Upper Lafayette On The Move www.upperlafayette.com September 2014 Volume 69
Printed by Lafayette Economic Development Authority
Published by
Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation
Printed by
Lafayette Economic Development Authority
Board of Directors
David Welch, President Cherie Hebert, Vice President Todd Citron, Secretary/ Treasurer Adrian Baudoin Julie Dronet Don Dupuis Brenda Foulcard Donna Landry Kirk LaCour Beau Phares Dwight “Bo” Ramsay Herbert Schilling Bryan Tabor Jerry Vascocu Monty Warren
Honorary Advisory Board Don Dupuis Ed Krampe Dwight “Bo” Ramsay Herbert Schilling
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.
Staff
Jan Swift, Executive Director Elsa Dimitriadis, Communications Director/ Executive Assistant
Mailing Address
Cover photo: State Rep. Vincent Pierre cooking it up at the Gulf Coast Bank Grand Opening in Carencro on August 15, 2014. Photo courtesy of Megan Donlon.
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 or 337-769-7649
Volume 69 • September 2014 • www.upperlafayette.com
A Letter from the Executive Director Okay, September 2014 is here and we have so many events to look forward to! Upper Lafayette is proudly presenting our 4th Annual Run Upper Lafayette 5K/One Mile Fun Run at Pelican Park in Carencro on September 13, at 8 a.m. This event was developed at the prompting of our beloved founding board member, Bo Ramsay of Aries Marine, whose heart always tugs at providing a helping hand to those in need, as well as in all matters which affect education in our community. The net proceeds of Run Upper Lafayette benefit Bridge Ministry of Acadiana, which is a Christian based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a vision to relationally empower lives through Spiritual Transformation, Education, and Neighborhood Revitalization. Located in the ‘Four Corners’ area of Lafayette, the Bridge performs God’s works and its leadership includes many of Upper Lafayette’s core members. Please sign up to join me in slugging through the One Mile run, or if you are a lean, mean running machine, to run the 5 K, by visiting http://www.bridgeacadiana.com/runupper-lafayette.aspx. We have so much fun and you can’t beat the cause for its pure transformational power. Serving as Executive Director of Upper Lafayette has exposed me to so many meaningful philanthropic causes, but few can top the work conducted day in and day out by Bridge Ministry.
Jan Swift Executive Director
Following our Run, I look forward to seeing you guys at our September 17 luncheon at the LITE Center where we will welcome Matt Cruse and Larry Sides who will discuss the Lafayette Regional Airport and its important impact on our local economy, quality of life, and future. As you know, there will be a tax election this fall on funding our airport’s needs, and it seemed a good time to provide an opportunity for discussion and a question and answer period. The tax being proposed is for a limited period of eight months, and it may actually set a precedent for future funding needs that the community can select and know the funds are dedicated and will go away after a short period of time. More details are set out in the newsletter and I encourage you to join us for this important discussion.
Lastly, thank you to all of our members and sponsors for your monetary support. I hope you know that the funding you contribute is treated with respect and care, and spent as efficiently as possible. Every day that we work for you and our community, we remember that you make our foundation’s work possible. We are grateful and humbled by your commitment.
Fourth Annual 5K Walk ~ Run & 1 Mile Fun Run September 13, 2014 Pelican Park 110 Softball Drive • Carencro
8:00 a.m.
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Check In Begins at 7:00 a.m.
Early Registration: $25.00
Register by September 1st to guarantee Dri-Fit Tshirt. ($30.00 Registration Day of Race)
To Register, Scan the Code On-Line Registration: www.bridgeacadiana.com For More Information: jenniferbma@bellsouth.net
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www.upperlafayette.com • September 2014
Gulf Coast Bank Celebrates Grand Opening In Carencro
Gulf Coast Bank Ribbon Cutting draws large crowd
A large crowd gathered to celebrate the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of Gulf Coast Bank’s newest branch, which opened in Carencro at 3906 NE Evangeline Thruway on Friday, August 15, 2014. Located conveniently near the Super One at the Carencro Exit off I-49, the bank was filled with friends, clients and elected officials who came to welcome Gulf Coast Bank to Carencro. A special treat was the home style cooking served up by State Rep. Vincent Pierre, nephew of branch manager, Karen Pierre. Gulf Coast Bank was founded in Abbeville in 1971 by Charles A. Patout, father of the current leadership team at the bank, Pat Patout, Chairman of the Board, and Paul Patout, President and CEO. Interestingly, Charles Patout had never worked in a bank. The senior Patout was a developer who built homes in Lafayette, after working as a sugar cane farmer in Jeanerette. Patout brought his experience as a customer who had borrowed money to the community. “He understood how to treat people,” said Paul Patout. “He was a customer first. He knew the opposite side of banking. He set the course on how to treat the public.” In the days before multi-parish banking allowed branches to cross jurisdictional lines, experienced bankers convinced Patout to open his bank in Abbeville where there was less competition. Patout’s family, including his mother, Claudia Bourque, was from Abbeville, so the decision made sense.
He hired experienced bankers, Richard Dubois, Ruby Bertrand and Lorraine LeBlanc to open the branch, which was first a mobile home on the location that the main branch is located on today. Charles died in 1999 and was able to see his bank grow into Lafayette and other surrounding towns. Now with 15 branches, Gulf Coast Bank is a well-known institution throughout Acadiana, with locations in Abbeville, Delcambre, Erath, Maurice, Youngsville and Lafayette. Paul said his father’s philosophy was to bring the bank to the people and his vision has certainly come to fruition. Karen Pierre, Branch Manager, is known throughout our community for her focus on customer service and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. When asked about her thoughts on her managerial responsibilities and representing Gulf Coast Bank, Pierre said, “I think that getting to know you and your business is an important part in helping you make the right financial decisions. Gulf Coast Bank is focused on exceeding expectations in community involvement as well as customer service. At Gulf Coast Bank we believe you deserve to be treated as a valued customer. I think GCB made quite an impression in Carencro and Upper Lafayette community and we are ready and willing to service all of their financial needs.”
www.upperlafayette.com • September 2014
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From left: Pat Patout - Chairman of the Board, Karen Pierre Carencro Branch Manager, Paul Patout - President and CEO
We look forward to watching Gulf Coast Bank grow and prosper in Carencro, and wish you the best of success. For more information, please call (337)565-2797or visit www. gcbank.com
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From Left: Carencro Councilmen J. L. Richard and Alfred Sinegal, Carencro Mayor Glenn Brasseaux, Karen Pierre, State Rep. Vincent Pierre, and Carencro Police Chief Carlos Stout. Photos courtesy of Megan Donlon.
www.upperlafayette.com • September 2014
Upper Lafayette on the Move Interviews Dr. Joby John, Dean of the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration
Jan Swift, Executive Director of Upper Lafayette, recently had the pleasure of interviewing her friend and colleague, Dr. Joby John, Dean of the UL – Lafayette College of Business. The two became friends while serving on the board of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and Jan continues to call upon Joby for guidance and expertise in all matters of economic development. Dr. Joby John has also served as a guest lecturer at several Upper Lafayette meetings and is a popular figure in Acadiana. The interview focused first on the great strides being made at the B.I. Moody III College of Business. The College was included in the 2014 edition of the Princeton Review’s “Best 295 Business Schools.” The school is currently launching two additional programs: an MS in Accounting, as well as an online certification program. In our economy in Acadiana, the healthcare sector is growing by leaps and bounds, and the school is offering an HCA concentration to meet the demand for this expertise. Dr. John also discussed that the school’s students gain real world experience by becoming involved with the community: students can develop marketing plans for non-profits, businesses, etc. When asked how job seekers can market themselves, Dr. John explained that internships, extracurricular activities, and volunteering are essential for a competitive edge. Students
must make sure social media presence is applicable and appropriate, and build their presence in the desired area of expertise. The topic of women in leadership roles was discussed, as the statistics for women’s advancement have been stagnant for years. Women CEO’s currently account for about 5% of the total in Fortune 1000 companies. Though we have a long way to go for more equal gender distribution in the C-Suite, we are improving slowly and still have slightly more female CEO’s than in Scandinavia (3%). The good news is that here in Acadiana, ABiz’s top 50 privately held companies have four women (about 8%) as top executive leaders. Jan (good-naturedly!) challenged Joby to explain what skills women need to learn and how can we improve ourselves so as to rise in the ranks? Taking up the challenge, Dr. John stated that negotiation and self-promotion skills are probably top ranking needed skills. And most importantly, Dr. John agreed that these topics merit more discussion so as to assist our rising young female stars in business. For more information on the B.I. Moody III College of Business, please visit http://moody.louisiana.edu. To watch this video, please visit http://www.upperlafayette.com/?q=video
www.upperlafayette.com • September 2014
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AT&T U-VERSE ARRIVES IN LAFAYETTE:
Customers Get Access to Award-Winning TV and High Speed Internet Services Lafayette area residents now have a new choice for their television and high speed Internet services. AT&T is launching U-verse® TV, AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet and AT&T U-verse Voice in the area. The new services are part of AT&T’s Project Velocity IP (VIP), which significantly expands and enhances AT&T’s IP and mobile data networks.
IP-based TV service has many advantages over older, cable-based technologies. It has the ability to integrate services and adapt to consumer demands. AT&T U-verse offers a fully-integrated Wireless Receiver. Customers can watch TV in almost any room in the home, even where there’s no TV outlet.
“We’re proud to invest our resources in Louisiana,” said Sonia Perez, AT&T Louisiana President. “With the launch of U-verse here in Acadiana, our customers will have more ways than ever to connect.”
Where AT&T U-verse services are available, customers enjoy enhanced features such as the ability to watch hit TV shows on qualifying mobile devices and online; manage DVR recordings remotely; the ability to choose and watch four of your favorite channels at once; an extensive HD channel and On Demand lineup; and the ability to access popular social networks on your TV screen.
AT&T U-verse TV is 100 percent digital and uses AT&T’s advanced network. This means Lafayette area customers will have the freedom to watch hit TV shows from almost anywhere – at home or on the go. “The great thing about U-verse is that it makes TV, Internet and voice services work together in harmony,” said Rich Guidotti, AT&T Gulf States Vice President and General Manager. “We’re honored to bring our innovative services to Lafayette area customers. Local residents have asked for more TV service choices and today we’re delivering.” AT&T Director of Sales, Robert Sellman, says UVERSE TV does not operate like traditional cable, but communicates closer to that of internet.
AT&T U-verse Voice is an advanced digital home phone service delivered over AT&T’s IP network. Customers enjoy great sound quality and clarity, and unmatched calling features that work with U-verse TV. When bundling their services, U-verse customers can choose the services in their bundle and bundle U-verse Voice service with TV, Internet and AT&T wireless services for more savings. For additional information on AT&T U-verse — or to find out if it’s available in your neighborhood — visit www.att. com/u-verse.
AT&T Director of Sales Robert Sellman
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www.upperlafayette.com • September 2014
PHOTOGRAPH: ALYSSA MITCHELL
Josh Bailey, Ethan Smoorenburg, Luke Andrus of Anytime Fitness with Jan Swift Photos courtesy of Sara Yongue
Anytime Fitness Upper Lafayette Hosts Family Fun Day What a great time was had by friends and clients of Anytime Fitness Upper Lafayette on Thursday, July 31st! Celebrating fitness and fun is a hallmark of Bobby Hines and his talented team at Anytime Fitness located at 1915 Moss Street, and what better way to encourage people to take care of themselves than to host an open house to be enjoyed by all. Greeting the crowd were Ethan Smoorenburg, Josh Bailey and Luke Andrus of Anytime Fitness, whose passion for fitness and outstanding customer services is inspiring. Local businesses supporting the Family Fun Day included Bon Froyo, Geaux Run, Reve’ Coffee Roaster, and Evolve Juice. Lots of games and activities kept the kids busy, including a dunking booth and water balloons! We all enjoyed snacks and drinks, and for the adventurous, complimentary massages were offered. It was a great opportunity to connect, make new friends, and kick back. Owners Bobby and Christina Hines have been loyal supporters of our foundation since they opened up Anytime Fitness five years ago. As much as we love this location on Moss St., we excitedly anticipate the grand opening of their new facility in Couret Farms on W. Pont Des Mouton which will offer even more space and amenities. Best wishes to the Anytime Fitness Upper Lafayette team for continued success! For more information, please call (337)706-8385 or visit http://anytimefitness.com/gyms/1833/lafayette-la-70501.
www.upperlafayette.com • September 2014
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Having fun in the Fun Jump...
Massages for sore muscles come in handy!
Mary Hays of Geaux Run with Jan Swift Young fitness enthusiasts loved the Dunking Booth and water balloons!
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www.upperlafayette.com • September 2014
A Reminder about the September Membership Meeting -
“Connecting Lafayette to the World: A Focus on our Airport and the Economy” Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation is hosting a luncheon on Wednesday, September 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise “LITE” Center, 537 Cajundome Blvd., in Lafayette. Guest speakers are Larry Sides, Sides & Associates, and Matt Cruse, Chair of the Lafayette Airport Commission, who will discuss the Lafayette Regional Airport’s impact on our local economy and quality of life. Tickets are $25 each with auditorium style seating in LITE’s auditorium. Lunch is being catered by our friends at Corner Pantry. Registration may be made online at www.upperlafayette. com/events by credit card or payment mailed to ULEDF, P.O. Box, 53107, Lafayette, LA 70505. Please call (337)7697649 or email elsa@upperlafayette.com with any questions. Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, the Fly Lafayette Club, and our Supporting Sponsor, LEDA, for generously providing resources to make this meeting possible.
Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation Welcomes New Staff Member
Elsa Dimitriadis has joined Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation as Communications Director and executive assistant to the director, Jan Swift. In addition to providing administrative support, she will design and execute promotional materials, assist in media relations, develop creative ideas for communications, both in print and online, as well as membership drives and events. Elsa is currently a Teaching Artist with the Young Audiences of Louisiana program as well as a professional theatre artist and marketer on the Gulf Coast. A passionate arts administrator, and formerly the Production & Operations Manager of Tulane University’s Department of Theatre & Dance, she has also focused much of her career on using theatre as a social tool for at-risk youth, and has taught extensively within the juvenile justice system. She is the co-director and founder of Wanderlust Theatre Co. and Wanderlust Productions. Elsa holds her undergraduate degrees in music and theatre and a master’s degree in arts administration from the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Elsa Dimitriadis
She may be reached at elsa@upperlafayette.com or at (504) 339-7844.
www.upperlafayette.com • September 2014
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“I Want To Ride My Bicycle...” In the last decade, there have been over 600 crashes in the Parish involving motorists and bicyclists. Twelve were fatalities, two of which were just in the past few months. Bike Lafayette is a nonprofit bicycle advocacy organization that aims to bring cyclist concerns forward and build a single voice for all of the area’s cyclists. “There are so many,” Bike Lafayette member Scott Coco said, “that have said that they would love to ride a bike, if they could do it safely.” And finally some forward movement is coming to help making cycling safer with the help of the parish initiative “Complete Streets.” This initiative’s goal is to make the streets safe for all who want to use them, not only motorists. The finishing touches of the UL bike extensions are underway, allowing cyclists to travel from UL campus, down St. Julien Street, over to St. Michael Street, to Johnson Street and finally arriving at the Cajun Dome, all in a protected bicycle lane. Hollier says that a bike lane from Joey’s on Bertrand to Johnson Street is in the works, and both projects should be completed within two years.
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“The reality in this town is if you are going to be a cyclist you will have to ride in the lane of travel,” Langlinais said. “Those auto-prone roadways are now struggling with the growing number of cyclists and pedestrians,” Planning Manager for Lafayette Metropolitan Planning Organization Mike Hollier said. Hollier went on to say that a bike lane from Joey’s on Bertrand to Johnson Street is in the works, and both projects should be completed within two years. All of this falls under the The Atakapa Ishak Trail-Year 2040 plans for reworking bicycle and transportation routes in the local area, with bicycle trails connecting Vermilionville to Breaux Bridge, and eventually to St. Martinville. “Our projects cover Lafayette, and the surrounding areas,” Hollier stated. “Once some projects are completed inside the city limits, the Parish will start expanding work to other areas.” For more information on Bike Lafayette or to become a member visit their website: bikelafayette.org. You can also find more information on The Atakapa Ishak Trail plan at: http://mpo.lafayettela.gov/projects/Atakapa-IshakTrail/ Atakapa-IshakTrail.asp
www.upperlafayette.com • September 2014
Lafayette Parish School Board Candidate Forums September 23-25, 2014
The community is invited to attend the upcoming LaPESC Lafayette Parish School Board candidate forums to learn more about the views of school board candidates on key public education issues. Twenty candidates have qualified for the school board election, with every district qualifying at least two candidates. Upper Lafayette is very active in LaPESC in accordance with our mission to improve educational outcomes for all students in our community. The forums are a key strategy in ensuring that the community is provided an opportunity to hear from all candidates on how they stand on crucial issues such as increasing student achievement and preparedness in our community. It is LaPESC’s hope that these forums build community engagement and support for uniting in a common set of community principles and priorities for public education as
in a common set of community principles and priorities for public education as the November 4 election quickly approaches. The forums will be held at LITE, located at 537 Cajundome Boulevard, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. as follows: • Tuesday, Sept. 23, Candidate Forum 1: Districts 1, 2, 3 • Wednesday, Sept. 24, Candidate Forum 2: Districts 4, 5, 6 • Thursday, Sept. 25, Candidate Forum 3: Districts 7, 8, 9
Kenneth Boudreaux, District 4 Lafayette City-Parish Council Representative Hosting
State of North Lafayette Address Kenneth Boudreaux
Mark your calendar for October 14, 7:00 to 8:30 a.m., for an opportunity to meet with Lafayette City-Parish Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux at the new Buffalo Wild Wings located at I-49 at E. Pont des Mouton Road. Boudreaux represents District 4 which encompasses much of North Lafayette. Serving in office since January 2008, the councilman has held leadership positions including Chair of the Lafayette City-Parish Council and currently serves as Vice-Chairman. He is a three-time Finance Chairman over all Lafayette Consolidated Government budget hearings and twice named Professional Services Chairman over contracts. We encourage you to join us with our friend, Kenneth Boudreaux, to learn the latest developments affecting you and our community. For more information or to contact Councilman Boudreaux, please call (337)291-8804.
www.upperlafayette.com • September 2014
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Upcoming Upper Lafayette Events September Meeting
Run Upper Lafayette
Connecting Lafayette to the World: A Focus on the Airport & our Economy Wednesday, September 17, 2014 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., LITE Center Tickets $25.00 each.
September 13, 2014 Event starts at 8 a.m. Pelican Park, Carencro
Quest For Your Best:
“The Importance of Humor in the Workplace and Your Life.” October 23, 2014, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tickets $35.00 each Reserved Table for 8: $300.00
For more information or to register, visit www.upperlafayette.com/events
Platinum Members Acadian Companies Acadiana Computer Systems, Inc. Aries Marine Corporation 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 Corporation Whitney National Bank
Gold Members Acadiana Rubber & Gasket Atmos Energy Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Dupré Logistics, LLC Fenstermaker & Associates Gulf Coast Bank Home Bank Omni Energy Services Pixus Digital Printing The Southwest Group Tobacco Free Living Van Eaton & Romero
Silver Members Ace Plumbing, Inc. Arsement Machine and Supply, Inc. BBR Creative Cajun Harley Davidson Coburn’s Supply Company Edward Jones/Bob Crist Excelerant Gauthiers’ RV Center
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Silver Members Guidry’s Uniforms Master Builders & Specialists, Inc. Oakbourne Country Club Prejean Creative Rader Solutions Shelf Energy, LLC SLEMCO Stella Maris Stirling Properties Total Pump and Supply, LLC Universal Sign & Manufacturing Company Walters Funeral Home
Bronze Members Ron J. Gaubert Realtors W. W. Rucks, III Sarah Schoeffler Schools of the Sacred Heart SMILE John Swift Sylvan Learning Center Teche Electric Supply, LLC Dr. Brent Jason Toups, LLC Terry J. Rogers, Ltd. Valerie Gotch Garrett, APLC WorldPay
Bronze Members Acadiana C.A.R.E.S. Acadiana Symphony Orchestra Advancial Federal Credit Union Anytime Fitness Upper Lafayette Aspen Clinic Associated Travel Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana Jean C. Breaux, Jr. & Associates Breaux’s Mart Bridge Ministry of Acadiana, Inc. Community Foundation of Acadiana Crawdaddy’s On-Site Catering Dale Carnegie-The Winner Institute Davis Property Management Derek Development Corp., LLC Joey Durel Drury Inn & Suites Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Lynn Guidry, Architect John Paul The Great Academy Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro Lafayette Animal Aid Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission Lafayette Youth Soccer Association Lee Verret/State Farm Insurance Agency Lowry’s Printing and Copying Flo Meadows, Coldwell Banker Iqbal Merchant, CPA Melancon I-49 Storage Center Petroleum Club
Sponsors PLATINUM IBERIABANK Lafayette Airport Commission LEDA Stone Energy GOLD AT&T Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Dupré Logistics Excelerant Hub City Ford LUS Fiber Rader Solutions The Southwest Group Tobacco Free Living SILVER Acadian Companies Advancial Federal Credit Union Schilling Distributing Company
City of Carencro City of Scott
www.upperlafayette.com • September 2014
BRONZE