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The healthcare industry has been through a lot this year as hospital systems, not just locally, but globally, struggled through a wide variety of pandemic-related issues, including securing PPE, treatment supplies like ventilators, and testing equipment, as well as setting up and operating widespread testing locations. As the pandemic continued to spread, healthcare facilities quickly found they had another problem: with calls for social distancing, people were understandably unsure about receiving in-person care for non-life-threatening issues. The answer came through a rapid increase in telemedicine. During the first few weeks of the pandemic, the Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance issued several emergency orders, which included loosening restrictions on telemedicine services. On May 21, BizNewOrleans.com reported that neurologist David J. Houghton, medical director of Ochsner Health’s digital medicine program, said Ochsner had gone from conducting fewer than 4,000 home-based virtual visits in 2019 to handling almost that many every day. Houghton said he expected many patients to continue using the service despite stay-at-home rules loosening up, and he is not alone. SOC Telemed, the largest national provider of telemedicine technology and solutions to healthcare providers, reported in October that New Orleans East Hospital was among its new clients and added that bookings had increased 88% to 105% compared to 2019. While telemedicine has its limits, it has worked well in some areas, including behavioral health, and just as some companies have discovered the benefits of allowing remote work, healthcare practitioners and patients are recognizing the benefits of telemedicine. In June, ModernHealthcare.com anticipated that telehealth spending will reach $250 billion by the end of 2020. Where it goes from there remains to be seen.
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Unemployment Fund Struggles
In March, Louisiana’ unemployment trust fund topped $1 billion. By October, thanks to hundreds of thousands of people losing their jobs during the pandemic, the fund was down to $100,000. The fund’s rapid depletion caused panic among legislators and businesses this year as current law calls for the fund to be replenished by businesses paying higher taxes — including a surtax of up to 30% on taxable payroll — and for jobless workers to help fill in the gap by taking a hit on benefits. Already paying the third-lowest jobless benefits in the nation at $247 per week, Louisiana’s benefits would have been dropped to the lowest possible, $221. In an effort to avoid further hardship on businesses and individuals already struggling, on Oct. 20 the House passed a package of measures that ensures unemployment benefits and tax rates on businesses that pay into the fund will remain stable through 2021. The effort is a short-term fix designed to buy time while legislators remain hopeful that Congress will eventually pass aid to states. In the meantime, Louisiana will pay its unemployment by taking out federal loans that the state will be required to start paying back with interest starting September 2021. n
NO SHORTAGE OF GIVERS
New Orleanians showed up to support their own
With an economy that heavily relies on hospitality, live music and small business and gig workers, New Orleans has been hit extremely hard during the pandemic. As Mr. Rogers once advised, however, in tough times, look for the helpers. Fortunately, there has been no shortage of those. For example, Give NOLA Day this year broke records by collecting over $7.1 million for local nonprofits– over $1.2 million over 2019. The following are just a few of the new efforts we have seen this year. Hospitality Cares Pandemic Response Fund – Created by the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, this fund has generated more than $2.4 million to provide emergency support to hospitality workers. New Orleans Business Alliance Gig Economy Relief Fund – as of June, this fund had raised $890,000 to provide grants to over 1,000 gig workers. Lagniappe Krewe Emergency Relief Fund by Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group–provides one-time, $500 grants to hospitality employees and their families. The Emergency Capital Access Program (ECAP) — The Ford Motor Company and its philanthropic arm, Ford Motor Company Fund, collaborated with the Urban League of Louisiana to provide micro-grants to Black business owners negatively affected by COVID-19. by providing small grants, combined with technical assistance and advisory services, to Black business owners across the Greater New Orleans area. The Emeril Lagasse Foundation Hospitality Industry Relief Fund —replacing this year’s annual Boudin, Bourbon & Beer event, the fund was established with a contribution of $125,000 by the foundation.
DECEMBER 2020
Healthcare Industry Embraces Telemedicine
LCMC PURCHASES EAST JEFF – In August, East Bank voters approved the sale of East Jefferson General Hospital to LCMC Health for $90 million with the promise to invest another $100 million in the hospital over the next five years.
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DIXIE BEER OPENS, THEN CHANGES NAME – On Jan. 25, Dixie Beer Brewery officially opened in New Orleans East. First opened in 1907, its revival became a goal of the late Tom Benson, and then of his widow, Gayle Benson. During the racial justice movement this year, Gayle Benson decided to “retire” the name, and in November the brewery’s new name was announced: Faubourg Brewing Co.
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SPONSORED
Every December, Biz New Orleans closes out the year with a look at some top local businesses in a wide variety of industries. In the following pages, we invite you to learn more about the past, present and future of these industry standouts as each continues to make their mark in the Greater New Orleans marketplace.
2020 Industry Leaders Bezou Financial Planning Group Corporate Internship Leadership Institute CotingaSoft Cox New Orleans DMG Design + Build Engel & Volkers First American Bank & Trust Lambeth House New Orleans & Company Thibodaux Regional Medical Center Transcendent Law Group Universal Data Incorporated University of Holy Cross Wood Resources Corp (Wood Ship Mooring Service)
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WEALTH & FINANCIAL PLANNING
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Bezou Financial Planning Group
In 1998, Jason Bezou went to work for Hibernia Bank—after a series of twists and turns, thanks to earned trust and a track record of client care, he went from Junior Financial Advisor to a top advisor and Bank President at Capital One before arriving where he is today. As a CFP® and Founder of Bezou Financial Planning Group, Bezou owns about one third of what was Capital One Investing Louisiana through broker/ dealer Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. This means that Bezou’s clients get the benefits of big-firm resources with the personal touch of a reliable local team. “Bezou Financial provides financial planning beyond a portfolio,” says Bezou. “We work to understand people’s needs, wants, and long-term goals. We can’t predict; so we plan.” When the pandemic hit the U.S. and the markets dropped, Bezou Financial reminded its clients that it had planned and that they shouldn’t make fear-based decisions but rather make adjustments based on the original plan. The company also ramped up technology. Bezou Financial matches appropriate, available tools to each unique client, helping families, individuals, businesses, and organizations make smart decisions with money. “New clients often say, ‘Why hasn’t anyone else explored my financial life like this?’” says Bezou. This level of meticulous client care has propelled Bezou Financial to six branches and future expansion beyond the 32 states it currently serves. Bezou is writing a book to help people make sense of financial planning and is also working to provide a platform for other advisors to better care for their clients. “This community made the growth of Bezou Financial possible, and we’ll make Louisiana proud,” says Bezou.
Securities and investment advisory services offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., (WFS), member FINRA/SIPC. WFS is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of WFS.”
Jason Bezou, CFP®, AAMS President, Financial Advisor 422 Harrison Avenue • New Orleans, 504-598-5388 • bezoufinancial.com
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SPONSORED
INTERNSHIP TALENT Corporate Internship Leadership Institute
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Corporate Internship Leadership Institute (CILI) is a New Orleans non-profit organization that strategically connects college students to paid internships that provide skill building, competency development, and experiences that lead to lasting careers in industries throughout New Orleans and the region. The organization and its innovative Tenth Institute Program aim to transform and facilitate economic growth while preparing tomorrow’s leaders in a variety of careers. “During the pandemic, many companies paused the onboarding of new hires, including internships, so we are particularly excited about our initial cohort of CILI interns that will begin in the summer of 2021,” says Perry Sholes, Founder and Executive Director. CILI’s Tenth Institute Program is dedicated to creating a pipeline of talent from the underserved
and underrepresented college-enrolled populations for companies within the New Orleans region. “Through this program, we aim to help students of color pursue and attain middle-to high-paying positions post-graduation and help local companies create more inclusive and diverse workforces,” he says. The success of CILI’s work requires input and participation from decision makers and executive leadership of the professional community. The program looks to expand its reach with forwardthinking business partners across the region. Founder Perry Sholes, a New Orleans native, brings a wealth of relevant experience to the program. Before becoming a Talent Optimization Consultant, Sholes developed a long resume of positions and achievements in the corporate world, developing talent and creating diverse pipelines at organizations such as Nabisco Foods Company, Kraft Foods Company, and Thomas
and King, Inc. He is 2020 President of New Orleans Society of Human Resources Management and serves on the board of the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce. Corporate Internship Leadership Institute’s Tenth Institute Program offers a niche focus on career skill building, professionalism training, and coaching for students of color. 3157 Gentilly Blvd., Suite 2184 • New Orleans 504-313-4828 • internshiptalent.org
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SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT CotingaSoft
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In recent years, New Orleans’ reputation as a tech hub has steadily grown. And among local companies of all kinds—insurance, hospitality, financial, retail, manufacturing and more—one business has garnered its own reputation for providing quality custom software solutions. Since 2008, local software engineering company CotingaSoft has developed a variety of web and mobile applications for both well-established local companies and startups. “Great technology doesn’t have to come from other places,” says Barrett Conrad, Owner/Manager of CotingaSoft. “The capacity to build anything exists throughout our region.” Alongside software development, CotingaSoft also offers consulting and digital product development. They can review an organization’s people, processes, and tools to find improvements and new
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opportunities. From there they can provide analysis or development of a new digital product idea to quickly match market needs and beyond. At CotingaSoft, software development is driven by people first—each project begins with a personal relationship between its team and the client. Instead of sticking to a prescriptive process or solution, the team works to see each project individually and give clients the confidence that CotingaSoft understands their goals and will apply the right technology solutions. Conrad sees continued growth for CotingaSoft in its future. “This year, digital tools became even more critical,” he says. “All of our current clients continued to invest in the tools and products we build for them while a number of other companies and individuals are finally taking the leap to build products for their futures.”
Barrett Conrad, Owner
408 Magazine Street #400 • New Orleans 504-224-4370 • cotingasoft.com
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TELECOMMUNICATIONS
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Cox New Orleans
As the largest private telecom company in America, Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through broadband applications and services. One way the company achieves its mission is through partnering with organizations to close the digital divide. Locally, Cox New Orleans’ efforts have proven especially helpful during the challenges of the current pandemic. “The world changed overnight, and in response, so did we,” says Kevin Monroe, Market Vice President of Cox New Orleans. “These changes empowered us to continue meeting our customers where they are so that they can work, play, teach, and connect with friends and loved ones,” he says. Cox New Orleans recently partnered with Jefferson Parish Schools to connect families to low-cost, high quality internet to help ease the transition to remote learning and working. The company also worked closely with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana to create a technology center to keep people connected through a community setting. The Hispanic Chamber has also been providing digital literacy courses through the Cox Digital Academy in both English and Spanish. “We applaud our partners at Jefferson Parish Schools and the Hispanic Chamber for their innovation and creative solutions to connect students and communities, advance distance learning, and promote workforce readiness. Together, we are making a difference to close the digital divide,” says Monroe.
(LEFT TO RIGHT) Dr. James Gray, Jefferson Parish Schools superintendent, Mayra Pineda, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana president and CEO, Kevin Monroe, Cox New Orleans market vice president cox.com
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RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE Engel & Völkers New Orleans
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After five years of growing their local, boutique real estate brokerage, Anne Comarda and Joyce Delery took it to new heights when they partnered with global real estate brokerage Engel & Völkers in 2016. With expanded offerings and enhanced client experiences, Engel & Völkers New Orleans provides a real estate experience fit for the Big Easy. “Our team of advisors espouse the company’s core values of competence, exclusivity and passion, mix it with local New Orleans flair, and create a bespoke experience tailored to each client,” says Anne Comarda, Partner / Broker Associate. According to Comarda, it’s the company’s dynamic culture, market knowledge, and passion that distinguish it from other real estate brokerages. Whether working with buyers
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or sellers, Engel & Völkers New Orleans’ advisors take a client-centered approach that ensures seamless communication and desired outcomes. Looking to the future, Engel & Völkers New Orleans remains bullish on the residential real estate market for the next 18-24 months, as interest rates are expected to remain at historic lows. Meanwhile, the company is working with its advisors and partners worldwide to establish a Development Services Department. “With the tools and contacts we have at our fingertips, we are able to give the same level of service as we do in residential sales to new developments, large and small,” says Comarda. The brokerage’s extensive resources also keep it well positioned to handle any challenges—even
before this year’s unprecedented events, the brokerage had technologies in place for virtual meetings, virtual home tours, and digital signatures. Clients enjoy knowing they can “follow their dream, home” with meticulous service and without interruption. Real Estate Advisors at Engel & Völkers New Orleans provide a concierge-level service, tailored to each client’s needs. 722 Martin Behrman Avenue • Metairie 504-875-3555 • Neworleans.evrealestate.com
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BANKING
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First American Bank and Trust
This month, First American Bank and Trust celebrates 110 years of serving the citizens, businesses, and organizations of Southeast Louisiana. To thrive for more than a century, community banks require strength, independence, innovation, and service, and these traits are the pillars that support First American Bank and Trust as it looks ahead to its next 110 years. “Our board of directors are visionary leaders committed to making our region stronger while retaining the traditions that make it special,” says Ronald J. Falgoust, President and CEO. This approach has helped the Bank expand its footprint and its assets—what started as a one-branch bank in St. James Parish now serves 11 parishes, including Jefferson and St. Tammany Parishes, from 25 offices. This year, it reached the $1 Billion asset threshold. “The ability to develop and provide our customers with the products and services that they need— from checking and savings accounts to construction loans—is something that distinguishes First American Bank and Trust from other community banks,” says Falgoust. One example of such a product is the Bank’s new No Down Payment Lot Loan program, which helps individuals take the first step in building their future dream home. First American Bank and Trust’s mission is to meet the financial needs of Southeast Louisiana’s businesses and citizens while maximizing shareholder value and delivering high quality customer service. The Bank has become a leader in the community banking industry by offering innovative products equal to those of regional and national banks but with the personal and caring touch that only a fellow local knows how to provide.
Ronald J. Falgoust, President and CEO 2785 Highway 20, P.O. Box 550 • Vacherie 225-265-2265 • fabt.com
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SPONSORED
AGING SERVICES Lambeth House
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Nationally, the senior care industry has seen its share of challenges this year. From the coronavirus outbreak to rigid restrictions initially imposed upon nursing homes, aging services have been greatly affected. Lambeth House, a Life Plan community located in Uptown New Orleans, did not escape the year 2020 without similar hardship; nonetheless, Lambeth House now shares a story of strength, perseverance, and resilience. In November, as Lambeth House residents celebrated seven months of remaining COVID-free, the community launched a pledge campaign. Entitled “Not Here, Not Us,” the pledge reflects the entire community’s commitment to adhering to safety protocols that mitigate the spread of the virus. This campaign further exemplifies Lambeth House’s
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unwavering, unified efforts to keep their community safe during the ongoing pandemic. Home to over 220 seniors, Lambeth House offers independent living, assisted living, and nursing care services. Lambeth House is well known for its vibrant activities, upscale dining, and its focus on healthy aging. Most recently, Lambeth House partnered with Ochsner in research dedicated to improving the lives of those with dementia via telemedicine. That research is anticipated to resume in January 2021. “Just as Lambeth House survived and later thrived after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, we expect to emerge as a much stronger organization, one that leads the senior care industry in innovation, research, and compassionate care,” says Scott Crabtree, Chief Executive Officer.
Steadfast in their commitment to quality senior care, Scott Crabtree, CEO (center), Jere’ Hales, COO (right) and Lynn Swetland, CFO (left), readies Lambeth House for 2021.
150 Broadway Street • New Orleans 504-865-1960 • lambethhouse.com
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TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
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New Orleans & Company
This year, New Orleans & Company celebrates 60 impactful years of promoting the New Orleans community to travelers around the world. This top-ranked Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), its members and partners influence thousands of decision-makers and millions of visitors to choose New Orleans as their travel destination through direct sales, marketing, public relations, branding, visitor services and local advocacy initiatives. The organization faced an enormous challenge this year in the pandemic, which has been devastating to New Orleans’ $10.5 billion tourism industry. “To succeed we must secure our brand, not just for the cultural richness and authenticity that we have always brought to the table, but also to ensure that our commitment to public safety and public health—which has helped us to slow the spread of Covid-19—is fully appreciated and adhered to by those who can’t wait to get back to New Orleans to do business and host their events,” says Walt J. Leger, III, Senior VP of Strategic Affairs & General Counsel. New Orleans & Company recently launched a three-part campaign to educate and encourage travelers to safely visit hotels, cultural attractions, restaurants and retailers. The campaign stresses the importance of masks and other safety measures and highlights the need for locals to support small businesses and the workers that form the fabric of this city. “As we embark on the task of rebuilding our community and economy, we are committed to ensuring that we do so with equity as a priority,” says Leger. “We are working with our 1,100 members to inspire people to imagine a future of possibilities in the tourism and hospitality industry.”
Walter J. Leger III (Walt), Senior Vice President of Strategic Affairs & General Counsel, New Orleans & Company 2020 St. Charles Avenue • New Orleans 504-566-5011 • neworleans.com
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HOSPITALS
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Thibodaux Regional Health System
Celebrating its 90th year of providing high quality healthcare, Thibodaux Regional Health System offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services across an expanding 210-bed acute care facility. With humble beginnings in a renovated rectory, Thibodaux Regional has become a nationally recognized healthcare leader by doing one thing above all others: patient-centered excellence. Thibodaux Regional has earned a 5-Star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the highest rating awarded for providing quality care, and has received the Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award for 13 years in a row. “Our vision to improve the health and wellness of the region is being realized through our innovative Wellness Center and its clinically integrated programs and services,” says Greg Stock CEO. “Thibodaux Regional has also taken a leadership role in addressing childhood obesity. We have provided children numerous educational opportunities and have sponsored playground equipment for 11 elementary schools in the region,” he says. Thibodaux Regional is continuously growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region and has worked diligently to develop and enhance clinical and other services, recruited over 100 physicians, and is a major economic stimulus to the region. Construction is currently underway for an 80,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Cancer Institute that will provide patients with advanced cancer care close to home. Additionally, Phase 2 construction will begin soon on the expanding Wellness Center. The health system’s continuous growth also includes the development of comprehensive neuroscience services and further development of WellFit, which integrates medical care with wellness, giving individuals the highest quality, most active lifestyle possible.
(STANDING) Jamie Falcon, RN, CCRN, Catherine McGee, MD, Greg Stock, CEO, April Denning, RPh, Tashfin Huq, MD (SEATED) Scott Hebert, MD, Katie Richard, MA, BSN, RN, Ashley Peairs, MD, Jamie Burham, MHA, ACE-CPT 602 North Acadia Road • Thibodaux 985-447-5500 • Thibodaux.com
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LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW Transcendent Law Group
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After 12 years of a fulfilling career in two large regional law firms, Michelle Craig saw a need for legal counsel among socially responsible organizations that couldn’t necessarily afford big-firm fees. To serve these small businesses, non-profits, schools and colleges, Craig founded Transcendent Law Group. Since 2014, Transcendent Law Group has assisted clients and community advocates with general counsel and litigation needs in the areas of Labor & Employment Law and Education Law. “We have experienced the growing pains of being a startup and small firm and business, so I understand both the business and legal considerations of our clients,” says Michelle Craig, Managing Attorney. “We want to help our clients reach their goals and keep them in compliance—not just tell them what the law requires,” she says.
This year, navigating the effects of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act has been important work for Transcendent Law Group. Many small businesses and organizations found themselves suddenly needing a better understanding of leave laws and employee management. They also suddenly faced the challenge of moving employees to remote work. “As a tech-enabled, forward-thinking firm, we already had a remote policy, which made it easier to advise clients on how to be effective in their move to remote or hybrid (remote and in-person) work—the new normal,” says Craig. Additionally, Transcendent is proud to assist organizations with their Diversity Equity and Inclusion work, helping clients navigate diversity and inclusion training as well as developing or reorganizing strategic plans around these issues.
“Right now is an important time for organizations to commit to do this significant work and be on the right side of history on this important issue,” says Craig. (LEFT TO RIGHT) Liuting Chen, Richard Montgomery II, Michelle D. Craig, DaniellePatrice Payne and Rubi L Brown 1441 Canal Street, Suite 317 • New Orleans 504-459-4557 • tlg.law
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
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Universal Data Incorporated
Universal Data Incorporated (UDI) has been an area leader in IT solutions and services since the 1980s, when it implemented the first WAN network at a prominent national bank. Since that time, the company has overseen technological growth and changes at a rapid pace, and today, UDI offers IT solutions and support to organizations of all sizes across the Gulf Coast. UDI has confidently and competently navigated a variety of challenges and crises over the years, including helping businesses through Y2K, Hurricane Katrina, a recession, and now a worldwide pandemic. Its achievements have led to recognitions for success in sustaining technological advancements (CRN Tech Elite 250 and CRN Fastest Growth 150) and for maintaining a favorable culture for employees (New Orleans CityBusiness “Best Places to Work”). “Moving forward, we hope to grow our team with like-minded individuals and grow our regional footprint while continuing to focus first on customers’ experiences,” says Stephanie Kavanaugh, Director of Sales & Marketing at UDI. Some of that growth stems from the current pandemic, which has forced businesses to rely on technology in new and challenging ways. As an “IT Chameleon,” a term coined by UDI’s Founder & President, Jim Perrier, UDI is finding creative ways to keep companies operating while also combating the current spike in cyber-attacks on businesses. In addition to acting as an adaptive “IT Chameleon,” UDI also sets itself apart by putting “Your Business First” and by being “Your Best Employee,” two mantras that dictate every move. This customer-first approach has allowed its team to continue to add value for customers by assessing business needs and adapting technologies to maximize the effectiveness of their companies.
(LEFT TO RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM) UDI Leadership Team: Simon Bordelon, Service Operations Manager; Chad Perrier, Vice President; Jim Perrier, CEO & Founder; Stephanie Kavanaugh, Sales & Marketing Director; Alex Battard, CIO 1312 Distributors Row • New Orleans 504-523-1466 • udi.com
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HIGHER EDUCATION
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University of Holy Cross
The University of Holy Cross (UHC) has the distinction of being the only four-year University on the West Bank of New Orleans as well as one of eight Holy Cross colleges and universities nationwide. It has been setting the standard for quality education for over a century, since its founding in 1916 by the Catholic Marianite sisters of Holy Cross. Today, the University is well-respected for its excellence in nursing, counseling, teacher education, theology, business administration, the humanities, and health sciences, and it is uniquely the most affordable and accessible private college or university in Louisiana. It is the largest private employer on the West Bank of New Orleans, making both an educational and economic impact for thousands of locals. “UHC is an inclusive student-centered learning community focused on academic excellence and innovative teaching,” says Dr. Stanton McNeely, President. “The University is committed to educating the minds and hearts of its students through freedom of inquiry, the pursuit of truth, and compassionate care for all.” The personalized and small nature of UHC provided for a smooth adjustment to the impact of the pandemic. Small class sizes—a 10:1 student to teacher ratio— have ensured and will ensure the quality of classes and student-teacher interaction with both remote and in-person instruction. Recent expansions at the University include its first residence hall, which provides access for more students from beyond Greater New Orleans to attend and live at UHC. Additionally, new online options in the Master of Science in Management and MA and PhD in Counseling are accelerating growth in those programs to meet the needs for advanced education of business professionals and counselors.
Dr. Stanton F. McNeely III, President of the University of Holy Cross, stands in front of the 104 year old institution. 4123 Woodland Drive • New Orleans 504-394-7744 • uhcno.edu
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CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
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A division of the Wood Resources Group, Wood Materials has been providing construction and residential foundation materials for over 40 years. Part of a multigenerational, multi-faceted family company, Wood Materials was formed in the 1980s when Donald Wood, Sr.’s three children joined their father and expanded his company by adding sand pits and tugboats, growing the range of construction materials sold, installing ship mooring facilities, and adding maintenance dredging capabilities. Today, Wood Materials provides river sand, crushed concrete, limestone, and pea gravel with the help of the Mighty Mississippi and the company’s five sandpit locations along the river. “We use our own dredge—our tried and true “W.B. Wood” suction dredge (which also has cutterhead capabilities)—to pump sand from the river into our sandpits, and we sell it from there,” says Caroline Zimmermann, Land Manager and 4th generation family member. “Because this city and surrounding areas are ever sinking, foundation materials are necessary for all construction projects,” she says. Wood Materials has contributed to a number of notable local projects, including single-handedly pumping and providing 2.4M cubic yards of sand for the new Louis Armstrong International Airport as well as providing foundation materials to the new VA buildings downtown, the New Orleans Saints practice facility, and the new Bayou Oaks South Course at City Park. Looking forward, the company is expanding up the river to provide materials for upcoming projects. “This industry is so unique; it’s something no one thinks about but everyone needs,” says Zimmermann. “Our saying is ‘We Provide the Foundation,’ and we like to think of that not just in terms of sand but in terms of community, too.” (TOP) Customer transporting pumped river sand, one of the many materials that we provide for various construction projects (BOTTOM) process of recycling raw concrete into crushed concrete 5821 River Road • Avondale 504-436-1234 • woodresources.com
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Wood Materials
SPONSORED
RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTING DMG Design + Build
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A local, award-winning General Contractor, DMG Design+Build offers a streamlined designbuild process, where designers and builders work together under one agreement to deliver a client experience that comes with less owner responsibility, seamless collaboration, fewer change orders, faster construction, more affordable projects, and better results. The company’s core values are accountability, teamwork, and communication— by prioritizing communication with each client, the company ensures they meet both the client’s timeline and expectations. “One of the tools we use to accomplish successful communication is our cloud-based portal,” says Ryan McCroskey, CEO. “This portal is utilized throughout the entire project and provides transparency between the client and DMG Design+Build with milestone logs during
development of the project and daily logs once production is underway,” he says. With 24/7 online access, the portal allows clients the convenience of monitoring the project and seeing their vision come to life every step of the way. This year, the challenges of the pandemic created an urgent need for homeowners to re-examine the function of their homes, especially with regard to technology, flexibility, and comfort. According to McCroskey, DMG Design+Build is able to assist in designing and delivering a home that best suits their needs. “We are committed to doing more than completing quality projects—we strive to build relationships and communities,” he says. “Every project we take on receives the highest level of experience, professionalism, and superior craftsmanship.”
2345 Metairie Road • Metairie 504-275-6664 •DMGnola.com
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