Upper Lafayette On The Move www.upperlafayette.com January 2016 Volume 85
Upper Lafayette Celebrates the Holidays Together
Carencro Honors Retired Fire Chief Guilbeau Recognition of Lafayette Parish Teacher of the Year Nominees ...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 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: New Year’s Eve with Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie. Vermilionville Performance Center, December 31, 2015.
On the Web
www.upperlafayette.com
For membership information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Jan Swift at jan@upperlafayette.com.
Volume 85 • January 2016 • www.upperlafayette.com
A Letter from the Executive Director Poet Edith Pierce once said, “The book is called Opportunity, and it’s first chapter is New Year’s Day.” Naturally with the start of any new year comes joy, optimism and the belief in possibility, and 2016 is no different. Following a particularly hectic year, I have been looking at the turning of the calendar as a time to reflect, refocus, and rededicate my efforts and ties. I look forward to the opportunities that 2016 will bring to better myself and my community. However, it would be disingenuous not to acknowledge the challenges facing our community this year. The oil and gas industry is suffering, which affects us all. The state is facing a budget deficit that desperately needs to be addressed. We are acutely aware of our circumstances and all that that it entails. How can we remain joyful and optimistic? Because we are Acadiana and we will pull together as a community. With what Greg Gothreaux has famously dubbed our “wildcatter mentality,” we have and will continue to take risks and hone our entrepreneurial spirit. We believe that surely, tomorrow will be a better day, and we will do whatever it takes to make each day better. And we have already laid the groundwork to weather some of these storms. We have diversified our economy so that cyclical drops in the oil and gas industry can be better endured. We have created a hotbed for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and we are working to nurture our creative class. Although we face great challenges, we have much to celebrate and anticipate. In that spirit, we at Upper Lafayette begin the year with our annual Celebration of Business Success, as we honor Don Dupuis of Acadiana Computer Systems, Inc. We hope that you will join us on January 20, 2016 to celebrate his success and therefore, ours. I sincerely wish you the very best this new year, Please mark your calendar for our sixth annual “Honoring Upper Lafayette Success Stories” event to be held Wednesday, January 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Oakbourne Country Club. We are so proud to honor Don Dupuis, CEO of Acadiana Computer Systems. Founded in 1969, ACS is one of the largest providers of medical practice management services in the U. S., providing technical assistance to over 3,000 providers ranging from large academic teaching facilities, physician practices and other healthcare entities. This event will be a wonderful way to kick off another great year! Tickets are $35 each, or a table for eight for eight may be reserved for $300. Please contact jan@upperlafayette.com for more information. Registration may be made online at http://www.upperlafayette.com/?q=node/7527, or you may mail payment to ULEDF, P. O. Box 53107, Lafayette LA 70505. Special thanks to our Premier Sponsors, Rader Solutions and Dwight Andrus Insurance, and Supporting Sponsor, Mele Printing, for their generous support!
www.upperlafayette.com • January 2016
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New Lafayette Mayor-President and Council Sworn In
On January 4, 2015, the city of Lafayette held a special inauguration ceremony to officially swear-in our new city-parish leaders. Newly elected Mayor-President Joel Robideaux believes his predecessor, Joey Durel, put Lafayette in good position for the future and is happy to be “...able to put my mind to the task and craft a vision to move this community forward.” The new council has five incumbents which include Kevin Naquin, Jay Castille, Kenneth Boudreaux, Jared Bellard and William Theriot, and four newcomers including Pat Lewis, Bruce Conque and for the first time, two elected women, Nanette Cook and Liz Webb-Hebert. DIstrict 8 Councilwoman Liz Webb-Hebert said, “Being sworn in to my City Council position was one of the proudest moments of my life. I was lucky to have my family by my side to share this experience...I do not take this responsibility lightly, I look forward to learning from you, listening to you and growing with you.” “This District 3 Seat is not mine. It’s for the voters. I’m just representing that seat.” said Pat Lewis, District 3 Councilman. “I’m excited about the new adventure. I’m grateful for the opportunity for the opportunity to serve and just anxious about what’s to come.” said Nanette Cook, District 7 Councilman. Looking past today’s ceremony, Mayor-President Robideaux says his early priorities include selecting an interim police chief for the Lafayette Police Department and lining up vision for the parish with the council. “Having conversations with the council and starting to prioritize what road projects, drainage projects, what’s out there in which districts, what do we have money for, what do we not have money for, you know that’s the process.” said Mayor Robideaux. Photo courtesy of The Advertiser.
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www.upperlafayette.com • January 2016
(Photos and material courtesy of developinglafayette.com)
On Monday, December 21st, The City of Carencro set in motion agreements with Walmart to make way for a new retail store in Carencro. The location of the new Supercenter will be behind Lourdes After Hours at 3824 NE Evangeline Thruway, near the Super 1 Foods on Hector Connoly Rd. According to plans, the new Walmart will not offer gas pumps, but will be complete with garden, grocery, automotive (lube & tire), toy, clothing and other regular product departments. The surrounding streets, Wallace Broussard and Sonnier Roads, will receive pavement detailing in order to allow for delivery trucks to enter. According to plans, groundbreaking will commence during the first quarter of 2016. Downtown Carencro is heading towards a revitalization with several businesses all helping to achieve a more bustling feel. Bryan Breaux is just one of the few business owners who are working to make this happen. Located at 108 E. St. Peter Street, a building built in 1905 is being renovated by Breaux to become a café called Swanky’s. The vintage building will retain many of the features that provide its character like the rafters, original brick walls, concrete floors, and cypress wood.
Much Afoot in Carencro..
Swanky’s will serve classics such as poboys, seafood, plate lunches and more! There will be a bar, and the café will seat approximately 70 patrons. Next door to Swanky’s is another old building that will be renovated, but will not be a related to Swanky’s.
www.upperlafayette.com • January 2016
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McDonald’s of Acadiana Recognized for Business Excellence In recognition of the Krampe organization’s consistent achievement and excellence in all areas of business, the group has received the McDonald’s Great Southern Region Excellence Award. Founder Ed Krampe was the first McDonald’s owner/operator in the Southwest Louisiana eight-parish region of Acadiana. He moved to Louisiana in 1972 with his young family to open his first store on the Evangeline Thruway in Lafayette, which is currently being rebuilt. Ed Krampe passed away on October 22, 2015. E.J. and Chris Krampe accepted the award in memory of their father at the McDonald’s Regional Operators Association held in Mobile, Alabama, on November 4, 2015. The Excellence Award recognizes the owner/operator organization that achieves the highest business standards and contributes significantly and consistently to the region and community. Recipients must demonstrate leadership among fellow owner/operators, managers, and staff through teamwork, idea-sharing, innovations, and brand-building. The Krampes have been deeply involved in community organizations, including Lafayette General Medical Center, the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation, Our Lady of Lourdes Foundation, UL Lafayette, Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana, Acadiana Symphony Orchestra and Miles Perret Cancer Services. Ed Krampe always said, “You’re only as good as your people,” and their people have helped them achieve great success. Over the years, the Krampes have hired over 70,000 area residents to work in 21 McDonald’s locations.
ASHRM’s 2015 HR Professional of the Year The Acadiana Society for Human Resources Management (ASHRM) is excited to announce the 2015 Human Resources Professional of the Year – Ms. Monique Bradberry, Human Resources Generalist at MidSouth Bank. Ms. Bradberry was nominated for this honor by Sara Huval, Chief Human Resources officer for MidSouth Bank. Ms. Bradberry joined MidSouth Bank in 2009 and later earned her Professional Human Resources Certification. Ms. Huval recognizes Ms. Bradberry as playing a vital role in improving the delivery of operational HR functions, proving time and time again that strategy and tactics work in tandem for the organization. A thorough listing of accomplishments was submitted along with Ms. Bradberry’s nomination. The Board of Directors and Members of Acadiana SHRM would like applaud Mrs. Bradberry for her determined endeavors and outstanding achievements in the human resources profession.
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www.upperlafayette.com • January 2016
8 Tips for Making a Memorable First Impression No matter what your business, first impressions are hard to shake. Everyone is a salesperson to some degree; mostly in how we sell ourselves to others through our résumés and first impressions. Do yourself justice and make sure that the “you” you are presenting is exactly what you want people to see. 8 Tips For Making A Memorable First Impression. #1: Be On Time: A surefire way to hurt your first impression is to be late. Plan ahead and give yourself ample time to get to a meeting or appointment. It is better to be early than even a few minutes late. #2. Smile: A confident smile can go a long way to making you and the person with whom you are speaking feel more at ease. Just make sure that you do not take it too far. You want your smile to look warm and sincere. #3. Dress For Success: Cliché as it might seem, you really do want to dress to impress. Your clothes, your hair, your hygiene are all factors that most people will remember and use as a basis for their initial judgment. While the workplace is becoming more casual and less stringent about dress codes, it is always safer to overdress than shoot low. You can always leave the jacket behind, ditch the tie and roll up your sleeves if you find yourself entering a more casual setting. #4. Have Good Body Language: You might not even be aware of it, but your body language is very important for a first impression. Be cognizant of your nervous habits and try to curb them. Having good eye contact and a strong handshake are also always a good idea. #5. Remember Someone’s Name: Another way to show that you are paying attention, as well as help learn and memorize a person’s name, is to pepper its use into the conversation whenever you can. Each time you include a speaker’s name, you establish certainty of your participation in the discussion, personalize the moment and help make yourself more memorable in the process. #6. Put Your Listening Skills To The Test: First impressions are not one-sided interviews. They are opportunities for whoever you are meeting with to gauge just how quick you are on your feet and how genuine your interest is. Drifting thoughts or distant gazes tell a speaker that your attention is elsewhere, which is insulting and leaves a poor first impression. Be sure to add questions or comments into the conversation to prove how much you are paying attention. #7. Leave Humor At Home: As tempting as it may be to slip in a bit of humor or crack a joke during a first impression, do not do it. It is one thing to be light-hearted, but humor is a fuzzy area. What one person perceives as an innocent thought or comment, another might perceive as ignorant, racist, sexist, homophobic, classist or just plain rude. #8. Take Part In the Conversation: Whether it is a job interview or random conversation on a long train ride, all of the skills listed above contribute to what the other party in a first impression scenario wants most from you: To show interest. Almost every job interview ends with the interviewee asking the candidate whether they have any questions. (Article courtesy of The Dale Carnegie Team of Middle Louisiana/East Texas)
www.upperlafayette.com • January 2016
STEM Academy Teacher in LEF Finalist Competition Widely considered one of the top local honors for educators, the Lafayette Education Foundation’s Teacher Awards are in their 18th year. Educators are nominated by current and former students, parents, fellow teachers or community members. Frequently, the nomination letters include heartfelt stories about the personal impact that teachers have on their students. Nominees must be active educators in Lafayette Parish public, private or parochial schools. Finalists are chosen in four categories — elementary school, middle school, high school and inspirational. A Top Finalist in each category will be named at an Academy Awardsstyle ceremony on Jan. 20 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center. We are proud to highlight Vincent Robert Hicks, a 9th and 10th Grade Health and Physical Education Coach at David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy. Originally from Hammond and a graduate of Carencro High School and Northwestern State University, Hicks has been teaching for 13 years. A dedicated professional, Hicks’ advice to anyone considering the teaching profession is to “Love your students, listen to them without judging, try to understand where they come from so you can understand them, and consider them first before you consider yourself.” Best wishes to Vincent Robert Hicks in the LEF competition and also to David Thibodaux STEM Academy for its outstanding staff of professionals!
Courir de Mardi Gras at Vermilionville! Join Bayou Vermilion District’s Vermilionville on Sunday, January 31st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as they bring a traditional Courir de Mardi Gras with the Basile Mardi Gras Association and music by Pine Leaf Boys. Admission is $5; children under 3 get in free. Guests will stop at six of the homes located inside Vermilionville’s historic village where they will watch the Basile Mardi Gras Association beg for all the ingredients for the community gumbo and perform some traditions along the way. Following the Association’s performance, children will be invited to chase a chicken and the one who catches it will get a special prize. Guests will then be able to purchase gumbo and dance to live music, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. The day will also include king cake and capuchon workshops. Jan Swift speaks to the Rotary Club of Lafayette at the Petroleum Club, December 3, 2015.
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For more information, please call (337) 233-4077.
www.upperlafayette.com • January 2016
337 Magazine Launches Premiere Issue Owner and publisher Joan Broussard announced today the launch of the premiere issue of 337 magazine, a local lifestyle publication that encourages healthy communities. The magazine promotes the best of South Louisiana, showcasing the diverse music, food, events and cultures that our area is renowned for. “Each and every person and business in our area is 337. We work hard, play hard and love hard. Every day our team is out in the community hearing incredible stories from people trying to live their best life,” Broussard said. The full-color premiere issue includes a showcase of two unique components of our great Cajun Nation: Ville Platte and Scott, as well as a holiday gift guide, local soups and gumbos, current developments (both new businesses and land developments such as Parc Tower), holiday décor, kids’ activities and more. Many people know Broussard for her accomplishments in the radio industry, with 008 magazine and as a Chase Bank 20 Under 40 Award recipient. Wanting the world to see the elements of our community and culture that she loves so much, Broussard launched 337 magazine. Behind the scenes is a noteworthy, talented staff who have all been working in Acadiana’s media fields in one form or another for the vast majority of their careers. 337’s editor, Sevie Zeller, was recently named one of 2015’s Top Influencers in Acadiana and worked diligently on the project through her recent campaign for Lafayette City-Parish Council. “Our goal is to inform the public and enhance the community,” Zeller stated simply, adding, “We have an opportunity to be a change agent that unites people and places in order to continuously grow and improve the region that has captured so many hearts.” 337 magazine has a widespread distribution including but not limited to Youngsville, Broussard, Henderson, Lake Charles and their home base of Lafayette. Check out www.337magazine.com and their social media pages for a chance to win great prizes. Right: 337 70’s themed launch party at Feed & Seed, December 19, 2015. Photos and material courtesy of Sevie Zeller.
www.upperlafayette.com • January 2016
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Your I-49 A Brief History
t a e Ch t e e h S
1968: Evangeline Thruway identified for possible upgrading to interstate standards 1990: Federal Highway Administration and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development begin location study and Environmental Impact Study of U.S. 90/Evangeline Thruway 1992: Draft Environmental Impact Statement completed; 200 people oppose I-49 project at public hearing; DOTD ends further work 1993: Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce convenes task force to increase interest in and to further study a north-south corridor through Lafayette. With Lafayette government leaders, the Lafayette North/South Corridor Study, “Path to Progress,” is completed offering four possible north-south routes 2003: Record of Decision issued with 21 commitment and mitigation items. Notes receipt of a petition with 2,000 signatures opposing interstate through the city 2004: Concerned Citizens Coalition sues Federal Highway Administration in federal court to stop construction of elevated interstate through Lafayette. The FHWA wins. 2006-2008: Functional planning begins, interpreting EIS to create engineering drawings 2008: Functional planning halted 2015: Functional planning restarted in October
Basic Things to Know About the I-49 Lafayette Connector • • • • • • • • •
In Support • • • • • •
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The Connector is about 5.5 miles long. About 3.5 miles is elevated to various heights, most up to 22 feet. Where it’s elevated, the Connector will be built as two separate bridges with minimal space, maybe 6-10 feet, between them. Each bridge will include 3-4 lanes, with shoulders in some places. Three hundred buildings/properties will be taken, fewer than half of them residences. LCG was awarded a federal TIGER grant in the amount of $304,250 to begin the planning process again. It will be combined with $400,000 of local funds to complete that process. It is estimated that the total construction cost for the Connector will be between $700 million - $1 billion. For the next 18 months, community stakeholders will create a recommended design and plan for the Con- nector. Those stakeholders make up three committees: a working community group, a technical advisory com- mittee, and an executive committee. Committee members were selected by the Lafayette Connector Project CSS Team with LCG staff and councilmen, Acadiana Planning Commission, One Acadiana, Down- town Development Authority, UL Lafayette, and the Department of Transportation and Development. Their goals are to make their proposal affordable, acceptable to all key stakeholders and have potential as a valuable community asset. There has been assurance that public input will be a vital part of the design and planning process.
The Connector will alleviate traffic issues for the Evangeline Thruway corridor. The Connector will connect New Orleans to Lafayette, allowing a way for increased work opportunities for residents of both cities. It will serve as a connector from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans. The Evangeline Thruway is already a barrier that segments the city and the creation of a Connector may be a way to fix mistakes made in the past. Some environmentalists believe that it is the best option for the Vermilion River, as routes that affect Bayou Tortue during a lengthy construction would disrupt waterflow leading into the Vermilion. Some environmentalists are also concerned that a more eastwardly route would also affect areas that are
www.upperlafayette.com • January 2016
nature conservancies, and would not help alleviate Lafayette traffic in any way.
How Can I Learn More or Get Involved? • •
There are many online resources that discuss the I49 Connector. Some links that may be of interest include: o I49 Connector: The Great Divide o $21 Million Being Spent on I49 Lafayette Consultants, Engineers o I49 Lafayette Connector: How We Got Here o http://www.i49lafayette.com o http://lafayetteconnector.com/ o http://www.geauxsouth49.com/ Upcoming meetings that may be of interest include (in chronological order): o The705: I49 Task Force Meeting o Y-49 Grassroots Forum o I49 Community Vision & Values Workshop
...and tha t’s jus t in Januar y!
www.upperlafayette.com • January 2016
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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
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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.
www.upperlafayette.com • January 2016