Progress 2021: We ARE Orange Strong

Progress 2021

We ARE Orange Strong February 2021

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2111 W. Park Avenue, Orange, TX 77630 | shangrilagardens.org ©2021 Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

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Wednesday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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What’s inside Progress 2021 KPI General Contractors proudly serving South East

visitors...................................................... 19

Texas.......................................................... 5

Even 2020 could not stop the Pink Rooster............ 20

City of Orange EDC outlook for 2021..................... 6

Dow Chemical a leader in production and

Orange County Economic Development

community................................................. 22

Corp sees a bright future................................... 8

Stark Foundation continues tremendous commitment

Cowboy Church moves forward after setbacks

to the community.......................................... 24

in 2020....................................................... 9

Brown Hearing Centers continues providing

Getting to know the Port of Beaumont ................. 10

great service............................................... 25

The Columbanus Story.................................... 12

Top Deck, Inc. partners with

Entergy Texas there for us all through

our community ............................................ 26

good times and storms.................................... 14

Team Granger continues to seek new

New Event Center last step in great rejuvenation of

opportunities............................................... 28

WO-S High School......................................... 18

List of Advertisers......................................... 30

Acadia Parish Tourist Commission loves attracting

2492 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive - Orange

409-670-9155

SAME LOCATION - NEWLY REMODELED & EXPANDED!

Coming Soon! Everyone's fave gift/decor line - Creative Co-op!

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School Spirit Items - T-Shirts - Embroidery - Screenprinting - Engraving - Vinyl - Dixie Belle (more colors!) - Brumate - Glory Haus (extended line!) - Duke Cannon - Tyler Candle (more to come!) Circle E Candles - Melissa & Doug - Women's Clothing & Accessories

New items every week!

www.pinkroostertreas.com

One million reasons for a brighter Texas.

At Entergy Texas, we’re committed to powering tomorrow. So last year we donated over $1 million to Texas community projects while our employees logged thousands of volunteer hours. From workforce development to protecting the environment, we’re giving back to empower future generations and a brighter Texas. Learn more at entergytexas.com/brightfuture.

A message from Entergy Texas, Inc. ©2021 Entergy Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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1/2/21 5:08 PM

KPI General Contractors proudly serving South East Texas

K

PI General Contractors has been proudly serving South East Texas since 2012 and specializes in Residential, Commercial and Industrial construction services from Hurricane repair and remediation, to new construction, industrial fabrication, civil, structural, mechanical services and more.

KPI customers include WellSpring Credit Union, Bridge City Bank, Community Church, Buzzi Unicem, Optimus Steel, City of Bridge City, City of Orange, Port of Orange, Red Cross, Deweyville School District, Old First Orange Baptist Church, South East Texas CU, PBC, Cypress Bayou, Brown Hearing Center, Melvin Hogan, Lon Hubbard (Epic Engineering), Olson Engineering, Dr. Pridip Morbia, etc. KPI also has done work in the Waterwood Estates subdivision.

“We anticipate 2021 to be a great year and are very blessed moving into the new year,” owner William H. Stark IV

HARRY’S

said. “KPI has future plans to locate a property and build a new office location.”

KPI currently employs an office staff of five full time employees and is expanding with plans for increasing the office staff for 2021.

KPI Is looking to expand its Durolast Commercial Roofing business and is in the process of such in the first quarter of 2021, it is also expanding its industrial services and commercial services.

KPI has big plans for 2021 and is currently bidding numerous commercial and industrial projects and have been awarded several large projects already for 2021 as well as in the process of completing many residential Hurricane Laura/Delta related projects.

“2020 was a very challenging year but a great one at KPI and we are very thankful for our clients and blessed to have once again served our communities through challenging times,” Stark said.

Southeast Texas Regional Alerting & Information Network

Since 1963

APPLIANCE & SERVICE, INC. EMAIL US: info@setexasrain.com

www.setexasrain.org

Free Local Delivery

302 N. 10th St., Orange

(409) 886-4111

KEEPING SOUTHEAST TEXAS INFORMED

An artist rendering of the new Golden Chick location currently under construction on 16th Street.

Dawn Burleigh/Orange Leader A sneak peek at the new look for Luigi’s at it’s new location.

City of Orange EDC outlook for 2021

By Dawn Burleigh

W

ith a capital investments of $2,629,000 and 145 more jobs in the pipeline for the area, the city of Orange is looking forward to 2021.

Orange City Council and City of Orange Economic Development Corp.

(EDC) have approved five projects.

“Year 2021 is very encouraging for the City of Orange with an estimated $2.7M in new economic development projects and up to 145 new jobs supporting five new projects,” City of Orange EDC Director Jay Trahan said. “In addition to ongoing work on the Eagle Point Parkway/Medical

Dawn Burleigh/Orange Leader City Manager Mike Kunst holds up a rendering of the proposed Tarver Performance Marine, LLC at 2112 DuPont Drive in Orange as City of Orange Director of Economic Development Jay Trahan presents the EDC incentive to the council on Tuesday.

6 • Progress 2021

Center Drive project, there are five new projects that will be a part of future EDC ad Council agendas during the next 3090 days.”

Tarver Performance Marine, owners Cody and Ashley Tarver, plan to invest $440,000-plus in the project location which will feature a boat repair shop serve facility and a planned retail sales division.

The city approved them for $150,000 for infrastructure improvements. The business is anticipating five new jobs with the improvements.

Tia Juanita’s is making an estimated $500,000 capital investment with up to 100 new jobs. Owners Rusty Wilson and Doug Clothier have hired 81 employees as of last December. Located at 2900 W Sunset Drive in Orange, the business received $125,000 for infrastructure improvements.

In January, more signs of economic growth was seen with the groundbreaking of Golden Chick at 716 North 16th Street in Orange. The restaurant is anticipated to have a grand opening in April 2021. Karan Korpal with Korpal Golden Investments, LLC is making an estimated $1.1 million capital investment and creating up to 20 new jobs. It received up to $192,000 for the project.

Luigi’s Italian Grill is relocating after Hurricane Laura to Orange. The business is making a $464,000 capital investment and will create up to 15 new jobs.

Business owner, Armend Hajdari, remod-

eled the interior of the new location from ceiling to floor.

“It is all brand new,” Hajdari said.

From new vents, freezers, and ovens, the new location is completely different and the restaurant has a brand-new look.

An opening date is not yet available at press time. But Hajdari hopes it will be soon.

Tropical Vibes Daiquiris, located at 10th and Burton, in making an estimated $125,000 capital investment with the creation of up to five new jobs. The business received up to $50,000 for infrastructure improvements.

These are only the ones which received approved EDC incentives.

Other businesses have also opened or relocated to Orange such as The Frozen Orange located at Green Ave. in Orange, and Taco LaShula at the Pizza Hut location at Meeks Drive and Interstate 10.

Welch’s Furniture recently reopened again in Orange at 3220 Edgar Brown Drive.

With new businesses, new houses are needed.

In addition to Cypresswood Village moving further into Phase II with the construction of 40 new homes there are three more residential additions in the pipeline for 2021.

“We are really excited about these projects,” Trahan said. “These are single family high efficiency homes starting at $180K - 200K. The momentum is there.”

While COVID has made an impact on the area, the CVB continues to plan for events in hopes the protocols will lift and we can participate in traditions such as Art in the Park.

“It is in the planning stages right now and we are hoping to move forward with it,” Trahan said. He also serves as the CVB director. “It is subject to CDC protocols at the time.

At this time, the city hopes to host a Classic Car Show on the same day.

Meantime, the city is hosting, as weather permits, Friday Night Reels.

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Your home for Western AND Work Wear!!

Orange County Economic Development Corp sees a bright future

By Dawn Burleigh

A

fter seeing a pause in activity during 2020, Orange County Economic Development Corporation (OC EDC) is seeing projects moving forward again.

“Industry projects paused and restarted as they learned what policies to adhere to,” OC EDC Director Jessica Hill said. “COVID protocols were changing a great deal last year.”

Now into 2021, Orange County has 26 projects in the pipeline, including four large residential projects.

One project plans 400 homes valued at approximately $200,000 each.

“There is a possibility of seven residential projects with approximately 1000plus new homes,” Hill said.

With the proposed new homes, is the increase of employment in the area.

At press time, the area has what is referred to as two months inventory for homes.

“If no new homes are added to the market, everything on the market now would be sold in 60 days,” Hill said.

“Typically, it is six months is what we were told,” OC EDC Business Development Manager Megan Romero said.

While residential projects are not usually county EDC, the infrastructure needed for the subdivision can fall under county EDC. In January, OC EDC announced a Small Business Recovery Grant Program, made possible by a donation from Dow. Qualifying Orange County businesses will be eligible to receive a $1,000 grant to assist with economic recovery efforts.

“We began issuing checks the first week of February for the grant,” Hill said.

With it, 45 businesses received $1,000 to help with the impact made by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

On August 27, Hurricane Laura made landfall causing significant property damage and economic loss. Six weeks later, Hurricane Delta impacted Orange 8 • Progress 2021

County and further contributed to the economic disorder.

“We are very appreciative of Dow’s generous $45,000 contribution to the recovery and success of our local small businesses. This partnership will allow the EDC to inject funds directly back into our community and support Orange County businesses through a very difficult year,” Hill said.

Moving forward to a better 2021, Romero, in addition to assisting Hill, is working on a business retention program.

“It will help with information such as who to contact, retaining employees, and existing clients,” Romero said. “We want to support existing businesses and want to be a resource to them.”

OC EDC is also working on new videos to help promote the area and attract new businesses.

One project in the pipeline is an announcement from Optimus Steel if or when it will expand in Orange County. It will be a $40 million investment.

“On a positive trend, while 2020 flatten off, 2021 is showing an upward trend,” Hill said. “Not many places can say a ChicfilA or a Starbucks opened during COVID. I cannot take credit for those., that was the city of Orange.”

Hill added OC EDC is talking with other franchises and said to look for more changes as investors become more comfortable with the market.

“By the end of the second quarter, we should see more changes,” Hill said.

While COVID brought many changes and uncertainty, it also had an unexpected side effect.

“So many people invested in their passions during 2020,” Hill said. “What they use to do as a hobby, they took a plunge and turned it into a business. Others picked up new skills and now have a new passion.”

From baking cookies, crocheting, or making candied apples, throughout the county there are many more small businesses opening up making 2021 an even brighter, more optimistic and better year.

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Cowboy Church moves forward after setbacks in 2020

H

urricane Laura ripped the roof off our brand-new Children’s Building just three days before the Sunday we were supposed to have our very first Children’s Church service in it! Construction of the building had been in progress since summer 2019. Water from the Children’s Building also flowed directly into the church (the two buildings are connected) and flooded the main church building too. In the Children’s Building, there was of course major water damage to ceilings, walls, etc...and the walls all had been hand-painted with giant murals of Noah’s Ark, Jesus as the Good Shepherd, Adam and Eve... which were all destroyed. But we kept on trusting in God’s plan for our church.

The Sunday after Hurricane Laura, we held church services completely in the

dark with no electricity at all. Even our church band performed with hand-made musical instruments such as a bass guitar made out of a washtub! We called it “no electricity...just the power of God!” (see YouTube “Hurricane Laura” Sunday 8-30-20 video on Cowboy Church of Orange County YouTube channel). Financial sources were made available to us, repairs were made, and we are now re-building our children’s ministry and holding Children’s Church in the huge new kid-friendly building that’s all their own.

Through all this, Cowboy Church has continued all our outreach ministries as COVID-19 guidelines permit. We made and delivered Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets, and contributed children’s Christmas boxes through the Samaritan’s Purse organization.

Our resident missionaries, LaVern and Ricky Sterling, ministered to the Navajo Indian Reservation all summer from the Many Waters Mission in Farmington, NM. A second building team led by Rusty Honeycutt also traveled to Farmington, NM this summer to help with construction at a church on the Navajo reservation. Other than during the COVID-19 lockdown, Cowboy Church of Orange County has continued to hold regular Sunday worship services, with rows of chairs removed for distanced seating, encouragement of masks, providing of masks and sanitizer, etc.

During the lockdown, the Cowboy Church of Orange County YouTube channel launched in March 2020 and Pastor E. Dale Lee preached to an empty church, filmed his sermons, and our video team posted them on YouTube. Our

YouTube channel continues to air Sunday worship services and mid-week Ladies’ Bible study devotional videos. Our YouTube channel currently has 200 subscribers, and for some of our videos, the YouTube “watch numbers” have topped over 800 views!

2020 had lots of challenges, but for a small country Cowboy Church, we feel God blessed us beyond measure.

Though we cancelled many of our Arena Ministry activities in 2020, we’re gearing up for our Cowboy Church of Orange County Pro Rodeo April 16-17, 2021, COVID-19 guidelines permitting.

The Orange County Economic Development Corp has generously approved grant money for us for this project, so we greatly appreciate the opportunity to give back to the community that has been so supportive of us.

COME ON OVER FOR A REAL CAJUN EXPERIENCE!

The 1901 Opera House 505 North Parkerson Avenue Crowley, La. 70526 337-785-0440 www.thegrandoperahouse.org

Kelly’s Landing 1109 Robert’s Cove Road Crowley, La. 70526 337-788-0546

Crowley Motor Co. & Ford Building 425 North Parkerson Avenue Crowley, La. 70526 337-788-0824 www.crowley-la.com

HEART OF THE CAJUN PRAIRIE JOIE DE VIVRE A LITTLE JOY OF LIVING ACADIA PARISH TOURIST COMMISSION

877.783.2109

info@acadiatourism.org

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Le Vieux Presbytere Rue Ivy LeJeune & south Rogers Street Church Point, LA 70526 337-684-5692

Getting to know the Port of Beaumont T he Port of Beaumont is more than an economic engine, it is a pillar in our community. For the last 100+ years, the Port of Beaumont has moved goods throughout the nation and the world to ensure our region thrives economically.

While the primary cargoes have changed several times since 1916, the mission remains the same- generate economic activity and create jobs.

The Port of Beaumont Channel supports 67,006 jobs, contributes $4.4 billion to the Gross State Product annually and works with hundreds of companies to support the growth our region has experienced over the last decade.

While 2020 tested us all, we are confident our region will do what it does best 10 • Progress 2021

and come back better than ever before.

How, you ask? Collaboration and focus.

Just looking at the Port of Beaumont public facilities and not the other private facilities along the waterway, you’ll see 21 projects totaling $249 million as part of their Capital Improvement Plan.

Many of these projects will be under construction at some point this year and some are collaborative efforts with private partners. The result will be 100% more rail interchange capacity, 50% more dock capacity and a 30% increase in laydown area at the public port facilities.

All of this equates to economic growth.

This is growth the community should be proud of because the Port of Beaumont is your port and your port is worth bragging about.

!Tȩ #HEVRONȩ 0HILLIPSȩ #HEMICAL ȩ WEȩ RESPONSIBLYȩ MANUFACTUREȩ CHEMICALSȩ ANDȩ POLYMERSȩ THEȩ WORLDȩ NEEDS ȩ PROVIDEȩ ENRICHINGȩ CAREERSȩ ANDȩ CREATEȩ SHAREHOLDERȩ VALUEȩ BECAUSEȩ WEȩ CAREȩ ABOUTȩ EACHȩ OTHER ȩOURȩCUSTOMERSȩANDȩOURȩCOMMUNITIES ȩ7EȩLIVEȩ BYȩOURȩVALUESȩOFȩSAFETY ȩRESPECT ȩINTEGRITYȩANDȩDRIVE ȩ WHICHȩ ENABLEȩ USȩ TOȩ MAKEȩ THEȩ PETROCHEMICALȩ SOLUTIONSȩ FOUNDȩ INȩ PRODUCTSȩ OFȩ ALLȩ KINDS ȩ WITHȩ PURPOSE ȩCOLLABORATIONȩANDȩCARE

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Non-profits, Churches, Groups Making Orange Strong United Way of Orange County

Vision Statement: Orange County: One Cause, Rebuilding, Reviving, Recovering Together

Core Values: Dedicated to Accountability, Commitment, Integrity, Respect and Transparency.

Mission Statement: To assist individuals and families who have unmet needs with recovery from any natural or man-made disasters. Working closely with a case manager to identify resources necessary to meet these needs.

Objectives: To provide: • Community care through case management • Home rebuilds or repairs according to unmet needs funding • Spiritual and emotional care management to survivors

Meals on Wheels Orange

Our Drivers and Kitchen Staff are our Heroes!

In 2020, we have delivered meals to our Seniors throughout the Pandemic, and through all the storms. Our Staff Members were without electricity like everyone else after the storms, and some were relocated as far as 170 miles away. Instead of them tending to their own homes and needs, they drove in each week to ensure the meals were cooked, and delivered to our Seniors and Disabled. We also had Volunteers from SETRPC, RSVP and our Board President, Ben Pate came in to help with our meals, in what seemed like 150-degree heat. We are blessed and thankful to all our Heroes. We accept donations in order to further feeding our Seniors: Please mail to P.O. Box 728, Orange, Texas 77631, or call us at 409 886-2186. God Bless our Seniors, and Community. Karen Y. Stevens, Executive Director

United Way of Orange County has been serving our area since 1926. United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.

Our mission is to improve people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. United Way helps organizations that provide a wide range of vital social services. We do so by providing funding and support to over twenty Partner Agencies which provide direct services in health, education, and financial stability to individuals from Orange County. We also step up in times of disaster, having collected hurricane relief funds and supplies to get them out to our impacted community.

We continue to look for ways to partner with corporations and individuals to serve those most in need. #LIVEUNITED

Orange First Church of the Nazarene You are Valued and Loved at Orange Naz Church! We are a family of believers passionate about Christ transforming life as we Love Up, Love In, and Love Out! We gather each Sunday for Bible study groups and Sunday School at 9:45 a.m., with Worship and Children’s church at 10:45 a.m. at 3810 Martin Luther King Jr Drive in Orange.

Each week you will hear inspired Biblical preaching from Pastor Brad McKenzie. Wednesday ministry begins at 6:30 p.m. when we have our incredible youth and children’s ministry as well as small groups for adults!

We have something for everyone and every age! You can also find us on Facebook Live and YouTube Live at Orange Naz Church. Don’t forget, You are Valued and Loved!

Gate City Guild #42 Chartered in February 2015, Gate City Guild #42 has given back to Orange since.

The guild adopted part of 2nd Street from John Ave. to Farragut Avenue and part of 3rd Street from John Ave. to Farragut Ave., in May 2015, under the City of Orange’s Adopt-A-Street Program.

The guild has also collected toys and items for Shriners Hospital for Children in Houston. They also collect and distribute blankets to the homeless and to nursing homes. The guild works with Franklin House for Women in Beaumont. They give back to nursing homes on Valentine's Day. They also distribute back to school supplies.

Gate City Guild is part of the Heroines of the Templar Crusade, the women’s auxiliary to Knight Templar. The Woman’s Crusade was established in Texas and its Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliate in the year 1924.

Whether you’re starting a new organization or looking to increase your nonprofit skills, the Nonprofit Development Center is here to help you. Since 2008, the Center has been the leading educator and resource hub for Southeast Texas’ nonprofit sector. Through educational workshops, webinars, networking opportunities, and community connections, the Center annually helps hundreds of nonprofit leaders, staff, and volunteers increase their effectiveness to make a lasting impact in the communities they serve.

You make the difference. We’re here to help. Contact 409.832.6565 or visit setxnonprofit.org to connect with us.

RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Courtesy Photos

From hurricane repair to new construction, and industrial fabrication to mechanical services and more, KPI has been serving southeast Texas since 2012.

With a reputation for exceptional workmanship and service, our clients have included municipalities, subdivisions, commercial businesses and plants.

We are proud to call Orange, Texas home.

The Columbanus Story O

range, Texas has a new destination location under construction!

In September 2019, Ed Van Huis and Mark Frey decided to take on the powersports market with the purchase of Triple L Honda. However, they were not going to be satisfied with busi-

12 • Progress 2021

ness as usual. Their business model included a new state of the art dealership with the addition of Indian Motorcycles.

They also wanted to create a one-stopshop for outdoor power equipment, so they reached out to Exmark mowers and Echo power equipment.

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

The original plan was to build a new dealership on their Interstate-10 property by Hampton Inn. However, as Ed and Mark passed the old Cummins Diesel building on Interstate -10 at Tejas Street, they began to imagine a dealership there. In an easy discussion between Ed and Mark, they began the pursuit of the property. After four months of discussions with the owner, a deal was in place and the realization of their dream began. Architectural Alliance was able to take their vision and put it on paper.

After many discussions with Honda Powersports and Indian Motorcycles, the conceptual design was set.

Construction has started! New additions to an old building have increased the footprint and will set it on the map.

The new dealership will be over 35,000 Sq. Ft. of air-conditioned showroom, parts departments and service departments. The second floor will contain a conference room and administration offices. The Coffee / Internet Café will be a fun relaxing spot for customers to enjoy while waiting for their unit to be serviced or while arranging for the purchase of their next unit. It will also include a comprehensive Parts and Accessory shop, along with an exciting Apparel Boutique.

New products lines are being brought in to complement the existing Honda Powersports and Indian Motorcycles.

Included will be brands like Vanderhall, American LandMaster, Bennche, Falcon Trailer, Haulmark Trailers, Big Horn

Trailers and more. The Outdoor Power department is also growing to include Red Max, Shindaiwa, Spartan Mowers, Trailmaster GoKarts, Massimo GoKarts and more.

The new dealership will be a one-stopshop for work and play. The six-acre property will boast a 35,000 sq.ft. dealership with an additional 3000 sq. ft of warehouse space. A unique eye-catching design for the Honda and Indian front entries, along with a rustic design on the outdoor power side, will be welcoming for all who visit. There will also be an area on property for mobile food vendors and a pavilion to host rallies and events.

The whole dealership package will be a destination for Orange residents and Power Sport enthusiasts far and wide!

NOW: 1800 Strickland Dr. - Orange, TX

NEXT: 3500 Interstate 10 - Orange, TX hondaoforangetx.com

New location opening THIS SPRING, featuring: Two-story multi-showroom shopping center - Over 35,000 s.f. of showroom, parts and service - Coffee/Internet Cafe - Accessories and Apparel Indian Motorcycles - Honda Powersports - eXmark - Trailers - Outdoor power Equipment - GoKarts & More!

Soon to be your ONE-STOP SHOP for work & play!

Entergy Texas there for us all through good times and storms

By Van Wade

E

ntergy Texas continues to grow and is all about keeping Orange County “energized”.

That was never more evident when Hurricane Laura blew through our region in August.

More than 6,000 workers converged on Jefferson and Orange counties to complete restoration efforts. Those crews worked so hard to repair significant damage to Entergy Texas’ system following Hurricane Laura. Crews found more than 1,000 downed distribution poles, more than 200 blown transformers and approximately 380,000 feet of downed wire. Additionally, 37 Entergy Texas substations and 63 transmission lines in Texas were impacted.

Entergy Texas crews worked non-stop, 24/7 to ensure the region got power back as soon as possible.

As Southeast Texas grows, Entergy Texas is investing now to power tomorrow with reliable and affordable energy.

These investments will create jobs, spur economic development and improve how we serve customers.

They are taking steps today to make investments in infrastructure that will ensure long term reliable service for their customers and set a foundation for businesses to grow across the region. One of the most critical factors in attracting and growing new businesses is a reliable and affordable supply of electricity. The investments Entergy is making will ensure

that they have the right infrastructure in place to reliably serve our customers and grow our local economies.

In addition to the investment made to date, Entergy Texas plans to invest nearly $2 billion over the next three years to improve how Entergy Texas serves customers. Some of Entergy Texas’ planned investments include: *Construction of the Montgomery County Power Station; the construction of this facility is estimated to provide nearly $1 billion in economic activity across Texas. Additionally, the facility will provide a reliable and cost-effective supply of electricity for a growing region, resulting in estimated savings of $1.7 billion over 30 years for Entergy Texas’ customers. *Building three major transmission projects that will drive economic growth and provide access to lower cost power, including the China-Stowell project, the Port Arthur Reliability project and the Western Region Economic Project. *Replacing outdated equipment with new technology that improves reliability, including the deployment of an advanced meter system that puts more tools at customers’ fingertips to help customers understand and manage their energy use more effectively, which can lead to lower bills.

But Entergy’s commitment to Southeast Texas isn’t just about making sure the lights stay on. Entergy only succeeds if their communities succeed alongside

them. Entergy is committed to supporting non-profit and community organizations across our service area. By supporting our communities, we are able to ensure that Southeast Texas continues to flourish into the future.

As we look across our region, we are fortunate to have a great deal of growth.

We see industrial growth opportunities in the Golden Triangle, as well as residential growth in the western part of our region.

The construction of the Montgomery County Power Station is an essential piece of Entergy Texas’ work to meet that growth. By providing reliable, affordable power, we can meet our customers’ needs today, while laying the foundation for future growth across our region.

The Montgomery County Power Station will benefit all customers across the Entergy Texas service area– regardless of where customers live across our region.

We will be building this facility next to our Lewis Creek Power Plant, which was constructed nearly 50 years ago. This location allows us to provide the needed power for all of Southeast Texas, while also economically addressing some local reliability issues in the western region of our footprint.

This addition of nearly 1,000 megawatts of reliable, baseload power will allow us to replace older, more inefficient power plants with newer, cleaner technology. And that increased efficiency directly benefits customers. On the very first day of the plant’s operation, customers will start to see benefits from the plant.

The fuel savings from this power plant will result in up to $1.7 billion in savings for customers. In fact, we expect these savings to pay for the cost of the plant after roughly 10 years – a third of the lifecycle of the plant.

The addition of MCPS will ensure that customers continue to benefit from reliable and affordable energy. But construction of this plant will also help play a major role in growing the Texas economy.

We expect that construction of the plant will provide nearly $1 billion in economic activity in Texas.

New technology provides tools to improve how we serve customers. Many of the new technologies we are deploying – such as advanced meters – will help accomplish this.

Advanced meters will enable us to pro-

vide our customers new online tools to help better manage energy usage, as well as allow for quicker and more accurate detection of outages. We are also deploying technology to give us better visibility into our equipment across the region and in some cases, identify and fix problems on the electric grid before they affect customers.

We believe advanced meters establish the foundation that will enable us to put the power in customers hands to manage their electricity usage. No more waiting until the end of the month to see how much electricity you used. You’ll be able to log online and see on a daily basis how much you’re using and make adjustments before you get your bill.

Entergy’s mission as a company is ‘We Power Life.’ This means much more that providing reliable, affordable electricity to our customers. It means supporting the customers we serve and the communities in which we operate to be successful and prosper. We certainly have a tremendous focus on making sure we keep the power flowing in our communities along with an equal focus on keeping our customer’s bills affordable, but we are also working with community partners across our region to help Southeast Texas grow and be successful. Whether that is working with our large industrial customers to grow new business or helping organizations like the Southeast Texas Food Bank and the United Way of Beaumont thrive, we want to be a part of what matters for this community.

We also look to establish a quality educational pipeline to meet the business needs of the future. That’s why we were excited to partner with Lamar, LIT, BISD and PAISD among others in our workforce development initiative workforce in 2017.

We see our company is not just a utility, but a force for good across the areas we serve. Our goal is to ensure that we are delivering on that promise to every customer across Southeast Texas. From residents who call the area home to businesses looking to expand, we will be here making sure modern, low-cost infrastructure is in place to help the economy grow, while at the same time, working to create opportunity for all those who live here.

123 S. 6TH STREET ORANGE, TEXAS 77630

WWW.ORANGECOUNTYEDC.COM 409.883.7770

New Event Center last step in great rejuvenation of WO-S High School

By Van Wade

W

EST ORANGE – It’s been quite a whirlwind of positivity and time to relish beautiful facilities at West Orange-Stark High School these days.

Hopefully by the middle of the 20212022 school year the final amazing piece that will sparkle the grand campus will be the new Recreational Event Center, which is in the process of going up now.

The Mustang football team took advantage of a tremendous new turf field during the 2019-2020 football campaigns.

The Mustang baseball and Lady Mustang softball teams got to play a little bit last season on their amazing new turf fields before the COVID-19 pandemics erased more than half the season last year. However, both teams are looking forward to tremendous and fun seasons on the home turf this season.

Then there is the sharp-looking Cornel Thompson Strength and Conditioning Center, which has turf inside to get some practice and reps in on any day, no matter what the weather is, and is also a top18 • Progress 2021

notch weightroom facility.

The Event Center is definitely going to be something special and something that every Mustangs, past and present, can be proud of.

“It’s going to be something to behold for sure,” said long-time WO-S Athletic Director and head football coach Cornel Thompson. “We needed an upgrade to all of our facilities and now they are all simply amazing. I’m just so happy for the kids and the community, everything is so fresh and it is all state-of-the-art quality.”

A great deal of progress is being made on the Event Center as the weather has been good for the most part as things have been moving fairly swiftly.

“We’ve been blessed with the weather thus far because you know how that can go around here,” said Thompson.

“We keep hearing the rumor of possibly November for a finish date but I really can see it happening when we go back to school in January of 2022. It’s going to be such a tremendous addition to our campus.”

The seating to the new Event Center will be built up somewhat and fans will

not be right there at courtside as it will look more like a smaller version of a college arena. It is going to comfortably seat around 2,100 people, which will be great for big basketball and volleyball contests.

“It’s going to be a great sport environment for the players and the fans,” said Thompson. “It’s going to have state-ofthe-art dressing rooms, a tremendous concession area and the court design is going to be something special.”

The Event Center is not only just going to be used as a sporting facility.

“It’s definitely going to be a multi-purpose facility for everyone to enjoy,” said Thompson. “It will be a great place for our baccalaureate ceremony, choir concerts, community gatherings and a great place for speakers to come and lecture and that’s just a few things.”

Attached to the Event Center will be elevators that will take folks up to the new press box to the football stadium, which Coach Thompson is elated to wait for.

“It’s going to give us tremendous assets for coaches, media and folks to get to the press box, these old steps at Mustang

Stadium are getting harder and harder to navigate as we all get older,” laughed Thompson.

The new pressbox is going to be a two-decker with a whole lot more room than the existing one for sure.

“It’s going to be a lot more roomier and wider with more elbow room,” said Thompson. “There will be bigger spaces for coaches and there will also be a large media room. We also will have spacious areas for visitors and a hospitality room.

It’s going to be similar to the pressbox at Texan Drive Stadium in New Caney, just on a little bit smaller scale.”

Thompson is just so proud of what has been accomplished at a school he’s spent a majority of his life at.

“I couldn’t be prouder,” said Thompson.

“For years, we’ve been saying, ‘Why not us’, and here we are. The kids love it and respect everything that has been done and is being done. You should see them running around here all the time, talking about how nice things are and they really take a lot of pride in keeping all of the areas clean. It’s just proud, proud times here at West Orange-Stark these days.”

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

EVEN MORE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS!

Acadia Parish Tourist Commission loves attracting visitors

By Van Wade

Serving the area for over O

BRIDGE CITY

2105 Texas Ave, Ste C 313-6863

ORANGE

2948 N 16th St 1201 Green Ave 883-4222 883-6208

NEDERLAND

2828 Hwy. 365, Ste. 500

NEW

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

ORANGEFIELD 6311 FM 1442 738-2400

BEAUMONT

5760 Walden Rd. Ste. 208 & 210

ne thing for sure, if tourists and vacationers would love to go and visit beautiful landscapes, topnotch local culture and love the Cajun Heritage, then Acadia Parish in Louisiana is a great place to visit.

Acadia Parish Tourist Commission, founded in 1996, attracts visitors to small towns in their parish.

Founders for the commission are described as regular working folks who love their native culture and want to share and preserve the heritage while enticing others to stay awhile in the six towns in the parish that consist of Church Point, Crowley, Rayne, Eastherwood, Mermentau, Morse and Iota, Louisiana.

The commission was established to collect a bed tax of four percent, which is used to promote the parish.

A big turning point for the organization came in 1998 when Jack C. Hoffpauir and families donated an acre of land to the office. In turn, the commission purchased seven acres next to it.

Acadia Parish Tourist Commission hopes a community center will be built on the site or lease it to a hotel.

While also having the Mardi Gras traditional celebrations throughout the years, the parish is also home to some different and fun festivals.

During the last weekend in April there is the Cajun Woodstock in Church Point.

Cajun Woodstock was put together for the first time in 2003.

It highlights the rich culture & music of this Cajun Town. Founded by Steve and J.C. Carriere, this festival features some of the hottest Cajun, Rock, Zydeco and Country bands around. All proceeds

going to St. Jude Children’s Research in Memphis, this event has raised nearly $130,000 for St. Jude.

In October, Rayne will play host to the 26th Germanfest.

Germanfest has a slew of live entertainment, authentic German food and a large selection of German beer on tap.

There are several folklore demonstrations and children’s activities during the two-day event.

The 84th International Rice Festival is slated for downtown Crowley in mid-October. It is definitely one of Louisiana’s largest festivals and its oldest agricultural festival. Since its first festival in 1937, over seven million people have attended the annual event.

The celebration brings attention to the importance of rice as food and also emphasizes it’s place in the world’s economic frame.

This year it will start on Oct. 14 and end on Oct. 17. There are two parades, one on Children’s Day and then there is the Grand Parade.

Special events include the Rice Eating Contest, Rice Cooking Contest, Farmers Banquet and the Queens Ball.

There is also continuous entertainment from early in the morning to midnight.

Also, in conjunction with the Festival, is an Arts and Crafts exhibit, which is held adjacent to the festival grounds and also on Main Street.

There are so many other places and things to see across Acadia Parish such as the Crowley Motor Co. and Ford Building and the Grand Opera House of the South, both in Crowley.

For more on attractions and events, visit the Acadia Parish Tourist Commission website at acadiatourism.org for details.

Progress 2021 • 19

Even 2020 could not stop the Pink Rooster

By Ginger Broomes

F

rom Pink Rooster Treasures’ first location on Strickland Drive in 2014, to becoming a fixture on MLK Boulevard in the West Point Plaza shopping center, they have come out of 2020 bigger and better than before. This retailer may have the same location, but with about 400 square feet more of retail space and a new open floor plan, they continue proving they are more than a gift shop.

But the timing of this latest change was not planned.

As if a pandemic in 2020 weren’t enough of a challenge to small businesses, Hurricane Laura stopped by in August, ripping off the roof of the entire shopping center, allowing water in during and after the storm. It was followed a less than two months later by Hurricane Delta.

“2020 was a terrible year for everyone,” said Heidi Hyder, who owns the store with her husband, Chris. “But we tried to use every twist and turn to our advantage, and I feel like we did a decent job.”

Walking through the store now, it’s

hard to believe there ever was a hurricane, much less two. With months of hard work and help, the Hyders have made the new Pink Rooster Treasures light, spacious and better than before.

While still offering the same on demand printing and engraving that customers have come to expect, Heidi keeps

“Serving Orange since 1974”

Locally Owned – Nationally Known

Ginger Broomes/Orange Leader

the shop stocked with the latest items, from Glory Haus mugs and home décor, to an expanded school spirit section, and an expanded Dixie Belle paint selection.

“We’re adding a lot of new inventory, so we can really be a one stop gift shop and more. You will see a lot of the things that were at Orange Magnolia, and other places,” Hyder said.

With eight employees (plus social media handled by local, Christi Miranda), Hyder said she has big plans for 2021.

Having always supported local in addition to being local, she is creating a new T-shirt line featuring the artwork of Lauren Leigh, a local artist whose designs have been seen all over the windows and decorative concrete oranges in town.

One such shirt featuring Leigh’s art – a group of people holding hands in front

In-person Sunday Worship & Children’s Church 10:30 a.m.

of the Orange Train Depot - has a quote from Helen Keller - “Alone, we can do so little. Together, we can do so much.”

“We are going to offer a $750 scholarship for one senior from LCM, West Orange, Bridge City, Orangefield and Vidor every year,” Hyder said. She added that they probably wouldn’t be able to get the scholarship in place in time for the 2021 graduating class, but that it wouldn’t be for lack of trying.

“I was able to keep all my employees and actually added one, started a website that totally carried us through COVID, and have a beautiful new shop. Although it was all exhausting it was worth every moment, and NONE of it would be possible without my fabulous employees!”

And she still has a million things she wants to do.

Video Worship Services posted on our YouTube Channel

673 FM 1078 • Orange • 409-718-0269 Distanced Seating Available, Masks Encouraged

cowboychurchoforangecounty.com Youth Bible Studies & Activities Wed 6:30 p.m.

20 • Progress 2021

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

At Top Deck Inc, we focus on producing excellence in our wide variety of services that we offer our clients. With local clients as well as clients across the U.S, we strive to build business relationships that last, that matter, and that are mutually beneficial.

Top Deck, Inc. is a national provider of Project Controls, Scaffolding, Precision Maintenance, Mechanical & Piping, Insulation, Alignment, Painting, Asbestos and Lead Abatement, and Refractory services as well as providing Heavy Lift Specialist to industrial facilities. In the last five years, we have averaged 30% annual growth giving our company the opportunity to expand our footprint across the United States. Top Deck is licensed in 14 states and performs work for over 47 Pulp and Paper Mills as well as petrochemical industry leaders and other industrial capital projects.

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY WITH EXCELLENCE AND PRIDE SINCE 2009.

Top Deck, Inc. is committed to safety performance excellence from our employees and our clients. Our staff has more than 486 years combined experience in the pulp and paper industry and in the petrochemical industry.

Offices across Southeast Texas & Southwest Louisiana Headquarters: Mauriceville, TX

(409) 745-3955

Dow Chemical a leader in production and community

By Van Wade

T

here is no doubt that Dow Chemical has been a blessing to the Orange County area.

Not only does Dow Chemical provide many jobs for families across the area, they are embedded in helping the community grow in many ways as well.

Dow Chemical Company, is an American chemical and manufacturer that is one of the world’s leading suppliers of chemicals, plastics, synthetic fibers, and 22 • Progress 2021

agricultural products.

Dow Chemical Company employs tens of thousands of people worldwide and operates manufacturing plants in more than 150 countries. Its products include artificial turf, materials for golf balls and other recreational equipment, adhesives, packaging products, coatings and insulation for wire and cable, building materials, herbicides and insecticides, and chemicals used in the pharmaceutical and automotive industries. Its better-known products include Styrofoam

insulation and the pesticide Lorsban.

In 2018, it was announced that Dow would be making a series of investments totaling approximately $100 million over the next two years to expand manufacturing capacity and modernize facilities at the Sabine River Operations plant in Orange County, Texas. The investments will incrementally expand production capacity to support global growth of specialty materials manufactured at the site, specifically the Surlyn®, Nucrel®, Fusabond®, and Vamac® product lines.

Dow combines science and technology knowledge to develop premier materials science solutions that are essential to human progress. Dow has one of the strongest and broadest toolkits in the industry, with robust technology, asset integration, scale and competitive capabilities that enable it to address complex global issues. Dow’s market-driven, industry-leading portfolio of advanced materials, industrial intermediates and plastics businesses deliver a broad range of differentiated technology-based products and solutions for customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, and consumer care.

The Dow Chemical Company puts a strong emphasis on both global citizenship and defining community success. The overarching goal and focus for Dow is to build sustainable communities within which they exist. Through their partnership with United Way, which dates back to more than 75 years, Dow has been able to work together to improve communities on a national scale and advance both of our missions.

Dow Chemical supports charitable initiatives focused on community success, science education and environmental stewardship. In efforts to build the workforce of tomorrow they collaborate with communities to “STEMtheGAP” and increase awareness of the job and economic opportunities aligned with a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Dow employees are also encouraged to give of their time and take on skills-based employee engagement assignments and volunteer opportunities through their Dow Sustainability Corps (DSC). Ultimately, their focus on community outreach is measured by leaving a positive impact on every community where they have operations.

Together, with United Way, they work to improve their communities within which they have a presence. By 2025, they have a goal of positively impacting the lives of 1 billion people, and United Way looks forward to partnering with them to achieve this milestone.

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Dow Chemical has done so many wonderful things in Orange County, just recently this year in January, they were at it again.

The Orange County Economic Development Corporation announces the release of applications for the Small Business Recovery Grant Program, made possible by a donation from Dow. Qualifying Orange County businesses will be eligible to receive a $1,000 grant to assist with economic recovery efforts.

Southeast Texas was significantly impacted in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as Hurricanes Laura and Delta. On March 19, 2020, Dr. John Hellerstedt, commissioner of DSHS, declared a public health disaster in Texas, because COVID-19 “has created an immediate threat, poses a high risk of death to a large number of people, and creates a substantial risk of public exposure because of the disease’s method of transmission and evidence that there is community spread in Texas.”

On August 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura made landfall causing significant property damage and economic loss. Six weeks later, Hurricane Delta impacted Orange County and further contributed to the economic disorder.

“We are very appreciative of Dow’s generous $45,000 contribution to the recovery and success of our local small businesses. This partnership will allow the EDC to inject funds directly back into our community and support Orange County businesses through a very difficult year,” says Jessica Hill, Executive Director.

“Orange has welcomed Dow into the community – we are neighbors. When a neighbor is hurting, you find ways to help. We are excited about this opportunity to pay it forward with our partner the Orange County EDC. We are always stronger when we work together,” Chrissy Babcock, Dow Sabine River Operations, said.

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Progress 2021 • 23

MEET OUR SMALLEST HEARING AID EVER.

‘Shangri La’ represents a place of beauty, peace and enlightenment for Orange County residents and tourists to relax and enjoy.

Stark Foundation continues tremendous commitment to the community

By Van Wade

T

he Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation seeks to continue the legacy of its founders through the programs of: The Stark Museum of Art, The W.H. Stark House, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, and Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts, as well as the Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest in Reading and Declamation, a qualified scholarship program for public high school students in Orange County, Texas. Programming is designed to create, and build upon, an appreciation within the community for the fine arts, Stark family history, the performing arts, environmental stewardship, and public speaking.

The W.H. Stark House Tour is a walking tour through a 14,000 square foot, three-story home that stands much as it did at the turn of the 20th century, with fifteen rooms of original family furnishings, personal effects and decorative arts, including antique rugs, original textiles, silver, cut glass, and antique porcelain.

Built in 1894, The W.H. Stark House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission.

The Stark Museum of Art houses one of the nation’s most significant collections of American Western art and is located in the heart of downtown historic Orange, Texas. Paintings, sculpture, prints and rare books interpret the West from 19th century frontier artists to the 20th century artistic colonies in New Mexico and focus on the stunning land, dramatic people and diverse wildlife of the American West.

24 • Progress 2021

The Museum features artists such as Frederic Remington, John James Audubon, John Mix Stanley, and Charles Marion Russell. Also featured is a significant collection of American Indian objects, including baskets, pottery, clothing and jewelry.

Throughout history, the term “Shangri La” has represented a place of beauty, peace and enlightenment. In Orange, Texas, a modern Shangri La has been recreated with the best of nature, gardens and art. Visitors will enjoy more than 300 plant species, walks along nature trails, an excursion down Adams Bayou on an “Outpost Tour” and see thousands of nesting birds on Ruby Lake or view them from a state-of-the-art bird blind. The Children’s Garden is a delight for all ages, and the Cypress Gate at the Pond of the Blue Moon is a welcome retreat from the outside world. The combination of gardens and nature presents a serene oasis for retreat and renewal as well as an opportunity to explore, discover and learn. he Lutcher Theater is a 1450-seat, world class performing arts facility and the prominent presenter of Broadway, national and international tours, award-winning stars, renowned dance and acclaimed children’s performances for southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana.

Lutcher Incredible Kids Events is one of the largest performing arts series of national and international touring companies for children in a four-state area comprising Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

These venues, programs and activities provide the community and region with rich resources and opportunities for study and enjoyment of the arts, history and nature.

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Test your hearing with our new online self-test: www.BrownHearingCenters.com/Test *SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL. NOT AVAILABLE WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS, OFFERS, OR PRIOR PURCHASES. **$795 BASED ON PURCHASE OF 2 AIDS. CALL FOR DETAILS. ***PROVIDED EVERY 5 YEARS BY THE STATE OF TEXAS FOR RESIDENTS WITH A HEARING LOSS. LIMIT 1 PER HOUSEHOLD. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. 2-WAY TEXTING DEVICE REQUIRES HIGH-SPEED INTERNET - NOT INCLUDED.

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Remote hearing care available

Brown Hearing Centers continues providing great service B

BHC corporate office- Orange, Texas

rown Hearing Centers is a family owned and operated company that was established in 1962 by Lee and Dorothy Brown. Brown committed himself to realizing his dream of helping people hear better and improve their quality of life.

Brown Hearing Centers continues to agree with their founder and believe it’s still as simple as it was when he started over half a century ago. Now, Brown Hearing Centers has eleven offices, including their main Corporate office located right here in Orange!

They also serve people in over 300 centers throughout Texas and Louisiana. After expanding exponentially over the years, they still believe that an uncomplicated, one-on-one approach is the best.

Brown Hearing Centers has more than 59 years of experience - and three generations - working in the hear-

ing-healthcare industry, and want to help you. They offer services including hearing testing, hearing aid sales, adjustments, cleaning and repairs.

The Hearing Instrument Specialists who provide this assistance are state licensed and have years of experience providing professional hearing health care.

Brown Hearing Centers accepts most major insurances and offers financing plans to work with any budget. They are also providers for S.T.A.P. which supplies tablets, smartphones and amplified telephones to the hearing-impaired residents of Texas at no cost to them.

Brown Hearing Centers has adjusted to the needs of the people during the ongoing pandemic, and now offer curbside services as well as remote testing and programing for certain hearing aid models.

PORT OF BEAUMONT

Moving you into tomorrow.

Top Deck, Inc. partners with our community

F

or over a decade, Top Deck, Inc. company founders, JW Dalton and Dennis Malone, have focused on establishing a successful business while cultivating a partnership with the communities in Orange County as well as Southwest Louisiana. While the pulp and paper industry saw a soaring demand for some paper products in 2020, there was and still is a need to navigate the challenges of simultaneously protecting our employee’s health and well-being, managing constant scheduling changes due to the pandemic, and assessing economic conditions.

“Even in these uncertain times, we are focused on keeping our employees working and expanding our national footprint,” explained Dennis Malone.

Top Deck, Inc. is a national provider of Project Controls, Scaffolding, Precision Maintenance, Mechanical & Piping, Insulation, Alignment, Painting, Asbestos and Lead Abatement, and Refractory services as well as providing Heavy Lift Specialist to industrial facilities.

Our owners maintain a sharp focus on our clients and a vision of providing solution-based contractor services; while our employees maintain targeted training credentials to support the demands of specific project needs.

“By partnering with Lamar Institute of Technology, we have established a climate of continual learning and leadership investing in our employees and providing a strong dedicated workforce,” explained Kevin Hager, Director of Field Services.

Top Deck is licensed in 14 states and performs work for over 47 Pulp and Paper Mills as well as petrochemical industry leaders and other industrial capital

Company Founders JW Dalton and Dennis Malone, with Chief Jimmy Singletary, providing lunch for the Beaumont Police Department.

The Top Deck family with Orange County Sherriff, Jimmy Lane Mooney, providing lunch for all Orange County Law Enforcement Agencies.

projects. We have an intensely loyal client base with more than 90% of our business originating from repeat customers and a wide-ranging presence including local and statewide operations such as International Paper and Exxon Mobil to companies throughout the Southeast United States including Georgia Pacific, West Rock Corporation, and Packaging Corp of America to name a few. Our

Kevin Hager, Director of Field Services at the United Way Day fundraiser.

26 • Progress 2021

commitment to excellence has always focused on the core values of our company to achieve the highest level of customer satisfaction: “Safety is Our Commitment, Quality is our Standard.”

“Even in these uncertain times, we continue to be dedicated to assisting a myriad of community partners in Orange County and the City of Vinton, LA,” explained JW Dalton, “We are proud to support organizations like Lamar State College, the Mauriceville Heritage Association, the United Way, and many others with grants and sponsorships essentially giving back to our communities.”

While Laura, Delta, and the ongoing pandemic have caused unprecedented disruption, those events gave us an opportunity to show our strong support for local Law Enforcement, Linemen from across the nation, and other front line emergency workers.

We also believe in engaging in company-sponsored volunteer initiatives like the Mauriceville Crawfish Bash creating opportunities for team building while assisting with the largest fundraiser in the community as a platinum sponsor. In 2020, we made a three-year commitment to sponsor the Lamar State College Gator Bass Club.

Throughout the Southwest Louisiana

Meals for linemen Hurricane Laura

region, we support various activities including Vinton and Deridder Schools, livestock associations, and youth sports.

Our commitment to the communities where we live and work is a top priority for both our owners, managers, and employees.

2020 has made for an unusual year to say the least with both Hurricane Laura and Delta making landfall in our area while we were and still are constantly coping with an ongoing pandemic as well as economic and political instability. However, these difficulties have made our communities stronger as we continue to invest in our employees and our community. We are dedicated to being a positive entity that cultivates a climate of safety, workmanship, volunteerism, and economic growth in our region.

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

2021 Board of Directors President

President

Secretary/Treasurer

Tom Beall

Secretary Pro Tem

Van Wade/Orange Leader Granger has expanded, during 2020, to a third location now offering Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Rams.

Team Granger continues to seek new opportunities

By Dawn Burleigh

O

n a shelf, in a frame is one of Al Granger’s infamous quotes, “Always looking for an opportunity.”

“I learned a lot more by listening than talking,” Granger said as he talked about the latest expansion of the Team Granger dealerships.

Shortly after losing his brother Dean Granger, Al purchased the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram dealership on Interstate 10.

“When Dean passed, I lost my brother, best friend and business partner,” Al said.

Al knew from a young age that he was going to be involved in the auto business since he was in the 8th grade and took an aptitude test.

He never considered moving away from the area. He left that to his brother Dean. Dean lived in the Dallas area for approximately 20 years before returning to Orange and partnering with his brother to open Granger Chevrolet.

Al and Dean Granger began at Automart in August 1980.

28 • Progress 2021

“Dean was with me a year and then he left for Dallas,” Al said. “He returned in 2006.”

Together the brothers purchased Harmon Chevrolet, remodeled it and opened as Granger Chevrolet in 2008.

In 2015, they expanded again and added Granger RV to the team.

In August 2020, less than seven months after losing his brother, Al purchased the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Rams dealership.

“I was able to hire people at all three locations during the pandemic,” Al said. “We hired approximately 12 employees. We did not experience any layoffs due to COVID.” Ralf Mims, Marketing Manager, said “We were able to overcome obstacles due to the COVID Crisis.”

They may have experienced inventory shortages from manufacturers, but overcome they did.

“Orange has always been good to me,” Al said. “We are a small town and you get to know every body. It is fun to go someplace and see people you know and have done business with. Lamar State College Orange is right, Orange’s future is bright.”

While 2020 was a different kind of year for most of us, Team Granger saw an increase in business including RV sales.

“We were up 78-percent in RV sales and 33-percent of those were millenniums,” Granger said. “People were buying travel trailers instead of staying in hotels.

And while there are always changes in the auto industry, Al said the next big thing will be electric cars.

“The electric cars are coming,” Al said. “GM introduced a Hummer with 1,000 horsepower and all electric. The first initial order sold out in 15 minutes.”

But one thing that will not change is the commitment to the community Granger has shown over the years.

From co-hosting the can good drive each October to help restock the shelves at Orange Christian Services and Salvation Army to a 5K run to benefit United Way of Orange County.

“We have all intentions of hosting a 5K this year,” Al said. “Dean was very passionate about it. We have always been involved in community projects. We are ready, been ready to do it again.”

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

A Leader in Synthetic Elastomers As one of the world’s largest producers of synthetic rubbers and elastomers, ARLANXEO’s products are used in a variety of applications from the tires on your car to the shoe soles on your favorite pair of sneakers. ARLANXEO has more than 20 sites across the globe, including our world-class manufacturing unit in Orange, Texas.

4647 Farm to Market Road 1006 Orange, TX 77630 409-883-9990 www.arlanxeo.com

List of Advertisers Acadia Parish................................................ 9 Arlanxeo.................................................... 29 Brown Hearing............................................. 24 Chevron Phillips........................................... 10 Cowboy Church of Orange County....................... 20 DOW.................................................... 16, 17 Entergy....................................................... 4 Gate City Guild #42....................................... 11 Granger Chevrolet, Granger RV and Granger CDJR...... 7 Harry’s Appliances.......................................... 5 HONDA..................................................... 13 Jefferson Energy Terminals.............................. 31 Karen D. Collier, Edward Jones Financial Advisor..... 20 KPI General Contractors.................................. 12 Lamar State College Orange.................... Back Cover Meals on Wheels........................................... 11 Orange County Disaster Rebuild......................... 11 Orange County Economic Development Corp.......... 15

Orange First Church of the Nazarene ................... 11 Pink Rooster Treasures..................................... 3 Port of Beaumont.......................................... 25 Port of Orange............................................. 14 Publication Press.......................................... 30 R&R Auto Supply Inc...................................... 20 Red’s Liquor................................................ 19 Sabine River Authority.................................... 27 Sabine river-RAIN........................................... 5 SE TX Nonprofit Development Center.................. 11 Stark Foundation............................................ 2 The Crawfish Hole......................................... 20 The Horseman Store........................................ 8 Top Deck Inc. – Mauriceville............................. 21 United Way of Orange County............................ 11

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June 10, 2017

We would first like to thank God, because without him the Love we share would not be possible.

We would like to thank our family and friends for joining us in celebration today, we feel honored that so many of you have traveled to share our day with us. We hope you enjoy tonight’s celebration and the ones we’ll share for years to come.

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