2017 Baton Rouge Business Report Presidents' Forecasts by Baton Rouge Business Report

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees. Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECTSPECIAL PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS ADVERTISING SECTION This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2017. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

BRYAN NAQUIN

PRESIDENTS’

FORECASTS Company presidents, local CEOs, business owners, managers and other leaders forecast the economic climate for 2018, including the outlook for their own industries and companies. Issue Date: 12/19/17 Ad proof #1

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received by the close of business today. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees. Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2017. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

KATHY TRAHAN

PRESIDENT AND CEO Alliance Safety Council THE 2018 OUTLOOK for our industrial contractor workforce is positive despite major hurricane disruptions this year. There are substantial investments on the horizon for chemical, power generation, pulp and paper, and LNG terminal projects along the Gulf Coast extending into 2019. Dr. Loren Scott’s recent economic update reminded us that in light of the reduced oil prices, American companies are continuing to do what they do best: innovate. The resulting efficiencies reduce breakeven prices for oil and gas production and help keep slated chemical projects in play. While the majority of project activity is shifting from Baton Rouge to the Lake Charles and New Orleans areas, our shared workforce will remain heavily engaged in both regions. This supports the economic stability in Louisiana’s industrial construction sector. Concurrently, many economic data sources are reporting unemployment at a 17-year record low. This information—coupled with nominal inflation and hopes of economic tax reform early next year—sets the stage for a positive overall business climate for 2018.

OWNER Acadian Home Theater and Automation A PERSPECTIVE FROM the other side of the remote: I read a lot of articles on people’s opinions about how one control system is better than the other, or we only install the best, etc. Crestron vs. Savant vs. Control 4 vs. Elan and so on or Lutron vs. everyone else. After a long time in this industry, I have seen hundreds of installations. I would categorize most as terrible, some okay, many underwhelming and some good—but very few would I call amazing. While I love competition between manufacturers as it helps push the technology envelope higher and the price down I have come to realize that a good Home Entertainment system or Home Automation system is all about WHO did it and how WELL they read the clients’ needs. Often companies focus on the equipment only and assume the equipment will solve the client’s problems, when in fact it’s about intentionally designing and installing a system that is easy to use and delivers quality entertainment at the level the client wanted, which in turn provides a superior experience than just the “equipment” alone could ever provide. If you design a system for the cool factor but it is so complicated the client can’t work it, you failed. If you install a system that has been stripped of all the controls in the name of simplicity so that a client can’t Issue Date:common 12/19/17 Ad proof perform functions and has#2 to dig out a remote to fix it, you • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor fail. Finding a balance is hard. Attention to revisions. details matter. It’s not all about • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions gear! It’sclose all about youtoday. and your clients’ needs—meet them well! are the received by the of business • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

EMILE BREAUX

PRESIDENT & CEO Associated Grocers Inc. WE EXPECT THAT the Capital Region and most of our Gulf Coast trade-area will continue to experience modest growth over the next 12 months. The most recent historical deflation in nearly all food categories appears to be turning slightly inflationary, with a few exceptions in key commodities. New tax policies at the state and federal level will weigh heavily on further hiring decisions as well as capital investment projects. In the food industry, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity continues as many retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers seek to utilize scale to bolster profitability. With the cost of borrowed capital remaining at relatively low levels, we expect to see additional M&A activity in our industry during 2018. Private equity investments in large regional and national retailers will further “commoditize” the shopping experience of consumers in those businesses, providing a genuine opportunity to the local retailers that we service. As many consumers move to on-line commerce, our mission is to provide a local shopping experience that cannot be replicated by online merchants. For those consumers who desire an on-line option, our retail stores are rapidly developing or enhancing their on-line presence to satisfy this growing consumer need. 2018 marks Associated Grocers 68th year of being part of the Gulf Coast economy. We extend to all of our friends and neighbors our best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2018.

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, December 19, 2017

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS

KENNY HODGES PRESIDENT/CEO Assurance Financial

THE REAL ESTATE FINANCE industry is expecting another year of growth for purchase activity. The lack of housing inventory for sale in the Capital Region has been an issue over the past year and this shortage has driven up home prices, which can make it challenging for first time homebuyers to find affordable properties. While rates are expected to rise in 2018, they will still be at historically low levels and remain favorable for buyers looking to purchase. In addition to low interest rates, the mortgage marketplace has seen a shift over the past couple of years to less stringent credit criteria and more programs available with little to no money required as a down payment. Finally, the Trump administration has made a change in leadership at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which is the regulatory agency for the mortgage industry. With this change, there is an expectation that many of the regulations that have been enacted since 2010 will be reviewed and loosened to create more opportunity for homeownership. Baton Rouge is the corporate headquarters for Assurance Financial. We strive to close home loans on time, every time and with several offices in the immediate area, our experienced team is ready for the increase in housing demand. Our workforce is committed to this community: It’s where we live, work and play. We are thankful to the thousands of Issue Date: who 12/19/17 customers have putAd theirproof trust in#2 us to lend the way to a better • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. Baton Rouge. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received by the close of business today. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

LARISSA LITTLETON-STEIB, PH.D. CHANCELLOR Baton Rouge Community College

FOLLOWING A WONDERFUL 2017 at Baton Rouge Community College, we are looking forward to even more amazing moments in 2018, including our 20th anniversary in August! We are excited to celebrate this huge milestone. BRCC has grown tremendously since it first opened in 1998—we have gone from only one building on one campus to eight locations throughout the Greater Baton Rouge region. In 2018, we will see the opening of the Collision Center, a 26,000square-foot facility located near the Automotive Training Center at our Ardendale site. The new facility will increase our course offerings to coincide with the already state-of-the-art automotive technology education BRCC is providing to our future mechanics. It will greatly aid us in supporting the future workforce of Louisiana. This year, we were able to secure the necessary donor match for ACT 360, a multimillion-dollar expansion project at our Acadian site that seeks to bring much needed workforce training and career opportunities to North Baton Rouge. This partnership between BRCC, the East Baton Rouge School System, and Istrouma High School will enable us to expand the curriculum to complement the region’s advancing workforce needs. 2018 promises to be a year of great change, improvement, and expansion.

BUSINESS REPORT, December 19, 2017 | BusinessReport.com

ED SILVEY

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Baton Rouge Clinic WE ARE VERY excited about the projected growth for the Greater Baton Rouge area. We are a part of this growth through new services and outstanding physician recruiting for 2017 and 2018. As we begin our 71st year of service, we are mindful of the ongoing recovery efforts in our area and realize that care for those sick is needed now more than ever. In 2017, the Clinic continued to reach high benchmarks for colon-rectal cancer screening, breast cancer screening, high risk medication monitoring, cholesterol and hypertension control, and diabetes management. The Clinic was again named a ‘Better Performing Practice’ by the Medical Group Management Association. The doctor/patient relationship remains paramount, as evidenced by a greater-than 97% patient satisfaction rate. Our philosophy continues to be the same: one patient at a time. Despite the uncertainty surrounding current healthcare legislation, we look forward to the upcoming year as we are uniquely poised to handle the future healthcare challenges for our community. We will continue our efforts to enhance patient access, expand services, embrace advancements in technology, and develop strategic partners to better serve our patients. We still stand as the largest independent medical group practice in the state of Louisiana, housing over 110 physicians, with Issue Date: 12/19/17 Ad proof #1 patients in our region. On 18 different specialties, serving over 250,000 • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. behalf of all of our physicians and employees, we wish you a healthy and • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions NewofYear! are prosperous received by the close business today. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

ANDY DUPUY

PRESIDENT AND CEO Brown & Root BROWN & ROOT is going into 2018 with great confidence, based on an outstanding year in 2017 and forecasted growth in the markets we serve regionally, nationally, and internationally. Our company is known throughout the world for its industrial maintenance and construction expertise. We are continuing to build the most comprehensive plant services company in the business, with engineering, turnaround support, and soft craft (scaffolding, insulation, painting, blasting & coating) service lines—and adding specialty services such as Cooling Tower Technologies and Specialty Welding to bring additional value to our customers. In 2018 we will continue our focus on the time-tested values and practices that have made Brown & Root one of the most respected names in industry: maintaining a safety culture that is second to none, dedicated to the health and safety of our employees, our customers, and the public; continuing to train and educate our workforce to approach every task with skill, proficiency, and efficiency; unwavering in our commitment to integrity and professionalism; and always looking for better ways to be the best. We are proud to be a part of the refining and chemical/ petrochemical industries, and of this business community. Please visit brownandroot.com for more information, or call us at 225-776-7655.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECTSPECIAL PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS ADVERTISING SECTION

MIKE NIZZO

EAST BATON ROUGE MARKET PRESIDENT Business First Bank THANK YOU ALL for making 2017 a memorable year for Business First Bank. We were fortunate to experience strong organic growth while undertaking several expansionary steps—including opening an office in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area and announcing the pending acquisition of MBL Bank in North Louisiana. Upon close, our resulting company footings are expected to exceed $1.5 billion for the first time. This achievement will make us one of Louisiana’s largest locally headquartered banks and one of a small number operating across the state and now region. We expect our larger size to enable us to serve you even more robustly than we currently are and look forward to continuing to grow with you in 2018. The new year is sure to be both a challenging and prosperous year for the Baton Rouge area. With continued moderate but diversified job growth, a strong housing market and continued expansion of the chemical industry, I believe growth opportunities will be available for entrepreneurs and small businesses across our community. Business First Bank will remain committed to helping our clients take on those opportunities and looks forward to welcoming new clients in 2018. From our family to yours, we wish you a blessed Christmas and much success in the New Year.

Issue Date: 12/19/17 Ad proof #1

SUSANNE HALL

VICE PRESIDENT, WEST REGION Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED COCA-COLA HAS BEEN a staple throughout Louisiana since the late 1800s. Through strong partnerships with our customers and 2,200 committed associates, our market share continues to grow. Coca-Cola UNITED recently expanded its operations in Louisiana, giving its West Region—based in Baton Rouge and stretching as far east as the Mississippi-Alabama line—more responsibility for how drinks are produced, marketed and sold. Our associate base grew by nearly 10% at our bottling and distribution centers, and the company also invested more than $29 million in new or improved facilities, fleet and technology—all designed to enhance the company’s service to its customers, consumers and communities. In Louisiana alone, we have eight sales and distribution centers and two production facilities, in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. More than 54 million cases of Coca-Cola beverages are sold annually in the state, through some 33,000 retail and on premise customers. In Baton Rouge, Coca-Cola dominates the market, accounting for an 84 percent share for sparkling beverage sales. We believe our continued local focus, commitment to superior customer service and involvement and investment in our communities will allow us to prosper long into the future.

TIM BARFIELD PRESIDENT CSRS, Inc.

DEALING WITH CHANGE, uncertainty, and risks have always been a part of business; however, 2018 brings a more heightened focus than usual. As 2017 comes to an end, the national economy and the stock market performance indicate strength, despite ongoing gridlocks in Congress and the new threats to peace and security around the world. Louisiana and the Greater Baton Rouge Area have been remarkably resilient despite many challenges, and we should see some additional momentum from recovery efforts for the Great Floods of 2016. I am increasingly concerned about our state and local revenue and budget issues and the impacts on our infrastructure and educational institutions that are so vital to our long-term economic stability, our livelihoods, and sustaining our unique culture. Even so, 2018 will bring opportunities to move our communities forward, but at times it will take exceptional resourcefulness and ingenuity, in addition to our unique community spirit. At CSRS, creating strong communities built upon solid infrastructure, efficient facilities, and purposeful development is our mission. We build better, stronger, more resilient communities with efficacy so our communities can achieve their goals today while laying the groundwork to realize future objectives, improving the social and economic fabric Issue Date: 12/19/17 Ad proof #2 along the way. • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received by the close of business today. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

ANTHONY POPE

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & REGION MANAGER Cox Communications

AS A 120-YEAR-OLD, privately-held company, Cox answers to our customers, not shareholders. Our company was founded on principles of honesty, respect, and the necessity of going above and beyond for our employees, customers, and communities we serve. Cox is setting the stage for a connected home experience— delivering the latest in technology to keep you entertained, protected and connected. This year, Cox announced a $10 billion investment to improve the customer experience. This included the launch of Cox Panoramic WiFi, providing wall-to-wall, fast internet in every part of customers’ homes—a product that is hugely popular across our region. Next year will be full steam ahead for G1GABLAST, our 1-gig residential service. In 2018, we plan to roll out a new modem and technology that will make G1GABLAST available to majority of the households we serve in Louisiana. Meanwhile, stay tuned for exciting new enhancements to Contour, which is continuing to delight with its voice-controlled remote and app, allowing you to take TV on the go. Now featuring an integrated Netflix experience, accessing even more movies and shows on Contour is as easy as speaking into the remote. Here’s to 2018 and staying connected with family, friends and entertainment you love.

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, December 19, 2017

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS

SPENCER WATTS

LIBRARY DIRECTOR East Baton Rouge Parish Library THE NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED East Baton Rouge Parish Library continues to expand its services for the business community. Our resources deliver up-to-date training and new tech initiatives so local businesses’ employment and research needs are met at a level that helps them grow and compete globally. Our branches provide the programs and resources for all ages that add to the quality of life for business professionals and their families. The new River Center Branch will be modern, high-tech, energy efficient and a center for robust community and government activities and meetings, planning, learning and discovery. It will include such unique features as the Electronic Arts Teen Technology Center, a Maker Space, a digital media studio for teens, business pods, a rooftop terrace, a café and much more. We’re especially pleased to offer Gale’s Small Business Builder, a step-by-step online planning tool for starting, managing and optimizing a business or nonprofit. As we continue to expand our workforce development and emerging technology offerings, the Library also diligently strives to assist in the forward momentum of Baton Rouge’s development. We will continue responding to your needs in working toward growth and development. Check us out at ebrpl.com or Issue Date: 12/19/17 Ad proof #2 ebrpl.com/DigitalLibrary. • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received by the close of business today. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

RONALD J. FALGOUST PRESIDENT & CEO First American Bank and Trust

FOR OVER 100 years, First American Bank and Trust has served the financial needs of its communities with 24 locations throughout Southeast Louisiana, including Ascension and East Baton Rouge parishes. In 2018, we will open our 25th location in Dutchtown. A community bank with total assets of $888 million, our goal is to facilitate the needs of both consumers and small businesses. In the past year, we have been able to provide individuals with construction and residential loans and small businesses with loans up to $10 million. Besides being a great source of loan funding, First American Bank maintains a strong capital base for our customers to deposit their funds. From online bill pay to mobile check deposits, First American Bank offers the latest in banking technology to provide the best possible services for our customers. First American is a place where principles, fairness and people still matter. Decisions are still made locally – by local people who care. Let First American Bank take you where you want to go in the new year. First American Bank and Trust. A Banking Tradition Since 1910. www.fabt.com

WARREN DRAKE

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS East Baton Rouge Parish School System 2018 PROMISES TO be a great year in the EBR Parish School System. New 21st century schools will open at Broadmoor Elementary, Park Elementary, and Jefferson Homesites. The fall will see the grand opening of the Career and Technical Education Center, where students will pursue career credentials and college courses while still in high school. The EBR Parish School Board continues to work diligently to advocate for our students. Our district offers rigorous academics, a college preparatory curriculum, workforce readiness, technology integration, character development programs, arts enrichment, and competitive athletics. We currently have ten U.S. Department of Education “National Blue Ribbon Schools,” with the recent addition of Forest Heights Academy of Excellence and Baton Rouge Foreign Language Academic Immersion Magnet. New STEM magnet programs are now open at Woodlawn Middle and Woodlawn High Schools. Additionally, Park Forest Elementary, Park Forest Middle, Villa del Rey Elementary, and Belaire High schools will open magnet programs as part of the DOE’s Magnet Schools Assistance Grant. We have forged great community and business partnerships, and we enjoy the support of volunteers, mentors, and clergy to ensure we Issue 12/19/17 proof #3 you Baton Rouge and look are Date: educating the wholeAd child. We thank • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. forward to a new year filled with new • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions possibilities for our students. are received by the close of business today. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

DENNIS SHILL

MARKET AREA PRESIDENT First Bank and Trust FIRST BANK AND TRUST – Baton Rouge (FBT) has been proud to partner with businesses throughout Louisiana’s Capital Region as the economy has continued to recover from the Financial Crisis of 2008. Now, Baton Rouge continues to grow and even thrive in some industry sectors. Our 2018 forecast foresees the local market experiencing modest job growth over the next two years strengthened by major employers that include State Government, LSU, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, IBM, and ExxonMobil. We expect the energy and chemical industry to continue to rebound along with professional/business services and construction. We are excited to see a growing industrial corridor located in our own backyard and see opportunities that will emerge from recent announcements of construction/expansion projects in excess of $500 million in the health care sector—including the new OLOL Children’s Hospital, Baton Rouge General, and Ochsner’s project adjacent to the Mall of Louisiana. We understand the recovery is still in-process especially in regard to the devastating 2016 flood, but we hope 2018 will see local citizens back in their homes and moving forward. First Bank and Trust works as a partner alongside owners of small to medium-sized businesses to provide the necessary financing and sound advice they need to grow and expand their businesses. 8383 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 • (225) 925-3014

BUSINESS REPORT, December 19, 2017 | BusinessReport.com

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECTSPECIAL PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS ADVERTISING SECTION

MARIANNE FRAZEE

PRESIDENT & OWNER Frazee Recruiting Consultants Inc. SUCCESS. EQUALITY. DIVERSITY. This is the vision we at Frazee Recruiting have for not only the Greater Baton Rouge area but our state and nation as a whole. Since 1998, I have led a specialized team that is devoted to delivering total workforce solutions. As the employment landscape continuously evolves, these values remain consistent: honesty and integrity while treating people with respect. Each company has unique needs. At Frazee, we have developed a recruiting and vetting process directly tied to our clients’ specific staffing requirements. We spend a significant amount of time interviewing and assessing each candidate to determine the best job fit. As we quickly approach 2018, I forecast a continued growth trend in our state’s healthcare services sector. Currently, there are four health care projects underway with an estimated combined cost of about $500 million. As a Woman Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) with Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) certifications, my membership in the American Staffing Association and Certified Staffing Professional (CSP) designation helps to keep our team on top of regional, national and international recruiting and staffing trends. IssueI Date: 12/19/17 #2 that our experienced and invite you to discoverAd theproof difference • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. consultative team can make in your • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions organization’s growth in 2018; visit or call us at (225)231.7880. are FrazeeRecruit.com, received by the close of business today.

DARREN KATTAN VICE PRESIDENT Immense Networks

IMMENSE NETWORKS SPENT 2017 preparing for growth. We invested heavily in our technology and most importantly our people. We’ve sent multiple team members to conferences to bring back fresh ideas and stay abreast of innovations in our industry. In 2018 we plan to achieve our mission of helping people accomplish more by taking the time to talk to our clients about their businesses and understand where the pain points are. IT isn’t about fixing printers anymore. Our role is to be aware of the specific hardware and software available to our clients and interconnecting them to achieve results greater than the sum of their parts. We feel that our team is uniquely qualified for this undertaking as we have some of the most deeply technical people in the area at our disposal. The automation we’ve created just within our own business in the past year has been nothing short of staggering, and we’re ready to share it with the world. We want our clients to feel confident that they are getting the most out of their technology and have a partner to guide them through. Learn more about how Immense Networks can transform how your company uses technology at immense.net.

Issue Date: 12/19/17 Ad proof #2

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS

JERRETT RICHTER OWNER Jerrett Richter, CPA, LLC

FOR 2018, we are acutely attentive to proposed changes in the federal tax code. There are several significant developments for businesses and individuals that will be impacted by reform. Clients should be engaging their accountants for comprehensive “what if ” analysis of these changes. Currently, the Congressional chambers are reconciling their respective versions of reform and we anticipate a variation of the Senate bill to emerge as the leading effort. We expect business and industry to be very pleased with the final legislation. Separately, with our business, we’re seeing tremendous advancements in the automation of business processes and utilization of artificial intelligence to conduct business. Everything from automated scheduling to complex predictive analysis. We believe these advancements provide crucial productivity spurts for businesses to repurpose longstanding payroll to advanced management functions. We’re also bracing for the blockchain transaction system to disrupt many longstanding practices in the accounting industry. The train is in motion for the average business to leverage these technologies. The time for servicing clients with these needs is today.

JEFF KLEINPETER

CO-OWNER Kleinpeter-Kennedy Pool Services, LLC WOW! HOW BLESSED do I feel to have had a fantastic career with a great team at Kleinpeter Dairy! And now, to be blessed with another fantastic team at Kleinpeter-Kennedy Pool Services, LLC! Retirement is definitely overrated. The tremendous growth of our company is proof that Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas are abundant with opportunities for those that know how to provide great customer service, provide knowledge and quality products, and be there when needed. These things were taught to me by my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. The pool business, why? OMG! The demand is there. The demand is high. Tommy Kennedy and I are one heck of a leadership team. We don’t mind the summer heat or getting dirty. We love the challenge of figuring out why a piece of equipment isn’t working and then repairing it, so the customer can enjoy their pool! And to have Taylor working with me—a dad couldn’t ask for more. Weekly cleaning, repairs, leak detection and repair, iPhone controls, color LED lighting, high efficiency heaters, re-plaster, we do it all! Thank you, team! Thank you, family! Thank you, clients! Learn to love your pool again!

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, December 19, 2017

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS

DAVID BONDY

FOUNDER AND CEO LUBA Casualty Insurance Company 2017 WAS A YEAR of healing for the Baton Rouge area. Those affected by the 2016 flood, which includes many of our LUBA employees, have exemplified the power of the human spirit. They did not engage in self-pity. They displayed strength, hope and faith, and readily embraced the long journey toward rebuilding their lives. That journey continues for many of these resilient people. We must not forget them. Many still need a helping hand. The outlook for this region’s 2018 economy appears strong, but there is much work to be done if we are to make our region and our state a place that people want to live, work, and worship. There are jobs available here. We must encourage and reward a strong work ethic. The resolve of LUBA’s employees makes me proud. Their commitment to our agents and policyholders is unsurpassed. Our policyholders enjoy low premium rates and have successfully decreased the number of on-the-job injuries. As our company enters its 28th year, we are proud to say we are a regional insurance company yet we remain domiciled in Baton Rouge. Please don’t forget the reason for this holy season as you gather with friends and family. My New Year’s prayer is that we feel the Christmas Issue Date: 12/19/17 Ad proof #3 spirit all year long. • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received by the close of business today. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

DOUG LAPORTE

OWNER AND PRESIDENT LaPorte’s Paint & Body 2017 MARKS THE 37TH YEAR Laporte’s Paint and Body has been servicing the Capitol Region. This past year was an extremely difficult one due to all the atrocities the world experienced. As we look forward to and move closer to 2018, Laporte’s Paint and Body will continue to focus on our core values: excellent customer service and attention to detail. As we all know, the transit system in the greater Baton Rouge area remains a challenge. Regrettably, the burgeoning vehicle congestion on our streets will continue to result in accidents—at times involving extensive damage. We are therefore forecasting an increase in revenue for the auto body and repair business in this area. In 2018, we will continue to cultivate relationships with our customers, who trust in our ability to provide them with the best results and excellent service. We have been fortunate enough over the years to have built a reputation as a dependable vehicle repair service provider that is wellknown and respected in the community. We are grateful and blessed to have clients who continue to trust us and remain loyal to Laporte’s Paint and Body year after year. Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous 2018!

BUSINESS REPORT, December 19, 2017 | BusinessReport.com

KRISTIN WALL

PRESIDENT AND CEO LWCC IN 2017, LWCC proudly celebrated our 25th anniversary of serving the needs of Louisiana businesses and its hard-working employees. Also this year, LWCC was fortunate to distribute a 2016 dividend of $90.6 million to over 20,000 policyholders. This was the 14th consecutive year LWCC has issued a policyholder dividend, bringing the cumulative total returned to more than $576 million. This year and every year, we are pleased to reward our policyholders and appreciate their continued trust in LWCC. At LWCC, safety is always one of our top priorities. As a state, Louisiana has done a tremendous job focusing on safety. Our hope is that all businesses in Louisiana will continue to be diligent in developing and improving safety measures for their employees to offer safe and welcoming workplaces. Looking forward into 2018 and the future, we are hopeful for another exciting and successful year. Our success and achievements over the past year allow us to remain financially stable and experience excellent results. We hope to be able to experience similar success in the future and to continue providing exceptional workers’ compensation coverage to our policyholders and keeping our promise to meeting the needs of their injured workers.

Issue Date: 12/19/17 Ad proof #4

LAURIE LIPSEY ARONSON PRESIDENT AND CEO Lipsey’s LLC

THIS PAST YEAR was a great testament to the commitment of our team and getting back to the fundamentals of doing business. It was about cultivating new relationships and seeking new business opportunities where others weren’t looking. We also continue to maintain strong partnerships with our customers and our vendors, which has always been a cornerstone of our business. Smart buying and the ability to move quickly to get inventory to our dealers has been paramount to staying ahead of the competition this year. The trend of fast, affordable shipping, as well as having product readily available to ship, is critical in today’s retail environment. We spend a great deal of time exploring new processes and new technologies that keep our growing distribution center ahead of the curve. We have never based our business plan around headlines. Our focus is always on exceeding our customer’s expectations by providing exceptional service. While some of our competitors faced market challenges in 2017, we maintained our position in the forefront of our industry. We held firm to both our strategic goals and to our company direction and fortunately through the hard work of the entire Lipsey’s team we achieved both. Innovation will undoubtedly be the key to our continued growth in 2018. As our industry evolves, those who plan effectively, and can react fast to the demands of the market, will enjoy what we believe to be a very promising year.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECTSPECIAL PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS ADVERTISING SECTION

DAVID O. BENNETT PRESIDENT & CEO

Livingston Economic Development Council Inc. WHILE 2017 WAS a recovery year for most of Livingston Parish, a number of developments propelled the community forward in significant ways. Businesses, homeowners, and governments all faced challenges—and there are more ahead—but the light at the end of the tunnel is in sight. Major announcements include All Star Automotive Group’s groundbreaking on its new Nissan and Kia dealerships at the Juban Road exit. Designs for the Northshore Technical Community College in Walker have been approved, and construction has been green-lighted. Along with numerous retail and small business grand openings, business investment remains strong. The longer-term project pipeline for companies interested in relocating or expanding in Livingston Parish is filling, indicating continued interest from industrial companies. Additional industrial sites are being identified to enhance efforts to attract jobs and investment. Three new sites that have potential for state site certification are proceeding through the initial vetting process. Securing additional certified sites will greatly enhance parish competitiveness and improve our chances for success. We will enjoy the progress made in 2017 and continue to build toward the future.

Issue Date: 12/19/17 Ad proof #1

ROSE J. HUDSON

PRESIDENT/CEO, Louisiana Lottery Corporation YEAR AFTER YEAR, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation continues to deliver on its mission to maximize state revenue. Last fiscal year was our third best ever, transferring more than $159.1 million to the treasury. First quarter results also bode well for a strong 2018 with contributions pacing $7 million better than budget. We are one of a few state lotteries still operating under a set transfer mandate, with 35 percent of our revenue dedicated to fund K-12 public education. Leading one of the most fiscally efficient lotteries in the nation, I am proud of our mission-driven, innovative workforce. This focus on success resulted in our being named a “Best Place to Work” in 2017. The new year ushers in excitement as Louisiana welcomes its 16th Powerball jackpot winner to our “millionaire’s club” that boasts over 70 members. With the recent changes to Mega Millions, we hope to initiate even more in 2018.

RONNIE ANDERSON

PRESIDENT Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation AGRICULTURE CONTINUES TO grow Louisiana’s economy. The farmers, ranchers and foresters in this state help maintain a $12 billion a year industry which provides more than 275,000 jobs. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation will continue to represent the two percent of our population who keep 100 percent of us clothed, fed and sheltered. In 2017, I personally saw Louisiana’s leaders take notice of the importance of agriculture to our state’s future. Governor John Bel Edwards and Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain made six stops at farms, ranches and forests across our state to speak frankly about the issues, challenges and opportunities facing agriculture. I was proud to see Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation volunteer leaders host Edwards and Strain, giving their neighbors a chance to speak directly to their elected officials. We already know 2018 will have challenges, especially when the Louisiana Legislature begins facing a $1 billion budget hole. Know that the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation’s grassroots volunteer leadership and staff will be there to ensure our elected officials continue to support the agricultural industries which keep Louisiana growing.

Issue Date: 12/19/17 Ad proof #1

BUDDY TEXADA

PRESIDENT Non-Metallic Holdings, Inc 2018 IS LOOKING even more promising than 2017 and we are very excited about our future. As in 2017, the industrial market continues to grow and the ability of our community to meet the demand for quality people and vendors has met this growth. When all the elements required for growth are met, it makes for a very exciting atmosphere where everyone benefits. This is a credit to the leadership of our community. Our strategic goals for 2018 center around maintaining our excellent record on safety and service. Our community is strong and re-invested and we are very excited about our strategic model for growth. We are very much looking forward to 2018 and the opportunities it will present.

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, December 19, 2017

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS

SCOTT WESTER

PRESIDENT AND CEO Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center THE POSITIVE OUTLOOK for children’s health continues to rise as does the construction of Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and government support, when the new hospital opens in the fall of 2019 this will be the only pediatric facility designed and built exclusively for the needs of Louisiana’s children. Our integrated clinical network of more than 450 providers and our innovative clinical care models focusing on the right care, at the right place, at the right time, are showing great results in increasing access to high-quality care while reducing the overall cost—that’s value. Strong physician training is an anchor for a healthcare economy that attracts and retains businesses. Eyes are on Baton Rouge with Our Lady of the Lake’s graduate medical education as one of only eight programs nationally to be collaborating on innovation with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. We’re hosting our colleagues from the Cleveland Clinic, the University of Chicago and others from fellow top-tier healthcare organizations in January and we’re honored to highlight our medical staff and teams for the great work here training our nation’s future doctors. Clinical excellence and the Spirit of Healing carry us into 2018, a great new year and beyond.

Issue Date: 12/19/17 Ad proof #2

BILL BALHOFF

MANAGING DIRECTOR & CEO Postlethwaite & Netterville FOR NEARLY 70 YEARS, Postlethwaite & Netterville has been part of the Baton Rouge community, and I have been a part of P&N for more than 40 of those years. During that time, we have seen dramatic changes in the Baton Rouge market and the accounting industry alike, including expanding services, globalization, transformational technology, and an ever-evolving regulatory environment. Through all of these changes, one thing has remained the same: exceptional people — both within our clients’ organizations as well as our own. 2018 will continue to bring changes, including a transition in the role of CEO and Managing Director for P&N, and I could not be more excited about the quality people who will lead us into the future. Beginning in May, Dan Gardiner will assume the role of CEO for P&N. Dan is a proven leader with strong technical skills and great business insights. Additionally, we are fortunate to have a leadership team of the highest caliber who will support Dan like they supported me throughout my term. With Dan at the helm, our clients and our people can have confidence that P&N will continue to operate according to the values upon which we were founded — including quality, integrity, community involvement and innovation. Although my term as CEO is coming to an end, P&N is part of my DNA, and Baton Rouge is my home. I’m looking forward to continuing to have the privilege of contributing to the progress of both in the years to come.

BUSINESS REPORT, December 19, 2017 | BusinessReport.com

JAY HARDMAN, P.E.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Port of Greater Baton Rouge MULTIMILLION DOLLAR PROJECTS at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge have resulted in more ship calls, diversification of operations, and increased efficiencies. Houston-based Genesis Energy L.P., which operates a $150 million oil storage and import/export terminal at the Port, is currently expanding its docking capacity. An estimated 33 million barrels of crude oil or other petroleum products are run through the Genesis terminal each year, adding significantly to ship calls at the Port’s Mississippi River docks. Drax Biomass has invested approximately $150 million in each of its pellet mills and invested $50 million at the Port. Both mills produce about half a million tons of wood pellets for export, resulting in an additional 15-20 ship calls a year. Louis Dreyfus Commodities’ (LDC) modernization of the grain elevator has made it the most efficient deep draft export grain elevator on the Mississippi River while also contributing to increased ship call totals at the Port. Under the leadership of the Port Commission, we anticipate continued maritime industry growth in 2018, which will increase the value of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge as an economic asset to the Issue Date: 12/19/17 Ad proof #2 entire region. • Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received by the close of business today. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

TODD GRAVES FOUNDER AND CEO Raising Cane’s

IT’S BEEN AN exciting year at Cane’s. We now have 360 restaurants in 23 states and internationally in Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia with plans to open 75 new restaurants in 2018. In 2017, we experienced an increase of 30% in sales as we have reached $968 million in system-wide sales. Our same-restaurant sales were up 9.3%, continuing our positive growth trend. We are honored to be recognized as the “Fastest Growing Restaurant in the U.S.” by Nation’s Restaurant News and “Best Drive Thru in the U.S.” by QSR as well as “Top 50 Places to Work in the U.S.” by Glassdoor.com. Technomic recognized Cane’s as #1 for “Support of the Local Community” and “Food Quality, Taste and Flavor.” This recognition indicates that we are growing the right way by taking care of our customers, crew and community. We believe in the vibrancy of our city and are working hard to make it even better. We are proud of new partnerships with the Raising Cane’s River Center and Southern University. We hope these and other planned partnerships help us grow together as a community. In February, we will welcome 700 Raising Cane’s Operators from across the country to our hometown. We have a packed agenda of events throughout downtown and we are excited to showcase all that Baton Rouge has to offer. On behalf of our 3,000 Louisiana Crewmembers, thank you for being a Caniac.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECTSPECIAL PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS ADVERTISING SECTION

BOBBY FAHEY

DEREK HEBERT

Resource Bank

CEO Upstream Life

AS RESOURCE BANK enters its twentieth year, the philosophy remains focused on providing high quality service, knowledgeable personnel and active community participation. By offering solutions that are right for the customer, the bank has seen consistent growth in assets, loans, and deposits while returning good profitability. Reinvesting in the communities Resource Bank serves is at the core of the bank’s values. The bank is community owned by over 450 local shareholders. Employees are active in their communities through volunteerism and holding advisory positions within civic and non-profit organizations. The company continues to grow organically, without merger or acquisition, a strategy somewhat uncommon amongst peers. New markets are selected strategically with growth and reinvestment in mind. Baton Rouge was an attractive location for the bank’s most recent branch as the area continues to have a strong economic growth that is evident by both residential and commercial development. A mix of mature subdivisions and businesses alongside neighborhood revitalization and new businesses, present opportunities for Resource to be a part of the area’s progress. The Baton Rouge Team is eager to continue the bank’s vision, and have the experienced personnel Issue Date:to12/19/17 Ad proof available help local clients realize #2 their financial goals.

DEREK HEBERT IS a second-generation insurance professional, committed to helping clients make resourceful decisions that meet their financial goals. After earning his associate’s degree in general studies at El Camino College in California, he secured a bachelor’s degree from LSU, where he was well-known as an all-around infielder and shortstop for LSU baseball’s 2004 and 2005 seasons. A favorite among LSU baseball fans, Hebert was the leading hitter at the 2005 SEC Tournament and also batted the game-winning hits at both wins over Mississippi State that year. Now Hebert is partnering with his father, Kevin Hebert, and Colby Arceneaux, a former safety for Ole Miss, to introduce Upstream Life, an insurance company that creates and sells its own products. Arceneaux and Hebert plan to invest billions of dollars in Louisiana over the next few years, with a goal of Upstream Life emerging as the largest life insurance company domiciled in the state. Their products will be available nationwide. The company will operate in 12 states, including Florida, Texas, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, Arkansas and Mississippi. Their ultimate vision is to evolve Upstream Life into one of Issue Ad proof the Date: largest 12/19/17 annuity companies in the#1 country.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS

MARKET LEADER AND SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions. • AD WILL RUN AS and IS unless final revisions Commercial Privateapproval Banking or NMLS# 702373 are received by the close of business today. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

EMEL ALEXANDER

PRESIDENT & CEO Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation UREC IS PROUD to be a leader in helping thousands of working families to access quality homes they can afford, education that prepares their children for the future, and training that strengthens their economic wellbeing. This past year, UREC celebrated 25 years as a comprehensive housing and community development organization. We look forward to expanding our work in these areas. In 2018, UREC will move forward with neighborhood development projects aimed at providing new rental housing for seniors, grandparents raising grandchildren and working families. We will begin construction on new townhomes in north Baton Rouge, and are in the preliminary phases for two single-family communities. UREC will expand our K-12 offerings to prepare a greater number of youth for the future. Our College & Career Ready Program is launching specialized institutes in law, emergency medical response and entrepreneurship for high school students. Through our STEAM program at Glen Oaks Park Elementary School, students will continue to develop 21st century skills through academic enrichment and increased opportunities in technology, coding and the arts. We thank our network of partners, funders, and friends for supporting our mission and work. To get involved, visit URECBR.com, connect via social media, or call (225) 356-8871.

JIM ROLAND

CEO Window World of Baton Rouge THIS YEAR MARKS another period of phenomenal growth for our company, as we achieved the distinction of being the No. 1 installer of new windows in the U.S. This is a testament to the quality of our products, the lifetime guarantee we offer and the service we provide. We are proud to have been recognized by national publications such as Inc. magazine and Qualified Remodeler and we were named, once again, as an LSU 100 fastest-growing Tiger-owned or Tiger-led businesses. I personally want to commend so many of our Window World employees who donated time and resources as our company reached out to help Houston flood victims with rescues, cleaning supplies, and volunteer time. The trend in remodeling will continue to be strong in the Baton Rouge area, with more consumers including energy-efficient replacement windows in order to reduce outside noise and lower energy bills. The rebuilding/remodeling of local homes affected by the flood of 2016 continues even today. Our window prices remain the same as before the flood, and that has earned our company tremendous customer appreciation. At Window World, we see continued growth in remodeling and new home construction for our area, and we will continue to deliver on our promise of “Simply the Best for Less.”

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, December 19, 2017