Mayor, chief want council to up pay
Forthose who have competed in football or baseball at Zachary High School over thepast 15-plus years you may thinkyou know him, but you probably only scratched the surface. Sitand listen and he will tell you stories and you can learnlessons from a51-year career highlighted by perseverance,people and aGodgivenpurpose Coach Garidel will tell you that early on he did not know what he would do. “I never considered oneday being acoach much less going to college when Iwas in high school.”
Fifty-one years later he has coached baseball at multiple levels including everylevel of American Legion summer baseball, travel ball, five years asthe head baseball coach at Northwestern Middle School and 11 years as an assistant baseball coach for the Broncos Before arriving at Zachary,
BY ROBIN MILLER Staff writer
It measures amile in diameter, and ahighway runs through it
Butthe occasional drivers cuttingthrough St.Helena Parish alongLa. 37 wouldn’tknow they are passingthrough ameteorite’s crash site. No signannounces it. No history marker tells the story of how it fell to earth afew miles outside ofGreensburg more than 10,000 years ago, though geologist Paul Heinrich now believes the crater maybeeven older
However,Lee Miller was more curiousaboutthe existence of the crater than its exact age.
“I’ve heard that there may be a crater in the area where Ilive,” the Clinton resident said. “But is it true? And if it is, where is it?”
It’strue. Miller could easily find the crater by driving afew miles into St.HelenaParish from his East Feliciana Parish home that is, if he knows wheretolook.
Where to look is the missing pieceofthe puzzle
Heinrich was aresearch associate with theLouisiana Geological Survey at LSUwhen he pinpointedthe exact spot in 2023. He even providedalandmark as aguide.
“A volunteer fire station stands along theroad where the crater starts,” he said
Heinrich has since retired from his post at LSU, but he’sstill learningaboutthe crater,which is why he believes the crater may be olderthan originally believed. Again,there are no markers
Whatdoyou wonderabout the people, places and culture of Louisiana? CuriousLouisiana is aproject thatconnectsyou withour newsroom’sreporting to find the answers to Louisiana-specific questions youmay have wondered about for years. The feature focuses on areader-submittedquestion each week to report on stories that matter to you the most. Youshare your questions about Louisiana —and ourjournalists trackdownanswers. If you asked the question, we will connect with you and keep you updated along theway as we dig deeper into Louisiana’soddities To submit aquestion, go to theadvocate.com/curious louisiana.
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE Contributing writer
ZacharyPoliceChiefDarryl Lawrence wants the City Council to consideroffering higher salaries to elected officials who, like himself, have asignificant amount of jobrelated experience. The issue came up at the Jan.14council meeting. Lawrence has raised the topic before,and so has Mayor David McDavid.
The current salary ordinancecalls fora starting salary of $69,000 for the police chief and $85,000 forthe mayor. Lawrence and McDavid, who both madetheir careersatthe Zachary Police Department, hadworked their wayuptohigher salariesintheir previousroles and took apay cut when they entered their current offices in 2023.
Lawrence
McDavid wasthe city’spolicechief for nearly adozen years before becoming mayor.Lawrence served underhim as assistant chief.
“I’maskingthatyou allconsidermaking that change …tomake it morecommensurate with experience as opposed to just locking it in at oneparticularsalary,”Lawrence
local artist,” Heinrich said. “They were sold in alocal drug store. I don’tknow if they’re still selling them.”
Maybe not, since Brushy Creek Crater isn’texactly atourist destination. That’swhat it’scalled now,named foranearby waterway Getting to the crater requires a few zigs and zags along country backroads, andonce there, time seemstostandstill in the silence of the grassy fields on either side of the road. This is what Brushy Creek Crater basically looks like —fencedin grassy pastures with apond on thenorth side. With the exception of the highway,the crater occupies privately owned land. On its western rim stands the St. Helena FireDepartment District #4 FireRescue Headquarters with aclear view of the highway’sslope into thecrater
Paul Heinrich,retired associate researcher with the Louisiana GeologicalSurveyatLSU discovered citronelle formations in the fractures in the clayey, or clay-like, sands exposed in the ditch bordering La. 37. The highway cuts through the rim of Brushy Creek Crater near St. Helena Fire Department District #4 Fire-Rescue Headquarters. The formations are the resultofanextraterrestrial impact. You’ve
“When you’re driving, the road will cross the rim,godown to the edge of the bowlofthe crater, then go back out,” Heinrich said. “But again,mostpeople don’t know this.”
PROVIDED PHOTOBYPAULHEINRICH
tourist attraction.
acknowledging this site, save for afew souvenir T-shirtsspotted by Heinrich at aGreensburg store a few miles away “The T-shirt was designed by a
The crater came to Heinrich’s attention when he and others in theLouisiana Geological Survey were doing geological mapping of the area.Atone point, they spotted acircular shape in one of their thematic laser images. It didn’tshow up as adefinitivecrater bowlsuch as, say,the Meteor Crater Natural Landmarknear Flagstaff,Arizona. Still, BrushyCreek’sdiameter is slightly larger than theArizona
“Wethought it looked like an impact crater,” Heinrich said. “I just took it from there. Ican’tcorrectly recall when that waswhat or what mapping project we were on, but it may have been afew years before 2008. There aren’t any volcanoes here, and there are no salt domes in this part of the state, so we knew that something strange was happening.”
Heinrich, along with ateam of LSU geologists, took atrip northward from LSU to St. Helena
Leila Pitchford AROUND ZACHARY
PHOTO BY WARREN BRADY
Gerry Garidel
McDavid
Warren Brady ZACHARY SPORTS
Zachary, Hannan take two overtimes to decide game
BY ROBIN FAMBROUGH Staff writer
It was a battle of wills so intense that it took two overtimes to decide And a player who scored just three points in the first half was the differencemaker at the end.
AJ Thompson scored the goahead basket with 33 seconds remaining and added two free throws that helped lift Archbishop Hannan to an 85-82 road victory over Division I Zachary on Friday night.
“Our point guard had fouled out,” Thompson said. “I knew we needed to make the most of every possession. And I knew I needed to step up and make big plays
“We’ve have been working all week for this one, and we all stepped up to the plate basically I’m very proud of everyone.”
The Hawks (15-6), ranked third in the latest Division III select power ratings, got a game-high 34 points and 11 rebounds from 6-foot-6 Navy signee Drew Timmons.
Ian Edmond led Zachary (172) with 29 points, while Xavier Ferguson added 25 The Broncos were ranked No. 1 in the latest Division I nonselect power ratings.
“Am incredible game just incredible,” Hannan coach Errol Gauff said “Coach Jon (McClinton) does such a good job with his team. They play so hard, and they never gave up. We didn’t either.”
Four missed free throws in the second overtime were costly for Zachary But the Broncos battled until the final seconds with Timmons make one of two free throws with 5.8 seconds remaining.
“Free throws were a factor, but there were other things too,” McClinton said. “It never just comes down to one thing. We missed other opportunities and part of becoming a championship level team is taking advantage of them. We’ll learn from this.”
The game was a contrast of styles with Hannan forcing the Broncos to play the halfcourt game Hannan scored the first seven points, but by the end of the first quarter it looked like the Broncos had figured things out. A 3-pointer from the left wing by Ferguson just before the buzzer sent Zachary into the second quarter with a 17-15 lead.
Five second-quarter turnovers did not help Hannan’s cause. Two 3-pointers, one by Jaiden Cockerham and the other by Edmond, helped the Broncos build a 32-22 halftime lead. Back came the Hawks in the third quarter with Timmons scoring 11 points.
However, Hannan still trailed 51-45. The Hawks ultimately reclaimed the lead at the 1:05 mark on a three-play by Thompson.
Then a 3-pointer by Edmond with 5.2 seconds left sent the game to overtime. It was tied at 64-64, going into the second OT Email Robin Fambrough at rfambrough@theadvocate. com
BRADY
Continued from page 1G
Garidel was the head baseball coach at Catholic High for 28 years, where he sent over 60 players to college baseball, including 23 to LSU including his sons Jamin and Jeffrey His induction into the LBCA Hall of Fame is his second Hall of Fame induction. Garidel was inducted into the Catholic High Grizzly Greats Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019 based on a career record of 541-305 where he led his team to 25 playoff appearances, three state tournament runnerup finishes and 15 district championships. He was named district coach of the year 13 times, was twice nominated for the national coach of the year and served as both an LHSCA All-Star Game head and assistant coach.
Garidel is a throwback coach, and he doesn’t just
coach one sport. At Catholic, he was an assistant football coach for 30 years, 27 of which he was the defensive coordinator, and he has been on the Zachary defensive coaching staff for both Neil Weiner and David Brewerton. For his first coaching job he was the head volleyball coach at his alma mater Baton Rouge High School for a week. He recalls that “I talked to the principal about restarting the baseball program at Baton Rouge High and she said “no,” but we need a volleyball coach.” He was all set to coach volleyball that first week before Catholic called Fun fact: He was on the ninth-grade football staff at Catholic with recently elected Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards. That gives you a feel for the coaching but there is much more to the man and the stories he has to tell, about how and the people who helped him get to where he is today Through-
out his career there have been people who changed his life, obstacles that taught him perseverance and a purpose. The loss of his father at 15 taught him perseverance. “A month later I went to work and was prepared to work construction the rest of my life,” Garidel said.
In our conversation, coach Garidel repeatedly came back to his high school sweetheart and wife, Sharon Hippchen Garidel, who he met as a senior at Baton Rouge High. He and Sharon have three sons Jamin, Jody and Jeffrey After hanging sheetrock for three years after high school, Garidel indicated “he needed a break” and went to LSU. During his last years at LSU, he married Sharon and, through his brotherin-law, Billy Hornsby, and brother, Scott, met God. “I was three years in at LSU without a major and was looking for some direction, so I prayed,” Garidel notes.
He was coaching American Legion baseball at the time and felt led to coach. Garidel summed up his experience best when he said that “Psalms 138:8 says the Lord will fulfill His purpose for me and I thank God every day that 51 years ago he showed me that coaching was my path, and I am so grateful I have and continue to make my living as a coach where I can help guide kids.”
Once he graduated from LSU he went back to Baton Rouge High and saw some of those teachers that a couple years earlier were teaching him, now as peers.
“There are no coincidences with God,” Garidel said. There were plenty of famous players at Catholic (Kurt and Kevin Ainsworth, David Delluci, Patrick Coogan and Tim Lanier among others) and Zachary (Alex Milazzo and Collier Cranford). He relayed the story of when he told Skip Bertman he “was crazy for not taking Delluci.” Garidel
indicated that Bertman told him later that he was right after Delucci made all SEC two years and was an All American at Ole Miss.
Other important people in his life coach Garidel mentioned were Rick Smith (currently an assistant on the Zachary staff) and Jeff Schexnaider (former ULM head baseball coach) who both played on his first teams in 1980 through 1982.
The third year that Catholic team played in the state championship, and he is back in storytelling mode like it happened yesterday
“We were up two runs in the eighth inning, two on, two out, 2-2 count and the MVP of the state hits a home run to beat us,” Garidel relayed. In the end, the people on that team were special to him and over 40 years later
Shexnaider introduced Garidel at the LBCA induction. Garidel was also quick to mention his mentor at Catholic High, Pete Boudreaux, who he holds in tremen-
dously high regard. Though not a head coach at Zachary, coach Garidel fully embraces both the baseball and football staffs and head coaches. “I love the two staffs (football and baseball) here at Zachary and I even coached Jacob Fisher in summer league one year.”
He singled out coaches David Brewerton and Chris Carrier as major influences in Zachary There were others.
“You got guys like Dru Nettles and Jason Davis and a great staff for baseball that keep me here,” Garidel said. Don’t ask him when he is going to retire. “I don’t want to retire because this is what I am supposed to be doing, and I love the coaches I work with every day,” Garidel added.
Warren Brady covers sports for The Plainsman. He can be contacted at zachary@theadvocate. com.
Zachary’s Combren Price (1) drives to the basket as Archbishop Hannan’s Gabe Timmons (32) defends.
PHOTOD BY PATRICK DENNIS
Archbishop Hannan’s Bryce Daniels (24) is guarded closely by Zachary’s Jaiden Cockerham (5) and Deezy Collins (4) in the first half of their game Friday in Zachary.
Zachary’s Xavier Ferguson (10) is foulded by as Archbishop Hannan’s Brenton Gordon (5).
Though BrushyCreek Crater in St. Helena Parish is an impact crater,itisn’t preservedlikethe MeteorCrater
environmentalelements. Thediameter of the
Continued from page1G
Parish, situated in the center of the Florida Parishes
“Welooked around, and then Iwentback out there several times and collected samples,” Heinrich said. “And then in 2008, we did astate mapping project in what we call the seven-and-ahalf-minute quadrangle in that area.”
Aseven-and-one-half minute quadrangle is ageological survey-produced topographic map covering an area spanningseven and one-half minutes of latitude and seven and one-half minutes of longitude.
“Wecollectedsamples at the core, which weren’tanalyzed until several yearslater,but proved to be most useful,” Heinrich continued.
LSU’sDepartment of Geology and Geophysics’ analysis showed evidence of how the meteorite smashed intothe terrain’sbedrock. Rich in iron,its massive heat bleached thesediment. It also showed indications of impact melt, which is aglassy, molten rock containing grainsof shocked quartz.
Shocked quartz has adifferent microscopic structure than earthly quartz.
“All of this indicates an extraterrestrial impact,because the only time you get shocked quartz is in an extraterrestrial impact
AROUND
Continued frompage1G
is
or nuclear explosion,” Heinrich said.“We can rule out the Native Americans having nuclear weapons back then, so ourother option is extraterrestrial impact.”
Themeteorite’simpact was catastrophic for southeast Louisiana.
“Whoever was in the local vicinity had avery bad day,” Heinrich said. “The meteoritewas probablyabout 100feet in diameter. It would have killed anything between 20 and 30 miles from the point impact. From Baton Rouge, it would have looked something like abig, bright light on the horizon.”
Heinrich added that most of the meteorite, itself, vaporized on impact. Meanwhile, the milewide hole, itself, has been erased by erosion.
Still, the Brushy Creek Crater’soutline thrives
Heinrich calls thecrater a “young event,” when considering that the frequency of meteorites slamming into theearthis about2,000 years.
“I would say that this is the first impact crater to be found in Louisiana,” Heinrichsaid. “And it’salso useful information for determining the frequency of impacts over time, which has always been aconcern —which is one ofthe problemsofnot having adate, because you really can’tfigure outhow it fits into thefrequency of such events.”
EmailRobin Millerat romiller@theadvocate.com.
Booksand musicwithKids’ Orchestra
In celebration of Black History Month and Carnival, Books &Musicwill feature the book “Freedom in CongoSquare,” by Carole Boston Weatherford andR Gregory Christie. Many scholars believe that the music kept alive in NewOrleans’ Congo Square(now Louis Armstrong Park) helped pave the way for blues, jazz and rock and roll. Children will learn theCreole song “Eh la bas” and the NewOrleans Bamboula rhythm. They will practice some African dance moves andtry plugging their name into Shirley Ellis’ “The Name Game” song. The event will be at the Zachary Branch Library at 11 a.m. Feb.1 Visit www.ebrpl.com for other placesand dates.
Stay in touchin2025
The Plainsman loves hearing from clubs, churches and others.Submit photos, event announcements and other funnews forus to run in The Plainsman bothinprint and online by contacting zachary@theadvocate. com. Be sure to identify people in the photos andtoanswer the question words: who, what, when, where, why andhow.You can
than
also email that address or call (225) 3880731 if you need help.
BunnyHop coming
TheZachary RotaryClub is hosting the Rotary Bunny Hop 2025 on March 22 near Leeand Virginia streets.
The 1mile run and walk is at 8a.m. and the 5krun/walk startsat8:30 a.m. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/ LA/Zachary/ZacharyRotaryBunnyHop. Experience theholidaysinZachary again Video of the ZacharyChristmas parade is availableathttps://tinyurl.com/6aennhtn.
Sneakerball
TheBaker Area Sports Association and city ofBaker Recreation Department will holdaMardi Gras Masquerade Sneaker Ball at 9p.m. Feb. 8atthe Baker Municipal Center Auditorium, 3325 Groom Road. Attendees must be 21 or older.Food and aDJ will be on hand. The event is bring-yourown-alcohol. For information, call Gerald Collinsat(225) 205-4652 or Terika Dunn at(225) 302-2435. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets, which are $40 or $320 for atable of eight.
Send newsand eventsfor the Zachary area to zachary@theadvocate.com by noon Friday or call(225) 388-0731.
THE ZACHARYADVOCATE &PLAINSMAN,P.O.Box 588, BatonRouge,LA70821.(225) 388-0215 PUBLISHED EVERYWEDNESDAY Onlineattheadvocate.com/news/communities/zachary/ USPS NO.434-760
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STAFFPHOTO BY ROBIN MILLER
The sign for the St.Helena Fire DepartmentDistrict No. 4Fire-Rescue Headquarters marks the pointwhere the rim of the BrushyCreek Crater beginsonLa. 37 —seen in the background —inSt. Helena Parish.
NaturalLandmark near Flagstaff, Arizona, because of erosion and Louisiana’s
Brushy Creek Crater
alittle larger
the Arizona crater.
Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocate Association recently appointed its 2025 board of directors. CASA’s executive committee members include Chavanne Debetaz, chair; Bea McNamee, vice chair; Ellen Diedrich, secretary; and Tamara Mayo, treasurer Newly elected to the board is Amanda Celestine, Louisiana State Employee Retirement System. Returning members include Thomas Beck, David Faulk, Brad French Elizabeth Griffin, Elizabeth Harper, Marlon Johnson, Mike Kelly, Ann Langlois, Joffre Meek, Shun Phillips, Gregory Pogue, Steve Strohschein, Terrel Thomas, Kyle Viator and Robert Woosley Kathy Persac, 2024 chair, is the outgoing board member CASA volunteers advocate for abused and neglected youth living in foster care to help them reach safe, permanent homes. Volunteers are needed for CASA to provide an advocate for every child who needs a voice, a news release said Currently, there are over 130 children who are in need of a CASA volunteer No special background is required. The first step to getting involved is to attend a 30-minute virtual informational session. To register for an orientation volunteers can visit casabr.org or email volunteer@casabr.org with any questions. The next volunteer training session will be a threeday bootcamp on April 3-5.
Lane honors 36 workers for service milestones
news report
Lane Regional Medical Center recently honored 36 staff members celebrating a Service Award milestone. Collectively they represent 435 years of service.
Honorees were recognized to thank them for their service at Lane.
40 years of service
Ray Villemarette, Laboratory
35 years of service
Dana Bellefontaine, Infection Control
25 years of service
Natasha Barnes, Intensive Care Unit
Tanya King Medical/Surgical
Laura Ladnier, Imaging Wendell Morgan, Imaging
Lisa Oliveraux, Laboratory
20 years of service
Jason Gwyn, Endoscopy Center
Julie Knight, Rehabilitation Center
15 years of service
Jordan Canezaro, Family Practice
Letrica Hicks, Rehabilitation Center
Peter Prevot, Imaging
10 years of service
Carvin Banks, Laboratory
Bernice Dixon, Environmental Services
Maggie Fletcher, Revenue Cycle
Elizabeth Jarreau, FastLane
Laura Lusco, Labor and Delivery
Tara Pitcher, Laboratory
5 years of service
Monica Berthier, Medical/ Surgical
Karen Buress, Imaging
Matthew Decuir, Surgery
Justin Durrett, Plant Operations
Alexandra Gabor, Surgery
Jonte Leonard, Emergency Room Alicia Marionneaux, Pharmacy
Pamela Martin, Medical/ Surgical Gathia Pierre, Pharmacy Kaitlyn Pizzolato, Imaging Callie Powell, Endoscopy Center
Meredith Riddle, Family Practice
Tawana Robertson, Laboratory
Richard Soileaux, Information Systems
Meagan Thierry, Medical/ Surgical
Todd Walters, Information Services
Surgical
ficers and other city employees over the years.
“But no one considered changing the pay scale for your elected officials,” he said.
other Louisiana municipalities. The analysis found that Zachary pays its mayor, police chief and council members less than several cities.
Zachary’s home
consideration of ordinances that
said.
Lawrence noted that adjustments have been made to the pay scales for police of-
The last time the salary issue came up was in April, when McDavid directed his staff to conduct a study looking at how much Zachary officials are paid compared to those in
Councilman James Graves agreed at the meeting that the matter should be explored.
“This is something I want to work on here shortly,” he said.
officials’ compensation in the final year of a four-year election cycle. Zachary’s elective offices will all be up for grabs in fall 2026. “We would have to do this by ordinance, and it can’t be done within the last year so it has to be done this year,” Graves said.
PHOTOS
5 years service Lane Regional Medical Center: Tawan Robertson, Todd Walters, Rick Soileaux, Pam Martin, Meagan Thierry, Meredith Riddle, Alex Gabor and Matthew Decuir
Jones, Medical/
Katherine Kimball, Rehabilitation Center
Pitcher, Bernice Dixon
Medical Center: Jason Gwyn
25 years at Lane Regional Medical Center: Tanya King, Natasha Barnes, Lisa Oliveraux and Wenell Morgan
PROVIDED PHOTO
Capital Area CASA’s Executive Committee includes, from left, Allison Traxler, executive director, Chavanne Debetaz, Ellen Diedrich,
Billy
Nungesser
Lieutenant Governor, Louisiana Office of Tourism
Denise Bottcher StateDirector, AARP Louisiana
Chris Daigle Parish President, Iberville Parish Government
AAsweheadinto2025, GeorgesMedia Groupispoisedtocontinueits evolution inarapidly changingmedia landscape. Over thepastyear, we have expanded andadapted ourcoverage to meet thegrowing needsofour audience, while also positioningourselves forfuturegrowth. With adedicated team of over 400 strong employees, includingexpandedstaffinginnews, digital,and customer service,we arecommitted to providinghigh-quality,local contentthatservesthe interestsofour community. As theproud ownerofesteemedbrands such as The Times-Picayune, NOLA com, The Advocate,TheAcadianaAdvocate, Gambit andthe Shreveport -BossierCity Advocate,our journeyreflects acommitmenttopreservinglocal journalism while embracingthe winds of change. In recentyears,our companyhas significantlyexpandedits coverage in areascritical to localcommunities, with afocus on health,education andbusinessreporting.Health reportinghas become acornerstoneofour offering, providing comprehensiveinsights to Louisianans. Equallyimportant,our deepened focusoneducation filleda critical gap in localnews. By amplifying stories that directly affectlocal families andeducators,we have enhanced ourroleasatrusted source forinformation abouteducation throughout Louisiana Lookingahead to 2025, we plan to buildonthismomentumbyfurther expandingour businesscoverage.Werecognizethe importance of providingin-depth reportingonlocal businesses, entrepreneurialdevelopments, grandopenings andregionaleconomic trends Ourexpandedbusinesscoverage will highlight theinnovativesolutions andgrowththatis happeninginnew ways around thestate
sthe fourthlargest industry in thegreat stateof Louisiana, hospitalityand tourismmeans jobs. In 2023, theindustryprovided220,500 jobs.
Last year,43millionpeoplevisited to experience our music, food,culture,history,and outdooractivities, including ourstate parksand festivals—generating $1.9 billioninstate andlocal taxes, translatingtonearly$1,100 in taxsavings per household.
Ourinternational visitation is also growing. From 20222023, internationalvisitationincreased by more than 16 percent. WhileCanada, United Kingdom, Australia, France,and Germanyare ourtop fiveinternational markets,the Louisiana Office of Tourism, throughassistancefromaU.S. Department of Commerce grant, is targeting emerging markets such as Italy, Spainand India. With more than 22 millionIndians travelingthe world, they arethe largest groupofinternational travelersfrom Asia.Weknowinternational visitors stay longer andspend more in everycornerofthe state, andweare workingtobenefitfrom that economic boon
Louisianaalsocontinues participating in events that puther on national andinternational stages. We kicked off theMardi Gras season forafourthconsecutive year by participating in the 2025 RoseParade.Inpreviousyears,Louisiana’s participation reachedanestimated4.3 billionviewers andearnednearly$40 millioninadvertisingvalue
NewOrleans will soon host its11thSuper Bowl,tying Miamifor themostnumberofSuper Bowls. The last SuperBowl hosted in NewOrleans in 2013brought Louisianaanestimated $480 millionineconomic impact.
Tourismhas ahugeimpactonLouisiana, andwewill continue to treatvisitorslikefamilyand keep them comingback formore.
AARP,the nation’s largest nonprofit,nonpartisan organization,isdedicated to empowering people to choose howtheyliveastheyage.Our missioncenters on strengtheningcommunities andadvocatingfor what mattersmosttofamilies—health security,financialstability andpersonalfulfillment
In Louisiana, we understandthe strain families face from inflation, soaringutility bills, andthe escalatingcosts of home insuranceand otheressentials.Despitethese challenges, our state’seconomy continues to show resilience andopportunities forgrowth. AARP is committed to standingbyolder adults as they adapttothese evolving circumstances
As we look toward 2025, AARP will remain awisefriend andfierce defender forolder Louisianans. We arefocused on helping individualsage in place,surroundedbythe comfort of their homesand communities. Thiscommitmentincludes advancingaffordable housing, protecting againstfraud, supporting family caregivers,and ensuring accesstoquality healthcare
By workingtogether, we canaddress today’schallenges, seizeopportunities, andbuild sustainablesolutions for stronger,thrivingcommunities. AARP is dedicated to creating abrighter, more secure future forall Louisianans.
Aswewrapup2024, Ireflectonwhathas been an incredible first year as Iberville’sParishPresident. It’s an honortoserve as only thesecondParishPresident in 26 years, andI’m proudofthe strides we’vemade together toward abrighterfuture forIbervilleParish.
One of ourtop priorities remainsthe newMississippi RiverBridge—a projectthatiscrucial forthe BatonRouge area andIberville Parish.Asone of theonlyparishesalong theriver withoutabridge, this infrastructurewill bringmuch-needed relief to trafficcongestionwhile creating newopportunities forgrowthacrossthe region.Weare still waitingonthe resultsofthe environmental impact study, whichisexpected to be completedbythe first quarterof2025. Thisstudy will determinewhere thebridgewill be builtinIberville Parish,and we remain steadfast in ouradvocacyfor fundingand progress on this critical project. Lookingahead,weare laying thegroundworkfor afuture master plan that prioritizessmall businessdevelopment and smart growth.Our visionincludes attracting thebusinesses andservices ourresidents deserve whileensuringthatall developmentreflects theneedsand values of IbervilleParish. Isee abrightfuture forIbervilleParishand am committed to keepingresidents at theheart of everydecision. Together,we’ll continue to buildonthisyear’ssuccessesand work toward an even better tomorrow Wishingyou andyourfamilyahappy andprosperousNew Year!
Despiteour positive outlook, 2025 will presentchallenges. As artificialintelligencetechnologycontinues to advance, thenewsindustryfaces threatsfromAI-generatedcontent that risksunderminingthe work of local reporters. The rise of AI in contentcreationhas made it increasingly difficulttocompete with algorithm-generatednewsand aggregated reportsthatlackthe local insights andjournalisticintegrity we prioritize.Furthermore,the influence of social mediaplatforms continues to reshapethe medialandscape,withlegitimate news sources beingmarginalized.Socialmedia giants have drastically reducedthe visibility of localnewsoutlets,affectingour abilitytoreach ouraudiencesonthese platforms. In response to thesechallenges, we remain steadfast in ourcommitmenttolocal,authentic journalism. To addressthis, we will double down on building stronger relationshipswith ourreaders, enhancingour digital platformsincluding ourappstoensureour content reachesthose whorelyonusfor relevant andtimelyupdates. Additionally,weare exploring newwaystoengagewithour audience,including throughnewsletters,podcasts, andvideos. The outlookfor 2025 presents both opportunities andchallenges, andasthe leading Louisianapublisher,weare prepared to meet both with determination.Our expansion in health education, andbusinessreporting hasallowed us to stay relevant andstrengthenour ties to thecommunity.Wehaveseengrowthinour subscriber base this past year andexpectthat that growth to accelerate in 2025. With aclear strategy forcontinued growth,weare confidentthatour mediacompany will thrive even in theface of AI disruption andthe evolving dynamics of social media. Ourcommitmenttolocal journalism, informedbythe voicesand stories of Louisiana, will guide us forwardaswecontinuetoserve ourlocal audiences.
Susan B. Bourgeois, Secretary Louisiana Economic Development
Louisiana’s economic outlookfor 2025 canbesummed up in asingleword: Opportunity
The passageofAct 590 during the2024 Legislative SessionthatrestructuredLED,and thetax reform passed in the specialsessionlastfall, were monumental steps forwardingiving economic developers thetools we need to position Louisianato competeand win. By embracinginnovationand diversification whileleveraging ournaturalresources, Louisianaisdemonstrating that legacy industries like energy andmanufacturing cancontinuetothrive even as we seizeinvestmentand jobcreationopportunities in emerging sectors. Aperfect case in pointisMeta’srecentlyannounced $10 billion projecttobuild itslargest artificial intelligence data centerinthe worldinRichlandParish. Meta’s huge investment is expected to create more than 1,500 newdirectand indirecttechnologyrelatedjobsinacornerofthe statebestknown forits agricultural traditions.
With site developmentunderwayand construction expected to continue through2030, theMetaproject is alreadysparking neweconomic activity in northLouisiana as businesseslarge and small seek to benefit from thebillions of dollarsflowingthrough theregion.
Thishistoricproject is just thebeginningofaboldstrategyto driveeconomic growth statewide throughinnovation, andto provetothe worldthatwhenLouisiana says that we areready to competeonthe global stage, we mean business. We arejustgetting started. The Louisianaopportunity is now!
Cointment Parish President, Ascension Parish
Economic growth remainssteadyinAscensionParish, with apositive outlookprojected forthe next five years. In commercial andindustrialcapital investment construction on $2 billionworth of projects is settowrapupin thefirst quarterof2025. Meanwhile, work hasjustbegun with $6 billioninnew projects, anddecisions arependingonan additional $14 billioninpotentialinvestments. Over thepast fiveyears,employmenthas increasedby7%, whilewages have risenbyanimpressive19%, with manufacturing occupations leadingthe wayinoffering thehighest wages.
Recently, AscensionParishwas ranked theBestPlace to Live (Niche), thehealthiestParishinLA(Robert Wood JohnsonFoundation), thesecond-longestlifeexpectancyin LA (Stacker), thehighest median householdincomeinthe state, andthe top-performingsizeablepublicschooldistrict. AscensionParishGovernmentiscommitted to enhancingthe qualityoflifefor ourresidentsand thebusinesscommunity by continuallyraisingexpectationsand positive outcomes.
Lori Melancon President &CEO BatonRouge Area Chamber
he energy andchemicalsindustries remain avital part of our economy, drivingindustrialgrowth, creating jobs, andfueling economic progress.In2024, theBaton Rougemetro eclipsed more than 426,000 jobs, an all-timehighfor theregion, many thanks to ourgrowing energy andchemicalssectors.Job growth in theregionhas been incredibly robust in post-pandemic years, regularlyoutperformingnationalprojections.Ascompanies consider investment in low-carbonproducts, we areleveraging opportunities in energy innovationand sustainabletechnologies to ensure continuedsuccess. As energy andchemicalscompanies consider investment in newtechnologies, BRAC is strategically positioningthe region to lead in industrial innovation, digitalization,and sustainable products. The region is actively fosteringgrowthinadvanced manufacturing andhigh-growthenergysub-sectors,supported by a $35 billioneconomicdevelopment projectpipeline. These projects include investmentsinrenewable energy,hydrogen, ammonia, carbon captureutilization andstorage (CCUS) technologies, and sustainablefuels,whichwill diversifythe industrial base andreduce environmental emissions Additionally,transformativequality-of-lifeenhancementsare on thehorizon forthe BatonRouge Area.PlanBRIII will collaborate with aleadingplanningfirm to reinvigorate downtown development, whileplans fornew entertainmentvenues, includingthe upgraded RiverCenterand proposed LSUarena, areexpectedin2025. These investmentswill enhancethe region’s livability,creatingavibrant environmentwhere businessesand professionals canthrive.
Thisyearwill mark apivotal period of progress,asthe region builds itscompetitive edge to attractand retain businessinvestment andtop-tier talent.
Kevin Hall President and Publisher Georges Media
Clint
Tindustrypartnersstayedbusyin2024hostingalonglistofgroups includingtheMississippiRiverCities&TownsInitiative,theSoutheas MuseumsConferenceandtheAllianceofAreaBusinessPublishers. Other2024highlightsincludedthesold-outSavannahBananagames lastMarchandthelaunchofBatonRouge’snewtop-tierholidayevent, LouisianaLights. TheUSBCOpenChampionshipsheadline2025forBaton Rouge’sentiretourismcommunity,withmorethan50,000bowler andtheirgueststravelingtotheCapitalCityfromMarchthrough theendofJuly.Asthesevisitorscometospendmoneyinourcity, weareencouraginglocalstohelpthemfeelwelcomeandinformed throughthelaunchoftheCapitalCityChampionsAcademy.This onlineeducationaltoolwillempowerfrontlineemployeesathotels restaurantsandretailbusinesses–plusanyotherlocals–tobecome advocatesforourcity. VisitBatonRougewillalsolaunchanewbrandin2025withthe goalofrefiningourlocalstoryandhighlightingtheeverydayrichness ofourcommunity Lookingbeyondthenextyear,VisitBatonRougealsocontinues toprioritizeprogressintheCapitalCity,workingwiththeCity/ Parishandkeypartnersontheexpansionandnewdevelopmento conventionfacilitiesandsports/eventvenues.
MikeManning President &CEO, Greater BatonRouge Food Bank
Adam Knapp CEO Committeeof100
TLarry Miller 2025 President
GreaterBaton RougeAssociation of REALTORS
Rouroutlook,it’simportant to describe just how much progress wasmade in 2024 to improveLouisiana. We arepleased to seethe statetakesomanypositive strides forward. We supportedthe Governor,Legislature and LED to research andpassalaw to restructurethe agency LouisianaEconomic Developmentlastyear. The response of neweconomic developmentactivityin2024for thestate wasswift, andLouisiana haseconomic momentum heading into 2025. In anotherarea, educationremainsapriorityfor leadersacrossthe state, andweweresupportivelastyear when Louisianaadopted anew,and much-needed,school accountabilityformula that increasesattention on readingand math performanceaswellascareerskills. In fact, forthe first time,schooldistricts acrossthe statewill getaccountability points forcreatinginternships andapprenticeships forhigh school students in collaborationwithbusinesses. It wasalso incredible that theLegislature andGovernordeveloped and successfullyenactedsweepingtax reformsthatwereconsistent with non-partisan policyrecommendations goingbackas faras1988byCABLand 2015 taxresearchfromCommittee of 100. Withoutquestion, Louisianawillgoupinnational taxrankingsthisyearasaresult, andwithout compromising fiscal stabilityfor highereducation andhealthcare. Finally, to improveworkforce needsacrossthe state, we worked with theLegislature andGovernoronlawsthatclearly assignthe responsibility forthe statetoaddressbusinessworkforce shortagesacrossthe state. Alot happened in just oneyear–lots of policychanges that were long overdue–all toward thegoal of creating abetterLouisiana forits citizens
Whitney Hoffman Sayal Executive Director Downtown Development District
The Downtown DevelopmentDistrict’scommitment remainssteadytodrive progress,fostereconomic growth andnew developments that enhancethe qualityoflifefor allwho live,workand visitDowntown BatonRouge.In2025, in conjunctionwithour community partners,wewill launch anew downtown master plan -Plan BatonRouge III(PBRIII). Thisvisionary blueprintwil continue therevitalization efforts seen over thepastthree decades. Keyinitiativesinclude enhancingpublicspacessuch as theRiverfront, improvingtransportation, andadditional housingand retail.PBR IIIhopes to attractnew businesses and residents, whileensuringDowntownBaton Rougeremains a thriving destinationfor everyone Casinodevelopment in Downtown BatonRouge is advancingwithmajor investmentssignaling anew erafor the city’s
The real estate industry is constantly evolving,and the GreaterBaton Rougeareaisnoexception.In2025, localagentsand brokerageswill focusonrefining their processesand practices to adapttochangingmarket conditions,updated NARpolicies,and newstate regulations. REALTORS® prioritize thebestinterests of their clients and thecommunity.TheREALTORS® of 2025 will be better trained, offer enhanced serviceoptions andvalue-addedsolutions for their clients. With an increase in inventoryand anticipatedratereductions expectedin2025, homebuyersinthe GreaterBaton Rougearea will have more purchasing options. The anticipatedjob growth andeconomic progress should boostdemand forhousing.For sellers, home prices areexpectedtolevel outmakinghomes more affordablefor buyers.This balanced market will create afavorable environmentfor both buyers andsellers in the GreaterBaton Rougerealestatelandscape
SteveLegendre 2025 President
GreaterBaton Rouge Association of REALTORS Commercial
Afterayearofreducedvelocityin2024 driven largely by elevated interest rates, thecommercialrealestate market is poised to move toward informed optimism in 2025. The post-electionlandscape hasstabilizeduncertainty settingthe stagefor ayearmarkedbysteady, if cautious growth.Investors cananticipatecontinued Federal rate cuts aimedateasinginflationary pressures, whileregulatory challenges areexpectedtomoderate. Thoughdramaticshifts in capital costsare unlikely,the relieffromprior aggressive rate hikesisexpectedtoencourage strategicinvestments acrosskey sectors. The industrial real estate sector remainsconstrained by lowsupply, exacerbated by insufficientspeculative development. Thistrend will likely persistuntil migration patterns shift andinfrastructurecatches up.Ona positive note,Class Aofficemarkets areshowing resilience,with most vacanciesinpremium properties nowbackfilled.Retai rental ratesare expected to maintain theirstrength, driven by sustaineddemand andhighconstructioncosts becoming thenew standard.Looking ahead, theeasingofinflation andstabilization of thelending environmentwill provide fertilegroundfor some speculativedevelopment in undersuppliedmarkets such as industrial warehousingand last-mile distribution.Overall,the year holdspromising opportunities forinvestors andend-users alike.
Donnie
CoreyK.Wilson Superintendent,
Bill Hines Managing Partner Jones Walker LLP
AGregory Bowser President &CEO, Louisiana Chemical Association & Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance
Martin Walke Vice President Louisiana Public Facilities Authority
Aswemoveinto2025, Louisiana’schemical
tJones Walker,weare optimisticabout SouthLouisiana’s economic growth in 2025. As oneofthe largest law firms in Louisiana, we work in closepartnership with clients on projects andtransactionsthatpromote economic developmentwithin thestate,aswellasatthe regional,national, andinternational levels.Weare also continuallybolstering ourattorneyrosterwiththe most experienced professionals andthe most promisingminds,totacklethe largest andmost complicated legaland regulatory issues ourclientsencounter We areconfidentthatLouisiana’s oiland gassectorwill continue to driveeconomicgrowthwhile also facilitating opportunities in theglobalenergytransition. With theshift toward sustainableenergysources gainingmomentumand significantadvancementsindecarbonization occurringrapidly in Louisiana, it is imperative forbusinessestounderstandthe legal implications andregulatory developments involved in this evolution. Similarly, as ourhealthcaresectorcontinues to advance, we foreseeLouisiana beingrecognizedasaleaderinthe digital healthcare industry Moreover,artificial intelligence (AI) createsnew opportunities foreconomic development. It is essentialthatweharness and utilizeAItoour advantage Ourfirm actively promotes Louisianaasanideal location forbusinessdevelopment andinvestment. Oureconomic developmentaffiliate,Avident Advisors,leverages itsextensive knowledgeand experience to offer effective location advisory services andguidanceacross varioussectors.Theseinclude carbon capture, portsand terminals,and sustainableenergy, alongwithmanufacturing fieldssuchasautomotive, aerospace/ defense,shipbuilding, steel, rail,and petroleum/petrochemical Louisianaispoisedfor significantgrowth, andweare eagerto assume aprominentroleasaneconomicdevelopment partner in 2025.
Mandi D. Mitchell President &CEO LafayetteEconomic Development Authority
Lafayette stands as atestament to innovationand resilience, evolving from ourfoundationasanenergy hubintoa dynamic center fordiverse industries and sustainablesolutions.Inthe heartofAcadiana, Lafayette’s economic storycontinues to unfoldwithremarkable momentum.
Lafayette’shealthcaresectorcontinues itsrobustgrowth, whileour manufacturing base serves global markets with increasingsophistication. Ourtechnologysectorisexpanding, with majorcompanieschoosingLafayette fortheir operations. Meanwhile, ourstrategic location at thecrossroadsofI-10 andI-49has establishedusasa vital logistics hubfor theGulf Coast. We areleadingthe wayinenergyadvancement—bridging traditional oiland gasexpertise with cutting-edge energy solutions. Thisunique positioninghas createdapowerhouse economywhere establishedenergycompaniesand clean technologyinnovatorscollaborate to driveprogressand create high-valuejobs.
Andweare workingwithK-12and highereducation partners on creative initiatives to ensure we have thelocal talenttofill theroles acrossall ourgrowthsectors As we move into 2025, Lafayetteremainsaneconomic catalystfor SouthLouisiana—acommunity that embraces progress whilehonoringour Cajunand Creole heritage We’renot just adapting to change; we’redriving it,creatinga blueprintfor sustainableeconomic growth that otherregions seek to emulate.
manufacturing industry is entering an exciting era of growth andopportunity.Overthe past year,we’ve seen numerous advancements that highlight ourstate’s position as aleader in this critical sector
We arefocused on enhancingcommunity engagement strengthening ourindustry’sfoundation, andsolidifying Louisiana’sleadership in theglobaleconomy.GovernorLandry’s recentchanges to theIndustrialTax ExemptionProgram (ITEP) last year let theglobalindustryknowthatLouisiana is open for business,pavingthe wayfor opportunities forinvestmentinour greatstate.Our industry is projectedtogrowby2.5-3% over the comingyears,atestament to thestrengthand dedicationofour member companies andLouisiana’s attractiveness as ahub for chemical manufacturing
With multiple carbon captureand storageand advanced recyclingprojectsunderway, Louisianaisprimedtobecomea leader in environmental sustainability.Our member companies remain steadfast in their commitmenttosafety,innovation, and thewell-beingofthe communities they callhome.
As we look ahead, thefuture of Louisianaisbright. Iam proudtorepresent an industry that notonlydriveseconomic progress butalsoprioritizes giving back to ourgreat state. Here’s to aprosperous2025 forLouisiana andthe chemical manufacturing industry!
Rose J. Hudson President &CEO Louisiana Lottery Corporation
For over 30 years, theLouisiana LotteryCorporation has deliveredonits missiontomaximizestate revenue. Last fiscal year wasour SECOND BEST EVER,transferring more than $205 milliontothe statetobenefitK-12public educationinLouisiana The first half of our2025fiscal year hasbeenchallenging Inflationarypressures mean lessdiscretionary spending. Coupledwiththe recentlackofeye-poppingmultistate jackpots,the currentconditionsdemand that we add valueto ourgameoffering with second-chanceprizesand experiences These include ourongoing partnershipwiththe NewOrleans Saints foron-field gamedayexperiences,our Golden Nugget GrandPrize Eventwhere 10 finalists will enjoyaVIP weekend casinogetaway with thechancetocompete forcashprizesof up to $1 million, as well as ourNASCAR PowerballPlayoff Promotionwhere aLouisiana finalisttookhomethe $1 million topprize before thechampionshiprace in Phoenix. Lotterycustomers canexpectevenmoreofthese brand alliances andsecond-chance, prize-winningopportunities that sparkthe imaginationasweheadintothe newyear. 2025 will also be ayearofshift in ourindustryastechnologydriveshow ourgames aredelivered,includingcloud-basedtechthatallows tickets to printin-lane at retailers’ ownpoint-of-salesystems as well as usingdataanalytics to optimizeprize allocationsinour instantgames. Leadingone of themostfiscally efficientlotteries in thenation, Iamproud of ourmission-driven, innovative workforceaswellasthe 2,800 Louisianabusinessesthatsell ourgames andenthusiastically serveour players. The future is bright at theLouisiana Lottery, andthisgives us aReasonto Smilein2025!
Welookforward to this year with optimism and greatanticipation.TheLouisiana Public Facilities Authority(LPFA)celebratedits 50thanniversary in 2024 andisproud to proclaim Louisianaremainsatthe centerofits mission. As astatewide issuer of taxableand taxexempt municipalbonds,the LPFA provides pivotal, lower-cost financingtocommunities to furthereconomic development, health care andeducation;fuelingLouisiana’s growth and resilience
Sinceits inception in 1974, theLPFAhas financed more than $31.4 billioninbonds,including more than $12 billionto improveinfrastructureand qualityhealthcare, $7.51 billionto furthereducation,and $7 billionfor economic development. Projects financed by theLPFAhavegenerated more than 346,250 newjobsand more than $8.5 billioninadditional personal earnings, accordingtoaneconomic impact studyby Dr.James Richardson,LSU professoremeritusofeconomics. The LPFA also wonthe prestigious2024 Bond Dealofthe Year from The Bond Buyer. Through itseducation division, theLouisiana Education Loan Authority(Lela), theLPFAsupportscollege-bound students. Lela provides students andfamilies responsible borrowingoptions throughits LelaCHOICE supplementalloan programs.Additionally, Lela offersfreeremoteassistancewith theFreeApplication forFederal StudentAid (FAFSA). Sinceits inception,Lelahas assisted more than 425,000 students. Throughoutour historyand partnerships in businessand industry,the LPFA hasremainedcommitted to servingthe people of Louisiana. We will continue workingtofurther our missiontomakeour stateabetterplace to live andwork. We look forwardtonot only this year,but theyears ahead.
Kristin W. Wall President&CEO, LWCC
LWCCisaprivate,mutual workers’ compensation insurancecompany committed to helpingLouisiana thrive.Our stable,reliableinsurancecoverageis availabletobusinesseslarge andsmall,regardless of industry classification. Together with ouragent partners,weare proud to supportover18,000Louisiana-based policyholders in creating safety culturesand practices to reduce workplace accidents.
As amutual insurancecompany,LWCC’spolicyholders aremembers,meaning that they arebothprotected from loss andabletoshare in thecompany’s financialsuccess through ourdividendprogram.LWCC’sdividendprogram is oneofthe most consistent in theindustry, andhas returned $1.4 billion to policyholders since2003, enablingthemtoinvestintheir businesses andtheir employees. ThisfundingtoLouisiana policyholders directly supports Louisiana’seconomy,and LWCC is proudtoplaya role in helpingthemand ourstate thrive
LWCC’s mutual structurealsomeans that we takea relationship-first approach with ourstakeholders,and make decisionsthatwillbenefitour policyholders,their workers, and ourhomestate long into thefuture
We takepride in employingthe best minds in workplace safety to offer expert guidance on accident prevention.When workersare injured, ourspecialized in-house claims team cares forthemwithcompassionand care,helping them to return to work anda meaningfullife.
As apurpose-driven business,LWCCisLouisiana Loyal. Always
Mark T. Emonet
President& COO, Lipsey’s
Aswelooktothefuture,weareexcitedaboutthepossibilitiesahead. BatonRouge’sstrongeconomicforecastinspiresustogrowandexpand ourreach,bothlocallyandnationally.Withaleadershipteamdedicated toexcellence,aloyalandtalentedworkforce,andafocusonmeaningful relationships,weareconfidentinourabilitytothriveandmakealasting footprintintheyearstocome.
JayHardman, P.E.
DiannaPayton Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Greater BatonRouge
ExecutiveDirector, Port of Greater BatonRouge
ipsey’sisblessedtocalltheGreaterBatonRougeareahome.Fromour humblebeginningsasasmall,family-ownedsportinggoodsstore wehavegrownintooneofthelargestbusinessesintheregionanda leadingshootingsportswholesalernationwide.Oursuccessisfirmly rootedinfamilyvalues,hardwork,andanunwaveringcommitmenttoour customersandemployees. AttheheartofLipsey’ssuccessisourexceptionalleadershipteam,whose visionanddedicationhavebeeninstrumentalinnavigatingchallengesand drivinggrowth.Thisteambringsdecadesofexperience,innovativethinking andasteadfastcommitmenttothecompany’scorevalues.Theirabilityto buildrelationships,empoweremployees,andseizenewopportunitiesensures thatLipsey’sremainsanindustryleaderandavitalcontributortothelocal economy. Strongrelationshipsarethecornerstoneofourgrowth.Apersonal touch,ahandshake,andacommitmenttoourcustomers,vendors,partners andemployeesdefineourapproach.Ourworkforceisourmostvaluable asset,andweareproudtoemployover200teammembers.Withplansfor furtherexpansionin2025,welookforwardtocreatingnewopportunitiesand strengtheningourimpact AsaproudLouisiana-basedcompany,wearecommittedtofostering economicgrowthintheregion.Lipsey’sprioritizeshiringavibrantlocal workforcethatsharesourvisionandvaluesandactivelysupportslocal vendorstobolsterthearea’seconomy.Ourteamisalsodedicatedtoinvesting inthecommunity.Wehaveatraditionofphilanthropyandansweringthecall toserve.Wededicatehundredsofhours,raisefundsforcriticalcausesacross theCapitolregion,andcontinueredefiningwhatitmeanstogiveback
Withover70yearsofservice,Lipsey’shasevolvedinnameandsize,but ourfamily-orientedfoundationremainsunchanged.FoundedbyRichard Lip y—wh ti toplay ti le dn ledbyhisdaught ChairwomanandCEOLaurieLipseyAronson,thecompanycontinuestoset newstandardsforsuccess.
E.J.Kuiper
President &CEO Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System
Aswelooktowardthe future,I’m encouragedby theinnovativestrides beingmadeinhealthcare. At FMOLHS, we embracetechnologytoenhance diagnostics, improvetreatment timelinesand create more convenientcareexperiences.AsChampionshipHealth Partners,Our Lady of theLakeHealthand LSUdeliver remarkable advancements, andweremain committed to fosteringenvironmentsthatnurture ongoinginnovation. Recruitmentand retentionoftop talentare also crucial.As thedemand forskilled healthcare professionalscontinues to grow,our commitmenttodevelopingthe next generation throughFranciscanMissionaries of OurLadyUniversity continues to strengthen. We areinvesting in innovative training programs to preparefuture leaderswhile also providing ongoinggrowthopportunities forthose alreadydedicated to thefield.
Accesstocarecontinues to be apriority. We’refocused on expanding critical services, particularly in ruralcommunities, andensuringour primarycareprovidersare strategically placedtomeetlocal needs. Everystepwetakeisaimed at increasing accesstohigh-quality healthcare forall
As we begin2025onastrongnote, I’mexcited aboutthe opportunities aheadand thecreativesolutions we’llcontinueto explore to shapethe future of healthcare
024 hasbeenanother good year forthe Port of Greater BatonRouge duemainlytothe performanceofour privatesectortenantscontinuingtoexpandand improve their cargo-handling capabilities. Carrying this momentum forwardinto2025 will result in addedliquid bulk cargo transfer capacity becauseofthe addition/rehabilitation of anotherdeep-draftberth on theMississippi River, the construction of conveyance forimproving grain-handling efficiencies at thegrain elevator,and themodernizationand strengtheningofthe Port’s oldestdeep-water dock.Also helpingwill be thefinalization of acollaborative studybythe lowerMississippi Riverports to identify both import and exportcargo opportunities, notonlyfor theMississippi River butfor theentirestate of Louisiana. These developments, coupledwiththe CorpsofEngineers’ongoing deepening projectofthe MississippiRiver to amaintained50-footdepth to BatonRouge,plusthe continuedprogressbythe Port of New Orleanstobuild theLouisiana InternationalTerminal(LIT), makefor averypositive economic forecast forthe upcoming year.ThePortofGreater BatonRouge haspartnered with the Port of NewOrleans in recentyears to shuttlefull containers downriverfromBaton RougetoNew Orleans, specifically foroverseasexports. Duetothe LIT,our port will be able to shuttleevenmorefull containers downriverinthe future.As in thepast, thestaffand commissioners of thePortwillpursue newmaritimeopportunities that contribute to thegrowthand economic viabilityofthe region andthe StateofLouisiana.
YWCA …AnEconomicand Positive Social Force in BatonRouge
The YWCA of GreaterBaton Rougeisstrengthening ourlocal economywithlife-changingservicesthat enhancethe upward mobility of women. Through ourcomprehensive services, extensiveoutreach, andaccess to resources,wehelpwomen achieve financialstability.The synergyofworkforce andchild developmentispowerful. Last year,our EarlyHeadStart programenrolledmorethan 300 children, ensuringschoolreadinessand fosteringstrong parent-child relationships. At thesametime, parentsreturnto theworkplace or enrollinhighereducation coursestoenhance their learningpower.Wealsoaddress theoverwhelming needs of womenwho experience domestic violence.Our newYWCA ProvidencePlace apartments provide beautifullivingspaces, safety,and security forwomen andtheir children affectedby domestic violence.TheYWCALegal andCommunity Services team provides wrap-aroundservicestoenablerecoveryand a hopefulfuture.TheYWCAalsoassists womenfacing eviction andhomelessnesswithfinancialand legalresources.Our YW-Teens forGirls programbuildsconfidence andleadership skills to empowerand guide girls ages 12 to 19 to developtheir full potential. In 2025, we will proudlyintroduce ourlatest commitmenttothe community with thegrand opening of ournew YWCA Women’sEmpowerment Center in Mid-City, enhancingour visibility andoutreach. The YWCA continues to significantly impact theBaton Rougeeconomy by enabling more womentoincreasetheir earningpower,helping girlsface their challenges, andsupportingfamiliestoestablish asolid foundationfor theirchildrenduringthose critical formative years. To learnmoreabout ourmission,gotoYWCA-BR.ORG
Todd Graves Founder, CEO, Fry Cook &Cashier Raising Cane’s
2
024 wasanother greatyearfor RaisingCane’saswe served ourCustomers 460 milliontimes andpartnered with over 45,000 local organizationstodonatemore than $20M to ourlocal communities. We grew to nearly 900 restaurantsacross41statesand made historyasthe first and only QSRbrand on LowerBroadwaywhenweopenedour NashvilleFlagshipthissummer.In2024 alone, we createdover 15,000 newjobs, promoted 4,500 Crewmembersinternally, andcontinued leading theindustryacrossall metrics. We also celebrated our“GoldenBirthday” when we turned 28 on August 28 andmarkedthismilestone with theopening of a fullygoldRestaurant in Boston andapledgetogiveback$28M to local communities over thenext year Despitethisgrowth, we have remained true to whowewere when Ifounded Cane’s 28 yearsago,atthe northgates of LSU’s campus.I neverimaginedthatwewould reachthe successwe have,and Iremain grateful to thecommunity of BatonRouge andcitizensofLouisiana forall theiryears of endlesssupport
Seth Hachmeister Senior Director, VerizonBusiness
nLouisiana, VerizonBusinessisdedicated to supporting oursmall businesscustomers with integrated toolsdesigned to enhanceefficiency andeffectiveness. Ourteamcreates custom solutionsand professionalservices to assist businesses in variouswaysand ourfieldteams work closelywithsmall businesscustomers daily, drivinginnovationwithinthe community Over thelastthree years, Verizonhas significantlyinvestedin NewOrleans,nearlytriplingits networkcapacitytoprepare the city forits influx of tourists andbusinesstravelers.And we are notdoneyet.Withthe influx of customers, stayingconnected is crucial.Withpreparation andpartnerships, businessescan capitalizeonthe opportunities that large-scale events bring. We have successfullyassistedcustomers in scalingtheir operations by providing them with additional primaryand backup connections, enablingthemtoworkand conducttransactions from anywhere Lookingahead,the economic outlookacrossLouisiana is promising, driven by technologicaladvancements andstrategic investments. The expansionofhigh-speedinternetand 5G networks will empowerlocal businessestoinnovateand competeglobally. Thisconnectivitywill attractnew industries, from tech startups to advanced manufacturing,fostering job creation andeconomicdiversification. With thesupport of VerizonBusiness, we canhelpthe state continue to grow.Byharnessingthe poweroftechnologyand connectivity,Louisiana will continue to evolve,ensuringa vibrantfuturefor allits residents
