April 2019

FREE LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS ON A HIGH NOTE

CALOGERO PRESIDES AS JUVENILE COURT JUDGE

TERREBONNE SHERIFF’S RACE HEATS UP

TOMMY BADEAUX V. ROGER GOODELL

SPOTLIGHT ON LEGAL LEADERS

APR 2019

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE |

APRIL 2019 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 4

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

PUBLISHER

Brian Rushing

04 06 08 10

GOVERNMENT UPDATE

Crowded Sheriff’s race kicks off early

OIL AND GAS UPDATE

Experts say Trump can’t tweet his way out of oil spike

NEW SESSION BEGINS ON A HIGH NOTE

Local lawmakers file a variety of bills

LOCAL REFLECTS ON CAREER, LAWSUIT VERSUS NFL

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EDITORIAL

LEGAL LEADERS

The Schwab Law Firm

Mary Ditch MANAGING EDITOR

Casey Gisclair MANAGING EDITOR

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LEGAL LEADERS

St. Martin & Bourque

Amber Duplantis SENIOR DESIGNER

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JUDGE WITH LOCAL ROOTS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Nicholas Boutte GRAPHIC DESIGNER

The Prentice Firm

LEGAL LEADERS

Juvenile Court Judge Amanda Calogero

Tommy Badeaux explains his case against Goodell

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

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LEGAL LEADERS

27

ON THE AGENDA

15

LEGAL LEADERS

Jerald Block

Bonnie Rushing EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

News Briefs

Corporate calendar of events

Drew Miller CONTRIBUTING WRITER

John DeSantis CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CREATIVE Paul Guidry GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ADVERTISING Deanne Ratliff SALES MANAGER Linda Pontiff, Lanie Roberts, Emily Rini

DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Monica Harrison

OFFICE/CIRCULATION MANAGER Michelle Ortego

Michelle Brooks

CUSTOMER SERVICE Kimberly Ross

SPOTLIGHT ON LEGAL LEADERS

CONTACT Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com Editorial: editor@bayoubusinessmonthly.com Sales: sales@rushing-media.com

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Bayou Business Monthly also features our Legal Leaders special section where we profile five legal firms in the HoumaThibodaux area. We explore what makes these firms stand out and what sets them apart.

Finally, we review the emerging candidates for the highest position in enforcing the law, the office of Terrebonne Parish Sheriff. While the election isn’t until the fall, the candidates have already begun their campaigning.

As a business owner, the relationships you have with attorneys can be a key element of helping your business succeed or a periodic thorn in your side. Hopefully this issue of Bayou Business Monthly gives you little bit of insight into how it all works.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Bayou Business Monthly is published monthly.

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Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphics content in any manner is prohibited.

Bayou Business Monthly is published monthly by Rushing Media.

APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

he legal profession is an in depth and intriguing career.

Bound by rules that are subject to interpretation by servants of the bench, attorneys do their part to protect our citizens and help to maintain a fair and balanced society. In this month’s Legal Leaders edition, we take a closer look at some of the individuals who have sworn to uphold the laws and what keeps them sticking around for more.

We start by taking a look at the lawmakers themselves with an overview of the 2019 Regular Session. Our local lawmakers have filed a number of interesting bills in this fiscal session.

It was the “non-call” heard ‘round the world that ended the New Orleans Saints run for the Super Bowl and attorney Tommy Badeaux refused to just sit idly by. The Galliano native explains his side of the case, why he filed, why it was dismissed and why it truly wasn’t just a publicity stunt.

Another bayou native, the Bourg-born Amanda Chauvin Calogero has recently been sworn in as a juvenile court judge in the 24th Judicial District. Judge Calogero shares with us her firm belief that serving in this role can help rehabilitate youth that have entered the system.

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GOVERNMENT UPDATE |

BY JOHN DESANTIS

APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

CROWDED SHERIFF’S RACE KICKS OFF EARLY

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BLAYNE BERGERON

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TIM SOIGNET

errebonne Parish is assured to swear in a new sheriff in July, now that Sheriff Jerry Larpenter has chosen not to seek another term.

A large pool of candidates are already lining up to potentially take the position — including some who have held key roles in Larpenter’s administration.

Three have announced their intentions at press-time in mid-April and others are potentially going to file in the coming months to chase the position that Larpenter is retiring from after multiple terms and a lengthy career.

The election is not until the fall, but the race is expected to be highly competitive.

In his campaign material, Blayne Bergeron has boasted that with the bulk of his career at other agencies, he will be in a good position to operate the Sheriff’s Office “without

MIKE SOLET

fear or favor.”

Bergeron, a former agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security who has worked closely with local law enforcement officers and administrators, has also earned local recognition as a member of a popular band called “Bandit.” While the bulk of Bergeron’s experience has been with the federal government he is also no stranger to local law enforcement. He has worked for the Sheriff’s Office as well as the Nicholls State University Police. Since retiring from the public sector, Bergeron has worked as the facility security officer for Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, LOOP. The primary goal of his administration, Bergeron said, would be for officers to “Protect and Serve” all citizens of Terrebonne with efficiency and integrity.

NO BACK OR NECK PAIN the area in an effort to help the parents of our children, our future leaders, have a safe environment as well. The safety of every citizen in our parish is of utmost importance to me and is something that I will continue to focus on as Sheriff of Terrebonne Parish. During my time as director of the Police Academy, I would often explain to the cadets the many dangers of police work and the difficult circumstances that go along with it.

Many times, I would emphasize to them that the most important part of their day as officers is when they are able to make it home safe to their families at the end of each shift. It is a personal belief of mine that a police officer needs a purpose each day to remind them to not be complacent, and their families are that purpose. I have trained these new officers that the badge doesn’t symbolize power, but rather, it symbolizes a responsibility to the people. I promised these officers that I would continue to remind them of this. I intend on keeping that promise.”

While Bergeron, Solet and Soignet are locked into the ballot, others are reportedly heavily considering a run.

Col. Terry Daigre, appointed chief deputy by Larpenter, has racked up praise from fellow officers while holding positions ranging from patrol to commander of the narcotics division.

Mark Pitre, an investigator for Terrebonne Parish District Attorney Joe Waitz Jr., has won the respect of law enforcement personnel and, as an official of Houma’s Krewe of Hercules, could have an extra boost from that range of support.

Both are rumored to be putting their hat in the ring in the coming months.

The initial scheduled election date is Oct. 12. If more than two candidates run, and one garners 50 percent of the votes plus one, that person will be the winner. If that doesn’t occur then the two candidates with the greatest number of votes will face a run-off on Nov. 16.

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“I know there’s a lot of work to be done, and together with your help we can make Terrebonne Parish a safer community,” Bergeron said.

The first candidate to announce that he would seek the top cop spot is Mike Solet, who retired from the TPSO after 38 years of service. At the time he left, Solet was serving as Larpenter’s administrative deputy, but his career at the agency was mostly anything but desk-related.

He has held numerous certifications for radar operation, motorcycle safety and emergency vehicle extraction, working both in uniform and civilian clothes, as a detective and also a patrol supervisor.

Solet also played a key role in local drug enforcement.

“I am proud to say that I headed that division for 13 years, longer than any other commander,” Solet said of his time in the Sheriff’s Office narcotics division. “I worked with a dedicated team to aggressively fight the neverending drug problem that plagues our streets. Narcotics investigations have many aspects from finances, tactical officer coordination, critical incident management, to safety.”

Another long-serving Terrebonne deputy with a wealth of diverse experience is Tim Soignet. He joined the Sheriff’s Office with a set of special credentials, as a career Marine who served in the Gulf War and reached the rank of Chief Warrant Officer.

Retiring from the Sheriff’s Office with the rank of Major, Soignet coupled his military experience with special training that made him a valuable asset to Larpenter’s team.

“In an effort to make our schools safer, I worked on developing and implementing critical incident training (Active Shooter) for school teachers and administrative staff throughout the parish,” Soignet said.“I also implemented and provided critical incident training for numerous churches and workplaces throughout

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OIL & GAS |

APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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BY CASEY GISCLAIR

t’s no secret. United State President Donald Trump wants the price of oil lower.

He’s tweeted his opinion on the topic several times — at least six times since the start of 2019.

At press conferences and campaign rallies in the past month, he’s elaborated a little on the issue, saying that he thinks cheap oil is a tax break on the American people because of the subsequent drop in the price of gas that follows.

“Cheap oil means cheap gas,” Trump said at a rally. “Cheap gas means more money in the pockets of you, the American people. I think that’s a winning formula. Don’t you?”

But oil and gas experts say this month that conditions right now on the global market are ripe for a price boom, and nothing the President can say in 280 characters on a social media platform will be able to stop the surge that’s likely coming in the coming weeks — a wave that may well already be under way.

The price of oil at press-time in mid-April was near $65/barrel — a rise of more than $7-8/ barrel from levels we saw last month and a five-month peak in the up and down roller coaster we’ve seen in the past 2 years.

The reasons for the surge are complex and surround global politics. But countless oilproducing nations are struggling for various reasons right now, which are creating uncertainty about future supply — a perfect surge for the price jump we’ve seen.

“The conditions have been in line with a rise and we’ve seen it happen,” said Hussein Sayed, a futures brokerage strategist at FXTM — an expert in oil and gas long-range outlooks.

“Oil-producing nations have been in a rut and in some cases, it’s a rut we’re not sure some will recover from.”

Libya is at the center of the recent price surge.

In recent weeks, violence in the country has escalated — significantly impacting the nation’s economy and oil and gas program, which was starting to get quickly organized.

“The violence in Libya is captivating the market,” John Kilduff, an oil and gas pricing

strategist told CNBC on April 8. “There is a sense that losing the Libyan oil, again, has the makings of a supply crunch.”

The problems in Libya, combined with the continued collapse of the economy in Venezuela and the United States’ sanctions on Iran have tested some of the big global players in oil and gas.

This is significant because their oil is coming off the market right as OPEC is holding firm on its commitment to cut supply.

OPEC reached a deal earlier in the year to remove 1.2 million barrels per day from global supply — a move done to try and artificially raise prices after bottoming out to start 2019.

So far, OPEC has held true to that deal, which, combined with the uncertainty surrounding Libya, Venezuela and Iran, has caused great doubt and the belief in some buyers that there is more supply than there is oil, thus lifting the price.

America does have some control over the future, though.

One reason why buyers think there is more demand than supply is because of a United States jobs report released in early April, which showed that the U.S. economy is in great standing with low-unemployment levels and high optimism.

In those conditions, citizens make more money, which amounts to greater luxuries — and usually more oil used per person.

Trump, himself, also can impact the situation.

In recent months, he’s given countries special exemptions to use Iranian oil without the fear of economic sanctions.

In the coming months, those exceptions will expire. If not renewed, the Iranian oil field would take a huge hit, which experts say, would shoot the price up significantly.

“We don’t expect the president to let those exceptions go without renewal,” Sayed said.

“He wants as much control over the market as he can and doing that would take everything out of his hands.”

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WHY IS ANY OF THIS IMPORTANT?

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APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Why do we, in Houma-Thibodaux care what happens in Libya, Venezuela and Iran?

Why does the price of oil even matter to us?

Well, that’s complex, but we can try to simply it to the non-expert reader.

Simply put — our economy is dominated by the oil and gas industry, specifically deepwater oil and gas drilling.

But deepwater drilling is expensive, so when the price of oil is low, profit margins shrink and companies slow their efforts to extract oil from the Gulf because it’s not worth their while.

This hurts oil employees, supply companies, grocers and literally every, single facet of our local economy.

When the price of oil is higher, companies can make far more profit with deepwater drilling, so they, of course, attempt to do more of it.

This puts our local men and women to work and the cash they make feed everything around our area.

“Your area is 100 percent driven by the oil pulled out of the surface of the Gulf of Mexico,” well-known economist Dr. Loren Scott said. “The old saying is, ‘Is it the chicken that comes first or is it the egg?’ With your area, oil and gas is both the chicken and the egg.”

Chett Chiasson, the Executive Director at Port Fourchon said $60/barrel oil is sustainable, but levels in the $70/barrel and $80/barrel range are ideal.

Of course, the pipe dream is $100-110/barrel oil like we’ve seen a couple times in the past 20 years.

When that happens, sure, gasoline is expensive. But locals make it back in their places of business.

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BY HUNTER LOVELL AND JAMES A. SMITH LSU MANSHIP SCHOOL NEWS SERVICE

APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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ouisiana Governor John Bel Edwards presented a hopeful State of the State address last week at the Capitol to open the 2019 legislative session.

Edwards’ tone stood in sharp contrast to the last few sessions in which lawmakers fought extensively over how to solve state budget problems.

While the focus for the session is on financial matters, local legislators have pre-filed bills that cover an array of topics ranging from choices for state songs and a dance to relief for persons owing fines, that can help them more easily clean the slate over time.

Edwards, a Democrat who is campaigning for re-election, pointed to how the state’s $2 billion deficit has turned into a surplus and said his top priority this year is pay raises for teachers. He is seeking $1,000 pay raises for public school teachers and $500 raises for school support personnel.

“Our teachers deserve more,” Edwards said, urging lawmakers to “step up” for teachers across the state.

Edwards also boasted about stabilizing funding for higher education and securing healthcare services.

“Through partnership rather than partisanship, we restored fiscal stability and put an end to the greatest budget crisis in our state’s history,’” Edwards said. He maintained that the “state is finally moving in the right direction.”

In the speech, Edwards touted his expansion of the state’s Medicaid program to include residents making up to 38 percent more than poverty levels. Roughly 480,000 people have enrolled.

Edwards told the story of a recovering addict who had received care through the

expansion and is now becoming a paralegal. He also mentioned that no rural hospitals have closed since the expansion, both saving jobs and providing care to rural residents.

“We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Medicaid expansion is saving lives,” he said.

Edwards, however, did not mention the loose management controls that state auditors have criticized. In November, auditors found that the Louisiana Department of Health could have misspent $85 million on ineligible enrollees as well as misallocated funds to healthcare providers. After the audit, his administration implemented a new computer system meant to prevent abuse.

Edwards also expressed his support for protecting individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Currently, 850,000 Louisiana residents have pre-existing health conditions and are covered under the federal Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.

“I do not want the nearly one million Louisianans living with pre-existing conditions to get caught in the middle of Washington-style politics,” Edwards said. “They deserve better than that.”

Edwards said he is again looking to establish a minimum wage in the state of $9 an hour and close the wage gap between men and women. State Rep. Barry Ivey (R., Baton Rouge) said the legislature was able to overcome budget deficits in recent years but will have different challenges for this session, with the governor’s minimum wage proposal likely to face significant hurdles.

Turning to the opioid epidemic, Edwards said he is supporting legislation to enhance data on opioid overdoses in the hopes of finding solutions. Deadly opioid overdoses in Louisiana have plateaued at a high rate. The state health department debuted a dashboard with drug overdose data in October.

Edwards, who is pro-life, mentioned that abortions in the state are at a 10-year low. That received roaring applause from both Republicans and Democrats.

LOCAL LAWMAKERS FILE A VARIETY OF BILLS

BY JOHN DESANTIS

Lawmakers are limited to five pre-filed bills each that do not relate to finance, and some local representatives have approached a broad variety of topics. Below are highlights of legislation they have filed for the session. The list is limited and does not include all pre-filed bills.

REP. TANNER MAGEE – R, HOUMA

Among Magee’s offerings this session is a plan for people who have fines imposed by the courts who are in financial difficulties to more easily arrange for payments over time, lessening the potential for job loss and other hardships.

HB 255 provides that prior to imposing fines, costs or restitution, a court shall determine whether an immediate payment of the full amount will cause great difficulty to them or their dependents.

If a hardship is determined, the court may waive all or part of the cost or order a monthly payment plan. In addition, if a defendant becomes unemployed or homeless while making payments, alternatives means of making good can include substance treatment, education, or community services.

In like fashion, if the defendant’s ability to pay becomes better grounded, the court can impose new payment terms.

REP. JEROME ZERINGUE – R, HOUMA

The coastal wizard’s most wide-ranging bill this session would create a new tax structure that will have a strong effect on the ability to deduct taxes paid to the federal government, and a graduated tax structure that he says will more evenly spread the burdens and the benefits of the state tax code. HB 151 would create a constitutional amendment providing for rates and brackets to be updated for calculation purposes, and repeals the deduction for federal income taxes paid for computing individual and corporate income taxes.

HB150 would remove the police chief for the City of Houma from random appointment and instead require the position to be a competitive one.

Zeringue’s HB 153 would provide annual pay increases for police officers in certain municipalities, including Houma, amounting to about 2 percent.

One of the more controversial bills filed by Zeringue would require opinions rendered to the Louisiana Supreme Court by the state’s Judicial Commission concerning alleged misconduct of judges to be public. HB 75 would eliminate a layer of secrecy surrounding such proceedings.

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HB 445 includes wide-ranging restrictions on legal advertisements. The bill would prohibit the presentation of advertising from lawyers as a medical, health or consumer alert or public service announcement. The logos of state or federal government agencies would be barred from lawyer advertising, and sponsors of such advertisements must be identified.

REP. JERRY GISCLAIR – D, CUT OFF

A bill strongly favored by fishermen but eschewed by some restaurant interests, HB198, would require restaurants serving shrimp or crawfish from other nations to identify them as such on menus or placards offering their bills of fare. Gisclair says the proposed law is motivated by concern over banned antibiotics being used in overseas aquaculture operations.

Of interest to hunters is HB166 which would require a harness to be used by anyone hunting from an open deer-stand.

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APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

The veteran lawmaker – now serving his final term – proposes in SB 192 that “Jambalaya,” the Hank Williams classic, join “You Are My Sunshine” and “Give Me Louisiana” as an official state song. The bill also would designate “The Cajun Waltz” as the official state dance.

SB 122 would allow voters to amend the state constitution would authorize an exemption from ad valorem taxes for goods held by a business in inventory.

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BY CASEY GISCLAIR

APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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any months have passed, but the obvious still remains.

The New Orleans Saints were robbed of a chance at going to the Super Bowl because of a missed pass interference call.

One local knows that better than anyone.

After the call happened, he used his knowledge of the legal system to try and enact change to how the league does business in tumultuous situations.

Galliano native Tommy Badeaux was the architect of the highly publicized lawsuit against the National Football League in the days following the Saints/Rams games.

On the official court documents filed, it reads Badeaux v. Roger Goodell.

The attorney, who works for the Law Offices of Frank D’Amico Jr. in Metairie said the entire experience was memorable — one which helped him grow in his young career. He said he never expected to fully topple the billion-dollar giant that is the NFL, but his efforts were not altogether in vein, as the league has now altered their rules to prevent another blown call from costing a team in the future.

“That process was a whirlwind of emotion, legal research, perfect timing and tons of creativity,” Badeaux said, looking back. “We caught so much flack in the (national) media about the case — being called ‘poor sports’ and plenty of other names, but I still feel that the Badeaux v. Goodell lawsuit had merit. I think it was the epitome of what I stand for in that I took it upon myself to stand for the everyday citizens against the giant corporation that is the NFL and its commissioner. … It was a great

“I LIKE THAT I GET TO HELP PEOPLE ON A DAILY BASIS BECAUSE THAT IS ESSENTIALLY WHAT I BELIEVE BEING A LAWYER IS ALL CENTERED UPON. SOMEONE COMES TO YOU WITH A PROBLEM, AN INJURY OR A PARTICULAR ISSUE THAT THEY NEED HELP AND/OR GUIDANCE WITH AND THEY SEEK OUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AND THEN TRUST YOU TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR LEGAL NEEDS AS THEIR ADVOCATE OR THEIR VOICE IN A COURT ROOM.” - Tommy Badeaux

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“WHAT HAPPENED ON THAT INFAMOUS SUNDAY WAS NOTHING SHORT OF A TRAVESTY, AND WE WANTED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.” - Tommy Badeaux

APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

learning experience and, if for anything, it just goes to show that if I’m willing to sue a powerful entity like the NFL to do what’s right, then just imagine what I’m willing to do to help my clients on a daily basis.”

Badeaux explained in depth why the case got dismissed.

He said the league’s bylaws are structured masterfully to cover them from just about any litigation at any time.

The judge in the case ruled that Badeaux, who was suing as a season ticket holder, had no standing to force an investigation or action from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Badeaux said despite commentary that indicated otherwise in national media, the suit, in no way, was filed as a publicity stunt or an attempt at attention.

He said going in, he knew it was a “long shot” that the final minutes would be replayed, but added that rule changes mark a victory in that teams are less likely to be hurt in the future by an official’s mistake in judgment.

“What happened on that infamous Sunday was nothing short of a travesty,” Badeaux

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said. “And we wanted to do something about it.”

For Badeaux, the path to law was paved by his Pappy.

As a toddler, Badeaux jokes and said he wanted to be a garbage man.

“I always wanted to ride on the back of that truck,” he said with a laugh.

But as he got closer to 10-11, his Pappy told him that he was smart and should be a lawyer or doctor. Badeaux said he lost two grandparents to cancer when he was 13, which spooked him out of the medical field altogether.

“I realized how much I genuinely hated hospitals,” he said.

From there, the path to being a legal leader was a personal mission — one which he chased and conquered when he passed the Bar and, created The Law Offices of Tommy Badeaux. Shortly after that, he joined the team with Frank D’Amico.

“I guess you can say that becoming a lawyer was just my way of proving my Pappy right,” Badeaux said.

He said he takes pride and joy in being able to help people who are in need of assistance in a time of need.

Badeaux said he also wants to fight back against the stigma that attorneys are sleazy and/or are only after a money grab. He said there’s far more to the job than that and many in the profession have good and pure intentions.

“I like that I get to help people on a daily basis because that is essentially what I believe being a lawyer is all centered upon,” he said. “Someone comes to you with a problem, an injury or a particular issue that they need help and/or guidance with and they seek out your professional advice and then trust you to take care of their legal needs as their advocate or their voice in a court room.”

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LEGAL LEADERS |

SPONSORED

JERALD BLOCK Block Law Firm

“Once our client comes to us, we’re committed to that client. We believe in a strong communication link with our clients. We get the best result we can and we’ve been very successful doing that.”

APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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ocated amidst the stately oaks on LA 1 in Thibodaux is Block Law Firm.

Established in 1971 by Jerald Block, the firm prides itself on commitment to its clients throughout the legal process. With eight lawyers on their team, Block Law Firm focuses on providing the best service available to their clients.

“The most important thing is commitment,” shared Block. “We’re committed to our clients. We’re committed to their success in litigation. I come from a business background because my dad was a very successful businessman in Thibodaux. I look at things from a business standpoint and try to advise clients who are involved in commercial litigation. I advise them from a business standpoint: what are the advantages, what are the disadvantages? But once our clients make their decision, our office is committed to the case.”

Block Law Firm handles mostly personal injury and commercial litigation.

Block handles Medicaid fraud litigation, working for Attorney General, Jeff Landry.

“If a pharmaceutical company through some type a scheme defrauds Medicaid, we file suit against that pharmaceutical company on behalf of the Medicaid program, as well as the Office of Group Benefits,” explained Block.

Block is also still very active within the practice with personal injury work.

“Whether it is products liability, whether it is malpractice—legal malpractice and medical malpractice—or automobile incidents, we are heavily involved in litigation.”

Ever the litigator, Block finds himself at home in the courtroom. Over the years, Block has tried hundreds of jury trials, not just in Lafourche and Terrebonne, but also throughout the State of Louisiana. He credits his great relationships with government and parish officials for his ability and comfort in doing work in neighboring parishes, including St. Mary, St. Charles or even East Baton Rouge, where Medicaid fraud cases are heard.

“I would prefer to be in the courtroom than sitting behind my desk,” shared Block. “I’ve always enjoyed being in the courtroom. Preparation is the key.

Also having strong relationships with the judges where they understand that once we come into court, we’re going to be prepared and we’re going to be ready to proceed with our client’s case.”

After nearly 50 years practicing law, Block enjoys what he does and the results he achieves for his clients.

“I tell clients all the time, my job is not to make the judge happy,” Block said with a smile. “Our job is not to make the opposing lawyer happy. Our job is to make our clients satisfied with the result that we achieved for them. It’s all about client-focused work and helping people—helping clients—get the best result they can.”

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SPONSORED

| LEGAL LEADERS

MICHELLE D. BROOKS Law Offices of Porteous, Hainkel & Johnson

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s a child, Lafayette native Michelle DeLoach Brooks was inspired to become a lawyer by visiting her grandfather’s law office in New Orleans. She later went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. After, she studied at LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center – where Brooks finished with a Juris Doctorate and bachelor’s in civil law. Following a celebrated career at law firms in Lafayette and Metairie, Michelle moved to Thibodaux after marrying Thibodaux-native and attorney, Beau Brooks.

Michelle Brooks joined the Law Offices of Porteous, Hainkel & Johnson (PHJ) — Thibodaux location — in 2014. With nearly 15 years of practicing law, the experienced and proficient attorney was made partner of the law firm this past January. “It was a sense of accomplishment and I’m very excited…,” said Brooks on being made partner. “I’ve always been a hard worker and determined, so it was a good sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that as long as you work hard, treat people right and make the right connections, you can move up pretty quickly.”

For her hard work and accomplishments, Brooks has been recognized by her peers, winning the 2018 Frank L. Maraist Award and was a 2017 nominee for Louisiana Bar Foundation’s Distinguished Attorney Award. She is affiliated with Lafourche Parish Bar Association, Terrebonne Parish Bar Association, Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, and American Bar Association, among other distinguished organizations.

But, for Brooks, it’s more than just making a difference in her field; she is also determined to make a difference here in the Bayou Region. She and her husband founded Upside Downs — the nonprofit organization that helps the local Down syndrome community through new parent support, recreational activities, raising awareness and advocacy. In addition to her work with Upside Downs, Brooks was a member of the Thibodaux Service League for ten years and is a Bayou Country Children’s Museum Charter member.

PHJ — which specializes in insurance law — was founded in 1928, making it the second oldest firm in the state. Through their over 90 years of practicing, the law firm – that has locations in Thibodaux, New Orleans, Covington and Baton Rouge — has accumulated a strong tradition of dedication, success, professionalism and results.

“We stand out because we are truly considered the only insurance defense firm in Lafourche Parish, and for sure the largest in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish,” Brooks said. “…And just based upon our longstanding history of tradition and us being the second oldest law firm, we represent a lot of wellknown and respectful insurance companies, private businesses and grocery stores.”

The Thibodaux location also includes lawyers Michael G. Gee, Marla M. Abel, and Bobby J. Triche. For more information on PHJ visit their website, http://www.phjlaw.com.

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APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

ABOUT PORTEOUS, HAINKEL & JOHNSON

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LEGAL LEADERS |

SPONSORED

THE SCHWAB LAW FIRM APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Camille Saltz Babin, Patti Reeves Floyd, Danna Schwab

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T

he dedicated attorneys of The Schwab Law Firm place your needs first when handling your case. With over 80 years of combined experience, the woman attorneys pride themselves on quick communication and positive results.

Part of what makes The Schwab Law Firm stand out is their ability to give lots of feedback to their clients, and doing so quickly.

“I can get back to a client within 24 hours,” shares Danna Schwab. “We have the staff in place here to be able to communicate with our clients very quickly. Everything nowadays is done by email for two reasons: one, I can answer them back even if I’m popping in and out of court; and two: everything is in writing.”

The Schwab Law Firm primarily handles family law, but will also represent clients for cases involving personal injury, civil litigation and some criminal litigation. All of the attorneys at The Schwab Law Firm handle family law and other civil litigation, while Patti Reeves Floyd also handles criminal defense litigation. Patti worked for the District Attorney’s office as a prosecutor for many years. Camille Saltz Babin has been litigating family law cases for her entire career.

Family law is a perfect fit for Schwab, whose background is in psychology and social work. While she got her start in a New Orleans firm handling insurance defense, once she returned to Houma to practice law with her father, she quickly realized she’d rather be in the courtroom.

“I had never done a family law case ever in the first 10 years I practiced,” shared Schwab. “I looked around [Houma] and said, what other field do I want to learn?

Because basically that’s what it is. You don’t learn that in law school; you learn that on the job. And so I decided since my background is psychology, it fit. So I taught myself family law and then slowly but surely gave up the insurance defense that I didn’t want to do. And then when my dad retired, I just decided I don’t want to do that anymore.”

Being part of an all women firm has its advantages too. “All of us here are mothers,” explained Schwab. “We can use our own experiences as mothers and as a family to help us in family law cases.”

For more information on The Schwab Law Firm, visit www.theschwablawfirm.com.

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SPONSORED

| LEGAL LEADERS

DERRICK D. PRENTICE The Prentice Firm

T

he Prentice Firm — the law firm with locations in both downtown Houma and Thibodaux, with experts focusing on real estate and Louisiana property law — recently reached ten years of serving the people in communities throughout South Louisiana.

Over that time span, the firm — led by attorney Derrick D. Prentice — has garnered high praise from their commercial and residential customers for their integrity, dedication, knowledge and accuracy, among other qualities.

In addition to the appreciation from their gratified customers, The Prentice Firm has also been recognized by local entities — being named “Best Law Firm in Terrebonne Parish” by 2015’s Best of the Best, “Best Attorney 2017” for Best of the Bayou 2017 and “Affiliate of the Year” for 2012 and 2015 by the Bayou Board of Realtors.

“The Prentice Firm’s true difference is the super cool people who work there.

Each Prentice Firm family member is individually amazing in their own way,” Prentice said. “They are not only unique professionals in what they do day in and day out, they are people you’d want to know even if you didn’t have a property law issue to discuss.”

A Q&A WITH DERRICK D. PRENTICE

What are some fun facts about yourself?

“I am an ex-LSU pole vaulter who enjoys spending time with his funny family, who are always up for an adventure. I love hunting and fishing with family and friends whenever I can. I am a wonderful snowboarder who wishes he wasn’t such a horrible surfer. I try to be honest in everything but guitar play, storytelling and Pedro...I also believe a world without sport would be lost.”

In what ways are you involved in the community?

“My wife Melanie and I are involved with numerous civic causes, foundations, and events throughout the year. However, I very much enjoy my pro bono work with local business startups...If you want to build a community that truly can withstand the fluctuations in politics, public policy and the price of oil, I think the best place to start would be with the spirited few in the community willing to put everything they have on the line, in an effort to bring something positive and new back home to us all.”

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APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Why did you want to become a lawyer?

“Most attorneys would say, ‘I wanted to be Atticus Finch.’ I mean, who doesn’t want to be an Atticus Finch...Growing up in the sugarcane and cattle business, I developed a tremendous respect and affinity for land, it’s potential uses, in both its natural form, and in the blank canvas potential present in every tract for those possessing a little bit of imagination. It’s funny how a belief, so basic that I feel it in my bones, is finally being felt by more than just us farmers and cattlemen.

Sadly, this is only because land is a vanishing South Louisiana resource, and protecting it has finally become an issue everyone understands.”

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LEGAL LEADERS |

SPONSORED

ST. MARTIN & BOURQUE Christopher St. Martin and Charles “Chuck” Bourque

APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

“W

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e have a history that spans more than forty years and our firm is uniquely experienced in defending the rights of clients against some of the most powerful corporate interests,” said Charles “Chuck” Bourque, partner and lawyer at Houma’s St. Martin & Bourque Attorneys at Law. Founded by Michael X. St. Martin, the law firm that also consists of attorney and partner Christopher St. Martin and attorney Joseph G. Jevic III, specializes in personal injury litigation. The team’s expertise expands throughout various areas of litigation that include maritime/offshore, truck, aviation, nursing home negligence and automobile accidents.

“When industrial accidents happen or accidents happen offshore, the first people that the companies call, generally, are their lawyers, and they make those calls because they want to know what their legal rights are,” Bourque explained. “Not everyone injured in an industrial or an offshore accident needs to file suit. But we think they should at least contact a lawyer to know what their rights are.”

Many locals involved in such personal injuries have been going to St. Martin & Bourque because of their experience — handling cases in both state and federal court — proficiency and commitment to their clients.

“Whether it’s an injury on a platform in the Gulf of Mexico, a helicopter crash while transporting workers to and from those platforms, or an 18-wheeler accident,we have the experience in bringing claims arising out of such incidents,” Bourque said. “…When something goes wrong and the results are catastrophic — for years — families of individuals injured or killed in such accidents have depended on us to protect them.”

Even after the litigation is resolved, Bourque noted, the lawyers at St. Martin & Bourque still keep in contact with their clients in case there are any remaining issues with their injuries. “We take pride in that,” he expressed.

Not only does St. Martin & Bourque take pride in being there for their clients — before, during and after litigation — they are also proud of helping out communities here in the Bayou Region. The firm has donated bullet proof vests to sheriff’s officers working at the courthouse, given out Christmas gifts every year to children in need in the parish, worked with the Louis Children’s Crisis Center and much more.

“We always want to give back to the community that has given us so much,” Bourque shared.

For more on St. Martin & Bourque Attorneys at Law, visit their website at www.stmblaw.com.

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APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

BY JOHN DESANTIS

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W

hen the former Amanda Chauvin was a student at South Terrebonne High School she encountered an unusual opportunity.

The late Jim Alcock, a legendary Houma attorney, served as her mentor on a special study project that introduced her to the law, aiding in development of a love for the subject that would never leave her mind.

The daughter of the late Douglas “Chubby” and Lillie Mae Chauvin followed her dream. Now known by her married name, Amanda Calogero, she is now a juvenile court judge in Jefferson Parish’s 24th Judicial District.

But in many ways, Houma is still where her heart is.

“I visit Terrebonne, and even though I don’t live there anymore, I still consider it in part my home,” she said. “My childhood memories and what was involved in my development happened there. I had dear teachers and friends and parents of friends who shaped my early life, helping me to where I am today. When I visit it feels like a different place inside of me. I slow down a little more when I am there.”

Judge Calogero got an early view of how the law affects peoples’ lives early on. Her father was a Terrebonne Parish deputy who became the Constable for Ward 5 in Bourg.

Both of Judge Calogero’s parents gave guidance that helped her to make wise and well-thought decisions, she said. They respected and supported her early desire to study law, but also suggested a career parachute. Student Council president, Catholic Youth Organization president, Youth Retreat team leader, and head majorette for the Million Dollar Bank From Gatorland, South Terrebonne’s award-winning marching band, were among her STHS accomplishments. Calogero was also a delegate to the National Youth Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., and recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Award and Woodman of the World Awards.

So, after graduation from South Terrebonne in 1986, upon enrollment at Nicholls State University, she studied nursing, graduating with honors. Night classes followed at Loyola School of Law, which awarded Calogero her Juris Doctor in 1997.

“THE JUVENILE SYSTEM IS A REHABILITATIVE SYSTEM. THERE ARE TOOLS TO HELP TO REHABILITATE YOUTH THAT COME INTO THE SYSTEM. OUR ROLE IS TO ACT IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD, TO GUIDE AND PROTECT.” - Judge Calogero

of being named a child welfare specialist, recognized by the National Association of Counsel for Children, as well as completing a fellowship in Early Childhood Policy Leadership Institute, recognized by the Institute of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health of Tulane University School of Medicine. In 2016, Calogero worked with the Louisiana Law Institute in amending current statutes on human trafficking. For many years, she has worked in the areas of developing best practices in Juvenile Justice and participated in collaborations with national organizations including the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the McArthur Foundation. She educates high school students in safe driving and

reducing alcohol and drug-related fatalities as the prosecutor for the Sudden Impact Program as well as safety in the Children’s Hospital “Teens Sex and the Law” program.

She has been a past recipient, in 2012, of the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Care Center “Trees for Life” for work in child abuse the Louisiana State Police Superintendent’s Award for Excellence in 2014. Calogero has served on the board of the Mental Health Association of Greater New Orleans and the local Stalking Task Force for Jefferson Parish. She has been a guest lecturer at law enforcement agencies including Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Kenner Police Department, Gretna Police Department, as well as in schools including Jesuit

High School, Dominican High School, Mt. Carmel Academy, Holy Cross High School, Fountainbleu High School, Brother Martin High School, JT Curtis High School, and Rummel High School.

Now as a juvenile court judge, Calogero is firm in her belief that such a role can help her be of better service to children.

She has a strong belief in the juvenile justice system’s potential for turning lives around.

“The juvenile system is a rehabilitative system,” she said. “There are tools to help to rehabilitate youth that come into the system. Our role is to act in the best interests of the child, to guide and protect.”

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APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

While attending Loyola at night, Calogero worked full time as a Registered Nurse, concentrating in emergency care and hospital supervision.

At the time she graduated from Loyola, she married attorney Michael Calogero, son of Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Pascal Calogero.

Working as a prosecutor in the 24th Judicial District, Calogero continued her in-service education, earning opportunities to further her interest in juvenile justice.

She participated in the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association’s juvenile law committee. Her work in the juvenile system earned Calogero the distinction

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NOMINATE A HERO! HOMETOWN HEROES — we all know them. They are our protectors,

APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

our helping hands, our shoulders to cry on. They are our life-savers. In our July Heroes Issue of Point of Vue, we support and celebrate the men and women who risk their lives daily and are the first to respond when their community needs them most.

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POINT OF VUE MAGAZINE IS NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR HOMETOWN HEROES TO BE HONORED WITHIN OUR PAGES AND AT A SPECIAL EVENT IN JULY.

NOMINATIONS CAN BE SUBMITTED AT

HEROES.POVHOUMA.COM NOW THROUGH MAY 31.

Are you a business owner that is interested in sponsoring a Hero?

Contact sales@rushing-media.com for more information.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

NEWS BRIEFS

CONOCOPHILLIPS DONATES $8,000 TO FLETCHER TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

TGMC HONORS MELANIE GUILBEAUX AS LEADER OF THE QUARTER Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) honors Melanie Guilbeaux as the second Leader of the Quarter for 2019.

Guilbeaux is the Director of Mary Bird Perkins TGMC Cancer Center, and has been in this position for almost five years.

Guilbeaux’s staff recognizes her for consistently striving for excellence and creating an environment of continuous improvement while also mentoring other managers and staff to lead and inspire others. Guilbeaux serves as a role model to everyone in the clinic by always finding ways to bring

everyone closer with positive/constructive communication, implements rules and regulations, and goes above and beyond to find resources to continuously give her team new education.

“I feel honored, blessed and humbled,” says Guilbeaux. “I truly love my co-workers, administrators and patients at TGMC, the support and team oriented culture is amazing.”

TGMC Leader of the Quarter recipients are nominated internally by fellow staff.

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ConocoPhillips presented a check to Fletcher Technical Community College (Fletcher) for $8,000 in early April. The funds will be allocated towards the IPT BOOST program for students enrolled in Fletcher’s Integrated Production Technologies (IPT) program. The BOOST (Basic Offshore Operations Skills Training) program offers a unique, hands-on learning opportunity that was customized for Fletcher students to deepen their understanding of deep-water principles and expose them to industry culture during simulated “real-world” platform shifts. Fletcher IPT instructors collaborated with Shell trainers to create a curriculum that built upon the theories taught in the IPT program and blended technical classroom instruction with practical handson experience.

For the past four years, ConocoPhil-

lips’ donations to the Integrated Production Technologies program have totaled $22,000. Their contribution to the IPT program has assisted many students with scholarships and realistic workforce experience through BOOST. Since 2013, ConocoPhillips has made contributions totaling $43,000 to the College.

“Fletcher Technical Community College is grateful to ConocoPhillips for their very generous gift,” commented Fletcher Chancellor, Dr. Kristine Strickland. “Business and industry’s continued commitment to educating and training the future workforce of Louisiana is vital to our future. This grant will enable the College to ensure that our students have hands-on, real-world training opportunities that will prepare them to enter the workforce.”

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As state lawmakers begin the 2019 join session this month, one thing is for sure, the money is in hand for a unique barge project that will reduce backwater flooding in Terrebonne, Lafourche and three other parishes.

Area officials are all smiles since the Gov John Bel Edwards’ announcement of a pledge of $80 million from the state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA), to build a permanent floodgate across Bayou Chene to reduce backwater flooding.

Edwards said the money has been ear-

marked from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act or GOMESA as it is commonly referred to. The GOMESA funds are revenue sharing provisions for the four gulf oil and gas producing states - Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Alabama.

Plans call for a 250-foot wide floating barge gate with a braced sheet pile wall, to be constructed on Avoca Island - just a few miles from Morgan City and on the property of Continental Land in Terrebonne Parish. The barge will extend outward 375 feet, in each direction.

State Sen Bret Allain, R-Adeline, who

represents parts of Terrebonne and Lafourche, said he is thrilled that the area will be getting the protection.

“After many years of proving this project’s worth and fighting for funding over two administrations, I am thrilled that our communities will be getting more permanent protection from seasonal flooding and the high-water threats that tropical systems bring.”

Gov. Edwards said construction should begin by the end of the year.

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APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

MONEY IN HAND TO BEGIN BARGE PROJECT TO PROTECT GIBSON, BAYOU BLACK

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

NEWS BRIEFS

NON-PROFIT DONATES TO NICHOLLS A local women’s non-profit group is expanding their support of Nicholls State University with the creation of an endowed scholarship for graduate students.

Thibodaux-based TaWaSi has donated $12,000 to help establish the TaWaSi Endowed Graduate Scholarship, which Dr. Grace Monk Gueydan said will be a big boost to the area.

“We feel that the education of the students at Nicholls is so important to our community,” said Dr. Gueydan, TaWaSi member and retired Nicholls professor.

“Educating our students is one of the most rewarding and satisfying things we can do.”

Beginning next spring, recipients will receive $300 per semester for up to four-straight semesters.

To apply, one must be a full-time graduate student who meets the criteria for their specific master’s program, while maintaining a 3.0 GPA and is a graduate of a Louisiana high school or accredited Louisiana university.

Nicholls and TaWaSi will work together to pick the recipients.

Increasing enrollment of graduate students is a priority of Nicholls president, Dr. Jay Clune, who said this deal will be good for Nicholls.

Formed in 1947 as the TaWaSi Civic Club, the organization is made up of local women with a mission of giving back to the community. The organization took its name from a Native American word meaning “friends or helper.”

Through various fundraisers, including their popular antiques show, the organization has contributed thousands to Bayou Region schools, charities and other projects benefiting the community.

Longtime supporters of Nicholls, the nonprofit has donated more than $100,000 since 2002, including endowed scholarships for undergraduates and students of The Chef John Folse Culinary Institute.

For more information, visit the Nicholls Office of Financial Aid site at nicholls. edu/financial-aid/scholarships or call 448-4411.

Among the donation, was a $5,000 gift to the Nicholls Greenhouse Renovation Project, specifically to purchase hydroponic garden towers. The project includes renovating the building into a classroom and kitchen space, adding hydroponic gardens, replacing the upstairs floor, raising the ceiling and adding raised garden beds outside of the greenhouse. Out of use since 2014, the facility will provide education and research opportunities for multiple programs across campus, including the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute, Bridge to Independence and the biology department.

APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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TGMC GETS PROACTIVE IN PATIENT CARE Terrebonne General Medical Center’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Team is one of just a few hospitals in the state to take part in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Safety Program, a Johns Hopkins program for improving antibiotic use.

The goals of the antibiotic stewardship program are to ensure that all patients requiring antibiotics receive the proper drug at the right dose and for the right amount of time based on their condition. This is to avoid the use of antibiotics where they will not benefit from them and/or where harm could be done.

By participating in the program, TGMC was able to reduce unnecessary antibiotic

rates and decrease infection rates.

The Antimicrobial Stewardship Team was led by Dr. Nicole McKee and it consisted of an interdisciplinary group of clinicians from Pharmacy, Infection Control, Lab and Dr. Mary Eschete, an Infectious Disease Specialist on a consultative basis.

Direction was obtained from the team’s interactions with the Medical Staff Performance Improvement Committee, Infection Control Committee and the Quality and Safety Council.

The Team worked to improve patient care outcomes and safety through identification and analysis of antimicrobial use at TGMC through clinical interventions, guideline

and protocol development, reporting systems, education and other clinical decision support tools and practices in order to improve antimicrobial drug utilization, reduce antimicrobial drug costs and decrease the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

“We are proud to have participated in the AHRQ Safety Program through John Hopkins,” said Phyllis Peoples, President and CEO. “We are constantly striving to improve patient outcomes, and thanks to the dedication of our physicians, staff, and administration we were able to achieve a positive impact that resulted in a proactive approach to better patient care.”

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BCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RETIRES Bayou Community Academy Executive Director Sandy Holloway is retiring, effective June 1, 2019.

Holloway, a current BESE District 3 representative, leaves the school system with more than 40 years of service as a teacher, principal and supervisor.

She said she leaves her position with the Bayou Community Academy with pride and happiness.

“It gives me great joy that I leave a legacy of accomplishment, including starting a charter school and acquiring and maintaining a school performance score of an ‘A’ within the first 3 years,” Holloway said. “The BCA motto, ‘Come to Learn, Learn to Serve,’ will continue in my heart as I continue my journey in life.”

Holloway was instrumental in the creation of BCA, a charter school in Thibodaux.

Under her watch, the school has exceled, grown and expanded.

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FLETCHER ESTABLISHES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, ELECTS OFFICERS Fletcher Technical Community College took another step toward institutional advancement by creating Fletcher’s Alumni Association. Created in August 2018, the group recently elected officers: Jeanne-Morgan Gernon, President; Juan Clara, Vice President; Alexis Knight, Secretary; John Warren, Treasurer; and Joy Lymous, Ambassador.

The Alumni Association has already been at work with their first fundraiser under their belts. In January they partnered with the Alumni Grill in Thibodaux to establish the Fletcher Falcon Alumni Burger, which ran as a special burger of the month, with a donation being made to Fletcher Foundation in support of Fletcher’s Alumni Association.

The Association will host the Inaugural Graduation Brunch and Awards Ceremony on April 27, from 9 am – 11 am. The brunch and ceremony is free for 2018 and 2019 Fletcher graduates, and guests are welcome at $15 per person. This event will take place in the Atrium on Fletcher’s Schriever campus.

“Fletcher Technical Community College is proud to establish our new Alumni Board and Association,” commented Chancellor Dr. Kristine Strickland. “For decades, Fletcher has been educating and training members of our community for high demand careers. We recognize that the vast majority of our graduates remain in our region and the Alumni Association will enable our graduates to stay in touch with one another, as well as with Fletcher. We also commend the new board on their first successful fundraiser which will assist the group in growing the organization.”

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DANOS AWARDED MAJOR PERMIAN CONTRACT

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Nicholls State University’s academic departments, sports teams and student organizations raised more than $100,000 during its 2nd-ever Give-NDay. A total of $100,454.37 was raised — up by almost $25,000 from last year. The money came from 1,310 donations from 856 donors to 95 groups.

People from 26 states pitched in from Washington state to the Dakotas to the Carolinas, then, of course, back home.

“This year was a huge success for us.

More organizations received donations this year, we had more donors and we increased funds donated across campus,” Nicholls Foundation Executive Director Jeremy Becker said. “The committee and I want to thank the organizations, the students, faculty and staff who contributed in making this year a success. We are already beginning to make plans for next year.”

The top donors this year were Henry and Kim LaFont, who made a significant contribution to the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute. Hal and Kristen Callais also donated to multiple organizations.

The top fund getter was the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute, which brought home $17,490. The Nicholls Alumni Federation secured $7,095 and the Colonel Athletic Association secured $5,295 in the name of the football team.

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APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Danos has been awarded a significant contract across multiple services lines with a Texas-based, independent exploration and production company. The project will leverage Danos’ Amelia Integrated Services Complex to fabricate piping and structural components, which will then be shipped to the installation site in Midland, Texas, for assembly and construction of a central tank battery.

“With this project, we have an opportunity to provide a turnkey solution for a valued customer,” said owner Eric Danos. “By fabricating the components in our Amelia, Louisiana, facility and shipping it to the Permian for assembly, we are able to best use our resources to meet our customer’s needs in managing all aspects of this project.”

The three-month project will utilize several of Danos’ service lines including fabrication, project management, construction, automation, coatings and scaffolding.

Approximately 75 of Danos’ employees in both Louisiana and Texas will assist with completion of this project. Danos currently has 3,200 employees, making it one of the largest oil and gas service providers in the marketplace.

2ND GIVE-N-DAY HELPS THE UNIVERSITY

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

NEWS BRIEFS

TGMC NAMES EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Terrebonne General Medical Center has named Jamie Guy as its Employee of the Month for April.

Guy is an Oncology Clinical Systems Registered Nurse. She is heralded as giving her best effort at all times to try and help patients. She is also considered a true, team player by her coworkers.

An Oncology Clinical Systems Registered Nurse is a demanding job in the Cancer Center.

According to a release issued by TGMC, Guy is pulled in different directions all day, but she never gives up, nor shows bad attitude, while also remaining flexible.

TGMC honors an employee of the month every month to recognize the outstanding work of hospital staff.

The winners demonstrate outstanding and constant commitment to the wellbeing of patients, their extended families and staff.

Guy said she’s honored to win the award.

“Our clinic is the most rewarding place, our patients become family and the staff at Mary Bird Perkins TGMC changes lives on a daily basis and I am so proud to be a part of that,” said Guy. “It is a true honor and as a

FLETCHER SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH TERREBONNE PARISH SCHOOL DISTRICT

nurse something I strive to be; regardless if there was an award to show it.”

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APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

ROUSES TO MOVE HEADQUARTERS TO HOUMA

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Rouses Markets, a family-owned local grocer is moving its headquarters from Lafourche to Terrebonne Parish.

The quickly growing grocery chain announced earlier this month that it’s moving into the Weatherford building in Schriever - a property which sits on 32 acres of land at the intersection of La. Highway 311 and La. Highway 90 - just 40 miles west of New Orleans.

The company will move its headquarters into the building, according to CEO Donny Rouse.

It will then open a distribution center in the building - a process which, when completed, will bring more than 300 jobs into the parish, according to Rouses.

The move will take place in January 2020, commemorating the 60th-year anniversary for the local grocer, which

now has 63 stores (five more under construction), 6,700 employees and locations in Mississippi and Alabama, as well as Louisiana.

“I couldn’t ask for a better start to our anniversary year than a homecoming to Terrebonne Parish, where it all started,” Rouse said.

At a short press conference earlier this month, Rouse thanked Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove and other area lawmakers for making the move more feasible. He also thanked Gov. John Bel Edwards for his work in the process.

Dove said Terrebonne Parish is happy to have such a quickly growing business, calling the Rouses chain “first class.”

“What a great day for Terrebonne Parish and the economy,” Dove said.

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An agreement between Terrebonne Parish School District and Fletcher Technical Community College (Fletcher) enables students currently enrolled in the Terrebonne Parish School District to graduate high school not only with their high school diploma, but also with a Machine Tools Technology Technical Diploma from Fletcher.

Students who enroll in the Machine Tool program as sophomores can complete a High School Diploma and a Machine Tools Technology Technical Diploma at the same time. Juniors and seniors who take part in the program may complete the Technical Diploma with just one or two additional semesters after high school graduation. They may also earn industry-based credentials while enrolled in high school. Students interested in transferring to a university to study Engineering, Drafting, and Technology can also benefit from this program.

“Fletcher Technical Community College is pleased to enter this new partnership with Terrebonne Parish School System, commented Chancellor Dr. Kristine Strickland. “The opportunities that this program provides to high schools students cannot be underestimated. Through this program

students will achieve not only a high school diploma, but also a Technical Diploma from Fletcher. This program will ensure that students will come out of high school work-ready in a high demand, high wage field. We thank Superintendent Martin for his vision and willingness to partner with us to make this program happen.”

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NICHOLLS HONORS OUTSTANDING ALUMNI, COMMUNITY MEMBERS The Nicholls Alumni Federation celebrated the achievements of Nicholls alumni and supporters during the annual Awards for Excellence reception last month.

Thibodaux attorney Leslie Clement Jr. received the James Lynn Powell Award, restaurateur Neal Swanner the Harvey Peltier Award, the Mary and Al Danos Foundation received the Corporate Mark of Honor and Andrea Bollinger the Honorary Alumni Award.

Clement (B.A. ‘70) is a former Student Government Association president, Mr. Nicholls and business manager for The Nicholls Worth. The James Lynn Powell Outstanding Alumni Award is the highest recognition given to a Nicholls graduate.

Elected into the Nicholls Hall of Fame in 1970, Clement is a season ticket holder for multiple sports and has served on the Alumni Federation Board, Nicholls Foundation Board and the Colonel Athletic Association Board. He has operated his law office since 1978.

Owner and operator of Bubba’s II Poboys and Seafood, Swanner has long supported Nicholls individually and through the Norman Swanner Foundation, which honors the memory of his brother and former Thibodaux city councilman. A scholarship has been set up in his brother’s

name and the Nicholls softball team plays on Swanner field after he donated a significant amount of money to renovate the complex. The Harvey Peltier Award is given annually to an outstanding supporter of the university. It is the highest honor a non-graduate can receive from Nicholls.

Mary and Al Danos were longtime supporters of the arts at Nicholls, and the foundation that shares their name has continued their legacy. Operated by the Danos children, the foundation has given more than $1 million in support of the Mary and Al Danos Theater in Talbot Hall and to the success of music and theater programs on campus. It’s that support that led Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune to select them to receive the Corporate Mark of Honor.

Though she didn’t graduate from Nicholls, Bollinger is a passionate supporter of the university. She served as a member of the Mary and Al Danos Theater Design and Funding Committee, and has recently donated time and money to Women’s Night Out and Give-N-Day. She and her siblings, Boysie and Charlotte, donated the first $1 million endowment in Nicholls history, and last year she joined her sister in raising money to renovate the Cotillion Ballroom in the Student Union.

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MARY BIRD PERKINS TGMC CANCER CENTER AWARDED TWO PROMINENT CERTIFICATIONS

SCIA MEETING

Join SCIA at their monthly meeting featuring guest speaker Chip Kline, Executive Assistant to the Governor for Coastal Activities and Chairman of Louisiana Coastal Protection & Restoration Board.

April 16, 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Courtyard by Marriott, Houma

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Business After Hours is held each month for Chamber members and their employees to enjoy food, drinks and door prizes while networking.

April 18, 5 – 7 p.m.

Houma Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Gray

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Join the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber for their monthly membership luncheon featuring guest speaker Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin. Admission is $25/member and $30 for nonmembers.

April 23, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Courtyard by Marriott, Houma

BUSINESS AT BREAKFAST

Join the Thibodaux Chamber for Business at Breakfast featuring Mayer Tommy Eschete and City Council members. Admission is free for members and $15 for nonmembers.

April 24, 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Rendezvous, Thibodaux

CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC

The Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce will host its 11th annual golf tournament. The Golf Classic features a number of perks and amenities including great food and drinks on the course as well as a number of prizes and golf-related awards for closest to the hole and longest drive. The entry fee is $150 per person or $600 per four-member team. Entry fees include player registration, green fees, tournament specialty items, golf carts, refreshments, lunch, driving range fees, prizes, ditty bag, team photo and 2 mulligans per golfer!

May 6 Ellendale Country Club, Houma

BIG LUNCHEON President and CEO. These achievements emphasize our commitment to providing the highest quality cancer care for our patients.”

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The Bayou Industrial Group hosts their monthly luncheon with guest speaker Dwayne Bourgeois, Executive Director, North Lafourche Levee District.

May 13, noon Bayou Country Club, Thibodaux

APRIL 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

The Mary Bird Perkins TGMC Cancer Center has received accreditation from the Commission on Cancer (CoC) and recertification by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Both certifications are prestigious accomplishments for the Cancer Center, which recognizes the comprehensive patient-focused program for its exceptional resources and highly experienced and compassionate physicians and team members.

“We are very proud of the COC and QOPI accreditations, and of our physicians and staff that helped us to achieve these prestigious honors,” said Phyllis Peoples,

ON THE AGENDA

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