UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Letter from the President: Mr. Adrian Baudoin When I opened the Sunday Advertiser this morning, I was pleased to find that ULEDF’s recent Quest for Your Best program was featured prominently in photos on the cover of the Business section. It was a great event, and our speakers really delivered with stories about their personal paths to leadership. Thanks go out to our speakers, David Welch of Stone Energy, Danny Clark of Stuller and Bud Barrow of Our Lady of Lourdes, and our moderator, Elise Bouchner of Excelerant.
Upcoming Events Upper Lafayette Members Only Social November 10, 2011 5:30 to 7:00pm Schilling Distributing Co, 2901 Moss St
Mr. Adrian Baudoin Acadiana Computer Systems
With 2011 quickly coming to a close, much has transpired over the past 10 months, and we have plenty to be thankful for. Regardless of your preference, the debate spurred by the recent deconsolidation vote brought attention to an issue that Lafayette needs to resolve. I’m hopeful that the CPC will fix the issues causing concern in our parish. Similarly, the failed measure to increase taxes for school improvements at least keeps the condition of our schools in the public discourse. Our new Superintendent will have his or her hands full once named.
Despite the global recession, Lafayette has an unemployment rate that is lower than most of the country. There are signs that our economy still has a pulse. I noticed over the weekend that the new Halliburton facility on Pont des Mouton is going up after months of extensive dirtwork. LAGCOE just wrapped up, and our own Bo Ramsay was honored as “LAGCOE Looey” this year. BP was just granted its first new deepwater permit in the Gulf after last year’s disaster.In addition to the energy sector, healthcare continues to show strength with the opening of a new Lourdes campus and a major renovation to LGMC. If the Cajuns, Tigers and Saints can stay on track, we’ll end 2011 on a high note ready to take on the new year with renewed vigor. Thanks to all of you, our ULEDF members, for your support throughout the year. We hope to continue to serve you and the positive development of the Upper part of Lafayette Parish for years to come.
Leadership was the theme for Second Annual Quest for Your Best The Personal Path to Leadership was the theme for Upper Lafayette’s second annual Quest for Your Best, held on October 18, 2011 at Oakbourne Country Club. Intended to inspire, challenge and entertain our guests, the event accomplished this and much more! The overflowing crowd listened to the intensely personal stories of our three accomplished speakers: David Welch (CEO of Stone Energy), Danny Clark (Chief Merchandising Officer of Stuller), and Bud Barrow (CEO of Our Lady of Lourdes).
ULEDF Board of Directors & Staff
Adrian Baudoin, President Beau Phares, V. President Todd Citron, Sec/Treas. Dr. Ross Judice, Past Pres. Amos Batiste Don Dupuis Cherie Hebert Ed Krampe Andre Moreau Dwight Prudhomme Dwight “Bo” Ramsay Herbert Schilling Monty Warren Deborah Young Jan Swift, Director
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Each message focused upon the leadership lessons learned throughout their successful careers. Pictured from left: Jan Swift, David Welch, Bud Barrow, Humbly speaking of the importance of their teams, each Elise Bouchner and Danny Clark. speaker also imparted the realization that you must discover your own leadership style by listening to your still, inner voice of wisdom. David Welch dared us to “have the expectation and belief that your team will succeed. Belief and faith are contagious and powerful.” Danny Clark left us with a powerful quote from Carl Jung, “Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” And Bud Barrow focused upon his own faith: his faith in God and his faith in people. We also enjoyed fun door prizes which were raffled off during the symposium; our speakers had selected a favorite book and at the conclusion of each presentation, a lucky audience member was selected as the recipient of a valuable keepsake. Welch raffled off “The Far Side’s” complete two volume set of color cartoons (hilarious!!), Clark selected “The English Patient” and “Awakening” (by Jonathan Franken); and Barrow’s selection was the King James translation of the Bible. Paul’s Jewelry donated an exquisite jewelry set valued at $1,000.00, which was a huge hit. Special thanks to our moderator, Elise Bouchner of Excelerant, and to our corporate sponsors: Acadiana Computer Systems, Excelerant, McDonald’s of Acadiana and Professional Arts Pharmacy, without whom the event would not have taken place. We look forward to next year’s Quest for Your Best” where we will once again reach for the stars to inspire and awaken the best within you.
November 2011
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Beau Box and Valor Commercial Real Estate Firms Merge Upper Lafayette is proud to congratulate Valor Commercial Real Estate on its merger with Baton Rouge and New Orleans based Beau Box Commercial Real Estate, thus widening the scope and coverage area of the two firms under the Beau Box name. ULEDF board member Monty Warren, CCIM, SIOR and former President of Valor, has assumed the role of Vice President of Beau Box Commercial Real Estate, one of the highest grossing commercial real estate firms in Louisiana under the direction of President and CEO Beau J. Box, SIOR. Well known ULEDF member Seth Citron has also joined the firm as a commercial real estate agent. Beau Box has been in the real estate industry since 1993, and with this merger, the company boasts over 150 years of combined real estate knowledge. Beau Box’s Lafayette agents will remain at Warren’s offices at 201 Rue Iberville, Suite 700, Lafayette LA 70508. “This partnership provides an opportunity for my team to continue to have top producing agents who pride themselves on having the most up-to-date and thorough market knowledge,” Warren stated. “When firms come to Lafayette and beyond, they will continue to receive expert direction and site solutions for their growing business needs.” The merger allows for strategic growth in areas of commercial brokerage, site selection, property management, development, consulting and corporate real estate services. Box represents many national chain stores and has assisted in their growth in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana in recent years, while also assisting clients in procuring retail space, office property, vacant land and industrial properties. “As a full service commercial real estate broker, it is a wonderful opportunity to work with Monty,” says Box. “He brings extensive commercial real estate experience and has already made his mark on Lafayette and the Acadiana area.” Monty Warren is a graduate of Episcopal School of Acadiana in Cade and attended Washington and Lee University and Middle Tennessee State University. Starting his career in commercial real estate in 1991 in Nashville, TN, he worked with developers in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. He returned to the state in 1998 and served as Real Estate Development Manager of Pool Corporation in Covington. In 2007, Warren returned to Lafayette and served as VP/Director of Stirling Properties’ commercial brokerage division. He founded Valor in 2009, and quickly gained a reputation for specializing in tenant and buyer representation assignments, most recently securing the site for a 200,000 square foot/$65 million Halliburton manufacturing facility. Warren is a member of the CCIM Institute and Society of Industrial and Office Realtors, President of the LA CCIM Chapter, and a Board member of Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation and the Episcopal School of Acadiana’s Board of Trustees. For more information visit: www.beaubox.com or call (337)233-1488. Special thanks to BBR Creative for compilation of data contained herein.
Monty Warren and Beau Box
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Laura Verret, Bill Stevenson, Bobby Smith, Jeremy Harson, Tammie Creed, Monty Warren. Not Pictured: Seth Citron
November 2011
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... November 10th Members Only Social
Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation invites you to our
Membership Appreciation Social Date
Thursday, November 10, 2011 5:30–7:00 PM
Location
Schilling Distributing Company 2901 Moss St., Lafayette, LA 70501
Please join us after work at 5:30 pm, Thursday, November 10th, so that we may thank you for supporting Upper Lafayette over the last year. Compliments of Schilling Distributing Company, Republic National Distributing Company and Jolie’s Bistro, we will be offering beer, wine, and light hors d’oeuvres for your enjoyment. We will also be treated to Cajun humorist Murray Conque’s delightful reflections on life.
RSVP by November 7 to jan@upperlafayette.com
ULEDF Members Slated to Serve on 2012 Chamber of Commerce Board The Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce recently announced its Upper Lafayette is proud to congratulate our members who have Chamber. Joe Zanco was elected to a three year board term by Executive Committee are: Flo Meadows (immediate past Chair of the
slate of officers and directors who will serve in 2012. been recognized for their leadership abilities by the the Chamber membership. Selected to serve on the Chamber); Barry Berthelot, Trey Hill and John O’Meara.
We also commend the following individuals who will be concluding their service on the Chamber Board in December 2011. Kudos to Russell Richard of Schilling Distributing Co. (outgoing Finance Chair); Bryan Tabor of Ace Plumbing; Jerry Vascocu of IberiaBank; David Welch of Stone Energy (past chair of the Chamber), and Jan Swift, ULEDF. Special thanks and our heartfelt appreciation are extended to each of these individuals and their companies for their willingness to serve our community to improve the business climate for all.
Trey Hill Atmos Energy
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Flo Meadows Coldwell Banker Commercial
Joe Zanco Home Bank
November 2011
John O’Meara Petroleum Club
Barry Berthelot IberiaBank
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Member Spotlight: Lee Verret, State Farm Insurance Lee Verret has been an agent with State Farm since 1979, beginning his career in downtown Carencro, and specializing in auto, home, life, health, and commercial insurance. When asked to discuss his loyalty with the insurance giant, Lee stated, “What initially attracted me to the organization was its reputation for reliable integrity. What has kept me associated with State Farm for 32 years is the daily confirmation of that reputation for integrity.” “Integrity” also describes the character of Lee Verret and his ongoing commitment of ensuring that his community is the best it can be. Lee was raised in Arnaudville, attended LSU-BR and earned a pharmacy degree from Northeast LA School of Pharmacy in Monroe. Married to Therese Sonnier of Scott for 41 years, a retired public school teacher, Lee has two sons: Daniel Joseph (“D. J.”), a facial plastic surgeon in Plano, Texas, and John Wallace (“J.W.”), an attorney and professor of securities law at George Mason University School of Law in Arlington, VA. Therese’s mother, Madeline Martin Sonnier, was raised on W. Butcher Switch Rd on a small farm located between Lee’s office and Carencro High, so his community roots run deep. Although Lee served as a clinical assistant professor of pharmacy at NLU and practiced retail pharmacy from 1970 to 1979, he stated, “My personality was not especially compatible with the physical confinement intrinsic to the practice of pharmacy.” In other words, Lee is a people person! In addition to caring for his insurance clients, his drive for helping others is realized through active community service, which he learned firsthand from his parents. “They taught me that we get the community we build and we deserve the environment we create. My father is a past recipient of the Greater St. Landry Parish Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen Award and is a member of the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association Wall of Fame. He is a tough act to follow.” Lee is also a tough act to follow, being a founding member and past Chair of the Carencro Business Association, a ten year member of the Lafayette Public Library Board of Control, and a 2007 recipient of the James O. Modisette Award for Public Library Trustees
Lee Verret, State Farm
Let us close with Lee’s vision for the future. He stated his desire for continued quality development with an abiding appreciation for the Acadian-Creole heritage which makes us unique. “Yes, I absolutely believe that Carencro can achieve manageable growth while maintaining the charm which makes it such a wonderful place to live. I have great confidence in the leadership team guiding Carencro. While serving on the Lafayette Parish Library Board I learned to appreciate, in a very special way, the hard work, wisdom and incredibly generous spirit of Mayor Glenn Brasseaux and the Carencro City Council. Working with them to build the North Regional Library was a classic example of how government should always work. Carencro is in very capable hands indeed.” Lee, thank you for your loyalty to our foundation, and your generosity of spirit! ULEDF salutes Lee Verret, State Farm Agent. 3037 NW Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette, LA. You may contact Lee at lee@leeverret.com or phone 337-456-6292.
Lee Verret State Farm Office Volume 36, Page 4
November 2011
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... November Community Events 11/8
12:00- 1:00 pm Promoting Your Business with Facebook ECGC Women’s Business Center, 110 Travis Street, Suite 92 Lafayette, LA 70503 Contact: Wade Vallery, 337-889-021
11/9
11:00 am- 1:00 pm Business and Beyond: Opportunities for Veterans Free of Charge South Regional Library, Conference Room, Lafayette Contact: 337.262.5344
11/10
5:30 to 7:00 pm Upper Lafayette Members Only Social Schilling Distributing Co, 2901 Moss St. Contact: jan@upperlafayette.com
11/16
4:00- 6:00 pm Starting and Financing a Small Business by La. SBDC Phone: 337.262.5344 Enterprise Center of LA (ECOL), 3419 NW Evangeline Thruway, Room A8
11/17-20 Southern Screen Film Festival Visit southernscreen.org/thursday-nov-17 for more information
“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.”
Special Thanks to Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation Members! PLATINUM Acadian Ambulance Service Acadiana Computer Systems, Inc. Acadiana Rubber & Gasket Aries Marine Corporation ASH/Badger Oil Company Home Furniture Hub City Ford, Inc. IberiaBank Lafayette General Medical Center McDonald’s of Acadiana MidSouth Bank Our Lady of Lourdes Republic National Distributing Company Schilling Distributing Company The Southwest Group Whitney Bank GOLD Atmos Energy Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Fenstermaker & Associates Home Bank Honda of Lafayette Opelousas General Health System Stone Energy Corporation
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SILVER Ace Plumbing, Inc. Allstates Building Systems American Safety & Industrial Supply Aspen Clinic BBR Creative Edward Jones/Bob Crist Master Builders & Specialist Mello Joy Coffee Company Oakbourne Country Club Steven Santillo, APLC Stirling Properties Terry J. Rogers, LTD Walters Funeral Home BRONZE Acadiana C.A.R.E.S. Acadian Hills Country Club Associated Travel Jean Breaux, Jr. & Associates Alan Broussard David Courville–Architect Crawdaddy’s On-Site Catering Derek Development Corp, LLC Joey Durel ECGC Women’s Business Center
November 2011
BRONZE CONT’D House of Faith Church Lafayette Convention & Visitors Bureau Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic Lee Verret/State Farm Insurance Agency Lynn Guidry–Architect Lowry’s Printing and Copying Flo Meadows Melancon I-49 Storage Center Northwood United Methodist Church Petroleum Club of Lafayette Pope John Paul II Academy Professional Arts Pharmacy Rayne State Bank/ Buddy Webb Richard Leblanc/Leblanc’s Auto Wholesale Ron J. Gaubert Realtors Ken Simeral SLEMCO Sylvan Learning Center
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