UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE.. Upper Lafayette September Meeting to Focus on Banking Outlook Please join us as we hear about the banking outlook in Acadiana from local market presidents, Rusty Cloutier of MidSouth Bank, and Jerry Vascocu, IBERIABANK. We are thrilled to be holding our meeting at the LITE Center, 537 Cajundome Blvd, on September 19, 2012, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Special thanks to Stone Energy for serving as Presenting Sponsor! We are also grateful to our supporting sponsor, LEDA, for assistance with this meeting and for all LEDA does year round to assist our foundation’s work.
Upcoming Events Run Upper Lafayette Pelican Park - Carencro Sept. 15, 8:00 a.m.
You will not want to miss Jill Merkl, IBERIABANK, as she honors America by singing “God Bless the USA” and giving our invocation. Tickets are $25.00 per attendee. Please register online at www. upperlafayette.com Events or mail payment to ULEDF, P. O. Box 53107, Lafayette LA 70505. Contact jan@upperlafayette.com or call (337)278-0408 with any questions.
September Membership Meeting Outlook on Banking 2013 Sept. 19, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Quest for Your Best Cajundome Convention Center Oct. 23 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Rusty Cloutier, MidSouth Bank
Jerry Vascocu, IBERIABANK
Jill Merkl, IBERIABANK
Letter from Todd Citron, Hub City Ford The bible says that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” That passage truly applies to Lafayette. After traveling around the country a little this summer, it is true that we are very fortunate to live in Acadiana. Many parts of the country are suffering economically. That is not the case here at home. We have been blessed at Hub City Ford over the last 18 months with a record amount of sales. The Ford Motor Company is reaping the success of being able to survive the national meltdown of the domestic auto industry without accepting bailout money from the government. Louisiana residents are very patriotic. We enjoy seeing success especially when it is generated on our own two feet. Ford has parlayed this position in the market with a sound business plan that is dedicated to the pursuit of high quality, stylish, safe vehicles with cutting edge social networking technology.
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
Todd Citron, Hub City Ford
I am so proud that my family has been a member of the Ford family for almost 100 years. My grandfather, Brown Fortier, worked in New Orleans in 1918 at a Ford assembly plant before acquiring the franchise in Lafayette in 1943. I am equally proud of our affiliation with the Upper Lafayette Economic group. I would say that we are passionate about selling our product and we love our location of the store in Upper Lafayette.
We are so thankful for the business we have and although today it is substantially better than it was three years ago, we try not to pick our head up or talk too much about it because we pray that it will continue. The secret to our success is our people. Lafayette is made up of hard working, smart, fearless, Jerry Vascocu spiritual people that truly know how to enjoy life with their families. The family atmosphere is our Monty Warren greatest asset and when true success can be shared with you family, it means so much more. Thanks to our employees, customers, and business partners, the success of Hub City Ford can and should be David Welch enjoyed with Upper Lafayette. We owe you a deep debt of gratitude. Jan Swift, Director Todd Citron is a founding member of ULEDF and currently serves as Treasurer Herbert Schilling
Volume 44, Page 1
August 2012
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Upper Lafayette Welcomes New Member: Jenny Krueger and Acadiana Symphony & Conservatory of Music Jenny Krueger has served as Executive Director of the Acadiana Symphony & Conservatory of Music for two years. With degrees in music education and performance, Jenny has more than a decade of experience as a teaching artist with various schools (public and private) in several states across the US, and is responsible for the development of new music education programs in New Mexico, and Virginia, in facilities that had no current music programs in place. Alongside Jenny’s commitment to positively impact the future of the youth in her community, Jenny is honoured to be working in the extraordinary community of Acadiana. The mission of the Acadiana Symphony & Conservatory of Music is two-fold: commitment to excellent diverse performances, and to education of the community for adults and especially for children. The duality of their mission is what makes them uniquely valuable to the community. Since the Acadiana Symphony is one of two professional orchestras in the US with a Conservatory (school of music), (1) their performances are enhanced by the involvement of students and (2) their educational quality is enhanced by the performance opportunities made possible by the partnership with a symphony orchestra and the artistic collaborations. Their goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of those they touch: audience members; students in the conservatory and at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana, as well as the students Jenny Krueger in their satellite programs in public and private schools. They are recognized as a leader in arts education in Acadiana by educators from the public and private sector who seek their involvement to better their programs. This year the ASO and its Conservatory of Music in collaboration with LPSS and the Picard Center will pilot a program called ABC’s & Do-Re-ME! at Truman Montessori School. This program targets early childhood literacy through music and is a first of its kind. The ASO and its Conservatory provide direct economic benefits to Acadiana by creating jobs, attracting investments, generating tax revenues and stimulating our local economy through tourism and consumer purchases. Of the $1 million dollars spent by the symphony/conservatory each year, all but 3% stays in Acadiana. The ASO will open its 28th season in September. This season will take the audience on special musical journeys to charming places and memorable times. Their concerts explore a wide gamut of the orchestral literature from the world of religious music to the magic of circus. The ASO will be joined on stage by local artists such as Sonny Landreth, world class instrumentalists and our ASO chorus and children chorus.
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August 2012
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UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... City of Scott’s Draft 2032 Comprehensive Plan At the July 17, 2012 Special Council Meeting, The City of Scott approved an ordinance that formed a five member Planning Commission. This is the first step in adopting its Comprehensive Plan known as “Scott 2032: Your Community. Your Plan.” A draft of the 2032 Comprehensive Plan was studied and prepared with the professional services of Fenstermaker & Associates, and Architects Southwest. It may be viewed online at http://www.cityofscott.org/ uploads/ComprehensivePlanDraft.pdf. The plan has been based on the participation of citizens during a week-long charrette in October of last year, and documents the community’s vision and sets forth goals and policies for guiding the future of Scott. Comments are welcome and encouraged. The citizens envision Scott as a gateway to Acadiana. The community values are reflected in strengthened neighborhoods connected by treelined streets providing space for bicyclists and pedestrians. A greenway follows along the Ile des Cannes Coulee connecting to the downtown along the railroad. Residents gather at a cultural center celebrating the history and culture of Scott. Opportunities for connecting with neighbors are numerous and the quality of life makes Scott the community of choice in the Acadiana region. In order to ensure that Scott 2032 Plan reflects and supports citizens’ core values, the City will use the following Principles to maintain the community envision, as outlined in the draft plan:
Protect and Enhance Quality of Life
We will honor Scott’s commitment to preserve family and cultural traditions, protect historical assets, strengthen cultural opportunities and enhance our natural resources in the everyday lives of our residents. We will preserve our past and ensure that change in the present will improve the quality of life in the future. We will protect our historic homes, businesses, community gathering areas, churches and cemeteries.
Create a Vibrant Inner Core
We will enhance our civic, cultural and historical assets to foster a vibrant and sustainable downtown.
Improve Connectivity and Walkability
We will continually enhance our neighborhoods and schools by providing transportation choices for our residents, including walking, biking, driving and transit.
Become the Gateway to the Acadiana Region
We will embrace our location off of I-10 to become the gateway to the Acadiana region.
Preserve Small Town Character
We will honor our rich heritage and lifestyles enjoyed by our residents. We will create community recreation and cultural facilities that will provide central spaces for residents of all ages to come together, while preserving the small town character that the residents cherish. Anyone having questions may call Mayor Purvis J. Morrison at 337-2331130. Upper Lafayette congratulates Purvis and all involved in working to ensure smart growth and prosperity in the City of Scott!
Architect Steve Oubre and Mayor Purvis Morrison
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August 2012
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Upper Lafayette Hosts Fourth Annual Crawfish Boil
UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Conversation with Arlene LeBlanc, Advancial Federal Credit Union
Originally from New Iberia, I began working in Lafayette in the early 1980’s, where I met Jan Swift for the first time in the legal profession. Since then, I have lived in various other places. During those times away, my heart was always in Lafayette. Now both my body and heart are in Lafayette and I couldn’t be happier!
Arlene LeBlanc
Professionally speaking….. Advancial was established in 1937, so on July 30, 2012, we celebrated our 75th anniversary. We are now one of the top 200 credit unions in the nation, regulated and insured by the National Federal Credit Administration, and community chartered through NCUA to provide our products and services to all eight parishes of Acadiana. Our corporate office is in Dallas, and we have branches in Houston, Oklahoma City , Anchorage and Lafayette. All of our locations are in energy producing areas, having started as ARCO’s credit union catering to the oil and gas industry. Because of that, we immediately had members all over the world and our state-of-the-art online services were developed early on and have kept up with technology to accommodate our members ‘ needs.
My dream job with Advancial is part public relations, part business development and part sales, although I do not sell anything. I actually give Advancial away as an employee benefit at absolutely no cost to companies. As a not-for profit financial entity, we partner with companies all over the country providing a full array of services with only a few brick and mortar branches taking full advantage of technology today. Because of this, we can offer our members low interest rates on loans, higher yield on interest accounts and low or no service fees. We now have only ONE branch in Louisiana (in Lafayette at 306 E. Kaliste Saloom), are building our second branch (soon to open at 6154 Johnston Street) and have Upper Lafayette targeted for a third branch in the foreseeable future. Why Upper Lafayette? Several of our local partners are located there, namely Stella Maris, M & J Valve Source, SLEMCO, Crossroads Church, Acadian Ambulance and Opelousas General Health System. Commercial realtors and LEDA predict Upper Lafayette as the next area of extreme growth and the signs are already there not to mention the ease of access to all parts of the area via the I-10/I-49 corridor. I joined the Upper Lafayette Economic Development foundation to be in the company of our partners, to recruit new company partners, to gain new Advancial members and to learn more about the area. Little did I know that I would grow so much both personally and professionally. The first meeting I attended was the 2011 Quest for the Best and I was totally impressed with the level of sincere sharing of the presenters. I left truly inspired and remember going back to the office to mark my calendar for upcoming meetings and with every intention of inviting others. Each meeting I attend makes me realize that I am always in the company of people I know and work with and who I want to know and to work with. The presentations are always informative and enjoyable as an added bonus. I am proud to be part of the Advancial team and a member of the Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation. Both organizations put member satisfaction and service first. It has always been my belief that the people we surround ourselves have a great influence on our lives and I intend to continue my relationship with both for many years to come. Personally and professionally, I cannot think of a place I would rather be than Acadiana! Arlene LeBlanc may be contacted at (337)266-9760 Ext. 4341 or aleblanc@advancial.org. Please visit Advancial’s website at www. advancial.org
Volume 44, Page 4 August 2012 www.upperlafayette.com
UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Run Upper Lafayette at Pelican Park September 15, 2012
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Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation and Bridge Ministry of Acadiana are co-sponsoring our second annual Run Upper Lafayette, a 5K Walk-Run/One Mile Fun Run at Pelican Park in Carencro, 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 15, 2012. This unique joint venture is a great opportunity to promote the wonderful attractions in Upper Lafayette. We are also thrilled to assist Bridge Ministry raise money for the neighborhood Christian outreach work that it loving extends to deserving, underresourced families. All net proceeds of the run will go directly to Bridge Ministry. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor, Jim Lambert Law Firm, Major Sponsor, Remembering Trish, and Supporter, IberiaBank, for generously underwriting the event. We are also grateful to Delta Media’s 107.1 on air talent, “T.J.” — Tyler Robicheaux, for providing fun tunes for our crowd.
Participants may register by going online at http://www.bridgeacadiana.com/run-upperlafayette.aspx or email jan@upperlafayette.com for more information. The registration fee is $25.00 for early registration; $30.00 for day of race entries. All early registrants will receive a dri-fit Run Upper Lafayette t-shirt commemorating this fun event. Please join us and come enjoy a wonderful, family friendly event!
Volume 44, Page 5
August 2012
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Upper Lafayette Hosts Fourth Annual Crawfish Boil
UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE... Women’s Business Center Moves to Gloria Switch Road The Women’s Business Center recently relocated to 208 W. Gloria Switch Road in Upper Lafayette Parish. The WBC is a non-profit organization serving the 8-parish area of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermilion. Funded by a grant provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the WBC partners with aspiring and existing business owners and offers a wide array of services that aid them in achieving success. It assists both men and women in starting and growing businesses. Their team offers free counseling and business development services, such as web site development, QuickBooks training, legal assistance and much more. Amy Oakes, Director
Previously located in the Oil Center at the Travis Street Center, WBC now shares a 14,000 square foot, newly constructed building with Acadiana Regional Development District (ARDD), an economic planning entity. Stan McGee, Director of ARDD, comments, “This is a tremendous opportunity to aid in housing the Women’s Business Center. It allows both organizations to work cohesively and effectively to incite economic development throughout Acadiana.” The Program Director of the Women’s Business Center, Amy Oakes, confirms and elaborates, “Being situated in the same location is driving the promotion of several federal and state funded programs, some geared towards the assistance of those impacted by the BP Oil Spill. Participants now have access to more resources in a central location.” If you have any questions or are interested in the Women’s Business Center’s free services, please call Amy Oakes or Wade Vallery at 337-886-7782, or email amyguidry@ecgcwbc.com. Upper Lafayette wishes to thank ECGC for its support by being a valued member!
A Conversation with Tyler Woerner : Milestones Did you know that in Cambodia they don’t celebrate birthdays? Many in the older generation do not even know what day they were born. No cake. No candles. No cards or balloons. Just another day in Cambodia. This is a strange concept for us who have a facebook feed full of birthday reminders and anniversaries for almost every new beginning of life. Not only do we have birthdays but they may even be “Golden” as my wife recently hinted (her’s is arriving in a month). But we love these days for more than the material things or even the special attention and celebration they invite. They are milestones. Reference points to see how far you’ve come. A stopping point to reflect on the achievements and a reminder of what’s left to be done. Milestones can be a great business tool as well. Stopping every so often to review and evaluate business plans and goals is vital to long term success. I ran with a friend once who wanted to run down a long street. When I thought Tyler Woerner there was no way he mentioned, “run to that stop sign and when you get there, run to the next one”. Eventually I made it the whole way. The point is clear. Without those milestones it seemed impossible. At each one I could be proud for a moment and then look ahead to the next one. Rinse and repeat. This summer our company celebrated five years. Cambodian style. We didn’t eat cake or ice cream and we don’t know the exact date of our anniversary. But we reviewed. We reflected. We looked ahead and asked what was next. Blow out the candles and make a wish for the future. Celebrate reaching your goals then stop and make new ones. 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
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August 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 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 Shelf Energy, LLC 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 LeBlanc’s Auto Wholesale/Richard Leblanc Lee Verret/State Farm Insurance Agency
BRONZE CONT’D
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 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 Stone Energy Tobacco Free Living
For membership information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jan Swift at jan@upperlafayette.com or 337-278-0408
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August 2012
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