Upper Lafayette On The Move www.upperlafayette.com February 2016 Volume 86
Upper Lafayette Welcomes New Board Members
Senior Pastoral Alliance Inducts Lafayette Church Leaders Save the Date for our Focus on i-49 Connector Meeting ...and more Printed by Lafayette Economic Development Authority
Published by
Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation
Printed by
Lafayette Economic Development Authority
Board of Directors
Monty Warren, President Cherie Hebert, Vice President Todd Citron, Secretary/Treasurer David Welch, Past President Zachary Barker Adrian Baudoin Kevin Blanchard Chad Cole Brenda Foulcard Donna Landry Pastor Ken Lazard Kirk LaCour Herb Schilling Bryan Tabor Jerry Vascocu
Honorary Advisory Board Don Dupuis Dwight “Bo” Ramsay
Staff
Jan Swift, Executive Director Elsa Dimitriadis, Communications Director
Mailing Address P.O. Box 53107 Lafayette, LA 70505
Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation is an association of proactive individuals and business leaders joined together to be a catalyst for change. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance and direct the positive, planned growth of Upper Lafayette, focusing on quality of life, while participating in the overall development of the Greater Lafayette Metropolitan Area. On the cover: A member of the Basile Mardi Gras Association teaches a young courir participant to play the t’fer, January 31, 2016. Photograph by Elsa Dimitriadis.
On the Web
www.upperlafayette.com
For membership information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Jan Swift at jan@upperlafayette.com.
Volume 86 • February 2016 • www.upperlafayette.com
A Letter from the Executive Director Researcher and storyteller Brene Brown reminds us that authenticity is “the choice to show up and be real; the choice to be honest; the choice to let our true selves be seen.” As we head into the days leading up to Mardi Gras, I am once again heartened by our community’s authenticity. From balls to parades to traditional courirs, and personal preparation for an upcoming period of reflection and self sacrifice, there is, truly, no place like Acadiana. The common denominator for the many ways we celebrate during the Mardi Gras season is our genuine, joyous appreciation for life. Whether it be in a ball gown, on the street, at a dance hall or in a field chasing a chicken - or merely a great conversation and meal - I believe that we have sustained ourselves as a community by taking each moment of life and cherishing it. It is no wonder that there is a 17th century French phrase for it, joie de vivre, which one philosopher defined as “the joy in being one’s self,” or “authenticity.” Even in the harder days, we know the importance of cherishing life and we remember to celebrate it. We hope that you enjoy this month’s newsletter as it, too, celebrates the many features of our community. From articles covering our recent luncheon honoring the success of Don Dupuis to updates on development in Carencro, we once again are reminded of all that our community has to offer. And please don’t forget to save the date on Wednesday, March 16th for our next meeting as we focus on the I-49 connector with a distinguished panel of speakers. Have a safe and joyous Mardi Gras and laissez les bon temps rouler!
Save the date! Please join us on Wednesday, March 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the LITE Center where Upper Lafayette will focus on the I-49 Connector and provide our business partners an opportunity to listen to the opportunities and challenges presented by completing the interstate through our city. We have confirmed as speakers Dr. Shawn Wilson, Secretary of Louisiana Department of Transportation, District 4 City-Parish Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux, and Carlee Alm-Labar, Lafayette Parish Director of Planning, Zoning, and Development. Tickets are $25 each for auditorium style seating at the LITE Center. Registration may be made online here or payment mailed to Upper Lafayette, P. O. Box 53107, Lafayette LA 70505. Special thanks to Billeaud Companies and LEDA for serving as our sponsors! Email jan@upperlafayette.com with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Don Dupuis, CEO of Acadiana Computer Systems, Honored as Business Success of the Year
Parish President Joel Robideaux presenting key to the city to Don Dupuis
Focusing on the intelligence, tenacity and leadership traits it takes to really make it in the business world, we have been proud to honor companies and individuals who work and live in Upper Lafayette and who truly exemplify SUCCESS. On January 20, 2016, Don Dupuis, CEO and founder of Acadiana Computer Systems, was our much deserving honoree. The earliest memories Don shared were of his days growing up in Carencro and in service as an altar boy for Monsignor A. M. Wassler at St. Peter’s Church in Carencro. He fondly recounted how he was always excused from Math and Science class so that he could serve during funeral services. When I asked his lifelong friend, Judge Durwood Conques, if Don was a good altar boy, he emphasized that Don “was the best of the best!” Don was also a class act in the sports arena, and his friend, Jimmy Culotta recounted his memories of Don playing for the City League where he stood out for his athleticism. Don is a proud graduate of Carencro High.
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After graduating from USL in 1965, Don set out to make a living. Working for Texaco and Louisiana Power & Light led him to realize how much he wanted to return home. By finding employment in Alexandria with Guaranty Bank, he was able to get much closer to his family and also was inspired by the bank’s operations which were automated with a computer. Back then in the late 1960’s, very few businesses were automated, but banks were, and Don saw how this technological tool could effectively transform a business’ efficiency, as well as improve delivery of services and the company’s bottom line. Founded in 1969, Acadiana Computer Systems started with five employees: of course, Don Dupuis was the sales force, and the other able employees were Judy Breaux, Roy Orwood, Terry Melancon, and Jim Domingue. The mission was to computer businesses. Focusing on the oil and gas business, early clients also included the Lafayette Parish Tax Assessor and Registrar of Voters, St. Landry Parish Assessor, Lafayette Police Jury, Kaplan’s utility bills, and Evangeline Downs where they not
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only processed the payroll but also the betting info! ACS also automated Red Lerille’s health club business office. When the oil industry experienced a slowdown, Don knew they needed to go with a more stable industry to survive the ups and downs of our local economy. So ACS turned to the medical industry. At a time when doctors didn’t have any office equipment, Don and ACS offered hardware and software packages that transformed doctor’s office practices. His son in law, Adrian, speaks of how Hewlett Packard conducted a study to see where sales were occurring back during this early time, and Hewlett realized there was a small town in the southern part of the U. S. that was killing it in sales of computers….. off the charts. Of course, it was attributable to Don’s art of persuasion, as well as offering a top-notch product! By 1979, ACS developed specific computer applications and revenue cycle management software to simplify and facilitate the billing functions of medical practices.
Joan Dubuisson, Rick Chappuis, Matt McConnell and Judge Marilyn Castle
ACS’s headquarters is 324 Dulles Drive, and the company has offices all over the state. ACS has 500 full time employees and approximately 4000 clients which include doctors and other healthcare practitioners as well as LSU and other teaching hospitals. ACS is truly a nationwide organization. Under Don’s leadership, ACS has become one of the largest providers of physician healthcare software and revenue cycle management solutions in the nation. Donald’s efforts have fostered a reputation for ACS as a market leader in comprehensive revenue cycle management and medical billing consulting. And of course, he couldn’t have done any of this without his loyal and highly competent staff which he always credits first for the longevity and success of ACS.
Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux and Don Dupuis
Special thanks to Dwight Andrus Insurance and Rader Solutions for serving as our Presenting Sponsors, and Mele Printing for serving as our Supporting Sponsor!
Chris Rader, Don Dupuis and Jan Swift
Judge Durwood Conques and Danielle Cromwell
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The Dupuis Family
Richie Falgout of Dwight Andrus
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Yvonne Harcrow speaking of her cousin, Don Dupuis
www.upperlafayette.com • February 2016
Senior Pastoral Alliance Inducts Inaugural Members The Senior Pastoral Alliance started with a single man’s effort, but has stretched across northern Lafayette, drawing upon the strength of 28 other pastors and their congregations. Elected leaders, state officials and area pastors and their flocks pressed inside the Cajundome Convention Center on Sunday, January 31, 2016, determined to make a difference in North Lafayette and beyond. The Senior Pastoral Alliance inducted 30 church leaders into the organization, which has expressed its commitment to change the community for the better. “We are mission focused,” said the Rev. Ken Lazard, pastor of Destiny of Faith Christian Center Church, who organized the alliance and serves as its president. He said the group and other pastors who are joining them are organizing themselves, learning the member churches’ strengths and setting the stage for action in the latter half of this year. “There is a need to come together to meet the challenges of this community,” he said Sunday night, speaking specifically about north Lafayette but pointing to other areas, too. That’s why the alliance called on public officials, from the governor’s office to city-parish government, to join the grassroots effort.
Reggie Thomas, interim Lafayette police chief, said law enforcement wants to hear what the pastors have to say, wants law enforcement to be part of the answer. He said this pastoral movement differs at least in size and scope. “It’s the first time I’ve seen so many pastors come together,” he said. Sheriff-elect Mark Garber said he first met Lazard on the campaign trail, talked with him about the pastoral alliance’s intentions and has been “all in” since. “We’re going to support him in every way possible,” Garber said. Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, representing the John Bel Edwards administration, said the governor values faith-based efforts to better communities. He said he would discuss with the group the challenges the state budget poses for Louisiana. He also said when churches take on social causes, they often help in areas where the state, too, has intentions to help. State Rep. Vincent Pierre, D-Lafayette, said he’s looking for collaborative efforts involving people of faith and governments, especially in drawing people together to fight community ills like crime and ramshackle properties
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Original story published by Ken Stickney, kstickney@theadvertiser.com January 31, 2016
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Upper Lafayette Welcomes New Board Member, Chad Cole Upper Lafayette is proud to welcome new board member, Chad Cole, President of Universal Sign Company. Married to Angela Garcia Cole, Senior VP at JP Morgan Chase Bank, Chad grew up in Lafayette, and graduated from USL where he majored in Mechanical Engineering. Chad purchased Universal Sign in September 2012 and the company has enjoyed impressive growth. Taking pride in using state of the art materials and advanced manufacturing processes to produce signs, Universal provides its customers with the look they desire and the durability to persevere in our harsh southern climate. Their outstanding customer service and attention to detail have long been the driving force behind their past successes and will continue to be the catalyst which will foster their future growth and customer loyalty. Upper Lafayette enjoyed hearing Chad’s thoughts on being a young entrepreneur at our November 2013 meeting, where he referred to one of his favorite books, “The Trust Edge” by David Horsager. Chad emphasized this book’s message on trust in shaping his own success: “Trust has the ability to accelerate or destroy any business or relationship. Greater trust leads to greater innovation, retention of good people, higher morale, better results, and a greater bottom line. Trust has become the world’s most precious resource.” We also enjoyed hearing of Chad’s business investment in Port Allen, including his gas station, liquor store and Suite Relief restroom still available to the esoteric group that is aware of its’ existence. We encourage you to get to know Chad if you have not had the opportunity! Universal Sign & Manufacturing Co. is conveniently located at 2745 W Willow St in Scott. For more information, call (337) 234-1466 or visit www. unisignco.com.
A reminder to check out our latest segment of Upper Lafayette On the Move! with guest District 4 City-Parish Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux, airing Thursday, February 11 at 8:30 PM on AOC2 (COX 16/LUS 4). 7
www.upperlafayette.com • February 2016
Upper Lafayette Welcomes New Board Member, Zachary Barker Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Zachary Barker earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Middle Tennessee State University. Upon graduation, Zach joined SunTrust Mortgage, served as regional marketing manager and later as a mortgage originator. In 2003, he was selected Rookie of the Year before leaving in 2005 to pursue his own Nashville-based venture, BarkLoud Marketing, a corporate execution training and marketing management group. Zachary’s professional experiences include serving a Business Group Manager for NationLink Wireless (a BlackBerry/RIM Certified partner), Business Director for Advanced Network Solution, as well as Founder of GeauxASL, a Lafayette-based sport and social management company with recent expansions into Austin, Texas. He currently serves as Executive Director for the Opportunity Machine, an entrepreneur acceleration initiative of Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA), where he has served over 100 startup entrepreneurs in 18 months with over $1M in funding being received by his clients. Zachary’s passion for community leadership currently drives his service as an executive board leader for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana, in addition to Past President of the705 Young Leaders for a Better Acadiana. Prior community service includes serving as President of the Nashville Area Junior Chamber of Commerce, a 90-year old, 300 member volunteer organization and graduate of Leadership Nashville (LN), as well as serving on the LN leadership team in 2009-10 and work with Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee. Zach wed Dr. Nancy Dubuisson Barker, a local anesthesiologist, in October of 2010, and currently resides in Lafayette. Zach has also been an active supporter of Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation for the past several years, and offers complimentary RockHabits classes to our members and businesses situated in Upper Lafayette Parish. He brings passion and creativity to our board and we are grateful!
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The Habit of Being Successful As a new year begins, it’s always the same thing: People resolve to take action to improve their lives, whether that’s going to the gym, eating better, spending more time with family or finally starting that business they’ve been thinking about for years. Come February, many of those resolutions are forgotten best intentions. At the Opportunity Machine, we can’t get you to the gym or cook your dinner, but we can help guide you down the path of entrepreneurship in the new year. How can your goals and resolutions be more easily achieved? Is there a secret to starting and maintaining momentum? What is the successful entrepreneur doing that you should be doing also? The secret lies in habits. Habits are the actions we execute consistently, often unconsciously — for better or worse. From brushing our teeth daily to balancing our monthly budgets, our habits define our success or failure. Let’s look at some common habits: SUCCESS HABITS • focusing on and working toward accomplishing a single overall goal • maintaining a “Top 5” to-do list • setting quarterly (90-day) goals • reading 30 minutes or more each day for education or career reasons STRUGGLE HABITS • not having written daily goals • over-committing your time • failing to delegate tasks • never leaving your desk • multi-tasking To most of us, these success habits make sense, but we may not know how to start or keep up the momentum. That’s where the Opportunity Machine, Lafayette’s entrepreneur acceleration center, comes in. By providing hands-on training for habit building, the OM is helping Lafayette’s entrepreneurs break free of struggle habits and develop the success habits that will propel them into a successful future. The OM utilizes “RockHabits” — a program based on principles from Verne Harnish’s Mastering the Rockerfeller Habits and The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss — to help its members build success habits. Through this program, with support from OM staff, you will learn how to: • establish a single overall goal • set and review quarterly goals • execute your Top 5 daily goals • maintain a scorecard for measuring success (to verify our habits work) • control time management (to assure that execution is done with the appropriate sense of urgency). Success habits help to increase productivity and revenue, enhance personal relationships and health, decrease stress and anxiety, create opportunities and eliminate distractions. Having good structure and coaching, such as that offered through the OM, builds these success habits, replacing those that keep us struggling. As the year progresses, don’t lose sight of your New Year’s resolutions and goals. Start building your success habits today by engaging with the OM, a partner or a mentor. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an individual who would like to become an entrepreneur or a business professional, you can benefit from utilizing these principles. For information on the OM RockHabits program or more information about the Opportunity Machine, email Rocks@ opportunitymachine.org. Zachary Barker is executive director of the Opportunity Machine, a LEDA-backed initiative that focuses on cultivating Lafayette’s entrepreneurial and technology-based industries. Barker is also president and owner of Acadiana Sports Leagues and past president of the705, a local young leaders group. Contact him at zach@opportunitymachine.org.
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www.upperlafayette.com • February 2016
www.upperlafayette.com • February 2016
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Lafayette Education Foundation Hosts 18th Annual Teacher Awards
Lafayette Education Foundation held its 18th Annual LEF Teacher Awards on January 20, 2016 at a red carpet event at the Heymann Center. Sixteen top finalists had been chosen prior to the event from almost seven hundred teachers who had been nominated by students, parents and coworkers. The sixteen top finalists represented four catagories including Elementary School, Middle School, High School and Inspirational. Many thanks to Scott Brazda and Marcelle Fontenot for emceeing the event, the many private and corporate sponsors, Lafayette Education Foundation for their dedication to celebrating the work of excellent teachers and the many educators who make these awards so competitive. Congratulations to all! Top 16 Finalists: (winners have been underscored) Elementary School Category * Darmecia W. Crane – Milton Elementary/Middle School – 5th Grade * Ashley Jolet – Katharine Drexel Elementary School – Special Education * Mayme Suire – Family Life Christian Academy – 4th Grade * Charlie West – Katharine Drexel Elementary School – 4th Grade
Middle School Category * Vincent Robert Hicks – David Thibodaux STEM Academy – 6th-8th Grade P.E./Basketball Coach * Michael Karnath – Youngsville Middle School – 6th-8th Grade Modular Tech (Woodshop) * Monique Walker – L.J. Alleman Middle School – 7th Grade English * Trudie Wolking – Cathedral Carmel School – Special Education
High School Category * Sandra Laborde Broussard – Comeaux High School – 9th-11th Grade Speech & Debate * Mel Didier – Comeaux High School 11th-12th Grade Western Civilizations History * Shauna LeBlanc – Lafayette High School – 10th-11th Grade Biology and Chemistry * Charles Young – Comeaux High School – 9th-12th Grade NJROTC
Inspirational Category * Ashley Cagle – J. Wallace James Elementary School – Kindergarten * Lian Cheramie – Lafayette High School – 9th-12th Talented Theatre * Mary Pierce – Myrtle Place Elementary School – Special Education * Sandra Thompson – Episcopal School of Acadiana – Kindergarten
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www.upperlafayette.com • February 2016
Update on Walmart Coming to Carencro The Carencro City Council agreed Tuesday night to spend no more than $1.5 million on infrastructure to support the opening of a Wal-Mart Supercenter. Carencro Mayor Glenn Brasseaux said after the meeting that the money will be used to upgrade two roads leading to the new retail store, which will be located along the Interstate 49 Frontage Road, behind the Lourdes After Hours walk-in clinic near Super 1 Foods. Brasseaux said the city should recoup its investment within a year of Wal-Mart’s opening through taxes and other revenue the new business is expected to bring to the city. A Wal-Mart spokesman said the company hopes to break ground on the new store in the spring of this year and open by spring 2017. It could employ up to 300 people. In other business, the council heard from the city manager on the status of a new sewage treatment plant that officials said must be built to accommodate the city’s rising population. Brasseaux said the city has been approved for a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund the $24 million to $26 million facility. The city plans to ask voters to support a one-cent sales tax to help repay the loan and to fund other needs, such as a new fire station and a new fire truck. Without the sales tax, Brasseaux said, the city would have to increase sewer and water bills by $60 to $80 a month. If voters approve a one-cent tax, the sales tax rates would be 9 percent in most of the city and 10 percent in a special taxing district along I-49. Before the city can ask voters to pass the tax, the state Legislature must pass a bill allowing the city to charge more than 8.5 percent in sales taxes. City Manager Jay Castille said state Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, D-Lafayette, will author the legislation in the Senate, and state Rep. Julie Emerson, R-Carencro, will sponsor the bill in the House. Brasseaux said he hopes to place the tax on the ballot in October. If everything else falls into place, construction on the new sewage treatment plant could begin by spring 2017. The council also received an update on a new recreation center in the works at the former Louisiana Ice Arena on the I-49 Frontage Road. The city purchased the former ice arena in December 2014 for $1.8 million. The building is being converted to an indoor recreation center that will include a field for soccer, lacrosse and football. Plans also call for an 11,500-square-foot addition that will house a court for basketball and volleyball. Lynn Guidry, the project’s architect, said the contractor doing the renovations has run into some unforeseen issues, but they are not serious setbacks and the center is still expected to open by the end of October. The council also agreed to replace a yield sign at the corner of Church and St. Peter streets with a stop sign, making it a two-way stop for drivers on Church Street and giving right of way to drivers turning onto Church Street from St. Peter Street. Brasseaux said the stop sign is needed to improve safety at the intersection. The city plans to consult with engineers at Fenstermaker and Associates for guidance on making the switch. HEATHER MILLER | SPECIAL TO THE ADVOCATE | January 19, 2016
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Free Guided Tours
Fridays at 2pm Saturdays at 10:30am and 2pm Tours will resume on Friday, January 19. They have been postponed for the next two weekends due to carnival.
Spring 2016 Exhibitions
Depictions of Louisiana from the Permanent Collection of the Hilliard University Art Museum On view through August 20 Fashion From Fiction: Romance Novel Dresses by Carrie Ann Schumacher On view through May 14 From the Vault: Works on Paper by Dali and Picasso On view through May 14
Museum Hours
Tuesday & Thursday 9am-5pm Wednesday 9am-8pm Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 10am-5pm Closed Sunday & Monday Request a Tour The Hilliard University Art Museum provides quality educational programs and exciting learning opportunities for adult groups and students from preschool to the university level. Maximum number of students is 40.
Save the Date Second Annual John Bartholomew Bienvenu Lecture Friday, March 11 Dr. Richard Brettel “Impressionist Gardens Beyond Giverny: Pissaro’s House and Garden in Eragny” Image credit: Camille Pissarro, The Little Country Maid, 1882, oil on canvas.
You may reserve your tour date and time by telephone at 337.482.0813 or online by completing and submitting their online tour request form.
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www.upperlafayette.com • February 2016
Thank you for your generosity.. Silver Members
Platinum Patrons ($5000)
($600)
Halliburton IBERIABANK Island Operating, Inc. Schlumberger
Platinum Members ($2400)
Acadian Companies Acadiana Computer Systems, Inc. Aries Marine Corporation ASH/Badger Oil Company Couret Farms Cox Communications Delta Media Home Furniture Hub City Ford Lafayette General Medical Center McDonald’s of Acadiana MidSouth Bank Our Lady of Lourdes PHI, Inc. Republic National Distributing Company Schilling Distributing Company Stone Energy Whitney National Bank
Gold Members ($1200)
Acadiana Rubber & Gasket Atmos Energy Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Dupré Logistics, LLC Fenstermaker & Associates Gulf Coast Bank Home Bank Omni Energy Services The Southwest Group Tobacco Free Living Van Eaton & Romero
Silver Members ($600)
Ace Plumbing, Inc. BBR Creative Cajun Harley Davidson Coburn’s Supply Company Edward Jones/Bob Crist Entergy Gauthiers’ RV Center
Bronze Members
Master Builders & Specialists, Inc. Oakbourne Country Club Prejean Creative Rader Solutions Refinery Downtown Shelf Energy, LLC SLEMCO SMILE Stella Maris Stirling Properties Summit Physical Therapy Therapy Center of Carencro Universal Sign & Manufacturing Company Walters Funeral Home
Bronze Members ($300)
Acadiana C.A.R.E.S. Advancial Federal Credit Union Anytime Fitness Upper Lafayette Aspen Clinic Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana Benton Business Solutions, LLC Jean C. Breaux, Jr. & Associates Breaux’s Mart Community Foundation of Acadiana Crawdaddy’s On-Site Catering Davis Property Management Taylor Davis, Northwestern Mutual Derek Development Corp., LLC Joey Durel Lynn Guidry, Architect Jay Castille Construction John Paul The Great Academy Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro Lafayette Animal Aid Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission Lafayette Youth Soccer Association Lee Verret/State Farm Insurance Agency Lowry’s Printing and Copying Flo Meadows, Coldwell Banker Iqbal Merchant, CPA Melancon I-49 Storage Center One Acadiana Petroleum Club Proree, LLC Chad Romero, Northwestern Mutual Ron J. Gaubert Realtors W. W. Rucks, III Sarah Schoeffler Schools of the Sacred Heart John Swift
($300)
Sylvan Learning Center Teche Electric Supply, LLC WorldPay
Sponsors PLATINUM LEDA Tobacco Free Living GOLD AT&T Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Dwight Andrus Insurance Lafayette Regional Airport Commission Rader Solutions Van Eaton & Romero SILVER Advancial Federal Credit Union Schilling Distributing Company
City of Carencro City of Scott Mele Printing
BRONZE
A special thanks to the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) for being our Program of Work partner for 2016.
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