UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE...
Bowl bound, baby!! Congratulations to the UL football team for getting their first bowl bid in 40 years. The Ragin’ Cajuns will play in the New Orleans Bowl on December 17. Adding to our local success on the gridiron, LSU will play for the National Championship after an amazing undefeated season, and the Saints are well on their way to post-season success. Let’s not forget about Acadiana area high school football teams making it to the semi-final playoff round, most notably my alma mater, the Carencro Bears! It’s been a good year indeed for football in Louisiana.
Upcoming Events January Membership Meeting Holiday Inn 2032 NE Evangeline Thruway Lafayette, Louisiana 70501 January 18, 2012 11:30-1:00pm RSVP jan@upperlafayette.com
Randy Paul Home Furniture, wishes you a Merry Christmas!
Sketch by Doug Smith, Home Furniture
ULEDF Board of Directors & Staff
Even beyond football, Lafayette has had a good year, and I’d like to think that your Upper Lafayette Economic Development Mr. Adrian Baudoin Acadiana Computer Systems Foundation has helped to contribute to our region’s success. Starting early in 2011, ULEDF hosted a membership meeting during which we honored local “success story” businesses and swore in our new Board of Directors. In March, we highlighted philanthropy at the Acadiana Center for the Arts and honored Bo Ramsey for his altruism. The Opportunity Machine headlined our May membership meeting, and a panel discussion provided insights to those in attendance. The second half of the year was equally busy, starting with our July membership meeting at Oakbourne during which Billy Nungesser shared his experiences with the Gulf oil spill. We hosted our first Run Upper Lafayette fundraiser for Bridge Ministry at Carencro’s Pelican Park in September. Our membership meeting that same month presented both sides of the deconsolidation debate. The year wrapped up with our second annual Quest for Your Best program in October and a membership social in November. It exhausts me to think of all that Upper Lafayette has accomplished this year, but the person who deserves all the credit is our Executive Director, Jan Swift. Jan really makes it all happen, and Upper Lafayette is fortunate to have her on our team.
January 2012 Meeting To Focus on Upper Lafayette Success Stories!
Adrian Baudoin, President Please mark your calendar for our second annual “Honoring Upper Lafayette Success Stories” Beau Phares, V. President event to be held Wednesday, January 18, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 2032 NE Todd Citron, Sec/Treas. Evangeline Thruway. This year we are thrilled to recognize the many accomplishments of McDonald’s of Acadiana (Ed Krampe and team) and Prejean’s Restaurant Dr. Ross Judice, Past Pres. (Bob Guilbeau and family/team). When thinking of these two entities, success is definitely Amos Batiste the first thing that comes to mind! Don Dupuis Tickets are $35.00 each or a reserved table for eight is $250.00 and may be purchased by Cherie Hebert contacting jan@upperlafayette.com or calling (337)278-0408. Ed Krampe Andre Moreau Dwight Prudhomme Dwight “Bo” Ramsay Herbert Schilling Monty Warren Deborah Young Jan Swift, Director
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December 2011
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Walters Funeral Home and Greenlawn Cemetery Organize Vietnam Memorial “The Wall That Heals” November 17, 2011 was a crisp, sunny day in Acadiana. Cloudless skies, calm and windless, and a sense of wonder at the reality of God’s glory was a gift to the living. It was a beautiful setting at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens for the opening ceremony of The Wall That Heals. In 1994, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund unveiled the half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that travels to communities across the United States, touching Americans with its message of honor and healing. The traveling memorial brings home an opportunity to experience the power of The Wall in Washington, D.C. that most of us will never have the honor of experiencing. The traveling replica also provides the opportunity for deceased veterans’ family members to up load photos and personal histories of their loved ones for the memorial’s database. During the several day event, the names of each person who died were read aloud by volunteers, and Taps was played at dusk. Gene Walters, Vietnam Vet and owner of Walters Funeral Home and Greenlawn Cemetery, organized the event with his family business members to commemorate all Vietnam veterans who have fought to maintain freedom. Lane Carson, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Lane Carson and Affairs, spoke movingly of his family members who fought on behalf of America’s values. Jodi Bollich Gene Walters sang The National Anthem and the Battle Hymn of the Republic as onlookers bowed their heads with respect at the occasion of honoring our brave and faithful military heroes. One of the most tragic facts of the legacy of the Vietnam War came to light during the presentation by Tom Grote, a Vietnam veteran and member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, who helped organize the exhibit’s journey to Lafayette. “In the Vietnam War, more than 2.7 million men served and only 850,000 of us are still alive,” he said. “We’re dying at a rate of 390 a day. A lot of that’s directly attributed to the effects of Agent Orange.” To help visitors discover the stories of those named on The Wall and celebrate the values embodied by all service members who served in all of America’s wars, please visit buildthecenter.org to learn more. Thanks to the Walters family for this moving opportunity to remember what is important.
Jay Castille Selected as Carencro City Manager Jay Castille, Lafayette City-Parish Councilman for District 2, is the new city manager in Carencro. Approved by the Carencro City Council on Monday, November 21, 2011, Castille began work the next day supervising all city employees except those in the police department. Castille replaced Lloyd Rochon, who had held the position since 2002. The position is an at-will appointment that Glenn Brasseaux may fill with approval from the council. The Ethics Commission has recently opined that it is not improper to serve on the City Parish Council and as the Carencro City Manager simultaneously. Castille was born and raised in Carencro. He was unopposed this fall for re-election to the Lafayette City-Parish Council. He is a partner in Jay Castille Construction and retired from the Lafayette Fire Department with more than 20 years experience. During that time, he was active in the firefighters union, serving at one time as its vice president. Castille stated, “As a long time resident of Carencro, I look forward to helping the city progress and grow. It is another rewarding chapter in my life.” Jay Castille as a part of our team.”
Mayor Glenn Brasseaux welcomes the broad understanding of issues that Castille brings to the position. According to Brasseaux, “Jay understands how to handle people’s needs and we feel fortunate to have him
The City of Carencro is a wonderful and beautiful city within Upper Lafayette Parish that offers a peaceful and family-oriented way of life. Congratulations to Jay Castille and the City of Carencro on this new appointment!
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December 2011
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Member Spotlight: Melancon I-49 Storage Center Upper Lafayette members associate Frank Connolly as the dedicated representative of Melancon I-49 Storage Center who faithfully attends our events. However, Frank’s father-in-law, Ray Melancon, was actually the pioneer behind the successful business situated at 3360 NE Evangeline Thruway and the former proprietor of the original John Deere dealership at I-49 and Gloria Switch. Inspired by an offer to purchase his land from an investor who wanted to build storage units, Mr. Melancon researched the need for storage in the North Lafayette area, culminating in the opening of Melancon I-49 Storage Center in December, 1994. Today, with the attention and assistance of seven employees, customers consistently rate their experience with the storage facility as outstanding on many levels. In 2011, Melancon’s was recognized for 10 years of ethical sponsorship of business practices and self-regulation by the Better Business Bureau. In 2004, it received the “Seal of Excellence” from the BBB in recognition of outstanding record of no customer complaints in the three-year reporting period. But the family’s desire to serve is not found in an employee handbook; rather, the focus is on professional and courteous customer service, day in and day out. The importance of going the extra mile to assist customers‘ needs was instilled early on by Ray Melancon whose daughter, Patricia Fontenot, has managed the business since its inception, along with her husband, Kevin, her sister, Jennifer and brother-in-law, Frank Connolly. Everyone takes great pride in being a family-owned and family-operated business. Today there are over 850 regular and climate-controlled units available. In addition, outdoor storage for cars, RV’s, and boats is also available. Mail boxes, notary services and receiving packages for our commercial customers are services provided. Faxing services and moving supplies are also available. U Haul rental trucks are available on-site to assist our customers with their moving needs. The Melancons are proud of the way everyone who walks through the Left to right, Frank Connolly,Tommie Cormier, door is assisted. For 11 years, Pam Melancon has welcomed customers Patricia Melancon Fontenot, and kept the books. Mr. Leray Menard has worked for the family Pamela Melancon, and Leray Menard. in various capacities for over 50 years. Tommie Cormier is also in customer service and has been an employee for over 3 years. A true indication of customer satisfaction is reflected in this statistic: over 50% of Melancon’s customers are either previous renters who are returning or renters who have been referred by customers. 98.8% of the customers who responded to a survey rated their experience with Melancon’s as “excellent”. Surveys confirm that they are giving “prompt, courteous and professional service” as advertised. And last, but not least, they pray for those whom they serve. Melancon I-49 Storage Center makes every effort to support local or national charities and non-profit groups which represent a cross-section of many schools, churches, sports clubs, lay missionaries, women’s support groups and law enforcement agencies. Their belief is that they want to encourage community activities and provide assistance in whatever way they can. Best wishes to the Melancon family for continued success and for exemplifying servant leadership in our community. And thank you for supporting Upper Lafayette! For more information on Melancon I-49 Storage Center, please contact Patricia Fontenot, manager, at (337)235-4949 or visit www.melanconstorage.com.
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December 2011
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... 2011 Another Great Year for Upper Lafayette! It’s been fun looking back through photos taken at our various events held throughout the past year. January began with our first annual “Honoring Upper Lafayette Business Success Stories” where we recognized the many contributions of Home Furniture, Hub City Ford, Terry Rogers’ family and Northside Paint Center, and Schilling Distributing Company. That meeting was also the first time many people enjoyed a panoramic view of downtown Lafayette from the beautiful loft office space on the third floor of the former South Central Bell building at 100 Central St., now owned and occupied by The Southwest Group and housing Bob Miller’s Opportunity Team (“the Switch”). March 2011 brought our next gathering to take in the lush Acadiana Center for the Arts, where we honored Dwight “Bo” Ramsay for his many philanthropic endeavors. Bo was the obvious choice for our first annual “Philanthropist of the Year,” which we will repeat this March 21, 2012. Louisiana Oil & Gas Association was our generous sponsor for this beautiful event where Dr. Paula Carson spoke on corporate philanthropy. It was a lovely setting and a very special day for Upper Lafayette. Steve and Laurie Dupuis, Aspen Clinic, hosted our third annual crawfish boil, which was once again catered by Seth Citron’s Crawdaddy’s. Schilling provided the beer and a good time was definitely had by the over flowing crowd! Look forward to 2012’s fourth annual crawfish boil some time in April. In May, Upper Lafayette was welcomed by Ed Krampe and McDonald’s of Acadiana at their spacious headquarters at 106 Oak Way Lane, with delicious food by Casa Ole. Focusing on the Opportunity Machine led by Bob Miller, talented speakers Dr. Joby John, Tom Cox and Gregg Gothreaux informed us on resources available for new and emerging technology based businesses. Oakbourne Country Club was the lush setting for two meetings this year. In July, we heard from Billy Nungesser on the current state of affairs on the Louisiana Gulf coast; in October, we hosted our second annual Quest for Your Best, hearing the inspiring stories and personal thoughts on leadership from Bud Barrow (Our Lady of Lourdes), Danny Clark (Stuller) and David Welch (Stone Energy). Thanks again to our moderator, Elise Bouchner of Excelerant, and our sponsors: ACS, Excelerant, McDonald’s of Acadiana and Professional Arts Pharmacy.
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December 2011
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... 2011 Another Great Year for Upper Lafayette! Continued Our first annual Run Upper Lafayette was held September 17 at beautiful Pelican Park in Carencro. With 139 runners, tons of volunteers, and a beautiful sky, we all had fun raising funds for Bridge Ministry of Acadiana. Special Thanks to sponsors IberiaBank, Jim Lambert Law Firm and Festival Acadiens! Prejeans provided food and Acadiana Bottling through in the drinks. Thank goodness for the talented Cajun Road Runners Club who made us look good and kept our runners on course. Capping off our events for the year, Upper Lafayette’s board invited members to a social hosted by Schilling Distributing, and we chose to laugh, drink beer and wine provided by Schilling and Republic National Distributing, and enjoy the delicious food of Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro. We hope you have enjoyed 2011 as much as we have! Thanks for being a part of Upper Lafayette. Happy Holidays and may your new year be prosperous and filled with abundance.
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December 2011
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Upper Lafayette Hosts Member Social to Thank Supporters Upper Lafayette’s loyal foundation supporters were treated to a special event on the evening of November 10, 2011 at Schilling Distributing Company. Herb Schilling and staff opened their doors for a members-only social where the crowd enjoyed the wit and wisdom of comedian Murray Conque and had a fun opportunity to relax and get to know one another better. Steve Santillo and Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro provided the delicious food which included samples of Jolie’s famous farm to table offerings, and beer and wine were provided by ULEDF members Schilling and Republic National Distributing Company. This fun get-together was a special gift of appreciation to all members and sponsors who make Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation a continued success. The foundation is grateful to all members, as well as the greater community,who understand our vision to make Upper Lafayette Parish the best possible place in which to live, work and invest!
Josh Borill, Danny Nugier, Gay Hopkins, Tammy Theriot, and David Welch
Tim Ryan, Buddy Webb and Chris Schouest
Jerrod Arabie, Bryan Tabor and Steve Santillo
Grover Dunphy, Jill Merkl, Monty Warren and Kenray Landry
Sean Trcalek, Cindy and Lee Verret and Linda Poche
Murray Conque
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December 2011
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... December Community Events
12/2 Emily V’s Grand Opening 5:30- 8:00pm
12/8 Upper Lafayette, On the Move! TV Show 7:30pm Acadiana Open Channel Cox 16 & (AOC2)
12/3 Carencro Country Christmas 9:00am- 4:00pm
12/10 Christmas in Scott 2:00pm- 6:00pm The Begnaud House (located on Benoit Patin Road) Free admission
337-896-8680 100 East St. Peter St. Carencro, LA
Carencro Community Center 5115 N. University Avenue Free admission
12/22 Upper Lafayette, On the Move! TV Show 7:30pm Acadiana Open Channel Cox 16 & (AOC2)
12/6 Northside High Drill Squad 6:30pm
Acadiana Center for the Arts 101 W. Vermilion St. Contact: www.Acadianacenterforthearts.com
12/8
Hot Topics for Employers 8:00am- 2:45pm Holiday Inn Lafayette For more information contact Ryan LaGrange at (337) 593 -1405.
“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
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 Crawdaddy’s On-Site Catering City of Scott David Courville–Architect Derek Development Corp, LLC Joey Durel
BRONZE CONT’D ECGC Women’s Business Center 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 Don Menard 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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December 2011
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