people. You need to treat people fairly,” said Babin. “I really think we are where we are today because we listen to employees and we listen to our clients.”
Schimmel also voiced pride in the company’s roots in Southeastern Louisiana. NATCO has 100 employees, and they are all local.
“We’re a local company,” Schimmel said. “We’re rooted in the southeast. We support the southeast region.”
NATCO’s clients back up Babin’s statement and speak in glowing terms about their working relationships with NATCO.
“They’ve been there for us, and they’re a big part of our success over the years at Atchafalaya,” said Christopher Lynch, executive chef at Cafe Atchafalaya.
“What they’re good at is what makes every relationship good: they’re good at listening,” said
Lathan Alexander, president and owner of Alexander’s Market. “They listen to what our needs are. They get to know what it is we need, and they customize a unique solution for it. That’s why we’re still doing business with them.”
“NATCO’s relationship and ours has been going on for years and years, and it’s just one built on trust and respect,” said Megan Bickford, executive chef at Commander’s Palace. “They, like we, have a very driven determination to provide the best product for our guests, and you can’t ask for more than that.”
NATCO has been a long-time tenant of the Port of South Louisiana. They recently signed a long-term lease that could keep them at the facility through 2055.
“We have a good relationship with them,” Schimmel said. “They’ve been responsive to our needs.”
EXECUTING THE GAMEPLAN
BY WILLIAM KALEC
Months of careful pre-planning and collaboration with nearby facilities enabled the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport to handle a surge of Super Bowl traffic like a pro.
More than five months before the curtain rose on the grandest domestic event in private aviation—Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans—preparations were already underway at the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport for the busiest two-week stretch in its history.
“From my first day on the job in September 2024, the Super Bowl immediately became my number one priority,” said Chanse Watson, the newly hired Executive Regional Airport Director. “Having witnessed the ramp-up in traffic during Super Bowl 47 in February 2013 while working operations at New Orleans International Airport, I knew that all Louisiana airports—including ours—were about to be on the world stage.
“And for many, it was their first time at our airport,” Watson continued. “The best feedback we received was, ‘Wow, I didn’t know this was here, but I’m sure glad we found you because it’s so convenient.’”
Aviation agencies estimate that approximately 1,200 private planes arrived in New Orleans during Super Bowl week this past February—surpassing air traffic from the previous season’s “Big Game” in Las Vegas by nearly 33 percent. While KAPS usually sees upticks around Mardi Gras and major sporting events like the Sugar Bowl and NCAA men’s basketball Final Four, demand for the Super Bowl eclipsed all prior occasions.
To accommodate the surge in private air travelers, the FAA and NFL designated the Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport as one of five approved airfields in their official reservation system. This system granted aircraft pre-assigned one-hour “slots” for landing and departure, ensuring safe and efficient airflow during peak periods. KAPS was allocated 240 slots—120 arrivals and 120 departures—spanning from the Thursday before Super Bowl Sunday through Monday evening after the game.
“Airspace management was critical from an air traffic control perspective, which is why the slot reservation system was a must,” Watson said. “But as the airport operator, we also wanted to ensure that the same level of efficiency was happening on the ground.”
Watson highlighted two recent infrastructure improvements that proved strategically crucial during Super Bowl week.
First, a taxiway extension to the north side of the airport allowed for additional aircraft parking while maintaining efficient entry and exit from the runway—vital to minimizing pilot back-taxiing. On game day, more than 20 private aircraft parked on the taxiway extension.
Second, a new runway and taxiway signage system—a series of markings providing location indicators for pilots, FAA personnel, and airport staff during taxiing—enabled Watson’s team to publish real-time briefing materials. These alerts informed pilots of temporarily closed sections due to increased traffic.
Understanding that passengers and crew would have diverse needs upon landing in Reserve, airport officials coordinated with local suppliers to cover any scenario: last-minute catering, ground servicing, and teleconferences with River Parish rental car agencies, including six Enterprise cars on standby Sunday morning of the Super Bowl.
“Quality customer service was our main objective from the end of the NFC and AFC conference championship games through the final whistle of the Super Bowl,” Watson said. “Knowing that plans and demands change rapidly during big events, we focused on being as flexible and accommodating as possible.
“We understood the game was the main event, but everyone’s ‘Super Bowl Experience’ started the moment they touched down. It was important to begin that experience positively and welcome them to Louisiana.”
RREDI'S WASHINGTON MARDI GRAS BREAKFAST
EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION WORKSHOP
Vickie Lewis-Clark, Lynee Ancar, Amber Becnel, Tamara Kennedy, Commissioner Florence Dumas, Patti Crockett, and Nyler Williams at River Region Chamber of Commerce's Women Empowerment Luncheon.
PortSL's Ted Knight (center) with Costa Rica's JAPDEVA team (LR): Freddy Meza Alvarado - Projects Developer and Supervisor, Anner Garcia Obregón - Region Development Manager, Jose Lidier Azofeifa González - Chief of staff, Sucy Wing Ching - Executive Director, Karla Piedra Alfaro - Port Manager, Jorge Garcia Calvo - General Manager, and Jheynold Lunan Williams - Chief Operations
Press conference announcing the U.S. Department of the Interior's decision to not proceed with the creation of a Historic Landmark District. This action saved 22,747 acres on the West Bank of the Mississippi River from onerous federal oversight that slowed economic development, job creation, and future progress for the families of St. John, St. James, and St. Charles Parishes.
Deputy Port Director Brian Cox & Chief of Staff Tamara Kennedy receive Maritime Port Executive program certificates.
Leaders from the Mississippi River Commission and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers touched down at PortSL for discussions on economic development projects along the Lower Mississippi River -Woodland Biofuels, Life For Tyres, and Hyundai’s $6 billion firstof-its kind steel manufacturing facility- and issues like the maintenance of America’s marine superhighway, the Mississippi
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Scott Mason and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Aurelia Giacometto visited PortSL for a roundtable discussion with local business, stakeholders, and government officials on the balance of protecting our environment while growing our economy.
River. Commission Chairman Joey Murray with leaders from the Mississippi River Commission and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
WE WORK THE WATERWAYS IN MADISONVILLE, LOUISIANA.
USMMA INTERNS
USMMA cadets Philip Tomac and Boris Dimitrov visiting E-Crane's facility in New Iberia with CEO Steve Osborne, P.E. and VP of Business Development Aaron Bennett. The tour included E-Crane's newest crane, the Creole King, which will be deployed by Cooper Consolidated to assist in stevedoring on the Lower Mississippi River.
Northshore schools students at We Work the Waterways event in Madisonville, Louisiana. As a dedicated supporter of the We Work the Waterways program, Senior Advisor of Commercial Operations Ted Knight and PIO Alex Hernández participated its event in Madisonville, Louisiana.
Once again, we had the pleasure of having two fine young interns from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, M/S Boris Dimitrov and M/S Philip Tomac (L) pictured with members of PortSL's marine operations crew.
USMMA interns briefed on LA DOTD's structure and role in maintaining/developing all modes of transportation in LA with emphasis on Maritime Industry. L-R: M/S Boris Dimitrov, Senior Advisor of Commercial Operations Ted Knight, LA DOTD's Molly Bourgoyne, Keira Coleman, and Matthew Malphurs, and M/S Philip Tomac.
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy interns M/S Philip Tomac and M/S Boris Dimitrov with George Burkley of the Maritime Pilots Institute in Covington, LA.
L-R: Senior Advisor of Commercial Operations Ted Knight, Maritime Pilots Institute's John Botsford, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy interns M/S M/S Boris Dimitrov and Philip Tomac.
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK KICKOFF BREAKFAST
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE RECEPTION
BASF TECH ACADEMY VISITS PORTSL TO LEARN ABOUT THE MARITIME INDUSTRY
Globalplex Intermodal Terminal
ADDRESS: 155 West 10th Street, Reserve, La. 70084
MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box AE Reserve, Louisiana 70084
PHONE: 985-652-9278
FAX: 985-653-0798
E-MAIL: info@portsl.com
WEB: www.portsl.com
CONTACT(S): Micah Cormier, Director of Business Development and External Affairs
LOCATION: River mile 138.5
EQUIPMENT: Two Manitowoc 2250 rail-mounted gantry cranes; 100,000-pound capacity weighing scale for trucks; 100,000 square foot warehouse; 72,000-sq. foot, and 40,000-sq. foot transit shed; and a 177,000 sq. foot paved open storage pad
DOCK: 204 ft. x 660 ft. with upstream and downstream mooring dolphins. allow for dockage of panamax size vessels; 700 ft x 65 ft finger pier general cargo operators associated terminals ph: 985-536-4520
Globalplex Bulk Dock
MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box AE Reserve, Louisiana 70084
PHONE: 985-652-9278
FAX: 985-653-0798
E-MAIL : info@portsl.com
WEB: www.portsl.com
CONTACT: Micah Cormier, Director of Business Development and External Affairs
LOCATION: River mile 138.5
FUNCTION : Transfer and store bulk, primarily cement fluorspar limestone and wood chips
EQUIPMENT: An 800 tons-per-hour continuous Carlsen ship unloader, a 1,800 tons-perhour ship-loading system, 100,000 tons of cement storage in two storage domes, 70,000 tons of storage for flourspar in an A-frame building and approximately nine acres of paved open storage for wood chips and other products.
DOCK: 507’ x 44’ with upstream and downstream mooring buoys to allow for panamax-size vessels
ADM Reserve
ADDRESS: 2032 La. Highway 44, Reserve, La. 70084
PHONE: 985-536-1151
FAX: 985-536-1152
WEB: ADMWorld.com
CONTACT(S): Mike Landry, generale manager of commercial operations
LOCATION: River mile 139.2
FUNCTION: Grain export elevator.
OTHER: Fully automated
Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport
MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 909, La Place, La. 70069-0909
PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 355 Airport Road, Reserve, La. 70084
PHONE: 985-652-9278
WEB: portsl.com/airport-services
EMAIL: psl-era@portsl.com
CONTACT: Chanse Watson, Airport Director
LOCATION: N30° 05.25’, W30°34.97
Plains Marketing L.P.
ADDRESS: 6410 Plains Terminal Road, St. James, La. 70086
TERMINAL MANAGER: Craig Ellinwood
PHONE: 225-265-2353
FAX: 225-265-3171
WEB: PAALP.com
LOCATION: Mile marker 158.6
FUNCTION: Storage of petroleum products.
SoLaPort
West Bank industrial site acquired for development into an industrial park located adjacent to Dow in St. Charles Parish.
MPLX L.P. (Pin Oak Terminals)
ADDRESS: 4006 Highway 44, Mt. Airy, La. 70076
CONTACT: Gregg Qualls
PHONE: 504-533-8783
WEB: PinOakTerminals.com
LOCATION: Mile marker 144.1
FUNCTION: Storage of petroleum products.
PortSL Westbank St. James
CONTACT: Micah Cormier, Director of Business Develoment and External Affairs
PHONE: 337-577-7396
Property acquired for development.
Construction of the Globalplex general cargo dock second access bridge moving right along.
New Orleans 500 Influential, Involved
The New Orleans 500, an annual publication from Biz New Orleans magazine, profiles the business leaders who are driving the greater New Orleans economy today and making decisions that will shape the region’s future. The book is overflowing with details about regional CEOs, presidents, managing partners, entrepreneurs and other executives who are as devoted to their professions as they are to civic affairs. It’s a diverse group that includes fourth- and fifth-generation owners of family businesses as well as young, social media-savvy entrepreneurs building their brands one like or follow at a time.
