Thrive 2015 Homegrown Issue

WE H T U SO

ST LOUISIAN

A

2015 INAUGURAL EDITION

Your Guide to Thriving Local Businesses in our Region

Sponsored by:

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WORK. SHOP. PLAY. Oak Crossing is south Lake Charles’ newest commercial development located on the corner of Nelson and Ham Reid Roads. We’ve merged green space with commercial development to create an inviting setting where people can work, shop, relax, dine and be entertained.

We have over 16,000 buildto-suit square feet of our total 35,000 square feet available for lease. We work with tenants to create their restaurant, retail, or professional office space specifically to their needs. We are excited to share testimonials from our tenants with you.

“Our family chose Oak Crossing for three reasons: 1) its location, 2) its beautiful architecture, and 3) the way the leasing manager and landlord treat everyone that knocks on their door. Building LaVoglia has been a wonderful experience and we can’t wait to welcome the community to our restaurant.”

- Alfredo Kulici, Owner/Chef

“We looked at several buildings in the Lake Charles area to build our office site. Oak Crossing is the perfect place for G2X Energy because of its proximity to the Industrial Canal, where we are in the process of constructing of our industrial facility. It was very important to us to find a place that was professional looking and we have found that at Oak Crossing.”

“We love how aesthetically pleasing Oak Crossing is – the oak trees are beautiful. The buildings are wonderfully constructed and the complex is like a sophisticated business park. The property management team is great to work with and are very responsive to any issues that may arise.”

– Calcasieu Endodontics

– Trey Fielder, Director of Operations

“We love the relaxing atmosphere of Oak Crossing. Our clinic has a lot of natural sunlight with views of the oak trees, and the location being on Nelson Road can’t be beat. We wanted our clinic to feel like a retreat away from the hectic pace of daily life, and we feel like once you drive into the development, the setting takes some of the stress away.”

– Laurie Baynard and Joey Kuluga, Owners

“Oak Crossing is the perfect location for us. The buildings and grounds are beautiful, and it’s located right outside the ‘hustle and bustle’ of Lake Charles, offering the serenity a spa should have. We could not be more pleased with our decision to grow our business at Oak Crossing.”

– Jennifer Lemons, Owner and Esthetician, and Jerry Lemons, Co-owner

“With south Lake Charles continuing to grow, this is such a convenient location. I’ve received great feedback from my clients on the overall look and feel of Oak Crossing. The property managers have also been very easy and enjoyable to work with.”

– Kayla Stark, Financial Advisor

(337) 421-6200 www.oakcrossing.net

Call us today for more information or to schedule a tour.

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EXTENDING the HEALING MINISTRY of JESUS CHRIST across SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA

CHRISTUSSTPATRICK.ORG

As we strive to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, CHRISTUS St. Patrick physicians and associates are committed to delivering the highest quality services, treatment and technology for Southwest Louisiana.

From everyone here at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, we thank you, our community, for choosing us as your trusted health care provider for the past 107 years, and we look forward to a healthy future together.

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Small Businesses Help Us Thrive While large national and international industries sustain the life blood of our economy, locally owned businesses serve as the area’s heartbeat.

The Chamber Southwest Louisiana boasts more than 1,500 members. Eighty-five percent of these are small businesses.

Here’s how small businesses help Southwest Louisiana thrive:

By shopping at locally owned businesses, Southwest Louisiana consumers contribute not only to our local economy but also to our community’s unique sense of place.

A place we call home.

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Communities with thriving small businesses appreciate larger tax revenues. The businesses transfer tax money back into schools, police and fire departments, and programs with community-wide impacts.

Small businesses provide a city with a stronger sense of community. Small locally-owned businesses contribute to the personality and familiarity of a community. A mom-and-pop establishment likely will know their regular customers by name. Small businesses often offer special one-of-a-kind goods and services that cannot be found at the big box stores, lending the community a sense of identity.

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They keep the local cash flow close to the community.

According to the 3/50 Project, for every $100 spent at local independent stores, $68 returns to the community, compared to just $43 with national chains. Local business owners give back to the community by supporting youth sports, cultural organizations, charities, and local schools. According to Sustainable Connections, nonprofit organizations receive an average 250 percent more support from smaller businesses than from large corporations.

Small businesses create employment opportunities.

According to economist Donovan D. Rypkema, 85 percent of all new jobs are created by firms employing less than 20 people.

Small businesses also support other local businesses by employing a wide range of support services.

Initially, they hire architects, designers, woodworkers, sign makers, and contractors for construction.

Then they require the services of accountants, insurance brokers, computer consultants, attorneys, and advertising agencies to help them operate their business. All these workers earn salaries and recycle money back into the local economy.

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Flavin Realty Inc. has been a family owned and local real estate firm since 1976. Throughout the years, our company has maintained a strong commitment to professional service and industry expertise. The principles that Bill Flavin founded the company on, integrity and excellent professional service, are still practiced today with sons Dan and Tim Flavin along with 40 agents and staff that are Flavin Realty.

What has made Flavin Realty Inc. the market leader in real estate sales in Southwest Louisiana for decades is our

sustained effort to build trusting relationships with our clients. Ensuring our clients succeed in their real estate needs is our number one goal. The Flavin Realty staff reflects the diversity of the people who live in Southwest Louisiana. This has been a key factor in the success of our agency. We know how important it is to select a Realtor whose judgement you trust, and with whom you feel comfortable. Flavin Realty excels in Residential Sales, Relocation, Retail/Commercial, Industrial, and Property Management.

Thanks Southwest Louisiana for all of the years of loyalty. We look forward to many more!

3221 Ryan Street, Suite A, Lake Charles (337) 478-8530 l www.flavinrealty.com

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Family Owned, Customer Focused, Results Driven J&J Exterminating is Louisiana’s largest independently owned pest control service. Throughout the years of growth, the owners have remained true to the principles the company was founded upon: • Provide excellent customer service • Use the best products in the industry • Give back to the community

Beginning Days

In the 1950’s, Harry John graduated with a degree in etymology from Louisiana State University and worked for a pest control company. After a few years, he decided to become a business owner. Robert John, Sr., joined the venture, and the two brothers went to work in 1959, opening the first J&J Exterminating office in Crowley.` Robert John, Jr., CEO of J&J Exterminating, grew up in the business. “I worked my way through numerous jobs from clean up to technician during the summers, evenings and weekends.” After graduating from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, now University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Robert John, Jr., joined his father full-time.

Taking a Leap of Faith

A pivotal year was 1984. Robert John, Jr. joined the company, the corporate office was moved from Crowley to Lafayette, and the Lake Charles, DeRidder and Nachitoches locations were opened with partner Tim Broussard.“Our business grew tremendously when Robert Jr. came on board. I give him a lot of credit,” said Robert John, Sr. “It was a leap of faith to grow.”

J&J Exterminating has grown steadily over the years, opening new locations, adding employees, and continuing their business philosophy of treating people well and providing guaranteed service.

Locations:

Alexandria Baton Rouge Crowley DeRidder

Hammond Lafayette Lake Charles Mandeville

Monroe Natchitoches New Orleans Shreveport

Our Services J&J Exterminating provides complete pest control service for homes and businesses.

• 24-Hour Response Time

Business Approach The bottom line for success with any business is to earn the trust of their customers. With the pest control industry, trust is crucial.

“Our customers know that we stand behind our work and guarantee our service. We service homes, businesses, hospitals, medical complexes, surgical centers and food warehouses. It is imperative that we provide excellent service and results, and we do,” said Robert Jr.

• Total Pest Control Services, Guaranteed • Native and Formosan Termite Elimination • Mosquito Treatment • Wood Destroying Insect Reports • Free Termite Inspections • Free Estimates Satisfaction Guaranteed.

First Person is a monthly Q&A that features compelling people who excel in their chosen endeavors. Ideas for future Q&As? Email edit@thriveswla.com.

Tim Broussard

Robert John, Jr.

Robert John, Sr.

Robert Lewis John

LAKE CHARLES • 474-7377 | DERIDDER • 463-4574 | jjext.com 6 www.thriveswla.com 1717 W.

PRIEN LAKE RD.

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PINE ST.

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605 12th Street | Lake Charles 337-436-4930 josephselectricalcenter.com The Lanza family has been lighting up the Lake Area for over 85 years. It all began when Michael Lanza started Lake Charles Electric, an electrical contracting company, in 1929. In the 1970’s he added Joseph’s Electrical Center, an electrical supplies and decorative lighting portion of the business, for his son Joe to manage.

Following along in Joe’s footsteps came his sons: Ricky, Danny and Randy who currently manage the store and serve long-time customers. Joe’s daughter Vicki and his wife Flo take care of the

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bookkeeping and Vicki’s daughter, Erin Howle, represents the fourth generation as a lighting consultant. The business also employs four non-family members, including Vickie Farris who has been with the business for more than 32 years. Together, they offer a wealth of knowledge in the electrical and lighting industries.

Over the years, Joseph’s has built a reputation of having the widest selection of electrical material and lighting fixtures in the area. With trends in lighting and interior décor always changing, Joseph’s brings the latest and greatest to Lake Charles.

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“Our goal is to make sure Lake Charles sees what is happening nationally in the world of lighting. We want to make that available to our community and offer expertise people won’t find on the internet,” Randy said.

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Team to Meet All RehabNeeds When Rehab One opened in 2009, owners and physical therapists Scott Duplechin and Dwaine Miller had both worked in the rehabilitation field for about 20 years. They had the experience to know what they wanted – and didn’t want – within their own physical therapy practice.

Their goal was to provide comprehensive services for adolescent and adult musculoskeletal conditions, with a special emphasis on orthopaedic and sports rehabilitation and post-operative orthopaedic patients. Beyond that, they wanted to aim higher and ensure they were delivering the highest standard of evidencebased treatment techniques, explains Duplechin. “We also wanted to incorporate education and motivation into therapy sessions. We knew from research and experience that this makes a big difference in the success of the therapy.

Six years later, it’s safe to say that Rehab One has achieved their goal. They have added an additional physical therapist and an occupational therapist to their staff, and are recognized as one of the most reputable physical therapy clinics in Lake Charles.

Miller says they have expanded their range of services, enabling them to treat a wide variety of orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions. Chronic pain from arthritis, sports related sprains and strains and even tension headaches can be treated in the office by their physical and occupational therapists.

When it comes to sports rehabilitation, which is a big area of specialization for Rehab One, the group uses a multidisciplinary approach to help the athlete regain normal pain-free mobility. Duplechin understands the eagerness of injured athletes who want to get back in the game quickly, “Being a former athlete, I remember what that feels like, but is our job to make sure we are educating them on proper training and making sure they are ready to safely return to the game before we release them after rehabilitation from an injury. We don’t want to see them back in here again.”

Joint rehabilitation, whether it’s a knee, shoulder, hip or other joint, is critical for restoring pain-free range of motion and strength. Rehab One’s total joint rehab program is tailored specifically to the needs of each patient and provided under close consultation with the referring physician.

Education continues to be a big focus for the group. “We teach our patients strengthening and postural exercises to help them regain their mobility and strength.

Our goal is to have a satisfied patient—both with their therapy treatments, and with the care and personal service they receive,” adds Duplechin. “Our team targets their therapy to meet specific needs. It is important for patients to get back to their daily activities and to the things they love, as quickly and safely as possible.”

721-7280 L to R: Dwaine Miller, PT; Scott Duplechin, PT; Linda Peterson, OT; Jacob Franks, DPT FIRST EDITION - August 2015

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1747 Imperial Blvd. • Lake Charles www.thriveswla.com

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Keeping Local Roots

John F. Moffett Jr., DDS, has an affinity for what he calls home. He left Southwest Louisiana for nine years to attend the Emory University School of Dentistry, where he earned his doctoral degree, and University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where he received his certification of orthodontics. He also spent three years on active duty in the Air Force, where he completed a general practice residency at the Ehrling Berquist Strategic Hospital Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.

After nearly a decade away from home, it became clear where he wanted to raise

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his family. “After living in various areas of the country, Lake Charles was the obvious choice to raise my family because of its Southern charm, family values and vast culture,� Dr. Moffett says.

Dr. Moffett graduated from Barbe High School and did his pre-dental studies at McNeese State University. In addition to the dental programs at Emory, Penn, and Offutt, he completed courses offered by the prestigious Roth/Williams Center for

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Functional Occlusion, located in San Fransciso.

A board-certified orthodontist, Moffett uses a variety of advanced skills to create individualized treatment plans that address dental and facial esthetics and improve overall long term dental health. Dr. Moffett strives to make available quality affordable orthodontic care to all those living in the Lake area.

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Realtor & Regional

Ambassador

Imperial Health:

Doctors Working Together to Keep Southwest Louisiana Healthy

For Marilyn Boudreaux, being a Realtor isn’t about selling houses—it’s about building relationships. For more than 30 years she has lived, worked, and invested herself in a community that she loves.

Boudreaux moved to Southwest Louisiana in 1981 and is proud to have raised her two children, Curtis and Melinda, in a friendly, warm, and welcoming community where she has built her profession. She has served buyers and sellers as a Realtor for ten years and has worked with everyone from first-time buyers to savvy investors.

“With all the expansion taking place in our community and industrial growth, we have a steady market trend of new

Imperial Health’s vital role in meeting the healthcare needs of the Southwest Louisiana community go back to 1957. That’s when the doors of what was originally called Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic, or simply, “The Clinic,” first opened.

Fast forward 60 years and we are now Imperial Health, a group of more than 40 respected, experienced physicians, backed by the resources of the region’s largest multispecialty medical practice.

Imperial Health is unique in that it is a medical group created by independent physicians whose goal is to put patients first. Our doctors created this group with a unified commitment to work together, share resources, provide exceptional care and give choices back to our patients.

Our group continues to expand, keeping pace with the exciting growth in our community. Our physicians offer a wide range of primary and specialty care, with a support staff of over 400 employees. Imperial Health has multiple offices and ancillary services conveniently located across Southwest Louisiana.

residents moving here,” she says. “Relocation real estate is an opportunity to be a Lake Charles ambassador, sharing what Lake Charles has to offer.”

Prospective buyers can learn more about the local lifestyle and featured neighborhoods at www.marilynboudreaux.com.

“It is very rewarding for me to welcome new residents to our area and help others make Southwest Louisiana their home,“ she says.

Mike D. Bono & Co.’s Marilyn Boudreaux

(337) 478-1578 • (337) 499-9592

Each office is independently owned and operated.

ELIMINATE

THE PROBLEM, NOT THE EMPLOYEE. Managing a business means managing people. SOLUTIONS can help you do this effectively.

We provide confidential, short-term employee counseling services, as well as a wide range of training and development programs.

Our experienced counselors work to help your employees deal with their personal and professional challenges before these problems have a negative impact on your bottom line.

SOLUTIONS can work with businesses of any size, and we can customize a program to meet your company’s specific needs.

CALL US TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Counseling & EAP

(337) 433-8400 | www.imperialhealth.com

Locally Owned by Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, MS, CEAP, LPC-S, LMFT

FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES. FOR YOUR SUCCESS.

(337) 310-2822 • www.solutions-eap.org

710 W. Prien Lake Rd., Suite 103, | Lake Charles, LA FIRST EDITION - August 2015

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The McNeese State University Foundation met its goal of increasing its assets to $75 million for the university’s 75th anniversary celebration through its recent 75 for 75 Campaign. Excited about reaching this goal are from left: McNeese President Philip Williams, Rick Richard, chair of the McNeese Foundation’s 75th anniversary campaign, Foundation board president Patricia

Prebula,

Richard

Reid,

vice

president for university advancement and executive vice president of the Foundation, Foundation board secretary Judy Fuller, Foundation board treasurer Glen Bertrand and Foundation board vice president/

Thank You Donors president-elect Willie Mount.

This year, as McNeese State University wrapped up its 75th anniversary celebration, another historic milestone was reached - the McNeese Foundation’s 75 for 75 Campaign for the university’s 75th anniversary met its goal of increasing its assets to $75 million.

The 75 for 75 Campaign was designed to provide a strong base to allow McNeese to develop innovative programs and plan for the future needs of students and faculty.

Numerous area businesses, corporations and individuals invested in the 75th Anniversary Capital Campaign. The largest single gift, a $4.3 million gift from the H.C. Drew Estate, will support the construction of the new Health and Human Performance Educational Complex and support academic scholarships.

The McNeese Foundation could not have attained its goal without the loyalty and support of alumni and friends of the university who help keep programs strong, provide scholarships for deserving students and underwrite the success of students and faculty across the campus. Financial support and commitment to the institution through the Foundation ensure that McNeese will continue to be vital to the future growth of Southwest Louisiana.

When the McNeese Foundation was incorporated in 1965, its original mission was to raise funds to support

endowments for student scholarships.

Today that responsibility has expanded to include support for endowed professorships, centers for teaching excellence, cultural programming that includes endowed visiting lecture series and Banners at McNeese, faculty research, athletic enhancement, campus improvements and other specific needs directly linked to supporting and strengthening McNeese State University.

Today the Foundation annually awards over $2 million in funding for student scholarships, faculty development, campus improvements, state-of-the-art technology and other academic enhancements – three working farm properties in Allen and Calcasieu parishes and the Center for Advancement of Meat Production and Processing in Jeff Davis Parish - in support of the university’s core values.

The Foundation supports: • More than 100 Endowed Professorships • Over 400 Endowed Scholarships • First Generation Endowed Scholarships By investing in these innovative academic opportunities for our students and faculty, McNeese will continue to play an active leadership role in the civic and economic renaissance likely to transform Southwest Louisiana over the next five years.

McNeese Photo

for demonstrating their support to the university. Among these are cash donations, planned gifts, personal property, life insurance and bequests.

Donors may also choose to endow a student scholarship, establish a faculty professorship, support technological advancement or contribute to a center of excellence or a particular college or department. The possibilities are limitless.

Donors can visit mcneesefoundation. org to learn more about Foundation programs and read the stories of grateful students and remarkable faculty achievements supported by the personal generosity of so many through the years.

Since 1965, almost 10,000 donors have given over $100 to the McNeese Foundation.

To our alumni and friends of the university – those who have made major, planned and corporate gifts, donors to memorials and to gifts in honor of friends and family and donors to special campaigns like the 75 for 75 Campaign, the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, the license plate program and the Annual Fund – McNeese thanks you.

The McNeese Foundation also offers donors a wide range of opportunities

McNeese Foundation • Box 91989, Lake Charles, LA 70609 • 337.475.5588 • www.mcneesefoundation.org

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Memorial: More than Medicine

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Cardiology • Ear, Nose & Throat • Gastroenterology • Family Medicine General Surgery • Internal Medicine • Nephrology • Neurology • Neurosurgery • OB/GYN Oncology • Orthopaedics • Pain Medicine • Physical Rehabilitation Pulmonology • Rheumatology • Trauma Surgery • Urology Lake Charles Memorial has served the citizens for Southwest Louisiana for more than 60 years, opening on October 23, 1952.

Today, Memorial has grown into the largest and only full service health system in the area, offering a medical staff of almost every specialty.

Memorial is a true community health system, run by a board of local volunteers. It belongs to the people of Southwest Louisiana and serves everyone regardless of age, race or financial status.

In January 2003, we opened a second campus in Southwest Lake Charles, named Memorial for Women. It is a facility dedicated to women’s health and it features the Family Birth Center, Special Care Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and Women’s Specialty Unit.

In June 2013, Memorial signed a cooperative endeavor agreement with LSU to take over the management of W. O. Moss Regional Hospital which is now named the W.O. Moss Memorial Health Clinic.

The management takeover of Moss lead to the establishment of many new specialty clinics at that campus. This provided the patients local access to specialty services that previously were only available in Shreveport, New Orleans and Lafayette. In addition, an Urgent Care Clinic was established in the old Moss Emergency Room giving patients drop-in access to care daily. Moss Memorial offers health care for uninsured and under insured patients thereby providing greater access to medical care in our community based on the state’s poverty guidelines.

Today, Memorial consists of a 368-bed acute care complex, which includes the main campus on Oak Park Boulevard, Memorial for Women in south Lake Charles, the W.O. Moss Memorial Health Clinic and a longterm acute care Specialty Hospital. Also part of the health system is the Memorial Medical Group, the largest multi-specialty physician group in southwest Louisiana approaching 100 physicians and growing. These physicians are part of a 250+ roster of staff physicians.

The hospital system also trains the Family Practice (FP) doctors, nurses, laboratory and radiology technicians of tomorrow. Each year eight FP residents arrive at Memorial for a three-year program to become a Family Medicine Specialist through the Memorial/LSUHSC Family Medicine Residency Program. The Residency Program is fully funded by the hospital and has an affiliation agreement with LSU New Orleans.

Lake Charles Memorial is not just a place where diseases are diagnosed and treated. At the core of every process is the care of patients who are physically and often psychologically vulnerable, and separated from the comfort of their families and daily lives. Quality of life and well-being are essential to their recovery. Support, comfort, privacy, dignity, satisfaction and safety combined with cutting edge technology, highly skilled physicians, upgraded facilities and expanding services all contribute to the patient experience and their quality of life.

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Serving as a wellness partner, Memorial supports the community through charitable giving, screenings and education to improve outcomes of diseases prevalent in Southwest Louisiana such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Memorial has established its own GET HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY Wellness Program to promote and maintain healthy lifestyles for our employees, industry and our community.

The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial has several designated funds to help raise money to support the medical needs of the community. The Foundation has also established the Foundation for Fairplay which raises money to help local schools buy needed sports equipment to keep student athletes safe. The Foundation for Fairplay has an established concussion program and is conducting studies to help prevent ACL tears in female athletes.

Lake Charles Memorial Health System is the largest, community-owned health system in Southwest Louisiana. The health system employs more than 2500 employees across a diverse group of positions and is the largest non-government employer in the area. Memorial invests tens of millions of dollars each year in bringing in new physicians and expanding and upgrading the physical plant of the health system.

Since 2006, Memorial has reinvested in the healthcare services we provide to our community through the expansion of services, physicians, technology and facilities. To date, over $117 million in capital projects have been implemented including expansion and/or renovation of cath lab, surgery, sterile processing, rehabilitation, food services, pediatrics, and gastroenterology center.

With the largest emergency department (ER), in 2014, Memorial began expansion of emergency services which will double its size when it opens in early 2016. Additionally, a new intensive care unit (ICU) and the construction of a new medical office building in Southwest Lake Charles is underway. More capital improvement projects are planned as Memorial works to ensure it has the best facilities, doctors and service for the residents of Southwest Louisiana.

Lake Charles Memorial consistently receives The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in hospitals. The Cancer Center is also a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award by the American College of Surgeons’ (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC).

We are Memorial.

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Home is where the Heart is.

PaperSmith is moving back to where it all started.

Ten years ago, Sara Smith opened a small invitation shop the corner of a bridal store, and now a much larger PaperSmith is coming home to that same location. The expanding PaperSmith is now offering gift registries, including gifts for men and children, Sweet Shop chocolates, stationery and other fine paper goods.

The Shopgirls at PaperSmith believe there is always a reason to celebrate—from weddings to birthdays and events in between. They want to help their customers plan the perfect event or find the perfect gift. PaperSmith doors are always open for hosting small meetings and get-togethers, after all “We’re having a party”, are their four favorite words.

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The Shopgirls at Papersmith

Come see their new-old location 3101 Ernest St. | 337-564-6705 mypapersmith.com |

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Southern Technologies, started by Shawn Davis and Sam Hayes, was brought to life due to high demand. Both Davis and Hayes had previously worked for an I.T. company but quit when things started to unravel. Their clientele refused to see them go, so the two of them decided the best thing to do was to start their own business. That was in 2003 when they were working out of a 200sq/ft room at Hayes’ home.

Now, 12 years later the two of them are still working together but in a bigger space located at their new location 916 W McNeese Street.

Southern Technologies is a locally owned and operated I.T. company that strives to provide quality service to homes and businesses. Joseph Fowler, marketing coordinator and HR consultant, explains that their goal is to “provide our customers with quality services at an affordable rate. We strive to minimize the impact of down-time

for our clients, saving them thousands in lost production and consumer revenue.”

“In the first 10 years of business, Southern Technologies’ growth was due in most part to word of mouth referrals,” Fowler explains.

“Without the wonderful people of Lake Charles and SWLA, we would not be the established company we are today. Our Facebook reviews speak for themselves.”

He’s right. The company’s Facebook page is something to be proud of. Even the Southern Technologies’ website has a section for testimonials that praise the business and the employees. There’s also a blog on their website that provides useful information such as tips. Davis, who used to publish articles in the newspaper, started the blog. It’s obvious to anyone that they are not short on good reviews.

How do they maintain such high praise?

Staying current and constantly learning about

new technologies are two ways they provide great customer service. “The computer industry is a fluid field with technology changing on a daily basis. We have to continue to learn and change to stay an effective I.T. service provider.”

What’s in the future for Southern Technologies? Fowler states that the sky is the limit. “We will continue to grow and provide existing service as well as new innovations when the need arises. We also enjoy supporting our local schools and organizations with monetary donations, as well as volunteering our time to help others in our community.”

If you’re in need of computer assistance, whether it be at work or home, Southern Technologies is the place to go. Southern Technologies is proud to serve Lake Charles.

“We love being a part of this community and being able to provide great service to it.”

337.474.3567 | www.southern-tech.net FIRST EDITION - August 2015

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THRIVING with a Healthy Image Thirteen years ago, Kristy Armand and Christine Fisher were cheering alone in a parking lot. They had just landed their first client as a marketing agency. They didn’t have a business plan or start-up money.

What they did have was a shared vision, experience and two computers.

In 2007 they were joined by a third partner, graphic designer Barbara VanGossen. The three had worked together for years on various projects. “We didn’t have a defined goal or list of expectations when we started,” Armand said. “We just knew we would work hard.”

And they did.

Since then, Healthy Image has continued to grow. The team now includes 11 members and offers a full range of marketing services, including strategic planning, advertising, public relations, graphic design, corporate communication, videography, photography, social media management, website development, event planning and more – basically anything a client needs that falls under the marketing or image-management umbrella. “We’re communicators, not just advertisers. We want to tell a client’s story to the people who need to hear it, and there are many different ways to do that. It’s our job to find the most effective way,” says Fisher.

They will soon break ground on a new, larger office, where they will continue to provide services to their more than 100 local, regional and national clients.

Two years after Rendering of new building. starting Healthy Image in 2002, Armand and Fisher founded Thrive as a small quarterly publication focused on topics for better living; with VanGossen’s help it matured to a fullcolor, high-quality, award-winning monthly magazine distributed throughout SWLA and Southeast Texas.

In 2013, Healthy Image was nationally recognized by the United States Chamber of Commerce as one of the Top 100 Small Businesses in the country with the Blue Ribbon Award. Healthy Image was also named Small Business of the Year for Southwest Louisiana in 2012 by Louisiana Economic Development and in 2013, Southwest Louisiana Small Business of the Year by the SWLA Chamber Alliance.

The agency has received hundreds of ADDY awards for advertising, design and copywriting and Thrive has been honored for writing, design and overall excellence multiple times by the Louisiana Press Association.

While the recognition and awards are appreciated – and humbling – what matters most to the owners and their team is knowing they are helping their clients achieve their goals. “We love what we do, and we realize we are fortunate to be able to do it every day. Our success comes from helping others be successful and that’s a great feeling,” says VanGossen.

836 University Drive, Lake Charles (337) 312-0972 | ehealthyimage.com

836 University Drive, Lake Charles (337) 310-2099 | thriveswla.com

For more information on Healthy Image’s services, call (337) 312-0972 or visit www.ehealthyimage.com. To learn more about Thrive, call (337) 310-2099 or visit www.thriveswla.com.

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804 PPG Dr. Bldg A Westlake, LA 70669 (337) 882-9212 p (337) 882-9217 f gulfcoastrubber.com

“Building value by serving customers, employees and community.”

• Over 300 Years combined experience • 17,000 Sq ft facility • Water jet gasket cutting • Hose crimping up to 12” id • Metal hose and expansion joint fabrication • Hose test and certification • Spiral wound and heat exchanger gasket manufacturing • All types of fasteners, screws and anchors • Custom manufactured studs and bolts • Conveyor belts, components and services

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P.O. Box 1825 2512 Deaton Street Lake Charles, LA 70602 (337) 433-7896 p (337) 433-3242 f www.lcfiltration.com

Process Filtration for Air, Liquids, Gas, Filter Housings and Rentals

Leading the Filtration Market Lake Charles Filtration is a distributor and manufacturer of filtration products serving the petrochemical, oil field, and construction contracting industries. We also offer commercial and residential HVAC and water filtration products. In 2014, Lake Charles Filtration purchased Gary Filtration, a leader in the industry for over 30 years, and continues their proud tradition of service and sales. We lead the market in filtration products in our region due to our excellent customer service, leading branded products, product exclusives and manufactured product line. We’re proud to be a family-owned and operated business headquartered in midtown Lake Charles.

David Houssiere, Managing Partner/General Manager Steve Landreneau, Inside Sales/Purchasing Moby Goodwin, Partner/Sales Bryan Vincent, Partner/Business Advisor

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

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FIRST EDITION - August 2015

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

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Former Engineer Finds Purpose as Financial Planning Specialist Marty DeRouen, Wealth Management Advisor, Northwestern Mutual

“After nearly 25 years in

tremendous amount

the engineering field, it

of time, all of it sweat

just became time for me

equity, developing a

to be in a position that

comprehensive financial

more directly and more

plan before someone

meaningfully impacts

decides to become a

families.”

client. A plan helps people make life’s

That’s why Northwestern Mutual

financial decisions

Wealth Management

with confidence in a

Advisor Marty DeRouen

time when financial

changed careers in 2010.

planning has become

“God gives us particular

an increasingly complex

talents and skill sets.

responsibility for

There’s certainly a time

individuals.”

and place when how we use them can change. For me, that time had come,” said DeRouen.

While there are a number of areas that a financial advisor can address, Marty says that they are most often called upon

His long time passion for personal financial planning

for pre-retirement and retirement planning. In Louisiana and

made the choice to become a financial advisor an obvious

across America, fewer people are able to count on employer-

one. DeRouen’s experiences as a long time client of

funded pensions to fund their retirement dreams. And less

Northwestern Mutual made his choice of company affiliation

people have full confidence that the Social Security system will

an even easier one.

help to fund retirement plans in the future the way they do

“I love Northwestern Mutual, love what they stand for

today, says DeRouen.

and love what they provide for our clients and our practice,”

“It’s clear that the uncertainty of transition into retirement

he notes. “I never even considered joining any other firm or

and the many years living in retirement represent complexity

becoming an independent advisor.”

and real concern for most people,” says DeRouen. “Planning

In the five years since gearing up and making the change,

for retirement income that won’t be outlived, that keeps up

Marty and his associates Maria Simonet and Megan Sand have

with inflation and that isn’t subject to unnecessary market risk

built a healthy and well balanced financial planning practice

can certainly seem like a daunting balancing act. Meeting this

that’s centered on helping clients achieve financial security.

challenge is exactly why I ended up being where I am now, with

“If there is one thing in our practice that differentiates us, it is our commitment to writing a financial plan for every potential client we meet with,” says DeRouen. “We spend a

the team we have, doing what we do,” shares DeRouen.

“Helping families become financially secure and confident is clearly where I’m supposed to be.”

127 W. Broad Street, Ste. 600 Lake Charles l (337) 437-7805 24 www.thriveswla.com

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FIRST EDITION - August 2015

A Tradition of Visionary Care for Southwest Louisiana Fifty years ago, surgeries to treat cataract – a clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye – required a two-week hospital stay, a large incision and temporary immobilization of the head. Today, patients get more medicine when they have a tooth pulled. The required length of time in the care of a health professional for treatment of this very common condition has dwindled from 14 days to one hour, and patients no longer have to view the world through “coke-bottle” glasses after surgery.

“Today, cataract surgery is the most performed surgical procedure in the United States, and thanks to advances in premium lens replacement options, most patients are able to see clearly with no glasses at all after surgery,” says Dr. Virgil Murray, IV, ophthalmologist with The Eye Clinic.

The rapid evolution and improvement in cataract surgery is just one of many that The Eye Clinic has witnessed and participated in over the past 56 years. A few examples of “firsts” in eye care delivered by The Eye Clinic include being the first to offer modern cataract surgery with phaco emulsification, launching the first ophthalmic laser

William Mixon, MD

Alan Lacoste, MD, FACS

A.J. O’Byrne, MD

Virgil Murray IV, MD

Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologist

Rebecca Kindler, OD Optometrist

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologist

program between New Orleans and Houston, the first laser vision correction procedure, the first nerve fiber analysis for the diagnosis of glaucoma and the first implant of a multifocal lens for cataract surgery, among many others.

Ophthalmologist Dr. D. Dale Archer founded The Eye Clinic as a small, one-man office in 1959. He chose to locate the clinic in Lake Charles because “the people in Lake Charles deserve the same care available in New Orleans, California, New York or anywhere else.”

The group, now with 13 doctors and five offices across Southwest Louisiana, still holds that same commitment today. “It’s our mission to make lifelong eye care available for local residents,” says Dr. Murray. “We take pride in offering complete family eye care, including specialized services for infants and sub-specialty services for more serious eye conditions.”

Being able to honor that commitment involves more than just seeking out the latest technology.

The group also places great emphasis on seeking out well-trained, board certified, equally committed

William Iglinsky, MD Jon Yokubaitis, MD, FACS Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologist

Charles Thompson, MD

Melvin Gehrig, OD

Ophthalmologist

Optometrist

All the services in sight

doctors to join their staff. It’s a process that has proven successful for their growth and success.

“Throughout our history, we’ve never had any doctors leave us to form their own group, and only one or two have left for reasons other than retirement. That’s a precedent almost unheard of in the medical field today,” says Dr. Murray. “We also have many staff members who have been with us for 20-plus years, also a rare accomplishment in today’s era of short job tenure.”

As The Eye Clinic looks toward the future, continued advancements – both within the group and the ophthalmology field –are a certainty.

Plans for a new office in south Lake Charles in the Imperial Pointe development on Nelson Road are nearing completion, and on the technology horizon, microchips to reverse blindness, continued improvements to lens implants and developments in biotech medications are not far away. “It’s a very exciting time in medical technology – anything is possible, and we’ll continue to make advances easily accessible to our patients,” says Dr. Murray.

Don Bravin, MD

P. Mark Crawford Jr, MD

Jeffrey S. Hankin, OD

Chad East, OD

Ophthalmologist

Optometrist

Ophthalmologist

Optometrist

Lake Charles: 1717 Oak Park Blvd.

Sulphur: 2100 Maplewood Dr. DeRidder: 801 S. Pine St. Jennings: 1322 Elton Rd., Suite J. Moss Bluff: 277 Hwy. 171 North, Suite 4

1-800-826-5223 • www.theeyeclinic.net Thrive

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inspire. inspiring our children to become leaders

ignite.

SOUTHERN • DESIGN • ART • GIFTS

igniting a passion for learning

Insta

803 North Division Street Lake Charles, LA 70601

develop. developing innovative problem solvers

10

Great Reasons to be a

family

at Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School

Academic Excellence Safe, Nurturing Environment Competitive Athletics

26 www.thriveswla.com

337-433-5246 www.episcopaldayschool.org Global Citizenship Outstanding Technology Program Vibrant Fine Arts Program Successful, Confident Graduates Individual Attention Spiritual Growth Leadership

The Little Pearl interior design showroom, art gallery and gift shop is owned by Courtney Chance. It opened last June and is named after Courtney’s daughter, Margaux, whose name means “little pearl” in French.

Prior to opening her own business, Chance worked at 505 Imports for five years gaining knowledge in home interior decorating and valuable business experience. She developed relationships with some of the customers and began making decorating house calls, leaving her wanting a business to call her own. Now she does what she loves: in-home design with a beautiful showroom floor.

Her store allows Chance’s potential customers to come in and see her homey, comfortable style and what she can accomplish. She describes her own style as “southern chic”—soft, warm, relaxing palettes with lots of textures.

M-F 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. • SAT. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

2827 Hodges Street.

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FIRST EDITION - August 2015

Building the WHOLE Athlete Maximum Kinetics Sports Performance is the only athletic training facility in Southwest Louisiana designed to effectively build the whole athlete. Our philosophy and methodology have been developed to address the specific needs of each athlete to both prevent injury and optimize their athletic performance. We build a specific program for each individual athlete focusing on proper conditioning, flexibility, stability and mobility. Maximum Kinetics offers training services for ages 8 – adult, at any fitness level.

Jeffrey See, Jr., CSCS, RSCC

Maximum Kinetics Director of Performance • Former Training and Conditioning Coach, Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros organizations • National Strength and Conditioning Association - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist • Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach • NSCA - Louisiana State Advisory Board Member

2720 Country Club Rd, Suite G | Lake Charles

(337) 540-6379

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

/maximumkinetics

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a Unique

Niche in Southwest Louisiana

Sewing is something Melissa Hill, owner of Niche Fabric & Studio, has enjoyed from a young age. Her passion led her to found Niche Fabric & Studio in July of 2014.

It was a calling she felt strongly in her heart. “Sewing has meant so much to me—a source of joy, calm and inspiration. I wanted to create a place where people could come and find out what their creative niche is,” she says.

Niche offers unique sewing classes for people of all ages, in addition to fabrics and notions. Niche is proud to offer sewing classes to the youth in the community through summer camps, after-school sewing programs, home-school enrichment and birthday parties.

“We teach fundamental sewing skills and kids are able to create one-of-a-kind pieces such as clothing, accessories, and stylish room decorations,” Melissa says. “Our sewing classes and parties allow kids to play with colors, patterns, and textures. They learn to measure and design, and build self-confidence through sewing modern and fun projects. When a child gets to wear or display something they’ve made, they feel a sense of pride and happiness— something we all need more of.”

nichefabricstudio.com 4700 Common St., Ste. B Lake Charles (337) 477-3810 Insta

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Cemented in Our Community Some companies – with big investors and out-of-towners – come and go. We’ve been here for generations. We’ve grown with you. Our family’s DNA is in the foundations of the very walls that hold Lake Charles together. We’ve done a lot together as a community - with you, for you, because of you...and we’re not going anywhere.

pictured left to right

TIMELINE

Logan Breaux • Don Breaux • Jeff Miller • Philip Miller • Chester Miller • Monica Miller • Grant Miller

1901 - Titus Miller forms contracting business in Lake Charles

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1975 - Chester Miller (son of Alfred Miller) becomes President of AMC 1976 - AMC provides masonry work for Burton Coliseum

1947 - Alfred Miller (son of Titus Miller) founds Alfred Miller Contracting (AMC)

1981 - AMC provides masonry work for Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Thrive

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

Design-Build, Fireproofing, and Precast Concrete 175 Employees

4 Generations of Louisiana Entrepreneurs

68 Years in Business in Lake Charles

#1 Shop-Applied Fireproofing Contractor in the U.S.

3 U.S. Patents

22 acres of land and facilities

Innovation is in our blood.

How do you fireproof over 6 acres of steel, day or night, or in the rain?

Check out our video at alfredmiller.com/fireproofing and see how.

1999 - AMC launches design/build precast contracting. Power Center built

2015 - AMC works on two major LNG projects and a massive Ethylene project in SW Louisiana.

AMC purchases 11 acres to meet the needs of company growth and expansion

alfredmiller.com

2008 - Philip Miller (son of Chester Miller) becomes President of AMC. Chester assumes VP of Research & Development role. Built moving buildings for fireproofing yard

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

1177 L. Miller Road Lake Charles, LA 70605 p 337-477-4681

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Jimmie Elliott Civil Construction Co. & Environmental Services

Carolyn Chitty United Office Supply & Equipment Co.

McDonald Carheel, Carheel Consulting

Sasol: We’re Building … Local Small Business With more than $80 billion in announced capital projects in Southwest Louisiana, local small businesses have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow. Companies are expanding existing facilities, building new ones and generating significant economic impacts along the way. One of those companies, Sasol, has demonstrated a strong commitment to connecting local small businesses with these opportunities.

Sasol has called Southwest Louisiana home for nearly 15 years, and the company is building on its commitment to the area. Its $8.9 billion ethane cracker and derivatives complex is under construction, and Sasol is committed to hiring local businesses to support the project. Earlier this year, Sasol announced more than $1.7 billion in contracts with several major Louisiana contractors to support project construction. From large construction companies to small consulting and supply companies, local businesses are experiencing welcome growth thanks to Sasol’s project.

Furthermore, Sasol has partnered with the community to implement several programs focused on advancing local small business in Southwest Louisiana: Small Business Resource Guide

Sasol partnered with the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) at McNeese State University, the Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial and Economic Development Center (SEED) Business Incubator and local small business owners to develop a Small Business Resource Guide that provides step-by-step guidance on how to start a new business and information about how to work with local industry.

The resource guide is based on a nine-step process that helps small businesses develop a business plan, establish documentation and finances, market services and sustain the business.

“Sasol’s focus on hiring local businesses has created an opportunity of a lifetime for small business owners like me,” said McDonald Carheel, president of Carheel Consulting in Westlake. “Locally owned businesses like mine are expanding, jobs are being created and our economy is growing!”

To download the guide, visit: www.allianceswla.org/businessresourceguide.

Small Business Certification Workshops & Development Trainings

Sasol has also committed to fund monthly certification workshops and other small business training classes through the LSBDC at McNeese for area businesses and entrepreneurs. These workshops will cover topics such as understanding cash flow, financing business expansion, risk management, marketing and accounting. Others will teach small business owners how to receive certifications from the U.S. Small Business Administration as service-disabledveteran-owned, minority-owned, woman-owned, small disadvantaged or historically underutilized businesses. For 30 www.thriveswla.com

more information on certification workshops and trainings, interested parties should contact Donna Little, director of LSBDC at McNeese, at 337-475-5529.

Business Opportunity Forum

Numerous hiring, subcontract and procurement opportunities are available directly with the Louisiana contractors working on the Sasol project, including Cajun Constructors, James Industrial Constructors, Turner Industries, ISC Constructors, MMR Constructors, Performance Contractors, Excel USA and Civil Construction Co. & Environmental Services of Westlake.

Sasol hosted a business opportunity forum in February at the Lake Charles Civic Center for the Southwest Louisiana business community to meet with the company’s appointed contractors and learn about available opportunities. More than 800 people attended the forum.

“Doing business with Sasol has been a real game changer for our business and our employees,” said Jimmie Elliot, vice president of Civil Construction Co. & Environmental Services in Westlake. “What’s even more important is the ripple effect Sasol is creating for our employees and the community.”

“I’ve been doing business with Sasol for many years, and they’ve always made it a priority to support local businesses,” said Carolyn Chitty, owner of United Office Supply and Equipment Co. in Sulphur. “Sasol’s mega project has created an opportunity for small businesses like mine to provide our goods and services to more customers.”

To learn more about Sasol’s project progress, career and contracting opportunities as well as information about the company’s community initiatives, visit www. sasolnorthamerica.com.

Thrive FIRST EDITION - August 2015

Small Businesses:

By The Numbers The Small Business Association defines a small business as having under

500 employees.

28 Million

Small Businesses in the US

Small Businesses have created

65%

93%

of the new jobs in the U.S. since 1995

About of U.S. consumers believe supporting local businesses is important

79.66%

••••

of small businesses are self-employed individuals

•••••••••••••••••

••• Small Businesses account for

$3.6 Million:

Average annual revenue of small businesses

60%

of all jobs in the U.S. Roughly

543,000

small and local businesses start up each month

In the last 18 years, the number of female-owned small businesses has increased by

59%

Sources: cengage.com, blog.streetshares.com, blog.capterra.com, belegendary.org, surveycrest.com, wheniwork.com

1910: A Culinary Spirit of Rebirth In 1910, a devastating fire swept through downtown Lake Charles, burning nearly everything from Clarence to Division Streets, swallowing great Victorian mansions and lowly saloons alike. And while that great fire was ruinous, it also ushered in a rebirth of sorts, a chance to put Lake Charles on the map. The fire ushered in an era of modernization.

It’s that spirit of rebirth that inspired Andrew Green to bring his new restaurant, 1910, to downtown Lake Charles.

The décor of 1910 will respect the town’s past, featuring vintage photos amid a modern setting, so that foodies and history buffs alike can enjoy an ode to Lake Charles culture in a comfy setting. Even the building where the restaurant is housed is associated with the fire.

Construction on The Phoenix Building began in 2010 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the great fire.

“We’re going for a vintage feel inside that’s also very modern,” Green says. “Our logo even has the flame in it. The fire made everyone rethink the city and come up with plans to make it better. It was kind of a dream of mine to raise the culinary bar in Southwest Louisiana.”’

Green hopes to raise that bar and give rebirth to the downtown restaurant scene using old favorites with New American flair.

“We’ve been sharpening our theme for about a year now since we got the name 1910,” Green says. “I’m just trying to create a slightly more refined, culturally relevant cuisine that winds up being an expression of place.”

You can look for 1910 to open in September.

949 Ryan Street FIRST EDITION - August 2015

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(337) 602-6278 www.thriveswla.com

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g n i r x Ca n o i t i d a r T ey’ll tell you h t d n a n o r e asieu or Cam es, caring neighbors lc a C t s e W who lives in e, family valu s of our thriving id r p ic iv C Ask anyone . e ce to liv l qualitie a la p ti n t a e s e s r e g a e r ospital. a H e n s e o r h e why it’s t – m a ic C h u y work et est Calcasie W f o y c a and a health g le It’s also the community.

What began as a small 50-bed hospital in 1953 to answer the needs of the fast-growing population in the post-World War II decades has grown to become a vital part of the community it serves. For over 60 years, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital has provided Sulphur and the surrounding communities of West Calcasieu and Cameron parishes access to experienced physicians, skilled healthcare professionals, the latest medical technology and an unsurpassed tradition of caring.

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FIRST EDITION - August 2015

Over the years, the growth of the hospital has reflected the dynamic growth of the region, with services added to meet the needs of our community.

In 2006, voters in West Calcasieu and a portion of Cameron Parish approved a $25 million dollar bond issue, allowing the hospital to construct a new facility and purchase capital equipment. This bond along with a 10 year tax millage has allowed the hospital to continue to fulfill its vision to always provide exceptional health care: Your Need, Our Commitment.

In the past nine years, we have expanded and renovated numerous areas of the hospital and with these updates came the most advanced technology to provide the best care to patients. These areas include: • • • • • • • • •

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Women’s Center (formerly Labor and Delivery) Cardiac Catheterization Lab Respiratory Therapy Department Radiology Department Ambulatory Preadmissions Treatment Center (APTC) Admissions Department Wound Healing Center Emergency Department, including implementation of the Fast Track Program

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital not only serves members of the community by providing the most advanced health care services in our area, but also is especially proud to offer care for patients in outlying areas of our service district, including: • • • •

Vinton Rural Health Center, addition of a family medicine physician Hackberry Rural Health Clinic Johnson Bayou Rural Health Clinic The Diagnostic Centers located in Sulphur and Westlake

Improvements in equipment have also recently been made to some of the unique and innovative services we provide at: • Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Centers in Sulphur and Moss Bluff • Genesis Therapeutic Riding Center

We honor the hard work and dedication of over 700 employees, as well as the visionary leaders who have provided us with their guidance. It is important to look back, but it is even more important to look ahead, to a bright future with the promise of continued growth and caring for our community.

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

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Creating a Community with Signature Style

When Wendy White-McCown opened the doors of Signatures Salon on McNeese Street in 1996, her goal was to foster a sense of community among staff and clients. She wanted her staff to feel like working at Signatures was more than just a job. In many salons stylists are separated by their chairs and individual goals, but at Signatures they would be a family, building upon their passions together.

She also wanted to connect with her clients to provide an experience instead of services.

Over the years this shared passion and Southern hospitality helped the salon evolve and incorporate the latest technology and trends to enhance their offerings and professional achievement. Signatures Salon has been featured on national and local television, it has been named the among the Top 200 Salon and Spas in the United States by industry leader,

Salon Today Magazine, was named the 2014 Small Business of the Year Southwest Louisiana by the Chamber of Commerce and has been voted “Best Salon in Southwest Louisiana” for six years.

These accomplishments were hard-earned through 18 years of dedication and teamwork, but this all came crashing down one early morning this May when the majority of salon was reduced to rubble. A drunk driver had crashed into the building, destroying the front wall. The damage was severe.

“There was no door to open,” said Signatures’ Manager Noelle Mills. “We had recovered from Hurricane Rita’s damage in ’05, but I didn’t know how we were going to be able to bounce back from this. We have a family of 22 employees now.

We all depend on the business.”

What the Signatures team didn’t realize was how successful they had been in creating that sense of community that White-McCown envisioned when she first started. Their clients, other salons and the entire community rallied to help them recover.

“We feel truly blessed and humbled by the tremendous outpouring of support we

803 West McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70605 www.signaturessalon.biz 337.478.4433

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received, “ said White-McCown. “Jeff Scarborough, owner of Scarborough’s Salon and Day Spa, immediately welcomed us into his former, nowempty, location on Ryan Street. Salons throughout the area donated chairs and various supplies so we could continue working. Our staff and clients were incredible. Many of them came on the day of the accident with open, helping arms. They had food and shovels to help us clear away the debris.”

A little less than a month after the accident, on June 15, Signatures Salon re-opened its doors in a newly-renovated home. Fully operational, it continues to provide its clientele with the highest –quality experience.

“We built our business on being a community, but it was this wider one of our industry peers and clients that served as the true foundation in rebuilding our business,” said White-McCown.

“I didn’t think that I could have been prouder to call Southwest Louisiana my home before this happened, but now I am grateful to be a member of this community. I’m just so thankful. It is amazing to see how many people believe in us and our dreams.”

Signatures Salon is located at 803 West McNeese Street in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Full-service hair styling for men and women of all ages is available, as well as comprehensive facial esthetic services. For more information about Signatures Salon, call at 337-478-4433 or visit www.signaturessalon.biz.

R

ns a om

8 2 : 8

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

RONNIE JOHNS INSURANCE AGENCY Service to our Neighbors— It’s a State of Mind

(l-r) Janet Arceneaux, Darla Carroll, Ronnie Johns, Margo Nilsson and Zelda East Growing up in Bunkie, Louisiana, the son of the fire chief and a secretary, Ronnie Johns learned a very important lesson from his parents that has guided him throughout his life and career. “We didn’t have a lot, but my parents taught me that there was always someone else with less, and it was our obligation to try to help them. They instilled a sense of responsibility to give back.”

Johns earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree, and returned to his hometown work as a pharmacist. Having been taught the value of independence all his life, Ronnie wanted to own his own drug store, but was disturbed by the trend of locally pharmacies across the country closing down as large chain stores moved expanded. He decided he needed to make a change, and in the early 1980s, opened his own State Farm Insurance Agency in Sulphur. “It’s a decision my family has never regretted, and we’ve been happy to call Southwest Louisiana our home ever since,” Johns says.

Through hard work and a commitment to personal service, Johns’ agency grew quickly. He has won numerous State Farm awards including the Legion of Honor, President’s Club, and Silver Scroll.

The agency now has a support staff of four, all of whom share his philosophy of giving back. The agency offers a comprehensive line of insurance products and serves customers from across the five parish area—often multiple generations from the same family. “We get to know our customers; they become our friends, and we are fortunate that they feel the same about us,” says Johns.

Although the job is a rewarding one, Johns says at times it can be heartbreaking. “We often see people at the very lowest point in their life – after a accident or a tragedy, sometimes when they have lost everything. That’s tough. But we are here to help them recover and put the pieces back together. After Hurricane Rita, we really experienced what that was all about and I was never more proud of my staff, my company, my community and our local public leadership than I was in the aftermath of that storm. We took care of each other and came through it stronger, together.”

After first responding to the call to public service at the city and parish level, Johns was elected Louisiana State Representative in 1995, an office he held for three consecutive terms, the most allowed in the state. In 2011, he was asked to return to public office and ran for his district’s open seat in the State Senate. He ran without opposition and has served since 2012. He is seeking re-election in October.

Johns has received numerous awards for his work in the state legislature, and he credits his staff at the agency for allowing him to be able to do the work he needs to do for the citizens he serves. “I know when I’m working in Baton Rouge that my State Farm clients are being taken care of, just as if I were there. I have complete confidence in my team and appreciate all that they do for our customers in Southwest Louisiana.”

RONNIE JOHNS

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

337-625-4025 3701 Maplewood Drive, Suite 2 | Sulphur, Louisiana Thrive

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When renowned vascular surgeon, Dr. James Ingram, decided to retire after 36 years of practicing vascular and vein surgery in Lafayette, he wanted to leave the care of his patients and his practice’s name in trusted hands.

HIS CHOICE? Christopher LaGraize, MD, RVT, FACS A respected, board certified, fellowship trained vascular surgeon in his own right, Dr. LaGraize accepted the offer…and along with partner, John Luke, III, MD, RPVI, created the new

Christopher LaGraize, MD, RVT, FACS

John Luke, III, MD, RPVI

The Vein Center of Louisiana focuses on procedures to treat varicose veins, spider veins, chronic venous insufficiency and other vein diseases.

“Our goal is to help educate physicians and their patients on vein disease and the importance of proper treatment for each condition. We are dedicated to treatment based on what is right for our patients. “ The Vein Center of Louisiana offers an ultrasound diagnostic imaging lab and in-office surgery and vein treatment areas.

Our surgeons focus on making the right diagnosis, educating patients about their disease, and providing conservative treatment using the latest, minimally invasive procedures: Sclerotherapy VenefitTM VNUS Procedure Microphlebectomy

• In-Office Procedures • Minimally Invasive – Little or No Recovery Time with Little to No Scarring • Quick, Easy – In and Out in About an Hour • Covered by Most Insurance, Including Medicare Board Certified • Fellowship Trained • Experienced

36 www.thriveswla.com

Venefit™ Procedure

It’s time to feel better again!

Call to schedule your free screening.

337-484-1400 155 Hospital Drive, Suite 410 Lafayette, LA 70503 www.VeinCenterLA.com info@VeinCenterLA.com VeinCenterLA.com here to learn more ThriveVisit

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

Now That’s Italian!

LaVoglia Restaurant Opening in Oak Crossing in September If you want authentic Italian cuisine, you’ll soon be able to enjoy it right here in Southwest Louisiana. LaVoglia, a new, upscale Italian restaurant, will be opening in September.

Owned by Alfredo Kulici, who owns and operates the popular New York Pizza & Pasta and French Quarter Bar & Grill restaurants in East Texas, LaVoglia will offer classic Italian cuisine, along with seafood, steak and Mediterranean dishes.

Kulici is originally from Albania and grew up in northern Italy. The youngest of nine children, he says he grew up in a home where fresh, delicious food was the heart of their family life. He is classically trained as a French chef, and immigrated to the United States in 2003, after a vacation led him to Dallas. While there, he donned the chef’s hat in a friend’s restaurant and was an instant hit. He decided to make his home in Texas, where he now owns a string of restaurants. Kulici is now moving to Lake Charles, following the growth taking place in Southwest Louisiana and opening a different kind of restaurant, one that will return him to his childhood culinary roots of fine, handmade Italian pasta and fresh bread.

“LaVoglia, which means ‘the dream,’ will give me and the members of my family who will be joining me at the restaurant, the chance to prepare and serve the kind of food we love best,” says Kulici. “We are very excited about this new venture and can’t wait for Southwest Louisiana to taste our favorite family recipes, which have been handed down through generations. We love to cook and I think this will be very apparent to our customers.”

LaVoglia will encompass 4,000 square feet in Oak Crossing, the 20-acre business park development located on the corner of Nelson Road and Ham Reid Road in south Lake Charles. Kulici says the restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

Visit the LaVoglia’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/LaVogliaLakeCharles for more information. The restaurant’s website, www.lavoglia.net, will be launched soon.

5656 Nelson Rd, Suite B2 Lake Charles, LA

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/LaVogliaLakeCharles www.LaVoglia.net www.thriveswla.com

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It’s fitting that Hurricane Rita’s tenth anniversary falls in tandem with a celebration of our region’s homegrown economy, but it all ties together. A little under 10 years ago, the number-one message from the Chamber Southwest was that we were open for business. It would take more than a big storm to knock us out. Rita banded us together stronger than we were before. In the days, weeks, and months after Rita, rivalries were left on the football field, and our regional leaders worked together to restore, reinvigorate and reimagine what Southwest Louisiana could be.

From the storm, we gained two major economic drivers for our region.

First, the Chamber Southwest and its foundation merged with the Southwest Louisiana Partnership for Economic Development to form the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. It wasn’t just a name change. It was a sign that the business community and public entities— parish and municipal governments—would work together in an unprecedented fashion to drive development.

The other positive outcome from Rita recovery was the Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial and Economic Development (SEED) Center. When leaders sat down to assess exactly what would be needed to reinvigorate an 4310 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA 70605

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•

entrepreneurial spirit within our region, it was unanimously decided Southwest Louisiana needed a one-stop business development center. The land was donated by McNeese State University. The building was fully funded through recovery funds by Calcasieu Parish, the City of Lake Charles, and the Alliance. It opened its doors in August 2013 to an eager audience.

Its first floor is dedicated to the twin missions of developing inventive McNeese graduates through the University’s Innovation Classroom and Lab, and the diversification of our regional economy with the SEED Center Business Incubator—a full, scale incubator designed to nurture businesses of all types and sizes. The Small Business Development Center is also on the first floor.

The second floor is comprised of the Willis Noland Resource Center, which provides meeting space for regional businesses to host meetings, lectures, workshops and luncheons. On any given day, there are two to three events being held at the SEED Center—all for the purpose of connecting and developing our regional business community.

The third floor houses the staff offices of the Alliance, IMCAL (the regional planning commission), and the (337) 433-3632 Thrive

•

allianceswla.org

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R D U R YOBE AT M H W HA

C

O

SWLA

ES

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We are the Voice of Business: Representing our members in Baton Rouge & Washington, D.C.

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regional offices for SCORE and PTAC. The goal of building a one-stop regional development location has been fully realized. The scope of the projects, events, and programs which has stemmed from the SEED Center is extraordinary.

Any business coming to the SEED Center is provided with free consulting, a venue to host training and/ or economic development events, and – if they are a fledgling business—a place to grow and develop within the Business Incubator.

The SEED Center Business Incubator offers business training, startup office space, access to business equipment and services that are usually too expensive for a new business. Clients receive coaching, counseling, managerial and technical services, along with the opportunity to network with other emerging businesses.

To date, three businesses have graduated out of the SEED Center Incubator, and the incubator is at 50 percent occupancy. That means we have 16 businesses within the SEED Center working through their critical first years under the supervision and guidance of professionally trained counselors. In a few years, they will move out and make room for another wave of entrepreneurs.

The Chamber works with existing and new companies to “grow the pie” so we all have more potential business The Chamber works to solve workforce issues We promote regional cooperation resulting in our region leading the nation in announced industrial projects.

We provide a forum to make a difference in the community through our committees and task forces A venue for professional development through workshops and seminars We provide exposure for your business through low cost advertising through Lamar Advertising, the American Press, our publications, and our member-to-member Perks Program For more information about the Chamber Southwest Louisiana, contact Paula Ramsey, VP, Chamber Operations, at pramsey@allianceswla.org or (337) 433-3632. www.thriveswla.com

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702 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive 337.439.8871 www.champeaux.biz

SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA HOMEGROWN ARCHITECTS BRINGING YOUR VISION TO REALITY

40 www.thriveswla.com

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D Walnut Grove TN Original Wa

lnut Grove

Walnut Grove: The Most Modern Development in the Region has Historic Roots From the late 1800s through 1926, there once a scenic gathering place along the Calcasieu riverfront called Walnut Grove, where courting couples took romantic buggy rides, fishermen cast their lines in the river, and families enjoyed a Sunday afternoon picnic. In the mid 1920s, the Port of Lake Charles took over the property, and this scenic area took on an important new role in the region’s growth and development.

Now there’s a new Walnut Grove, very near the original location, and it all began in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita in 2005. The Lawton offices in Sulphur were destroyed by the storm, and the company, which had already been planning a mixed-use neighborhood, began to look for a new corporate home as well.

Their search led them in an unexpected direction, one that linked the past to the future in a very unique way.

“As we looked into the property on West Sallier in Lake Charles, we discovered the rich history associated with the original Walnut Grove and knew we had found the site for our Traditional Neighborhood Development, or TND, a place where we could connect the best parts of our region’s history and sense of community to a modern planning concept,” says Gus Schram III, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Walnut Grove Development, L.L.C. Schram says that as society has evolved, small-town America seems to have gotten lost along the way. “Today’s town center is more urban than quaint; we spend more time in our cars than on foot; and talk to our neighbors through texts, not on the front porch. We want to change that. Everything you need—restaurants shops, and parks—will be right around the corner in Walnut Grove.

It’s not a reversion to the past, but a unity between tradition and innovation. Walnut Grove will bring forth a revival of the spirit of community which our country was built around.”

The 60 acres of Walnut Grove features aesthetically paved streets, offices, shops, homes, restaurants, a town square, parks, a beautiful estuary and other fundamentals of a self-contained village—all without sacrificing the great traditions of south Louisiana that inspired it. Traditional architectural elements of the region are being painstakingly followed, with the goal of creating a community that looks like it evolved naturally over time, the way towns did in the past.

The first street of residential homes has several families who now call Walnut Grove home. Construction on new homes continues and are available for pre-sale. The model home, located at 2070 Jabez Drive, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week for neighborhood tours and to answer any questions about homes in the neighborhood.

Schram notes that the streets and parks of Walnut Grove were named in honor of people and places that impacted the region in meaningful ways, such as Jabez Drive, named after Jabez Bunting Watkins who launched a campaign in 1883 to attract people of the “highest caliber” to Southwest Louisiana; Charleston Park, carrying the original name of the town that became Lake Charles, and Contraband Alley, named after Contraband Bayou and Pirate’s Alley in New Orleans.

“We wanted to not only capture the flavor of this area, but to pay tribute to its history,” says Schram. “In our opinion, that takes it a step further from being just another development, and makes it something everyone in our region can be proud of.”

Learn more about the history of Walnut Grove and plans for the development at www.walnutgrovetnd.com.

West Sallier Street www.walnutgrovetnd.com

Call (337) 497-0825 for information on Walnut Grove.

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MOTION Local Banking The Way it Should Be

Think back to the end of the first decade of this century. The country was in the middle of a recession, the financial market meltdown dominated the headlines and trust in banks was lower than anyone could remember in our lifetime.

Lake Charles Main Branch

(337) 474-3766 • 4735 Nelson Road

Lake Charles - Oak Park Branch

(337) 502-4314 • 2132 Oak Park Blvd.

In the middle of all this economic gloom and doom, one new bank defied the odds and was granted a charter by banking regulators. That bank was Lakeside in Lake Charles. That charter was the only one awarded in the country that year; in fact, until this year, it was the only one awarded to a new bank in the last five years.

So how did Lakeside become the exception?

According to bank president and CEO Mike Harmison, it was a combination of factors.

"We had the capital, a conservative business plan, local board leadership, an experienced management team, and evidence of a strong economy in Southwest Louisiana – all factors that would help us succeed.”

It appears the regulators' trust was not misplaced. In just two years, Lakeside went from being the country's only new bank to reporting triple and quadruple percentage growth in the key areas for financial strength and stability.

Lakeside opened late in the summer of 2010 in a temporary building while construction of the 6000-square-foot main location on Nelson Road in Lake Charles began. By the end of 2011, several experienced local banking leaders joined the bank's management team, and the new main office opened in mid-2012. An Oak Park branch opened in 2013, followed a Westlake branch last year. Plans for a location in Sulphur are underway.

In 2012, Lakeside Bank was named one of the 359 safest banks in the U.S. by MSN Money.

In 2013, Bauer Financial gave Lakeside its 5-star rating reserved for the strongest banks in the nation. In 2014 and 2015, Lakeside was ranked among the healthiest banks in America on DepositAccounts “Top 200 Healthiest Banks in America.”

As Lakeside celebrated its 5th anniversary in July, they also marked the milestone of becoming a $150 million dollar bank.

Harmison is proud of Lakeside’s history and its excellent rankings, and says the bank’s high standing among customers and rating groups are a direct result of the relationships his team of local bankers have with their customers.

“People don’t do business with banks. People do business with people. Our growth and success is a testament to the trust our customers have placed in our people," he says.

Community banks are responsive to local needs in a way that multi-national banks and financial services holding companies can’t be, according to Harmison. Community banks provide 77% of the agriculture and 50% of the small business loans nationwide yet hold only 14% of the banking industry assets.

“We understand our customers. We understand the political, cultural and economic climate of the community in which we operate.

We live here; it’s our home too and we are personally committed and invested in its success,” Harmison says.

The Way Banking Should Be Westlake Branch

(337) 502-4144 • 2203 Sampson Street 42 www.thriveswla.com

LakesideBanking.com Thrive

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Your homegrown hospital with big-city services.

For 31 years, we’ve been proud to serve our neighbors in Southwest Louisiana. Today, close to 500 dedicated staff members and 200 affiliated physicians, many “homegrown” themselves, provide you and your family with quality healthcare services. Caring for the hearts of our community is important to us, so we make cardiac care a priority. You’ll also find a time-honored focus on OB/GYN services, robotic-assisted surgery, bariatric surgery, wound care and more. We’re here with the healthcare and wellness services that help our community to thrive.

To learn more, visit LakeAreaMC.com. Or just stop by. You won’t have to go far!

LakeAreaPhysicians.com

44 www.thriveswla.com

4200 Nelson Road • Lake Charles 337-474-6370 LakeAreaMC.com

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SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA

Southwest Louisiana Imaging, formerly known as South Ryan MRI, LLC, has been providing remarkable imaging services for over 11 years in Lake Charles and for the surrounding area. We have an advanced 64 slice CT and the ONLY 3T MRI in Lake Charles. Our state of the art 3T MRI has the most innovative technology to provide our physicians with the utmost imaging clarity. Southwest Louisiana Imaging has competently maintained ACR accreditation for over 9 years, with our most recent achievement in ACR accreditation for Lung Cancer Screening. Patients and physicians may choose where they go for their imaging, and the choice is clear with Southwest Louisiana Imaging.

Always

ON-CALL for SWLA Since 1993, Southwest Call Center’s mission and purpose has been to be on-call so their customers do not have to be. The company provides customer support services to businesses throughout Southwest Louisiana and the rest of the US – all day, anytime, every day.

Traditional answering service is not all they do. From dispatch to email to voice mail and even conference calling; businesses can use Southwest Call Center to streamline their business communications.

The Lake Charles-based call center is committed to providing “business as usual” service during disaster events or weather-related emergencies.

Even an evacuation doesn’t stop them. The have a remote agent staff and volunteer-based ride-out crew to keep the community covered with uninterrupted service.

Southwest Call Center is committed to treating their customers right by answering every call professionally, taking an accurate message and delivering it according to their specifications – all day every day.

1601 Country Club Road 337-439-7778 (Inside CHRISTUS St. Patrick South Lake Charles Building)

629 S Martin Luther King Hwy, Lake Charles 337-310-2435 l southwestcallcenter.com

Make it a Calla Night. at Walnut Grove

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1400 Market Street, Lake Charles www.thriveswla.com

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CLEARING THINGS UP – FROM THE NECK UP ENT & Allergy Clinic is Expanding to Meet the Needs of our Growing Community Outdoor living is a way of life in Southwest Louisiana, and our weather can be pretty unpredictable, to say the least, regardless of the season. These factors, combined with the usual sources of viruses and infections, can lead to a multitude of sinus, ear and throat problems, along with the accompanying symptoms.

The ENT & Allergy Clinic, an affiliate of Imperial Health, offers advanced diagnostic and treatment options for a wide range of ear, nose and throat problems, along with comprehensive allergy testing and treatment options.

Dr. Brad LeBert, Dr. Bridget Loehn and Dr. Blake LeBlanc specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of a variety of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat, as well as related structures of the head and neck.

Dr. Brad LeBert

This includes, but is not limited to: • • • • • •

sinus disease tinnitus ear infections tonsillar conditions salivary gland disease tinnitus

• thyroid disorders • allergy testing & treatment • allergy treatment • hearing loss

In addition to routine care, we offer specialized treatment options, such as balloon sinuplasty, minimally invasive sinus procedures, thyroid surgery, bone anchored hearing aide implants and more.

1920 W. Sale Road, F3 | Lake Charles

Dr. Bridget Loehn

Dr. Blake LeBlanc

New ENT & Allergy Clinic Location—Coming Soon

Construction is underway on the ENT & Allergy Clinic’s new, expanded office on Wolf Circle off of Nelson Road in Lake Charles.

The new office will encompass 9,500 square feet and include 13 exam rooms and two procedure rooms. There will be a full-scale allergy center, designed to offer concierge-style service, with dedicated parking, a separate entrance and its own waiting area. Another addition will be comprehensive audiology services, with an audiologist joining the team offering comprehensive hearing testing and devices. Anticipated completion date is February 2016.

46 www.thriveswla.com

(337) 312-8564 | entandallergyclinic.net Thrive

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

Products Employees Community

Safety

Environment

We’re Creating Future Opportunities, Today.

The future of Southwest Louisiana has never looked brighter, and Axiall is strategically positioned to play a vital role in the region’s growth.

We’re dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life in our community – a commitment reflected by our focus on safety and health, environmental stewardship, education and workforce development.

Our products impact and enhance the daily lives of people, and we’re always looking for new ways to provide for a better tomorrow.

Enhancing life through applied chemistry.

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

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CAMERON PARISH —Ready for Business Southwest Louisiana is a regional superstar of the U.S. economy, and Cameron Parish has played— and will continue to play—a leading role in the regional economic boom. The opportunities for business growth are unprecedented in Cameron Parish, with seven LNG export facilities announced so far, and construction underway on multiple sites. The growth is real and the potential is even bigger and long-term. With our natural gas facilities, access to a skilled workforce, government commitment to business incentives and infrastructure, there’s never been a better time for people and businesses to make the move to the Gulf Coast of Cameron Parish.

In addition to the numerous draws for business, Cameron Parish offers a family-oriented lifestyle in a region rich with wildlife and fisheries. Southwest Louisiana is known as a sportsman’s paradise largely because of Cameron Parish, with its waterways, marshes, nature trails and bayous.

WHY CAMERON? · Booming economic growth in LNG industry · Access to five Louisiana ports · Business incentives · Direct access to three major labor markets (Houston, Lake Charles, Lafayette) with readily available, trained workforce

· Positioned for continued growth · Eco-tourism · New, stronger, elevated public facilities and housing · Safe and family-oriented · Sportsman’s paradise

(337) 775-5718 p a r i s h o f c a m e ro n . n et 48 www.thriveswla.com

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DIFFERENT ADDRESS. SAME COMMITMENT. 337-900-0000 hdinjurylaw.com

NEW LOCATION

517 W. College St. | Lake Charles LEE HOFFOSS

T-CLAUDE DEVALL

Recognized by

Forbes magazine

Denise Rau, CFP, and her team of financial advisors were included with five other financial firms from across the country in the feature, “America’s Financial Leaders,” in the July issue of Forbes magazine.

The Rau Team: Mark Eckard, CFP®, Debora Alexander, Denise Wilkinson, Denise Rau, CFP®, Joel Istre, Eva Abate, CFP®, Philip O’Quin

(337) 480-3835 | 1634 RYAN ST., LAKE CHARLES | www.raufinancialgroup.com

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

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Securities offered through LPL Financial Member FINRA/SIPC

www.thriveswla.com

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Experience

It’s Monday and you are swamped with paperwork at the office. In fact, you’re so busy that you forgot to stop for lunch.

That’s when you realize you didn’t pack a lunch and now it’s too late for you to run out and grab something. Now you’re getting hungry—hungry and angry. Sounds like a typical Monday. But wait!

There’s an app available in the Lake area that allows you to order online for carryout or delivery!

50 www.thriveswla.com

Say hello to WAITR. Founded by Chris Meaux, Waitr is an app that encompasses everything one needs to order food from his or her favorite restaurant.

“Louisiana is known for its food, and we give people access to the food they want, when they want it,” said Meaux.

In 2009 Meaux tested a food delivery concept in Southlake Texas called Meaux’s 2 Geaux. The concept was to provide busy people with an option to order dinner online and have it delivered to their door at a time of their choosing. The idea was a success but Meaux decided the timing wasn’t right. After that test, providing on demand food service to customers has always been on Meaux’s mind.

It wasn’t until 2013 that he brought the idea to life and founded Waitr.

Thrive

Meaux describes Waitr as “a smartphone menu for hungry restaurant guests.” Instead of downloading an app for a particular restaurant or for all of your favorite restaurants separately, Waitr offers users a list of local restaurants with full menus and vivid photos of the food they want to eat. This keeps your phone from overflowing with apps, and simplifies the process of ordering food. “It’s a frictionless dining experience” says Meaux.

“I saw an opportunity to solve a problem for restaurants and their guests, but I needed some smart co-founders - so I contacted a few McNeese professors to help me find the right co-founders for Waitr,” he says.

That’s exactly what he found with Adam Murnane and Manuel Rivero. “I shared

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

my vision and they wanted join the team immediately – we appointed both co-founders and Waitr was on its way,” says Meaux. The other two co-founders, Evan Diaz de Arce and Addison Killebrew, were part of the founding team at Startup Weekend, a Google sponsored competition that Meaux attended in Gainesville, Florida. Meaux set out to participate in Startup Weekend so that he could host the event in Lake Charles at the SEED Center which had just opened. Instead, he worked with a team at the event and created the prototype for Waitr—and won the competition.

Coming back to Lake Charles was the next step. The SEED Center in Lake Charles made the process of creating the app easier and faster.

“It allowed us to get started right away. The incubator provides us with resources which are critical for young startups.” In addition, Meaux believes that “Lake Charles is the perfect market because people are passionate about food.” Not only are they passionate, but they’re busy people as well.

“Waitr is the perfect dining app for busy people,” says Meaux. The popularity of the app is quickly growing in Lake Charles – it’s addressing a need for both users and restaurants and provides a convenience many people have been waiting for which is evidenced by the thousands of users Waitr has attained to date.

Not only is Waitr making hungry people happy, it’s also providing jobs in the Lake area.

“The employment base in the Lake area has long been local plants and refineries. We’re creating jobs in technology. People have told me we can’t build a tech company in Louisiana, but we are.”

That’s good news for many students who are majoring in the technology field across Louisiana.

Waitr is hiring local talent and wants to keep college graduates in Louisiana to help strengthen the community.

The Waitr app lists menus for local restaurants, along with hours of operation, business address and phone number. In addition, Waitr provides a map that pinpoints the restaurant location and shows the delivery area for that particular restaurant. “If your location falls within the delivery area for a particular restaurant that means you can get delivery from that restaurant” says Meaux. Within the menu, users can browse professional photos of most menu items. “Chefs love to feature their food and Waitr allows them to do so visually with our app,” says Meaux. “You don’t just read food with Waitr—you Experience Food with Waitr.”

The Waitr app allows users to order for Carryout or Delivery without the hassle of searching for restaurant phone numbers, waiting for someone to answer the phone, or waiting on hold for ten minutes. It also gives users the ability to verify their order before submitting, which

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

reduces order mistakes. Waitr users don’t have to worry about whether or not the person on the other end of the line heard their order correctly.

Basically, human error is eliminated with Waitr.

The dining experience is now in the user’s hands.

Experience Waitr – where the user creates the dining experience desired.

The Waitr app also takes away the unnecessary hassles of paying for your food. Users pay when they order, so there’s no waiting in line to pay or having to pay upon delivery. The tip can be added at the time of order as well, but the option to tip in cash upon delivery remains. Coming soon, is the Dine-in option that will allow customers to order and pay on their smartphone right from the table at their favorite restaurants. “Dine-in on Waitr will allow restaurant guests to order and pay when they’re ready, allowing servers to spend more time on the dining room floor serving and improving the guest experience” says Meaux.

Not only is Waitr convenient, it’s simple to use.

The app can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and will be available on Android next week.

To begin using the app, users simply create an account and select a method of payment to be used when placing orders. This makes it easy to reorder as well. After an account is created,

users can begin to order food from their favorite restaurants. They can choose carryout or have it delivered by Waitr. “We deliver for most of our restaurants,” Meaux says. Delivery is available from 8am to 9:30pm on weekdays and 8am to 10:30pm on weekends.

For those who are not so tech savvy, Waitr offers a Demo Diner that comes up first on the list of restaurants when you launch the app. This allows users to explore the app using the demo in order to become familiar with how the app operates. The demo includes a menu and comes with a mock credit card number which allows users to learn how the ordering process works without fear of making an error on orders or the payment process. Simple, right?

Waitr is providing a much needed service to customers in Lake Charles and Lafayette.

Additionally, Waitr is helping increase sales for participating restaurants as well as promoting efficiencies and productivity within the restaurants’ current business workflow. “We offer restaurants new customers, orders and visibility, coupled with a multitude of other benefits – which we’ve termed the Waitr Effect,” says Meaux.

Waitr is expanding to Houston, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans before the end of this year.

Restaurants interested in being on Waitr can get started by emailing Info@WaitrApp.com Waitr is currently hiring various positions in Lake Charles.

Check out their website at waitrapp.com/join-team/

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We’re the Perfect Fit for Southwest Louisiana’s

Bessette Realty, Inc.

Real Estate Needs

Tara Demarie 474-2185

Tobie Hodgkins 474-2185

Ashley Demarie 474-2185

Tammy Ardoin 884-5214

Harvey Bessette 474-2185

Kimberly Blanchard 802-3633

Eric Blanchard 794-1783

Daisy Broadway (225) 281-9150

Lauren Callis 842-2121

Angie Chamberlain 802-0390

Ricky Chapman 309-5814

Peggie Dando 515-2583

Karen Davis 302-7177

Joy Dumesnil 794-9380

Analee Gregory Dupuie 274-9996

Judy Fontenot 540-1776

Kim Granger 526-5787

Sharel Hebert 515-8189

Paula Hilliard 513-9148

Shellie Hoffpauir 513-6627

Lydia Holland 794-7848

John Koetter 802-2678

Keisha LaFosse 580-3152

Sharon Leger 802-0305

Suzanne McCoy 842-6411

Jade Miles 660-8545

Linda Moffett 794-0512

Jackie Myers 540-2503

Grace Robideaux 496-1611

Karen Sanders 302-7911

Peggy Skinner Poindexter 523-8176

Jennifer Sproles 348-9927

Rebecca Slone 540-3915

Karen Thibodeaux 274-3321

Larry Turner 540-1916

Each office independently owned and operated.

52 www.thriveswla.com

century21-bessette.com

3025 Lake Street, Lake Charles | 474-2185 Thrive

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

1721 B West Sale Road | (337) 478-5232

YARD SIGNS BANNERS DIRECTIONAL SIGNS INDUSTRIAL WRAP

We make paper,

DS

YARD SIGNS BANNERS

• Offset, Digital, Large Format & Variable Printing • Bindery • Database Support • Mail Services

DIRECTIONAL SIGNS (337) 477-2595 FIRST EDITION - August 2015

|

| www.lcpmailcom INDUSTRIAL

1723 W. Sale Road

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Essential Ingredients of a

"Bons Chiens" is French for "good dogs"--and when it comes to well-behaved canines, Britney Pitre is your guide.

Pitre worked at PetSmart Charles native Britney forLake more than seven years and Blanchette Pitre has always worked as a dog trainer forknown 3.5 that she was meant to own her years while there. In 2009, she own business. She’s worked in the became head dog trainer at pet industry since 2001 and when PETCO, following to year, she hadand thethe opportunity open she launched a private dogup her own business in 2011 she training took it. business on the side. It didn't take her business “I am thelong ONLYforCertified Profestosional take Dog off. By February 2011,” say Trainer in SWLA, Bons Training was Pitre.Chiens She isDog currently a member The Association of Professionaofhometown company with a al Dog Trainers, Pet Professional homegrown name.

by Britney Blanchette Pitre

Guild, ASPCAPro, an AKC CGC Evaluator and is certified in pet CPR and first aid.

She offers in-home private dog training , meeting with clients conveniently in their homes, as well as private dog training within the facility on Hodges Street in Lake Charles and/or group training lessons.

Pitre is Pitre now the uses only scientifically-proven and force-free methods. only certified “I’ve worked in the industry since professional dog 2001, have a background in Aptrainer in Southwest Louisiana, plied Behavior Analysis from MSU and one of only six in theofstate. and have almost 10 years expeShe offers private training within rience training dogs,” she says. theAbout comfort of herher clients' owning ownhomes, busisemi-private training in public ness she says “The biggest reward areas, private trainingI’min her is helping people. not Lake just Charles wide variety training facility dogs –and I’m atraining peoplegroup as well.

Whenclasses. my clients exof training press how studied much I’vepsychology helped them, Having it makes meher feelmotto very is rewarded at McNeese, "Train and fulfilled. ” She is the only 100 Without Pain."

Pitre also hosts a monthly Yappy percent force-free and sciencehour that provides a safe, fun and based trainer with a local facility. educational environment for dogs to socialize. Admission is $10 per dog. It’s always on a Sunday evening, lasts two hours and is open to any friendly and vaccinated dog.

337.422.4703 • bonschiens.com

Quality Product

Jessica and Scotty Huval are natives of Southwest Louisiana. As owners of Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, they feel even more in tune with their communities. Their three children help in the store. Together, the family helps schools, youth groups, charities and fundraising with donations. For them, giving back isn't just the responsibility of entrepreneurs--it's the principles of daily life that they strive to live by.

As a company, Orange Leaf focuses on making a superior product at an affordable price.

They don't cut quality corners; the yogurt is made fresh daily with good health and great taste in mind. Another essential ingredient: superior customer service, which makes Orange Leaf a perfect place to hang out as you finish off your bowls.

SULPHUR • 305 North Cities Service Hwy. | LAKE CHARLES • 3465 Nelson Road

Private training offered in-home or at facility Group training lessons Basic, intermediate and advanced education for puppies Rehabilitation for dogs with aggression and/or anxiety

Bons Chiens Dog Training 2311 Hodges Street • Lake Charles • 337-422-4703

Louis G. Mes. M.D. 337-504-4336

www.bonschiens.com

54 www.thriveswla.com

Stephen J. Delatte, M.D. Hugo St. Hilaire, M.D., D.D.S 337-504-4336

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FIRST EDITION - August 2015

For over 25 years, LCI Workers’ Comp has worked alongside Louisiana business owners in virtually every field, providing expert guidance and personalized service. In direct response to client needs, our professional staff builds custom programs that meet, and exceed, business goals. This enables LCI to consistently improve offerings and to better meet evolving category demands.

So put our team to work for your business. Just don’t let us anywhere near your espresso machine.

::

lciwc.com

::

985-612-1230

Put us to work for you.

FIRST EDITION - August 2015

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CENTER FOR NEUROSURGICAL & SPINAL DISORDERS FOR YOUR BRAIN AND SPINE HEALTH CLOSE TO HOME! Our practice evaluates and manages a wide variety of conditions affecting the spine, brain and peripheral nervous system including: • Disk Disorders

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Sciatica

• Ulnar and Peroneal Nerve Entrapment

• Spinal Stenosis

• Tumors of the Spine and Brain

• Vertebral Fractures

• Hydrocephalus

Perform both minimally invasive and complex surgery In network with most insurance companies

Erich Wolf II, M.D. Ph.D, F.A.C.S. Board Certified

56 www.thriveswla.com

Brian Kelley, D.O. Board Certified - Eligible

1614 Wolf Circle | Lake Charles, LA 70605 Phone 337.478.9653 • Fax 337.474.0988 Thrive www.spine-brain.com

FIRST EDITION - August 2015