UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE.. Letter from Executive Director: Jan Swift
Upcoming Events July Membership Meeting Oakbourne Country Club July 18, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Run Upper Lafayette Pelican Park - Carencro Sept. 15, 8:00 a.m.
Recent economic trends in Lafayette Parish give rise to great hope for our future. Multi-million investments creating hundreds of jobs have been made in Upper Lafayette recently by Halliburton, Louisiana Platings, and Super One Foods. We also excitedly await the Couret Farms Traditional Neighborhood Development in the works on Pont Des Mouton at I-10/I-49 by Robert Daigle, architect Steven Oubre, and team. These infusions of capital effectively multiply the dollars generated by the many businesses in Upper Lafayette Parish which have operated continuously for decades by providing excellent service. Statistics show that 97% of new jobs are created by existing businesses and it is also a common sense reality that we all understand. With all the buzz, and with Lafayette being acclaimed for its growth and opportunity in one national poll after another, how is our economy really performing? Just this question was answered at the first annual State of the Economy Luncheon hosted by ABiz at the Cajundome on May 17, 2012. Our friend and champion, Gregg Gothreaux, along with his talented team at LEDA, compiled the first-ever comprehensive economic performance index (“EDI”) for Lafayette Parish. And the results were compelling. The local Lafayette Stock Index has grown in value by 20% since last September, 2011. This index consists of several publicly traded companies located in Lafayette, which are considered to be leading economic drivers providing jobs and opportunities which enrich our whole community. Among these companies include Upper Lafayette members Home Bancorp, IberiaBank, Midsouth Bancorp, and Stone Energy. Kudos to our members for their growing success! Unemployment claims are down, at 4.8% in March 2012. Retail sales and hotel/tourism receipts are up. Retail sales this year are expected to meet or exceed $5.43 billion, which was previously a record high set in 2008. Gothreaux reported that Lafayette’s market has added 14,100 jobs since March, 2011. According to Gregg, the keys to continued success are existing businesses, innovative people and a wildcatter mentality. Sounds like businesses and people in Upper Lafayette, right? Please join us as we continue to promote all that Upper Lafayette Parish has to offer. For more information, please see www. lafayette.org. Also, thanks to Flo Meadows of Coldwell Banker Pelican Real Estate, and Upper Lafayette member, for her insightful story published at www.coldwellbanker.com/blog.
Upper Lafayette Welcomes Newest Member: Guidry’s Uniforms
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
Upper Lafayette is so pleased to welcome our newest member, Guidry’s Uniforms, located at 3909-A Moss St. Guidry’s Uniforms originally opened for business in 1948, and Tom Meagher purchased the company in 1980. Tom, Joan and Eddie Meagher run the family business which enjoys an impeccable reputation with law enforcement throughout the state and beyond. Continually providing quality products and superior service, Guidry’s Uniform’s sales staff has approximately two hundred years of combined experience in the uniform and clothing industry. Tom’s staff is able to customize your order on-site with his capable team of professionals. One walk into Guidry’s Uniforms is all it takes: visually appealing, high quality apparel, outerwear, rainwear, safety vests, boots and more. Businesses, outdoorsmen and public safety professionals alike will find something to suit their needs. It is a fun place to visit and check out the latest in long lasting apparel. We encourage you to drop in and experience the excellent selection of goods and visit with the Meaghers. For more information, please visit http://www.guidrysuniforms.com or call (337)234-1363.
Dwight “Bo” Ramsay Herbert Schilling Jerry Vascocu Monty Warren David Welch Jan Swift, Director
Tom, Joan, and Eddie Meagher
Volume 42, Page 1 June 2012 www.upperlafayette.com
UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Richard Zuschlag and Acadian Companies in the Headlines! Acadian Companies Holds Annual Paramedic Luncheon Acadian Companies celebrated May 22, 2012 by holding its Annual Paramedic Luncheon commemorating the top Acadian medic of the year, who is voted on by his or her peers. This year’s deserving recipient was Garrett LeBoeuf, a ten year Acadian veteran. State Sen. Fred Mills, Jr. served as the entertaining Master of Ceremonies for the luncheon held at the Cajundome Convention Center. The event’s keynote speaker, Archbishop Emeritis Harry Flynn, addressed an overflowing crowd of 1,300 guests, and noted the sacrifice paramedics such as LeBoeuf make. Archbishop Flynn’s moving words truly empowered and inspired the crowd with his advice to do what you are made to do, and use your talents given to you by God to better the world and help others. The luncheon ended on a powerful note with words from LeBoeuf and warm closing thoughts by Richard Zuschlag. Pictured are Richard Zuschlag, Acadian CEO and chairman; Senator Fred Mills; Archbishop Emeritis Harry Flynn; Paramedic of the Year Garrett LeBoeuf; Dr. Charles Burnell, Acadian lead medical director: and David Pierce, COO & President of Acadian Ambulance Service.
Acadian Companies CEO Richard Zuschlag Honored at the 22nd Annual Louisiana Legends Gala Acadian Companies CEO Richard Zuschlag was honored at the 22nd Annual Louisiana Legends Gala and Silent Auction for his groundbreaking success since he co-founded Acadian Ambulance 41 years ago. The gala benefited the Friends of the Louisiana Public Braodcasting System. Zuschlag came to Lafayette from Pennsylvania in 1970 as a communications engineer for Westinghouse. In 1971, Lafayette funeral homes, which were traditional providers of ambulance service, left the field due to new federal regulations. Rather than leave his new home without proper emergency care, he co-founded Acadian Ambulance. The past 41 years have seen Acadian Ambulance expand to six different divisions under the Acadian name, and grow from a company with only eight medics to one with over 3,600 employees. Zuschlag has been acknowledged many times throughout his career, including: 1980 Louisiana Businessman of the Year 1988 Marketer of the Year 1995 Golden Mike Award & Boy Scouts Distinguished Citizen Award 1996 Lafayette Civic Cup Award 2005 King of Washington Mardi Gras 2005 Inc. Magazine Honorable Mention Entrepreneur of the Year As a giving member of the Lafayette, Louisiana, community Zuschlag has headed fundraising efforts for the Boy Scouts, United Way, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, St. Thomas More Catholic High School, Ascension Day School, St. Pius Church, Opus Christi Magnum, just to name a few. “Hard work is one of the core values of our company,” said Zuschlag. “It comes naturally and is a byproduct of the Louisiana heritage. We emphasize the importance of reaching out, of giving back, but the Louisiana employees already know how to do that. It’s in the heart of our employees and in the heart of every person who calls Louisiana home. I am proud to be a part of this great state, and I will always strive to ensure that, as a company, we offer the absolute best service that we possibly can.”
LPB Louisiana Legends Gala co-host and former Chairman of the Board for LPB Jim Nickel, Acadian CEO and Founder Richard Zuschlag, and LPB President and CEO Beth Courtney.
For the whole story, please read see Acadian Companies website at acadian. com/ac_news. Thanks to Acadian Ambulance and team for being such generous supporters of Upper Lafayette.
Volume 42, Page 2
June 2012
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Upper Lafayette Hosts Fourth Annual Crawfish Boil
UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... A Conversation with Tyler Woerner , Pixelbrush Studios: Summer Hours I am not typically one to follow business traditions, and have instituted very few policies at our office. But one business tradition I absolutely get on board with is “Summer Hours.” For those of you who are the first to arrive and the last to leave, let me explain this seasonal phenomenon. It’s when businesses become more relaxed on their hours due to sunshine and two for one margaritas. Instead of traditional office hours, they might be open an hour later or close an hour earlier. It’s really a beautiful thing. I’m not underestimating hard work and dedication. I’m recognizing that you can only work hard when you play hard too. Ever wonder why most successful people have the weirdest hobbies? Or why people that perform really well at their job seem equally passionate about something totally different. It’s because we aren’t machines. Our best effort and enthusiasm don’t come from chugging a 5 hour energy drink at two o’clock. It comes from a cocktail of inspiration, aspiration and a dash of joie de vivre. Something summer so perfectly provides. Tyler Woerner
“Summer hours” embraces the idea that there is more to our lives than just our work. While other seasons might be spent in denial about competing passions, summer can’t be ignored. Even in the deepest darkest cubicle. Embrace the sun. Play hard so you can work hard. Tyler Woerner is the Creative Director and Founder of Pixelbrush Studios. Tyler and his talented team designed Upper Lafayette’s current website. Upper Lafayette is proud to host Tyler as a contributing editor. For more information please visit pixelbrushstudios.com
HealthCare Classic Golf Tournament held at Farm d’Allie April 27, 2012 The Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic, (LCHCC), hosted its annual golf tournament, the HealthCare Classic, on Friday, April 27, 2012 at Farm d’Allie Golf Club in Carencro, LA. All proceeds from the four-person scramble benefit the operations of the Clinic. LCHCC is a non-profit community funded organization that provides free medical, dental and pharmacy services to the working uninsured of Lafayette Parish. The clinic’s Community Pharmacy also provides free prescriptions to the low income uninsured and underinsured in Acadiana. The event kicked off with lunch sponsored by Dr. Terry Cromwell, followed by a shotgun start at 1:15 pm. On-course snacks were provided by Chick-fil-a and Walk-Ons Restaurant and the post-tournament meal was sponsored by The Petroleum Club. “We are grateful for the support of our sponsors, volunteers and participants who helped to make this tournament a success,” said Jeanette Alcon, Executive Director of the Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic. “Proceeds from events such as this provide important funding and enables us to continually providing healthcare services to uninsured workers.” The 2012 Healthcare Classic Champions are Acadian Ambulance, team members: Kirt Domingue, Dean Landry, Brent Hollier and Cody Bruce. Second place team was Gachassin Law Firm, team members: Chris Kohlenberg, Ted Hoyt and Mark Belanger. Third Place Team was Coushatta Casino Resort, team members: Bill Land, Jeff Richard, Bryan Begnaud and Glen Jumonville.
Farm d’Allie Golf Club
Volume 42, Page 3
June 2012
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Lafayette General Medical Center Enters Next Phase of Expanstion and Rentovation
With rave patient reviews still pouring in on the enlarged and renovated rooms at Lafayette General Medical Center, and a recently acclaimed architecture award under belt, it appears that the hospital has more changes on the horizon. Later this summer, LGMC will meet the growing demands of its Emergency Department by expanding the existing ED and also adding a new surgical platform. Passersby can expect the front of the hospital to change again by next summer. A multi-level platform will jut over what is now the front of the building. Extending the surgical platform rather than renovating the current space will free up 27,000 square feet of space currently used for surgery. Plans for the space have not been confirmed. Included in the surgical platform will be a trauma elevator with direct access from the roof, where emergency medical flights land, to the Emergency Department and Surgery. According to LGMC’s Director of Critical Care, the hospital’s Emergency Department sees nearly 60,000 patients a year. Renovations to the existing ED will increase capacity from 31 to 45 beds and will add two new trauma rooms. The second phase of the construction project taking place mid-to late 2013 will see the construction of a new sixstory parking tower that will provide 350 parking spaces with direct access to the hospital. Plans are to begin construction in the hospital by mid-to late summer with completion of everything projected to be complete within 24 months. “We’re very excited about this project,” says Patrick W. Gandy, Jr., Chief Operating Officer. “We are investing $51.5 million in the Oil Center and the community, on the skirt tails of a $70 million renovation last year to the main building. Our growth means more jobs.” With the upcoming expansion of both the ED and OR, Lafayette General expects the 24-month long project to bring more local construction jobs. Although no formal plans have been made, both the emergency department and surgery staffs at LGMC are likely to expand to meet the increased volume that is expected from the expansion. Lafayette General is one of the region’s top health care organizations, with a growing network across Acadiana. With President & CEO David L. Callecod, FACHE, at the helm, the hospital has gained national recognition for excellence in patient care. Last year, Callecod was named among the country’s most committed and influential leaders in the health care industry and inducted into Studer Group’s Fire Starter Hall of Fame. Studer Group, a national firm helping to improve American health care quality, recognizes a select few hospital leaders each year for their commitment to excellence and their impact on the lives of employees, physicians, patients and families. Now in his fourth year leading Lafayette General, Callecod has created what Studer refers to as a culture of S.E.R.V.I.C.E. : Supportiveness, Etiquette, Respect, Vibrancy, Integrity, Communication and Excellence – in the delivery of care. As a result, inpatient satisfaction results reveal a rise in LGMC’s satisfaction scores, averaging 96th percentile for the current fiscal year. Callecod’s first experience as a hospital CEO was at the age of 30 when he served as CEO of two of Tenet’s highest performing hospitals in patient satisfaction. He spent almost five years running one of the highest performing not-for-profit organizations, Marion General in Marion, Indiana, according to Studer Group Founder and CEO Quint Studer. “Lafayette General has made incredible progress since David has been at the helm,” adds Studer. CEO David L. Callecod
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June 2012
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Upper Lafayette’s May 2012 Meeting Embraces Local Talented Entrepreneurs Welcomed by Ed Krampe and his talented team at McDonald’s of Acadiana’s headquarters, an overflowing crowd enjoyed a delicious feast prepared by Charley G’s Restaurant. What a great way to kick off our May 16, 2012 meeting, having Charlie Goodson and Marc Krampe overseeing the needs of the attendees anxiously awaiting the program’s topic: Entrepreneurship. Dr. Joby John, Dean of the Moody College of Business Administration at UL, served as our talented moderator. Joby has generously offered his time to Upper Lafayette over the past few years, and we are grateful for his continuing guidance on matters relating to our foundation and programming content related to business success. The panelists included Michele Ezell, founder of Tsunami Restaurant; Brian Bille, Kinetic Marketing (social media); and Zachary Barker, Acadiana Sports Leagues (adult organized sports leagues). Each speaker’s unique and personal story gave insight into the characteristics it takes to be willing to “roll the dice” and start your own business. The consensus by all three speakers, and affirmed by Dr. John, was that hard work, hard work, hard work is the ticket to continued viability. Seemingly overnight success as viewed by outsiders is actually the culmination of focus, drive and the willingness to do what it takes to keep the doors open. And, along the way, there may be a few blips on the radar! All a part of the process of learning how to juggle income and outgo, employee issues, and juggling home responsibilities with work demands. Overall, another fun and educational meeting! Thanks to our speakers, our sponsors McDonald’s of Acadiana and Charley G’s, and our members who support Upper Lafayette.
Joey Durel, Jenny Krueger and Charles Cornay
Jan Swift, Zachary Barker, Brian Bille, Michele Ezell and Dr.Joby John
Jan Swift, Dr.Joby John, Zachary Barker, and Brian Bille
Adrian Baudoin
David Welch and Don Dupuis
Jan Swift
Danny Nugier, Michele Ezell, Scott Domingue and E. J. Krampe
Volume 42, Page 5
June 2012
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... July Membership Meeting: “Focus on Urban Core Revitalization”
Ben Berthelot
Gary McGoffin
Melinda Taylor
This is your chance to hear three distinguished community leaders who work to improve living conditions in the inner heart of our parish. Speaking on the work of LCG’s Office of Community Development, the legal red tape of adjudicated properties in our parish, and Habitat for Humanity, we are most proud to welcome our friends Ben Berthelot, Gary McGoffin, and Melinda Taylor.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Oakbourne Country Club $25 for members and $35 for non members, Reserved tables for eight/$200 rsvp to jan@upperlafayette.com To pay online go to Events at www.upperlafayette.com or mail payment to ULEDF, P.O. Box 53107Lafayette, LA 70505
Special Thanks to Presenting Sponsor:
Volume 42, Page 5
June 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 SILVER
PLATINUM
Acadian Ambulance Service, Inc. Acadiana Computer Systems, Inc. Aries Marine Corporation ASH/Badger Oil Company Cox 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
BRONZE CONT’D
Ace Plumbing, Inc. Allstates Building Systems BBR Creative Edward Jones/Bob Crist Guidry’s Uniforms Master Builders & Specialists, Inc. Oakbourne Country Club Shelf Energy, LLC The Southwest Group Stirling Properties Walters Funeral Home BRONZE Acadiana Symphony Orchestra Advancial Aspen Clinic Associated Travel Jean C. Breaux, Jr. & Associates Crawdaddy’s On-Site Catering Derek Development Corp., LLC Don’s Country Mart/Don Menard Joey Durel ECGC Women’s Business Center John Paul The Great Academy Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic 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 Ken Simeral, Coldwell Banker SLEMCO Sylvan Learning Center Terry J. Rogers SPONSORS Charley G’s City of Carencro City of Scott IberiaBank Lafayette Airport Commission Schilling Distributing Company Scott Police Department Tobacco Free Living
For membership information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jan Swift at jan@upperlafayette.com or 337-278-0408
Volume 42, Page 6
June 2012
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