UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Letter from the President: Mr. Adrian Baudoin Thanks to my friends at First National Bank, I had the opportunity to attend the State of the Parish Address a couple of weeks ago. The main messages I heard from Mayor President Joey Durel were about growth, recent accomplishments, and a very bright future for our city and parish - if we all get involved in supporting our local government. If you have any doubts that our parish has it going on, check out www.lafayettela.gov and click the “How We Rank” link.
Upcoming Events Membership Meeting March 16, 2011, 11:30-1:00 Acadiana Center for the Arts 101 W. Vermilion St. Annual Crawfish Boil April 13, 2011, 6pm-8pm 5238 Moss Street
Mr. Adrian Baudoin Acadiana Computer Systems
Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation is doing its best to promote positive growth in the upper part of our parish while supporting our parish as a whole. As with any effort this broad in its scope, resources are required to carry out our mission. ULEDF’s mission is largely supported by our membership. Growing our membership is crucial to continuing our mission.
Be sure to join us on March 16th at the ACA downtown for a great program focusing on philanthropy and honoring a founding member of Upper Lafayette, Bo Ramsay. Make plans to attend, and join Upper Lafayette as a member if you haven’t already.
March Membership Meeting Our March Membership Meeting will be held at Acadiana Center for the Arts, located at 101 West Vermilion Street in Lafayette. The meeting will focus on “Philanthropy in Acadiana.” Dr. Paula Carson, UL Lafayette Assistant V.P. for Institutional Planning and Effectiveness, will be leading the discussion. Tickets are $25 each or $200 for a reserved table for 8. To RSVP, please email Lindsey Lustig at lindsey@upperlafayette.com.
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
Dr. Carson’s academic career at UL spans nearly 20 years, where she has served as Dean of the B.I. Moody III College, Associate Dean, and MBA Programs Director. Dr. Carson has consulted for hundreds of profit, not-for-profit, and public Dr. Paula Carson Mr. Dwight S. “Bo” Ramsay organizations. She currently serves on the boards of the LEDA (Chair), Lafayette Parish International Trade Group (President), LITE (Secretary-Treasurer), FiberCorps (Secretary-Treasurer), Louisiana Crossroads Advisory Committee, and as a Fellow for Center for Cultural and Eco-Tourism, the Acadiana Outreach Center, and the Lafayette Regional Airport. We will also be honoring Dwight S. “Bo” Ramsay, Aries Marine Corporation and founding member of ULEDF, for his lifelong contributions to Acadiana. Mr. Ramsay’s interest has been in improving education in the Lafayette area. He helped found Episcopal School of Acadiana in Cade for 6-12 grade over 30 years ago. Five years ago, the Lower School at St. Barnabas was started and then moved to the newly built school on Kaliste Saloom Road in August 2010. Mr. Ramsay also donated land on North University to Bridge Ministries for the expansion of the Ministries efforts in education. He has liquidated the debt of his church, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, and that of the Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic. Mr. Ramsay continues to support both of these organizations as a member and board member. We hope you will join us for what should be a great meeting at the Acadiana Center for the Arts! Thank you to our meeting sponsor, Louisiana Oil and Gas Association!
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March 2011
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Upper Lafayette, On The Move! Interview with Gerald Breaux Gerald Breaux, Executive Director of the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, was recently interviewed by Jan Swift on “Upper Lafayette, On the Move!,” airing in March on Acadiana Open Channel. This episode may also be viewed by going to our website at www.upperlafayette.com at “View Videos.” Breaux discussed the current state of the tourism industry in Acadiana, as well as throughout Louisiana. Occupancy rates are currently down from 2009 due to the nationwide economic issues and the drilling moratorium, but optimism is high that 2011 will bring renewed tourism activity. Breaux also emphasized the safety of Louisiana seafood and the importance that this truth be spread throughout the U.S. to reassure consumers that our Gulf delicacies are safe to consume. Our locals already know this fact: Acadiana ranks 9th per capita for people eating out! Surprisingly, almost 11% of our local employment, or 3,000 people, are employed in the hospitality industry. Three main reasons people come to Louisiana: food, music and our unique culture. Breaux stated, “Our brand is our culture and our people.” And how true that is, especially our amazing Cajun zydeco musicians Gerald Breaux, LCVC such as Chubby Carrier, 2011 Grammy winner! One major attraction Breaux spoke of was the Dinosaur Executive Director Exhibit to be hosted this fall by the Lafayette Science Museum. Another major attraction, Cycle Zydeco, a four day, 200 mile excursion around Acadiana, has 388 riders representing 47 states. This bicycling event sells out in 7 minutes to riders who are overwhelmingly 60 to 70 years old! Gerald and the LCVC staff have been invaluable to the efforts of ULEDF to market our foundation and also providing grant opportunities to clean up the I-10/University Ave. Exit. Best wishes to our friends at LCVC and in particular, Gerald Breaux!
Gem of the Month: LA ICE LA ICE is a locally owned and operated skating arena located at 3607 Northwest Evangeline Thruway in Carencro and is the only year round ice rink operating in the state of Louisiana. Stephen Santillo, in partnership with Philip David, bought LA ICE in September 2009. LA ICE has several programs in which the community can participate, including figure skating, hockey and recreational skating. They also host birthday parties and field trips at their facility. LA ICE has a hockey youth program, which is part of LAHA (Lafayette Amateur Hockey Association). The hockey youth program spans from entry level to competitive or in LA ICE’s terms, “squirts” to “midgets.” The younger teams participate in local games, while the older participants are placed on travel teams that compete in the North Texas division. LA ICE also LA ICE Skating Arena offers adult hockey. There are open sessions on Thursdays for those 16+ and 2 pickup sessions on Tuesdays for those 30+. The new adult league season will start in April. If you’re interested in sharpening your hockey skills, check out “Stick n’Puck” on Mondays and Saturdays. LA ICE offers lower rates ($6) for groups of 10 and “Cheap Skate Night” is on Wednesdays for only $5 To learn more about LA ICE and what they have to offer, please visit www.laicearena.com or check them out on Facebook.
Member Spotlight: ECGC Women’s Business Center “With a strong ending to 2010, the new year is staged for much success,” says Amy Oakes, Director of the ECGC Women’s Business Center, which is located at 110 Travis Street in Lafayette. Last year, the organization assisted approximately 300 individuals in starting or growing businesses throughout the Acadiana area. Federally funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration, the staff provides FREE assistance to both men and women. The services offered include Website Development, Business Plan Development, Credit Education and Repair, Loan Application Assistance, QuickBooks training, Legal Assistance and MUCH more! ECGC also continues to offer a variety of important seminars with topics such as Business Continuation, Understanding Your Taxes and Financial Literacy. Amy Guidry Oakes, ECGC Executive Director
With local support being essential, the organization relies on donations and fundraising participation to meet the federal grant requirements. On March 26, 2011, the ECGC is hosting its 1st Annual Fishing Tournament at Basin Landing in Henderson, LA. For additional information, contact the Women’s Business Center at 337-889-0211. Volume 28, Page 2
March 2011
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Sts. Leo-Seton is Celebrating Growth in Upper Lafayette! Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic School, located at the intersection of I-10 and I-49, officially opened the doors to its newest addition of its campus. The 8,882 square foot junior high building is now the new home of proud 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Innovative technology is prominent throughout every classroom including newly installed ENO interactive white boards, mounted projectors, TV tuners, voice amplification systems, and student computer centers. During this year’s Catholic Schools Week Mass, Most Rev. Michael The newest addition to the SLS campus. Jarrell - Bishop of Lafayette and Msgr. Robie Robichaux - SLS Chancellor accompanied by Rev. Marty Borcherding and Rev. Harold Trahan concelebrated the Mass and joined in the official dedication and blessing of the new junior high building. If you are interested in a tour or for more information about SLS, call Mitzi Moss Duhon, Development Director at 314-0807. Showing their SLS pride, eighth graders Rachael Hill, Brandon Batiste and Anne Barry welcome visitors to their new junior high building.
April Crawfish Boil ULEDF’s third Annual Crawfish Boil will be held on Wednesday, April 13th from 6pm-8pm at the home of Steve Dupuis’ at 2318 Moss Street. Based upon popular demand, Crawdaddy’s On-Site Catering will cater the crawfish and Schilling Distributing Co. is generously supplying beverages for the event. You will not want to miss this! Please invite friends and family to join us at this great Spring celebration. Tickets may be purchased for $25.00 per person by contacting lindsey@ upperlafayette.com.
Our Lady Queen of Peace Church Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, located at 145 Martin Luther King Drive in Lafayette, was established in November of 1975 and has since served as a Catholic church home for those who live in the area. The Parish is fortunate to be led by Father F. Hampton Davis, a dedicated servant who is well known throughout Acadiana for his caring ministry.
Rendering of Our Lady Queen of Peace
On April 16, 2010, Our Lady Queen of Peace suffered a devastating fire, destroying the entire church. While no one was hurt, the church sustained heavy fire, smoke and water damage. Our Lady Queen of Peace Church has moved the weekend services to the (un-airconditioned) Truman Elementary School Gym, while finding other parish facilities in which to host the funerals and weddings of its parishioners. The parishioners are looking at this as “just a set back” that will only make them stronger.
Our Lady Queen of Peace is known for their talented choir, which has been led by Francis LeBlanc for the past 15 years. Most of the choir members have been participating for over 10 years. LeBlanc told Upper Lafayette that he is “very fortunate to have so many people around him that enjoy praising God.” They sing during services every Sunday. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Fire Fund of Our Lady Queen of Peace, please contact their campaign director, Andree Gonsoulin at (337) 962-2238 or andree.gonsoulin@gmail.com. Upper Lafayette wishes Our Lady Queen of Peace Church the best as you rebuild and continue to serve your congregation. Volume 28, Page 3
March 2011
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Tips from Tyler at Pixelbrush Studios
Quick tip for a better website–Update often. Making regular news posts or blog posts is great for ranking well in the search engines, but it also shows your audience that your business is alive and well. A stagnant website could translate into a stagnant business when it comes to first impressions.
Tyler Woerner, Creative Director 5th
March Community Events
11AM Carencro Mardi Gras Parade Starts at Carencro High
16th 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
ECGC Women’s Business Center: U.S. Small Business Administration Lending Seminar ECGC, 110 Travis St., Lafayette
7th-8th All day
26th Annual Louisiana Classics Oakbourne CC
16th 7:30PM
12th
8:30 AM-2:00 PM Carencro Catholic 1st Annual 1 Mile and 5K Fun Run and Health Fair Carencro Catholic School, 200 W St. Peter St, Carencro
26th 5:00 AM-2:00 PM
12th
7:00 PM-9:00 PM Pope John Paul II Academy Gala Dinner with Fox News’ Bret Baier Cajundome Convention Center
30th 12:00 PM-1:00 PM
Upper Lafayette, On The Move! TV Show Acadiana Open Channel Cox 16 & LUS 4 (AOC2) ECGC Women’s Business Center 1st Annual Fishing Tournament Basin Landing, 1377 Henderson Levee Road, Henderson
Carencro Business Association, North Regional Library 5101 N. University Ave., Carencro
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 the quality of life, while participating in the overall development of the Greater Lafayette Metropolitan Area. Contact Lindsey at lindsey@upperlafayette.com for more information.
Special Thanks to Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation Members! GOLD Atmos Energy Fenstermaker & Associates Home Bank Honda of Lafayette Opelousas General Health System VALOR Commercial Real Estate
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 McDonald’s of Acadiana MidSouth Bank Our Lady of Lourdes Republic National Distributing Company Schilling Distributing Company The Southwest Group Whitney Bank
SILVER Accel Protection & Technologies Allstates Building Systems American Safety & Industrial Supply Aspen Clinic BBR Creative Edward Jones/Bob Crist Master Builders & Specialties Mello Joy Coffee Company Steven Santillo, APLC Stone Energy Corporation Stirling Properties Terry J. Rogers, LTD Walters Funeral Home
BRONZE Acadiana C.A.R.E.S. Acadian Hills Country Club Associated Travel Group 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 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 Pope John Paul II Academy Richard Leblanc/Leblanc’s Auto Wholesale Ron J. Gaubert Realtors Ken Simeral SLEMCO Buddy Webb/Rayne State Bank Sylvan Learning Center
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March 2011
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