Upper Lafayette On The Move Letter from Executive Director, Jan Swift I was cleaning out my pantry on Sunday and I realized that my family wastes way more food than we consume. Shopping for food can be a fun pastime….going up and down the aisles of the various grocery stores in our community, mesmerized by all the possibilities of cooking gourmet meals and throwing stuff in my basket several times each week…but never really getting around to making the meals dreamed of, and ordering out more often than not when we get too busy to turn on the oven. My family is fortunate: two educated parents and two children living in a world of privilege, spending money rather freely and not having to worry (too much!) about how to survive today.
Upcoming Events Oct. 23, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Quest for Your Best Nov. 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. State of Technology & Communications For the Future
Working in the nonprofit world has been a life changing experience for me. Coming from a personal background with no money, I put myself through school and became a lawyer so that I would never want again. The days of scraping by seem long ago…but have never really left my conscience. Never looking for a job in a nonprofit, I landed here in my desire to make our community whole. And in networking, I have found that Lafayette is blessed with many nonprofit employees who give their whole life in the service of others….and forego a life of comfort so that those among us who are less fortunate will have a safety net to protect them when needed. I would never experienced this personally if I had not been tapped by Herbert Schilling to run Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation and make such life-changing connections! Jan Swift, Executive Director
Right now, front page in the news, is the plight of FoodNet, started by community philanthropist Marcelle Citron, and currently managed by Director Lemel Jones. Both women focus on how to feed the needy by keeping groceries in the food bank. The warehouse is pretty empty right now. So to close the story, I am urging you to consider assisting our friends at FoodNet by donating canned goods or money to help them fulfill their mission in feeding our neighbors who are truly hungry. Let’s share our good fortune with our neighbors who need us. Thank you. FoodNet’s warehouse is at 217 Surrey St. and staff may be reached by phone at (337)232-FOOD (3663).
ULEDF Board of Directors & Staff David Welch, President Cherie Hebert, Vice President Todd Citron, Sec./Treas. Adrian Baudoin Julie Dronet Don Dupuis Ed Krampe Donna Landry Kirk LaCour Beau Phares Dwight “Bo” Ramsay Herbert Schilling Bryan Tabor Jerry Vascocu Monty Warren Jan Swift, Director Lauren Rabalais
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Jan Swift with Lemel Jones, FoodNet
Save the Date: Quest for Your Best You are invited to join us for our fourth annual Quest for Your Best personal development symposium, to be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2013. This year, the event will focus on “sticking with it “– aligning your actions with your goals. We will host three dynamic speakers: Red Lerille, owner of Red Lerille’s Health and Racquet Club; Reggie Dupré, of Dupré Logistics, and Elise Bouchner, Managing Partner at Excelerant. David Welch, President and CEO of Stone Energy will serve as Moderator for the event. The event will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Petroleum Club of Lafayette, 111 Heymann Blvd. Tickets are available for purchase at $35 per person, or $300 for a reserved table for eight, and may be purchased online at www.upperlafayette.com/events, or payment may be mailed to P.O. Box 53107, Lafayette, LA 70505. For information, please email lauren@upperlafayette.com or call (337) 769-7649. Special thanks to our sponsors: Acadiana Computer Systems, Rader Solutions and Excelerant for their generosity and service.
October 2013 Printed by Lafayette Economic Development Authority
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Upper Lafayette’s September Meeting Focused on Development The LITE Center was filled to capacity for Upper Lafayette’s September 18, 2013 meeting where the topic of discussion was “Why Invest in Upper Lafayette?” Two well-known developers, Lewis Stirling of Stirling Properties, and Robert Daigle of River Ranch Realty/ Couret Farms, were asked to share their thoughts on why they invested heavily in the northern portion of Lafayette Parish. Daigle gave multiple reasons why his company is “bullish on north Lafayette.” Upper Lafayette Parish offers beautiful land at reasonable rates, and it is generally not susceptible to flooding. There are many new companies located along the corridor causing an upswing in demand for housing. And there were no Traditional Neighborhood Developments similar to the 125 acre Couret Farms project in the works off of Pont Des Mouton Road. Daigle is so strong on Upper Lafayette that in addition to Couret Farms mixed use development, he is developing two additional neighborhoods in Upper Lafayette: Moss Bluff Subdivision and North Point, with infrastructure for both additional subdivisions in the works. Daigle closed his talk with his belief that the quality of our public schools must improve if the region is to thrive. In fact, he felt that the underperformance of schools in Upper Lafayette Parish has been an impediment to residential growth. Daigle publicly stated his support of Lafayette Parish Superintendent Dr. Pat Cooper and said Cooper’s leadership was our best chance for improving educational outcomes and improving our schools. Lewis Stirling gave a fascinating account of the effort behind the Stirling Properties retail center at Louisiana Avenue/I-10, which now has a Target, Academy Sports, and many other shops. While the Stirling Lafayette Shopping Center has filled to capacity in five years, it would not have been developed without the creation of a TIF District which covered $8 million of the expense of providing public infrastructure such as water, cable, sewer, drainage, road, electricity, gas lines, etc. Stirling was quick to point out that planned road improvements by Lafayette Consolidated Government, such as improving Pont Des Robert Daigle, Couret Farms/ River Ranch Mouton and extending Louisiana Avenue, led to more rooftops. “Retail follows people. We don’t build ahead of the growth,” he said. “There are lots of new roof tops.” The economic impact of the Stirling Center is compelling. In 2012, $200 million in retail sales Lewis Sitrling, Stirling Properties transpired, with sales taxes of $2 million and property taxes of $1 million being collected. 975 permanent jobs have been created, with 300 of those being full time positions. With the success of the retail sales, people of Upper Lafayette and surrounding communities are hungry for more! We thank our two dynamic speakers and friends, as well as our Presenting Sponsor, Stone Energy Corporation, and Supporting Sponsor, LEDA, for making this meeting such as success.
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Fun Photos from our “Why Invest in Upper Lafayette” Meeting
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Spotlight on New Member: Drury Inn & Suites We are excited to welcome Drury Inn and Suites as one of Upper Lafayette’s newest members. The family owned, Missouri-based hotel chain welcomes guests with a cozy lobby and friendly staff. The hotel provides a home-like stay for business people, athletic teams, and just about any other type of traveler that comes to mind. The friendly staff will ensure that all guests have a comfortable, restful experience. The University Ave. location opened its doors in 2004 with 102 rooms, including 32 suites. The hotel is constantly renovating to keep up with current trends and needs. A large-scale renovation is set to begin in September 2014, which includes furniture and carpet changes to the lobby, as well as individual rooms. When asked what separates Drury Inn & Suites from their competitors, Shari Weber, general manager, commented that the top-notch level of customer service that each Drury staff member provides to their guests is what truly makes the Drury experience a memorable one. Nearly 90 percent of their guests are repeat clients, which is something to be proud of! Misty Jackson, Area Sales Manager-Corporate Accounts for Drury Hotels affirmed that their clientele feel that staying at a Drury property affords each guest a feeling of being well-taken care of and at home. The cozy lobby of the Drury Inn & Drury provides its guests a multitude of in-hotel food Suites provides a peaceful place for options, including a full breakfast of scrambled eggs, guests to gather biscuits & gravy, sausage and make-your-own Belgian waffles, as well as two hours of “hot food and cold beverages,” which includes family-friendly food options such as chicken strips, hot dogs, chili, salads, and other goodies. One more special treat available to guests is the complimentary movie theatre style popcorn and soda fountains. If your schedule does not allow you to catch either of these meal opportunities, there is a Cracker Barrel right next door, only a short walk away. When The rooms at Drury Inn & Suites are sure to you stay at a Drury Inn and Suites, you’re staying at a provide a good night’s sleep home away from home.
The Drury Inn & Suites is a wonderful place to stay in Upper Lafayette. We hope that you will consider recommending our member to any friends or family members who are passing through, as well as consider the Drury family when looking for hotels on your next vacation. For more information, please call 337-262-0202 or visit https://www.druryhotels.com. While we were visiting with Misty and Shari, several guests walked in and out of the lobby with their pets. Drury Inn & Suites is a pet-friendly hotel that welcomes guests to bring their furry family members with them, at no added charge.
Jan Swift with Shari Weber, General Manager and Misty Jackson, Area Sales Manager Corporate Accounts outside of Drury Inn & Suites
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Upper Lafayette Interviews Derek Development’s Rocky Robin Meeting Roland L. “Rocky” Robin, the founder of Derek Development Corporation, was without a doubt one of the finest experiences I have enjoyed in my tenure as Executive Director of our Upper Lafayette. Expecting to discuss Derek Development’s many successful endeavors in commercial real estate, I walked in Rocky’s office and was immediately drawn to an exquisite guitar, one of many exquisite guitars in his collection displayed throughout his building. Rocky calmly stated, “Oh, that one was John Lennon’s.” I knew then that this interview would be exciting and memorable. Rocky didn’t start out in real estate: as he explained, “I attained my premed undergraduate studies degree at Tulane University; and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Northeast Louisiana University with a designation in Pharmacy. I was a Registered Pharmacist in the State of Louisiana for thirty-five years and I owned and operated a drug store before entering the field of real estate development. I have been a licensed Real Estate Broker since 1963, at which time I started my commercial real estate company and originally named it Roland L. Robin and Associates, Inc.” From 1970 through 1978, Robin served as Vice President of Real Estate and Construction for Chart House, Inc., the largest franchisee of Burger King Restaurants with 367 restaurants, along with Chart House Steakhouse, Luther’s Barbecue and Godfather’s Pizza totaling 1,250 restaurants in 48 states and 4 countries. His lifelong friendship with Billy Trotter and B. I. Moody is chronicled in a fascinating book he loaned me, A Boy From Iota, Memoirs of B. I. Moody III, as well as Rocky’s website, http:// rockyrobinmemoirs.com. In 1978, Rocky returned to his real estate firm where he continued to located sites for Chart House, Inc. Humble in his discussions of work, Rocky shared the story of his development in Lake Charles of Power Center, the 1,000,000 square foot site of a Wal-Mart Superstore, one of the first eleven Wal-Mart Superstores in the U. S. Remembering his 15 minutes with Wal-Mart’s founder, Sam Walton, as he convinced Walton to relocate across the 210 Loop in Lake Charles in order to facilitate traffic and increased sales volume, Rocky shared his admiration for Walton’s quick mind and ability to capture the importance of “location, location, location.” Rocky has been a developer and owner of office buildings, industrial parks, medical complexes, hospitals in Opelousas and Hammond, nursing homes, outpatient surgery centers, and shopping
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centers. He was the driving force behind the 31 acre commercial development facing the frontage roads in Scott, speaking highly of the foresight of Scott’s then mayor, Hazel Myers, and the Scott City Council who worked to ensure their city’s growth and prosperity. The owners of Cajun Harley Davidson, Adam Hebert and sons, spoke of Rocky with warmth and appreciation for his knack in getting the job done. Currently Rocky and his family run Derek Development Corporation are working on projects around south Louisiana, including an 80 acre office park which includes residential, medical/professional, hotel, and restaurants on the northeast side of I-10 near Hwy. 13. Derek Development is also working in Carencro to develop Summit business Park off of Veterans Drive, as well as Imperial Point Development in Lake Charles off Nelson Road, which will offer an acute care hospital, as well as mixeduse residential and retail space. When visiting with his colleagues on the Lake Charles project, Richard Baggett and Dr. John Noble, both had nothing but praise for their friend and partner, Rocky Robin, pointing out his generous nature and entrepreneurial spirit. In closing, I must mention that Rocky was honored by the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, being inducted on September 19, 1993 for his achievements in writing, producing and promoting the South Louisiana sound of music under his label “N-Joy Records.” At 17, he was also the youngest boxing coach in the history of Louisiana. Preparing and researching this piece was such a joy, because I learned the most important thing about Rocky Robin: he loves his family, and is proud of the accomplishments of his children: Ryan, Stacie, Evy, Ritchie, and his late son, Derek, after whom he named his company. Upper Lafayette proudly salutes a wonderful man, Roland L. “Rocky” Robin, and his company Derek Development Corporation! For more information, please visit, derekdevelopmentcorp.com or call (337) 993-2221.
October 2013
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Run Upper Lafayette 2013 Celebrates Third Year We had a great run and a big success at our third annual Run Upper Lafayette held on Saturday, September 21, 2013! We want to extend our congratulations and thanks to all of the “troopers” who decided to run it out, despite the misty/rainy weather. The run took place at Carencro’s Pelican Park, a gem that will be getting a $500,000 makeover in the coming months. The 32-acre facility has a halfmile walking and jogging trail, the site of the 1 mile fun run, as well as, a 2-acre lake and an outdoor stage. Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation is proud to have served as co-sponsor of Run Upper Lafayette with Bridge Ministry of Acadiana. This unique joint venture is a great opportunity to promote the wonderful attractions in Upper Lafayette and attract outdoors enthusiasts who have never witnessed the beautiful countryside we all know and call “Upper Lafayette.” We are also thrilled to assist Bridge Ministry raise money for the neighborhood Christian outreach work that it loving extends to deserving, under-resourced families. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor, Jim Lambert Law Firm, Major Sponsor, Remembering Trish, and IberiaBank, for generously underwriting the event. It is also always good to welcome our beloved Glenn Brasseaux, mayor of Carencro, to kick off the event.
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Northside High School’s Mock Trial Team is Going to Harvard Northside High’s Mock Trial team, under the tutelage of legal academy director Liz Tullier, was selected for Harvard University’s Mock Trial High School Training Seminar, among only 15 to 20 high school teams from around the U. S. Local attorney and Northside High School graduate, Brandon Letulier, of the Neuner-Pate Law firm, serves as the team’s coach and attorney. Now in its eighth year, Harvard opens its campus to the best of the best high school mock trial academy teams. According to Harvard’s website, “students spend part of their time in a series of interactive lectures, taught by our team’s experienced competitors, including All-American Attorneys and Witnesses, who have won individual awards at the Collegiate National Championship Tournament. They also take part in what we call “breakout sessions,” where Advocate Staff Photo by Bryan Tuck teams works individually with a member of Harvard Mock Trial to develop their cases, write questions and statements, and prepare for the scrimmage at the end of the seminar. You get the tools to success along with the personal guidance to implement it for yourself.” Students will meet competitors from all over the country, whether it is during lectures or at the annual ice cream social. And Harvard is also offering tours of the world famous ivy-covered campus which would inspire anyone to achieve their own personal greatness. The Legal Academy at Northside was assisted in its inception by a grant from the Louisiana Bar Foundation which enabled the school to create a working mock court room for the students. Upper Lafayette congratulates the Northside High Legal Academy for its continued success, which includes kudos for teacher Liz Tullier and their coach, Brandon Letulier. Go get ‘em Northside as you enter the gates of Harvard. Your future holds great things in store for you!
Upper Lafayette Donation to Northside High School’s Adopt a Grade Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation continues to focus on partnering with our Lafayette Parish School System to improve educational outcomes for all of our children. Through that commitment, we have become close with the principle of Northside High, Melinda Voorhies, and her staff. Melinda has launched a new initiative, “Adopt a Grade”, which, as she calls it, “catching kids doing the right thing.” Adopt a Grade is a reward program set up to treat students who earn good grades and exemplify good behavior. Students who perform well in school are nominated by their teachers and are rewarded with fun activities such as lunch at Pizza Village, picnics on the front lawn and other treats. Melinda plans to have each grade design their own t-shirt which emphasizes class spirit and a focus on graduation. The goal for this upcoming school year is to develop a climate centered on college and career readiness.
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On September 6, 2013, Upper Lafayette presented a $1000 check contribution to Northside High School Administrators, Barbara Landor and Julia Williams as seed money for this very worthwhile endeavor. Northside High School is in need of funding for this program. We encourage you to contribute to help make Principal Melinda Voorhies and Northside’s mission a reality: to provide a learning environment by encouraging high expectations for success, implementing rigorous instruction and allowing for individual differences and learning styles.” You may contact Northside at (337)521-7990.
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Inspirational Words to Ponder by George Carlin George Carlin's wife died early in 2008 and George followed her, dying in July 2008. We are delighted to share these nuggets of wisdom from George Carlin, well-known comedian of the 70's and 80's, who always noted the interesting twists of life. The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete. Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away
Are you Connected? Are you following Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation on Facebook and Twitter? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on twitter (@UpperLafayette1) to stay informed about what we’ve been up to in between newsletter publications. We post photos from our various events, as well as news articles to keep you up to date with what’s going on around Upper Lafayette. We want to get our wonderful members involved with our social media world! Take a look through our photo albums and tag yourself in any pictures you’re in, share our status updates, or just get involved in conversations on our posts. We love hearing from you! If you’re not one to get involved in the social media world, that’s okay! Our website, www.upperlafayette.com, is a great resource for updates on the happenings of Upper Lafayette. Also on our website, you will find our Upper Lafayette on the Move video archive. Please click the links below find our Facebook and Twitter accounts. If you would like to know more about social media, please contact our Communications Director, Lauren Rabalais (lauren@upperlafayette.com).
www.facebook.com/upper.lafayette
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Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation Mission Statement “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.” For membership information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jan Swift at jan@upperlafayette.com or 337-769-7649
Special Thanks to Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation Supporters 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 Dupre’ Logistics, LLC Fenstermaker & Associates Home Bank Omni Energy Services Pixus Digital Printing The Southwest Group Tobacco Free Living
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Silver Members
Ace Plumbing, Inc. Arsement Machine and Supply, Inc. BBR Creative Cajun Harley Davidson Coburn’s Supply Company Edward Jones/Bob Crist Excelerant Guidry’s Uniforms Master Builders & Specialists, Inc. Oakbourne Country Club Opelousas General Health System Rader Solutions Shelf Energy, LLC SLEMCO Stella Maris Stirling Properties Total Pump and Supply, LLC Walters Funeral Home
Bronze Members
Acadiana C.A.R.E.S. Acadiana Symphony Orchestra Advancial Federal Credit Union 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 Derek Development Corp., LLC Joey Durel Drury Inn & Suites Lynn Guidry, Architect John Paul The Great Academy Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission
October 2013
Bronze Members
Lee Verret/State Farm Insurance Agency Lowry’s Printing and Copying Flo Meadows, Coldwell Banker Melancon I-49 Storage Center Petroleum Club Ron J. Gaubert Realtors W. W. Rucks, III Sarah Schoeffler Schools of the Sacred Heart John Swift Sylvan Learning Center Teche Electric Supply, LLC Dr. Brent Jason Toups, LLC Terry J. Rogers, Ltd. WorldPay
Sponsors
PLATINUM IberiaBank Lafayette Airport Commission LEDA Schilling Distributing Company Stone Energy GOLD Acadiana Computer Systems AT&T Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Excelerant Hub City Ford LOGA McDonald’s of Acadiana Place de Lafayette Rader Solutions Tobacco Free Living SILVER Acadian Companies Advancial Federal Credit Union BRONZE City of Carencro City of Scott
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