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
Jan Swift, Executive Director
As I write these words on the evening of Labor Day right after sunset, I am reminded of how grateful I am for all the laborers that positively affect my life every day. The smiling Barista at the coffee shop; the men who toil in the heat to pick up the recycling and trash that I mindlessly put out each week; the hourly workers who assist me at Payless, at Wal-Mart, Target, and the neighborhood dry cleaner. Ironically, many of the “laborers” we celebrate in the United States had to work today. Maybe in a more enlightened day and time, we will return to a place where all of us will be able to observe a day of rest in honor of the work we conduct throughout each year. I, for one, could have foregone shopping at Sam’s or working out at Red’s today, just for this one day of earned respect and rest for the people we take for granted.
Speaking of labor, my work as Executive Director of Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation has been blessed with the addition of our new and very talented Communications Director, Lauren Rabalais, who joined us full time on July 8, 2013. Lauren brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a wonderful work ethic which makes my days fly by in productivity and ease. A native of Lafayette and a 2013 graduate of the LSU School of Mass Communication, Lauren is a joy to work with, and adds depth to our ability to create a commanding presence on our Upper Lafayette website, a visually compelling newsletter, and a knack for getting things done with grace and polish! Without embarrassing her, I have to say “WOW!” We have fun and get a lot done. What more can you ask for? Please help us welcome Lauren when you meet her at our September 18, 2013 luncheon meeting at the LITE Center where we will hear Lewis Stirling and Robert Daigle share their thoughts on why they invested in Upper Lafayette.
Lauren Rabalais, Communications Director
September 2013 Meeting: “Why Invest in Upper Lafayette?” 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 Lauren Rabalais
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Upper Lafayette is proud to welcome two visionary developers who have opened Upper Lafayette Parish to new groundbreaking commercial and residential developments. Please join us Wednesday, September 18, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise, 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. Tickets are $25 each with auditorium style seating in the LITE 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.
September 2013 Printed by Lafayette Economic Development Authority
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Spotlight on New Member: Stella Maris Upper Lafayette is proud to highlight one of our newest members, Stella Maris. An engineering and manufacturing firm, Stella Maris is dedicated to the designing and building of safe, user-friendly hydraulic power and control systems for the subsea oil and gas industry. Their 22,000 square foot facility, located at 930 West Pont Des Mouton in Upper Lafayette, which is currently undergoing an expansion to meet increased demand for services, looks more like a technology center than an oilfield service company. The stained concrete floors, freshly painted walls and air conditioned shop are all great features that helped accomplish this design goal. Stella Maris President, James “Butch” Ray and Vice President, Paul Stutes, began the company in 2005. Now just eight years later, Stella Maris is listed as one of the ABIZ Top 50 Companies Jan Swift with James “Butch” Ray, President and Paul Stutes, Vice President, Stella Maris in Acadiana due to its dramatic growth. In order to produce the best in userfriendly systems, Stella Maris approaches each project from a production standpoint. “We take the time to view your existing infrastructure. We talk to your operators. Then, we ask ourselves how their job can be done quicker, safer and more efficiently. We are meticulous in the drafting of our proposals so that you get the most out of your money.” Their client base includes both local and national companies. An important facet of the success Stella Maris enjoys is the culture of quality it instills in its employees. According to Ray, “We hire good, qualified, committed people with a solid work ethic.” Employees are encouraged to share information with each other to facilitate growth and learning among the staff. Most Stella Maris workers are from Carencro, Rayne, Opelousas, or other towns in the greater Lafayette area, including President Butch Ray, a Carencro resident and Vice President Paul Stutes, a native of Duson. Stutes noted how proud he and Ray are of their employees, noting that “When clients come to the facility to test products, they form Construction on the expansion of the new Stella Maris facility lasting relationships with our professional team.” Stella Maris strives to hire good, qualified employees with a strong work ethic
Stella Maris became a member of Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation as part of their business plan to become more involved and give back to our community. Ray and Stutes chose to locate and stay in Lafayette, rather than other oil and gas hub cities, such as Houston, because of the wonderful and family-oriented culture that we enjoy here in Acadiana. For more information on Stella Maris, please see www.stellamarisllc.com or call 337-504-5128. Upper Lafayette welcomes Stella Maris to our foundation, and congratulates them on their phenomenal growth!
A view of the Stella Maris shop, as seen on the Stella Maris website
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Stella
Maris
Engineering & Manufacturing
September 2013
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Run Upper Lafayette to be Held September 21, 2013 We are 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/run-upper-lafayette.aspx. 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!
This year, Bridge Ministry of Acadiana will be celebrating its 10th birthday at the run. Bridge Ministry is an inter-denominational Christian holistic ministry called to provide relationship based programs which empower the underresourced and mobilize Acadiana Christians to social responsibility. - See more at: http://www. bridgeacadiana.com
Upper Lafayette on the Move TV Show We have been so fortunate to welcome several Upper Lafayette community leaders to our Upper Lafayette on the Move TV show over the past few months. In late July, we interviewed Angela Morrison, Director of Community Collaboration and Partnerships for the Lafayette Parish School System. Morrison discussed what led to her life-long interest in education and Jan Swift with Angela Morrison, Lafayette how her career path led her to work for the school system, making sure Parish School System that all children have access to education. She is very sincere in the belief that all children can succeed in his or her educational journey.
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In mid-August, we interviewed Dr. Chuck Burnell, Lead Medical Director of Acadian Companies. During the interview, Dr. Burnell informed our audience about great strides being made in paramedicine and the many subsidiaries operating under the Acadian umbrella. Each episode of Upper Lafayette on the Move is available on our website at http://www. upperlafayette.com/ video. New episodes premiere each second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7: 30 p.m. on AOC 2, Cox 16 or LUS 4.
September 2013
Matt LeBlanc, Delta Media, filming Jan Swift and Dr. Chuck Burnell, Acadian Companies
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Lafayette General: A Teaching Hospital July 1, 2013 marked a historical and transformational moment for Lafayette General Medical Center as new physicians entered the hospital that day to begin LGMC’s Graduate Medical Education (residency program), in partnership with LSU. LGMC becoming a teaching hospital was part of its agreement signed in May 2013 to manage University Hospital & Clinics. Residents have received a medical degree and can practice medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians. The residents will be rotating in one of seven services through Lafayette General Health, based on their area of specialty: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Anesthesiology, Obstetrics/Gynecology, General Surgery and Otolaryngology. The new associates vary in levels of first to fifth-year residents. They have trained alongside very credentialed physicians within the LSU System, from Lafayette to New Orleans. Each brings their own set of special skills, experiences and an eagerness to learn, according to David L. Callecod, FACHE, President/CEO of Lafayette General Health. In addition, Lafayette General Health physicians will provide the residents with excellent training opportunities and the ability to improve their clinical expertise and medical knowledge. This, coupled with the variety of patient cases to which they will be exposed, will allow residents to ultimately improve care and management of patients. “The transfer of knowledge is welcomed and encouraged,” says Callecod. “We look at this venture as a partnership of sorts, all for the good of our patients.”
Residents were welcomed into the new Lafayette General Medical Center’s Graduate Medical Education Program
Kristi Anderson, Director of Graduate Medical Education, already sees potential for expansion of LGMC’s residency program. “This would mean an increase in future practitioners within the area and, consequently, an increase in care for our patients,” she says. “Data suggests that physicians completing residency programs stay within 100 miles of the hospital where they complete their training. This is extremely advantageous for Lafayette General and the Acadiana area.”
Callecod says that becoming a major teaching hospital is a significant step in the evolution of LGMC. “The learning environment that we are creating will enable the transfer of knowledge to the next generation of physicians,” he says. “Together, we are truly making a difference to them and, most importantly, to our patients here at Lafayette General.” Gregg Gothreaux, president of Lafayette Economic Development Authority, said the new partnership has been of great economic value locally. “UMC was on the track to become a scaled-back clinic or completely shut down due to federal Medicaid reductions,” he said. “Now that Lafayette General Health has taken over operations of the facility, it will continue to contribute to Lafayette’s economy.”
The new associates vary in levels of residency
Upper Lafayette is proud to congratulate LGMC for its continued efforts to provide quality health care for our entire community! For more information on Lafayette General Medical Center, please visit http://www.lafayettegeneral.com. Artist rendering of the future Lafayette General expansion
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September 2013
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Member Spotlight: Jonathan Durbin, WorldPay Jonathan Durbin, a native of Portland, Oregon, moved to New Orleans to participate in a National Student Exchange program for one year at the University of New Orleans. He loved New Orleans so much he transferred to UNO full time. After graduation, Durbin worked in real estate development before accepting a job with WorldPay as an Account Executive, eventually becoming Regional Sales Manager over Louisiana and Mississippi. At WorldPay, Jonathan has served on the Sales Advisory Council as well as a vital support role in a new national training program for new Account Executive across the U.S. WorldPay, the third largest credit card processor globally, has an exclusive partnership with Extra Credit, an organization that helps fund schools and non-profits on a local level. With this relationship, WorldPay donates to DLU and all their efforts. Through Extra Credit, each time a business accepts payment from a customer using a credit card, the school or non-profit of choice receives a donation from the Credit Card Processor’s revenue in the form of a monthly check. This program allows businesses to provide the school or non-profit of choice with a steady stream of continuous funding at no extra cost to them. Jonathan Durbin, World Pay
Merchants who choose to switch their credit card processing to WorldPay will be providing an ongoing source of funding for the school or non-profit of choice. The business’ current rates will not increase. In fact, because WorldPay deals directly with Visa, MasterCard, etc., they can typically lower your rates and reduce overall monthly expenses. Furthermore, all businesses participating in the Extra Credit program will be supported by WorldPay's local account team, which serves the Greater Lafayette area. Jonathan and his family live in Downtown Lafayette, where he is an active board member of Downtown Lafayette Unlimited, DLU, as well as a member of the 705. He is passionate about the continual development of Downtown Lafayette and the surrounding areas. When asked why he supports Upper Lafayette as a member, Durbin stated, “I feel strongly that the strength of Downtown Lafayette, the core of our city, will only be enhanced if Upper Lafayette experiences growth and enjoys planned Jonathan Durbin on vacation with his family in Sandestin, Florida development enhancing the quality of life for residents and business in the northern portion of our parish. My membership in Upper Lafayette supports this vital mission. I encourage other civic-minded business leaders to join and work toward a common goal of a vital, healthy workforce and climate conducive to a better tomorrow for all of our citizens.” Upper Lafayette is proud to have WorldPay and Jonathan Durbin among our active and engaged membership! For more information on WorldPay please see http:// www.worldpay.us/ or email Jonathan at Jonathan.Durbin@WorldPay.us.
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September 2013
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Spotlight on New Member: Schools of the Sacred Heart When classes began at Schools of the Sacred Heart this year, students returned to their beautiful campus nestled behind oaks and pines in Grand Coteau, as students have done for the past 192 years. Begun in 1821 with five students and two Religious of the Sacred Heart under the tutelage of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, who dreamed of educating all children regardless of their parents’ financial means, the Academy of the Sacred Heart has continued to grow and to be innovative in its approach to the education of students. In 2006 believing that young men from Acadiana could flourish in a single-gender environment, Berchmans Academy of the Sacred Heart was established. Like its sister school, the Academy of the Sacred that provides the only local choice for Catholic, independent, single-gender education for girls, Berchmans provides a similar education for young men. Being a part of the international network of Sacred Heart schools allows students to participate in a variety of student exchanges. Each summer, students may participate in service opportunities in the U.S. or the annual mission trip to Nicaragua. With an international boarding school, Sacred Heart currently has students or exchange students from 13 nationalities. A unique facet of belonging to the Network of Sacred Heart Schools is the greater visibility provided the school among colleges and universities. Admissions officers around the country are keenly aware of the high academic standards of Sacred Heart. This reputation of Berchman’s Academy of the Sacred Heart schools provides an advantage to students Sacred Heart students during play time from Schools of the Sacred Heart who are applying for college. The Schools of the Sacred Heart is also renowned for the many customs and tradition students celebrate at each network school each year, such as the Feast of St. Philippine Duchesne, Conge (the annual spring festival), and goÛter (snacks or treats provided on feast days). Alumni of any Sacred Heart network school smile with delight when meeting their counterparts from throughout the world; these cherished traditions are a proud hallmark of a beautiful education and upbringing. The school’s mission statement is “to make the future noble by forming the minds and hearts of young people in a challenging and innovative academic environment that reflects the aims and ideals of the Sacred Heart.” Sacred Heart is deeply committed to entering its third century of education rooted in its rich educational tradition, but with a pioneer spirit that looks to the needs of future generations of students. Assisting in funding these October 9, 2013 goals are upcoming fundraisers of interest: Dancing With The Stars on October 9, 2013, Christmas at Coteau on December 6 and 7, 2013, and Congé on May 4, 2014. We are grateful for our newest member, Schools of the Sacred Heart, and wish them continued success in educating young women and men. For more information, please visit www.sshcoteau.org Sacred Heart Alumnae after Graduation
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September 2013
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Plans for Veterans Memorial Announced The City of Carencro has announced plans for the development of a memorial to honor local military veterans. The future Carencro Veterans Memorial will be located at Carencro City Hall and will be designed by Lynn Guidry Architect. A group of community volunteers began initial plans for the memorial earlier this year after Annette Melancon, of Melancon’s Marble & Granite, approached Mayor Glenn Brasseaux about the donation of a bench honoring local military veterans. A few of the proposed features for the memorial will include granite towers engraved with the Carencro Veterans Memorial names of veterans killed in action, memorial brick pavers engraved with the names of past and present veterans, and granite benches for visitors. According to Mayor Brasseaux, more community support will be needed to make the memorial a reality. Bricks for the memorial will be available for purchase by those who wish to honor a veteran through December 31, 2013. The tentative target completion date is summer/fall 2014. “This is a tribute to our veterans past and present,” said Carencro Mayor Glenn Brasseaux. Information about the ongoing efforts of the memorial can be found on Facebook, where the public can also share stories and photos of their veterans. For further details, please contact City Hall at 337896-8481 or by email, cityhall@carencro.org. Please visit the City of Carencro website for other news and event information.
Louisiana Small Business Development Center Offers Free Assistance to Businesses New and emerging businesses face so many challenges when starting up or taking their business to the next level. Many entrepreneurs do not realize that skilled assistance is available to them, locally, and at no charge. Funded by taxpayer dollars, the Louisiana Small Business Development Center or “LSBDC” provides many services, training and other tools needed to start and grow your business. Led by Mark Galyean, LSBDC offers assistance in developing business plans, improving your web and social media presence, identify funding sources, expand into international markets, and a myriad of other services designed to improve your odds for success in the marketplace.
government is compelled to set aside a certain percentage of the work to women and minority owned businesses. Lawrence presented qualifications and criteria used to obtain certification for acceptance into this program, which is just one of many programs available in the marketplace. For emerging businesses, this information is so beneficial and accessible through the LSBDC.
On August 14, 2013, Jo Ann Lawrence of the U. S. Small Business Administration provided one such training class, geared to assist women-owned small businesses qualify for federal government contracts. In many cases, when federal contracts are let, the
For more information about the multitude of services offered by Mark Galyean and his talented team, please visit www.LSBDC.org or call (337)456-1837.
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Upper Lafayette thanks LSBDC for the services offered to businesses in our community.
September 2013
Mark Galyean, Louisiana Small Business Development Center
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Quest For Your Best Personal Development Symposium to be held Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Reggie Dupré, Dupré Logistics
Red Lerille, Red Lerille’s Health Club
Please mark your calendar for Upper Lafayette’s fourth annual Quest for Your Best personal development symposium to be held at the Petroleum Club on October 23, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We are honored to welcome two dynamic speakers, Reggie Dupré of Dupré Logistics and Red Lerille of Red Lerille’s Health & Fitness Club. Each speaker will share their own personal message on sticking with your vision, and leading a good life. We are also pleased to welcome Manuel Valencia of Excelerant who will moderate the event. Tickets are $35 each or $300 for a reserved table for eight and may be purchased online at www.upperlafayette.com/Events or by mailing payment to ULEDF, P. O. Box 53107, Lafayette LA 70505. Email jan@upperlafayette.com for further information if needed. Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsors Acadiana Computer Systems, Excelerant and Rader Solutions for making this event possible. Their generosity is greatly appreciated and enables Upper Lafayette to continue great programming such as Quest For Your Best’s inspiring presentations.
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September 2013
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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 Companies 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 Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro
September 2013
Bronze Members 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 Excelerant McDonald’s of Acadiana BRONZE City of Carencro City of Scott Scott Police Department
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