Upper Lafayette On The Move www.upperlafayette.com July 2015 Volume 79
sheriff candidates tell us how they’ll serve our parish
ALSO Upper Lafayette Honors Students Events About Town SMILE Celebrates 47 Years
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, Immediate Past President Adrian Baudoin Julie Dronet Brenda Foulcard Donna Landry Kirk LaCour Beau Phares Bryan Tabor Jerry Vascocu
Honorary Advisory Board Don Dupuis Ed Krampe Dwight “Bo” Ramsay Herbert Schilling
Staff
Jan Swift, Executive Director Elsa Dimitriadis, Communications Director/ Executive Assistant
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 vendor’s display at the first Carencro Farmers’ Market on June 27th. Photograph by Elsa Dimitriadis.
On the Web
www.upperlafayette.com
For membership information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Jan Swift at jan@upperlafayette.com.
Volume 79 • July 2015 • www.upperlafayette.com
A Letter from the Executive Director Summer is in full swing and it has been a rainy one! However, after just returning from a family vacation on the West Coast where a severe drought is being experienced, I am very aware of how fortunate we are to have an abundance of water. Gratitude for the blessings we enjoy is the theme of my letter this month. Our foundation exists because of the vision of our early founders who understood how much Upper Lafayette Parish has to offer, and how it also has its challenges which may be overcome by us banding together to focus on those areas where we can make a difference. Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation has continued to exist and experience incredible growth as a direct result of our talented board’s leadership as well as our loyal members who provide membership dues and support our events through attendance and outreach. For each one of you, please know that you play an important role in our success and we are grateful for your dedicated commitment to our mission to make Upper Lafayette Parish a wonderful place in which to live, work and invest. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter, and also for the friendships we have forged over the past 7 ½ years. Time really does fly and I didn’t want to let another day go by without affirming how important each of you are. Hope you enjoy a wonderful Fourth of July celebration!
A Reminder to Register for our July Meeting with Dr. Don Aguillard Don’t forget to register for our July 15th meeting which will be held at the Ramada Inn Conference Center at 2032 NE Evangeline Thruway, and feature new superintendent of the Lafayette Parish School System, Dr. Don Aguillard. Tickets are $35 each or $300 for a table of eight and can be purchased online at upperlafayette.com/events or through a mailed payment to ULEDF, PO Box 53107, Lafayette, LA 70505. Many thanks to Lafayette Regional Airport for sponsoring this important event.
www.upperlafayette.com • July 2015
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Carencro Holds First Monthly Farmers’ Market On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, the city of Carencro held the first Carencro Farmers’ Market, June 27th from 3-6 p.m. on the lawn behind City Hall. Although it had rained earlier in the afternoon and unfortunately dissuaded some vendors from participating, merchants and patrons alike enjoyed the beautiful weather, goods and camaraderie. The market offered something for everyone: fresh produce, shrimp and plants, art and craft merchandise, facepainting, non-profit organization booths and more. From original icons that used melted beeswax as a glaze, to handmade toiletrees, to fresh eggs and basil, the merchandise was popular and went quickly. The goals of the Carencro Farmers’ Market are to: - Increase farm/ranch profitability - Offer a low-cost marketing opportunity for small producers - Create a direct connection between producer and consumer - Foster social gathering and interaction among residents The market will be held on the last Saturday of each month, running through October. Vendor applications are available at the city’s website. For information on corporate or private sponsorships, please contact Jennifer Melancon by phone at (337) 852-9438 or by e-mail at cjmelancon99@ gmail.com.
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www.upperlafayette.com • July 2015
Five Places to Eat on Moss Street by Lafayette Food Junkie, Tiffany Decou, The Times
El Potrillo 1934 Moss St, Lafayette; 337-237-1188: Known for their huge portions at cheap prices, I don’t think I have ever seen this place “dead.” El Potrillo is your typical tex-mex fare but there is just something about it that makes me want to drive across town to dine there. Maybe it’s the margaritas or the decor, or maybe it’s the giant sombrero they put on your head when it’s your birthday. Whatever it is, El Potrillo is definitely worth the drive. Fat Albert’s Fried Chicken 1322 Moss St, Lafayette; 337-234-4773: Besides the love I have for their fried chicken, there is the love deep down inside for the name. There is also the fact that when driving to Fat Albert’s Fried Chicken, the “Fat Albert’s Dance” happens. That’s me dancing and humming the Fat Albert and the Junkyard Kids theme song. It continues all the way home while carrying my plain white “cake box” of chicken with me. Yea…I’m kinda in love with this place.
Moss Street is a mecca of inexpensive food for those of us out there looking for some eats on the cheap. Burgers, Mexican, seafood with an Asian flair and even a Lafayette landmark pizza place make up my Moss Street list.
Pizza Village 1935 Moss St, Lafayette; 337-232-1418: The Dupe Special-hamburger, shrimp and crispy pepperoni. This is a marriage of pizza toppings made in heaven. The thin chewy crust adds to the love factor. The moss street location has been around since 1971 and I have heard many a story of it being the hang out Friday nights after a football game (at the then across the street location where El Portillo is now) Pizza Village has longevity and for good reason.
What is missing? The plate lunch places of which Moss Street has a ton of. Let’s conquer plate lunches when I’ve managed to dine at at least half of them that make up our grand city. Take a drive down, to the North Side of town and check out these eats on Moss Street. Broaddus Burger 1949 Moss St, Lafayette; 337-5344520: I love the creativity of Broaddus Burger when it comes to the burger art form. Want to make the burger of your dreams? This is the place you come to. If you dream it, they will build it. Broaddus is also nice in that you can get a shake to go with your burger creation. Few local burger places in town offer this. La Hot Food 1414 Moss St, Lafayette; 337-234-5658: Fresh seafood to the left, fried seafood to the right. These are the signs that guide you in to La Hot Food. I owe a close friend and Moss Street devotee to introducing me to this place. Huge fried shrimp on a heaping serving of fried rice make for a hearty cheap meal. Some of the best fried shrimp I have ever tasted. Fun fact-they are related to the owners of Steven’s Fine Foods, known for their chicken strips and fried rice.
www.upperlafayette.com • July 2015
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Carencro Certified as Cultural District by Stacey Judice
Group picture is of Cultural District Committee along with Gaye Hamilton, Cultural Economy Initiative Program Manager
The city of Carencro received certification as a cultural district effective July 1, 2015. By being certified as a “Cultural District,” Carencro will join over seventy other communities in Louisiana who qualify for federal and state tax incentives. Carencro Mayor Glenn Brasseaux said, “Approval will allow property owners to apply for tax credits to revitalize old buildings that meet certain state guidelines. I would hope that the district would create an interest within the artistic community to locate in our community. The main incentive is that purchases of qualifying art would be exempt from sales taxes within the Cultural District.” Kathy Higginbotham, historical writer and researcher, has volunteered to chair the Carencro Cultural District Committee. Candy Baque, with the city of Carencro, will serve as the liaison between Carencro and the Cultural District Program Director. Their goals are to revitalize the downtown area of Carencro, stimulate the economy, engage residents, draw tourists, encourage community partnerships, and increase property values, among other goals. Cultural districts in Louisiana have contributed to increased business for cultural district areas since program conception in 2007. State Representative Stephen Ortego’s legislative office was once the home of the former police chief of Carencro, Gerry Arceneaux. The historic home is one of many sitting along Church and St. Peter Street in downtown Carencro. Ortego has recently completed the design work in preserving the former Carencro Bank (Angelle Insurance) for the current owner, Charles Chatelain. “Having the cultural district designation from the state is not only an honor but will put downtown Carencro in a competitive position for the revitalization of its historic buildings. Also, those businesses will have incentives that would bring more people to shop and enjoy the historic heart of our city,” stated Representative Ortego.
5th Annual BluesBerry Festival in Freetown The 5th Annual Bluesberry Festival was held on June 20 at the Blue Moon Saloon. The show began at 6 p.m. and featured live music by A.J. Primeaux & The Cats, Gitlo Lee and Walter Wolfman Washington. To round out the event, the Festival hosted a blueberry cook-off with local favorites such as Bread & Circus, Dark Roux, French Press and many more. The featured beer of the night was the blueberry homebrew by Dead Yeast Society, and anyone dressed in blue was eligible for the “Best Dressed in Blue Contest.”
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For more information about next years’ event, visit the Bluesberry Facebook page or website at bluesberryfest.com.
www.upperlafayette.com • July 2015
David Thibodeaux STEM Academy Teams with Project Front Yard and Kiwanis BY HOLLY DUCHMANN, THE ADVOCATE
A Lafayette school’s engineering students have helped transform a visit to Girard Park into a new kind of learning experience for children. Students from the David Thibodaux STEM Academy helped transform a visit to Girard Park into a learning experience for children by designing 15 interactive stations that provide kids an opportunity to develop critical thinking skills outside of a typical classroom setting. The students teamed up with the Lafayette Kiwanis Club Foundation and Lafayette’s Project Front Yard to turn their ideas into a reality, which were unveiled June 3, 2015 at Girard Park.The students were given free rein on the design for the park project. In the end, they decided to place 15 small signs around the pond of Girard Park, asking children questions about the animals, habitat, horticulture and geometry to encourage a deeper understanding of the world around them. Each sign also has on it the title of a children’s book with a connection to the question, along with fun directions on how the kids should proceed to the next sign. Some books are classic favorites such as “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein and “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak. One question encourages the children to count as many ducks as they can see and think about where they live. Kevin Domingue, a member of the Lafayette Kiwanis Club Foundation, said his group approached the David Thibodaux STEM Academy and asked “if they would like to partner on a project where we could put in some sort of learning installment for kids to learn when they’re out with their parents.” He said teachers and students were excited about the project, which cost less than $5,000. Most of the work put in by the students was done after school under the supervision of the engineering academy director, Nicolette Darjean. After a year and a half of planning, the design was chosen because it was seen as more convenient, effective and less intrusive on the park than other alternatives, according to Darjean. It is also designed so the signs are easily replaceable with new questions, which are already being planned. Project Front Yard is an initiative through Lafayette Consolidated Government that encourages beautification and education throughout the community.
www.upperlafayette.com • July 2015
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Gregg Gothreaux of LEDA Delivers State of the Economy Address by Billy Gunn, The Advocate
The pain Lafayette has felt the past year from falling oil prices isn’t likely to end soon, Gregg Gothreaux, President and CEO of Lafayette Economic Development Authority, said at his fourth annual State of the Economic address on June 18, 2015, but it’s being tempered by a more diversified local economy. Gothreaux said a local business environment that counts health care, high tech and retail among its growth sectors should keep Lafayette from revisiting the oil-depression days of the mid-1980s. “Despite what you may have heard, there’s still plenty of good news out there about our region,” Gothreaux said. LEDA’s Economic Performance Index indicates Lafayette was posting economic gains each month until 2015 began. January, February and March of this year showed the first slowdowns. “Looking ahead, this momentum will continue until the economy fully adjusts and adapts to lower oil prices,” he said. “Expect this year to be a rough one, with things leveling off in 2016 as the economy regulates to the changes.” Gothreaux said south-central Louisiana should be “back on track for the same kind of record growth we’ve previously seen” by 2017. LEDA’s EPI figures show about 1,200 oil and gas job losses over the past year. But shoring up local commerce and jobs are a thriving health care industry, a hiring retail sector and an influx of high-tech companies. Gothreaux said he expects more oil and gas layoffs but not the number that defined the oil patch of the 1980s, when the industry conducted mass layoffs and lost “a generation of workers.” Gothreaux highlighted successes during the past few years, including Louisiana luring Bell Helicopter to build a manufacturing plant on the grounds of Lafayette Regional Airport, and persuading high-tech firms CGI, Enquero and Perficient to locate in Lafayette. But he also said Gulf of Mexico oil and gas producers are now making $66 million less in revenue a day compared with a year ago, lost income that adds up to $11 billion since Jan. 1. According to the Energy Information Administration, the price of U.S.-produced crude fell from $106 a barrel in late June 2014 to the mid-$40s by January and March 2015. U.S. oil scheduled for July delivery edged above $60. Reacting to the drop in price has seen a reduction in the number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas, a number that has been cut in half in one year.
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www.upperlafayette.com • July 2015
Habitat for Humanity Home Dedication Once the mortgage and deed paperwork are signed, single mother Natasha Cormier and her two daughters will move into their new home, a two-story dwelling on Georgia Street. The New Orleans-inspired house is the first two-story home that Lafayette Habitat for Humanity has built in Acadiana. It was constructed over eight months with the help of 400 volunteers.
architects were inspired by the New Orleans camelback homes, their architecture professor, Geoff Gjertson, said. Habitat Executive Director Melinda Taylor said the home’s design fits the shape of the narrow lot on which it was built. Ten thousand volunteer hours were put into the house, mostly by students from colleges and universities in the Northeast: Syracuse University, Columbia University and Ohio State University among them. The universities together also donated about $20,000 to fund construction. “We build the houses and design the houses to reflect the existing culture and style of the neighborhood, so you won’t get a very modern home in a neighborhood that’s very traditional,” said Samantha Stevens, community coordinator for Habitat. Habitat is currently building three homes in Lafayette, with 12 more planned. Cormier’s new home is No. 12 in the McComb-Veazey neighborhood. Stevens said the goal in the next five years is to build 25 new homes in Lafayette.
“I am at a loss for words,” Cormier said, wiping tears from her eyes. “I am so overwhelmed, excited and it’s such a blessing. Words just can’t explain how good I feel. I’m very thankful — blessed.”
If you would be interested in volunteering your time to building a home, Habitat representatives stress that no experience is necessary and any amount of time is appreciated. Please visit http:// habitatlafayette.org/ for more information.
The materials used to build the three-bedroom, two-bath home were either donated to or purchased by Habitat for Humanity. The project was sponsored by the Lafayette Consolidated Government Department of Community Development. The house is sold to the family at cost. And the money the family pays goes back to Habitat to help build a home for another family. The Cormier home was designed by five graduate architecture students at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the fall 2013 semester. The young
www.upperlafayette.com • July 2015
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Early’s Cajun Supermarket Draws Crowds What began over 50 years ago is today one of the few remaining classic cajun supermarkets. This old-school grocery store is run with pride and hospitality with a meat department and hot deli that is second to none.
One such spice is “Now It’s Cajun” seasoning, a blend created by Wayne Hebert, and continues to be made on site at Early’s. Thomas reminds us that it’s not only a terrific seasoning for meat, but also for french fries and popcorn.
Originally opened in the 1960’s by Early Lantier and Mildred Doucet, Early’s moved to its current location in 1970 and was expanded on that site in 1978. Early’s current owner and operator is the daughter of Early and Mildred, Karen Hebert, who, together with her late husband, Wayne, has kept Early’s the success that it is.
Sundays are packed at Early’s and it is open seven days a week. Lunch lines often wind out the door, and catering is also available. Early’s fries 400 turkeys every Thanksgiving, offers pork roast and sides, and Thomas advises that orders for the holiday be made as early as September. Early’s is managed by Thomas Latiolais, who has worked with Hebert for twenty-six years. His pride is infectious, as he walks around the store, pointing out the various meats, spices and lunches.
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When asked about the future, Karen Hebert doesn’t hesitate. “We look forward to our next twenty five years!”
www.upperlafayette.com • July 2015
Upper Lafayette On the Move! Spotlights Two Area Leaders Skyra Rideaux, Lafayette Community Health Care Center Skyra Rideaux joined Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic on June 8, 2015, as Executive Director. The Lafayette native has more than 10 years of professional experience with a background in public relations, marketing, strategic planning, and policy and procedure development. She is actively involved in several local nonprofit organizations where she has focused on implementing new ideas and strategies to build relationships, increase awareness and engage the community. “I am excited about the opportunity to follow my passion and serve my community in a more permanent capacity,” Rideaux said in a press release. “The clinic’s targeted mission of serving the working uninsured is important because it offers free services to an often unrecognized segment of our population that may not be able to afford medical or dental insurance as well as prescribed medications with their limited income. With all of our community partners and the potential for future collaborations, we can continue to provide much needed care to those underserved populations.” Rideaux, who grew up in Carencro, graduated from Carencro High School and UL Lafayette. She most recently served as the events and public relations manager for Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise and served for seven years in the U.S. Navy. Since opening its doors 21 years ago, LCHCC has provided and coordinated medical, dental and pharmaceutical services at a value of more than $26.5 million at no cost to its patients. LCHCC offers medical clinics every Tuesday and Thursday evening, with dental clinics every Thursday evening accompanied by daily dental hygiene services provided by the students enrolled in the LSU Dental Hygiene School. Specialty clinics include avoidable blindness eye care, gynecology, nutritional counseling and skin and breast cancer screenings, as well as the Community Pharmacy. Check out On the Move with Skyra at http://upperlafayette. com/?q=node/7498
Liz Webb Hebert, Lafayette Jr. Leadership We were honored to interview Liz Webb Hebert on a recent episode of Upper Lafayette On the Move! Focusing on the positive influence Lafayette Jr. Leadership offers to local students, we interviewed Liz in her capacity as chair of the incoming 2015-2016 class. Lafayette Jr. Leadership is a youth leadership program under the Leadership Institute of Acadiana and OneAcadiana (the former Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce). The participants are high school juniors who attend nine sessions from August to April of their junior year. Students who are enrolled in public or private schools, or home-schooled, apply during their sophomore year. Approximately 25 students are chosen each year for the program. The emphasis is on leadership and programs covering such topics as parish government, social services and volunteerism, health care, technology, college survival, and a trip to the State Capitol. Students learn leadership and problem solving skills, meet students from other schools in their community, and have worthwhile discussions on community enhancement and making a difference. Liz is a native and lifelong resident of Lafayette Parish with a history of civic leadership and active public service. Besides chairing the Lafayette Jr. Leadership Program, she is on the board of directors for the Leadership Institute of Acadiana and has served on the board of the705, is a past president of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana, and has served as president of her homeowners’ association for the past six years. Hebert was recognized in 2013 as one of the Daily Advertiser’s “Top 20 Young Professionals Under 40” and is a graduate of Leadership Lafayette, Class XXIII. She is a graduate of Northwestern State University and Teurlings Catholic High School. She is married to Aaron Hebert. You may contact Liz at Lhebert@cajundome.com. Please check out our segment with Liz at http://upperlafayette. com/?q=node/7496
www.upperlafayette.com • July 2015
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Rotary North Celebrates Teacher-Sponsors
Rotary North celebrated Carencro High Interact Teacher-Sponsors - Ms. Linda Gibson, Ms. Irma Anderson and Mr. Bob Nettles - on June 16th at the Ramada Lafayette Conference Center. Rotary North thanked them for partnering in mentoring our future leaders while demonstrating and instilling the Rotary motto of Service Above Self. Carencro Mayor Glenn Brasseaux presented each of them with a Proclamation and a key to the City. Carencro High Principal, Ken Roebuck, and RI D6200 Governor Ezora J. Proctor also acknowledged and thanked these amazing teachers for their commitment to our youth.
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www.upperlafayette.com • July 2015
Thank you for your generosity.. Platinum Patrons ($5000)
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
Silver Members
Bronze Members
($600)
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 Lafayette Regional Airport Commission SILVER Advancial Federal Credit Union Schilling Distributing Company
City of Carencro City of Scott
BRONZE
A special thanks to the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) for being our Program of Work partner for 2015.
www.upperlafayette.com • July 2015
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