Upper Lafayette August 2016 Newsletter by Upper Lafayette

Upper Lafayette On The Move www.upperlafayette.com August 2016 Volume 92

PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES July Meeting Recap Save the Date for our September Supreme Court Candidate Forum Tribute to Bo and Jerry Ramsay Upper Lafayette Interviews Dr. Joe Savoie and Dr. Shawn Wilson and more..... Volume 92 • AugustEconomic 2016 • www.upperlafayette.com Printed by Lafayette 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 Emily Carline, Graphic Designer

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.

P.O. Box 53107 Lafayette, LA 70505

On the Web www.upperlafayette.com

On the cover: A plane takes off from the Lafayette airport. Photo credit to Tina Lation, a retired Lafayette Airport employee.

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

Volume 92 • August 2016 • www.upperlafayette.com

A Letter from the Executive D irector I’m writing this the day after the Democratic National Convention ended, which came right on the heels of the Republican National Convention held the week before. I can say, without a doubt, that I have watched enough television for a while! Binge watching the speeches and listening to the commentators tell us what we should think is enough to make one realize that we can and should just think for ourselves. Thank goodness for C-Span, which televises events as they unfold, without commentary, thereby allowing the message to be heard and deciphered without clouding the issues. It’s so much easier to reflect on a speaker’s intent when the constant banter in the background is eliminated. I bring this up because the importance of effective communication is first and foremost in my mind these days. Listening to the speakers at both parties’ conventions was at times a true delight, witnessing their passion and love for their fellow man. With the national tragedies we have suffered in the past few weeks that seem to occur nonstop, it is heartwarming to learn that we have true leaders out there who want to make the world a better place. Without open dialogue and the establishment of trust, it will be impossible to truly affect meaningful change in our society. Yet to truly listen and understand one another, we must also “turn off” the preconceived notions we carry with us and allow the messages we hear to be unfiltered, in a similar manner to how C-Span plays events without commentary. Easier said than done. As quoted so elegantly by Louise Heath Leber, “The biggest room in the house is the room for improvement.” This is certainly true in my life. Thank you for your support of Upper Lafayette! If you have ideas you would like to share, email me at jan@upperlafayette.com. I would love to hear from you.

Save the Date for Our September 21 Meeting Please join us on Wednesday, September 21, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the LITE Center, where we will welcome Judge Jimmy Genovese and Judge Marilyn Castle, the two candidates for the Louisiana Supreme Court seat to be filled in the November 8 election. This election is very important to our state, and the forum is an incredible opportunity to meet both candidates, and to hear their thoughts on important issues. Tickets are $25 each in auditorium seating at the LITE Center. Lunch will be provided, and the general public is welcome to register. Email jan@upperlafayette.com with any questions, or call (337) 769-7649 for more details. Special thanks to our law firm sponsors whose generosity is making this event possible: Broussard & David, Jones Walker, and NeunerPate.

Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Candidates Judge Jimmy Genovese and Judge Marilyn Castle

www.upperlafayette.com • August 2016

Upper Lafayette Hosts July Meeting with Focus on Transportation

From left: Steven Picou, Director of the Lafayette Regional Airport; Warren Abadie of Lafayette Consolidated Government Department of Transportation; Tom Carroll, LCG Director of Public Works. Photography by Robert Tarleton, www.robertkeith.co

Upper Lafayette’s July 20th luncheon at the Petroleum Club focused on the myriad of transportation issues impacting our community. We welcomed a wonderful lineup of speakers, including Steven Picou, Director of the Lafayette Regional Airport; Tom Carroll, Lafayette Consolidated Government Director of Public Works; and Ben Berthelot, Director of the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, who updated on the latest happenings. Steven Picou of the Lafayette Airport explained that approximately $33.5 million dollars was raised to fund our airport expansion from a dedicated sales tax collected in Lafayette Parish, from April through November 2015. Other communities around the nation are studying this highly effective method of imposing a short term tax to fund a specific and highly needed project, such as our new airport terminal. We are a testament to how communities can pull together to make things happen!

Ben Berthelot, Director of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission

RS&H of Austin, Texas was selected as the architectural and engineering firm that will design the new terminal. Established in 1941, RS&H provides fully integrated architecture, engineering, and consulting services. They are consistently ranked among the nation’s top 100 design firms, and have worked in over 50 countries across the globe. RS&H will team with local firms such as the MBSB Group and Domingue Szabo in the design and construction of the new facility. Our next speaker, Tom Carroll, provided an update on the many dollars being invested in Upper Lafayette Parish roads. The last section of the Louisiana Avenue Extension is a $5 million project, and will hopefully be bid by the end of 2016, and will complete the road from Butcher Switch Road all the way to Gloria Switch Road, with a roundabout at Gloria Switch. Another project to be bid out is Daigle St. which runs through the Stirling Center (where Target is on Louisiana Ave.) and will allow drivers to access Moss St. from the shopping center. Undisclosed projects are in the works on the NE and NW corner of Louisiana

www.upperlafayette.com • August 2016

Ave. at I-10… which should be exciting once revealed! One of Tom’s favorite projects discussed was the N. St. Antoine extension, which goes under I-10 to access the old Acadian Hills Country Club. The Guilbeau family has donated right of way access, which will facilitate easy access to Moore Park for the many travelers who come to Lafayette to enjoy soccer games! E. Pont Des Mouton Road widening, a $12 million project, will be completed in the next few months (this is the section between I-49 and Louisiana Ave.). This Pont des Mouton project is expected to be a boon for economic development in the corridor. One of Mayor Robideaux’s initiatives is to improve the University Avenue corridor leading into UL as you exit the interstate, and dollars have been requested in LCG’s 2017 budget to fund these improvements for this major gateway into our community. Also in discussion is a roundabout at Renaud Drive on N. University Ave., in the Scott area. Ben Berthelot was a hit as he started out his talk with a Boudreaux and Thibodeaux joke! I can’t thank Ben enough for all the support he has offered Upper Lafayette through the years as we have asked for grant money to improve Upper Lafayette, and for any type of support for that matter! Ben provided a synopsis on how Uber has elevated Lafayette’s travel options for tourists and residents alike. We are grateful to our sponsors, Lafayette Regional Airport/Fly Lafayette Club and Honda of Lafayette who made this meeting possible! If you would like to learn more about what was discussed at the meeting, please visit our website here, where you can watch it in its entirety.

The crowd enjoys a joke as told by Ben Berthelot. Photography by Robert Tarleton

www.upperlafayette.com • August 2016

Arlene Leblanc

Lafayette Airport Commission Chair Paul Guilbeau, Director Steven Picou, and Commissioner Paul Segura

Jason Roberson, Karen Hardy, Dr. Yvonne Adler, Sister Lucie Nordmann, Chris Rader, and Jan Swift

Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux and Officer Dugas enjoy a light moment with friends

Special Thanks to Our July Sponsors:

www.upperlafayette.com â&#x20AC;˘ August 2016

Gem of the M onth: Auntie’s Bakery Box Article by Megan Wyatt, mbwyatt@theadvertiser.com, published on July 13, 2016, by The Daily Advertiser Olita Magee Mayfield laughs when she thinks back to how she ended up taking over a beloved Moss Street bakery earlier this year. As a mother and former lawyer, Mayfield never expected to add bakery owner to her list of titles. But when her friend asked for help selling Auntie’s Bakery Box, Mayfield says one thing led to another and she decided to take on a new challenge. “I practiced law for 10 years, and had a baby and was just figuring out life and what I wanted to do when this opportunity came around,” Mayfield says. “And I’ve always loved to cook. I don’t have any formal training or anything, but I grew up in a big family where we were all cooking all the time, and I just got excited about continuing the tradition of this bakery on Moss Street.” Auntie’s Bakery Box first opened in 1979 as The Sweet Shoppe at its present location, 4302 Moss St. Mayfield took over in March 2016. Photo: Scott Clause, The Advertiser “I grew up coming here,” Mayfield says. “My aunt lived right down the street, and she was a regular, so I came here with her. People come in and say that their mom got their baptism cake here or their wedding cake here. People are just so thankful to have the bakery back and open and using the same recipes from the 1970s.” The bakery is known especially for its buttercream icing — which is sweet but not too sweet — and for its banana split cake. Mayfield has also added her grandmother’s traditional sweet dough pies to the bakery’s offerings, as well as a red velvet cheesecake that combines the bakery’s original recipe for red velvet cake and buttercream icing with Mayfield’s recipe for a rich cheesecake. She’s also introduced a new savory menu filled with decadent and dietfriendly options. “As I took over the bakery, I realized that there was really a need for a place to get lunch in an area that isn’t saturated by plate lunch places like so many other areas of town,” Mayfield says. The rotating specials include options such as seafood mac and cheese with shrimp or crawfish and crab topped with panko bread crumbs, bacon and Parmesan for $10. Those looking for a lighter option can opt for a soup or salad that is 250 calories or less. The shop also offers a $6.00 lunch box special — ham or turkey on a fresh baked croissant with chips, a cookie and a drink, as well as rotating sandwich, soup and salad specials. “I love feeding people,” Mayfield says. “It’s just happy, you know? Law can be so exhausting emotionally, where this is definitely the most physical thing I’ve ever done in my life, but it’s just so rewarding because you can’t buy a cupcake without a smile on your face.”

Photo via Auntie’s Bakery Box Facebook

Auntie’s Bakery Box is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at 4302 Moss St. in Lafayette. Learn more about the bakery by visiting www.auntiesbakerybox.com or by calling 337-232-2283.

www.upperlafayette.com • August 2016

Dr. E. Joseph Savoie Speaks with Upper Lafayette

Dr. E Joseph Savoie and Jan Swift. Photo by Elsa Dimitriadis Jan Swift welcomed Dr. E. Joseph Savoie to Upper Lafayette On the Move for a 24 minute interview, which aired on July 14th at 8:30 p.m. on AOC 2 (Cox 16 or LUS 4). Dr. Savoie is the president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from UL Lafayette, and earned a Doctor of Education in educational leadership and administration from Columbia University’s Teachers College in New York City. He previously served as the Commissioner of Higher Education for the State of Louisiana, where he was involved in several major postsecondary education reforms in Louisiana, including: the restructuring of higher education governance; creation of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System; teacher education and school reform initiatives; and the state’s Master Plan for Public Postsecondary Education. Under Dr. Savoie’s leadership, financial support for public postsecondary education nearly tripled, and Louisiana’s colleges and universities became more engaged in addressing Louisiana’s economic and social challenges. Savoie has held numerous state, regional, and national positions. Governors M. J. “Mike” Foster, Edwin Edwards, Kathleen Blanco and Bobby Jindal all tapped him for higher education committees and commissions in their administrations. Savoie was a cabinet member in three governors’ administrations— Foster’s, Blanco’s and Bobby Jindal’s. Most recently he served on Governor John Bel Edwards’ Higher Education Transition Team. Savoie returned to his alma mater as President in July 2008. Prior to his appointment as Commissioner of Higher Education, Savoie served in many roles on the UL Lafayette campus, including Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Alumni Association, as well as adjunct Assistant Professor. Savoie and his wife, Gail, have a daughter, Jennifer Blaire Saulnier, a son, Adam Savoie, and a granddaughter, Addison Marie. We encourage you to watch this show, and all of our shows, which may be checked out at www.upperlafayette.com/?q=video.

www.upperlafayette.com • August 2016

On the Move Welcomes Dr. Shawn Wilson Jan Swift interviewed Dr. Shawn Wilson on Upper Lafayette On the Move which aired on AOC 2 (Cox 16 or LUS 4) on July 28, at 8:30 p.m. Dr. Shawn Wilson previously served as Chief of Staff for the Department of Transportation and Development, a role he filled for three previous Secretaries and under the executive administration of two Governors. Prior to joining DOTD, Wilson also served as former Executive Director of the Louisiana Serve Commission and Deputy Legislative Director in the Blanco Administration. Wilson earned a B.A. in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Louisiana, where he served as Student Government President and Member of the University of Louisiana System Board. He holds a Master of Public Administration degree and recently earned a Ph.D. in Public Policy from the Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy/and Urban Affairs at Southern University. Shawn and his wife, Rocki, met and reside in Lafayette; together they have two children, college senior Shawn Denise (21) and Star Scout Joshua Bakari (13). The Wilsons are members of Progressive Baptist Church. In the interview, Dr. Wilson shared his focus on bringing Louisiana’s roads and bridges up to par. We face a huge backlog of projects with a price tag of over $12 billion. The last time a gas tax was passed was Image via Louisiana DOTD website in 1990. Today, this same 16 cents per gallon of gas is paid to the state, which averages $108.00 per year for the average driver. Cars are much more fuel efficient today, the cost of construction has greatly increased, and yet, we are still operating with 1990 dollars and hobbling along on subpar road. You can expect discussions in the 2017 legislative session about the gasoline tax among other possible transportation revenue enhancements. Governor Edwards has prioritized transportation needs and doubled the appropriation for our 37 ports to $40 million in his first 100 days in office. In order to ensure that transportation dollars are spent where the public expects it to be, State Police funding was removed from Transportation Trust Fund; in the past, more than $1 Billion was cumulatively spent for safety enforcement (averaging about $70 to 80 million per year). Dr. Wilson also spoke of Louisiana’s recent federal highway dollar grant dubbed “The Fast Lane,” which totals $60 million to be spent on three projects: widening I-10 from I-49 to the Atchafalaya Basin to three lanes; a rail effort between Baton Rouge and New Orleans; and enhancement and acceleration of the Loyola interchange leading into the new airport being built in New Orleans, which currently has no interstate access at this point. I-49 South and the recent decision to reopen the Environmental Impact Statement was another topic for discussion. This roadway is of top priority not only for Gov. Edwards, but also our Mayor-President Joel Robideaux. With this development, the timeline for having segments of independent utility with clear scope and design is expected to be late 2018 to early 2019. Our thanks to Dr. Shawn Wilson for his commitment to our state and its transportation needs! To watch this show and all of our shows, please visit www.upperlafayette.com/?q=video.

www.upperlafayette.com • August 2016

A Tribute to Our Beloved and F aithful M embers: Bo and Jerry Ramsay

Article by Kris Wartelle, kwartelle@theadvertiser.com, published on July 22, 2016, by The Daily Advertiser On July 23, 2015, Bo and Jerry Ramsay were in the Grand Theater watching the beginning of Trainwreck. Just a few minutes into the show, all hell broke loose. A lone gunman, John Hauser, stood up and began firing shots. One year later, Bo and Jerry recalled the horror they said lasted only minutes and recalled the events in an exclusive interview with the Daily Advertiser, published on July 23, 2016. The Ramsays were driving down Doucet Road when Jerry asked Bo to stop and see what was playing at the theatre. "I let her out and we looked at what was playing and that was where we ended up,” Bo recalled, “not knowing what the movie was. Within the first 30 seconds, I turned to Jerry and I asked, ‘what kind of movie is this”? Seconds later, loud shots pierced the room. According to Bo, Houser rose up and went across the aisle and fired one shot at a young woman. He then fired three to five more shots at another patron. Bo, who served in the Army and fought in the Korean War, knew immediately what he was hearing. He stood up and faced the gunman, then started toward him. “That’s when he finished his magazine into me,” Bo recalled. “Then I was on the floor bleeding, and I was thinking, ‘What the hell is going on?’ I’d been in combat before, it was like something out of the past.” Bo was shot seven times. He was hit in the arm and in his legs and stomach. Jerry, meanwhile, had been shot in the hand between her thumb and forefinger. She said she felt pain, but was more concerned about Bo, who was fading in and out of consciousness. “Bo was on the floor bleeding,” she recalled. “He said ‘Get out, run.’ And I said ‘No. I’m not going to run.’ I just remember someone yelling ‘he (the gunman) is trying to get out.’ And then someone yelled, ‘He is reloading!’ We just stayed down. I said, ‘I’m not leaving you.’”

Photo: Lee Celano, The Advertiser

After a confrontation with police, Houser killed himself. The shooting was over, but the nightmare had just begun. Bo remembers a detective coming to help him onto a stretcher. Jerry doesn’t remember much of what happened. For Bo however, much of that night is still pretty clear in his mind. He knows what kind of bullets tore into him. “They were steel point bullets,” Bo said. Had they been a different kind, he probably would be dead now. These days, the couple said they try not to think too much about what happened. The couple gives much credit to doctors and staff at Lafayette General Medical Center for their physical healing. They also credit the counseling sessions they attended with other survivors for their emotional recovery. They went to meetings with about 20 people, some of whom had not fared so well. “Some of the younger girls were really traumatized,” Jerry said. The Ramsays believe the tragedy has changed the way people in Lafayette look at the world around them. They believe it has made people here more aware of the criminal element. But both say they would never live anywhere else, and they refuse to live in fear. What is rather surprising though, is what Bo Ramsay thinks about Houser, the man who killed three people, including himself, and wounded nine others. “I forgave the guy when I was on the theater floor,” Bo said. “I didn’t want to bear the burden of hate. You just have to put it in the back of your mind. And try not to reflect on it.” God bless Bo and Jerry Ramsay. We are so fortunate to have them blessing our lives through their friendship and example.

www.upperlafayette.com • August 2016

Jamilah and Vincent Hicks Make a Difference in Upper Lafayette Education Article by Amanda McElfresh, amcelfresh@theadvertiser.com, published on July 4, 2016, by The Daily Advertiser Jamilah and Vincent Hicks have been married for nine years and and are now making their marks on Lafayette Parish schools. Jamilah Hicks has been principal at J.W. Faulk Elementary since 2014. Vincent Hicks is entering his sixth year coaching boys’ basketball and teaching physical education at David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy. “Things are pretty crazy for us,” Jamilah said. “We don’t really know the other person’s schedule. It’s all real spurof-the-moment. We juggle the kids a lot because we don’t have family here.” Along the way, they learned from each other, sharing skills and behaviors. “I’ve never been the best writer, but my wife, I think she’s a brilliant writer. I think my writing skills have gotten a whole lot better because of her,” Vincent said. Photo: Kerry Griechen, Special to The Advertiser Jamilah remains in awe of Vincent’s relaxed demeanor and ability to let situations roll off him without bogging him down. “He doesn’t let stuff stress him or overwhelm him,” Jamilah said. “Vince is also very down-to-earth and friendly, which is one of the things I’ve always loved and admired about him. He’s one of those people who will walk into a room, and everybody flocks to him. A major professional highlight for Vincent came in January, when he received the Lafayette Education Foundation Top Finalist Award in the middle school category. “Even being at David Thibodaux in my fifth year when I won, I still didn’t have that full confidence that I needed. “Winning that award made me feel like, ‘I’m doing right, I’m on the right path.’ It made me more confident about who I was as a teacher. Getting that award was a huge blessing from God.” Jamilah said she’s never lost faith in her husband’s abilities. She remains awestruck when she sees him watch an NBA or college basketball game at home, notice a good play, then immediately take notes and implement it with his players the next day. “I think that’s amazing. He’s extremely smart and knowledgeable about his craft,” she said. “I could not have been more proud of him (at the LEF Awards.) “Even though I’m not at the same school as him, I see all of the hard work and effort he puts into what he does every day.” Jamilah loves J.W. Faulk and is proud of its improvements. “I’m very passionate about early literacy and teaching reading,” she said. “If I was going to be somewhere besides Faulk, and I could go into curriculum and instruction, that would be a dream, because that’s really my passion.” “She is the most amazing writer I know,” Vincent said. “I’ve seen her design children’s books. The way she writes, it just flows very well. I’ve never met anybody who writes as well as she does.” Vincent would “shrivel up and die” if he wasn’t coaching, his wife said. He agreed, but added that he wouldn’t mind adding athletic director duties to his responsibilities one day. “When I won (the LEF Award), my objectives shifted,” he said. “It’s not about wins and losses. It’s about who I’m teaching and where they end up. You’re not going to remember the game, but you are going to remember the people.”

www.upperlafayette.com • August 2016

Upcoming Concert at Couret:

Zydeco Radio with Lane M ack

Photo via Concerts at Couret Facebook Presented by Service Cadillac on August 12, 2016, our friends with Cajun Cane Kettle Corn and Auntie's Bakery Box, along with some favorite local restaurants and spirits establishments, will be on hand to make sure your experience is second to none. So leave your ice chests at home, but don't leave home without your dancing shoes! Thanks to Townsquare Media, your favorite local DJs from 99.9 KTDY, who will be out there, too. Concerts at Couret is a free, monthly summer music series, and is open to the public. Easy to get to, Couret is located on Pont des Mouton Road near the intersection of I-49 & I-10 on the Couret Plantation. Be sure to get there early - music kicks off at 6:00 p.m. Come dance away your summer at Couret! Promoting the culture & hospitality of Acadiana through music, food & fun— Upper Lafayette style! Concerts at Couret is produced by Social Entertainment. For more information on Concerts at Couret, check out www.facebook.com/ConcertsAtCouret!

Romacelli Opens In Couret Farms! Double R Restaurant Group celebrated the grand opening of its third Romacelli Bistro e Vino restaurant, located in Upper Lafayette’s Couret Farms community, with “Friends & Family” events on July 15 and 16. Locals were invited to the restaurant to enjoy a complimentary meal and asked to contribute donations to support two deserving local charities: Susan G. KomenAcadiana and Knights of Columbus Lafayette Council #1286. These charities received 100% of the donations made toward meals which totaled to $5,100! Romacelli is such a wonderful addition to our community. Check out their Facebook page for a tantalizing array of their delicious menu options, such as Steak and Gorgonzola Flat Bread, Cajun Seafood Pasta or Carnivore Pizza. The restaurant has a fun and fresh appeal, and, from the happy looks on the faces of the crowd at its opening, delicious food! Romacelli’s Couret Farm location is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Learn more about Romacelli by visiting www.romacelli.com, or by calling (337)706-7574.

www.upperlafayette.com • August 2016

Romacelli Opens In Couret Farms!

Romacelli Couret Farms Grand Opening. Photos provided by Double R Restaurant Group

Romacelli Couret Farms

The crowd enjoys a meal at Romacelli Couret Farms

Proceeds from the grand opening event went to the Acadiana affiliate of Susan G. Komen and Knights of Columbus

www.upperlafayette.com â&#x20AC;˘ August 2016

LEDA:

Lafayette’s Information Hot Spot By: Jessica Pizzeck, Upper Lafayette Intern The Lafayette Economic Development Authority (“LEDA”), is one of the most valuable information resources in Lafayette. LEDA offers a plethora of data and statistics available at no charge to anyone requesting assistance. Upper Lafayette’s intern, Jessica Pizzeck, interviewed LEDA Marketing Intelligence Project Associates Brittany Lacour and Victoria Tran, to learn more about the many research and information services available. Brittany and Victoria are Project Associates who function as the information hubs of LEDA. They answer inquiries relating to demographic & statistical research, mapping, market analysis, site evaluation and marketing. They conduct inventories of all available commercial real estate properties available in Lafayette for new or expanding businesses. The information they gather is crucial for successful business operations and marketing in Lafayette Parish. Victoria serves as a liaison with the City of Duson, attending council meetings each month to ensure that LEDA and the city of Duson are both aware of how they may aid each another. As the Commercial Realtor liaison, Brittany attends the Realtor’s Commercial Alliance Meetings to remain informed of updates within the industry. As Project Associates, Brittany and Victoria are mainly tasked with gathering demographic information. They compile data to create the Cost of Living index for Lafayette, as well as respond to requests for accurate traffic counts, industry one pagers, and statistical updating, particularly of Lafayette’s economic profile. They provide “GIS”, or geographic information systems, to create custom maps for site selection and market research purposes. LEDA is funded by a Lafayette property tax assessment, which is how the services are available at no charge. It is recommended that you start at LEDA to obtain needed information to avoid unnecessary consultant fees. Brittany disclosed that last week she put together a proposal valued at $10,000, at no expense to the client. Victoria advises that an individual calling for assistance should have their business plan prepared, or at least thought through. With appropriate information, LEDA members will be able to effectively direct the client down the correct path. Also, there is no reason to fear that an original idea will be shared with others— LEDA is bound under confidentiality agreements that protect its clients. LEDA is a one stop shop for all local information, and because of this, they often get questions such as, “who would you recommend for…?” If you own an established business, LEDA will include your company name in its business listings. When a member of the public calls for business referrals for a particular industry, LEDA will provide a listing of every single business in the region that provides that service. The goal of LEDA is to give every business equal opportunity for exposure and success.

Victoria Tran, Brittany Lacour, and Jessica Pizzeck outside the beautiful LEDA facility.

For more information, visit www.lafayette.org, or phone Brittany Lacour at (337) 593-1409, or Victoria Tran at (337) 593-1410. The public is also welcome to drop in LEDA’s office at 211 E. Devalcourt St., Lafayette, LA 70506, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

www.upperlafayette.com • August 2016

The Clustering Effect:

A Business P henomenon to Understand By: Jessica Pizzeck, Upper Lafayette Intern

Business clustering is the practice of related companies and institutions gathering or “clustering” in close proximity to one another. This results in competing establishments being located in the same parking lot or across the street from each other. Think McDonald’s and Burger King… Why do businesses do this? One would think that businesses would want to establish territory away from their competition, and not next door. The phenomenon of clustering, though, occurs because of its appeal to the consumer. Zachary Barker, Executive Director of Opportunity Machine and board member of Upper Lafayette, explains this concept by using the new Ambassador Town Center as an example. “There is a connectivity by consumer trends,” he explains. “If you shop at Costco, you likely are someone who buys at establishments where there is an expectation of service and premium quality, which is found at a Field and Stream, also found at Dicks.” Businesses understand that the likelihood of a consumer making a purchase when they have all of their options in a local area is much higher than having to go across town to discover a product. So, even those who are competing can benefit when their locations are close, because it attracts the right type of consumer to the area of their product.

Image via Forbes website

So exactly where is the right area to locate one’s establishment? Businesses do not randomly choose where they want to set up shop— there is a method to the settlement process.

The key to a successful location lies again in the consumer, in the form of population density. Zachary Barker explains, “Better businesses come to locations where living is attainable. People want convenience. They do not want to have to venture far from their homes to access products.” Some of the best local examples of properly located sub-segments within the Lafayette community are the medical districts. Lafayette General, for example, is the central hub of the medical district located in the Oil Center. Surrounding Lafayette General are specialist centers, such as the Cancer Center of Acadiana, and Barrone Foot Center. Circling these specialists are medical supply centers and pharmacies, such as Advanced Medical Supplies, and Ken’s Thrifty Way Pharmacy. Finally, restaurants and a flower shop, which are most frequented by hospital staff and family members of patients, enclose the border of the medical district. All of these establishments provide goods for the Saint Street area, West Bayou Parkway, the Girard Park and University neighborhoods, Freetown, Bendel, and residential areas all the way up through Pinhook. This area sits in a highly populated and prosperous area of Lafayette. In short, clustering is the creator of industry oriented sub-communities in a city. This leveraging tactic allows businesses to work with, instead of against, competition. Clustering also functions as a strategic way of locating one’s business to ensure success. For these reasons, this progressive technique is an essential concept for businesses to consider when seeking increased client volume, and as our city expands, we can expect to see more of it within the Lafayette community. For an entertaining Ted Talk on this phenomenon, please visit this link.

www.upperlafayette.com • August 2016

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