Upper Lafayette On The Move Letter from Executive Director, Jan Swift
Upcoming Events Sept. 18, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., “Why Invest in Upper Lafayette?” Sept. 21, Run Upper Lafayette, Pelican Park, Carencro Oct. 23, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Quest for Your Best Nov. 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. State of Technology & Communications For the Future
What does it take to be a “success?” In a fascinating and entertaining new book, “Give and Take,” by Wharton professor and award-winning researcher Adam Grant, the personal characteristics that affect how successful we may become in life are examined. Grant identifies the default behavior of takers (those who strive to get as much as possible from others without giving in return), matchers (those who strive to trade evenly) and most importantly, givers (those unique individuals who give their time and resources to others without expecting anything in return). By examining well-known leaders in diverse industries such as technology, sports, entertainment and Jan Swift energy production, the book points out that how we collaborate with others greatly impacts our lasting success. In case you are curious, and contrary to conventional wisdom, successful givers do win in the long run by getting to the top without cutting others down. Their benevolent actions benefit the people around them, as well as themselves, and expand the pie for all to enjoy. Why bring up this book? The personality traits of givers are exemplified by each of Upper Lafayette’s founding board members! While reading “Give and Take,” I was consistently reminded of the generous spirit of the team that served on the initial Upper Lafayette Economic Development board, pictured right in a 2008 photo from the Daily Advertiser: Herbert Schilling, Ed Krampe, Todd Citron, Bo Ramsay, Don Dupuis, Buddy Webb, John Milton and Mona Burris. Driven by a desire to see Upper Lafayette parish develop in a sustainable manner, and receive the attention it deserved, this dedicated group of giving individuals gave in a way that is priceless: they believed that greatness was possible, without expecting anything in return. How indebted I am to each for bringing me in to work on creating a new vision for the future. And how grateful I 2008 Upper Lafayette am to be working with our current board of directors who continue this Board of Directors community of giving in order to create a better environment for all.
Upper Lafayette Members Recognized as ABIZ Top 50
ULEDF Board of Directors & Staff David Welch, President Cherie Hebert, Vice President Todd Citron, Secretary/Treasurer Adrian Baudoin Julie Dronet Don Dupuis Ed Krampe Donna Landry Kirk LaCour Beau Phares Dwight “Bo” Ramsay Herbert Schilling Bryan Tabor Jerry Vascocu Jan Swift, Director
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For several years running, prominent Upper Lafayette businesses and valued members of our foundation have been recognized for leading the pack in gross revenues. The publishers of the Independent Weekly and ABiz are holding their annual luncheon on August 28, 2013 to salute the top 50 privately owned businesses, as well as the top publicly traded companies that operate in our region. Once again, ULEDF member Whitney Bank is serving as sponsor of this highly popular event honoring this elite group of businesses. Successful and outstanding in performance as leaders in Acadiana’s economy, we are proud to congratulate the following businesses who support Upper Lafayette and make our mission to be a catalyst for positive growth and development possible. We salute the following privately and publicly traded companies:
August 2013 www.upperlafayette.com Printed by Lafayette Economic Development Authority
July 2013 Meeting Recap On Wednesday, July 17, Upper Lafayette hosted our July Membership Luncheon Meeting at Oakbourne Country Club. The meeting focused on new developments in the downtown area in a discussion titled, “What’s Up with Downtown,” featuring Nathan Norris, CEO, Downtown Development Authority, Michele Ezell, owner of Tsunami and the Buchanan Lofts, and E.J. Krampe, Place de Lafayette.
Nathan Norris, CEO, Downtown Development Authority
Michele Ezell, Tsunami
As CEO of the Downtown Development Authority, Norris discussed the need for an increase in downtown residential development. For the first time in four generations, downtowns are becoming desirable places for individuals and families to live, and downtown Lafayette is no exception. Norris informed the audience of five other priority initiatives, including: 1. Pushing forth catalyst projects, such as the former Federal Court House, which has been vacant for more than eight years. 2. Transforming the Downtown Development Authority’s office into a sales office for the downtown area. 3. Educational outreach programs to reward those who are doing things to better downtown. 4. Initiating “creativity everywhere” programs in an effort to make even the most ordinary pieces of the downtown landscape beautiful and artistic. 5. Matching the DDA’s staff to the mission, which began when Geoff Dyer, an urban designer from Calgary, Canada joined the staff.
Michele Ezell weighed in on the discussion by listing a few of the many reasons she decided to open a restaurant in downtown Lafayette, including the vacation-like atmosphere of the downtown area, the “realness” of the buildings and people, and the constant schedule of events held downtown, which would generate foot traffic into her restaurant.
E.J. Krampe explained all of the different categories or hubs that make up the downtown area, including business, legal, banking, entertainment, government, religion and elementary education.
E.J. Krampe, Place de Lafayette
For more information about what’s up with Downtown, as well information about upcoming events in the downtown area, please visit the Downtown Development Authority and Downtown Lafayette Unlimited online at www.downtownlafayette.org. Special thanks to our sponsors, the Lafayette Airport Commission’s Fly Lafayette Club and Place de Lafayette.
Nathan Norris, E.J. Krampe and Michele Ezell with Jan Swift
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July 2013 Meeting Recap Did you know about all of these great amenities of Downtown Lafayette? • 15 art galleries • More than four acres of public space • More than 75 public events per year, including Festival International, Downtown Alive, Art Walk, and many more • 6 museums • 93 government agencies, employing more than 2,200 people • 7 worship centers to accommodate members of the Catholic, Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and Jewish faiths • 3 elementary schools • Centrally located about 1.5 miles away from the airport, 1.8 miles away from I-10 and adjacent to the new I-49 corridor and the railroad tracks
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Spotlight on New Member: Cajun Harley-Davidson® One look at the magnificent Cajun Harley-Davidson® facility is all it takes to appreciate the success enjoyed by Adam Hebert and his sons, A. J., Geoffrey, and his youngest college-aged son, Hunter. The beautiful 40,000 square foot showroom is rich with architectural design and filled with every imaginable size and type of new and pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles and accessories. Opened in 2004 at 724 I-10 S. Frontage Road in Scott, and the first retailer at the now booming location, travelers cruising up and down I-10 stop in to check out their Harley bike needs. But the beautiful inspiration of this business success is the story of its founder’s beginnings.
Cajun Harley-Davidson® carries a fine selection of new and used bikes and merchandise
Adam Hebert grew up in Lake Charles but moved to the Rayne/Crowley area after his father passed away when he was eight years old. A graduate of USL, Hebert began his career in sales. An early fan of motorcycles, he offered to buy the local Harley/ Yamaha dealership whenever the existing owner wanted to sell. In 1979, that offer came to fruition and Hebert opened his first facility on Eraste Landry Road, with customer demand necessitating moves to a larger facility in 1981 to Surrey St. and then West Congress St. in 1994, when Adam sold off the Yamaha portion of his business. But this success did not come overnight or easily; Adam Hebert is candid about the tough times he and other vendors in Lafayette suffered during the economic downtown in the 1980’s. His humility bespeaks someone who is grateful for his many loyal customers throughout the years and the inevitable ups and downs that come with being an entrepreneur. Adam is a wonderful guy and a true inspiration. He is now semi-retired, and has handed over the reins to his sons, Geoffrey, who is General Manager, and A. J., who is Marketing Manager. Our interview with the Hebert family was fun and informative. Lauren and I got to check out the various cruisers and also found out that you can buy a Harley for as little as $7,990.00, crushing the stereotype that Harleys are expensive and too heavy for women to handle. The sales team is ready to help with financing, as well as any questions you have about owning a Harley. We learned that the typical customer, or 70% of the market, buys a 600 cc “on road vehicle” and is a Baby Boomer. Even more interestingly is that women currently make up about 12% of the market, as compared to about 1% only about ten years ago.
Geoffery and A.J. Hebert with the Gold Bar & Shield Award
The 50,000 square foot facility includes a full service department stocked with master service technicians ready to accommodate any service needs your Harley® motorcycle may have as well as full parts, accessory and motor clothes departments. Just outside the dealership sits a pavilion built to accommodate the many music artists that have graced the stage for the legendary Bikin’ On The Block parties that commence throughout each year. Geoffery and A.J. Hebert, Cajun HarleyDavidson®, with Mayor Purvis Morrison of Scott and Jan Swift
In its 34 years of business, Cajun Harley-Davidson® has earned an abundance of awards which include Gold, Silver and Bronze Bar & Shield Circle of Excellence Awards, Longevity Awards and was recently awarded the honor of being named the “Best Retail Business” In Acadiana. The dealership was recently ranked 9th in the nation out of 660 dealers for sales and customer satisfaction. Quite an accomplishment for this Ragin Cajun dealer right here in Acadiana! For a fun excursion, drop in and visit the Hebert family at Cajun Harley-Davidson®. They also host many fun events and fundraisers and more information may be obtained by visiting their website at http://www.cajunhd.com or by calling 337-289-3030.
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Home Furniture Scholarship in Honor of Founder, Ged Fleming Home Furniture Company is honoring the company’s founder and owner, Ged Fleming, by establishing the George “Ged” Fleming Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Business at UL Lafayette. Ged happily devoted his life to his company, employees, business associates and friends. He appreciated the value of education and its ability to change lives forever. His widow, Karol Fleming, is the force behind this touching memorial to a great man who humbly impacted our community.
Ged Fleming, 1944 - 2012
Presently, UL Lafayette is raising scholarship funds to assist with the educational needs of its students, and Home Furniture Company believes that establishing this scholarship will be a great way to honor and remember Ged. Each year when a UL Lafayette student receives this scholarship it will be a reminder of all Ged meant to Home Furniture Company, and to the Lafayette Community. Our organization is particularly indebted to Ged and Home Furniture for their loyal support of Upper Lafayette from its inception in 2006 and encourages interested parties to honor Ged with a donation to this wonderful educational cause which will sustain memories of his lifetime of giving.
To donate, please contact Home Furniture Company for a donation form, or contact the UL Office of Development, (337) 482-0922. Donations are tax deductible, and donors will receive a gift receipt from the UL Lafayette Foundation.
Acadiana Park Nature Trail Set to Open Fall 2013 Hiking/running trail set on 100+ acres of land north of Acadiana Park By: Kat Crappel, TRAIL, Director of Development On July 13, 2013, volunteers participated in a trail clearing party for the future hiking and running trail we call “ANT,” (Acadiana Park Nature Trail), near Louisiana Avenue, just off of Shadow Bluff Drive. We are grateful to Stacey Scarce, Curator of Natural Science at Acadiana Park Nature Station, and Jarrod Olivier for their time in coordinating and working for this event. Thanks also to Brennan and Taco Sisters for the delicious brisket and chicken tacos, Schilling Distributing for the water and beer, and Derrick Bordelon, Chris Duplechain, and Steve Howard for their cash donations towards supplies for this event. We hope to see the trail open by end of Summer or early Fall 2013. Usable portions of the trail have been cut and are usable. If you are an intrepid hiker and want to use the trail here are a few things to keep in mind.
Volunteers clearing the trail
1. Please do not stray off the path or create new trails. The existing trails are intended to help mitigate invasive plant species and protect more sensitive native species. 2. The trail is simple with few junctions, but there are really no trail markers to guide you. Total trail distance in the woods is almost 3 miles at this point. 3. You can park off of Shadow Bluff then access the wooded trail by walking or biking down the levee as well as walking along the pipeline. 4. At this point we are asking people to limit the use to foot traffic only. 5. Obviously, respect the environment, don't mark the trail with paint, don't litter, don't disturb the wildlife. The spiders and snakes out there are generally harmless and it is their habitat. The trail
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We will keep you posted as the trail develops.
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SLEMCO “Lighting the Future” Celebrates 75 Years of Dedication and Service It is hard to believe that many rural Acadiana residents did not have power or lights during the Great Depression. While 90% of urban America enjoyed electricity, only a few living in rural Acadiana did. The Rural Electrification Administration, formed in 1935 under the Roosevelt administration, changed all that by providing loans to private utility companies to spur development of rural electrification. The program served as a means to invest back into the heartland of America and generate much needed infrastructure in areas of the U. S. where it had previously been neglected due to high cost and the sheer effort needed to electrify the countryside with its scattered residents living miles apart. Southwest Louisiana Electric Membership Corporation, known as “SLEMCO,” was formed in 1937 and on May 20, 1938, turned on the power for its first 120 miles of coverage, which included Lafayette, Acadia, St. Landry and St. Martin Parishes and servicing 256 member owners. Overnight, many experienced for the first time what it was like to enjoy electricity. Documenting SLEMCO’s rich history from its humble beginnings until current times, “Lighting the Future” is a beautifully laid out chronicle documenting the past 75 years of service. Written by Curtis Darrah, the book provides an in-depth account of the growth and challenges SLEMCO has faced throughout the decades, while always remaining true to their quest for customer/member satisfaction. With a plethora of photos that will take you back in time, it is an interesting and educational read on the growth not only of SLEMCO, but of our community at large. “Lighting the Future” is available at our public libraries due to a generous donation by SLEMCO. Upper Lafayette thanks SLEMCO for its commitment to our community and for its support of our foundation. Congratulations on a job well done! The crowd begins to gather for an early SLEMCO annual meeting in Blackham Coliseum. In 1987 the meeting moved to Lafayette’s Cajundome, where it is held to this day.
SLEMCO’s second office was located at 207 North College (later renamed North University) near Four Corners in Lafayette. It was built in 1952 next door to its first office at 203 North College. SLEMCO employees (left to right) Blake Andrepont, Ty Lavergne and Damon Vincent slog through the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav in September 2008.
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September 2013 Meeting Announcement Upper Lafayette is proud to welcome two visionary developers who have opened Upper Lafayette Parish to new groundbreaking commercial and residential developments. Please join Robert Daigle, Lewis Stirling, us Wednesday, September Couret Farms Stirling Properties 18, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the LITE Center, where we will have the opportunity to hear Lewis Stirling, Stirling Properties, and Robert Daigle, River Ranch/Couret Farms, discuss their investments which are transforming how people view our region.
Stirling Lafayette Shopping Center, located at I-10 and Louisiana Ave.
Tickets are $25 each with auditorium style seating in LITE’s auditorium. Registration may be made online at www. upperlafayette.com/Events by credit card or payment mailed to ULEDF, P.O. Box, 53107, Lafayette, LA 70505. Please call Lauren at (337)769-7649 or email lauren@upperlafayette.com with any questions. Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Stone Energy Corporation, and our Supporting Sponsor, LEDA, for generously providing resources to make this meeting a success. Robert Daigle’s Couret Farms Development, located near the intersection of I-10 and I-49
Run Upper Lafayette to be Held September 21, 2013 Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation is excited to host our third annual Run Upper Lafayette, with all net proceeds going to benefit Bridge Ministry of Acadiana. This event features a 5K Walk-Run/One Mile Fun Run at Pelican Park in Carencro, 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2013. 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 lovingly extends to deserving, under-resourced families. Special thanks to Sponsors, Jim Lambert Law Firm, Remembering Trish Foundation, and 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/runupper-lafayette.aspx 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!
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Spotlight on New Member: Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana We are proud to welcome Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana as Upper Lafayette’s newest member. Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana is a local organization that changes lives by enabling all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. On Wednesday, July 10, Upper Lafayette attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Granberry Boys and Girls Club’s teen-run screen-printing business, which was made possible by Capital One Bank’s Investing for Good Award. The club applied for the grant as a way to teach the teenagers about starting and running a business, said Chris Martin, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Angie Doyle and Jan Swift, with Boys and Girls Clubs Members at the GB Teez Ribbon Cutting
The purpose of GB Teez is to teach the principles of business and free enterprise to Club members. When asked to brainstorm a name for the business, Club members eventually agreed on GB Teez. GB came from the name of the Boys and Girls Club unit, Grandberry. GB teez was formed to create jobs for Boys & Girls Club teen members, as well as for the business to become selfsupportive and turn profit.
Chris Martin of Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana and Michael Wack, SW Louisiana Market President CapitalOne Bank with Boys and Girls Club Members
Boys and Girls Club and GB Teez member Sheridan Daivs, 16, explained that the program has taught her about the importance of money management and budgeting, as well as general business practices. As a Boys and Girls Club member of six years, Sheridan was excited to be selected as one of 10 handpicked teens to operate the business.
GB Teez is a full-functioning screen-printing business with three clients: the Boys and Girls Clubs, GB Teez Screenprinting Equipment Lafayette Junior League and a local photographer. According to Sheridan, the equipment arrived at the Grandberry unit in March and the teens were ready to operate in May. Upper Lafayette wishes GB Teez the best of luck. For more information about GB Teez, or for ordering information, please call (337) 322-4077 or email gbteez@bgcacadiana.com.
AT&T Announces 500 Job Openings in Louisiana AT&T announced in July that it is currently looking to fill more than 500 job openings in Louisiana, including more than 450 new jobs. Many of the new positions are the result of AT&T’s recently announced Project Velocity IP (Project VIP), a three-year, multi-billion dollar investment plan to expand and enhance its national wireless and wired IP broadband networks. “For more than 130 years, AT&T and the State of Louisiana have grown together,” said Sonia Perez, president, AT&T Louisiana. “We are thankful to Governor Jindal for his work to create an environment in the state where companies are able to invest and create jobs.” While the majority of current openings are network jobs, AT&T also is hiring for mobility retail and call center positions. AT&T is one of the largest employers in America and the nation’s largest private employer of full-time union employees. The company has set the standard for building jobs and investment based on a consumer-focused environment. With highly competitive wages and benefits, AT&T jobs are among the best in the U.S. The positions will be posted as they become available at http://connect.att.jobs/. Upper Lafayette is grateful to AT&T for so generously serving as a 2013 sponsor.
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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 Omni Energy Services Pixus Digital Printing The Southwest Group Tobacco Free Living
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Silver Members Ace Plumbing, Inc. Arsement Machine and Supply, Inc. BBR Creative Cajun Harley Davidson Coburn’s Supply Company 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 Stirling Properties Total Pump and Supply, LLC Walters Funeral Home
Bronze Members Acadiana C.A.R.E.S. Acadiana Symphony Orchestra Advancial Federal Credit Union Aspen Clinic Associated Travel Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana 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 Drury Inn & Suites Lynn Guidry, Architect John Paul The Great Academy
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Bronze Members Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic 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 Schools of the Sacred Heart Sylvan Learning Center Dr. Brent Jason Toups, LLC Terry J. Rogers, Ltd. WorldPay
Sponsors PLATINUM IberiaBank Lafayette Airport Commission LEDA Schilling Distributing Company Stone Energy GOLD AT&T Beau Box Commercial Real Estate Hub City Ford LOGA Place de Lafayette Rader Solutions Tobacco Free Living SILVER Acadian Companies Advancial Federal Credit Union McDonald’s of Acadiana BRONZE City of Carencro City of Scott Scott Police Department
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