Happy Holidays Letter From President, Adrian Baudoin As the year quickly draws to a close, it is a good time to reflect on the work our organization carried out over the past year. We hosted a series of popular programs that were well attended and shed a positive light on Upper Lafayette.
Upcoming Events Upper Lafayette Success Stories January 16, 2013, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm Acadian Companies 2916 N. University Upper Lafayette Philanthropist of the Year March 19, 2012, 11:30 a.m. Focus on Oil and Gas Industry
Santa Randy Paul Home Furniture wishes you a Merry Christmas!
Mr. Adrian Baudoin Acadiana Computer Systems
Highlights of the year’s events may be seen on Page 3 of this newsletter: January’s annual “Upper Lafayette Success Stories,” “Philanthropist of the Year” in March, our fourth annual crawfish boil held at Teurlings Catholic, and May’s meeting on Entrepreneurship. July 2012 focused on Urban Core Revitalization, followed by September’s second annual Run Upper Lafayette at Pelican Park and “Outlook on Banking at the LITE Center.
Our third annual Quest for Your Best event was held in October, where our presenters inspired the audience with their personal stories of purpose. Then just this past week, we hosted our membership social with no meeting agenda and plenty of good food! In addition to these events hosted by Upper Lafayette, Jan also produces a television show, Upper Lafayette on the Move, featuring Acadiana’s community and business leaders. You can watch these shows on AOC 2 or online at upperlafayette.com. We are also one of 13 organizations that make up the Lafayette Parish Public Education Stakeholders Council, or LaPESC.
Sketch by Doug Smith, Home Furniture
ULEDF Board of Directors & Staff Adrian Baudoin, President Cherie Hebert, V. President Amos Batiste, Secretary Todd Citron, Treasurer Julie Simon-Dronet Don Dupuis Ed Krampe Donna Landry Beau Phares Dwight “Bo” Ramsay
It has been an honor to serve on the Board of Directors for Upper Lafayette, and I have learned a great deal over the past two years as President. I will step down from the office at year’s end but plan to continue to support the good work of Upper Lafayette for years to come. Thanks to Jan and the Board for their confidence and support.
January 2013 Meeting to Focus on Upper Lafayette Success Stories Please mark your calendar for our third annual “Honoring Upper Lafayette Success Stories” event to be held January 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Acadian Companies, 2916 N. University Avenue. We will honor the success of Ace Plumbing and Bryan Tabor and family, and swear in Upper Lafayette’s 2013 Board of Directors. This event will be a wonderful way to kick off another great year! Tickets for members are $30 each, $35 for non-members, or a reserved table for eight is $250. Contact jennifer@ upperlafayette.com or call (337)769-7649 for more information. Register online at www.upperlafayette.com/Events. Special thanks to our sponsor, The Louisiana Campaign For Tobacco Free Living, and to Acadian Companies for hosting the event.
Herbert Schilling Jerry Vascocu Monty Warren David Welch Jan Swift, Director
Volume 48, Page 1
December 2012
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Edward J. Cormier Named Cattleman of the Year Edward J. Cormier was recently recognized as Cattleman of the Year. A life-long resident of Upper Lafayette, Mr. Cormier has been involved with cattle and farming for 75 years. A very deserving award to a very deserving man. At 82, he still actively cares for his cattle. He cuts, rakes, bails and distributes his own hay....medicates his cattle when needed...up-keeps all fence lines and pastures....and any other duties that come with owning cattle....although, to Mr. Cormier it is not “a duty”, but rather a joy and passion. Many thanks to Ted J. Cormier, SLEMCO, for submitting this article on his father. Mike Strain, Commissioner of Agriculture and Edward J. Cormier, Cattleman of the Year Recipient
Northside High School Looking for Community Volunteers and Support Since Northside High School Principal, Melinda Voorhies, began earlier this year in her directive to increase graduation outcomes at the school and re-institute discipline in the school environment, the culture of the school has been transformed. Northside is working to build resources and support Melinda Voorhies, for the school’s many initiatives to Northside High School engage the students’ families, as Principal well as to re-engage the alumni and business community. Volunteers and sponsors would be appreciated for assistance in activities from everything such as mentoring and tutoring, to sponsorship of small celebrations held to reward kids who follow the rules. The feeling Voorhies and her team are instilling in the students is a “can do” mentality, rather than “it will never happen.” There is a palpable difference in the student body and teaching staff, and we can enable the good work to continue by offering assistance. Find out more by calling Joyce Ellis, Volunteer Coordinator, at 521-7990 or visit http://www.lpssonline.com/site4937.php for an online guide as to how you can volunteer.
Volume 48, Page 2
Welcome Jennifer Thompson to ULEDF
Jennifer Thompson, Executive Assistant
Upper Lafayette Welcomes Jennifer Thompson to Team! We are pleased to introduce Jennifer Thompson, who is joining Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation as our Executive Assistant. Jennifer has a BA in Communications from ULL, and a graduate degree in Primary Education from the University of Auckland, New Zealand.
After living in New Zealand for nearly 25 years, Jennifer has returned to Lafayette with her two children who are studying at ULL and her husband, Martyn Thompson, who is teaching Public Relations at UL – Lafayette, as well as working in Documentary Film production. Jennifer may be reached at jennifer@upperlafayette.com. Also, please feel free to call us at (337)769-7649 with any news, questions or information about Upper Lafayette Parish.
December 2012
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Upper Lafayette Surveys Membership About Important Issues Upper Lafayette Parish is wonderful place filled with people from all walks of life who have gone to school here, grown up and raised families here, worked and built businesses here and throughout Acadiana. Real people who have invested time and energy to make our community a great place. Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation’s mission is to be a catalyst for growth and positive developments in our community. Our membership organization was founded in 2006 by business leaders who understood that the I-10/I-49 corridor is the place for outstanding business and residential investment. Our founding board knew that attention must be placed upon the outstanding value of time and place that Upper Lafayette Parish presents. ULEDF wants to be the voice for our members who want the best possible growth and opportunity for all who live, work and invest here. We surveyed our members about what is important to them, and why they support ULEDF. For a full report of the results, please contact Jennifer@upperlafayette.com and we will forward to you. In a nutshell, we heard from approximately 1/3 of our membership base, which is an incredible response! Here are a few sample answers as to why our members support ULEDF: “Expanding area of Lafayette where many businesses are locating to (usually additional offices/facilities if not main headquarters). Great access to transportation avenues (I-10 and I-49 corridor).” “Leadership of
Foundation is impressive in its representation of companies vital to the area who realize the potential of that area, which has been dormant or stigmatized for so long.” “Want to be a part of the new growth, new attitude. Also, realizing the residential potential for relocation and appreciate the terrain (high ground, hilly).” “I support ULEDF because it is where I live. My hope is that this area continues to develop and draw businesses and working people.” “Strength is in numbers! As a group, we can strategically plan for the growth of this area; we have better chances of attracting the quality businesses we want in Upp Laf, and organically create an awesome play to live and work.” “ULEDF promotes the values and opportunities that exist in the northern part of the parish which is the next “growth corridor” for Lafayette Parish. From a long-term strategic perspective, Upper Lafayette is a diamond in the rough and investing in this area is a wise move given the most important asset outside of its people is the I-49-I-10 corridors.” Please help us be your voice for our great community! For our members who have not given us feedback, please call us at (337)769-7649 so we can follow up. If you are interested in joining us, we welcome you. Please visit www.upperlafayette.com for more information.
Volume 48, Page 3
December 2012
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... 2012 Another Great Year for Upper Lafayette!
It’s always 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 outstanding contributions of McDonald’s of Acadiana and Ed Krampe and family, as well as the Bob Guilbeau family and Prejean’s Restaurant. January 2012’s meeting attracted an overflowing crowd at the Holiday Inn in Upper Lafayette and we were grateful to have the sponsorship of The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco Free Living. The Krampe family.
Bob Guilbeau, family and Prejean’s staff.
March 2012 brought our next gathering to take the Petroleum Club, where we honored Marcelle Citron for her many philanthropic endeavors, including the founding of FoodNet. Marcelle is so gracious and humble, and was our obvious choice for Upper Lafayette’s second annual “Philanthropist of the Year,” which we will repeat this March 19, 2012. IberiaBank was our generous sponsor for this beautiful event where we heard Bill Bacque of Van Eaton & Romero and Jim Keaty of Keaty Real Estate discuss the Upper Lafayette Residential market. This event was also the occasion for the first news regarding Robert Daigle’s Couret Farms development, which is currently underway at I-10 and I-49, and which will offer affordable housing at a great location in Upper Lafayette. Marcelle Citron honored March 21 2012.
Volume 48, Page 4
December 2012
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... 2012 Another Great Year for Upper Lafayette! Teurlings Catholic High School was the site for our third annual crawfish boil, which was catered by Seth Citron’s Crawdaddy’s. Coach Sonny Charpentier and Principal Mike Boyer really have worked hard to make the new stadium a reality, and we got to be a part of the excitement. (I can’t write this article without also mentioning the hard work of Steve Dupuis for spearheading the huge capital campaign at Teurlings). Schilling and Coca Cola provided the beer and beverages, and a good time was definitely had by the overflowing crowd! The setting sun was one of the loveliest moments of that night in April, and it may have only been topped by an appearance by Jake Delhomme, who is always a welcome sight and inspiration for us all. Look forward to 2012’s fourth annual crawfish boil in April 2013. Left: Isabella Santillo and Calvin James. Below left: Jake Dlehomme and David Welch. Below right: Steve Dupuis, Jan Swift and Sonny Charpentier.
Michele Ezell, Presenter May 2012 meeting.
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 Charley G’s. Marc Krampe and Charley Goodson served us delicious offerings from the fantastic restaurant which is now partnered with the Krampe’s many endeavors. Focusing on Entrepreneurship in Acadiana, talented speakers Michelle Ezell, Brian Bille and Zachary Barker spoke of what it is like to be a young business start-up in our community. Dr. Joby John graciously served as moderator, and as always, lent his business acumen to the discussion.
Top right: Marc Krampe, Charlie Goodson, Anna Goodson Stringer and Jody Ferguson. Below right: Jan Swift, Joby John, Zachary Barker and Brian Bille.
Volume 48, Page 5
December 2012
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... 2012 Another Great Year for Upper Lafayette! Oakbourne Country Club was the lush setting for our July meeting, where we focused on Urban Core Revitalization. Gary McGoffin (attorney expert on urban property issues), Melinda Taylor (Habitat for Humanity) and Patricia Leyendecker (LCG Community Development) gave us their perspectives on how to revitalize areas of our community which have become neglected and/or blighted, and weighed down with property ownership and tax issues that encumber them. Above: Becky Perret, Cathie Gilbert and Carlee Alm-Labar. Below left: Senator Elbert Guillory and Todd Citron Below right: Adrian Baudoin, Jan Swift, Patricia Leyendecker, Melinda Taylor and Gary McGoffin.
Ready, set, go!
Our second annual Run Upper Lafayette was held September 15 at beautiful Pelican Park in Carencro. With 182 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 Remembering Trish Foundation! T. J. Robicheaux, disc jockey Extraordinaire, volunteered his time and provided the entertainment for our huge crowd, which included runners from throughout the U. S. Thank goodness for the talented Cajun Road Runners Club, in particular Todd Delahoussaye, who made us look good and kept our runners on course.
Left: Kelly Swift Shares spotlight winning first in One Mile Fun Run. Below: Purvis Morrison, Joey Durel, Jan Swift, Johnny Thibodeaux, and Glenn Brasseaux.
Volume 48, Page 6
December 2012
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... 2012 Another Great Year for Upper Lafayette! September 2012 also was the occasion for our Outlook on Banking, which we held at the LITE Center’s auditorium. Jerry Vascocu, IberiaBank, and Rusty Cloutier, MidSouth Bank, made statewide news in their presentations which focused on the strength of Acadiana’s banking community. The numbers don’t lie: we are sitting in the banking hub of the South, and our economy’s resilience is due to the entrepreneurs rooted here in Acadiana. We enjoyed fun French Press sandwiches, and were so thankful to sponsors Stone Energy and Beau Box Commercial Real Estate.
Above: Jerry Vascocu Presentatimg at ULEDF September 2012 meeting. Left: David Welch, Jerry Vascocu, Jill Merkl, Monty Warren, Jan Swift and Rusty Cloutier.
In October, we hosted our third annual Quest for Your Best, focusing on the Driving Force of Purpose. Moderated by Manuel Valencia of Excelerant, we heard from Dr. Pat Cooper (Superintendent of LPSS), Holly Boffy (BESE Board), and David Callecod (CEO of Lafayette General). Our generous sponsors, McDonald’s of Acadiana, Opelousas General, and Van Eaton & Romero ensured a wonderful event at the beautiful Petroleum Club. Above left: Susannah Montandon and Jenny Krueger, Acadiana Symphony and Conservatory of Music. Above right: Dr. Pat Cooper, Superintendent of LPSS and Melinda Voorhies, Northside HIgh Principal. Right: Quest For Your Best Panel Manuel Valencia, Pat Cooper, David Callecod, Holly Boffy, and Jan Swift.
Capping off our events for the year, Upper Lafayette’s board invited members to a social hosted at Schilling Distributing, and we chose to laugh, drink beer and wine provided by Schilling and Republic National Distributing, and enjoy the delicious food of Prejean’s Restaurant, Blue Dog Café, Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro, and the Petroleum Club. Thanks to all who contributed, and thanks to our members who support our foundation. Your community investment is inspirational. We hope you have enjoyed 2012 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.
Volume 48, Page 7
Jan Swift and Bud Barrow, CEO of Our Lady of Lourdes interview
December 2012
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... 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.” Special Thanks to Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation Members Upper Lafayette on the Move! 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, 7:30 p.m. LUS 4 or Cox 16
PLATINUM
Acadian Ambulance Service, Inc. Acadiana Computer Systems, Inc. Aries Marine Corporation ASH/Badger Oil Company Couret Farms Cox Communications 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 Whitney National Bank GOLD Acadiana Rubber & Gasket Atmos Energy Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Home Bank Honda of Lafayette Omni Energy Services Opelousas General Health System Prejean’s Restaurant Stone Energy Corporation
SILVER Ace Plumbing, Inc. Allstates Building Systems BBR Creative Edward Jones/Bob Crist Guidry’s Uniforms Master Builders & Specialists, Inc. Oakbourne Country Club Rader Solutions Shelf Energy, LLC SLEMCO The Southwest Group Stirling Properties Walters Funeral Home BRONZE Acadiana Symphony Orchestra Advancial Federal Credit Union Aspen Clinic Associated Travel Jean C. Breaux, Jr. & Associates Bridge Ministry of Acadiana, Inc. Community Foundation of Acadiana Crawdaddy’s On-Site Catering Derek Development Corp., LLC Don’s Country Mart/Don Menard Joey Durel ECGC Women’s Business Center Lynn Guidry, Architect John Paul The Great Academy Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic
Volume 48, Page 8
December 2012
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BRONZE CONT’D
LeBlanc’s Auto Wholesale/Richard Leblanc Lee Verret/State Farm Insurance Agency Lowry’s Printing and Copying Flo Meadows, Coldwell Banker Melancon I-49 Storage Center Petroleum Club Rayne State Bank/Buddy Webb Ron J. Gaubert Realtors W. W. Rucks, III Second Harvest Food Bank Ken Simeral, Coldwell Banker Sylvan Learning Center Terry J. Rogers WorldPay SPONSORS Charley G’s City of Carencro City of Scott IberiaBank Lafayette Airport Commission McDonald’s of Acadiana Opelousas General Health System Schilling Distributing Company Scott Police Department Stone Energy Tobacco Free Living Van Eaton & Romero For membership information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jan Swift at jan@upperlafayette.com or 337-769-7649
www.upperlafayette.com