UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE Letter from Jan Swift: Executive Director May is always a great month for Upper Lafayette! As with each year, the months seem to fly by, yet we still have so much to look forward to throughout 2013. We hope you are all enjoying the beautiful outdoors while the weather is mild and the mosquitoes are held at bay. On April 18, we enjoyed our fifth annual crawfish boil which was held on the grounds of Couret Farms, the new Traditional Neighborhood Development at I-10 and I-49. There are many fun photos commemorating this event on pages 2 and 3 herein, but I bring it up for a personal reason. As Executive Director, Jan Swift I can say without a doubt that Upper Lafayette’s members and supporters Executive Director are among the nicest, as well as the most progressive and fun people in our community! Not only do you make me feel special and needed, but my own family also enjoys being a part of the “Upper Lafayette family.” Thank you for that gift. The evening of April 18 was one of many Upper Lafayette events where we have had the opportunity to relax with our family and friends, and I will always cherish these memories. This photo captures the Swifts celebrating Spring 2013 in Upper Lafayette!
Upcoming Events May 15, 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. SLCC Auditorium Focus on Education Dr. Natalie Harder July 17, 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. Oakborne Country Club “What’s Up with Downtown?” Nathan Norris
We look forward to many more fun events! Please spread the news about Upper Lafayette’s activities with your friends and family. You are our best ambassadors and we are grateful that you are a part of our foundation’s family.
Upper Lafayette May Member Meeting to Focus on Education ULEDF Board of Directors & Staff
Please join us at our May 15 luncheon meeting at SLCC’s auditorium at 320 Devalcourt St. in Lafayette, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., where will focus on Education. Dr. Natalie Harder, Chancellor of South Louisiana Community College, is our guest speaker and she will discuss her passion for education and the many ways that SLCC enriches our community and its workforce. Dr. Harder was selected as chancellor after a national search and assumed the post in February 2012. She succeeded Dr. Phyllis Dupuis, a longtime administrator of Acadiana Technical College and interim SLCC chancellor.
David Welch, President Cherie Hebert, V. President Todd Citron, Sec./Treasurer Amos Batiste Adrian Baudoin Julie Dronet
During Dr. Harder’s first year, she oversaw the merger of SLCC and Acadiana Technical College, making this new comprehensive community college one of the fastest growing in Louisiana. Tickets are $15 each and may be purchased online at www.upperlafayette.com/Events or by mailing payment to ULEDF, P. O. Box 53107, Lafayette LA 70505.
Don Dupuis
Dr. Natalie Harder
Ed Krampe Donna Landry Kirk LaCour
Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsors, Advancial Federal Credit Union and AT&T, as well as our in-kind sponsors, McDonald’s of Acadiana, Social and SLCC. We are grateful for their support.
Beau Phares Dwight “Bo” Ramsay Herbert Schilling Bryan Tabor Jerry Vascocu Monty Warren Jan Swift, Director Jennifer Thompson, Asst.
Volume 53
May 2013
Printed by Lafayette Economic Development Authority
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Couret Farms Provides Perfect Setting for Annual Crawfish Boil! Couret Farms was the beautiful setting for Upper Lafayette’s fifth annual crawfish boil held on April 18, 2013. The lovely grounds of the future Traditional Neighborhood Development in the works at I-10 and I-49 provided the perfect backdrop for the overflowing crowd. Guests lined up in anticipation of the delicious crawfish once again catered by Seth Citron and Crawdaddy’s On-Site Catering. Sean Trcalek’s musical talents were enjoyed by all as the crowd enjoyed beverages provided by Schilling Distributing Company. All in all, the event was a great success and a lot of fun! A highlight of the social was the opportunity to hear Robert Daigle speak of the history of the Couret homestead located on the property and accessed via a quarter mile stretch of gravel road accessible from the frontage road on I-49 (close to the former Acadian Hills golf course). The home presents a well preserved example of early Creole architecture. The original home was built in 1790, as a one-story structure eventually placed on logs and rolled to its current location. From there, the original structure was lifted and a new addition built below, eventually becoming the second story of the current dwelling. The gentility and charm of the old plantation will be kept alive and well with the creation of a new community. Designed and built true to the Acadian culture and fashion, the balance of life and work will be met with a harmony of residential and commercial uses in COURET FARMS. A new lifestyle begins late Fall 2013. For more information on Couret Farms see http://www.couretfarms.com.
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Couret Farms Provides Perfect Setting for Annual Crawfish Boil!
Upper Lafayette gratefully acknowledges that this event could not have taken place without the generosity of our Presenting Sponsor, IberiaBank, and our Supporting Sponsor, Beau Box Commercial Real Estate. We also thank Schilling Distributing, Couret Farms, Sean Trcalek and Crawdaddy’s On-Site Catering for their in-kind contributions.
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May 2013
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Spotlight on New Member: Dupré Logistics, LLC For Reggie Dupré, finding a reliable transporter to deliver fuel to his small service station proved difficult. Frustrated with being overlooked by higher-volume haulers and fully prepared to tackle the problem himself, he founded Dupré Transport, LLC, in 1980 as a specialized hauler of bulk liquid commodities. Initially, he had only two trucks — one being a spare used for parts — but he aimed to fill the marketplace void for reliable fuel distribution. Dupré began transporting his own product and soon was asked to provide services for other independent retailers. In 1986, Dupré acquired Fogleman Truck Line, a dry goods transporter. Two acquisitions later and Dupré was en route to becoming the diverse logistics service provider it is today. The three major business groups recognizable today at Dupré Logistics are Site & Private Fleet Services, Strategic Capacity Services and Energy Distribution Services. The company operates more than 500 trucks, employs over 1,000 professional drivers in its dedicated fleets, and has established a network of 2,000 preferred carriers. Dupré operates from hubs near major metropolitan areas and serves all of the contiguous 48 states and parts of Canada and Mexico. Dupré Logistics takes pride in its single minded commitment to safety. Visitors walking into its headquarters at 201 Energy Parkway in Lafayette enjoy a visual treat. Walls full of awards recognizing Dupré’s excellent record of safety in the industry adorn the offices. Tom Voelkel, President and COO, of Dupre Logistics stated, “Our drivers log 40 million miles a year and 80 percent of our revenue involves hazardous materials. Safety has to be at the heart of our business.”
Reggie Dupré CEO, Dupré Logistics, LLC
Another important area of focus is Dupré’s impact made through involvement with non-profit organizations. The company supports Bridge Ministry of Acadiana and Hope for Opelousas. Both organizations are neighborhood-based outreach ministries that give children and their families opportunities for advancement. Recognizing that the majority of Dupré employees are single parents or dual working parents, the company supports children and families in the Acadiana area through its corporate giving. When comparing the structure and the philosophies of Dupré Logistics, one can see shared similarities in these two worthwhile organizations. “The commitment to those in need is an extension of the company’s financial success, we have been fortunate and want to share with those in need,” said Dupré. Upper Lafayette is so proud to welcome Dupré Logistics as our newest member, and Reggie Dupré as a guest speaker at Quest for Your Best this coming October! For more information on this dynamic company, visit www.duprelogistics.com or check out blog.duprelogistics.com.
Two of many safety awards of Dupré Logistics
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May 2013
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Lafayette’s Petroleum Club Celebrates 60 years of Operation! Established in April 1953, the Petroleum Club recently celebrated its 60th anniversary with a gala of 500 guests commemorating the occasion. The festivities included the GTO’s and Jill Merkl as entertainment, and a photo booth which you can see was the place to have a little fun! As with most of the Oil Center, Maurice Heymann was a catalyst behind the club which originally started as a simple eatery in a much smaller space than today’s club enjoys. The club has evolved as has much else in the Oil Center: from its early days as an exclusive club for male oil and gas industry execs, it is now a popular membership club open to the entire community.
John O’Meara, CCM General Manager
One of Upper Lafayette’s board members, Dwight ‘Bo’ Ramsay, has been a club member for 48 years, and served as a past president. During Ramsay’s tenure, the club expanded its space and allowed women to join. “The club has become a full service club for the entire community, not just oil and gas,” Ramsay said. “We’ve tried to maintain its character and warmth, and I think the citizens of Lafayette appreciate that.
John O’Meara, the club’s general manager, has been instrumental in updating the club and seeing that business continues to flourish with a healthy membership base and refurbishing of the traditional décor. Upper Lafayette has enjoyed many successful events at the Petroleum Club and wishes the club another 60 years of success! For more on the Petroleum Club, visit their site at www. pclafayette.com.
Bo and Jerry Ramsay
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May 2013
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Edward Jones Branch in Upper Lafayette Named Tops in Client Service Excellence Bob Crist strives for excellence in providing financial services for individual investors at his Upper Lafayette branch of Edward Jones located at 2900 Moss St. This determination to consistently exceed the expectations of his clients recently garnered Bob, and his assistant Cindy Mire, recognition as one of the TOP 25 in Client Service Excellence among the more than 12,000 Edward Jones’ offices in the U.S. Every aspect of Edward Jones’ business model, from the types of investment options offered to the locations of its branches, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work. Bob Crist is one of the firm’s 12,000 plus financial advisors who work directly with their clients to understand their personal goals—from college savings to retirement---and create long-term investment solutions that emphasize a well balanced portfolio. Bob explains this philosophy by saying, “It is all about building a relationship and getting to know my client and his or her needs. Only by getting to understand their goals and aspirations for a secure future am I able to guide them toward investment decisions that make sense for their particular situation.”
Bob Crist Edward Jones Financial Advisor
In January 2013, for the 14th year, Edward Jones was named as one of the best companies to work for by Fortune Magazine. Edward Jones Financial Advisors also consistently rate their firm highest in overall employee satisfaction according to J. D. Power and Associates, with satisfaction ratings 212 points ahead of the industry average. For more information, please contact Bob Crist at (337)235-5997 or see www.edwardjones.com. Upper Lafayette salutes Bob Crist and Cindy Mire for outstanding achievement and recognition for exemplary service. Congratulations to you both! Cindy Mire and Bob Crist
Upper Lafayette on the Move 4th Anniversary
Raymond Hebert, CEO
Community Foundation of Acadiana
Ken Roebuck, Principal Carencro High School
Bud Barrow, CEO
Upper Lafayette On the Move, our foundation’s interview show which airs on Acadiana Open Channel 2, is celebrating its 4th anniversary this month! Beginning in May of 2009, the show was developed to serve as a vehicle to provide a showcase for our interesting Upper Lafayette foundation members, as well as a format to get to know our community’s elected and civic leaders in a casual talk show setting. With a 26 minute format, Jan Swift invites each guest to speak about themselves and their cause in a relaxed setting. Our television show would not have been launched without the generous support of several organizations that helped Swift get the show off the ground. Ed Bowie of AOC was an initial inspiration for the format, and the opening segment would not have occurred without the donation of helicopter time from Acadian Ambulance. The song, “Hey Rock,” is a piece performed by Terry Huval and the Cajun Jambalaya Band. Chris Allain and Vidox shot and produced the opening footage and Delta Media has been our show’s videographer for most episodes. Special thanks must go to Matt LeBlanc of Delta Media for his patience and willingness to accommodate the show’s production schedule! Please watch Upper Lafayette on the Move which airs the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. on AOC 2 (LUS 4 or Cox 16). Each show is also uploaded as a permanent resource on our website at www.upperlafayette. com/Videos.
Paul Guilbeau and Robert Callahan Lafayette Airport Commission
Our Lady of Lourdes
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May 2013
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FoodNet Celebrates Grand Opening FoodNet of Acadiana proudly unveiled its new distribution center at 917 S. Buchanan St. in Lafayette on Monday, April 1, 2013. This facility is the third FoodNet site in Lafayette to distribute food to needy families, but the first to offer other services as well, said Lemel Jones, FoodNet’s executive director. The site now affords FoodNet the space to meet with clients to provide much needed life skills and assistance in budgeting, cooking and nutrition, and additional support services. Jones said, “We get to have a hand on the clients, which makes my heart all fuzzy. We get back into client distribution, which is where I really wanted to take the organization. We get to hear their stories. We get to see what’s going on in the community, so it makes a world of difference.”
Marcelle Citron Founder of FoodNet
FoodNet is leasing the facility from First Baptist Church of Lafayette and is partnering with Acadiana’s Thrifty Mom, LSU’s AgCenter and Our Lady of Lourdes’ St. Bernadette Community Clinic for support service assistance. The FoodNet distribution center is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday by appointment only. Those in need of services can call 232-HELP to get a referral. FOODNET has distributed tens of thousands of tons of food since 1987 to those in need. Upper Lafayette proudly salutes FoodNet for its invaluable assistance to those in our community in need. For more information see http://www.foodnetacadiana.org.
Karl Breaux and Mel Jones
McComb-Veazey Coterie Working to Restore Historic Neighborhood The McComb – Veazey Coterie was formed several years back as part of the Lafayette in a Century (“LINC”) Designated Neighborhood #11, for the purpose of revitalizing an area of Lafayette rich in cultural landmarks and a beautiful history. Roughly bordered by Jefferson Blvd., E. Simcoe and Pinhook in the heart of Lafayette, McComb- Veazey has been the focus of much positive attention of late. The Coterie has partnered with other community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together Acadiana in its focus to rebuild, revitalize and restore the community’s former glory.
Virgina Jones
Virginia Jones, a prominent member of the McComb-Veazey Coterie, has been a visible and compassionate volunteer in this effort. She noted that the area used to be a vibrant gathering place where well known people would come, stating, “When I was young people like Ike and Tina Turner and Fats Domino all came to our gymnasium. They were good ole guys. Muhammad Ali’s first wife went to school at Holy Rosary.” She recalled fondly, “People would come in to Lafayette to shop, and, “They used to have an ice cream place for teens across the street from the Booker T Theater and a bowling alley.” Community leaders and neighbors gathered together on April 13, 2013, to commemorate the first four African American Catholic priests to be ordained in the U.S. by unveiling a commemorative plaque in front the of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on 12th Street, where the men were appointed to serve In 1934. The Coterie hopes to do much more to lift the community. “Future projects include a Community Garden, the restoration of the Holy Rosary Institute, and planting more trees along 12th Street. For more information, please contact Virginia Jones at (337)593-1413 or see http://www.lafayettelinc.net.
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Spolight on LEDA: Anne Falgout, Director of Information Services My name is Anne Falgout, and I’m a life-long Acadiana resident. In 2001 I moved to Lafayette as a student of USL (Now UL-Lafayette), on full academic scholarship. In 2003, I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. I was named Outstanding Graduate, won the Owen Reamer Award for Excellence, and earned special honors from the College of Liberal Arts as the student with the second-highest GPA. I tell you this not to brag, but to make you laugh, because with all those accolades, with all that recognition I had NO IDEA how I was going to impact the lives of those around me. Lucky for me what I did have was access to good people.
Anne Falgout Director of Information Services LEDA
During my time in college I held an internship at the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) working with businesses seeking government procurement opportunities. I saw businesses fail daily because the owners lacked basic business knowledge. That’s when I saw first-hand how a well-positioned and empowered government/non-profit worker could serve as THE catalyst for that business’ prosperity. I learned from mentors like Gregg Gothreaux (LEDA) and allies like Mark Galyean (LA Small Business Development Center) that a business’ success was my success and I learned how to lead through service, as Gregg says “working at LEDA is more of a vocation than a job”. Seeing an Acadiana business educate themselves and understand their unique value provided me with the spark that still fuels my flame for entrepreneurism today. So when I had the opportunity to join the LEDA staff as a full time Research Associate a few months before graduation I jumped at the chance.
Ten years later I’m still here, and although I have risen through the ranks at LEDA before being promoted to Director of Information Services, my role remains the same - to assist businesses with their decision-making process. It may be a little surprising to hear that I crunch numbers all day. Statistical analysis has become one of my favorite things to do. My education in English allows me to look objectively at what is there – traffic counts, competition, customer behavior, and industry trends – and report on the findings in an easy-to-understand fashion. In addition I make maps, search for properties, and conduct market research. A business can use Information Services as a business library and our team as a support staff, finding the data they need to start, relocate, or expand. Flo Meadows, one of my clients-turned-board members took me under her wing many years ago and reiterated those lessons that I learned on the job – I was to hone my skills and give back to the community that has given so much to me. In the last two years, I gave back by coordinating the Leadership Lafayette as Curriculum Co-Chair. I will always support this effort no matter what capacity it’s in – I cannot say enough about the Institute. I made lifelong friends (like Upper Lafayette’s own Jan Swift) in the process and really began my search to find my place in the Acadiana engine. This year I also returned to the board of the705 as the Co-Chair for Programming. By design the705 doesn’t focus on having members of one industry or background, we invite all professionally-minded people into the fold. Not many other organizations bring such a diverse group of people together, and do such a great job at preparing them to accomplish their big-picture goals. So if I were to have a message, it would be to find yourself, find a mentor, get connected, give back, and never stop learning. It’s a simple formula for being the best version of you, and for what it’s worth an essential part of me being me. In the end it’s all about people – who you meet, who you educate and connect, and most importantly, who you serve. Sincerely, Anne T. Falgout Director of Information Services Lafayette Economic Development Authority www.lafayette.org (337) 593-1419 Follow us on Twitter: @LEDALafayetteLA
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May 2013
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Plan Lafayette
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, please contact Jan Swift at jan@upperlafayette.com or 337-769-7649
Special Thanks to Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation Supporters PLATINUM Members Acadian Ambulance Service, Inc. 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 Honda of Lafayette Omni Energy Services Pixus Digital Printing Prejean’s Tobacco Free Living
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BRONZE Members
SILVER Members Ace Plumbing, Inc. BBR Creative 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 The Southwest Group Stirling Properties Walters Funeral Home
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 Second Harvest Food Bank Sylvan Learning Center Dr. Brent Jason Toups, LLC Terry J. Rogers WorldPay
BRONZE Members Acadiana C.A.R.E.S. Acadiana Symphony Orchestra Advancial Federal Credit Union Aspen Clinic Associated Travel 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 Lynn Guidry, Architect John Paul The Great Academy Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic
PLATINUM IberiaBank Lafayette Airport Commission LEDA Schilling Distributing Company Stone Energy GOLD AT&T Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Hub City Ford LOGA Tobacco Free Living SILVER Acadian Companies Advancial Federal Credit Union McDonald’s of Acadiana BRONZE City of Carencro City of Scott Scott Police Department
May 2013
SPONSORS
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