June 2016 Upper Lafayette newsletter by Upper Lafayette

Upper Lafayette On The Move www.upperlafayette.com June 2016 Volume 90

A Tribute to Public Servant Carroll E. Guilbeau

Local Legends Wall Dedication in McComb-Veazey May Meeting Focuses on Resiliency Upper Lafayette Sponsors Acadian Middle School Awards Program 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

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: SSG Carroll E. Guilbeau. Photograph submitted by John J. Guilbeau.

P.O. Box 53107 Lafayette, LA 70505

On the Web

www.upperlafayette.com

For membership information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Jan Swift at jan@upperlafayette.com.

Volume 90 • June 2016 • www.upperlafayette.com

A Letter from the Executive Director I am probably one of the last people to discover that inspirational information and invaluable teachings may be easily accessed for free from video or audio podcasts that enable us to transcend our everyday lives and learn things that otherwise would only be obtained by studying for an MBA or garnered from a lifetime of experience. It’s fascinating to obtain knowledge quickly and easily by just clicking on the internet. Who doesn’t want to learn how to be the best, rise to the top, live a healthier life, or overcome adversity! Kirk LaCour, one of our board members who is director of the National EMS Academy, encouraged me to study the thoughts of Tim Ferris who wrote the Four Hour Work Week, and that quest opened up my world to a plethora of other interesting speakers as well. Most of the knowledge I cherish, however, has been best learned from relationships with real life people. Working with Upper Lafayette, I have been surrounded by people who are both smart and work diligently to improve their lives and companies. I must admit, before I took on the job of Executive Director of Upper Lafayette, I had not always been exposed to business mentors such as Ed Krampe, Herb Schilling, Bo Ramsay, Todd Citron, Don Dupuis, David Welch, and the many other superlative leaders who have taught me that winning doesn’t just happen, but it takes true grit and determination to excel consistently. Managing large companies presents very different challenges than I ever faced as an attorney in a local law firm and the insights gleaned from my Upper Lafayette colleagues has been invaluable. As our local economy faces the continuing challenges of the downturn in the oil and gas industry, I am heartened by the examples of these mentors who remain positive and adjust to the market’s current reality. I am also heartened and grateful for our loyal members and supporters who remain engaged and optimistic. Thank you all for your involvement and for the honor of working with you.

Save the Date for our July 20th Meeting

Please mark your calendar for our July 20th luncheon, to be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Petroleum Club of Lafayette. We will focus on “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” We are so excited to present Steven Picou, Director of Lafayette Regional Airport, Tom Carroll, Director of Public Works for Lafayette Consolidated Government and Ben Berthelot, Executive Director at Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, who will speak about a variety of transportation projects and issues. Tickets will be $35 each, or a table for eight for eight may be reserved for $300. Please contact jan@upperlafayette.com for more information or purchase online at www.upperlafayette.com/events. Special thanks to our premier sponsor, Lafayette Parish Airport Commission, and supporting sponsor, Honda of Lafayette, for their generous support!

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2016

LEDA Job Fair Attracts 3200 Job Seekers

Approximately 3,200 job seekers attended the 21st annual Lafayette Economic Development Authority Job Fair held in May. The abundance of applicants, including many laid off from the beleaguered energy sector, gave the hiring companies set up at the Cajundome Convention Center a premium selection to choose from. Jessie Whittington, personnel development manager for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contractor Weeks Marine Inc., was looking for qualified blue-collar hands and civil engineers, which are hard to find. He found four engineers — two who were laid off from oil and gas and two who will graduate Friday from UL Lafayette. All four are set up for interviews this month. Joycelyn Verot was laid off March 31 from Oil States Energy Services, where she worked for 24 years. Verot used to earn a living talking oil and gas customers into renting Oil States’ drill tools. On Tuesday, she waited in a deep line to talk the representatives at Schilling Distributing Company Inc. into hiring her. “Schilling is a local company, a big company and a fun company,” Verot said. The companies and their employee needs varied: Burger King manager Teresa Donich wanted to hire managers and kitchen crews; Sears Home Improvement’s Chris Lucas was looking for sales people not afraid of giving presentations in potential customers’ homes; Ashley Johnson, with Christus Health St. Patrick’s Hospital in Lake Charles, needed nurses and administrative staff.

Ryan LaGrange, manager of workforce development for job fair sponsor Lafayette Economic Development Authority, said the 3,200 applicants Tuesday bested the 3,000 who were looking for work at the 2009 LEDA Job Fair. The turnout Tuesday was bittersweet for Gregg Gothreaux, LEDA president and CEO, who said the high turnout was a direct reflection of oil’s downturn. “It’s both satisfying and a little sad,” he said. “Hopefully a lot of people will find jobs today.” Gothreaux said the good news was that other areas were hiring, including those in Lafayette’s burgeoning hightech sector. Media companies also were looking for employees, including radio and television station owner Delta Media; KATCTV3; KLFY News 10; and KADN Fox 15. One of the few oil and gas-related companies at the fair was The Bayou Companies, which is upgrading its oilfield pipe-coating facility at the Port of Iberia. Human resource manager Adrienne Alexander said the number and quality of applicants Tuesday was the best she’s ever seen. The positions available at The Bayou Companies included quality control technicians, foremen, shift supervisors, information technology analysts and technicians, and pipe coating specialists. Article courtesy of Billy Gunn, bgunn@theadvocate.com

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2016

Local Legends Wall Dedication in McComb-Veazey

Courtesy of a “Creativity Everywhere” grant from Downtown Lafayette, a Local Legends Wall was able to be commissioned by the McComb-Veazey Coterie. On an exterior wall of Kirk’s U-Needa-Butcher on Surrey Street, local artist Adrian Fulton painted a mural featuring nine faces of neighborhood leaders and residents. On Wednesday, May 25, 2016, a large crowd assembled in the parking lot of a dedication ceremony and celebration of the lives of the nine depicted. They include civil rights icon Helma Constantine, community activist Joe Dennis, the Rev. Anthony Bourges, middle school founder Paul Breaux, Dolly Mae Broussard, Syrie Funeral Home founder Carol Syrie, former Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Association president Doremus Dorsey, educator W.D. Smith and Rita Thibodeaux. Folllowing a brief presentation that included recognition of sponsors, and name dedications for all nine depicted, attendents celebrated together, enjoying the weather, music, food courtesy of Kirk’s, and activities such as face painting and balloon animals.

City Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux and McComb-Veazey Coterie Vice Chairwoman Tina Shelvin Bingham

Wall mural artist Adrian Fulton

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2016

Upper Lafayette Hosts May Meeting with Focus on Resiliency “Resiliency: The Key to Thriving and Surviving Challenging Times” was the topic of Upper Lafayette’s May 18th luncheon. Hosted by Acadian Companies, with Island Operating Company and Advancial Federal Credit Union serving as our sponsors, the large crowd learned key survival tips from executive coach, Jill Meaux, Partner at Excelerant. Five key areas were identified as crucial in overcoming tough times. First, Acknowledge and Accept: continuing operations as usual when income is slashed or clients are unable to utilize your services is not conducive to survival, yet many of us do not face up to the fact that things are not as they “used to be.” Second, Stay Connected: network, network, network. Don’t stay in or isolate yourself from friends and business colleagues; you never know where opportunities may arise. Third, Communicate: be as transparent with your employees and key team players as much as you can. If you don’t know how things will turn out, it is ok to say so. But don’t shut down or avoid interacting with your team members. Fourth, Explore New Possibilities: consider ways your company can provide services to new markets or how you can provide similar services in a way you might never have considered. Stay Open to what’s ahead, and not what is past! And Fifth: Create Actions Plans Before You Need

Presenter Jill Meaux of Excelerant

Them; companies who navigate successfully through tough times don’t wait to the last minute to figure out what to do. They have thoughtfully considered what steps they will take when certain key market conditions change and they are ready to execute. This last step is an invaluable tool for both your business and personal life. Think ahead so that you are not blindsided and find yourself having to react on the cuff without adequate research and contemplation. Our guests also enjoyed an update on the City of Scott by Mayor Purvis Morrison, and Lafayette General Health System’s Al Patin, who spoke on the Urgent Care facilities offered in our community. For more information on Upper Lafayette please visit www. upperlafayette.com or email jan@upperlafayette.com

Al Patin of Lafayette General Health

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2016

Codi Fontenot and Sheri Bienvenue of Stone Energy

The Advancial Team

Kathy Abshire and Ria Laseter of Island Operating

Jackie McNulty, Phyllis Mouton and Michael LeBlanc

Scott Mayor Purvis Morrison Giving Update on City

Jan Swift with Kirk LaCour, Clay Henry and Blane Comeaux

www.upperlafayette.com â&#x20AC;¢ June 2016

New Tax Laws Impact Non-Profit Organizations

We’re all familiar with Louisiana’s budget woes and the fact that new taxes were passed earlier this year. What many don’t realize is that when the state sales taxes were “scrubbed” by our legislators in March 2016, a whole new set of transactions by non-profit organizations were deemed taxable events . On May 26, the Lafayette Parish Bar Association hosted a tax education seminar for local non-profits, which was sponsored by United Way of Acadiana and Community Foundation of Acadiana. The event featured Cary Bryson of the Bryson law firm, who specializes in tax issues, as well as Valeri Grayson of the Broussard Poche accounting firm. Also speaking were representatives from the Louisiana Department of Revenue. To the say the least, there were a lot of long faces in the crowd! Effective April 1, 2016, events such as school football games, church fish fries, youth group car washes and a host of other non-profit fundraisers became subject to a 5% sales tax to be collected through June 30, 2016, which tax then reverts to 4 % to be assessed until June 30, 2018. The materials covered at the Non Profit Sales Tax Seminar, as well as Acts 25 and 26 of the special legislative session of 2016, may be accessed on the Lafayette Bar’s website here.

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2016

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD, NOT ON YOUR PHONE by Sonia Perez, AT&T Louisiana President From the moment we begin preparing for our learner’s permit test, we are taught the importance of being safe and responsible drivers. Parents, driver’s ed teachers and other seasoned adults caution new drivers and share just how dangerous taking your eyes off the road can be, even if just for a second. While many of us Louisianians do our best to stay focused behind the wheel, there are always distractions. These distractions come in many different forms: passing a post-wreck clean up, loud music, friends, pets, navigation systems and smartphone apps. Mobile devices have changed the way we communicate. The ability to connect with any one, any time is truly a remarkable thing. As convenient and useful as these new technologies may be, they should be used wisely and safely, leaving drivers distraction-free behind the wheel. For many people, smartphones are an extension of their fingertips, and, for some, that makes it more tempting to be dangerously distracted while driving. As technology has evolved, the number of driving distractions stemming from our smartphones has grown beyond texting to include social media posts, email, web browsing, video calling and even taking selfies behind the wheel. A recent AT&T study found that 7-in-10 people engage in smartphone activities while driving and 62 percent keep their smartphones within easy reach. And, while there is near universal agreement texting while driving is dangerous, research shows three-fourths of drivers have done it. In a moment, posting a funny photo or sending an email may seem urgently important, but, the truth of the matter is, no text, selfie, email or web search is worth a life. That’s the simple, yet impactful message behind AT&T’s It Can Wait campaign. Six years ago, AT&T launched the national It Can Wait movement to drive awareness of the importance of keeping your eyes on the road and not on your phone, asking people across the country of all ages to take the pledge to stay safe while driving. In that short time, 8 million people have taken the It Can Wait pledge. While we have had success in raising awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, there is more we all can do to stay safe on the road, especially at a time of year when new drivers are getting their licenses and millions of families hit the road for summer vacation. We – all Louisianians – must remind ourselves to be responsible and avoid distractions while behind the wheel. It is important to remember the risk you pose to yourself and others when you reach for your phone while driving.

Sonia Perez, AT&T Louisiana President

There is no text, email, post or selfie that is worth a life. I encourage drivers across Louisiana to keep our message in mind and take the pledge to keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone at www.ItCanWait.com.

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2016

Therapy Center Partners with Employee to Support Local Families Nearly 25% of children in the Carencro area begin the school year with no school supplies. April Marshall, a long time native of Carencro and a single parent realized that rural subdivisions outside of Lafayette, but still considered Lafayette parish, do not have access to the non-profit organizations that provide school supplies to low-income families. Also, some single parent families do not have transportation or the time to get to organizations out of the area. So, she figured out a way to help provide the families of our community with school supplies. From May 23 through July 16, Therapy Center is hosting a School Supply Drive to help area families have what they need to begin the school year. Once collected, the supplies will be given to area schools for distribution to the students who could not afford the supplies. Therapy Center’s mission is simple: To improve lives by getting people back to the activities they love. “My philosophy has always been to treat every patient with compassion in the sense that you treat them as if they were your family. That has always been of paramount importance to me and to the Therapy Center,” says Shannon Lemoine, Therapy Center Co-Founder. Founded in 2002, Therapy Center is a local, therapist-owned and operated company that embraces the philosophy of placing patients first. At Therapy Center of Carencro and Sunset, they currently offer physical therapy services with hopes of expanding those services in the future to include speech and occupational therapy. Their new 2,500 square foot Carencro clinic is scheduled to be completed by June 2016 and will be located at 204 East St. Peter Street. The Sunset clinic, now located at 923 Napleon Avenue, will also be relocated to Grand Coteau in the fall of 2016. The new clinic will be off I-49 service road in the old Arc of Acadiana building. Margaret Rozas, PT, who has cared for the Carencro community for over 34 years, is currently treating patients alongside Jennifer Harris, DPT, who has been with the Therapy Center for almost a year. Jennifer recently completed her Dry Needling certification and is currently utilizing this new service in our clinics. Together both therapists are able to treat a multitude of injuries and conditions that affect individuals of all ages. Along with the locally owned clinics in Carencro, Sunset, Jennings and Marksville, Therapy Center currently contracts with 32 nursing homes throughout the state. Therapy Center also has partnerships with several home health agencies in the area and operate an extensive Sports Medicine program in the Jeff Davis and surrounding parishes. Partnership is a key part of what makes Therapy Center a great company…Whether it’s with patients, team members or business partners, it partners for the purpose of improving lives. It’s no different for the communities in which they operate. This philosophy is why the “Looking Forward, Giving Back” campaign is vital to the Therapy Center. It values the opportunity to be a community partner because it allows them to get behind employees and support them in making a difference in the communities they live and work. Please contribute to the School Drive and for more information, please visit www.therapyctr.com.

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2016

School Supply Drive May 23, 2016 - July 9, 2016

Let’s support the kids in our community this school year!! Donate a school supply today at designated drop-off sites from May 23, 2016 thru July 9, 2016. Bless a child today!! You may help a child you know or even your own!

Supply List • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 subject wide rule notebooks Boxes of Kleenex Rolls of paper towels CRAYOLA crayons WASHABLE markers-basic colors blunt tip scissors Lg. pink Erasers Construction paper Black/White marble composition notebooks Paper plates Plastic Cups Pack of Index Cards Pack of Sticky Notes

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Pack of Highlighters Binder Dividers Clear protractor Colored pencils Color paper-printer/copier Tab dividers 3 subject notebooks Bookbag/Backpacks Bottles of Glue Dry erase markers Standard #2 Pencils Snack size ziploc bags Quarts size ziploc bags Gallon size ziploc bags Pack of baby wipes

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Hand Sanitizer 4pk of brand Playdough Red plastic pocket folder w/prongs Loose leaf paper (WIDE RULE) Large school box Ruler (cm/in) 1-2" binders Glue Stick Blue/Black/Red ink pens (no click) 2-5 subject notebooks/peforated Flash drive Optional-calculator-TI30 X liS Manilla folders 4 function calculator

Drop-off Locations Therapy Center of Carencro 204 E. Saint Peter St., Carencro

Carencro Police Department 110 Centennial Dr., Carencro

Therapy Center of Sunset 923 Napolean Ave., Sunset

Carencro Fire Departments 5201 N. University Ave., Carencro 400 Hector Connoly Rd, Carencro

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2016

Lo ok i n g F o rw a rd.

GIVING BACK .

Habitat for Humanity’s Melinda Taylor Shares her Passion Having worked with Habitat for Humanity for over 20 years, the last 15 in Lafayette, I’ve had the joy of seeing over 100 families become first-time home buyers. Despite Habitat’s well-recognized brand, there’s a persistent myth that Habitat for Humanity gives away houses to people who can’t afford them. I want to disabuse you of that notion by giving you a quick summary of our business model which has kept Habitat for Humanity on Builder Magazine’s Top 20 list of residential developers for at least the past 10 years. First, we serve as both the contractor and the lender for our homes. To qualify for a partnership with Habitat, homebuyers must have regular, reliable income – just not enough to qualify for a market-rate mortgage sufficient to buy a decent house. Most of our homebuyers have jobs that put them at or below 60% of our area median income (less than $40,000 per year for a family of 4). But they can manage a monthly mortgage payment with Habitat because we sell our homes at cost, via no-interest mortgages which keeps the payment below 30% of our buyer’s monthly income – frequently less than they’re paying to rent an inadequate apartment or dilapidated house. And as those homebuyers make their monthly payment, they’re “paying it forward” to help another future homebuyer receive the same benefit they’ve received. And here’s a second “Habitat difference:” We prepare our homebuyers to manage the challenges of homeownership. Families must complete financial literacy and home maintenance classes, one-on-one counseling, and at least 100 hours of sweat equity helping build homes on our construction sites. By the time we close with them, our buyers are better prepared than your average first-time homebuyers for the responsibilities of owning a home. A third important aspect of our business model is the income we generate from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore which sells new and gently-used home goods and building materials donated by local businesses and individuals. All proceeds from the store are reinvested to support our home ownership program. Fourth, like most builders, we hire licensed subcontractors to perform some of the skilled labor needed to build our homes. We also harness thousands of community volunteers – skilled and unskilled – to do everything from creating our home designs, to framing the walls, or putting the finishing touches on the interior trim. Our heart and soul is with Lafayette’s urban core neighborhoods, and we are committed to working in McComb/Veazey and other neighborhoods where the residents are striving to make their homes and communities better, safer, and more vibrant places to live and work. We have taken to heart one of those four “big ideas” in Plan Lafayette: Revitalize Neighborhoods. We are honored to be working in partnership with the LCG Department of Community Development, which provides major funding via HOME and CDBG grants, for the houses we’ve been building in McComb/Veazey. Habitat is set apart by our mission – seeking to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope – and part of that “seeking” is creating opportunities, for those who have the means, to voluntarily share their resources and offer a hand up to their neighbors. It is my hope and prayer today that many of you will feel called to join Habitat’s efforts to create the city we deserve. For more information, visit http://habitatlafayette.org or call (337)261-5041.

Above left: Habitat for Humanity’s Executive Director Melinda Taylor; Above right: Zenon Home

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2016

SMILE Community Action Agency Hosts Poverty Summit 31% of Louisiana students live in poverty. On May 19, the SMILE Community Action Agency hosted the Poverty Summit at the Clifton Chenier Center. Subdivided into five sessions focusing on education, health, housing, quality of life and transportation, panelists included University of Louisiana at Lafayette Vice President of enrollment management DeWayne Bowie, St. Martin Parish SuperPanelists Gary Castille and Dr. Jennifer Jackson intendent Lottie Beebe, DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson, UL political science professor Pearson Cross, dietitian Jennifer Jackson and LEDA CEO Gregg Gothreaux. A myriad of contributing factors and consequences of poverty were discussed including incarceration rates, access to fresh foods, mental health issues and inadequate housing. Each panel convened and the topic was discussed for thirty minutes. United Way of Acadiana President Margaret Trahan served as the Poverty summit moderator. “There’s no single silver bullet,” said Pat Trahan, vice president of IberiaBank, adding that youth especially lack resources to pull themselves out of poverty where their family have been living for generations. But Jennifer Jackson encouraged everyone to think outside of the box, presenting the possibility of ideas such as ice cream trucks reappropriated as mobile fresh food markets. Summit attendees were asked to offer written input on community issues that they saw as important topics that needed further attention. Thank you, SMILE, for convening the community for a vital discussion. Many thanks to Jessica Goff for additional souce material.

Stay Tuned For our Newest Episodes of Upper Lafayette On the Move!

Guest Melinda Taylor from Habitat for Humanity

Guest Tina Shelvin Bingham from the McComb-Veazey Coterie

Upper Lafayette On the Move! is presented on AOC 2(COX 16/LUS 4) on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 8:30 pm. Episodes are also available online at www.upperlafayette.com/videos. www.upperlafayette.com • June 2016

Acadiana Animal Aid in Need of Funding!

On the night of May 6, 2016, Acadiana Animal Aid’s van was loaded with 36 dogs on the road to a better life when they were involved in a serious accident resulting in the van rolling and ultimately being totaled. Luckily, and due in no small part to the rescue workers and Good Samaritans that stopped to help, the two staff members and 34 of the dogs survived. With the help of the Hager family carrying all of our animals to safety, the amazing staff and volunteers of P.E.T.S. Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic in Wichita Falls not only housed and cared for the 4 legged animals but their 2 legged rescue family as well. The Humane Society of Pikes Peak stepped in to arrange transport for all of the surviving animals to their final destination.

Lafayette Animal Aid’s Transport Program is their largest asset in helping save the lives of so many animals in need. Last year, over 1,500 animals were transported to rescue families and the organization was on track to saving even more lives this year before the accident destroyed the van. Although the van was insured, it is unlikely that they will recover the value needed to purchase a new van in the immediate future without the community’s help. The loss of the van, in addition to the many unexpected associated expenses, will dramatically impact the number of animals Acadiana Animal Aid will be able to save.

An account has been set up to assist with much needed fundraising. Please visit https://www.gofundme.com/23eahtw to contribute. As of this writing, $24, 935 of the needed $40K has been raised. Thank you. This organization is such a blessing for our entire community and loyal members of Upper Lafayette!

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2016

A tribute to an extraordinary public servant

Carroll E. Guilbeau 1920-1916 By: John J. Guilbeau, June 2016

One of the last WWII Veterans in this area is gone, but the footprints of his legacy shall remain. A bundle of joy, Carroll Emanuel Guilbeau was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1920. He was delivered in his family home on St. John Street, Carencro, by his father, Dr. Eric E. Guilbeau, Sr., a horse-buggy doctor. Dad is a 1938 graduate of Carencro High School and attended Louisiana State University and Southwestern Louisiana Institute as well as the General Electric Electronic School. His formal education, he would say, was not developed in the academic setting, but in the real-world classroom. He earned his credentials, with high distinction, as an effective public servant. A native and lifelong resident of Carencro, dad wed his SLI sweetheart, Elsie Chiasson, only weeks before shipping out to enter the World War II conflict. Dad was proud to tell his story, like no one else could do, as a volunteer in the Burma-China-India Theater as a Staff Sergeant, Signal Corp shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was honored with numerous campaign medals for his heroics and held membership in American Legion Post 69, Carencro War Veterans and Woodmen of the World. A safe return from the War in 1946, dad opened Carroll’s Auto Supply. While deeply imbedded in the jungles of Burma, he took time to dream and plan his business of the future. Friends often referred to his place of business as the daily news center. Over a cup of coffee, the locals would gather and the conversations might last well into the work morning. His doors remained opened for 55 years serving the community he so dearly loved. Dad’s tenure in public service began early in his life. He served untiringly as Clerk for the Village and Town of Carencro (1948-1974); Fireman and Chief for the Village, Town and City of Carencro (1949-1989); and Alderman for the Village and Town of Carencro (1966-1974); and remained until death a lifetime volunteer fireman. A pioneer in fire protection, dad was instrumental in the formation of the Lafayette Fire Protection Association (President), served on the Parish Civil Defense Committee (secretary/treasurer), served on the Lafayette Parish Communication District (secretary/treasurer), served on the Parish’s 911 Commission, and advisor and member of the Lafayette Fire Protection Association. Under his leadership, he influenced the purchase of the first fire truck for Carencro, as well as the building of the community’s first modern fire station and telephone alert system. He was very proud of the fact that his two sons, grandchildren and son-in-laws chose to become volunteer firefighters. Dad was a true fire-eater.

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2016

For his untiring work in his community, dad was recognized time after time. The uppermost of those recognitions was the recent dedication and naming of the Carencro fire station in his honor as the Carroll E. Guilbeau Fire Station. His name still hangs on the Fire Chief’s door. Below it reads “Fire Chief Emeritus.” A pillar in his community, dad was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. A life-long parishioner of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, he held membership in St. John Knights of Columbus Council No. 1286 (Grand Knight) and Bishop DuBourg 4th Degree Assembly No. 315. He served as Eucharistic minister, parish trustee for St. Peter’s Catholic Church and past treasurer of the Carencro Cemetery Association. How dad balanced his public and business life with his family life is a mystery even to his siblings. Like so many other things, he did it well! Dad was viewed as a stabilizing, positive force in all his endeavors. He recognized that few things happen in government or civic life automatically, thus, he was able to build coalitions of the willing who wanted to create advances within the community of Carencro. Dad’s example of leadership ought to inspire new generations to make a difference in their own communities. Those who served witness to this man’s 95 years of giving back and never wanting anything in return, shall not forget. After all, he is a man from “The Greatest Generation”.

Photographs: (previous page) Mr. Guilbeau as a mature man; (above) On his wedding day; (right) Fire Chief Guilbeau

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2016

Spotlight on

Tina Shelvin Bingham

Tina Shelvin Bingham was a recent guest on Upper Lafayette on the Move, which will air on AOC2 on June 23, 8:30 p.m. Please tune in to get to know one exceptional young woman! Tina is the Executive Vice President of the McComb-Veazey Neighborhood Coterie. She is a proud Northside High School Alumnae, and received her B.S. in Civil Engineering from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA and eventually earned her Master of Business Administration in Project Management from Ashford University. She is currently employed by the Lafayette Consolidated Government in the Department of Public Works. In 2015, she was selected as a recipient of the 20 under 40 Acadiana Leadership Award. Prior to working at the Department of Public Works, Tina worked with the Lafayette Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Comprehensive Planning Department. In the nearly 5 years she has volunteered with the McComb- Veazey Neighborhood Coterie, she has implemented various components of the neighborhoods revitalization plan including a community garden at the IHM Mary House, planting trees along 12th Street and installing neighborhood heritage signs. When Tina is not working on community projects, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending festivals and working in her garden. She is currently planning the neighborhoods first pocket park and a Better Block Party, 12th & Surrey LIVE. Tina is also a board member for the Food Net/The Greater Acadiana Food Bank. During her time with the Metropolitan Planning Organization, she began working with members of the Lafayette Consolidated Government planning staff, as well as professors from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and her alma mater, Southern University. The collaboration later becomes known as “Seed to Table.” Seed to Table works to place horticultural focus on projects within the urban neighborhoods. One of the group’s main goals was to develop a program that uses urban farming as a tool to encourage families in under-served neighborhoods to start businesses and provide vital services to the community through urban agriculture. Tina partnered with the Healthy Living Club, an organization devoted to promoting a healthy, more active community on the Blue Cross Blue Shield challenge grant. She used her knowledge of (GIS) mapping technology to find the areas of greater need within the community. Tina states, “My parents have always encouraged us to give back to the community. The concept of ‘It takes a village…’ has always resonated throughout all aspects of my life. I always strive to help others in any way that I can and try to avail myself and resources where needed.” Upper Lafayette Parish is a better place because of Tina Shelvin Bingham. Her dedication to improving the lives of all, her talent, and her vision are truly inspirational. Thank you Tina for all you do!

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2016

Upper Lafayette Proud to Honor Acadian Middle School Students Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation served as the proud sponsor of the closing ceremony held at Acadiana Middle School held on May 24, 2016. For the third year in a row, our organization provided funds to purchase medals for the students in each grade who excelled in various subjects, read the most books and had the highest grades. It was heartwarming to watch the students’ faces as they walked up to receive their awards; while they looked a bit shy, they also had that proud look of one who knows their hard work was worthwhile and paid off. Congratulations to Acadian Middle’s dedicated team of teaching professionals who continue to work to improve educational outcomes at their school. We will be reporting next year on the strides being made as the Leader in Me program continues at Acadian Middle.

Northside High Dedicates Newly Built “Reality Check” Deck On Friday, May 13, 2016 a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the new outside deck at Northside High School Spearheaded by education advocate Erica Williams, the effort and partnership between A New Vision Foundation, HomeBank, Home Depot, & Impact Louisiana allowed the construction to provide a seated, congregation area for all the students attending Northside High School. The deck was dedicated to support REAL Education & Outreach’s Reality Check program, which has been held throughout the parish, and for Northside students, for several years. Founded and facilitated by former Northside High School educator Kathy Roy, REAL Education & Outreach is a comprehensive social/emotional curriculum that includes classroom guides, after school clubs, workshops and continuing education for both students and adults. One area of focus is sowing the seeds in area schools by facilitating Reality Check Impact Days. They consist of day long retreats for students designed to build confidence, increase leadership skills, encourage acceptance and good decision making. Through hands on exercises and peer-led open discussion, the staff of life-long educators facilitate real changes in the students’ approaches to life skills. Reality Check Impact Days were funded in part for all Lafayette Parish high schools for the 2015-16 school year by Lafayette Education Foundation, and will continue to support the program for the 2016-2017 school year along with other generous sponsors, both corporate and private. For more Erica Williams (red shirt) with Kathy Roy (black and white information, please visit realrealitycheck.com. dress) with NHS Principal Julia Williams

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2016

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Acadian Companies Acadiana Computer Systems, Inc. ASH/Badger Oil Company Couret Farms Cox Communications Delta Media Home Furniture Hub City Ford IBERIABANK Lafayette General Medical Center McDonald’s of Acadiana MidSouth Bank Our Lady of Lourdes Republic National Distributing Company Schilling Distributing Company Stone Energy Whitney National Bank

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