Upper Lafayette On The Move Letter from Executive Director, Jan Swift As Thanksgiving rolls around, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the bounty of goodness and love that surrounds each of us. I could not get anything done without the ongoing generosity of the many individuals and groups who support our work to promote Upper Lafayette Parish as a great place in which to live, work and invest. Our original member base has been loyal and enthusiastic, and our ranks continue to grow. It is with heartfelt gratitude that we thank all those who are members of the foundation and sponsors of our events.
Upcoming Events Nov. 19, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Innovative Technology Solutions for Today’s Entrepreneurs
Upper Lafayette's board of directors has given tirelessly the last few years as we have grown our organization. Our founding board members (Herbert Schilling, Ed Krampe, Don Dupuis, Bo Ramsay, Todd Citron, John Milton, Buddy Webb and Mona Burris) really set Jan Swift the stage to focus a fresh look at the northern region of our parish Executive Director which they envisioned as "Upper Lafayette." Recently, Elise Bouchner of Excelerant volunteered her personal time to work with our board to clarify the work we should focus on to accomplish meaningful goals. It doesn't seem possible to adequately thank this group, as well as our current dedicated board of directors, for all they have done! Gregg Gothreaux and his highly talented staff at Lafayette Economic Development Authority are also at the top of our "thank you" list. For the past several years, LEDA has offered a safety net to us by offering its continued support of in-kind contributions, and this year cordially offered office space and guidance in setting up a Program of Work which has greatly expanded our capacity for achieving our goals. Gregg's sincere desire to see our region flourish is an ongoing source of inspiration and one for which I am truly grateful. He doesn't just talk; he steps up and offers a helping hand. Lastly, our friends at Delta Media, especially Chuck Wood and Matt LeBlanc, must be acknowledged for providing television production of Upper Lafayette On the Move. They always take my calls, and always come through when needed. Thank you and Delta Media for this beneficence.
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
Volume 59
Happy Thanksgiving to all and may your holiday be blessed and fun!
November Meeting to Focus on Technology Join us for our November meeting, “Innovative Technology Solutions for Today’s Entrepreneurs,” to be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 focusing on the importance of technology in this changing business world. Our panel, featuring Chris Rader of Rader Solutions, Zachary Barker of the Opportunity Machine, and Chad Cole of Universal Sign Company, will share their insights on the benefits of being connected no matter where your business takes you. The meeting will be held the Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise Center (LITE) from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and includes a light lunch catered by the French Press. Tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased online at www.upperlafayette.com/events or by mailing payment to P.O. Box 53107, Lafayette, LA 70505. For more information, please contact lauren@upperlafayette.com or call (337) 278-0408.
November 2013
www.upperlafayette.com Printed by Lafayette Economic Development Authority
Meet Kit Becnel Director of Carencro High School’s Academy of Information Technology Dynamic. Dedicated. Determined. It is easy to get excited about the future of our Information Technology workforce being trained locally when you meet Kit Becnel, Carencro High School’s Academy of Information Technology (AOIT) Director. Serving in that position since 2004, Kit has been nationally recognized, along with Co-Director Joel Hilbun, for excellence in the program. Carencro’s AOIT program prepares students for college and career success, providing them with skills and experience they will need to survive in this rapidly changing field. AOIT offers college prep academic courses in math, science, social studies, English, foreign language, and Fine Arts survey. Technology courses are offered in the areas of Digital Media, Web Design, Programming, Computer Networking, Computer Repair/Maintenance, Video Game Design, Animation, 3D Modeling, Microsoft Office Suite and Databases. Carencro’s summer IT internship program, offered to students between their junior and senior year, has more than 81 participating entities, with a 100% placement rate for eight straight years since the program’s inception. The graduation/completion rate for interns is also 100 %, with an average GPA of 3.0. The students can be dually enrolled to earn college credits, and graduate with at least two industry-based certifications, and academic and/or tech diploma endorsements. According to Becnel, “Our work-based learning program is so successful, in September 2013, I was selected to meet with the National Academy Foundation’s board of directors to discuss our highly-effective and successful internship program and how we achieve our 100% placement goal each year.” Becnel advocates for utilizing fiber optics to the home to implement virtual learning opportunities. “Any virtual internships, project-based learning virtual environments
Kit Becnel, Director, Carencro High School’s Academy of Information Technology with a group of her students
Photo Courtesy of The Independent and simulations would be what I would want. For our tech scene to evolve in the next 10 years, I envision industry leaders and community stakeholders as mentors and coaches speaking to and teaching our young people in a seamless, virtual environment in real time,” Becnel recently stated in an interview with ABiz’s Patrick Flanagan. An open house will be hosted on January 15, 2014, 6 to 8 p.m. at Carencro High for 8th grade students interested in enrolling in the Academy for the 2014-2015 school year. For more information on Carencro’s Academy of Information Technology, please visit http://www. carencroaoit.org, http://lafayettechoice.com/site330. php, or call (337) 896-6675.
Kit Becnel with Burnell LeJeune of LPSS and Carencro High Principal Ken Roebuck
November 2013
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Upper Lafayette Continues Work to Beautify Gateway Upper Lafayette has been fortunate to receive Lafayette Enterprise Grant funds totaling $42,000, which has enabled us to spruce up the quadrants at the University Ave./I-10 interchange and to hire mural artist Robert Dafford to create UL themed logos. In 2012 our foundation received $8,000 in grant monies to continue the clean up work. Since 2012, our foundation has worked with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff ’s Department to utilize inmate labor to enhance the landscaping on the interstate berms. On Thursday, October 17, 2013, we met with representatives from the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and Lafayette Consolidated Government to discuss maintaining our beautification efforts in Upper Lafayette at the University Avenue/I-10 interchange.
Robert Dafford’s Iconic ULL Murals painted at the I-10/ University Ave. Interchange
Jan Swift with representatives from Lafayette Consolidated Government and LAPCORR
While our meeting was taking place at Lafayette Parish Correctional Industries (LAPCORR), inmates were working to make mattresses, which sparked our interest in the program. Trash bags, disposable trash bins, institutional bedding and pet beds are a few of the products made at the facility. Parish, City and State Agencies, as well as Public Schools, Universities, Churches and Nonprofit Organizations are eligible to purchase these products at a competitive rate. For more information on this, please see www.LAPCORR.com. It was very gratifying to witness the camaraderie and sincere desire to improve our community, evidenced by both departments. We are happy to say that our partnership with Lafayette Consolidated Government and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office will continue to keep Upper Lafayette clean and beautiful for all to enjoy.
UPPER LAFAYETTE Economic Development Foundation
November 2013
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Spotight on New Member: Dr. Brent Jason Toups, D.D.S. Walking into the warm and friendly office of Dr. Brent Jason Toups is enough to bring a smile to your face. And for 30 years, the Toups Family has been doing just that, providing Lafayette and the surrounding areas with smiles that last a lifetime. A friendly staff greets you as you enter the comfortable office at 2521 Moss Street, and driving up to the convenient location right across from Breaux’s Mart, is about as easy as it gets. On a recent visit, Executive Director Jan Swift stopped in to thank Dr. Toups and his staff for their generous support of Upper Lafayette and had the pleasure of getting to meet the entire team dedicated to serving their valued patients. Dr. Brent F. Toups, D.D.S. started the family dental practice over 30 years ago and has now passed on his respected practice to his son, Dr. Brent Jason Toups, who graduated in 1990 from Notre Dame High School in Crowley. Dr. Toups received his Bachelor’s Degree in
Dr. Brent Jason Toups, D.D.S. with his friendly staff Visual Arts from USL in 1996, working for four years in advertising before going on to graduate from Louisiana School of Dentistry in New Orleans in May 2006. He purchased the practice from his father in 2007. His sister, Dr. Katherine Celeste Toups, graduated in 1999 from Academy of Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from LSU, graduating from the Louisiana School of Dentistry in New Orleans, May 2012. Both siblings are members of the American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association and Acadiana Dental District Association. Patients are well taken care of and your needs ranging from cosmetic dentistry, crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, dentures, partials, root canal treatments, periodontial maintenance, extractions and minor oral surgery can be accommodated.
The Toups Family Dentristry Team: Dr. Brent F. Toups, D.D.S, Dr. K. Celeste Toups, D.D.S., and Dr. B. Jason Toups, D.D.S.
To schedule a visit or find out more about Dr. Toups and the full range of dental services, please call (337) 237-7005, visit http:// www.toupsdds.com or stop in their office at 2521 Moss Street. You will be glad you did!
November 2013
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Spotlight on New Member: Anytime Fitness Upper Lafayette Taking care of yourself is a must. But these days it can be tough to fit in a workout with all of the day to day responsibilities and crazy job hours so many of us navigate. Not when you belong to Anytime Fitness in Upper Lafayette! You can exercise any time of day using your own security-access key‌. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Talk about no more excuses! One stop in the convenient and inviting location at 1915 Moss Street is all it takes to feel right at home and ready to hit the treadmill or utilize any one of the many state-ofthe-art pieces of exercise equipment.
Anytime Fitness Upper Lafayette staff members, from left: Damien Living, Luke Andrus, Tallya Foster and Stacey Maturin
Owner, Bobby Hines, is a Franklin, LA native, who owns five Anytime Fitness franchises with his wife, Christina. Bobby and Christina have invested in Upper Lafayette, as well as Baton Rouge, Franklin, Abbeville and Maurice in following their passion to help others achieve fitness in a warm, friendly and safe environment.
Bobby is an Army veteran who studied Kinesiology at ULLafayette. He is very passionate about health and fitness and changing the lives of others and provides an ongoing example of how to maintain optimal fitness. Staff members Damien Living, Luke Andrus, Tallya Foster and Stacey Maturin are always willing to assist their clients with a great, personalized workout. We encourage you to visit Anytime Fitness at 1915 Moss Street and check it out for yourself. For more information please call (337)7068385 or visit http://anytimefitness.com/ gyms/1833/lafayette-la-70501.
Bobby Hines, Owner of Anytime Fitness Upper Lafayette
November 2013
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Lourdes Foundation Hosts Soiree to Thank Supporters A beautiful, crisp evening greeted the guests attending the Lourdes Foundation Soiree held on October 17, 2013. The overflowing crowd enjoyed Cocktails & Company for a Great Cause in the beautiful Our Lady of Lourdes Meditation Garden and attendees were treated to delicious food and the opportunity to hear the Progressive Baptist Church Choir share their outstanding musical talent. The evening’s purpose was twofold: supporters of the foundation were thanked for their ongoing generosity that makes Lourdes charitable outreach possible, and the event also served as a fundraiser. Artist Michael Israel, well-known for his magical artistic expression, enthralled the crowd with his performance and creations. As you can see from the photos, Michael is a true professional that renders art that any collector would cherish.
Grant recipient organizations that benefit from the outreach bestowed by Lourdes Foundation include the following organizations that shape Acadiana’s present and future: Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana; Bridge Ministry of Acadiana; C.U.P.S.; Children’s Museum of Acadiana; Desormeaux Foundation; Down Syndrome Association of Acadiana; Faith House; FoodNet; Hearts of Hope; Holy Family Catholic School; Louisiana Emergency Medical Unit; Lafayette Breakfast Sertoma Club; Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic; Lafayette Lions Club; Miles Perret Cancer Services; Our Lady of Lourdes Burn Unit; St. Bernadette Community Clinic; Our Lady of Lourdes – Transitions of Care; SMILE Community Action Agency; St. Thomas More Catholic School; Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic School.
Lourdes Foundation, Inc. is a fully owned 501(c) (3) subsidiary of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, Inc. The Foundation was formed to promote and support the religious, health and charitable activities of Our Lady of Lourdes and with the traditions of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady.
From Left: Taylor Davis, Joseph Giglio, Bud Barrow
From Left: Mike Moncla, Art Price, Leslie Price, Daphne Krampe, EJ Krampe and Renae Trahan
Painter and Entertainer Michael Isreal during the Soiree
November 2013
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Lourdes Foundation Hosts Soiree to Thank Supporters An article on Our Lady of Lourdes and its truly powerful mission to serve all of us would not be complete without a recitation of their beautiful mission statement: Inspired by the vision of St. Francis of Assisi and in the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church, we extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to God’s people, e sp e c i a l l y those most in need. We call forth all who serve in this healthcare ministry, to share their Chris & Rachel Hebert, Donna Landry gifts and talents to create a spirit of healing – with reverence and love for all of life, with joyfulness of spirit, and with humility and justice for all those entrusted to our care. We are, with God’s help, a healing and spiritual presence for each other and for the communities Chip and Christa we are privileged to serve. Billeaud All of us at Upper Lafayette have been blessed to be associated with Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center and Lourdes Foundation. Please join us in sending warm wishes to Lourdes and Lourdes Foundation, and all of their wonderful team that work to ensure that we in Acadiana have the best possible healthcare, and that meaningful healthcare charitable outreach may be rendered to those in the Artist Michael Israel most critical need for assistance. showcasing his work
We Need Your Help Identifying Upper Lafayette’s Loyal Employees As a new feature at our January 2014 Upper Lafayette Business Stories event, we would be honored to shine the spotlight on your long-term valued and loyal employees. Through our work to promote Upper Lafayette Parish, we have been amazed at the stories you have shared with us about how your employees are the real reason for your success. We are asking that you submit the names of any employees who work for your Upper Lafayette based business who have either been with your company for a long time or have played a key roll in the success of your company. Please contact Lauren at lauren@upperlafayette.com to provide this information to us so that we may prepare for this upcoming meeting . For more information, please call Jan at (337) 278-0408.
November 2013
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Upper Lafayette’s Quest for Your Best 2013 Inspires Crowd
Quest for your best personal development series to enrich your life
STICKING WITH IT
aligning your actions with your values
Sticking with It: Aligning Your Actions with your Values was the focus of our fourth annual Quest for Your Best symposium held on October 23, 2013. Set in the beautiful Knight Walnut Room at the Petroleum Club, and moderated by David Welch of Stone Energy, our presenters, Elise Bouchner, Reggie Dupre and Red Lerille, inspired the crowd with their own unique and heartfelt messages about what drives them to ‘stick with it.” It was extremely motivational to hear the personal stories of each speaker, who all stand out locally because of their business success and passion for what they do. Elise, Reggie and Red interspersed their messages with humor, grace and style, and really drove home the point that aligning your core values with your business practice is a great recipe for success. Without our sponsors, Acadiana Computer Systems, Excelerant and Rader Solutions, this event would not have been possible. We are grateful for their support and encouragement of the foundation’s work. Please check out photos from the event on http://www.facebook.com/upper.lafayette. We encourage you to share our link with others who may enjoy the excitement about the opportunities and growth of Upper Lafayette Parish!
Elise Bouchner Managing Partner Excelerant
Reggie Dupre Owner Dupre Logistics
Red Lerillie Owner Red Lerille’s Health & Racquet Club
November 2013
David Welch President & CEO Stone Energy
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Photos from Quest for Your Best
November 2013
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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, contact Jan Swift at jan@upperlafayette.com or 337-769-7649
Special Thanks to our 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
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 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 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
November 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 LUS Fiber 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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