Upper Lafayette On The Move www.upperlafayette.com May 2015 Volume 77
Printed by Lafayette Economic Development Authority
Published by
Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation
Printed by
Lafayette Economic Development Authority
Board of Directors
Monty Warren, President Cherie Hebert, Vice President Todd Citron, Secretary/ Treasurer David Welch, Immediate Past President Adrian Baudoin Julie Dronet Brenda Foulcard Donna Landry Kirk LaCour Beau Phares Bryan Tabor Jerry Vascocu
Honorary Advisory Board Don Dupuis Ed Krampe Dwight “Bo” Ramsay Herbert Schilling
Staff
Jan Swift, Executive Director Elsa Dimitriadis, Communications Director/ Executive Assistant
Mailing Address
Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation is an association of proactive individuals and business leaders joined together to be a catalyst for change. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance and direct the positive, planned growth of Upper Lafayette, focusing on quality of life, while participating in the overall development of the Greater Lafayette Metropolitan Area. On the cover: Jerry, Bo and Allie Ramsay. Photograph by Elsa Dimitriadis.
P.O. Box 53107 Lafayette, LA 70505
On the Web
www.upperlafayette.com
For membership information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Jan Swift at jan@upperlafayette.com.
Volume 77 • May 2015 • www.upperlafayette.com
A Letter from the Executive Director May is here and the gorgeous weather is such a wonderful gift given at no cost to us. This is the time of year where the blooming flowers and newly budding trees bring a sense of refreshing renewal. All is possible! We just enjoyed a magnificent crawfish boil at the lovely Farm d’Allie in Carencro and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect for the guests. We have included many of the photos in this newsletter for your enjoyment. I hope you will join us at our luncheon on May 21st at the LITE Center where we will host a forum for all announced candidates for Lafayette Parish Sheriff. We are proud to welcome Rick Chargois, Mark Garber, Chad Leger and John Rogers to meet our members and guests, and allow each of them the opportunity to introduce themselves and give an overview of their candidacy. DA Keith Stutes will moderate our forum. Each candidate is working diligently to meet the voters and this is a great chance to meet them in person. Details for registration are below in this newsletter.
Jan Swift, Executive Director
Thank you for your loyal support!
invites you to a
Lafayette Parish Sheriff
CANDIDATES FORUM
Rick Chargois
Mark Garber
Chad Leger
John P. Rogers
Thursday, May 21, 2015 11:30 am -1 pm LITE, 537 Cajundome Blvd. Tickets are $25, available online at upperlafayette.com/events or mail payment to ULEDF, PO Box 53107, Lafayette, LA 70505.
Many thanks to our sponsor
Register for our May Meeting with the Candidates for Sheriff Don’t forget to register for our May 21st meeting which will be held at the LITE Center, and feature Lafayette Parish Sheriff candidates Rick Chargois, Mark Garber, Chad Leger and John P. Rogers. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at upperlafayette.com/ events or through a mailed payment to ULEDF, PO Box 53107, Lafayette, LA 70505. We are looking forward to providing a forum for the community to hear each candidate’s message and plans for the future of safety in our community. Many thanks to Advancial for sponsoring this important event.
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Spotlight on
Advancial In 1937, Advancial was established as a proactive, full-service financial institution providing a diverse line of personal, convenient and innovative financial services to individual members and through business partnerships. Through substantial growth over the last several years, Advancial has become one of the top 200 federal credit unions in the country. Individual members enjoy state-of-the-art online products and exceptional personal service at both of its local branch locations. Select Employer Groups offer Advancial as an employee benefit at absolutely no cost to the company and with many on-site perks.
Advancial was received many awards including an Integrity Award by the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana, ranking 11th in the Top Employers in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of midsize companies, 50th in the Top 100 Places to Work in the inaugural year of the program, and was recognized as a finalist by the Champions in Health for its iCare employee-driven education and wellness program, which focuses on community service, health and wellness. Advancial believes that well and happy employees provide member and partner service and our survey results annually exceed our high service goals. Stop by either of Advancial’s local branches, which happen to be the only two in Louisiana, where their staff is ready to welcome you and let you know how to become an individual member or to offer Advancial as a benefit to your employees at absolutely no cost to your company. For more information, visit the Advancial Web site at www. advancial.org or contact Arlene LeBlanc, Advancial’s Business Development Manager and ULEDF member, directly.
As the largest community chartered federal credit union in Acadiana, Advancial encourages community involvement by supporting and cultivating relationships with local businesses, schools and professional groups. Employees receive 8 hours of paid volunteer time for an Advancial-wide selected national non-profit organization and an additional 8 hours paid volunteer time for the employee’s personally selected local non-profit. Such organizations that have benefited from these volunteer hours include Children’s Miracle Network, Special Olympics of Acadiana, Lafayette Animal Aid, FoodNet and Festival International. Due to its commitment to exceptional external and internal service to members, business partners and employees,
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www.upperlafayette.com • May 2015
Jay Castille Construction is a leading custom home builder and remodeling contractor serving Lafayette Parish and surrounding areas. With a history of satisfying customers, down to the smallest detail, they always keep their clients’ best interests in mind, helping them understand how the process works and keeping them updated every step of the way. Owners Jay Castille and Todd Broussard make themselves readily available to each client, responding to requests personally and remaining on site as much as possible. For a quality addition or renovation that enhances your existing home in the Acadiana area, Jay Castille Construction has the experience and the dedication to give you the optimum results on your home project. They help clients save money by coordinating projects to run efficiently, expertly selecting quality materials at a low cost, and anticipating potential problems before they occur. Careful planning eliminates the guesswork, so clients can rest assured that their vision will become a reality without going over budget in the process. Jay Castille Construction stays current on the latest home ideas. They can help you develop a custom home plan or build one that you have chosen. Knowledgeable about the current home practices and products available, they manage construction projects from the start to the finish. Many of you also know Jay Castille from his many years of dedicated service to our community on the Lafayette City-Parish Council and working on behalf of Carencro’s City Government. We are excited to welcome Jay and his partner, Todd Broussard, and Jay Castille Construction to our membership! For more information, please check out http://www.jaycastilleconstruction.com or call (337) 8867378.
Upper Lafayette welcomes new member
Jay Castille Construction
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Therapy Center Announces Expansion in Carencro Therapy Center is proud to announce a new location in Carencro. Located at 204 E. St. Peter Street, in the heart of the city, the 2,500 square foot project is scheduled to be completed by early 2016. It will be constructed next to the office of Dr. Richard Feucht and Guilbeau’s Thrifty Way Pharmacy. City Hall is just east of the location as is St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Therapy Center marked their expansion announcement on April 30th with a short ceremony and morning-long blood drive administered by United Blood Services. Congratulations, Therapy Center!
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www.upperlafayette.com • May 2015
Upper Lafayette Enjoys 2015 Crawfish Boil Farm d’ Allie in Carencro was the beautiful setting for Upper Lafayette’s seventh annual crawfish boil, held on April 30, 2015, which drew a crowd of over 120 guests. The evening was crisp and clear, with the setting sun and lovely golf course located at 1235 Beau Bassin Road, providing a breathtaking backdrop for the overflowing crowd. Guests lined up in anticipation of the delicious crawfish catered by Seth Citron and Crawdaddy’s On-Site Catering. Sean Trcalek shared his musical talents as the crowd enjoyed beverages provided by Schilling Distributing Company. We enjoyed hearing from a representative from each of our generous sponsors, Pat Trahan with IBERIABANK, and Monty Warren with Beau Box Commercial Real Estate, as they shared their thoughts on their organizations’involvement with Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation. Allie Ramsay, owner of Farm d’Allie, also addressed the crowd and spoke of the affordable memberships available at the golf club. Each year, we say that we will never be able to top the last year’s crawfish boil, but somehow we are always pleasantly surprised. This year was no exception! It was a memorable evening where the foundation’s supporters could relax, enjoy delicious crawfish, and pass a good time! Special thanks to our generous sponsors IBERIABANK, Beau Box Commercial Real Estate, Schilling Distributing and Crawdaddy’s OnSite Catering for all of their support for this fun, successful event!
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www.upperlafayette.com • May 2015
Upper Lafayette Proud Sponsor of 2015 Lafayette Junior Leadership Class Each spring, incoming juniors attending area high schools have a chance to learn invaluable leadership tools through participation in the Lafayette Junior Leadership, under the Leadership Institute of Acadiana run by the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, now known as One Acadiana. This year, 27 students were selected based upon their community involvement, accomplishments, and desire to make a difference in our region. As part of Lafayette Junior Leadership, the students will learn about government, volunteerism, health care, technology, college preparation and more. As part of Upper Lafayette’s mission to impact both education and economic development in our region, we have whole-heartedly endorsed this program and are sponsoring the participation of students from Carencro and Northside High Schools. We are proud to announce the following four Upper Lafayette students have been selected for inclusion in this prestigious program: Aleya Domingue, Northside High School; Drakkar Francois, Northside High School; Alexandra Martarona, Carencro High School; and Jasmine Prevost, Northside High School. For more details on these students and all students chosen for the 2015 Lafayette Junior Leadership Class, please read the article by Amanda McElfresh of the Sunday Advertiser here.
(Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Aleya Domingue, Drakkar Francois, Alexandra Martarona, Jasmine Prevost.
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Being Downtown Lafayette’s only salon and barber spa, owner and stylist Renee’ Theriot Ezell had to make sure Refinery Downtown was just as unique as the surroundings. Whether you’re walking down Jefferson St. to meet friends at your weekly lunch spot or experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of one of the richest cultural hubs of America for the first time, Downtown Lafayette has always had a feel to it unlike any other; and so does Refinery Downtown, which is why Lafayette was the perfect setting to “redefine” the traditional barbershop. Graduating from the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis, MN in 2001, Renee’ progressed through the industry working in all facets of the salon and spa world. Being from Breaux Bridge and a southern girl at heart with deep family roots sprawling through Cajun Country, she decided to plant her own roots in the heart of Lafayette and open up shop downtown.
Upper Lafayette welcomes new member Refinery Downtown 9
Located at 403 Buchanan St., at the corner of Buchanan St. and Garfield across from IberiaBank, Refinery Downtown specializes in Men’s Haircuts and Hot Towel shaves, while also providing a full salon menu with first class spa services including massage therapy, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and facials. 2,500 square feet of space all dedicated to providing the most excellent customer service and salon experience in Lafayette. Let Renee’ and her team of Refiners spoil you and come indulge in what it really means to “treat yourself” at Refinery Downtown. You have to check this out! For more information please visit www.refinerydowntown. com or call (337)504-4469.
www.upperlafayette.com • May 2015
www.upperlafayette.com • May 2015
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Anytime Fitness Hosts FREE Workout Saturdays! Anytime Fitness Upper Lafayette will be hosting Free Workout Saturdays every Saturday in May at 10am in Couret Farms. They want to do their part in helping our community get to a healthier place. These workouts are open to the public, so feel free to bring friends! You and your favorite people can sign up for our Free Workout Saturdays at http://www.anytimefitness.com. Please feel free to contact Anytime Fitness staff through the Facebook page or at: (337) 706-8385 with any questions. They make getting in shape fun!
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www.upperlafayette.com • May 2015
Save the Date for the 2015 US Youth Soccer Region III Presidents Cup! Mark your calendars for June 11-14, 2015 as the Lafayette Youth Soccer Association and Upper Lafayette’s Moore Park hosts the 2015 US Youth Soccer Region III Presidents Cup. Youth soccer is nationally organized into four regions, with Region III comprised of eleven southeastern states. It is estimated that this event will bring $2.9 million in economic impact for the Acadiana region, and we look forward to bringing you more details in the coming weeks...
www.upperlafayette.com • May 2015
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Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic Seeks Professional Volunteers The Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic provides the highest quality out-patient health care for the eligible working uninsured in Lafayette Parish and offers many opportunities for volunteerism, philanthropy, and education. Their services include medical, dental, and pharmaceutical care, administered by volunteer health care professionals. Through the Clinic’s expanded Community Pharmacy program, qualified underinsured, working, uninsured, and indigent residents in the seven-parish Acadiana area can receive free prescription medications. The Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic, established in 1993, is the first non-profit clinic of its kind in Louisiana, and serves as a model for similar clinics in the state providing healthcare services for the working uninsured. Since opening our doors over 20 years ago at 1317 Jefferson St., the Clinic has provided and coordinated medical, dental and pharmaceutical services at a value of more than $25.5 million at no cost to our patients. They offer medical clinics every Tuesday and Thursday evening with dental clinics every Thursday evening. In addition, we provide daily dental hygiene services by LSU Dental Hygiene School students. Specialty clinics include avoidable blindness eye care, gynecology, nutritional counseling, and skin and breast cancer screenings.
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From LCHCC Volunteer, Nyeshia Harris: “My name is Nyeshia Harris and I volunteer at the Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic. I first got involved with the Clinic about seven months ago and the experience has been really amazing. The Clinic presented a welcoming environment on my first visit and I was extremely grateful for that. During my volunteer time I sit at the information desk answering the phone/questions, doing exit desk, and helping out around the office when needed. Through my time here, the most gratifying part about Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic would have to be the patient’s satisfaction. They truly are appreciative for the time spent by all of the volunteers. At the same time, I get to see people who cannot afford health care get the medical attention that they need, which is most important. I love what the Clinic does for the community and hope to continue to spend my time here whenever I can. ” For more information please visit www.lchcc.net or call (337)593-9209.
www.upperlafayette.com • May 2015
Carencro Recreation Center Becoming A Reality
By Lanie Lee Cook, Advocate
A former ice arena along I-49 is about to be transformed over the next year to become the city’s first indoor recreation center. The design phase is underway to convert the 32,000-square-foot structure into a recreation center that will provide an array of features for sports and fitness enthusiasts. The 17,000-square-foot ice rink inside the structure will be converted to a turf field lined for soccer, lacrosse and football. An area once home to a Zamboni and the arena’s massive ice-refrigeration system will be refitted for batting and pitching practice. And a planned 11,500-square-foot addition will offer a wooden court for basketball and volleyball and possibly rooms for aerobics. Situated along the southbound frontage road of I-49 between the Veterans Drive and Gloria Switch Road exits, the 3.1acre property had been vacant almost a year before the city bought it for $1.8 million in December. The city originally planned to build a 19,000-square-foot recreation center from the ground up near Pelican Park off University Avenue at a cost of $3.75 million. But when the arena went up for sale, the city seized on the deal to double its plans. The project will be completed in two phases. First up is to remodel the existing structure, which is tattered from more than a decade of use and a year of vacancy. The structure is compliant to accommodate disabled patrons. The cost for the first phase of construction is estimated at $830,000, which includes an additional 20 percent contingency to cover any unexpected costs that might arise. But phase two. which involves adding a gym to the structure, is estimated to cost about $1.76 million, putting the city about $640,000 over its $3.75 million budget for an indoor rec center. To build a similar-sized center from the ground up would have cost the city upward of $8 million. The project is paid for with money from a one-third of a penny sales tax in Carencro that’s dedicated to parks and recreation. The fund also paid for recent improvements at Pelican Park. “We’re debt-free and everything’s paid off,” said Murray Conque, who’s overseen Carencro’s parks and recreation department for 22 years. “It’s something I think Carencro can be proud of.” Follow Lanie Lee Cook on Twitter, @lanieleecook, or contact her by phone at (337) 534-0825.
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Importing is often necessary for the wellbeing and continued development of a manufacturing company: whether for a component of a product sold in the US or re-exported to other countries, or for a final product, importing is an integral component of our global economy, which strengthens US companies and creates many jobs in the transportation and service industries. This intensive, four-part training program is designed for individuals wishing to start their own import business, as well as for new employees with companies already engaged in importation trade. INFORMATION ABOUT THE SEMINAR: Lafayette International Center cordially invites you to attend a seminar on how to import in the U.S. Presented by Ruperto Chavarri, Certified Global Business Consultant, this two-afternoon session will take place May 12-13 from 12:30 - 5:00 pm. Additional experts will present specific topics. In addition to the seminar, your registration fee includes a one-on-one free consultation. Early registration is recommended as seating is limited*
TOPICS: Starting Your Import Business Pricing, Terms, Quotations, and Customs Entry Procedures International Banking, Financing, Transportation, and Documentation International Marketing Plans
WHERE: Lafayette International Center 735 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA WHEN: Tuesday and Wednesday, May 12-13, 2015 TIME:
12:30 - 5:00 pm (CST)
FEE:
$200 per person Lunch will be served at 12:15 pm
This event is presented by Lafayette International Center. For additional information about the event, please contact Christophe Pilut at (337) 291-5474 or clpilut@lafayetteLA.gov * Registration fees are non-refundable but can be transferred. More event details provided upon registration.
Connect with us:
Lafayette International Center
REGISTER NOW
www.lecentre.org
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www.upperlafayette.com • May 2015
A division of Lafayette Consolidated Government
735 Jefferson Street Lafayette, LA 70501 Phone: 337-291-5474 Fax: 337-291-5480
Thank you for your generosity.. Platinum Patrons ($5000)
Halliburton IBERIABANK Island Operating, Inc. Schlumberger Stone Energy
Platinum Members ($2400)
Acadian Companies Acadiana Computer Systems, Inc. Aries Marine Corporation ASH/Badger Oil Company Couret Farms Cox Communications Delta Media Home Furniture Hub City Ford Lafayette General Medical Center McDonald’s of Acadiana MidSouth Bank Our Lady of Lourdes PHI, Inc. Republic National Distributing Company Schilling Distributing Company Whitney National Bank
Gold Members ($1200)
Acadiana Rubber & Gasket Atmos Energy Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Dupré Logistics, LLC Fenstermaker & Associates Gulf Coast Bank Home Bank Omni Energy Services The Southwest Group Tobacco Free Living Van Eaton & Romero
Silver Members ($600)
Ace Plumbing, Inc. Arsement Machine and Supply, Inc. BBR Creative Cajun Harley Davidson Coburn’s Supply Company Edward Jones/Bob Crist Entergy
Silver Members
Bronze Members
($600)
Gauthiers’ RV Center Master Builders & Specialists, Inc. Oakbourne Country Club Prejean Creative Proree, LLC Rader Solutions Refinery Downtown Shelf Energy, LLC SLEMCO Stella Maris Stirling Properties Therapy Center Total Pump and Supply, LLC Universal Sign & Manufacturing Company Walters Funeral Home
Bronze Members ($300)
Acadiana C.A.R.E.S. Advancial Federal Credit Union Anytime Fitness Upper Lafayette Aspen Clinic Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana 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 Taylor Davis, Northwestern Mutual Derek Development Corp., LLC Joey Durel Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Lynn Guidry, Architect Jay Castille Construction John Paul The Great Academy Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro Lafayette Animal Aid Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission Lafayette Youth Soccer Association Lee Verret/State Farm Insurance Agency Lowry’s Printing and Copying Flo Meadows, Coldwell Banker Iqbal Merchant, CPA Melancon I-49 Storage Center Petroleum Club Proree, LLC Chad Romero, Northwestern Mutual Ron J. Gaubert Realtors W. W. Rucks, III Sarah Schoeffler Schools of the Sacred Heart
($300)
SMILE John Swift Sylvan Learning Center Teche Electric Supply, LLC Dr. Brent Jason Toups, LLC Valerie Gotch Garrett, APLC WorldPay
Sponsors PLATINUM Lafayette Airport Commission LEDA GOLD AT&T Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Dupré Logistics Hub City Ford The Southwest Group Tobacco Free Living SILVER Acadian Companies Advancial Federal Credit Union Schilling Distributing Company
City of Carencro City of Scott
BRONZE
A special thanks to the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) for being our Program of Work partner for 2015.
www.upperlafayette.com • May 2015
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