December 2018

FREE COREY HARRIS EMPOWERS OUR YOUTH

2019 INFLUENCERS

HOUMA CHAMBER’S YOUNG ACHIEVERS

KIWANIS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SERVICE

DEC

2018

What’s Better Than Having Big News?

SHARING IT WITH SOMEONE ELSE. GIVE ONE

BUY ONE

Free Subscription to a friend

Subscription for yourself

Name (please print)

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Address

2

City

Subscribe Today

1 YEAR FOR ONLY $9.99 YES! I want to take advantage of this subscription offer. Start sending weekly issues of The Times to the address below. I understand that I am under no obligation to renew once my subscription has expired. *FORMS MUST BE FILLED OUT COMPLETELY AND SIGNED.

State

Zip

Phone (required)

Zip

Phone (required)

Name (please print) Address City

State

Signature (required) Visa

Credit Card # Expiration Date

Date Mastercard

American Express

Security Code #

Bill Me

Pay securely over the phone with your credit card by calling 985.868.7515 • Offer expires December 31, 2018.

Send check to 6160 West Park Avenue, Houma, LA 70364 (make check payable to Rushing Media) • Fax 985.873.9009 or email mail@rushing-media.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS |

DECEMBER 2018 • ISSUE 12

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 04 06

LEGISLATIVE MINUTE

08

IMPROVING THE WORLD

11

DL WEALTH OF HOUMA

12

COREY HARRIS AIMS TO INSPIRE

15

PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

The Hunger for Substance

OIL AND GAS UPDATE

What the heck has happened to oil?

One community at a time

Team takes unbiased, team approach Shows locals they can do great things

Mike Fesi Sr. transforms problems into solutions

24 25

LEBLANC “CHIP” OURSO

26 27

TOMMY MEYER

28 29 30 31

DR. ERIN RUSHING

32

TERREBONNE’S YOUNG ACHIEVERS

Pedestal Bank

DR. JEFFREY RAU Rau Plastic Surgery

Meyer Financial Group

GREG STOCK

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center Comprehensive Hearing Solutions

DEAN SCHOUEST

Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center

DONNY ROUSE Rouses Markets

18

DR. A.J. DELA HOUSSAYE

19

BRANDON TRAHAN

36

SWEET SUCCESS AT TARC

20 21 22 23

JOSEPH L. WAITZ III

38

IT’S A ‘WINTER WONDERLAND’

The Hearing Clinic

MYERS MCALLISTER

Saint Matthew’s Episcopal School SEECA

Trahan’s Heating and Air Conditioning Waitz and Downer

GERI LYNN

Geri Lynn Nissan

RODDIE MATHERNE Pelican Waste & Debris

PHYLLIS PEOPLES

Terrebonne General Medical Center

39 40 43

BRIAN RUSHING

Rushing Media & Reimagine Marketing

Vision and hope for the future Cajun Confections opens its doors VCHS Christmas Project with Head Start Program

MORE THAN 200,000 BOOKS Funded for children by TFAE

MOVERS AND SHAKERS News briefs

ON THE AGENDA

Corporate calendar of events

T

Casey Gisclair MANAGING EDITOR John DeSantis NEWS EDITOR Drew Miller STAFF WRITER

CREATIVE Amber Duplantis SENIOR DESIGNER Paul Guidry GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nicholas Boutte GRAPHIC DESIGNER

PHOTOGRAPHY Drew Miller Channing Candies

ADVERTISING Deanne Ratliff SALES MANAGER Harold Cancienne, Linda Pontiff

DIGITAL & SPECIAL PROJECTS Terry Trahan Jr. MANAGER

DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Monica Harrison de Castillo

OFFICE/CIRCULATION MANAGER Michelle Ortego

CUSTOMER SERVICE Kimberly Ross

CONTACT Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com Editorial: editor@bayoubusinessmonthly.com Sales: sales@rushing-media.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS Bayou Business Monthly is published monthly.

Subscriptions are available for $24 for 12 issues.

For more information, email mail@rushing-media.com or visit rushing-media.com/subscriptions.

6160 W. Park Ave., Houma, LA 70364 985.868.7515 • Fax 985.873.9009 bayoubusinessmonthly.com

2019 INFLUENCERS he Bayou Region stands poised for greatness. Our business people are intelligent and driven to succeed. In every profession, there are people that we look up to, that influence us in reaching our daily goals.

Influencers take on many roles within your company: chief officer; owner; head of school; manager; partner. It’s not the title

EDITORIAL Mary Ditch MANAGING EDITOR

that matters, but instead how they shape your company’s brand.

They look for opportunities to interact with their community and are the first ones to stand up when called upon for action. We proudly feature 16 individuals that never back down from the challenge, our 2019 Influencers.

Bayou Business Monthly is a free publication. The entire content of this publication is copyrighted by Rushing Media, with all rights reserved.

Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphics content in any manner is prohibited.

Bayou Business Monthly is published monthly by Rushing Media.

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

16 17

DR. CATHERINE LO

PUBLISHER

Brian Rushing

3

LEGISLATIVE MINUTE |

BY STEPHEN WAGUESPACK, PRESIDENT & CEO, LABI

THE HUNGER FOR

SUBSTANCE DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

H

4

ow much substance and detail do you really want to hear? It’s a question Louisiana voters will be asking themselves in 2019.

This quandary reminds me of the memorable line from the slapstick movie “Tommy Boy” where Chris Farley, after struggling throughout the movie to say it just right, finally articulates correctly, “I can get a good look at a T-bone by sticking my head up a bull’s (edit), but I’d rather take the butcher’s word for it.”

The point he was making was clear: spare me the messy details; I’ll just trust the experts.

For decades, that is what we have largely done with our Louisiana politicians. We have time and time again chosen our leaders based mostly on sound bites, jokes and personality and left most of the messy details and substance of governing to those so-called experts.

I would argue the evidence is clear this strategy has not worked.

A few weeks back I was quoted as calling for next year’s elections to be more about “substance over sound bites.” This was in no way a criticism of any specific politician. It was, however, a desperate plea not only for all politicians from both parties to embrace more substantive debate but for all of us as residents of this great state to start craving it as well.

The good news is that thanks to an upcoming wave of Legislative term limits and a competitive governor’s race, 2019 is the perfect year for us all to finally break the habit.

Based on my interactions with folks around the state, I think the hunger for courageous leadership and outside the box proposals that work is at an all-time high. Most folks now realize Louisiana’s history of placing all our hopes on just pumping more money each year into a big powerful state government hasn’t yet led us to the

promised land and likely never will.

It’s time to start having some messy and substantive policy fights and demand a new path. The realist in me understands how hard it will be to fight and win many of those policy battles for limited government and market-based solutions in the same Louisiana Capitol originally built as a monument to the premise of a “chicken in every pot” and “every man a king.” The optimist in me says we can get it done with bold leadership, a clear substantive vision and increased civic engagement across the state.

Next year’s election cycle should be more focused than ever before on policy details rather than personality traits. For example: • Let’s talk about the details of pension reform, specifically how we can lower costs, protect retirees and make these plans more relatable to today’s workers.

• Let’s talk about the details of lawsuit reform and how there are a few simple steps we can take to reduce the tort taxes paid by every family in this state and reduce the cost of auto insurance.

• Let’s talk about the details of true tax reform and specifically how we could get to a more flat, fair system by updating our collection systems and reducing exemptions and credits to lower income tax rates rather than just pump up spending.

• Let’s talk about the details of budget reform and the number of dedicated funds that should be reduced similarly to what Buddy Roemer did back in 1987.

• Let’s talk about the details of reducing the size, power, patronage and political reach of that State Capitol once and for all and start turning that power over to the people around the state.

• Let’s talk about the details of how we create more good jobs and develop a qualified workforce to fill them.

• Let’s talk about the details behind a Constitutional Convention… education reform that will finally spend the billions of dollars we allocate each year in a way that puts parents firmly in control… and an infrastructure plan that will actually build the stuff we know we need like improvements to rural bridges, 49 South and a new bridge in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, among others.

I, like many, have a bunch of ideas on all of those topics. I bet you do as well. I know the many candidates for various offices next year will also have their own plans on these issues. As a voter, I can’t wait to hear them all.

Louisiana’s history of sound bites is entertaining and will remain a part of our political fabric… but an over-reliance on them throughout the years has dulled our senses to the reality of what we have become and lowered our expectations of what we are capable of becoming. Shame on us all if we let that continue.

2019 will be a huge election year for Louisiana and there are plenty of sound bites to prove it. It’s time to kick the tires and light the fires. It’s time for the rubber to meet the road… to start talking turkey… to get down to brass tacks. No more promises of every man a king or a chicken in every pot. I think voters are finally hungry for a big serving of substance… and they no longer seem willing to just take the butcher’s word for it.

•

ALL ROADS SHOULD LEAD

TO YOU. We use SEO to make that happen.

REIMAGINE-MARKETING.COM

|

985 868 7871

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

When your customers search the internet, don’t you want to be first?

5

OIL & GAS |

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

PRICE HAS DROPPED

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

MORE THAN 20 PERCENT

6

IN NOVEMBER

T

his month marks our 12th issue of Bayou Business Monthly.

In each issue, we have had a story updating the latest happenings in the topsy turvy oil and gas industry.

The industry dominates our local economy and we know it, so we want to make sure that locals have a good pulse on where things stand.

Some of the updates have been positive. For a lot of the year, oil prices were up and forecasts called for a full-steam ahead surge forward into 2019.

But lately, those predictions have been wrong in a big, big way and forecasters are wondering when — if ever — will we see that uptick in prices that will get deepwater business booming again in the Gulf of Mexico.

In the past 90 days, oil prices have plummeted as uncertainty in the global supply have lingered and global economics have taken several twists and turns (more about those things later in the story).

On Oct. 1, oil traded near $75/barrel. On Nov. 1, the price had dropped to near $64/ barrel. At press-time in the first week of December, the price was hovering just north of the $50/barrel mark — a more than 35 percent drop from where things stood on Oct. 1.

Long-term forecasts are uncertain. The political structure is changing day-by-day.

Locally, things haven’t been impacted significantly … yet. But Port Fourchon Executive Director Chett Chiasson has been on the record several times as saying that we need a higher price per barrel to spark deepwater offshore drilling. When that’s happening, our local economy is booming and everyone sees the benefits.

“A price that’s in the $70s is OK, but something in the $80 or $90 range and we really see that work pick up and that’s what we want — work to pick up as much as it can for the

HOUMA, LA 985-851-7077 ASSOCIATEDPUMP.COM

•

Dewatering, Bypass & Fluid Movement SALES · RENTAL · 24 HOUR SERVICE

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

deepwater i n d u s t r y, ” Chiasson said over the summer when asked about the prices. “Our tenants are waiting on it and riding out the ups and the downs, but we want an upward tick and one that stays here for a while.”

It looked like we were going to get it.

After prices bottomed out in 2016, they slowly rebounded throughout 2017 and into 2018 where it looked like a huge surge forward would be made.

At the end of 2017, prices hovered near or slightly above $60/barrel, but they quickly jumped north of $70/barrel in the first quarter of 2018 and stayed that way throughout the summer and into the fall.

But then things changed, which has puzzled many experts because it seemed like the economic climate was in favor for a price surge.

The global supply is in question with Iran’s supply totals in doubt and other producers like Venezuela and Syria severely cut.

But the forecasted supply cut has never materialized, which has kept a bit of an excess in the global market, which has lowered prices.

United State President Donald Trump has been a vocal proponent for lower oil prices, citing on Twitter that lower gas prices are good for the United States economy.

Part of the reason for the lower prices is abroad where U.S. crude oil production rose by more than 125,000 barrels per day in September — to help create the glut.

As production in the country has risen, demand has slowed — in part because of a slowdown in the global economy.

“The pressure has certainly been building as prices continued to fall amid ongoing concerns over excessive supply and lower demand growth,” Market Analyst Fawad Razaqzada told CNBC in late-November. “If no action is taken, oil prices could certainly drop further, while a production cut should lead to a sizeable rebound for those severely oversold levels.”

So which will it be — a continued fall or a production cut, which will send the prices up in the future, back to the higher levels we enjoyed over the summer?

There is evidence that points both ways.

OPEC’s advisory committee has recently suggested a 1.3 million barrel per day cut.

If that happens, prices will soar, according to experts.

OPEC is also in talks with Russia for a production cut which could limit the supply.

But other experts are skeptical that either of those things will happen, which could mean for status quo or further cuts.

“In the end, no one really knows,” Razaqzada said. “And that’s where there’s the big unknown.”

7

OIL & GAS |

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

IMPROVING THE WORLD ONE COMMUNITY AT A TIME

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

BY DREW MILLER

8

For 50 years, Kiwanis Club of Houma has been servicing the community of Houma and its surrounding areas by sponsoring several projects throughout each year that reach out and assist people in the community, especially the youth.

“Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time,” said Joan Malbrough, President-elect of Kiwanis of Houma.

“Kiwanis concentrates on children and the needs of children.

Our local clubs handle different projects to try to address the needs of children in our community.”

One special project Kiwanis sponsors every year is their annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser, which they have been doing for almost 30 years. This year’s breakfast took place on Dec. 1 at Vandebilt Catholic High School. Attendees got to enjoy all-you-can-eat fresh pancakes and sausage served by the Club and take pictures with St. Nick himself. Also in attendance was Mrs. Claus and Vandebilt’s Terrier mascot. Like previous years, this year’s Breakfast with Santa was a tremendous success.

“It was great. This is our major fundraiser for the year,” Malbrough said. “It’s something that family members can come to year after year with their children and just have a really good time.”

On top of the well-established Breakfast with Santa fundraiser, Kiwanis of Houma created other projects and programs to engage with and help children in the area. Their Terrific Kids program awards outstanding third graders every nine months at various Terrebonne Parish schools.

“We’ve had some children who have come to us who were in our Terrific Kids Program 20 years ago, and they come to us and tell us what a tremendous impact Kiwanis has made on them,” Malbrough said.

The Club’s Coats for Kids project provides free coats and blankets for children in need for the winter. Bikes for Books is a program Kiwanis of Houma started that donates bikes to students in Terrebonne Parish schools that reach outstanding reading goals. They also give the John Woodard Memorial Scholarship to graduating Terrebonne Parish high school seniors.

The Club makes sure to also reach out to older people in the community by playing bingo at nursing homes and helping other charitable organizations.

G U L F STAT E S Commercial Insurance | Personal Insurance

New Trusted Name. Same Trusted Team.

Chr istian D. Lap e y re, r h u

M e lissa H u n te r

E ld r id g e Ro b icha u x , r h u

C ou rtn e y B rin e ga r

Ke n Stap le s

Sa d ie H a mb y

Ge na Bab in

N ick i P le ssa la A shle y A d a ms

call 985-601-3601

visit

1070 W. Tunnel Blvd.

Houma, Louisiana 70630

online bbgulfstates.com

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Employee Benefits Advisors

9

Those in the Kiwanis Club of Houma are also helping to raise the next generation of volunteers by sponsoring local high schools’ Key Clubs—the program that gets high school students actively involved in volunteering in the community.

“I think we’ve made a tremendous impact, especially with our Key Club members,” Malbrough said. “I think we made a great impression on some of these young people. They go out and do service hours for their community…and it’s just grown over the years.”

For adults looking to serve their community with Kiwanis of Houma, they can visit their website at kiwanishouma.com or attend their one of their meetings every Monday at Plantation Inn of Houma.

“Anyone is welcome to volunteer for any of our programs; we’re always looking for help,” Malbrough said. “We’d be happy to bring anybody in that’s interested in doing some service for our community.”

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

•

10

| ADVERTORIAL

DL WEALTH IN HOUMA TAKES TEAM, OBJECTIVE APPROACH C an operations assistant who is graduating in finance from Nicholls State University in December — work through LPL Financial, the largest independent broker-dealer in the country, to deliver sound, objective financial advice based on current market trends.

“LPL has no proprietary products, which enables us to give objective, independent advice,” CJ said. “When we make a recommendation, it’s what we believe is best interest to our client, not what our company has told us to sell. Many other firms will try to push you into their own proprietary products. We can go out and find suitable, non-proprietary investments for our clients.”

Working through LPL also gives DL Wealth Management access to sophisticated research in the finance field. “LPL has an entire research team working full time to give us comprehensive guidance that we can pass on to our clients,” Christopher said.

The DL Wealth Management team advises a range of clients including business owners, and it also places a special emphasis in working with employees of state retirement systems.

“We are one of the few vendors in the Terrebonne Parish School District’s 403(B) plan, allowing us to work one-on-one with

anyone who is an employee in the school system,” said Christopher, who manages the firm’s school board relationship. “This gives us expertise in working with people in state retirement programs and their rather unique financial planning matters, such as preparing for Social Security.”

For couples employed in different fields, the team uses financial planning technology to gather a full inventory of the couple’s assets and create an interactive roadmap leading to their retirement.

“Take an example of a retiring couple, with one spouse retiring from the oilfield and the other spouse retiring from the school system — we have the expertise to analyze their specific circumstances and deliver a strategic plan for their retirement,” CJ said.

Advancements in technology enable DL Wealth Management to provide their clients with a financial plan that is both accessible online and interactive to adjust for “what if” scenarios that could affect a customized retirement plan. The firm encourages clients to log in and play with the software to facilitate the conversation about what they can do to place themselves in the best position to retire.

“The whole point of going interactive is that the numbers change every day,” Chris-

topher said, “When we have the full financial picture, we can really drill down and create a thorough financial picture — and ensure that retirement is still possible while considering many different scenarios.”

The introduction of advanced technology in the financial planning field also helps DL Wealth Management aim to become significantly more cost-efficient and in turn pass cost savings on to their clients. What their clients receive is quality advice from experienced advisors at a reasonable cost.

“It’s important to remember that many financial planners today weren’t in business the last time we had a significant bear market about 10 years ago,” CJ said. “We have guided clients through crises such as the China Meltdown, the Russian Ruble Crisis, Y2K, the whole Enron fiasco, the Great Recession, and the US Treasury downgrade... and we will be around for the next one.”

“Our team understands the significance of placing realistic expectations, and we try to be there to answer the phone every time a client calls with a concern. That’s what we believe sets DL Wealth Management apart, and that is what we intend to continue doing for generations to come.”

•

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

omprehensive financial planning with a team approach may lead to a healthy retirement portfolio.

This mantra has been the heart of DL Wealth Management advisors’ strategy for over 25 years, it is and is a good reason why the team of five financial advisors registered with LPL Finanacial maintains a trusted clientele of a large number of households and businesses.

“The difference between our philosophy and that of many other advisors is our team approach to achieve comprehensive financial planning,” said Carroll “CJ” Domangue, a managing partner and co-founder of DL Wealth Management. “Not only do we handle the investment side of a client’s portfolio, but we also work to make sure other aspects are explored, for example: wills and trusts are revisited to ensure documents are up-to-date, life insurance is reviewed in a current needs analysis, and aggregate investments are compiled to evaluate risk tolerance.”

To achieve this strategy, DL Wealth Management, when applicable, collaborates with each client’s CPA and attorney.

The DL Wealth Management team located in Houma – CJ Domangue and John Dupont, co-managing partners; Christopher Domangue, MBA; and Dominick Domangue,

11

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

TERREBONNE’S YOUNG ACHIEVERS

12

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

BY HEIDI GUIDRY, HOUMA-TERREBONNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

T

he Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2018 Terrebonne’s Young Achiever Award. This award is presented to honorees annually who are under the age of 40, live in Terrebonne Parish and are involved in the community, have professional career achievements and a vision for future aspirations for Terrebonne Parish. The awards were presented at the Chamber luncheon on December 4. Congratulations to this year’s honorees: Katy Bourg Ledet, Brett M. Means, and Kandace Mauldin, CPA.

KATY BOURG LEDET Katy Bourg Ledet is a secondary English teacher at her alumni, South Terrebonne High School in Bourg.

She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Nicholls State University. During her time at the high school, she has served as student council advisor for six years. She received over $20,000 in grants for her classroom that included a class set of Chromebooks, flexible seating options, and a field trip to the Shakespeare Festival at Tulane University.

Katy has presented for AXI, an education technology company, at the Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators State Technology Conference and was an original member of the Terrebonne Parish District Google Pilot Program, pushing for the broader use of 1:1 technology in Terrebonne Parish Schools. She was nominated for the American Petroleum Institute Teacher Awards in 2015. Most recently, Katy was named the South Terrebonne High Teacher of the Year and the Terrebonne Parish District High School Teacher of the Year.

While studying business, Katy took an active role in the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce as a Diplomat. Currently, she is a core member of the Terrebonne Safe Schools Coalition, a grassroots organization helping support the local school districts

BRETT M. MEANS

Reason which is a non-profit raising $30,000-$40,000 annually in funds donated to medical programs for cancer screening and early detection. He has been a Board Member and Treasurer since 2017 for the Chabert Foundation and is actively helping solicit auction items and donations for the foundation’s annual fundraiser “A Night Out for Goodness Sake.”

Brett says “Terrebonne is a unique parish steeped in rich culture and tradition. My vision for Terrebonne is for us to continue to be a destination for people to live, work, and raise their families. In order to accomplish this, we must continue to make strides in three key areas. Having a young child, I am very much concerned about progress being made in our education system…I would (also) like to see our community/legislators continue to support higher education.”

Brett goes on to say “Diversity in industry is another area that I hope we continue to make great strides in. oil and gas is the lifeblood of our economy…with that said, we can all bare witness to the struggles faced when oil and gas markets turn.” Brett also believes that “continued improvements in the areas of coastal restoration and levee protection are paramount to any other initiative Terrebonne Parish can undertake…

The biggest individual contribution I can make to this parish is to remain an advocate through professional and civic activity.”

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Brett Means graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/ Finance at Nicholls State University. He started at Synergy Bank the year he graduated in 2009 as an investment assistant. He quickly proved he was over-qualified for the position but embraced the opportunity to learn the business without exhibiting any sense of entitlement. Brett studied on his own time to successfully pass a difficult securities industry exam (FINRA Series7), the Louisiana Life, Accident & Health Insurance exam and then went on to obtain his masters in the Executive MBA program at Nicholls State University. Within one year, he was promoted to Investment Representative, meeting with clients, recommending investments and demonstrating tremendous competency in a broad range of financial matters. Within 3 ½ years of working in investments, Brett was promoted to Vice President, Commercial Lender.

Brett was involved with the South Central Planning and Development Corp. He has been a member of Loan the Administration Board and on the Loan Advisory Committee since 2014. He has been a member of the Economic Development Committee at the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce since 2015.

He was a 2016 Charter board member of Roux for a

in providing a safe learning environment. She has been a member of St. Anne’s youth ministry for retreats and was a 9th grade catechism teacher. She has volunteered for the TFAE Run for Excellence and volunteered during the annual “TFAE Celebrates Excellence” banquet. In the South Terrebonne community, Katy has organized events such as a Veterans Day breakfast for local veterans and charity fundraisers.

Katy says her vision for Terrebonne Parish “is to create a beautiful, innovative environment that will encourage our students to reach high expectations and return to our parish as successful, caring adults. By continuing to write grants for technology, conducting and implementing research in my classroom, and sharing these tools with the community, we can build meaningful learning opportunities for our students. In addition, I am currently working on getting refillable water bottle stations in our school and then growing that project out to the district in an effort to reduce waste and promote healthy choices. Additionally, I feel it is incredibly important to support the events that are growing in our area as they create culture of togetherness that helps our area thrive. As a deep-rooted lover of tradition, it is sometimes hard to imagine real change. But by working toward a positive learning environment daily, allowing tradition to grow with the times, and pushing constantly for excellence, we can be the people that move until something amazing happens.”

13

K A N DAC E M AU L D I N, C PA Kandace Mauldin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Nicholls State University and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems in 2004, received her CPA accreditation in 2007 and went on to complete a master’s degree in Business Administration from Nicholls State University in 2009. After working for Bourgeois Bennett, LLC for 12 years, Kandace joined the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government in 2016 as CFO where she manages a $217.1 million financial budget which contains $13.6 million in Operating Capital. Under her leadership, the finance department has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, the highest professional recognition in governmental budgeting.

She also is an adjunct professor at NSU, teaching an auditing class to accounting majors, which allows her to give back to her profession and help mentor the young accounting graduates. An avid advocate for the accounting industry, Kandace has rapidly advanced through the Society of Louisiana CPAs, the industry’s preeminent professional organization for CPAs and is currently serving as the Chair. She is the youngest person to serve in a volunteer

position, and the first from government. She is a member of the LCPA’S Governmental Accounting and Auditing Conference and Continuing Professional Education Committee and a former member of the Women’s Initiative Task Force.

Kandace is a 2012 graduate of Leadership Terrebonne, a “community incubator” that provides a comprehensive, interactive program for current and future leaders. She served as the Treasurer of the Young Professionals of South Louisiana whose mission is to make the Greater Bayou Region a place where young professionals want to live, work and play by developing opportunities for leadership through networking, engagement and advocacy. She’s a member of the NSU Alumni Federation, member and a past board member for NSU College of Business Alumni Organization. In 2012 and 2013, Kandace was a Panel Member of the NSU Business Seminar and a presenter at the NSU College of Business Career Week in 2017. She also serves on the NSU Accounting Advisory Board.

Kandace says her vision for Terrebonne Parish is for it to “become a place where people choose to live, work, play and retire. The Parish has many great things to offer and, as such, has already positioned itself to accomplish

this vision. The Parish is known for its friendly people, robust economy, abundance of natural resources, unique cuisine, and cultural and music festivals such as the Rougarou Fest and Voice of the Wetlands.”

“Local officials have done an excellent job of enhancing the lifestyle of its citizens by improving streets, recreation facilities, parks and the downtown area. The school system, Nicholls State University and Fletcher Community College continue to work toward ensuring that the students are getting the necessary skills to meet workforce development needs.” Kandace believes many of us are aware of these things, “However, I am not sure the story is being told as effectively as it should. This is where I would like to get involved. A campaign should be developed to promote all the opportunities and unique attributes that the Parish has to offer potential employers, employees and visitors.

This initiative should involve a public/private partnership including the local Chamber, Terrebonne Parish Schools and the higher education community. I would like to contribute my time, effort and talent to this initiative in hopes to be known in the future as a young leader who was instrumental in helping the Parish realize this vision.”

•

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

MARINE BATTERY SPECIALISTS

14

Marine Car/Truck/SUV RV/ATV/Motorcycle Golf Cart Dry Cell, AAA, AA, C, D, 9volt Coast Guard Approved Boxes Custom Fiberglass Boxes

Batteries 985-868-0430

|

205 VENTURE BLVD HOUMA, LA 70360

|

WWW.FLEETSUPPLYWHSE.COM

| ADVERTORIAL

VISION OF ONE MAN, LABORS OF MANY F

service.

It all began with carpentry and solutions related to the work he was doing as an independent homebuilder. No job was too small.

While Big Mike was building cabinets for the Texaco Facility on Coteau Road (now known as Shell), a problem emerged on the yard. There was a leak and the contractor Texaco normally used was not available. Big Mike volunteered, “If you need somebody to dig something up, I own a backhoe.”

Big Mike solved the Texaco Facility problem, and then took a leap forward, offering similar services in the Houma area, fast earning a reputation for dependability.

A big break for Big Mike and PCM came in 1997, with Texaco’s Poseidon Project, for which they were offered a major role performing fabrication for tie-ins. They grew to 50 employees, and PCM never stopped moving forward.

As he solved problems for customers, Big Mike eliminated the uncertainty of sub-contractors in many aspects of the work. Rather than rely on outside trucking firms, he acquired his own to make sure deliveries of equipment and materials were done right and on-time.

PCM hired its own civil craftsmen, carpenters, electricians, and other skilled workers.

PCM’s VP of Business, Eric Tabor, “From scheduling, performance, efficiency, to making safety a priority; it all goes back to Big Mike’s philosophy of owning our work. Clients want to know who is on their jobsite, and they trust PCM. “ Trailers for hauling solids, wet and dry vacuuming equipment and vacuum trucks are components of the PCM fleet. Fabrication continues to be a vital service. As the industrial and economic landscape of the Bayou Region transforms and new needs emerge, PCM stands ready to grow right along with it.

Community is everything to Big Mike and he never misses an opportunity to contribute, not just with a check, but also with actions.

Big Mike has provided lunches to volunteers at the Houma Regional Military Museum on Barrow Street every Friday, an act of support he has performed for years. When the museum needed help transporting a Scorpion tank from Oklahoma that it had purchased for display, Big Mike donated the solution, using his equipment to carry the massive war machine.

This was the second year of Big Mike’s annual turkey drive, which started with distributions at a building PCM owns and now includes donations to a local food bank and help for families whose members battle cancer. Big Mike also contributes to Christmas bicycle giveaways for charitable efforts.

As PCM evolved, Big Mike began recruiting highly talented employees who had experience in the industry and also young ambitious employees who were eager to learn all aspects of PCM. Through Big Mike’s delegation and direction, PCM now has an experienced, dedicated team ready for the next 20 years that will continuously strive to have PCM as a leader in our industry.

For the long term dedicated employees who have grown with PCM, such as the skilled laborers who are now welders and carpenter helpers who are now field superintendents, “Our people are everything,” Big Mike says. “I can have all the brand new excavators, what I call ‘dumb iron,’ dozers, everything, brand new trucks, but if you don’t have the people to make it work, it is all worthless. Our strongest assets are our people.”

•

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

rom humble beginnings in the back of an old trailer park more than two decades ago, a specialized Houma oilfield and construction company has transformed itself over time into a multi-service firm employing more than 500 people through its seven locations, whose name is synonymous with innovation as well as community service.

As the Bayou Region and its people rebuild from a crippling economic downturn, Mike “Big Mike” Fesi Sr. continues transforming problems into solutions at Pipeline Construction & Maintenance, utilizing the ability to adapt for his company’s own success, while sharing the talents and abilities of a talented staff into new potentials for clients and the community at large.

Despite the expansion, Big Mike and the constantly-evolving company hold true to cherished Houma roots, giving back to the community and its people, encouraging positivity and backing up important projects.

Known locally as PCM, Big Mike’s firm has expanded over the years into a multi-faceted one-stop shop for clients in the oil and gas industry as well as others in need of quality

15

INFLUENCERS 2019 |

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DR. CATHERINE LO

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

THE HEARING CLINIC

16

Thibodaux’s The Hearing Clinic helps locals “reconnect to their world.”

Over the past 20 years, the facility has used the newest and most innovative healthcare technologies, by working with several well-established hearing aid manufacturers, for the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of their patients. Audiologist and owner Dr. Catherine Lo, who even at a young age envisioned herself working for herself by opening her own business, has impacted many by returning to them the gift of hearing.

What led you to own your own company?

What is on the horizon for you?

“I am from the Philippines, from a city called San Pablo City in the province of Laguna. Our city is also known as ‘the City of Seven Lakes’ as it does have seven beautiful lakes. We moved to Thibodaux when my husband accepted a teaching position at Nicholls State University. He is a Chemistry professor.

“The possibility of telehealth (remotely provide access to audiological services to patients) and even more sophisticated artificial intelligence in hearing technology. Our clinic is also preparing for our very first international hearing mission. We wish to provide the ‘Gift of Hearing’ to people in need.”

When I was a student doing my observation hours at the ENT Department of a hospital, I witnessed someone hear for the first time after being fit with a hearing aid. The patient was so happy that he cried. I will never forget the expression on the patients face. When I saw this, I knew it was the profession for me. I wanted to raise a family and be a career woman at the same time. Being an entrepreneur was the answer for me because I knew it would give me the flexibility I wanted and needed.”

Other than your phone, what is something you need to get through each workday?

What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it?

Who are your greatest influencers? How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?

“Over-the-counter hearing aids and sales of hearing aids through the internet. I found ways to differentiate our practice from the competition. It does not take long for our patients to realize the value of our advanced professional expertise and the exceptional service we provide. Word of mouth from highly satisfied patients is our greatest asset.”

“My husband and kids are my greatest influencers. I admire my husband’s passion and dedication to learning. He inspires me to do the same. My children are my source of inspiration and motivation to do the best in everything I do. I am known to be hardworking, tenacious, creative, cheerful and positive even in the face of adversity. I attribute all these to my Filipino heritage.

I am humbled and honored, but most of all, inspired.”

“Nowadays, I cannot function as an audiologist without the help of computers. All the stages of hearing evaluation process require the use of computers from the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. Hearing devices nowadays are also so technologically advanced that computers are needed to fine tune, adjust and customize them for the patient.”

•

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MYERS MCALLISTER Saint Matthew’s Episcopal School

What led you to the role you currently hold in your company? Did you see yourself in this position when you started out in the work force?

I was offered an opportunity through the Klingenstein Foundation to attend Teachers College, Columbia University as one of 20 fellows in 2010. My time in New York and the surrounding area opened my eyes to some of the oldest and most prestigious private schools. I earned my Master of Arts in Private School Leadership in two semesters.

I had lots of encouragement from former school leaders. I am happy that they were always looking for the potential in me. I try to do the same with my colleagues – always

Saint Matthew’s Episcopal School has been a fixture in the Houma community since 1947.

Currently home to pre-k3 through seventh grade, the school falls under the leadership of Head of School, Myers McAllister. By using a variety of instructional strategies and learning opportunities, Saint Matthew’s addresses the academic, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of their students and fosters a strong sense of personal and social responsibility. Saint Matthew’s occupies a unique position in its community.

While serving the same diverse TerrebonneLafourche community as other private schools, Saint Matthew’s remains a small school, rooted in traditions of Christian service and global awareness.

looking for strengths.”

and staffing decisions.

What is on the horizon for you?

Nothing in a school happens overnight.

Patience is important.

There is the committee to study an issue, a report to be presented, and approval from the Administration or Board. Everything is a process, but I keep my eye on the goal and remember that I must make what is best for the students of Saint Matthew’s my first priority.”

“I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, the faculty and staff, the families, and the students of Saint Matthew’s to ensure the school continues to offer the best quality education for its students. Currently, the school is working on strengthening its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math initiative. Another ongoing area of focus is service learning for the students. Most importantly, I want to ensure that the school continues “nurturing mind, heart, and soul in a Christian environment.”

Other than your phone, what is something you need to get through each workday?

“Flexibility and patience are musts! I have worked on so many new skills since becoming the Head of School; I have worked in every facet of the school from maintenance to finance. A school leader does so much more than make curricular

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

“Earning the trust of the families of Saint Matthew’s. These families entrust their most precious and valuable gifts – their children – to this school. I think this is an accomplishment that comes with great responsibility; I must constantly work at maintaining that level of trust.”

What piece of advice do you share with your employees/coworkers regularly?

“I have two pieces of advice. First, capitalize on strengths and look for opportunities

for growth and improvement. Second, a personal conversation often goes much further than an email or text message.”

Who are your greatest influencers? How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?

“My parents; Ms. Bowman, my 7th grade English teacher; Mr. Charles Hemenway, former Head of School at Saint Paul’s Episcopal School.

I feel a little nervous that others may consider me an “influencer.” Those are big shoes to fill. I feel an obligation to always try my best and to do what is right. There are many students’ eyes on me. My greatest hope is that my students and colleagues may consider me a positive influence.”

•

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

“I am in my fourth year as Head of School at Saint Matthew’s Episcopal School, and I did not begin my teaching career with the goal of being an administrator. I started out teaching music. Since that time, I have taught music, English/Language Arts, served as Dean of Faculty, and Middle School Principal.

| INFLUENCERS 2019

17

INFLUENCERS 2019 |

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DR. A.J. DELA HOUSSAYE

SEECA is one of the most well-known and highly-praised eye clinics in the Bayou Region. They specialize in LASIK, cataract surgery, diabetic eye care and more.

Ophthalmologist, President and Founder of SEECA, Dr. A.J. “Dr. D” dela Houssaye has received numerous awards during his illustrious career, including being named Best Eye Doctor in the Region. Dr. D has been a major influencer in the community when it comes to LASIK eye surgery and works of charity, especially with veterans in our community.

SEECA

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

What led you to own your own company?

Did you see yourself in this position when you started out in the work force?

18

“I did a part of my residency at Chabert Medical Center, and I loved Houma. The awesome Cajun culture reminded me so much of my small home town of Cecilia, Louisiana. I knew I wanted to practice in this market, and I had a mentor that was going to partner with me. At the last minute, he got cold feet, but I was already sold on this market, so I opened up a practice on my own. Everything worked out perfectly, and I love being the captain of my own destiny.”

What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it?

“My horrific accident in 2012 was the biggest challenge of my life. Surviving the accident and coming back from that tragedy was 100 times harder than Harvard. I had a broken neck [cervical vertebrae 2, 3 and 7], major stroke, fractured skull and multiple cranial nerve palsies. After losing a critical amount

of blood, I barely made it to the hospital where the doctors frantically tried to save my life. When I woke up from the coma, I was unable to speak, walk, eat or breathe without a ventilator. Many feared the worst.

I overcame the pain and the depression with God’s help. I prayed every day and promised God that if he let me walk again, I would be the best person I could be. After months in a wheelchair, I experienced a miracle. It was like winning the lottery times 1,000. Now, I am able to walk, talk and breathe again after many had thought this impossible. I was eventually able to return to work. My recovery took over two years of intense physical therapy, and I still have severe deficits, but I am so grateful because I can walk, so who really cares about the other deficits.”

Other than your phone, what is something you need to get through each workday?

“I couldn’t be Dr. D without my great SEECA team. I can honestly say that my team means everything to me. Every day I thank God that

I get to work with a group of superstars who truly care about our patients.”

What piece of advice do you share with your employees regularly?

“I tell our SEECA team members to treat our patients like they are family. I encourage our team leaders to seek out examples of our team taking great care of our patients and celebrate those stories. I recently had a technician, Jessica Leonard, who secretly helped a patient with their situation. A few weeks later, I did something nice for that technician and she was shocked because she was trying to help out without me knowing about it, but it was so much fun to catch her being generous.”

Who are your greatest influencers? How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?

“My greatest influencers are my Mom, Mary Belleau, and my uncle, Pon Hardy.

Most don’t know this story because my past was too emotional to talk about for

years. When I was first born, my dad was a fighter pilot in the Vietnam War. Dad secretly took Pon aside and asked Pon if he would take care of me if something happened to him during the war. Pon agreed but never thought anything bad would happen because my dad was an awesome jet pilot. Unfortunately, Dad got killed in action when my mom was pregnant with my baby sister. Sadly, Dad never got to meet Monique. Pon kept his promise to take care of me and he also took care of my baby sister his entire life, all without a word. War is tough, but sometimes, amazing things come out of war if you look hard enough.”

It is very humbling to know that people look at me as an influencer. I am standing on the shoulders of my parents with my dad pulling for me in heaven. My life has been punctuated by tough challenges, but if you keep the faith, you can succeed.

Never give up. Never.”

•

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

| INFLUENCERS 2019

BRANDON TRAHAN Trahan’s Heating and Air Conditioning

What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it?

“Trahan’s Heating and Air Conditioning was started by my grandfather, Nelson Trahan, 54 years ago with the goal of providing exceptional customer service to local homeowners needing air conditioning and heating service. Following my grandfather’s retirement, my dad and uncle gained ownership of the company and carried on the customer-first business model he had started.

I began working for Trahan’s right out of high school and was excited to see the company expand to both residential and commercial service. When my dad and uncle made the decision to retire, it seemed only fitting that I would be the one to keep the business going as the third generation of the Trahan family.”

“Through the years, the biggest challenge has been managing the ongoing changes in the HVAC industry.

Advances in technology have brought about new changes to the systems we install. We have met these challenges by keeping up with the latest technology and furthering our education at schools and programs offered by HVAC manufacturers and suppliers.”

Did you see yourself in this position when you started out in the work force?

“I was born into Trahan’s. The company is in my blood. It has always been important for the company to continue what my grandfather started: making our customers our top priority. Closing the family business was never an option, and I am proud to carry on the tradition.”

Other than your phone, what is something you need to get through each workday?

“Without a positive attitude and, more importantly, a great crew backing me, I would not be able to get through the workday. I remind all of my employees to take pride in their work and to do every job like it is their own.”

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

“My biggest accomplishment is keeping our third generation family business going strong, and I plan to keep it that way with the support of our loyal customers. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for my family’s support. That is why it is important for me to teach my employees how I was taught.”

•

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Trahan’s Heating and Air Conditioning has been the go-to business for air conditioning and heating services in the Bayou Region for over 50 years. From new construction installs to repair and maintenance on your existing system, the expert technicians at Trahan’s make sure to keep your home or business comfortable no matter the season. Brandon Trahan, third-generation owner of Trahan’s, pushes each day to continue the legacy left to him by his dad and grandfather.

What led you to the role you currently hold in your company?

19

INFLUENCERS 2019 |

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JOSEPH L. WAITZ III

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Waitz and Downer

20

Waitz and Downer was founded in the 1970s

by Joseph L. Waitz and Hunt Downer. The firm provides experienced legal representation in the areas of personal injury and offshore accidents, to name a few. Joseph L. Waitz III began clerking for the firm in 2012 before joining as an attorney in 2014. As a third generation lawyer, Joseph aims to continue the legacy of service to his community that his family has set in place.

Joseph is currently the President Elect of the Terrebonne Bar Association, taking the role of president in July 2019.

What led you to the decision to become a lawyer?

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

“It has been the family business for years. My grandfather founded the firm back in the 70’s with Mr. Hunt Downer.

I grew up around law with my father, aunts and uncles all being attorneys. I was able to see the positive impact this firm has made on people’s lives and wanted to be a part of it.”

“Without question it is be becoming a husband and a father. The good lord has blessed me with the most wonderful wife and baby boy. They are my absolute world! I don’t know what I did to be so lucky, but the good lord blessed me beyond belief.”

Who are your greatest influencers? How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?

What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it?

“My biggest challenge is meeting the expectations I have for myself. I don’t know if I will ever meet those expectations. They are pretty high, but I am always going to keep striving.”

What piece of advice do you share with your employees/coworkers regularly?

“Entering the practice of law a few years back, I was rather nervous as I really didn’t know what I was in for. Mr. Hunt gave me a piece of advice that really hit home and I try to live by each day: “Do the right thing even when no one is looking and you will be just fine.” It may not always be the easiest thing to do, but it certainly gives me the peace of mind at the end of the day. To me that is very important.”

“I have so many influencers I would be here all day but certainly my father has had the greatest influence on me. A lawyer himself, he became the district attorney in Terrebonne Parish in 1997. As a young boy, I began watching him interact with the public. It’s his passion for helping others that made such a huge impact on me. He has taught me so much! It feels good to know that I have made an impact on others. Being in a profession where I react with the public on a daily basis comes with great responsibility. Knowing that I have impacted others is a great feeling.”

•

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

GERI LYNN

| INFLUENCERS 2019

Geri Lynn Nissan’s origin goes back to 1985.

Over the years, they have been a premier dealership and auto service center in the Bayou Region. Since officially becoming Geri Lynn Nissan in June of 2016, the dealership has been named the #1 Import for Houma-Terrebonne in 2016, #1 Volume Dealer in 2017, has achieved the Nissan Award for Excellence and qualified for J.D. Power Dealer of Excellence for 2019. Their personable charismatic owner, Geri Lynn, has influenced and positively impacted many individuals since she first started working at the dealership in 1987.

Geri Lynn Nissan

What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it?

Being a woman in the car world is very difficult. The institution generally does not take you seriously. They just don’t respect you very easily. You have to really work for them to respect you. I’ve been insulted so many times. I’ve cried a lot of tears over the insults I’ve received from manufacturers, banking institutions or anybody else that the dealership works with; they can be very insulting to a woman. It’s taken me a long time just for the industry to respect what I do. It doesn’t help that I have a super humorous personality that makes people not take you seriously. I do funny commercials, so people have this image that I’m just this funny, not serious, not so

them and my customers. It’s fun and really good.”

What is on the horizon for you?

“A lot of energy. I have to be on top of my game and be quick. I have to be able to make decisions really fast, so I have to think and move fast. I have to be creative. I have to keep the dealership at the top of its game. I like to come up with new ideas— new ways to market, new ways to reach people—but more than anything, I like to be on that show room floor, hands on.”

“I try to take it a day at a time. I did just purchase a small piece of property that I’ll probably utilize to open a little used car place. I am building an all new facility for Nissan that’s right next door. I have that on my plate right now, but it’s fun and exciting.

It’ll be twice the size of this dealership.

I’m really just happy here. I’m happy being a mom and a grandmother. I love my dealership, and I like to be very involved with my employees. I like to really connect with them and know what’s going on in their lives. To do that, I have to spend a lot of time here at the dealership. I’m happy with where I’m at and really enjoying it. It’s time to just really be thankful for what I have, be thankful for these unbelievable people that I get to work with every day and just enjoy

Other than your phone, what is something you need to get through each workday?

What piece of advice do you share with your employees/coworkers regularly?

“I’m very personal with my employees; they know me well. I’m honest with them just about life in general, whatever it is. What I tell them is to just never give up in any part of your life. The things that that make your life successful—in your relationship with your children or with your friends—those same traits make your work life successful.

Those same traits work with your customers and coworkers. So we utilize the same types of interactive skills with each other as we do in our personal life. I also tell them have faith in God; just love God with all your heart.”

Who are your greatest influencers? How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?

“Of course, my parents. My parents were very hardworking and instilled that in me at a very young age. My sister and I would clean our house. We were completely responsible for all the housekeeping at a maybe eight years old…It was overwhelming, but we did it. Both of us and my brother are very hard working today. So, we all have a lot of drive and a lot of on perseverance.

I’ve always lived passionately. When I raised my children, when I worked in my life or even just studying, I have always been passionate about what I do. I think that kind of has a life of its own. It’s not that I did anything; I think it just affects people.”

•

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

“I have five children, so being a mom and working are very difficult to juggle. But having a dealership helped in some ways because I was always able to step out and go to field trips. When I needed to be with my kids, I always could be with my kids. So for me, that helped.

smart person, and it’s just my personality is like that. Probably not until I had my own dealership with my own name that the industry stepped back and showed some real respect. They realized I might actually know what I’m doing a little bit.”

21

INFLUENCERS 2019 |

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

RODDIE MATHERNE

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

PELICAN WASTE & DEBRIS

22

Although it was established just five years ago, Pelican Waste & Debris has already become one of the most prosperous businesses in south Louisiana; thus led to them being named the #1 Fastest Growing Company in Louisiana and #318 Fastest Growing Company in the United States.

The environmentally conscious waste company has the highest standards when it comes to their disposal services and customer service. Co-owner and General Manager of Pelican Waste Roddie Matherne has influenced many in the waste industry and beyond since he entered the business nearly 40 years ago.

Why did you want to get into the Waste and Debris business? How long have you been in the business?

Other than your phone, what is something you need to get through each workday?

“I began in the waste industry 35 years ago as a hopper on the back of the garbage truck and put in lots of hard work and dedication to eventually be the General Manager of the company. I quickly learned that I had made the right career decision because the waste industry is not as affected by the economy as other industries. I experienced job security and stability through the economic upturns and downturns.”

“Coffee each morning is a must.”

What led you to own your own company? Did you see yourself in this position when you started out in the work force?

“I was approached by a business colleague that wanted to satisfy the area’s need for a quality waste company. From there, other business partners joined together with me to form Pelican Waste & Debris in 2013. I never thought that I would own my own waste company, but I am grateful for the opportunity to co-own and run this quality local business.”

What is on the horizon for you?

“We plan to continue growing and finding new, better ways to deliver quality service and excellent customer service at competitive prices.”

What piece of advice do you share with your employees regularly?

“If I can offer any advice to others, it would be that hard work, dedication and loyalty are always rewarded in life. No matter how great you are, work like you are replaceable and you will never be replaced.”

Who are your greatest influencers? How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?

“My greatest personal influence is God. Without God, none of this would be possible. I feel humbled that others may view me as a great influencer also.”

•

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PHYLLIS PEOPLES

| INFLUENCERS 2019

Terrebonne General Medical Center has provided the highest quality of healthcare to the people of Houma and its surrounding areas since it was established in 1954.

The hospital has frequently been awarded for their top-level standards and recently received a Hospital Safety Grade of “A” for Patient Safety, Women’s Choice Award and the Guardian of Excellence Award.

President and CEO of TGMC Phyllis Peoples has successfully grown the hospital and positively influenced the communities around it - while building an inspirational career as one of the most notable female executives in the region.

Terrebonne General Medical Center

What led you to the role you currently hold in your company? Did you see yourself in this position when you started out in the work force?

“Healthcare is ever changing on many different levels. When I started in healthcare over 33 years ago, the majority of healthcare required a hospital stay, often lasting many days. Today, with changes in technology, healthcare has transitioned from providing care only in an inpatient hospital setting to offering outpatient services, or even services at home. All surgeries and many procedures that were done when I started 33 years ago required several days in the hospital, which today, due to development of less invasive technology, patients may return home within hours of the procedure, or possibly the same day for a surgery.

Being able to stay on top of that change and sustain as a viable business with many different players requires tenacity, good communication skills, understanding and the ability to listen. I met my biggest challenges by building relationships with my staff, customers and community; and by not being afraid to think out of the box or have the willingness to take calculated risks for anticipated company growth.”

What piece of advice do you share with your employees/coworkers regularly?

“The keys to success are passion, persistence and flexibility. You must love what you do everyday and others will share your enthusiasm. Persistence and flexibility are also key because in the business of healthcare, there is always a large level of unpredictability.”

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

“My greatest accomplishment is being able to maintain balance between my personal and professional life, with both being extremely rewarding. TGMC has a very strong culture of family, and like families, there is an immense amount of compassion, support and pride portrayed in what they do each day. Being in healthcare is not always easy, but each person working in healthcare chose this profession to dedicate their time to help others feel better, which makes each of them unique and special to me. That commitment to caring for others everyday makes TGMC a very special place to work.”

Who are your greatest influencers? How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?

“My greatest influencers were members of my immediate family. My grandfather and father were pharmacists and my grandmother was a nurse. I saw how they loved what they did and I knew that was my goal, to help people and work in healthcare.

I am honored to positively impact my community on a daily basis in my role as President and CEO of TGMC. Being a female executive over the past 16 years has been my life’s mission. Each and every day my goal is to make a significant impact in all that I encounter. I continuously strive to be the best individual that I can be by motivating others and achieving goals for the greater good of an organization that is greater than myself.”

•

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

“I knew I always wanted to help people and work in healthcare, therefore being a nurse was my mission. Through my years of working as a nurse and returning to graduate school for numerous master’s degrees and through the Tulane Doctorate program, I became more exposed to the business and operational sides of healthcare and found those aspects very challenging.

Opportunities presented themselves and leaving the bedside to being in management, or even running a hospital became more appealing. It was a natural progression. Once I returned home and began my career at Terrebonne General Medical Center over 23 years ago, I did not immediately see myself in my current role as a hospital administrator. However, after some time working and growing along with our extremely talented, highly skilled staff who have committed their lives to caring for our local community, the opportunity presented itself and I was extremely prepared for my current position.”

\What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it?

23

INFLUENCERS 2019 |

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LEBLANC “CHIP” OURSO PEDESTAL BANK

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

How did you get into banking?

24

Earlier this year Coastal Commerce Bank, City Savings Bank, Kaplan State Bank, Teche Bank & Trust, and Tri-Parish Bank united as one bank to form Pedestal Bank.

Headquartered in Houma, Louisiana under the same ownership and management team, Pedestal Bank is one of the 10 largest banks in the state serving 11 parishes.

As a community bank, Pedestal helps local residents and small businesses with their financial needs including consumer and business loan and deposit products, treasury management solutions and the latest in e-banking technology. Executive Vice President, LeBlanc “Chip” Ourso, with over 30 years of banking experience, has been a major financial influencer in the Bayou region.

“When I got out of college in the middle of the 1980s, the economy was really bad and I worked for a local machine shop. I did their accounting, swept the floors and whatever else they needed me to do. When I got out of school, there really wasn’t any jobs available because the economy was kind of like it was couple of years ago; oil prices were way down and the business was doing badly. There was a job opening for a bank examiner, a state job, and I took that job out of Shreveport because there wasn’t a whole lot going on around here. So, that’s how I got into banking.”

What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it?

“Economic problems hurt our business just like everybody else in the area. The oil and gas economy has been up and down. The two most difficult times in my 33 years was in the mid-1980s until about 1990. And then in 2014, ‘15, ‘16, and ’17—this poor economy caused by oil and gas problems.

But, we’ve gotten through it by hard work and doing the right things financially.”

What piece of advice do you share with your employees/ coworkers regularly?

“We talk about taking care of our customers, being respectful.

Our customers are great folks and very innovative, smart people who can make things happen. We’re very proud of our customers and work real hard to meet their needs on a daily basis. So, that’s what we talk about more than anything else is taking care of our customers and our potential customers.”

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

“About 20 years ago, we started a bank called Coastal Commerce Bank, and we started with nothing—a capital base, no customers. In 20 years, we are now a $1.2 billion organization. I had a little hand in making that happen over the last 20 years; I’m very proud of that.”

Who are your greatest influencers? How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?

“L.J. Folse for me—he founded the bank and just taught me a lot about the banking business and ways to handle various situations and economic conditions. He also taught me how to handle myself as a person. He was very influential in growing and developing me as a banker. I try to do my best every day, give them all the information like a L.J. Folse gave me, share what I know with them and let them grow as a person. It’s important for the organization to continue to be successful and for younger folks to have all the information that I have.”

•

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

| INFLUENCERS 2019

DR. JEFFREY RAU Rau Plastic Surgery

What led you to the role you currently hold in your company? Did you see yourself in this position when you started out in the work force?

What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it?

“The biggest challenge is figuring out how businesses work and how to deal with insurance companies. I’ve spent over 14 years learning about the human body and ultimately how to do plastic surgery. That part became the easier side when compared to mastering the ins and outs of a business in medicine. I’m still learning and will be for some time.”

What is on the horizon for you?

“I’m a creative person and have ideas swirling around between my ears constantly. As my business slowly gains more ground and becomes more of a well-oiled machine, I find myself hopefully maximizing my time and creativity in the operating room. This will help me fine-tune my craft and therefore do the best for my patients.”

“My hands are the things that I need to get through the day. It seems simple and obvious, but my job requires my hands to be in top shape. I didn’t realize this until I injured them once while I was spending time doing one of my favorite hobbies- carpentry.”

Who are your greatest influencers? How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?

“My dad and other local physicians are my greatest influencers. Their leadership is part of why I came back to Houma after training.”

What piece of advice do you share with your employees/coworkers regularly?

“I like to remind everyone that keeping a good smile and attitude is the most important thing. They indirectly remind me with their pleasant demeanor.”

•

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Dr. Jeffrey Rau of Rau Plastic Surgery has proudly returned to Houma to open his practice in the region he calls home. Dr. Rau is passionate about helping others through the artistry of plastic surgery and has extensive experience in breast reconstruction, hand surgery, facial trauma and aesthetic surgery. Since returning to Houma, Dr. Rau has been awarded Best Plastic Surgeon and Junior Auxiliary of Houma’s Mirror Ball Trophy from the Moonlight Masquerade celebrity dance competition.

“I started Rau Plastic Surgery in 2017 as the sole surgeon for the practice. I strive to be a leader and always had a vision of leading my own small business one day.”

Other than your phone, what is something you need to get through each workday?

25

INFLUENCERS 2019 |

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TOMMY MEYER

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Meyer Financial Group

26

Meyer Financial Group is a Thibodauxbased Ameriprise Financial Services wealth advisory firm focused on service and community. Tommy Meyer started the company in 1998 as a sole proprietor with no experience as a financial advisor or in running a business, but with the drive and passion to succeed. Now in its 20th year of operating, Meyer Financial Group helps their clients reach their goals and realize their personal and financial potential throughout their lifetime. Meyer is also the founder of the Ben Meyer Foundation and Acadia Music Fest, Thibodaux’s premier music festival.

Did you see yourself in this position when you started out in the work force?

Who are your greatest influencers? How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?

“My desire to help people lead me to this career. I’ve served in my current role since I began, but never knew I would be blessed with such an amazing team.”

“My parents are my greatest influencers in so many ways; the two that come to mind is them teaching me the importance of helping others and helping me believe anything is possible. I am humbled to be thought of as an influencer. I hope I serve in that capacity responsibly. “

What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it?

“I guess I have faced the normal challenges when growing Meyer Financial Group and Acadia Music Fest, but having the team I do makes challenges exciting.“ What piece of advice do you share with your employees/coworkers regularly?

“Well, I’m blessed with a team that needs little advice.

Actually, you should ask them what advice they would give me!”

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

“My greatest accomplishment is realizing God’s purpose for me, to be a good father and friend. I am also extremely humbled that Nicholls Baseball Field is now Ben Meyer Diamond.“

How are you going to impact the Bayou Region in 2019?

“I hope to continue to serve the people in our region through resources and time. I am blessed to live in a community that allows me to do so!”

•

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

| INFLUENCERS 2019

GREG STOCK

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center

“I always wanted to be a CEO. It came fairly early in my career – I was 28 years old.”

What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it?

“The steep learning curve early in my career; and how to persevere in various demanding situations.”

What is on the horizon for you?

“Continue to pursue the vision of making Thibodaux Regional Medical Center a true regional medical center.

Lead efforts to improve the health of the people we serve.”

Other than your phone, what is something you need to get through each workday?

“Sustain a positive outlook and perspective and make at least one important decision each day.”

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

“Helping “build” a great hospital where the patient experience is consistently at the top.”

Who are your greatest influencers? How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?

“My mother (heart) and my father (use your head). Also Ron Structness, a regional vice-president with Hospital Corporation of America, who helped me learn the role of CEO, when I was 28 years old. It’s a great feeling to know that people believe you’re making a difference.”

How are you going to impact the Bayou Region in 2019?

“I have several things I would like to accomplish with Thibodaux Regional: Build a state-of-the-art Cancer Center; Complete Phase II of the Wellness Center; Achieve high levels of employee and patient satisfaction; Develop additional healthcare services.”

•

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Under the leadership of CEO Greg Stock, Thibodaux Regional Medical Center has soared. The hospital has achieved countless awards, including the 2018 Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award for Outpatient Services, the 2018 Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award, the 2018 Women’s Choice Award for America’s Best Hospital for Obstetrics and many others. The hospital has also expanded significantly, growing in both its services and outreach to the community. Two years ago, Thibodaux Regional Medical Center opened its Wellness Center and since that time, thousands of locals have used the facility to stay active. In the coming years, Thibodaux Regional will open a new, state-of-the-art cancer center in an effort to again change the local medical landscape.

What led you to the role you currently hold in your company? Did you see yourself in this position when you started out in the work force?

27

INFLUENCERS 2019 |

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DR. ERIN GRAUGNARD RUSHING COMPREHENSIVE HEARING SOLUTIONS

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it?

28

Dr. Erin Graugnard Rushing of Comprehensive Hearing Solutions is passionate about helping her patients in the Bayou Region. The audiologist began her career working for a private practice and quickly realized owning her own clinic would allow her to spend ample time with patients, addressing all of their hearing needs and concerns. Dr. Rushing has always been interested in science and healthcare, finding her true calling in audiology.

“The biggest challenge has been balancing all of the duties of business ownership, from marketing to finances to patient care, but it has also been fun! You have to surround yourself with knowledgeable professionals, and most importantly know your limitations. You can’t know everything!”

Other than your phone, what is something you need to get through each workday?

“Coffee! Seriously, my patients. I cannot do what I do without the trust of my patients and their families. My patients make my practice.”

What piece of advice do you share with your employees/ coworkers regularly?

“Treat each person as though this were their only appointment.

I learned to incorporate this early on. Many healthcare professionals feel rushed through the day. I make a conscious effort to afford each patient ample time to have his or her needs addressed. While we serve many people with similar services, this is their only hearing appointment.”

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

“I have a passion for learning. I earned three degrees and

numerous awards and traineeships while studying biology and audiology. In addition to enjoying learning, I like to teach! I teach for River Parishes Community College as an adjunct instructor, and I continue to earn more than the required continuing education for my field. I strive to make sure my patients leave feeling educated about their individual hearing issues and options. Continuing to educate both in the clinic and at community events is my ongoing greatest professional accomplishment.”

Who are your greatest influencers? How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?

“My greatest influencers are the small business owners in my life, primarily my father Brian Graugnard and my previous employer Lynn Creel. Growing up on a sugarcane farm, in a family business, provided a foundation for business ownership and the struggles and triumphs that go along with it. Lynn Creel owns a private audiology practice in Metairie, Creel Hearing Center, with a satellite office in Covington. She provided me (and still does!) audiology-specific knowledge and mentorship. My husband, Walter Rushing IV, is an accountant and has always been interested in business. He plays a large role in continued discussions regarding the company. Being thought of as an influencer is a great accolade! I hope that I influence people to be good, honest, friendly healthcare providers that educate and treat patients with kindness and respect.”

•

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

| INFLUENCERS 2019

DEAN SCHOUEST HOUMA-TERREBONNE CIVIC CENTER

What piece of advice do you share with your employees/ coworkers regularly?

“I believe what led me to my role is my passion for community involvement and event promotion, all done on a volunteer basis. My efforts were noticed by some very influential people in the community, which led to me getting the offer and opportunity to direct the Civic Center with the same passion.”

“Come to work every day with the energy that makes your job so fun that you won’t consider it work. I have an open door policy based on the saying ‘Leaders who don’t listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say.’”

What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it?

“My biggest challenge in my years of promoting events and fundraisers was getting the support and belief of the whole community to follow and be a part of everything I was involved in. I met the challenge by being an open book and showing the community the heart and honesty I possessed in everything I did with the financial end of things so they knew their support and belief could be fully trusted.”

What is on the horizon for you?

“My horizon is bright, starting with our Anniversary Celebration on January 6, 2019 to show the community the new and improved Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center and our efforts to bring weekly events to the community.”

Who are your greatest influencers? How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?

“My greatest influencer was my dad Gerald Schouest who has passed away now, but in his years he pushed for and fought for coastal restoration for Terrebonne by serving on multiple boards and organizations that worked diligently to improve our coast. I feel I have taken his love for Terrebonne and just used it in my own direction in keeping Terrebonne beautiful. If others consider me as an influencer then I am very humbled by it and it would make me smile to know possibly someone out there is saying, ‘Because of you I followed my passion and dreams and never gave up.’”

•

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

The Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center is poised and ready to celebrate its 20th anniversary with director Dean Schouest at the helm. The Civic Center provides Terrebonne Parish with exciting events such as Broadway and Disney productions, indoor and outdoor concerts and festivals, sporting events, consumer events, and serves as host to conventions, banquets, wedding receptions and more.

Dean has hit the ground running as Director and has already welcomed multiple largescale productions to the floor of the HoumaTerrebonne Civic Center. It is through his ingenuity and under his guidance that the Civic Center emerges on top for its 20th year.

What led you to the role you currently hold in your company?

29

INFLUENCERS 2019 |

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DONNY ROUSE

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Rouses Markets

30

For nearly six decades, Rouses Markets has been a premium retailer in south Louisiana and now across the Gulf Coast. The highquality fresh produce, variety of products and superb customer service have led the company to tremendous success over the years—recently being named Southeast Retailer of the Year. An immense contribution to this success and prosperity is attributed to their CEO and Managing Partner Donny Rouse, who began with the company when he was about eight years old—bagging groceries and pushing buggies. This influencer has made countless contributions to many communities across the South.

What led you to run your own company? Did you see yourself in this position when you started out in the work force?

of purchases from local farmers and fishermen and give them the opportunity to spread their product throughout the South. We want to spread the Louisiana brand.”

“The company was started by my grandfather in 1960, and I grew up across the street from our corporate office and one of our stores. It’s just something that I’ve always wanted to do. I learned a lot about the grocery industry by just sitting in my dad’s office before school and afterschool, hearing my father and grandfather talk.

Once I started working, I knew I wanted to one day run the company.”

Who are your greatest influencers?

What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it?

“Probably just the stress of being a CEO. Once you’re a CEO, there’s no one else you can blame for any mistakes, failures or poor performances. I just hire the best people that I can find, and I work the hardest I can; I’m just trying to do the best.”

What is on the horizon for you?

“We’re looking to continue growing the company and continue expanding across the South. We want to continue to give our employees opportunities to grow within the company, into different positions. We do a lot

“My kids. They enabled me to have the work/life balance.

When I leave the house in the morning, I’m excited to come back and see them in the afternoons. I know I need to get what I need to get done throughout the day so I can return home and see them. I don’t want to look back in 10 years and say, ‘Man, I wish I’d have done this for my kids.’ I also want to be able to give my kids whatever they want as they’re growing up.”

How are you going to impact the Bayou Region in 2019?

“We’re going to open up a couple of new stores. We are going to acquire three of the Frank’s Supermarket locations in South Lafourche. We’re going to turn those into Rouses Markets in January. That’s going to keep 100 or so jobs down the bayou and give those employees opportunities to grow with our company.”

•

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

| INFLUENCERS 2019

BRIAN RUSHING Rushing Media & Reimagine Marketing

Brian Rushing, owner and publisher, is a secondgeneration marketing expert that has helped hundreds of local business owners overcome their own challenges to succeed in the market. He regularly sits down with business owners for strategic planning sessions for everything from launching a new business to taking a company with stagnant sales to the next level.

“Like a lot of businesses, the downturn in the oil and gas industry hit us exceptionally hard. We tried to survive by making as many cuts as we could but finally realized that the way to make our business thrive again was to 10X our efforts and action from what we were doing. That mindset change has been the biggest driver of the incredible growth we are currently seeing in our company.”

What is on the horizon for you?

“2019 sees a lot of growth for Rushing Media and Reimagine Marketing. As part of our strategic planning earlier this quarter I set some seriously unreasonable goals for my team with the instruction that they bring enough ideas to double that growth. They rose to the challenge and far exceeded my expectations with plans to launch quite a few new projects for next year. I think the public will be pleased with what they see from us.”

Other than your phone, what is something you need to get through each workday?

“I start every day with a few minutes writing down my goals and listing five amazing things that happened

yesterday and five awesome things I will make happen today. That daily ritual is the one thing that helps me be successful every day.”

What piece of advice do you share with your employees/coworkers regularly?

“Goals have to have concrete numbers and deadlines. If you can’t count it and check it off, it isn’t a goal; it’s just a wish list.”

How are you going to impact the Bayou Region in 2019?

“As a company, we have chosen not to participate in the recession going forward, and we are going to help as many local businesses as possible do the same.”

•

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Rushing Media has grown from simply a local publication company into a full service marketing firm that is reimagining the way that business owners identify the problems that are keeping them from consistently increasing revenue. They have become experts in identifying the real goals businesses have, identifying the key things keeping them from achieving them, and finding the best solutions to not only meet, but also exceed those goals.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it?

31

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

HARRIS AIMS TO

32

INSPIRE, SHOW LOCALS THAT YES, THEY CAN DO GREAT THINGS

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

H

SHOP ONLINE OR IN STORE

LOCAL DELIVERY

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

985-868-9240 • 235 S. HOLLYWOOD RD, HOUMA

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

ouma native Corey Harris believes that deep down, there is greatness in us all — sometimes, it just takes a little soul searching to find where within us it is.

And for close to a decade now, he’s dedicated countless hours of his time in an effort to prove to locals that they can do amazing things if they keep a positive mindset, work hard and channel positive energy — even at times when it seems like life isn’t on their side.

Harris is a well-known local motivational speaker, author and role model in the community. He’s been speaking at events for more than 8 years around the area and his words have literally impacted the lives of thousands of people in the Houma-Thibodaux area and beyond.

Harris said his path to motivational speaking is paved with the purest intentions. He said he saw a need locally and made a decision to address it in the only way he knew how: through his words of love and support for others.

“I saw that there were too many kids that were not aware of the fact that they could do great and amazing things if they would decide to change their mindsets,” Harris said. “I’ve always been very blessed to have a great support system and I understand the tremendous value of having a great support system. I wanted to be a blessing and a source of support to others and those who didn’t have strong support systems. For me, I was more concerned with making a difference, instead of making excuses.”

Harris is a go-getter.

COMMERCIAL KITCHEN DESIGN, EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

33

“I plan to continuously impact humanity in great ways by pouring out useful and empowering content,” Harris said. “I also plan to speak to businesses and create empowerment programs (in the future).”

He has single-handedly put together several events in the community aimed to inspire the area’s youth.

He’s hosted more than two-dozen empowerment and anti-bullying events in the Houma area. At those events, Harris, himself, speaks, but he also works diligently to book other guests and speakers, as well.

Former WWL-TV news anchor Sally Ann Roberts was a previous guest at one of Harris’ empowerment events. Others have featured DJ Juice, Traci Brown, Judge Juan Pickett, local choirs, dance groups and others.

The events are always free to the public.

Some are more well-attended than others — sometimes generating hundreds of kids — but Harris said that’s of no matter.

If just one child leaves the event with his/ her life positively impacted, then the work for the day is a 100 percent success story.

He said he’s had hundreds of adults and children thank him over the past several years for spreading his positive message throughout the community.

“I always get great feedback,” Harris said. “People tell me to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m often reminded by adults in the community that what I’m doing is needed. I’ve received several recognition awards from multiple organizations in the community letting me know that they appreciate the great work I’m doing. And many kids personally thank me for the messages that I deliver. The publicity is great. It feels good when folks tell me that they saw me in the newspaper.”

Harris said his work takes time, effort and energy, adding that planning an event can almost become consuming — swallowing up every inch of free time he has.

When asked where he continues to find the motivation to keep going, he said that’s easy — the people. Harris said he knows that the world will forever remain challenged and troubled and that there will always be people who are in need of a pat on the back of a pick-me-up. Knowing that, Harris said, is what continually gets him out of bed in the morning with fire and

50% OF YOUR MARKETING DOLLARS DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

ARE WASTED

34

WE CAN HELP COMPLETE ANALYSIS, REPORTING & CONSULTATIONS ON YOUR MARKETING EFFORTS

REIMAGINE-MARKETING.COM

|

985 868 7871

energy to keep chipping away at the negative forces in the world.

“Several things keep me motivated — my family, my faith, the high bar that I set for myself and motivational videos are a few of those things,” Harris said. “But also this: I know that there’s always someone out there who is allowing their circumstances or another person to limit them and what they can do. Knowing that keeps me going.”

In the future, Harris said he plans to keep going strong with no let up in sight.

He’s booked to give speeches at Houma Jr. High School, Oaklawn Jr. High School and the Terrebonne Parish Juvenile Justice Complex in the coming weeks.

He said he’s also exploring other empowerment and anti-bullying events, while continuing to write.

Harris is a published author. He published ‘Poetic Pleasures and Treasures’ a few years ago — a collection of his thoughts via poetry.

Harris said he always strives to outdo himself and push the bar higher,

knowing that as he does so, he’s helping more and more kids.

By doing so, he’s also making the future of our community better — the larger goal.

“I plan to continuously impact humanity in great ways by pouring out useful and empowering content,” Harris said. “I also plan to speak to businesses and create empowerment programs (in the future).”

•

Equipment Rentals • Bolt Torqueing & Tensioning • Pressure Testing • Field Machining • Pipeline Pigging/Flushing • Radiography/RT • UT/Phase Array • Welding Inspectors • QA/QC

Address: 292 Equity Blvd., Houma, LA 70360 | PHONE: 985-851-2330

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Services

35

IT’S A ‘WINTER WONDERLAND’

AT VCHS

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

BY DREW MILLER

36

O

n November 30, Vandebilt Catholic High School seniors hosted just under 170 children from the Terrebonne Parish’s Head Start Program—the program that provides free services for local–low-income families—for their “Winter Wonderland”.

A tradition for many years with Vandebilt seniors, their annual “Christmas Project” is a way for Vandebilt’s entire student body and faculty and the communities they belong to, to give back to less-fortunate children in the area.

“The students who have gone to the schools have come back with some stories that are endearing and heartbreaking at the same time. A lot of them have come back and said, ‘You know, I’ve enjoyed Christmas project so much that I’m working with a local school while I’m in college.’

And I love that it carries over into their lives. It’s a project that never ends,” said Valerie Manns, English teacher and Senior Class Moderator at Vandebilt Catholic.

This year, the project was able to raise $12,000 through donations and various fundraising events.

“We’ve done bake sales at lunch and football games.

We did a jailbreak activity where you issue these little fake warrants and have to pay money to put somebody in jail.

That person can either sing a Christmas carol or pay money to get out,” Manns said. “We try to find fun ways to raise money, and the seniors come up with those ideas. We’re [the faculty] facilitating teams, but it’s their creation.”

The money raised abled the senior class to purchase toys, books, blankets, games and much more for the children of the Head Start Program.

“It turned into a senior leadership program several years back, so it’s been our senior moderators and religion classes that really have taken a focus on leadership for our students,” said Manns. “They also build the relationships with the kids.”

“It means a lot to the parents and the children enjoy it,” said Diane Powell, Director of the Head Start Program.

“The blessing of an early Christmas is good for families and

•

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

provides an opportunity to build community between the students of Vandebilt Catholic and the families of Head Start.”

Before “Winter Wonderland”, VCHS seniors met and engaged with the students they gathered the funds and presents for.

They also plan to revisit the children in the spring.

“They start to form those relationships with the kids and get to know them. Then, they have to go and buy all the toys and clothes and try to figure out what these kids would like and understand them on their level. Then, the kids come for a day of play, and it kind of nurtures that relationship in a really positive way,” Manns said.

At this year’s “Winter Wonderland”, the sponsored children got to visit the VCHS campus and enjoy not only the gifts they received but also princess meet and greets, games, activities and visits with Santa Claus.

“It’s [interacting with the children] the heart of the project. We do give the kids toys, but it’s not just about that,” Manns said.

“It’s about leadership for our kids, but it’s also about these younger kids who get this undivided attention from our students and a day where they are just celebrated. It’s really cool to see.”

“It means happiness,” said senior Olivia Benoit about what the day meant to her. “To bring joy to little kids who may not have a lot reminds me how blessed I am. To give them presents and share in the spirit of Christmas this time of year is what every child deserves.”

37

SWEET

SUCCESS

AT TARC DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

BY JOHN DESANTIS

38

T

errebonne ARC, the organization that provides job training and other educational opportunities to intellectually challenged members of the community, debuted its newest project in late-November with the opening of Cajun Confections, a sweet shop that administrators say will provide sweet results for clients and the public at large.

“It is just one more business where we can showcase the abilities of the people we serve, where the community can come in, enjoy a nice refreshment, purchase products by individuals we serve and staff who work with them, who train them to do the things they do,” said TARC Executive Director Mary Lynn Bisland.

The shop at 158 Enterprise Drive features candies, cookies, tarts and pies that can be eaten on premises, along with a variety of soft drinks, coffee and tea. When Bisland arrived at the sweet shop at 9 a.m. on their grand opening day, a long line of people had already queued.

Cajun Confections is part of an overall push by TARC that began 11 years ago, to aid in pushing for employment within the community at large of people the organization trains.

“We set a deadline for ourselves to get everyone out working in the community, whether it is an independent job from someone other than TARC or through a TARC business,” Bisland said.

The TARC formula does not limit potential workers to specialties such as

those acquired from working at Cajun Confections or other TARC businesses, Bisland said.

“Where we train them doing job skills, it is not just to be a baker or a candy maker,” Bisland said. “There comes an understanding that you go to work every day, you get a paycheck at the end of the work period and there are jobs to be done.”

Cajun Confections was already operating at the TARC campus in east Houma, where its popular restaurant is still in service. A decision was made to move the confection shop to west Houma in order to gain higher visibility and interaction.

On the grand opening date, patrons waited in line in large numbers to enjoy the delicious treats available on the menu.

“It’s all delicious,” said Houma native Rose Theriot.

“You can’t get enough,” joked fellow Houma native Matthew Collins, who was next to Rose in line.

TARC serves about 250 people; forty of them are employed at four gift shops located throughout Terrebonne Parish.

Bisland said there are other plans underway to streamline and accommodate public interest in TARC offerings.

“Our next project will be a new restaurant, still on our campus but on Moffet Road,” she said.

•

MORE THAN

200,000 BOOKS FUNDED FOR

TERREBONNE PARISH CHILDREN

BY MARY DITCH

A

Recent studies suggest participation in the Imagination Library is positively and significantly associated with higher measures of early language and math development. The Blue Ribbon Book Selection Committee takes great care in choosing books that meet the different needs of children as they progress from birth to age five.

TFAE is an independent local non-profit organization that strives to positively affect academic achievement and to fundamentally improve education. TFAE has awarded more than $1 million grant dollars to Terrebonne Parish public school teachers since 2012.

•

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

n amazing 200,000 books and counting!

Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) has reached a new milestone. As of December 1, 2018, TFAE has funded more than 200,000 books to Terrebonne Parish children through the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Through this program, all registered children in Terrebonne Parish ages newborn to five years old receive one new, age-appropriate book every month delivered to their home at no cost to their family. Currently, more than 3,300 children are enrolled in the program in Terrebonne while another 4,800 children have already “graduated.”

As Funding Champion, TFAE continues to fund these books for our local children.

“These books continue to have a tremendous impact on our community’s children by increasing their literacy skills, social skills, and comprehension,” Katie Portier, TFAE Executive Director, said. “By putting books in the hands of our young readers, we can help prepare them for their next journey into school.”

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was first brought to Terrebonne Parish by TFAE in 2012. Since then, many local businesses and organizations have donated and contributed to its success. Each year, the esteemed Blue Ribbon Book Selection Committee, a specially selected panel of early childhood literacy experts, is responsible for reviewing hundreds of potential titles for inclusion in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

39

MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

NEWS BRIEFS

NEW BOOK PUBLISHED FROM AUTHOR WITH LOCAL ROOTS

TGMC HOSTS TREE FOR LIFE, RAISING MONEY FOR CANCER PREVENTION

Christopher Pena had his own personal homecoming week in Thibodaux in the coming weeks, when the former Nicholls State University professor attended two local library to celebrate publication of his newest literary offering.

“Death Over A Diamond Stud: The Assassination of the Orleans Parish District Attorney” (Pelican Books, Gretna, La. 2018) is the true tale of the first judicially-related murder to take place in the 20th century.

Newly elected District Attorney J. Ward Gurley was shot dead in 1903, in a case that rocked New Orleans at the time.

Praised by former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New Orleans, Jim Letten, and already winning critical acclaim, Pena’s account of Gurley’s death and its aftermath is painstakingly researched, a hallmark of the author’s forays into historical truecrime. His prior literary work is “The Strange Case of Dr. Etienne Deschamps: Murder in the New Orleans French Quarter” (Pelican Books, 2017) which tells the story of a murder most foul of a young woman in 1889.

“I have been writing stories and

The Mary Bird Perkins TGMC Cancer Center hosted family, friends and supporters to honor cancer survivors, while remembering loved ones and thanking caregivers during a special Tree for Life Ceremony.

The event took place on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. at the Cancer Center At the event, locals had a chance to honor loved ones by dedicating a dove ornament that will be displayed on a holiday tree at the Cancer Center during December.

Ornaments may be purchased online at mbptgmc.org/treeforlife — throughout the Christmas season.

All doves, including those purchased after the event, will be hung on the tree and will remain on display for December. They can later be picked up between Jan. 7-18 at the Cancer Center.

“The Tree for Life Holiday Ceremony is such a beautiful way for patients, caregivers and community members to recognize a loved one by dedicating an ornament in his/her honor,” said Phyllis Peoples, president and CEO, TGMC. “This event offers a unique way to make a donation, and a difference, during the season of giving.”

The money raised through Tree for Life will help support early detection and screening programs at TGMC and also the Cancer Center’s mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer in the Bayou Region.

formulating stories since I was a kid of 12-years-old,” Pena says. “I started writing short stories, hand written in cursive. Since 7th Grade I have loved writing.”

Pena is considered a leading south Louisiana historian. Native to Lake Charles, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Nicholls State University, where he later studied history.

His first book, “Touched By War,”centered on Louisiana Civil War battles. His second, “Scarred By War,” provides insightful information on the social and political effects of the war in the Bayou Region.

•

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

TGMC NAMES NOVEMBER EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

40

Terrebonne General Medical Center has named Wanda Woods as its November Employee of the Month.

Woods works nights as a Certified Nursing Assistant on the Cardiac Progressive Care Unit and has been a team member at TGMC for 23 years.

TGMC names its Employee of the Month each month in an effort to recognize outstanding employees.

Winners demonstrate outstanding and constant commitment to the well-being of patients, their extended families and staff.

Woods earns the honor from her co-workers because of her dedication, work ethic and positive attitude.

She is described by her co-workers as possessing a ‘can-do’ attitude, while always wearing a smile.

TGMC says Woods can always be counted on to pick up shifts when necessary and she’s credited by going above and beyond on a regular basis to help out.

For more information, please contact Tiffany Adams at (985) 850-6301 or tiffany. adams@marybird.com.

•

DANOS AWARDED SHELL CONTRACT

When told of the honor, Wanda said she “knows her job,” then added that she “loves connecting with people every day.

Sitting and holding hands with a patient who is taking their last breath makes me a stronger person and I am glad I am able to help in whatever way I can.”

•

Danos announced in November that Shell Exploration and Production Company, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc, has awarded a contract to Danos for the coatings maintenance campaign for the Ursa tension leg platform (TLP). The project will employ 45 personnel and is expected to last approximately five months.

“I commend our coatings team for their excellent work ethic, delivery and reputation, all of which have led to this opportunity with Shell,” said Owner Mark Danos. “We have been partnering with Shell for nearly 50 years and are proud to once again perform work in the Gulf on one of their assets.”

The Ursa platform is located in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 130 miles southeast of New Orleans, at a water depth of roughly 4,000 feet. Danos has previously performed coatings work on Ursa to fulfill former contracts.

This job marks the 40th coatings project for Danos thus far in 2018. In August, Danos was awarded a five-month contract to perform coatings maintenance for a new customer on an asset also located in the Gulf of Mexico, which is employing 12 personnel. Currently, Danos has 2,200 employees, with over 160 working in coatings.

•

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE? EMAIL US AT EDITOR@BAYOUBUSINESSMONTHLY.COM

DUFRENE ‘BACKS THE BLUE’ WITH LUNCHEONS Dufrene Building Materials strongly supports local law enforcement.

And they’re taking the time to prove it.

The local business hosts an annual “Back the Blue” luncheon every fall - an event designed to show support to law enforcement around the state.

Dufrene holds a luncheon at all four of its locations - Cut Off, Slidell, Belle Chasse and Thibodaux.

The Cut Off luncheon was held in early November. Slidell’s was earlier in November, as well. The Belle Chasse and Thibodaux events are set for December.

All local law enforcement are invited to the luncheon where a home-cooked Cajun lunch is prepared. The meal is freshly cooked and delivered with salad, fresh French bread and either bread pudding or bouille cake for dessert.

Officials with Dufrene Building Materials say that the luncheons have great turnout, but they also serve as an opportunity for the business to speak with the local authorities about current issues in the area, while also expressing appreciation to the officers for their commitment to community safety.

At this year’s luncheons, all officers were passing a good time, being given a full belly from the staff at Dufrene. The conversation was also plentiful and there were lots

DANOS REACHES SAFETY MILESTONE

of laughs and entertainment for all.

At the Cut Off event, the Lockport Police Department and Golden Meadow Police Department were invited, as well as the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, State Police Troop C, Port Fourchon Harbor Police and Grand Isle Police.

At the Slidell event, city cops, State Police and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Officers were invited.

•

October 2018 marked two significant safety milestones for Danos.

Danos’ production crew working for Shell Appalachia celebrated seven years without a recordable incident, as classified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). At the same time, Danos’ team working with EP Energy celebrated four years with no OSHA recordable incidents.

“We are proud of the high performance and continued safety of our Shell and EP Energy teams,” said owner Mark Danos.

“Since our company’s founding, our goal has always been for our employees to return home in the same condition that they came to us, and we are honored to share this value in working with our customers.”

The Danos team operating for Shell works in the Marcellus Shale areas of Tioga and Lycoming counties, Pennsylvania. The team provides onshore production operation support in addition to managing ware-

house operations and materials. Danos began working in the Marcellus Shale play in 2011 and opened its current office in Martins Ferry, Ohio, in 2017.

Danos’ team working with EP Energy in the Eagle Ford Shale has worked over 160,000 man hours over the last four years with no recordable incidents. The team provides production operation support and is responsible for oil and gas production from wells at multiple work sites located south and west of San Antonio, Texas.

“Our employees are diligent about safe work practices, such as pre-work inspections and observations, and they take each task one at a time. Our team takes care of each other, and this is proof that all of the care they take is effective,” said Danos.

With over 2,100 employees, Danos has office locations in Houston and Midland, Texas, and Martin’s Ferry, Ohio, in addition to their Louisiana offices in Lafayette, Morgan City, Carencro and Gray, where the company is headquartered.

•

U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise R-La has been elected as the Republican whip for the 116th Congress, a statement from his office released in November said.

Scalise ran unopposed for the position.

“I am honored that my colleagues have chosen me to be their Republican Whip for the 116th Congress. While the midterm election results were not what we hoped for, we must now sharpen our focus on reestablishing the conservative principles that are proven to help hard-working families have better opportunities to achieve the American Dream,” said Scalise, who had served as the House Majority Whip. Mid-term elections turned the House of Representatives majority Democratic, and so the title ‘majority whip” no longer applies. “As Majority Whip, I worked hard to bring our conference together and build coalitions that advanced our pro-growth agenda, and I will bring that same fighting spirit and determination to this new role. Starting

today, we must stand united every day as House Republicans to build a more safe and secure America, as we work to block a radical, leftist agenda that would reverse the gains we’ve made for hard-working families across America. I look forward to keep leading that charge along with President Trump and the rest of our House Leadership team.”

A whip is an official of a political party whose task is to ensure party discipline in a legislature. Whips are the party’s “enforcers”; they invite their fellow legislators to attend voting sessions and to vote according to the official party policy.

Scalise’s Democratic counterpart, Rep. Steny Hamilton Hoyer (D-Md.) has received a strong show of support from the 116th Congress’ new membership. In a letter sent Tuesday, 155 House Democrats from across their caucus, including a majority of the “freshman class,” signed a letter in support of Hoyer returning to his position.

•

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

SCALISE RETAINS LEADERSHIP POSITION

41

MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

NEWS BRIEFS

LAFOURCHE SCHOOLS TAKE HOME ‘A-GRADE’

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

NICHOLLS NAMES DR. CARUSO ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT AND DEAN OF STUDENTS FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS

42

Nicholls State University is proud to announce that Dr. Michele Caruso has been named the associate vice president and dean of students for Student Affairs.

“I am humbled and excited for this opportunity to make an even greater impact on the student experience,” Dr. Caruso said. “I look forward to contributing to the progress of the university, and I hope to live up to Dr. Clune’s vision for the university.”

Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Eugene Dial has accepted a role as the executive director of the Higher Education Leadership master’s program effective in January.

With the change, student affairs will report to Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Sue Westbrook.

Dr. Caruso will oversee all aspects of student life and student services in the new position, including housing, judicial affairs, student organizations, Greek affairs, international student services, the counseling center, university health services, disabled student services, campus recreation, student educators and leaders, and behavioral crisis management.

A licensed professional counselor, Dr. Caruso originally joined the Nicholls campus in 1996. She served as the dean of student services for 16 years before being promoted to dean of students earlier this year .

•

The Lafourche Parish School District has earned an “A” rating from the Louisiana Department of Education’s district performance score.

The school system scored third in the state, an achievement administrators are hailing as a remarkable improvement from its prior showings.

In 2016 Lafourche ranked 14th and the following year 13th in the state.

“We are very proud of this rating,” said Superintendent Jo Ann Matthews said.

“Our success is a direct result of the commitment of our teachers, staff, students and parents – and their dedication to high academic standards and the pursuit of excellence.”

Since 1999, Louisiana has issued School Performance Scores for its public schools, based on student achievement data. The state adopted letter grades (A-F) to clearly communicate the quality of school performance to families and the public. Scores are based on a combination of assessment scores, credits earned and graduation performance depending on grade level.

Under the same scoring system, Terre-

bonne Parish schools received an overall grade of “B,” an examination of the state’s records shows.

All schools with sufficient data receive school performance scores. This year the point value for academic achievement levels were changed, which made it more difficult to attained an A rating under the new calculation The Lafourche Parish School District performance scores overall have maintained an “A” under the old rating. The new meth-

od of determining school performance, administrators noted, makes the top grade an even greater achievement.

The district is now ranked third in the state for mastery growth, with an increase of 6.43 percent based on old ratings from 2017 to 2018.

The Lafourche district serves all of Lafourche Parish, more than 15,000 students in 30 schools, with approximately 2,300 employees.

•

LOCAL BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY ‘PACK THE BUS’ FOR STUDENTS A partnership between a local bank and a coalition of charities has made possible a drive for supplies to benefit children in need, in both Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.

Synergy Bank and the United Way of South Louisiana have utilized Bayou Region community resources to collect thousands of school supplies, which will be delivered to local schools.

The initiative was dubbed “Pack The Bus,” and relied on widely located donation bins for materials.

“The ‘Pack the Bus’ school supply drive is one of the many ways Synergy Bank is working to help our community,” Jerry Ledet, Synergy Bank President and CEO, said. “By providing students the tools they need to succeed, we can help our children and teachers have a successful school year.”

Community members were encouraged

to drop new school supplies into bins set up at businesses throughout Terrebonne and Lafourche. The donations were sorted and sent to the Terrebonne and Lafourche Parish School Boards to disperse among the elementary schools.

“Thank you to everyone who donated.

The school supplies that were collected will definitely help the students become successful in the classroom,” United Way Executive Director Alina Merlos said. “With the right tools, these kids are better prepared, and that will help them excel in the coming year.”.

•

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE? EMAIL US AT EDITOR@BAYOUBUSINESSMONTHLY.COM

ON THE AGENDA SCIA MEETING

Join SCIA at their monthly meeting featuring guest speaker Dr. Kristine Strickland, Chancellor of Fletcher Technical Community College.

December 18, 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT, HOUMA

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Mingle and spread holiday cheer at the Thibodaux Chamber’s 4th quarter Business After Hours.

December 18, 5 – 7 p.m.

CINCLARE, THIBODAUX

CHAMBER BANQUET TGMC HONORS ITS ACTIVE SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN ON VETERAN’S DAY anything and everything is possible.”

Major Andrew Lefevre started his military career in 1991 in the Louisiana National Guard during Operation Desert Storm. He was a 66B Infantry soldier.

Lefevre has a rich military background in his family, so he opted to continue his way through the ranks. Today, he is equipped with 22 years of experience. In his role, he has cared for critically injured soldiers.

With TGMC, Lefevre has been a nurse in TGMC’s Critical Care Unit and he’s now a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

“The Army is my obligation but everyone, especially my wife, son and TGMC family, all sacrifice when I get mobilized for a mission,” said Major Lefevre. “It can be very difficult to leave my family and work for months at a time for the service, but I’m blessed with a strong support system.”

In addition to the active service people, TGMC said it is proud to have more than 30 retired and active military employees who juggle work, family and service to the country.

•

90TH ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET

The Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce hosts its Annual Banquet where the Chamber’s newly installed officers, outgoing officers and board members are recognized at the event along with the announcements of the Chamber’s Community Champion, Chamber Star award, Chamber Distinguished Diplomat award, The Courier’s Most Useful Citizen award, the Teenager of the Year, and HTV’s Eugene Folse Outstanding Veteran award.

The keynote speaker for 2019 is magician and entertainer David Hira.

January 30, 6-9 p.m.

HOUMA-TERREBONNE CIVIC CENTER

DECEMBER 2018 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Terrebonne General Medical Center recognized two employees who are actively serving in the United States Military, in commemoration with Veteran’s Day earlier this fall.

The hospital said it wants to recognize Sergeant Gerica Sears and Major Andrew Lefevre, two current employees of the local medical facility.

Sgt. Sears is an active member of the Louisiana Army National Guard. She is a 92G Food Service Specialist and is responsible for preparation and service of food in the field or garrison operations.

When not doing military work, she works in TGMC’s surgery department as a Certified Surgical Technologist and Certified Surgical First Assistant. She is also the mother of two young children.

“Being in the military has allowed me to learn not to take life for granted. I have learned how to adapt and overcome, especially by being in an Infantry unit,” said Sergeant Sears. “I tend to miss out on the important life events because when duty calls, I must leave my family. That’s the hardest part about being in the military, but

Join the Thibodaux & Lafourche Chambers for an evening of celebration as they recognize outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses and look forward to the upcoming year. This year’s guest speaker is John Bel Edwards, Governor of Louisiana.

January 17, 7 p.m.

WARREN J. HARANG JR. MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM, THIBODAUX

43