Upper Lafayette February 2017 Newsletter by Upper Lafayette

Upper Lafayette on the Move WWW.UPPERLAFAYETTE.COM FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME 98

UPPER LAFAYETTE PROUD TO HONOR HEROES IN AUGUST 2016 FLOOD RELIEF EFFORT Connect Lafayette Press Conference Promotes I-49 Lafayette Connector Councilman Pat Lewis Hosts Town Meeting to Introduce Police Chief Toby Aguillard Mardi Gras is Big Business for Lafayette Parish

AND MORE..... Printed by Lafayette Economic Development Authority

Published by

Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation

Printed by

Lafayette Economic Development Authority

Board of Directors

Chad Cole, President Todd Citron, Vice-President Zachary Barker, Sec/Treasurer Monty Warren, Past President Adrian Baudoin Brenda Foulcard Kirk LaCour Donna Landry Pastor Ken Lazard Herbert Schilling Bryan Tabor Jerry Vascocu David Welch

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: Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette and John Cannon, Superintendent of the Acadiana District of the United Methodist Church. Photo by Greta Gerstner.

Interested in advertising in Our 2017 newsletters? Please contact Jan Swift for more details and to discuss opportunities. jan@upperlafayette.com | (337) 769-7649

Volume 98 • February 2017 • www.upperlafayette.com

A Letter from the Executive Director January 2017 was a great month for us! We look back with pride at our January 18th luncheon hosted at Acadian Companies where we honored so many of the local organizations and people who helped those in need after the August 2016 flood. Learning that the rebuilding effort will be a projected five-year project, it became crystal clear that we are fortunate to have so many churches and non-profits who willingly and capably step up to fill in the gap where individuals and government cannot when disaster hits. It’s good to be reminded of the great community we are so fortunate to live in. There seems to be a bit of optimism in the air these days. While the oil and gas industry has not rebounded from the downturn, local talk indicates that the future is looking up for us here in Acadiana; if not felt right now, hopefully it will be felt by later in 2017. We’re proud to partner with so many local businesses who survived the oil downturn of the 1980s and who have the survival skills to keep on keeping on in the face of adversity in our local economy. Happy Mardi Gras month! It seems as though we just celebrated New Year’s and now it is time to throw beads and party like only those of us here in Acadiana know how! Wishing you a fun and safe Mardi Gras season. With warmest regards,

Mardi Gras 2017 Celebrations in Lafayette Parish It’s that time of year again! As always, our local municipalities will celebrate Mardi Gras in their own special style. We encourage you to check out the local parades which are scheduled as follows: The Carencro Mardi Gras Association takes to the streets on Saturday, February 18th at 11 a.m., starting at Carencro High School and ending at the City limits of Carencro near the new Public Library. This year promises to be one of their best, with the King and Queen ruling over the annual ball and parade. The City of Scott hosts its annual parade on Sunday, February 19th at 1:00 p.m., beginning on Apollo Road and ending on Specialty Lane. Hosted by the Scott Business Association, this parade is guaranteed to be family friendly and fun to boot! And of course, the Hub City, Lafayette, has a full schedule of parades, beginning with the Krewe des Chiens Canine Parade on Saturday, February 18th in Downtown Lafayette, which rolls out at 2:00 p.m., with an after “Pawty” in Parc Sans Souci! For the full schedule of Lafayette parades, please visit www.mardigraslafayette.com/parades.htm

Volume 98 • February 2017 • www.upperlafayette.com

Connect Lafayette Coalition: I-49 Lafayette Connector Press Conference Connect Lafayette is a coalition of community organizations that believes the status quo of the Evangeline Thruway is unacceptable, and the Lafayette Connector has the potential to relieve congestion, revitalize our urban neighborhoods along the Evangeline Thruway Corridor, and improve the quality of life for all in Acadiana. As a component of the extension of I-49, the project provides a critically needed hurricane evacuation route for the 1+ million residents of South Louisiana while simultaneously expanding the state’s highway network with an alternative to the highly-congested I-10 route through Baton Rouge to New Orleans. Interstate 49 will ultimately connect New Orleans, South Louisiana, and Acadiana to Winnipeg, Canada, via Kansas City, completing a transportation route of international significance for energy, trade, freight transport, and long-term economic development. On January 23, coalition members met at Destiny of Faith Church’s construction site, an expansive structure being built at 409 Patterson Street across from Alice Boucher Elementary School and the SWLA Center for Health Services.

Also speaking at the event were Mayor-President Joel Robideaux, One Acadiana’s Jason El Koubi, Louisiana Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson, and Jan Swift of Upper Lafayette. The large crowd in attendance spoke volumes of the business groups and organizations who have signed on in support of the project: Senior Pastoral Alliance of Southwest LA, One Acadiana, Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation, Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA), LafayetteTravel, Broussard Chamber of Commerce, Youngsville Chamber of Commerce, Acadiana Planning Commission, Greater Southwest Louisiana Black Chamber of Commerce, REALTOR® Association of Acadiana, Louisiana Oil & Gas Association, and I-49 South Coalition. Please help us spread the good word about why constructing the Lafayette Connector is vital to the future of our community. We must work together and leverage our positive voices of support for important infrastructure projects such as I-49.

Pastor Ken Lazard, Destiny of Faith Church, Speaking at Connect Lafayette Press Conference

Pastor Ken Lazard led off the press conference speaking on behalf of the Senior Pastoral Alliance in support of the I-49 Connector being built along the Evangeline Thruway Corridor. Pastor Ken was the driving force behind the Senior Pastoral Alliance, which draws upon the strength of 29 pastors and their congregations, and which works to improve the economic climate for all.

Jan Swift speaking at Connect Lafayette Press Conference

Volume 98 • February 2017 • www.upperlafayette.com

Highlights from our January Meeting: Celebrating Local Heroes of the August 2016 Flood Relief Efforts

Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation was proud to host our January meeting at Acadian Companies as we celebrated the many organizations who helped those most in need in the aftermath of the August 2016 flood. With an overflowing crowd of over 150 on hand, it was obvious that we live in a community that bands together to help one another, and you could feel the sense of pride in the room to live here in Acadiana where helping one another is a way of life. The meeting began with the invocation being offered by Bishop J. Douglas Deshotels of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette, who offered the comforting prayer that God’s hope and love is available to all. Upper Lafayette partnered with the office of Mayor-President Joel Robideaux to recognize by official Proclamation 15 local organizations and businesses who aided in disaster relief, and we were grateful to have CAO Lowell Duhon to hand out the Proclamations. We celebrated and honored the good works of 232-Help, Acadian Companies, Acadiana District of the United Methodist Church— Flood Recovery Ministry, Atmos Energy, Carencro Fire Department, Catholic Services of Acadiana, Crossroads Church, FoodNet Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Home Furniture, Imani Temple #49, Keller Williams Realty Acadiana, Love Acadiana (Our Savior’s Church), Rebuilding Together Acadiana, and United Way of Acadiana. What a stellar group of organizations, yet of course, we recognized that this was just the tip of the iceberg in the many groups and individuals who helped others most in need. The rebuilding effort to get people back in their homes is estimated to be five years. Our speaker, Tony Credeur of Catholic Services of Acadiana urged all to get flood insurance if they hadn’t already done so. Surrounded by water as we are, and living on a relatively flat terrain where the water will not drain fast, is a recipe for flood damage in the event of heavy rains. In closing, please remember these non-profit organizations carry out their missions on a daily basis, and also step up in times of disaster when chaos ensues. Government can’t help everyone, and is not geared to handle long-term recovery efforts. It has been announced this week that persons who had less than one foot of water in their home, or had flood insurance, will not qualify for any funding that is being distributed in Louisiana in the $1.6 billion recently granted. Thank goodness we have each other. Photos, clockwise from top: Chris Rader, Iqbal Merchant, Tony Credeur and Chad Cole; Home Bank team; Keller Williams team. Photos by Greta Gerstner. Photos, opposite page, clockwise from top left: Pastor John Milton being interviewed by KLFY; Lowell Duhon, Jason Huffman and Jan Swift; Tony Credeur presents overview of flood relief efforts; Honorees proudly display their proclamations; Insurance Resource Group’s Marc Mouton and friends. Photos by Greta Gerstner.

Volume 98 • February 2017 • www.upperlafayette.com

Lessons from the Corner Office

Features Jerry Vascocu, Acadiana Market President of IberiaBank Lessons from the Corner Office offers up close and personal conversations with local leaders and professionals who share insights on leadership, brand growth and community engagement with members of One Acadiana. Jerry Vascocu, Acadiana Market President of IberiaBank, was the featured speaker on January 25, 2017, before a packed house at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. The sponsor, Cane River Pecans and its “Chief Nut Officer,” Jady Regard, ensured that the crowd was happy and got to taste their delicious pecans. Starting first with his role in running IberiaBank’s Acadiana market, Jerry shared that its mission is to be a top-notch corporate citizen. They strive to blend a community bank feel with large bank capabilities. IberiaBank believes that the healthier the community in which the bank is located, the healthier the bank will be. Jerry Vascocu and Jason El Koubi

Therefore, IberiaBank is charged with giving back to the community, in a selective way to organizations who make a difference. In lieu of television ads, they become engaged in the community and partner strategically. Jerry shared wisdom gained from his experience in banking and his behind-the-scenes perspective on community leadership gained from involvement with One Acadiana, United Way of Acadiana, Project Front Yard, and much more. A man of faith, Jerry reiterated several times that one’s prayer life, family, and friends are crucial to maintaining balance in one’s life. He counseled to make sure that your home life is good, that it increases rather than decreases your energy. Especially focusing on the younger professionals in the audience, he advised not to miss opportunities with your family, have friends you can relax with, and be affectionate with your children. When asked to give his 20-year old self advice, he stated, “Trust your instincts. Keep your focus narrow to your expertise. Don’t jump for the quick buck, as it typically is not the best decision in the long run. Be thankful that you have good work to do, and show up ready to work!” Participants were fortunate to have this opportunity to get to know Jerry Vascocu better. Without a doubt, Upper Lafayette is fortunate to have Jerry serving on our board of directors, and we thank him and IberiaBank for their community service!

Jerry Vascocu

Volume 98 • February 2017 • www.upperlafayette.com

Carencro City Council Passes Resolution In Support of I-49 Lafayette Connector At its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 17, 2017, the Carencro City Council passed Resolution 2017003 supporting the I-49 Lafayette Connector. We have reproduced the Resolution below in its entirety, and want to commend Mayor Glenn Brasseaux and the Carencro City Council for their forward thinking and support of this critical infrastructure project which has been needed and discussed for decades. “WHEREAS, the Evangeline Thruway was identified in 1968 for possible upgrading to interstate standards, and studies by LA DOTD and the Federal Highway Administration of the 5.5-mile I-49 Lafayette Connector have been underway since 1990. WHEREAS, the Evangeline Thruway Corridor was determined the best option to fulfill the full complement of transportation objectives of the project while minimizing its potential environmental impacts. WHEREAS, the I-49 Lafayette Connector will accommodate projected population growth and travel demands; facilitate economic growth for Carencro, Lafayette and Acadiana; improve hurricane evacuations for all of Southwest Louisiana; and reduce existing and future traffic congestion throughout northern Lafayette Parish along I-49 North and I-49 South. WHEREAS, it is imperative that elected officials from across the region band together to support completion of this all-important highway infrastructure project, which will benefit all of Acadiana as well as the State of Louisiana.

Front row, left to right: Councilman J. L. Richard, Mayor Glenn Brasseaux, and Councilwoman Kim Guidry; Back row, left to right: Councilmen L. J. Boudreaux, Antoine Babineaux and Alfred Sinegal.

THEREFORE, be it resolved that the City of Carencro does hereby endorse and support construction of the I-49 Lafayette Connector along the Evangeline Thruway corridor so as to reduce traffic congestion in Northern Lafayette Parish, to improve hurricane evacuations in Southwest Louisiana, to facilitate economic growth, and to accommodate projected population growth and travel demands in our region.”

Volume 98 • February 2017 • www.upperlafayette.com

How Mardi Gras Impacts Lafayette’s Economy Mardi Gras season generates big money for our local economy. The last official study conducted in 2010 by Lucy Henke, Ph.D. and Gwen Fontenot, Ph.D., found that carnival season generated about $110 million in expenditures in Lafayette, which includes purchases such as food, ball gowns, beads, tux rentals, and lodging. It provided a breakdown of expenditures by local festival goers as well as out-of-town visitors. Mardi Gras krewes spent over $3 million preparing and celebrating Mardi Gras, and their krewe members spent an additional $6.8 million. In all, a total of $4 million in direct taxes were generated by Mardi Gras expenditures, and over $9 million in overall taxes were generated in Lafayette Parish. And of course, these statistics do not take into account inflation over the past seven years since the study was conducted. John Swift, 2017 Parade Chair of the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association, says that despite the oil industry’s downturn, the number of parade floats reserved for this season are on par with past seasons, with 131 floats to be ridden in all of the parades. Mardi Gras parades and celebrations are such an integral part of our culture that people will forsake other expenditures to maintain involvement with their Mardi Gras krewes, as well as travel to parades as a family event. According to Ben Berthelot, Executive Director of Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, a new study is being commissioned to look at the current overall impact of Mardi Gras and other festivals in our region. Not familiar with the SWLA Mardi Gras Association? According to its website at www.gomardigras.com, it was established in 1934. The Association is not a krewe, but is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors consisting of thirty men and women representing various civic organizations and a number of service minded individuals from the community who have a common interest— “MARDI GRAS”. The association also produces and coordinates Le Festival de Mardi Gras a Lafayette at Cajun Field with carnival rides and games, a wide variety of live music, and great Cajun food. The parades come right through the festival site so everyone can enjoy all Mardi Gras has to offer at one convenient location. The Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association serves as a liaison between agencies of the Lafayette Consolidated Government, the Lafayette Sheriff’s Department, and other public bodies and all Krewes that are under the GSLMGA umbrella in coordinating their needs. Safety of krewe members and parade-goers are of utmost priority of the association and local government.

John Swift, Parade Chair of Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association

And of course, the actual costs of attending the parade— the biggest free party in Lafayette— are borne by the krewes and their members, and the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association. So even though big expenditures are made, and tax dollars are generated, you can still attend for free and pass a good time!

Volume 98 • February 2017 • www.upperlafayette.com

Carencro Business Association Annual Breakfast Prejean's Restaurant was the place to be for breakfast on Friday, January 27, where the Carencro Business Association (“CBA”) held its annual Business Appreciation Breakfast. Each year, the association treats its loyal members to a delicious feast, and this year was no different thanks to their generous sponsors. Organized by Dr. Evelyn Hanna, the room was packed and filled with local business leaders, elected officials and members of CBA. President Charlie Brunt did a great job of moderating the event, and Lee Verret gave a warm delivery of the rich history of the 35-year-old organization which represents the business interests who invest in Carencro. CBA’s membership is open to all individuals who want to get involved in the organization and not just business owners. CBA is a great group of people and membership is a wonderful way to make new friends and stay on top of the latest developments in the region. Carencro Interim Chief of Police, David Anderson, gave the keynote speech and he outlined the priorities of the department. Community relations between the police and residents is of utmost importance to the chief and his officers. Anderson was named interim Carencro Police Chief to replace former Chief Carlos Stout. The Carencro City Council voted unanimously to name Anderson to the post pending a special election set for March 25, 2017. Born and raised in Carencro, Anderson was chosen as the Louisiana State Troopers Association Troop I Trooper of the Year in 2002 and 2015.

CBA Civic Award Given to the Soileaus

As is the custom, the breakfast ended with a flurry of door prizes being handed out. Members generously supplied gift baskets, gift certificates, umbrellas and an assortment of other cool gifts. It was a fun meeting and a great opportunity to make new friends and catch up with old ones.

For more information on the Carencro Business Association, please visit their Facebook page. Photos, from left: Gerry Ward accepting the Carencro Business Association Member of the Year award for his wife, Carolyn Ward with Paradisus Oasis Spa and The Gathering Place from Stacey Judice; Left to right: Dr. Evelyn Hanna, Gerry Ward, Charlie Brunt, Alyssa Soileau, Blake Soileau, Ella Soileau, Lee Verret Jr., Carencro Police Chief David Anderson

Volume 98 • February 2017 • www.upperlafayette.com

Acadiana Animal Aid Nurtures Stray Pets Until Loving Families are Found

Acadiana Animal Aid is an animal welfare organization that is leading the way in inspiring a healthy community through compassion for animals. Located at 142 Le Medicin Road in Carencro, the expansive property is the site of approximately 100 dogs, as well as 100 cats. Another 60 or so dogs live with foster “parents” who nurture them until it is time for adoption. Jan Swift dropped by on Friday morning, January 27th, to check out the latest group of adoptees. As luck would have it, sixty dogs were being boarded on Acadiana Animal Aid’s new van which they recently purchased to replace their van destroyed in a serious car accident last year. The new van was spic and span, inside and out, and an inviting cocoon for the puppies traveling off to Colorado to their waiting adoptive families. Jan actually fell in love with Cookie, a Chihuahua/rat terrier mix, but Cookie had already been spoken for and will soon be a citizen of Colorado. One interesting note: if you find a stray cat, it is not a good idea to bring it to our parish animal shelter. Although shelter staff do the best they can to encourage cat adoptions, less than .003% of cats are adopted. It is phenomenal how many cats are put down each year. While MayorPresident Joel Robideaux has made it a priority to make our parish shelter a no-kill shelter, we are not there yet. Acadiana Animal Aid is a no-kill shelter and its staff and volunteers are truly unspoken heroes among us. Jan met with Shannon Hagen, a volunteer who drives in from Monroe at least once a week to help out at the shelter. Shannon is the photographer for Acadiana Animal Aid and she did a lovely job of capturing the photos shown herein.

Jan and Cookie visit before she leaves for Colorado

For more information on Acadiana Animal Aid, email info@acadianaanimalaid.org, call (337) 896-1553, or visit acadianaanimalaid.org.

Pet porters cleaned and drying for transport of dogs to Colorado

Transport Van Headed off to Colorado

Volume 98 • February 2017 • www.upperlafayette.com

Inside of Acadiana Animal Aid transport van

Councilman Pat Lewis Hosts Town Meeting Introducing New Police Chief, Toby Aguillard

From left: Precinct 3 Captain, Joseph Lange; Officer Mike Brown; Police Chief Toby Aguillard; Interim Deputy Chief Reginald Thomas and Captain Bert Bejsovec.

District 3 Councilman Patrick Lewis hosted a town hall meeting at the Chenier Center on January 26th to give local residents the opportunity to meet our new City of Lafayette Police Chief, Toby Aguillard. The event was well attended and the crowd was very receptive to Chief Aguillard and his fellow officers who attended: Interim Chief Deputy Reginald Thomas, Captain Joseph Lange of Precinct 1, Lt. Michael Brown, Public Information Officer Karl Ratcliff, and Captain Bert Bejsovec of the Crime Suppression Unit. Highlights of the discussion included the plan to have all policeman outfitted with body cameras by year end; the Moss Street Precinct will soon be a 24-hour full service substation, able to handle all matters handled at the main police station; unity and trust between community and the police are of utmost importance to Chief Aguillard; and safe neighborhoods as the result of people and police working together. Chief Aguillard stated that he inherited a great police department, and Deputy Chief Thomas reiterated that the chief is not making changes to pre-existing policies, but expanding on good procedures already in place. Officer Ratcliff emphasized that vehicle burglaries are on the rise throughout the parish and we should all take the time to lock our vehicles upon exiting. He also emphasized that neighborhood watch programs are easy to organize and the department will ensure that deputies are available to attend organizational meetings if your neighborhood wants to start one. Councilman Patrick Lewis, District 3

The Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) is in place to clear out problems in neighborhoods. The officers need the community to be their eyes and ears. Once called, they can respond within minutes with 7 to 8 officers who will show up, block the street and arrest drug dealers or other nefarious actors who threaten the safety of a neighborhood.

Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux named Toby Aguillard as Chief of Police of the Lafayette Police Department (LPD) on November 3, 2016. A veteran law enforcement officer and former prosecutor, Chief Aguillard has a combined 28 years in law enforcement and criminal justice experience. Chief Aguillard earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph Seminary College and a law degree from Southern University Law Center-Baton Rouge. In addition to 18 years of law enforcement experience, Chief Aguillard has a decade of combined experience as an Assistant District Attorney in Cameron Parish and Assistant Attorney General and Special Agent at the Louisiana Department of Justice. He was a founding member of the Attorney General’s High Technology Crime Unit. A resident of Denham Springs, Aguillard is married to the former Rachel Vidrine of Ville Platte and is a father of two.

Herb Schilling and friends at Town Hall Meeting

Volume 98 • February 2017 • www.upperlafayette.com

Boomers are Staying in Place by Ree Mere, Proree There seems to have been an accepted progression for homeowners going from starter home, to gradually moving into one’s dream home, then, downsizing after becoming an empty nester and finally, into a retirement home. However, Marianne Cusato’s 2016 Aging-in-Place Report indicates that many older Americans don’t plan on following that pattern. 61% of homeowners above the age of 55 intend on staying in their homes indefinitely. 2/3 of them believe that the home’s layout will serve their needs without having to make aging-related improvements. Some of the reasons being cited for staying in place are:

• 66% say their home is conveniently located

• 38% say they live close to their family

• 68% say they feel independent in their home

• 54% say they are familiar with their neighborhood

• 66% say the feel safe in their home

Typical renovations that might be considered for their current home are things like grab bars in the tub or shower, shower seats, taller toilets, hand-held shower heads, and additional handrails on stairways. It seems that the report’s conclusion is that regardless of a homeowner’s age, they want to thrive in their home. The same emotional reasons that causes a person to want to buy a home are the things that cause them to hold onto them if is practical. As your real estate professional, I have the training and experience to provide solutions to make homes more marketable and help structure favorable transactions. Please forward this article to your friends or family who could benefit from it.

Ree Mere Proree, LLC (337)565-4216 ree@proree.com

Volume 98 • February 2017 • www.upperlafayette.com

6 Tips for Overcoming Presentation Anxiety The Dale Carnegie Team of Middle Louisiana/East Texas 10988 N. Harrell’s Ferry Rd, Suite 3 , Baton Rouge, LA 70816. Toll Free: (800) 256-9222 While some people are afraid of spiders and others are petrified of heights, the fear of public speaking is one of the most commonly experienced phobias. Even the most seasoned business professionals can get a bit nervous when it comes to public speaking. While a certain degree of presentation anxiety can be beneficial in elevating your performance, some people may experience a crippling panic. What is important to remember is that this phobia is all in your head. Interestingly enough, research has shown that most audiences are typically unable to determine if a speaker is even nervous during a business presentation. Here are 6 Tips for Overcoming Presentation Jitters: Tip #1: Know What You Are Talking About— Performing rigorous research before a presentation is critical. Thorough preparation will not only improve your presentation, it will instill in you the confidence to overcome any anxiety you might have about the presentation - plus it will go a long way to settle your nerves and impress your audience. Tip #2: Use A Clean, Distraction-Free Visual Presentation— When using visual presentation aids such as PowerPoint, remember that your presented copy and graphics are there to enhance the audience's understanding of your presentation. Don't cram too many words on the screen as it will detract from your presentation. Each slide should contain a short list of bullet points instead of long sentences and/or paragraphs. Your duty as presenter is to provide your audience with the necessary information to supplement the slides. Tip #3: Manage Your Q&A— Typically, a Q&A session follows the presentation, and it provides a moment where you turn over control to an audience. It is possible that an audience member can ask something irrelevant or something that requires more research, knowledge, or follow-up on your behalf. Be flexible enough to redirect the question by letting the person who asked the question know that you will follow up with an answer later. Tip #4: Speak In A Slow, Steady Pace— Nervous presenters have the tendency to talk too quickly. Your audience needs a moment to absorb your message and speaking too fast will cause them to miss important information. To remedy this common problem, include “stop signs” in your personal presentation notes to remind yourself to pause, assess audience response, and take a breath. Tip #5: Walk Around The Room— If appropriate for the setting, walking around the room while presenting can further engage your audience. Doing so can help you walk off some of that nervous energy and can reinforce your authority. Tip #6: Provide Handouts BEFORE Your Presentation— Pass out any supplemental documents pertaining to your presentation before getting started. This will keep your audience engaged and will avoid any distracting situations. You will be able to focus on doing what you need to do without having to re-engage your audience. Executive Summary: Many people have anxiety about speaking in public and delivering presentations. Overcoming presentation anxiety requires equal parts topic knowledge, preparation, and enthusiasm. These elements all contribute to building your confidence and keeping your audience engaged. By focusing attention on your public speaking approach, you can offer a clear and effective business presentation on any topic of your expertise.

Volume 98 • February 2017 • www.upperlafayette.com

Thank you for your generosity... Platinum Members

Silver Members

Sponsors PLATINUM

Acadian Companies

Oakbourne Country Club

Acadiana Computer Systems, Inc.

Prejean Creative

ASH/Badger Oil Company

Rader Solutions

Couret Farms

Refinery Downtown

Cox Communications

IBERIABANK Keller Williams Realty Acadiana Lafayette Airport Commission LEDA

Arla Slaughter, Van Eaton & Romero

Delta Media

SLEMCO

Home Furniture

SMILE

Hub City Ford

Therapy Center of Carencro

IBERIABANK Lafayette General Medical Center McDonald’s of Acadiana

GOLD AT&T Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Billeaud Companies

Universal Sign & Manufacturing Company

Broussard & David

Walters Funeral Home

Dwight Andrus Insurance Honda of Lafayette

Our Lady of Lourdes

Insurance Resource Group

Republic National Distributing Company Schilling Distributing Company Stone Energy Whitney National Bank

Island Operating Company

Bronze Members

Jones Walker Lafayette Surgical Specialty Hospital LUS NeunerPate

Gold Members

Acadiana C.A.R.E.S.

SMILE Community Action Agency

Advancial Federal Credit Union

Van Eaton & Romero

Anytime Fitness Upper Lafayette SILVER

Jean C. Breaux, Jr. & Associates Acadiana Rubber & Gasket Aries Marine Corporation Atmos Energy Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Dupré Logistics, LLC

Crawdaddy’s On-Site Catering

Acadian Companies

Lynn Guidry, Architect

Advancial Federal Credit Union

Jay Castille Construction

Picard Group

John Paul The Great Academy Lafayette Animal Aid Lafayette Convention and Visitors

Farm D’Allie

Commission

Gibson Energy Services

Lafayette Youth Soccer Association

Gulf Coast Bank

Lee Verret/State Farm Insurance Agency

Home Bank

Lowry’s Printing and Copying

Van Eaton & Romero

Schilling Distributing Company

Mailing Systems Inc.

BRONZE City of Carencro City of Scott A special thanks to the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) for being our Program of Work partner for 2017.

Melancon I-49 Storage Center Iqbal Merchant, CPA

Silver Members

Phyllis Coleman Mouton One Acadiana Petroleum Club Proree, LLC

Ace Plumbing, Inc. BBR Creative

Ron J. Gaubert Realtors

Coburn’s Supply Company

Schools of the Sacred Heart

Edward Jones/Bob Crist

Summit Physical Therapy

Hilton’s Restaurant Supply

John Swift

Master Builders & Specialists, Inc.

Teche Electric Supply, LLC

Volume 98 • February 2017 • www.upperlafayette.com