BBM - September 2019

FREE WAITR VS. LOCAL RESTAURANTS

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ATHLETIC EVENTS

KEEPING YOUR DATA SAFE

DOWNTOWN CHANGES AHEAD

ANNE PICOU & CHRISTOPHER PULASKI

SPOTLIGHT ON RISK MANAGEMENT

SEPT 2019

PRESORT STD US POSTAGE PAID HOUMA, LA PERMIT NO. 17

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE |

SEPTEMBER 2019 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 8

TABLE OF CONTENTS SPOTLIGHT ON:

RISK MANAGEMENT

10 14

BROWN & BROWN INSURANCE

16

DATA SECURITY CRITICAL FOR BUSINESSES, INDIVIDUALS

A Q&A with Christian Lapeyre

SAVING IS IMPORTANT… BUT HOW DOES ONE SAVE WHEN MONEY IS TIGHT?

IN EVERY ISSUE: 04

GOVERNMENT UPDATE

06

OIL AND GAS UPDATE

08

FROM THE TOP

The Race is On!

Battle lines being drawn in trade war

10

HURRICANE BARRY SHOWS NEED FOR ELEVATED LA 1

Funding is needed from a federal level

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REVITALIZATION OF DOWNTOWN HOUMA ON THE HORIZON Demonstration Days set for October

20

LOCAL VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENTS TO BOOST AREA ECONOMY Two regional tournaments set to bring athletes, families to Houma

22 24 27

WAITR BOYCOTT DEADLINE PASSES

Many local restaurants opt out of restructuring contracts

MOVERS AND SHAKERS Headlines and Accolades

ON THE AGENDA

Corporate calendar of events

PUBLISHER

Brian Rushing EDITORIAL Bonnie Rushing EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mary Ditch MANAGING EDITOR

Casey Gisclair MANAGING EDITOR

Drew Miller CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CREATIVE Amber Duplantis SENIOR DESIGNER Paul Guidry GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nicholas Boutte GRAPHIC DESIGNER Amber Knight GRAPHIC INTERN

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Drew Miller

ADVERTISING Bonnie Rushing SALES MANAGER

Deanne Ratliff SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER Elise Falgout, Linda Pontiff, Lanie Roberts

Christy Naquin, SCIA

OFFICE/CIRCULATION MANAGER

RISK MANAGEMENT

S

ummer break is finished and kids are back in school. That means we can all get back to work. In the months to come there will be quite a few opportunities for community change.

Politicians are being challenged at every level. The HoumaTerrebonne Chamber is holding forums for the most important races. We even have recreation and downtown development activity in the mix. These are all opportunities for you to get involved and have your voice heard. Make sure that you don’t waste it.

Our spotlight business focus this month is Risk Management.

We visit with a few area experts on ways you can be setting aside savings during a time of downturned economy. We also take a closer look at cyber security and what risks are out there when it comes to protecting your data.

In our general business news, there is a focus in Terrebonne Parish on bringing more events and people to our area. One of the possibilities is through athletic events. This fall, Houma will host two large high school volleyball tournaments. Over 20 teams will compete at H.L. Bourgeois in September and at the HoumaTerrebonne Civic Center in October. The long-term plan is to secure the LHSAA State Tournament.

Another area that is prepping to final take some huge steps towards revitalization is the Downtown Houma area. The Terrebonne Parish Planning and Zoning Department announced in July that it will showcase potential street structural changes on October 18-19 in Downtown Houma during their Downtown Demonstration Day project. Main Street and the areas surrounding the Courthouse Square will temporarily change to reflect some

Michelle Ortego

CUSTOMER SERVICE Kimberly Ross

mighty big changes and dreams of the Department. They are seeking public input during and after the demonstration so they know what the public truly wants out of their downtown area.

There’s been a lot of rumbling lately surrounding our local restaurants and the no-longer-Louisiana-owned food delivery service Waitr. Local restaurants participated in a boycott weekend in July in protest of Waitr’s new terms. We explore further the outcome of the boycott and if locals stayed with the service or are looking for other options.

Our first hurricane of the season has come and gone. Now more than ever, our area can prove even the storms that don’t hit the area directly can cause big problems to Louisiana.

Highway 1 south of flood protection areas — the only artery we have to get to Port Fourchon. La. Highway 1 in south Golden Meadow and Leeville closed for 41 hours during the storm — a total which cost the local economy close to $1 billion, per estimates. Previous studies show that $22 million in sales are lost every hour that the road is closed. We take a look at the progress being made to elevate La. 1 and protect that region from further closures.

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

GOVERNMENT UPDATE |

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BY MARY DITCH

THE RACE IS ON

I

t’s election time again! Qualifying of candidates for the October 12, 2019 primary ended on Thursday, August 8.

The following candidates have qualified for local races within Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.

TERREBONNE BESE District 3 Sandy Holloway Janice Perea State Senator, District 20 Brenda Leroux Babin Damon Baldone Michael Fesi Jerry “Truck” Gisclair Shane Swan State Senator, District 21 Bret Allain II State Representative, District 51 Beryl Amedee Clayton Voisin State Representative, District 52 Jerome “Zee” Zeringue State Representative, District 53 Tanner Magee Sheriff Blayne “Bubba” Bergeron Terry Daigle Kyle Lirette Mark Pitre Jerri Smitko Tim Soignet Mike Solet Clerk of Court Theresa Robichaux Assessor Loney Grabert Coroner Victor Tedesco III Parish President Gordon Dove David McCormick

Council Member, District 1 Lionel “Tony” Lewis Jr. John Navy Council Member, District 2 Wilfred “PJ” Allridge III John Campbell Carl “Carlee” Harding Anthony Rainey Sr. Richard Thompson Clarence Williams Council Member, District 3 Robert Boudreaux Gerald Michel Council Member, District 4 John Amedee Thomas Dardar Jr. Wayne Ingram Council Member, District 5 Jessica Domangue Christa Duplantis-Prather Council Member, District 6 Darrin Guidry Michael “Cuz” Prosperie Council Member, District 7 Danny Babin Al Marmande Council Member, District 8 Kim Chauvin Dirk Guidry John Voisin Council Member, District 9 Wallace Ellender III Perry Naquin Mike Pellegrin Steve Trosclair

LAFOURCHE BESE District 3 Sandy Holloway Janice Perea State Senator, District 2 Troy Brown “Ed” Price

State Senator, District 19 Gary Smith Jr. State Senator, District 20 Brenda Leroux Babin Damon Baldone Michael Fesi Jerry “Truck” Gisclair Shane Swan

Council Member, District 1 Jerry Jones Burnell Tolbert Jimmie Wilson Earl Woods Jr. Council Member, District 2 William “T-Boo” Adams Niles Riche

State Senator, District 21 Bret Allain II

Council Member, District 3 Michael Gros

State Representative, District 51 Beryl Amedee Clayton Voisin

Council Member, District 4 Aaron “Bo” Melvin

State Representative, District 52 Jerome “Zee” Zeringue State Representative, District 53 Tanner Magee State Representative, District 54 Reggie Bagala Ernest Boudreaux Donny Lerille State Representative District 55 Bryan Fontenot Donovan Fremin

Leading Sheriff Craig Jaccuzzo Thomas Rodrigue Craig Webre Clerk of Court Annette Fontana Assessor Wendy Thibodeaux Coroner John King Parish President Archie Chaisson III Joe Fertitta Luci Sposito

Council Member, District 6 Spence Cressionie Corey Perrillioux Council Member, District 7 Armand “Noonie” Autin Council Member, District 8 Alces Adams “D’Lynn” Boudreaux Council Member, District 9 “Will” Lasseigne Daniel Lorraine Justice of the Peace, 1st Court Desirea Rodrigue

If you plan to vote in the Fall primary, the following dates are of importance: • Voter registration deadline (in person or by mail) – September 11 • Voter registration deadline (online at geauxvote.com) – September 21 • Early voting – Sept. 28 – Oct. 5 (closed Sunday) • Deadline to request a ballot by mail (must qualify) – October 8 • Deadline for ROV to receive mailed ballot – October 11, by 4:30 p.m.

• Election Day – October 12. Polls are open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

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,

SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

District Judge, 17th Judicial District Court, Division C Marla Abel Rene Gautreaux Todd Joffrion

Council Member, District 5 Albert Martin Jr. Jim Wendell

5

OIL & GAS |

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

BATTLE LINES

SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

BEING DRAWN IN TRADE WAR

6

HOW OIL MIGHT BE IMPACTED

P

resident Donald Trump’s “trade war” with China continued forward this past month with no apparent end in sight.

As each global economic power digs in its heels and escalates the economic feud, experts say that the price of oil could be one of the biggest things impacted.

Global economists said in early August that oil prices could “tank” this fall if tensions between the United States and China continue to get more heated this fall.

Throughout the past several months

the U.S. and China have sparred — publicly and privately — in both private negotiations between the nations and on President Trump’s Twitter account.

If issues remain unresolved, China could ignore U.S. sanctions on Iran and buy oil from them, which could spin supply out of control and “devour” the price into the future.

“A Chinese decision to reinitiate Iran crude purchases could send oil prices into a tailspin,” Merrill Lynch said in a note last month. “Because of this, oil forecasts remain heavily in flux for the future.”

It is not yet known if China would make such a drastic leap — one which the United States would likely retaliate against with economic sanctions.

But Iran is already angling for it to be part of China’s economic future.

China has never actually fully pulled away from the Middle Eastern oil powerhouse, even despite the sanctions.

Their government has said publicly that they would not let global political pressures shape their energy use.

But those words have not been backed with action. Despite the pushback, numbers show that China’s import

numbers from Iran have dropped significantly in the past several months — enough to keep the United States happy with their compliance.

But tariffs imposed on the Chinese by the United States are impacting the nation’s economy, which has many asking questions about the future.

Earlier this month, Iran asked the “friendly countries” of the world to defy the United States’ sanctions and buy more oil from them in the future. Of the “friendly countries,” China was on the list.

As of press-time in mid-August,

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deepwater offshore drilling (like what our area thrives on) far less profitable.

Instead, this area would prefer stability and prices hovering around a $65-70/ barrel mark — a number that local oil experts believe could be attainable if stability comes in U.S. and China trade talks.

Merrill Lynch said their forecasts call for a $60/barrel forecast for next year and several other forecasts have been released in the past 3-6 months that indicate optimism. “Based on some of the things we’ve been seeing and some of the projections — we really believe the future could be bright,� Port Fourchon Executive Director Chett Chiasson said earlier this summer.

But those forecasts all specify that the market is volatile and uncertain, so forecasts should be taken with a grain of salt. “Relations between the U.S. and China will decide the future,� Merrill Lynch said. “Those decisions will shape the future price of oil.�

•

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there was no indication that the Chinese Government was willing to drastically up their use of Iranian oil, and meetings are set for Sept. 1 for the two nations to meet and begin trade negotiations to continue to chip away at what President Trump has called “lopsided� trade deals — agreements he believes have hurt the United States economy.

Locally, we should be rooting for those meetings to go well and for tensions between the two economic powers to slowly dissolve.

Before the threat of economic war with China, oil prices were on the incline — rising to levels above $60/barrel.

With each spat between the global powers (arguably the two biggest political powers in the world), the market develops uncertainty, which affects both the stock market and also the price of oil.

The reason for the oil-related impacts are because if China gets the Iranian oil business back booming, there will be a heavy glut of oil on the global market, which will tank the price and make

Angela Ledet

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FROM THE TOP |

QUICK QUESTIONS FOR THE PEOPLE IN CHARGE

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR WORK: WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? Having the opportunity to work with so many people. From the CEO’s of the largest companies to students in the area interested in careers in the industry. I also get to work daily with Kathy Doiron, SCIA Assistant Director!

WHAT IS THE HARDEST? The most challenging part is trying to stay abreast of all of the industry lingo and issues. SCIA advocates on behalf of our members, so we have to be well informed and up to date on issues that concern our members.

WHY SHOULD LOCAL BUSINESSES CONSIDER JOINING/GETTING INVOLVED WITH SCIA?

SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

To preface this answer, I’ve only been with SCIA for two years, so I’m not trying to take credit for this, but SCIA is the most respected organization to become involved with because of the networking opportunities, the sell-out events, the dynamic speakers and the relevant workshops which are free to members.

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CHRISTY ALLEY NAQUIN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SOUTH CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION

WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA FOR SCIA FOR THE REST OF 2019?

Next up is our Bayou Region Energy Mixer at Danos on Sept 5th, our HR workshop (free for members; $100 for non-members) on September 26th and our Golf Tournament fundraising event on October 7th.

WHAT’S ONE LEADERSHIP SKILL YOU FEEL EVERYONE MUST LEARN? There is a huge difference between managing people and leading people. A good leader listens. They listen to their peers. They listen to their employees and they listen to those around them. Leaders continue to learn, and you can learn from anyone!

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TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF:

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AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING AS A CAREER? I was born in San Diego as a child of a Navy sailor, raised in Houston and moved to Thibodaux at the age of 13. I went to 7 different elementary schools. I had no idea which school I was going to next, much less what I was going to be when I grew up!

The one thing I was intrigued with was logos. I suppose that led me to marketing in college.

WHAT WAS YOUR VERY FIRST JOB? Fry cook at McDonald’s. Least favorite word while working there: Bus!

AT WHAT TIME TO DO YOU WAKE UP AND HOW DO YOU START YOUR DAY? 4:30 a.m., I hit the gym, cook breakfast for the kids then off to work. Ha! So not true!

At 6 a.m., I struggle to get myself ready before getting the kids out the door.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT? I could live without it, but I really enjoy listening to audio books on my drive from Thibodaux to Houma and back each day. I’m a self-help junkie.

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WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME? I’m an unpaid Uber driver for my two boys ages 15 and 11. I also embarrass them at all of their sporting events including high school cross county meets and soccer games, travel baseball, travel soccer, biddy basketball, flag football.

FAVORITES/THIS OR THAT: Favorite vacation spot: Beach Favorite book: The 5 Love Languages How do you take your coffee?

Lots of cream. I like a little coffee with my cream.

Cats or dogs? Dogs Pen or pencil?

Pen, any color except black.

Early bird or night owl?

Neither, and I like naps!

•

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

HURRICANE BARRY

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BY CASEY GISCLAIR

T

Port Fourchon.

But now, the next step for further progress is Phase 2, which would connect Leeville to Golden Meadow — a project which will cost roughly $340 million, per estimates.

Funding for the project has been hard to come by, but recently, the state went a long way in securing La. 1’s future, dedicating $150 million to the elevation project as part of a bill aimed to fund several infrastructure projects.

That bill was penned by local Rep. Tanner Magee, who said La. 1 was vital to the entire state of Louisiana.

“We have to protect the future of La. 1 and of Port Fourchon,” Magee said when his bill was being discussed. “This is vital to our people.”

Now, Boulet and others hope the Federal Government does its part to match that $150 million given by the state.

If that happens, $40 million would be left needed, and Boulet said those funds would be sought from private donors in the oil and gas industry.

“The state will apply for federal funds for the project,” Boulet said. “No exact time frame is known for this, as USDOT has not yet published a Notice of Funding Availability on their next round of large highway grants.”

Despite the lack of a known timetable, Boulet said he and others are hopeful that the federal government buys in.

“We believe so, although nothing is guaranteed when you are relying on a federal award from a competitive grant program,” Boulet said. “The Coalition will be supporting our state in every way we can on the grant request, and we know the port and parish will be doing the same.”

And surely, events like Barry are good, real-life lessons state officials can take to Washington to show that, yes, the demand here is real, and yes, our area needs this project for future economic sustainability. “(Storms like Barry) do show the urgency of the need to adapt our infrastructure,” Boulet said. “Financial impacts of prolonged port closures caused by road inaccessibility are felt by federal, state and local governments and this is one reason we are hoping governments at all levels will continue to partner in achieving the La. 1 Project.

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Since 1992

SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

hankfully, Hurricane Barry was pretty much a non-event locally with gusty winds and rains causing impacts mostly to just the most vulnerable and flood prone areas of Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes.

But he also served as a lesson to lawmakers — living proof that even the storms that don’t hit the area directly can cause big problems to La. Highway 1 south of flood protection areas — the only artery we have to get to Port Fourchon.

La. Highway 1 in south Golden Meadow and Leeville closed for 41 hours during the storm — a total which cost the local economy close to $1 billion, per estimates.

Previous studies show that $22 million in sales are lost every hour that the road is closed.

Henri Boulet the Executive Director of the La. 1 Coalition said storms like Barry help show the nation the need for the completion of the La. Highway 1 Elevation Project, which would elevate the highway to bypass low-lying, unprotected areas and give the area access to Port Fourchon.

Plans are in place to continue work on the project, but further funding sources are going to have to come from the federal level.

“Incidents like Barry don’t hurt the cause,” Boulet said.

The idea for an elevated La. Highway 1 is decades in the making.

The highway has long been vulnerable during storm-related events due to coastal erosion, which took away the state’s natural buffer from storm surge.

Now, in southern Lafourche, there is nothing to deflect surge except the road, which overtops during weather events.

In 2001, Congress recognized La. 1 as a “high priority corridor,” which started the ball rolling toward the the project we see today.

By 2004, permits were completed and by 2006, construction began on Phases 1B, 1C and 1D of the project — a two-lane overpass at Leeville, interchanges and toll facility.

A year later, construction began on Phase 1A of the La. 1 Project — a two-lane elevated highway between Leeville and Port Fourchon.

In 2009, the Leeville Overpass was completed and opened. By 2011, the new, 5.8-mile Phase 1A was completed, elevating the highway between Leeville to

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What is the key to being successful in business?

To be resilient in times of adversity.

How much has your industry changed from the time you started to now?

Business has changed drastically since we started: increased regulations, lack of insurance carrier competition, technological advancement, a poor economy and challenge of rate increases in the health insurance space.

Did you see yourself in this field as a child?

No, but as a high school student, I started researching the insurance business. It was probably in my senior year when I started to get serious about making it a career.

What is your greatest accomplishment as a businessman?

Starting two businesses that have given employment to so many fine women and men of the Tri-Parish area.

If you could describe your company in one word, what word would you choose?

Giving What are your future plans for your company?

To continue to search for the brightest and best to help the company grow.

What’s one leadership skill you feel everyone must learn?

How to motivate people.

Why would someone choose your company over another?

We have experienced and qualified staff to assist in daily servicing of the account and the resources to get the job done.

What are a few risks your customers need to be prepared for?

Prepare for changes that affect your people and business, so you are ready for tomorrow’s risk, today.

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

The down economy over the last four years is the most recent. We cut expenses and prepared for less volume of business.

However, it is slowly coming back.

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

Perform with integrity.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

My two sons and starting businesses from the ground up.

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

B

BROWN & BROWN INSURANCE A Q&A WITH CHRISTIAN LAPEYRE

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

SPOTLIGHT ON RISK MANAGEMENT |

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W

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

e all know the cliches about money.

A penny saved is a penny earned. It’s wise to put a little aside for a rainy day. A dollar put aside today is a dollar in your pocket tomorrow.

Yadda, yadda, yadda — we’ve heard them all throughout our lives.

But actually taking those cliches into practice and executing them is tough — tough, but important, according to local financial planners.

We spent a little time this month with a couple different folks at local financial planning companies — asking them some of the tips locals should be aware of when making their savings plans.

They conceded that saving is easier said than done — especially in the local economic downturn where work isn’t as steady as it was before. But they added that having the discipline to actually do so puts one at a huge advantage in the quest for financial security and retirement.

“Even if the economy isn’t going great, I still recommend a person saving a portion of their paycheck,” Parish Wealth Partners Team Member Adam Tarver said. “Saving and paying yourself first takes discipline, especially through tough times. But nothing but good things comes from proactively saving for the future and I am sure all of us can do without a little in order to stay the course.”

“The best way to insure a healthy retirement is through proper planning,” added Tommy Meyer with the Meyer Financial Group. “It is important to understand all of your options with

regards to social security, pension, employer retirement plans and personal savings. Having a plan and monitoring it will give you the confidence you need to enjoy your retirement years.”

Saving money has both long and short-term benefits. In the short term, having a “rainy day fund” helps when life happens.

Tarver said every adult deals with stuff unexpectedly — a flat tire, a broken stove, whatever it may be. Creating personal savings helps us to pay for those situations without having to tear into our credit and, thus, going into debt.

“Life throws us curveballs all the time, such as a broken AC or a transmission needing to be replaced,” Tarver said. “Saving a portion of a paycheck allows a person to be ready to take on whatever life throws at us.”

Over the long-term, saving also ensures a comfortable retirement — ideally a time spent enjoying the fruits of years of adult labor.

Tarver said it’s important for locals to plan for the future, while living in the present so that their final days can be some of their best.

“This is essential so that a person can still live comfortably through the latter part of their lives,” Tarver said.

But times are tough locally, so what are some tips to get ahead?

Start early.

Tarver quoted Albert Einstein, saying that “compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world.”

He said the more someone can put aside early in life, the more it will earn later, which will mean a greater-sized nest egg over the long haul.

“The younger a person starts to save/invest, the brighter their future could look,” Tarver said. “When a person can invest for 20-30 years or longer before using it, that makes for a happy retirement. Anyone can be a millionaire; it just takes discipline and time. I believe a person should start saving and investing as soon as they are able to. Don’t wait until tomorrow.

Start today.

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

But what if your 20s or 30s have passed you by and saving wasn’t in the cards? It’s not too late.

Fortunately, there are ways to catch up on retirement planning if times were tough earlier in life.

Tarver said it takes a little work to catch up, but it’s very possible — given the know-how of a financial planner and the diligence of a client.

“It’s not the end of the world,” Tarver said of those who get a late start. “Fortunately, there are catch up policies in place for all types of retirement accounts. For an IRA, a person over the age of 50 can contribute an extra $1,000, so $7,000 a year. For a 401k and 403b, an extra $6,000. These catch up contributions help people that got a late start on saving for retirement and it will add up over the years.”

Meyer agreed, stating that it’s important for locals to understand that it’s never too late and that “something is always better than nothing.”

“I have worked with clients who are 20 years away and clients who are approaching retirement soon,” Meyer said. “There are several ways to catch up for retirement later in life. … It’s never too late.”

When asked to give advice on who to look to when making the decision to plan for the future, Tarver said trust is key, adding that the best in his profession look out for the client at all times and throughout all life situations.

“A good financial planner is trustworthy and truly cares about their client’s wellbeing,” he said. “They are out there. One just needs to do their research and interview potential planners to get a feel for who they trust the most. Markets go up and down, but at the end of the day, it’s who you trust that makes the biggest difference when you go to sleep at night.”

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SPOTLIGHT ON RISK MANAGEMENT |

BY DREW MILLER

DATA SECURITY

CRITICAL FOR BUSINESS AND INDIVIDUALS

BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

C

16

onsidering the data breaches in recent years, it is now more apparent than ever that there should be significant measures – by any organization, individual, government or business – to keep their files and online data safe.

As a result of the 2017 Equifax data breach, 147 million people had their data exposed. Not only did they put their customers in a vulnerable positions, the company must also pay at least $575 million and up to $700 million to help the victims of the breach.

Capital One’s database was attacked in March of this year, but they didn’t detect the hack until July. Due to this

breach, approximately 140,000 Social Security numbers and 80,000 bank accounts were stolen by one hacker, as far as investigators know by press time in early August.

Even before those two, customers from substantial companies such as Yahoo, eBay, Target, JP Morgan Chase and Sony, among others, fell victim to cyber attacks as well.

The repercussions of these hacks will be felt by the entities and their exposed customers for several years to come.

With data breaches happening to trusted and established companies like Equifax, Capital One and other countless companies over the years, the harsh

realization is that a breach of files and/or data can happen to any business or any person, as hackers have many tools at their disposal.

“In a credential stuffing attack, a hacker loads up a database with as many usernames and passwords as he or she can get their hands on. Those login credentials are fed into an automated hacking tool that hammers away at a website,” reads an article by Lee Mathews of Forbes. “You can think of a hacker's password database as a key ring. The more keys there are, the more likely it is that the attacker will find one that unlocks your account.”

More important than how a hacker gets your online data and/or stored files, is

what they use them for.

Some hackers have been known to hold sensitive files of individuals and businesses hostage, threatening to publish them if not paid a ransom.

For online data, it can be as easy as maxing out credit cards in your name or selling your data to the highest bidder on the black market.

“These black markets are growing in size and complexity. The hacker market—once a varied landscape of discrete, ad hoc networks of individuals initially motivated by little more than ego and notoriety—has emerged as a playground of financially driven, highly organized and sophisticated groups,” states a report by the non-profit

Spoon said to help keep your personal data and files safe, store them in a secure backup on a non-connected external media that’s kept somewhere off site.

If you have been breached, Spoon recommends cleaning the computer, wiping it completely if in doubt. He then said to restore the computer from backup and make sure to monitor all bank and credit card activity.

CSS, located at 1162 Barrow St. in Houma, is an authorized reseller for HP and Xerox. Their experts can configure and repair networks, and CSS also offers managed IT services and Internet solutions.

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You might think that after almost a century in business, we might be slowing down - or worse, set in our ways. Nothing could be further from the truth. We have served area businesses since 1923 and with every project we have learned and grown. Bourgeois Bennett has become one of the state’s top accounting and consulting firms offering a myriad of services from tax planning for businesses and individuals and class action administration to litigation and forensic accounting.

Our experts are eager to share our experience and knowledge and help you reach your goals or prepare for the unexpected. Call us today and let us explore solutions that can help you or your business thrive in the place we call home.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

RAND Corporation. “In certain respects, the black market can be more profitable than the illegal drug trade; the links to end-users are more direct, and because worldwide distribution is accomplished electronically, the requirements are negligible.”

“There is no perfect security package.

The most common reaction is, ‘But I have anti-virus',” said Ed Spoon, Internet services manager at Houma’s Computer Sales & Services (CSS). “The second [misconception of cyber security] is the belief that you could actually receive a legitimate phone call from Microsoft, Google, the IRS, etc., asking for info about you or your account.”

FOR BEING 96 YEARS OLD, WE ARE SURPRISINGLY LIMBER.

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REVITALIZATION OF DOWNTOWN ON THE HORIZON

BY DREW MILLER

SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

DOWNTOWN HOUMA WILL LOOK DIFFERENT ON OCTOBER 18 …TEMPORARILY.

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he Terrebonne Parish Planning and Zoning Department announced in July that it will showcase potential street structural changes on October 18-19 in Downtown Houma during their Downtown Demonstration Day project.

“There are so many little strategies and types of improvements that can be made. You can't just say, ‘Okay, everybody get on the plane; we’re going to fly to Greenville, South Carolina or Fairhope, Alabama,’” said Christopher Pulaski, director of Terrebonne Parish Planning and Zoning Department. “How do you show people what you're talking about? One of the most successful techniques to do it are these demonstration day projects.”

From the intersection of Barataria Boulevard and Main Street to the intersection of Roussell Street and Main Street, there will be green-painted bike lanes along that stretch.

The road will also merge into one lane around the intersection of Lafayette Street and Main Street and that will end on the intersection of Roussell Street and Main Street as well.

There will also be courtesy bike boxes for bicycle turning, pedestrian right-ofway signage and bumpouts to decrease walking distances in the roadway.

The pilot will also feature angle parking along two blocks (intersection of Lafayette Street and Main Street to the intersection of Church Street and Main Street) and back-in angle parking for one block (intersection of Main Street and Goode Street to the intersection of Roussell Street and Main Street), which Pulaski explained was safer than parallel and traditional angle parking because it positions occupants of the vehicle to go towards the sidewalk versus oncoming traffic.

“Imagine getting your children out of

the car of a typical spot you pull into,” explained Pulaski. “Your doors open and your child exits towards the rear of the car, facing traffic. With back-in angle parking, your door shields your child from running into the street. They exit to the rear of the car, onto the sidewalk. Also the trunk or back hatch of your vehicle is facing the sidewalk to make it easy to load packages or unload strollers and such.”

The Planning and Zoning Department aims to create a ‘complete street’ that provides safe access for pedestrians, bicyclists and automobiles.

They also are looking to create more foot traffic in the downtown area by adding such attractions as a food truck court, pop-up shops in a few of the empty storefronts, more outside seating areas, a farmer’s market, pocket parks for family fun, public art installations and more, for the two day demonstration.

Pulaski and Main Street Manager Anne Picou both said they are looking into creating drop-offs for such ride services as Uber and Lyft as well.

It really wouldn’t be a true test of Downtown functionality without a festival.

What better way to demonstrate the richness of our community than to have

a festival in the heart of downtown that benefits our community through the gift of volunteering and financial support.

The Kiwanis Club of Houma will be hosting its first Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade and Festival at the courthouse square Friday, October 19 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event kicks off with a short canine parade after which awards for best dog costume, best owner/pet look alike costume, obedience and other categories will be presented. There will also be a howling contest and the coronation of a king and queen based on essays submitted from the dog’s point of view. Various dog-related vendors will have booths presenting their wares and offering tips on grooming and pet care.

The event is a fundraiser for the Kiwanis through sponsors and donations from participants.

Another aspect the Department and the Main Street Program is looking into, if possible, is lowering the speed limit for that stretch of Main Street, Picou said, to make the pedestrian flow easier and safer.

She also expressed that she hoped that through this event, they could configure the necessary systems to put in place that cater to those of the special needs

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your opinion, we won’t know what you want,” Picou added.

Pulaski acknowledged that this event wouldn’t be happening without the Gordon Dove Administration, his hardworking team, Picou, the HoumaTerrebonne Chamber of Commerce and all of the other partners and sponsors of the demonstration.

Volunteers are needed, Pulaski said, and they can call Katie Tabor — who has been planning the demonstration from the ground up with Pulaski — at 985-8736569 to register.

To follow any updates on the event, visit the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated

Government’s website at https://www. tpcg.org.

An image of the site plan can be seen above or visit the link provided below for more details. https://prezi.com/view/ HOusdmA4iRDH4dnE87Ih/ “Downtown revitalization has been underway in Houma for 20-plus years, and

they've done an excellent job. But it still continues to be a challenge to attract or retain businesses in the downtown area,” Pulaski said. “People like Downtown; there's no question about that. But we never want to stop improving, and we felt that we wanted to take a bigger leap than we've ever taken before.”

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

community.

“The administration is really keen, along with the Main Street program, on bringing that sense of place for citizens. Whether they're visiting Houma, or they are actual residents of Houma, people like to gather amongst one another,” Picou said. “So, we're trying to create that gathering essence for them.”

Although these changes will be temporary, the Department hopes the feedback from the two-day experience will allow them to zero in on what will work and what won’t work in their masterplan to enhance Downtown Houma.

“We're doing this not just because we're curious; we're doing this because we want people to give us their feedback,” Pulaski said. “If you don't come out and voice

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LOCAL VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENTS TO BE A BOOST

SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

TO AREA ECONOMY

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BY CASEY GISCLAIR

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

ll of the hype every fall surrounds football.

We get it. We’re huge fans of the pigskin, too.

But off in the shadows of football’s brightlylit spotlight each fall is volleyball. And locally, we’re awfully good at that sometimesforgotten sport — maybe even among the most talent-rich in the entire state.

Area volleyball is expected to thrive again in 2019 after sending multiple teams to the Pontchartrain Center last year, including a back-to-back State Champion in Vandebilt Catholic.

Local coaches say the sport has grown so much in the past 10-20 years with participation numbers up around all of the schools in the Houma-Thibodaux area.

“It’s just amazing to see,” longtime H.L. Bourgeois volleyball coach Peter Verret said.

“We have experienced coaches like me, like Coach (Chip) Didier, like Coach (Sandy) Fussell but now, there’s these new, energetic young minds — many of them were coached by us. The sport has just grown and grown and it’s been amazing to see and be part of.”

Now, local coaches are thinking next level.

This fall, our area will host two separate huge events — to showcase the talent in the area, but events which will also have a huge benefit to the local economy.

H.L. Bourgeois will host their annual Lady Braves Classic from Sept. 12-14 — an event which features some of the best teams in the state.

Verret said the tournament was like “Baby Pontchartrain Center” because many of the teams competing will head to the State Tournament later in the fall.

Verret said he has teams from every direction of the state, which will benefit H.L. Bourgeois volleyball, but also the area because of the influx of people the event will bring into Houma.

“The hotels around the area are booked full for that weekend,” Verret said. “It’s just a great, great thing to see.”

Once H.L. Bourgeois hosts its event, the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center will have its turn to shine on Oct. 11-12 for the Terrebonne Tiger Classic.

That event will feature more than 20 teams from around the state, according to Lady Tigers coach Craig Hamner.

There will be multiple courts working throughout the event and Hamner said his event, too, will cover geography all around the state.

“We have almost all of Louisiana covered,” Hamner said. “We took a lot of pride in getting a lot of teams together for what we believe will be a great event.”

For fans, the tournaments will be a showcase of talent.

But for the area, it’ll be a rehearsal for what they hope is more in the future.

Hamner said he believes the Civic Center is wanting to use the Terrebonne Tiger Classic to showcase itself as a premiere sports venue — something the building has been trying to do since Dean Schouest became director in 2018.

The Civic Center has been in the running to host the LHSAA State Tournament in years past, but was never able to secure the winning bid.

But Hamner said he’d love to someday see Houma be the host of the prestigious tournament.

The October event will be a showcase of the power of athletics and the wonderful things that being an athletic hub can do for a community — something that he and other coaches in the area hope sparks a fire for more events in the future.

Athletics are a multi-billion dollar industry in America.

At the professional level, ticket sales, jersey sales, shoe sales and memorabilia, alone generate countless millions of dollars.

At the local youth and high school sport levels, money is wide-ranging from hotel rooms, which spills over into restaurants, convenience stores, grocery stores and sports equipment stores — all which should be full during both volleyball events.

By comparison, the Manning Passing Academy attracts close to 1,000 campers to Thibodaux each summer. Studies have shown the event to have a multi-million dollar impact to Thibodaux’s economy.

These two events should bring close to 1,000 players into the area, which should likely have similar impacts.

“The hotels will be full. The restaurants will get business. I think it’s just great for everyone,” Hamner said. “We think it’s going to be a great weekend and we’re anxious to get on the floor.”

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

oughly 35 local restaurants banded together last month to boycott the food delivery service Waitr.

The blackout of Waitr was initiated after the company notified their partnered restaurants on July 1 that their transaction rates will go up, even though those restaurants were still under contracts that contained different agreed upon rates. By Aug. 1, restaurants owners had to comply with Waitr’s terms, or no longer be able to use their services.

During the blackout, customers were not able to order any food from the participating restaurants through the Waitr app.

Restaurants in the Bayou Region were not alone; establishments in the Baton Rouge and Lafayette areas boycotted the company, too.

Some have even taken legal action against Waitr.

On July 22, Waitr asked a Louisiana federal court to drop a class-action lawsuit by Bobby’s Country Cookin’ that claims Waitr broke its contractual obligation to customers. The litigation is still pending at press time.

Some local voices were heard by Waitr.

Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse – which was the first to go black during the boycott – remains accepting deliveries on the app at press time in early August.

Many other area establishments remain visible on the app as well. However, some of those listed, such as Honey Baked Ham, Your Pie and Auntie Anne’s – that all boycotted Waitr – remain unavailable for ordering through the app, at press time.

Other establishments that were on the app before the boycott remain completely off it, including Zack’s Famous Frozen Yogurt, Griffin’s Louisiana Grille and Pinocchio’s Pizza Playhouse, just to name a few.

When Waitr first arrived in the area, restaurant owners had a choice to pay no upfront fees and give the service 25 percent of the money earned from food ordered through the service. However, food establishments

could make up those costs by raising the prices for the food on the app’s menu.

Another option for establishment owners was to pay Waitr $1,500 upfront, which allowed businesses to only have to pay a 15 percent fee – which several area restaurants chose. Some owners even paid more, depending on when they signed.

But on Aug. 1, Waitr implemented a new sliding scale system, in which restaurants that are within the monthly threshold of $0-$1000 in Waitr transactions will pay a 25 percent fee. The rates decrease from there, with the lowest being 15 percent if the restaurant earns between $20,000 to $1,000,000 in Waitr sales per month — which most smaller restaurants can’t achieve. These higher rates concern owners as most restaurants already have low profit margins on food.

In addition to the new scale, Waitr added a 3 percent credit card transaction fee.

Also, according to the new agreement, prices for food items on Waitr must match the current in in-house menu, call-in and online prices of the restaurants, effectively not allowing tahem to make up the transaction fees, but Waitr later notified some owners that that stipulation would be flexible.

Owners had to agree with these terms, regardless if they paid the upfront $1500 or not.

The Lake Charles-based Waitr was founded by Chris Meaux, who sold the company to Houston Rockets’ owner Tilman Fertitta for $308 million in May of 2018. The company went public later that year in November, but its stocks have dropped 61.61 percent in the last 12 months as of Aug. 7, according to pressrecorder.com.

Meaux, who had remained as CEO, was removed from said position on August 8.

Plus with a crowded market thanks to other national food delivery services such as DoorDash (which at press time has approximately 80 Houma-Thibodaux area restaurants listed on its app), Grubhub and Uber Eats, the company’s future could be blacked out.

We have an outstanding reputation for always meeting deadlines and providing superior customer service 24/7.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

HEADLINES & ACCOLADES

CIS NAMED NO. 1 TELEHEALTH PROVIDER FOR CARDIOLOGY Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) scored two top honors in July.

CIS announced that it was awarded the No. 1 Telehealth Provider for Cardiology by InTouchHealth. In addition, CIS nurse practitioner, Marcus Montet, was named the No. 1 Individual Provider for Cardiology.

The Telehealth Leadership Awards by InTouch Health honor the health systems and providers who are leading the way in virtual care transformation.

The awards were selected based on consult volume from a one-year period from June 1, 2018 May 31, 2019.

They were presented at the InTouch TeleHealth Forum in July in Santa Barbara, California.

CIS partnered with InTouch Health in 2017 to provide remote medical services geared toward emergent and general cardiology expertise in acute settings. CIS expanded the adoption of InTouch Health’s services, adding expert cardiologists to their service line and collaborating on the development of workflow solutions to drive best practices and allow for standardized quality of care in telecardiology settings.

For more information on CIS or its telecardiology services, visit cardio.com or call 1-337-988-1585.

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TGMC RECEIVES 2ND-CONSECUTIVE PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL AWARD

TGMC NAMES DAISY AWARD WINNER Terrebonne General Medical Center honored Jackie Breaux, RN in Outpatient Pavillion, with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

Breaux won the honor because of the exceptional care she gives to patients, according to TGMC. She gets to know her patients and prays with them to ease their minds. She goes out of her way to please her patients and makes them feel like family.

“My favorite part of my job is the friends I have obtained and touching patients’ lives, like they have touched mine,” Breaux said. “I am blessed beyond measure.”

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

SEVERAL LAFOURCHE SCHOOLS QUALIFY FOR FREE LUNCH IN 2019-20

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Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) has received the prestigious international recognition as a Baby-Friendly re-designated birth facility from Baby-Friendly USA. They’re the only hospital in the state to achieve re-designation.

Baby-Friendly USA, Inc., is the U.S. authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The initiative recognized TGMC for offering an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, this prestigious international award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue

breastfeeding their babies.

The “Baby-Friendly” re-designation is given after a rigorous on-site survey is completed. The award is maintained by continuing to practice the Ten Steps as demonstrated by quality processes.

“The Baby Friendly re-designation is a testament to TGMC’s commitment to providing new moms the highest quality care and offering the most advanced options in our state when it comes to child birthing experiences that establish a natural mother and baby relationship from birth that is proven to result in better outcomes,” said Phyllis Peoples, President and CEO. “Moms are continuing to demand this type of birthing experience and we want to exceed the desires of our new mothers,” Peoples added.

TGMC is one of more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. There are 573 in the United States.

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Several Lafourche Parish school students will receive free lunch and breakfast in the 2019-20 school year.

The Lafourche Parish School District announced an amendment to its policy for serving meals to students under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the new school year.

The schools to receive free meals are C.M. Washington Elementary, Thibodaux Elementary, W.S. Lafargue Elementary, West Thibodaux Middle, East Thibodaux Middle, Golden Meadow Lower Elementary, Golden Meadow Upper Elementary, Golden Meadow Middle, Raceland Lower Elementary, Raceland Upper Elementary, Raceland Middle and Galliano Elementary.

For more information call Lauren B. Fletcher, the Director of the Child Nutrition Department of the School Board at (985) 447-3732.

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

TGMC ADDS PEDIATRICIAN TO THEIR MEDICAL TEAM Terrebonne General Medical Center has welcomed pediatrician Dr. Courtnie Seaton to their esteemed medical team.

Dr. Seaton will practice at Pediatric Care, TGMC with Dr. Jill Sutton.

Dr. Seaton brings a decorated background to the TGMC team.

She’s a native of New Orleans who received her Doctor of Medicine degree at Louisiana State University Health Science Center in New Orleans. She also received a Bachelor of Science degree at LSU in Baton Rouge.

She completed her residency at Our Lady of the Lake Pediatric Residency Program in Baton Rouge.

At Pediatric Care, TGMC, Dr. Seaton will be treating pediatric patients from newborns to young adults.

The clinic will be offering online scheduling and same-day appointments for established patients.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Courtnie Seaton to our medical staff” said Phyllis Peoples, TGMC President and CEO. “We look forward to being able to provide more resources to care for the youth of our community.” ” Dr. Seaton is now accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 850-6244 or learn more by visiting TGMC.com.

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ST. GREGORY HOSTS 70 FILIPINO CLERGYMEN FOR SEAFOOD BOIL

The honored guests smiled as they enjoyed boiled shrimp, crabs, corn, and potatoes; a pig roast; Mr. Ronnie’s doughnut holes; a cake decorated with Paring Bol-anon’s emblem; and much more.

Denise DeHart, office secretary at St. Gregory, said she quickly realized all of the hard work she and her team did to put the event together was well worth it when she

saw how happy all of their guests were.

She also noted that the occasion would “never happen again in our lifetime”, as Paring Bol-anon members pick a different state and/or country for their reunion each year.

“It was an honor and a blessing,” DeHart shared. “It was just a blessing to have them, and it’s a blessing to have Father Alex as well.”

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Lady of the Sea General Hospital announced Brandon Barrilleaux, RN, BSN, as its latest DAISY Award Recipient for Extraordinary Nurses.

Barrilleaux is a member of the hospital’s Medical-Surgical Unit.

The hospital published his nomination note from a patient. In it, the patient said Barrilleaux was an exceptional leader who was kind and caring to patients and staff.

“The respect and dignity Brandon gives to his patients and their families is inspiring,” the nominating letter said. “Brandon is the definition of what a nurse strives to be. He cares not only for his patient and kindness and compassion but also cares for their family members as well. My daughter did not want to leave me in the hospital. She stayed and helped me take care of me during my illness. Brandon would always ask if she needed anything.”

Lady of the Sea General Hospital is one of many hospitals in the area to hand out DAISY Awards to nurses. The DAISY Award goes to nurses who give extraordinary care and compassion to patients.

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Around 70 Filipino clergymen attended a good ol’ fashion South Louisiana seafood boil this past month, courtesy of parishioners from St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church in Houma.

These men of the cloth are all members of Paring Bol-anon — a fraternity that consists of clergymen that are natives of Bohol, Philippines.

St. Gregory’s Rev. Alex Lazarra is a member of the brotherhood.

They traveled from dioceses all across the United States and Canada to attend their 34th reunion, which was in Louisiana this year.

Houma was one of the stops featured on their tour that also included Chackbay, Slidell and New Orleans.

After a late morning mass, led by bishops of Paring Bol-anon, the group enjoyed a feast provided by St. Gregory parishioners in their gathering room behind the church.

LADY OF THE SEA NURSE GIVEN DAISY AWARD

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

HEADLINES & ACCOLADES

BORDELON PROMOTED TO NEW DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR FOR MARY BIRD PERKINS TGMC CANCER CENTER

SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Layne Bordelon is the new Development Coordinator for the Mary Bird Perkins TGMC Cancer Center.

The hospital announced the appointment in a news release last month.

In her role, Bordelon will be responsible for the implementation and growth of the philanthropic development program to raise awareness and support for the Cancer Center and local cancer patients.

Bordelon is experienced and is a good fit, according to officials at TGMC. She most recently was the TGMC Community Outreach Coordinator, spending the past three years in the

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hospital’s Marketing and Planning Department.

She also served on the committee for the Cancer Center’s largest fundraiser, Ladies Night Out, and played a vital role in that event’s continued successes.

“We are thrilled to have Layne serve in this role at our Cancer Center,” said Phyllis Peoples, TGMC President and CEO. “Her event marketing and planning experience combined with her strong communication and leadership skills make her a valued asset. With her support, we will be able to serve more cancer patients in our area.”.

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TGMC COMMUNITY SPORTS INSTITUTE PROVIDES FREE CPR AND AED TRAINING TO LOCAL COACHES The Terrebonne General Medical Center Community Sports Institute provided free CPR and AED training last month to Terrebonne’s coaches, band, cheer and dance instructors in preparation for the upcoming school year.

The Community Sports Institute provides athletic trainers at all area schools

offering education, prevention and care to keep our community safe.

Since its inception in 2014, more than 1,000 coaches have been trained in CPRAED First Aid and LA. Act 313 Awareness.

Soccer coaches from the HoumaTerrebonne Soccer Association will receive training in August.

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LOCAL JOINS EXCLUSIVE WOMEN-LED TEAM TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE The Solutions Project — a global project that looks to transition the world to clean, renewable energy — recently added Dulac native Bette Billiot to their Fighter League program. Billiot joins a team of five other women of color who will lead the fight against climate change in the Gulf South.

“Communities of color in the South, especially women leaders, are banding together to fight climate change; build local, homegrown solutions; and promote a clean energy future,” reads a statement on thesolutionsproject.org. “The will is there. The know-how and the talent are there. The only thing standing in the way

is a shortage of resources.”

Each member of the Fighter League received a $10,000 grant to support each of their work in the climate change movement.

Billiot is a member of Gulf South Rising — a five-state initiative that builds local leadership to advance climate justice and ecological equity in the Gulf South region — as described by thesolutionsproject. org.

A member of the United Houma Nation, Billiot has been a longtime advocate for her tribe. She became a voice for those affected by climate change, especially elderly tribal members who lost land

because of it. “Something that a lot of people say is that they fish now where they used to hunt,” she said.

She also runs a culture camp for kids every other summer in Dulac. The camp teaches young members of the United Houma Nations not only their history and culture but also the environmental changes that affect their community. “…Just in what I’ve seen from being involved over the last several years, there’s been significant [environmental] changes,” Billiot said. “I wish that I had somebody to teach me this when I was younger; I’d be so much further than where I am now.”.

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ON THE AGENDA BIG LUNCHEON

The Bayou Industrial Group hosts their monthly luncheon with guest speaker Mayor Tommy Eschete, City of Thibodaux.

August 12, noon Bayou Country Club, Thibodaux

LUNCH AND LEARN: CYBER BULLYING

With fast pace technological advancements in social media, online gaming, and phone apps, it can be intimidating and overwhelming as we try to navigate the internet safely. After years of educating students and parents on this topic, Lafourche Parish District Attorney Kristine Russell and Forensic Investigator Shannan Gros will be sharing their expertise and how we can keep ourselves, and our loved ones, safe. This members-only Thibodaux Chamber event is $25.

August 14, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Thibodaux Chamber Office

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Business After Hours is held each month for Houma-Terrebonne Chamber members and their employees to enjoy food, drinks and door prizes while networking.

August 15, 5 – 7 p.m.

Fletcher Technical Community College, Schriever

Candidates for Terrebonne Parish President will have the opportunity to present their individual plans for the community and answer questions at this public forum.

All are invited. The forum will also be live streamed.

August 19, 6-8 p.m.

Fletcher Technical Community College Atrium, Schriever

JOINT GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Join the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber and SCIA for a special joint membership luncheon featuring guest speaker Congressman Garret Graves. Admission is $25 for members.

August 20, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Courtyard by Marriott, Houma

SENATE DISTRICT 20 PUBLIC FORUM

Candidates for Senate District 20 will have the opportunity to present their individual plans for the community and answer questions at this public forum. All are invited. The forum will also be live streamed.

August 20, 6-8 p.m.

Fletcher Technical Community College Atrium, Schriever

BUSINESS AT LUNCH

Business at Lunch focuses on Workforce Development/Education. Attendees will hear from a panel of speakers from the Lafourche Parish School Board, the Career Magnet Center, Fletcher Technical Community College, Doug’s Service Company and John Deere Thibodaux, Inc. August 22, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Career Magnet Center, Lockport

Candidates for Terrebonne Parish Sheriff will have the opportunity to present their individual plans for the community and answer questions at this public forum. All are invited. The forum will also be live streamed.

August 26, 6-8 p.m.

Fletcher Technical Community College Atrium, Schriever

JOINT CHAMBER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Join the Houma-Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary and Thibodaux Chambers for a special joint membership luncheon featuring guest speaker Congressman Steve Scalise.

Admission is $30 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Registration and buffet lunch begins at 11 a.m.; program begins at 11:45 a.m.

August 27, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cypress Columns, Gray

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 51 PUBLIC FORUM

Candidates for State Representative District 51 will have the opportunity to present their individual plans for the community and answer questions at this public forum.

All are invited. The forum will also be live streamed.

August 27, 6-8 p.m.

Fletcher Technical Community College Atrium, Schriever

LUNCH AND LEARN

Learn the in’s and out’s of advertising with Elise Falgout of Rushing Media. Event is $10 for attendees; lunch will be provided.

September 5, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Houma-Terrebonne Chamber Office

BIG LUNCHEON

The Bayou Industrial Group hosts their monthly luncheon with guest speaker Henri Boulet, Executive Director, LA1 Coalition.

September 9, noon Bayou Country Club, Thibodaux

Join the Thibodaux Chamber as they learn about how the newest tax laws affected 2018 returns and if there is anything new for 2019.

September 11, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Thibodaux Chamber Office

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Business After Hours is held each month for Thibodaux Chamber members and their employees to enjoy food, drinks and door prizes while networking.

September 12, 5 – 7 p.m.

Meyer Financial Group, Thibodaux

BUSINESS2BUSINESS BREAKFAST

The Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce will host its first breakfast Business2Business (B2B) networking event. Participants are encouraged to bring marketing materials to distribute to attendees, and then each attendee gives a six-minute presentation about their business/ organization at their table during the luncheon. Admission is $20 per person with payment required in advance. Fee includes a breakfast buffet.

September 19, 7:30-9 a.m.

Ramada Inn, Houma

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Business After Hours is held each month for Houma-Terrebonne Chamber members and their employees to enjoy food, drinks and door prizes while networking.

September 19, 5 – 7 p.m.

SLMA Comprehensive Health Clinic, Houma

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Join the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber for their monthly membership luncheon featuring guest speaker Ava Dejoie, Executive Director of Louisiana Workforce Commission. Admission is $25 for members; advance registration and payment required.

September 24, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Courtyard by Marriott, Houma

SEPTEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Business After Hours is held each month for Thibodaux Chamber members and their employees to enjoy food, drinks and door prizes while networking.

August 15, 5 – 7 p.m.

The Dansereaux House, Thibodaux

TERREBONNE PARISH PRESIDENT PUBLIC FORUM

TERREBONNE PARISH SHERIFF LUNCH AND LEARN: PUBLIC FORUM SALES TAX

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