July/August 2019

FREE CANNATA’S CELEBRATES 80 YEARS

GOING GOLD AT SOUTHLAND MALL

DRONES A REALITY AT HOUMA AIRPORT

100 YEARS

MACDONELL CHILDREN’S SERVICES

SILVER & GOLD: CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESSES

JULY/AUG 2019

PRESORT STD US POSTAGE PAID HOUMA, LA PERMIT NO. 17

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS ISSUE OF BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY. WE HAVE SENT A COMPLIMENTARY COPY TO

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

EACH BUSINESS IN OUR AREA.

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To ensure your office continues to receive one complimentary copy and to request additional subscriptions for $12 per year, please visit bayoubusinessmonthly.com/subscribe or call our office at 985-868-7515.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE |

JULY/AUGUST 2019 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 7

TABLE OF CONTENTS PUBLISHER

SPOTLIGHT ON: BUSINESSES

CELEBRATING LOCAL

13 SYNERGY BANK 14 ALLIE’S FIGURE & DAY SPA 15 WORKSAVER SYSTEMS 16 FAITH FAMILY SHRIMP COMPANY 17 FLEET SUPPLY WAREHOUSE, LLC 18 MACDONELL CHILDREN’S SERVICES 21 PELICAN WASTE & DEBRIS 22 TERREBONNE GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER 24 CANNATA’S 26 CHAUVIN FAMILY BUSINESSES 28 SOUTHLAND MALL 30 THIBODAUX REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

32 BUCKHORN COMPANIES 33 BROWN & BROWN INSURANCE

IN EVERY ISSUE: 04

GOVERNMENT UPDATE Rep. Beryl Amedee

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OIL AND GAS UPDATE

08 10

FROM THE TOP

34 36

BUSINESS NEWS

Oil roller coaster continues Lin Kiger

HOUMA-TERREBONNE AIRPORT SECURES HUGE INVESTMENT Funds will go to create UAS facility News briefs

MOVERS & SHAKERS Headlines and accolades

CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESSES

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his month’s issue celebrates local business. Our Silver and Gold issue has always included businesses hitting major milestones and this year is no exception.

Southland Mall is going gold, celebrating their 50th year in business. The one-stop retail shop opened its doors in the midst of the oil and gas boom of the 1970s and has continued to experience success over the years.

We’re breaking out the party hats to celebrate MacDonell Children’s Services’ 100th birthday. Always focused on caring for the child, MacDonell has served our community in the same location, even through several expansions, since 1919.

Another big party is on the horizon as Cannata’s Family Markets celebrates 80 years in business. Our area’s longest running, locally-owned grocery store is proud to continue to evolve to meet their customers’ needs.

Also in this issue are several profiles of other local businesses.

Join us as we celebrate all local businesses and the unique products and services they offer our community.

We’ve got a bit of celebrating to do for Bayou Business

Brian Rushing EDITORIAL Bonnie Rushing EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mary Ditch MANAGING EDITOR

Casey Gisclair MANAGING EDITOR

Drew Miller CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CREATIVE Amber Duplantis SENIOR DESIGNER Paul Guidry GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nicholas Boutte GRAPHIC DESIGNER Amber Knight GRAPHICS INTERN

ADVERTISING Bonnie Rushing SALES MANAGER

Deanne Ratliff SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER Elise Falgout, Linda Pontiff, Lanie Roberts

DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Monica Harrison

OFFICE/CIRCULATION MANAGER Michelle Ortego

CUSTOMER SERVICE Kimberly Ross

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

Monthly as well! We have grown to the point where we will no longer be able to be delivered to our readers through insertion into the Times of Houma-Thibodaux. Starting with this issue, we will be direct mailing the areas only business-to-business publication directly to you.

To ensure your office continues to receive one complimentary copy, or to purchase additional subscriptions, please visit bayoubusinessmonthly.com/subscribe. Your first issue is always free!

Since the beginning, local businesses have been the backbone of the bayou area. Many of these businesses have been strong members of our community for decades. We rely on them for growth and they are what makes our community unique. Here’s to those of you celebrating your own special anniversary.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Bayou Business Monthly is published monthly.

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Bayou Business Monthly is published monthly by Rushing Media.

GOVERNMENT UPDATE |

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

T

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

he State Legislative Session is officially over in Baton Rouge.

One of our area’s legal leaders said it was a productive time in government.

Rep. Beryl Amedee spent some time with BBM this month, giving us a rundown of some of the happenings in Baton Rouge.

Check out this conversation below to see some of the work Rep. Amedee did to work for the area.

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Q: HOW WOULD YOU SAY THIS SESSION HAS GONE OVERALL? THERE WERE TALKS - WELL BEFORE THE SESSION EVEN STARTED THAT PROGRESS WOULD BE TOUGH IN AN ELECTION YEAR, BUT IT SEEMS AS THOUGH YOU ALL GOT SOME THINGS DONE. A: “The session went better than some of the others we’ve had during this term. I am pleased with a lot of what passed, like the bill that prohibits abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected. (This won’t become law unless and until there is a positive outcome in the pending court case concerning the same law in Mississippi.) I’m glad we finally opened the door statewide to ride sharing services like Lyft and Uber. It’s disappointing that certain bills get pushed aside in an election year. At the Capitol, I have often gone to committee chairmen and the Speaker of the House and begged them to schedule certain bills especially to give us the opportunity to record our votes. I vote based on what’s best for my constituents and the state and I stand by my voting record.”

Q: THERE WERE QUITE A LOT OF HOT-BED ITEMS UP THIS TIME. SPORTS BETTING, UBER COMING TO LOUISIANA, ABORTION BILLS, TEACHERS GETTING RAISES. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THERE WERE A LOT OF AWFULLY SIGNIFICANT VOTES THIS GO-ROUND. A: “Yes, as usual, even though this was a “fiscal only” session, we still saw a broad variety of bills that were not directly related to the budget, and many of those attracted plenty of attention. I’m sure those who monitor the Louisiana legislature for entertainment were not disappointed as this session provided plenty of contention and media commentary and a few propaganda wars along the way. One significant bill that I was proud to co-author, finally passed this year after many years of battle. It’s the bill requiring restaurants to let customers know if the shrimp and crawfish they serve is imported or domestic. This will allow the public to make an informed choice since seafood coming from other countries might not be safe because it has usually not been processed under the same stringent health and safety laws that exist here.”

Q: WHAT OF YOUR LEGISLATION ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF THIS SESSION? A: “Every time you get a prescription filled at a pharmacy, you are given an information sheet about the drug. I proposed a bill that would also require an information sheet to be given when you get a vaccine. My hope was to head off some of the hysteria we are seeing in other states concerning vaccines by putting reliable information in the hands of patients and parents. It’s only reasonable to expect that if we, as patients, have a right to be informed about what we are going to swallow or rub on our skin, we should also expect to be informed about what is going to be injected into our body. Unfortunately, reason and common sense did not prevail and the bill was voted down.”

Since 1992

AT THE CAPITOL, I HAVE OFTEN GONE TO COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE AND BEGGED THEM TO SCHEDULE CERTAIN BILLS ESPECIALLY TO GIVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECORD OUR VOTES. I VOTE BASED ON WHAT’S BEST FOR MY CONSTITUENTS AND THE STATE AND I STAND BY MY VOTING RECORD.

ulation. It’s passed time to make “aging in place” a true option. Again, so much work to be done. I know we could have made a lot more progress if we had a supportive administration which would trigger needed majority votes.”

A: “There is so much work to do! In no particular order, here is a short list off the top of my head: We have barely scratched the surface on spending and budget reform. Budget growth should never outpace economic growth. The way we do capital outlay needs an overhaul.

The Department of Health is huge and unwieldy. We have got to do away with policies that are the source of inefficiency. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBM’s) have no oversight. They are the middlemen in the pharmacy arena. They are not accountable to anyone and we are losing pharmacies left and right, especially the local independent pharmacies. We need more transparency concerning curriculum content so that teachers know what their options are and parents are aware of what their children are learning. We have barely scratched the surface on spending and budget reform. Senior citizens are the fastest growing demographic on our pop-

Q: WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING IN THE COMING MONTHS TO KEEP WORKING WITH THE SESSION OUT?

A: “With session over I am happy to be back in the district, back home with the people I represent! Communication is a priority. I have plenty of phone calls and emails to catch up on. I am scheduling Town Hall meetings throughout my district and drafting a newsletter that will be mailed out shortly. I will also visit the Terrebonne, St. Mary, Lafourche and Morgan City Council and Assumption Police Jury meetings to present an after-session report to each. I am already working on legislation for next year, so research and study and meetings are ongoing.”

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Q: WHAT ARE A FEW AREAS YOU THINK WE COULD HAVE PROGRESSED FORWARD ON THIS TIME, BUT MISSED OUT ON?

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OIL & GAS |

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

OIL ROLLER COASTER

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

CONTINUES

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U.S. CONFLICT WITH IRAN R THE STORYLINE TO FOLLOW THIS FALL

egular followers of this monthly update know that the price of oil has been a bit of a roller coaster in 2019 — up sometimes, down sometimes and always in a somewhat unpredictable state of flux.

Last update, the price was down — more than $10/barrel from May to June.

This month? Things are somewhat looking up again and prices have rebounded and offset some of their early-summer losses.

Why? In a word, Iran.

The price of oil crept back up in mid-June toward July, inching toward $60/barrel at presstime in mid-July.

Increasing tensions between the United States and Iran are the reason for the spike, as there are growing concerns that President Donald Trump will stiffen sanctions against the oil-rich nation. Some even fear that the tensions could escalate to military conflict if calmer heads don’t prevail.

“The tensions between the United States and Iran are going to be one of the factors that will heavily dictate the price of oil throughout the summer and likely for the remainder of 2019,” said Jim Ritterbusch, of Ritterbusch and Associates in early July. “What happens between those nations will be why the price rises, falls or stay steady in the next several months.”

The relationship between the United States and Iran hasn’t exactly been cozy in recent years, but tensions really escalated last month when Iran shot down a U.S. military drone. The Iranian government said after the incident that the aircraft was “spying” in Iranian airspace.

The United States has since released information disproving that, showing that it was in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz at the time of its demise.

President Donald Trump reacted swiftly to the Iranian action. He’s threatened the Middle Eastern country several times publicly and on social media. In the days the drone was shot

down, he tweeted that another attack would be met with “overwhelming action” and in some instances “obliteration.”

So what does this have to do with the price of oil?

Well, Iran is one of the largest oil-producing countries in the world.

They were already facing severe economic sanctions from the United States, which heavily limited the amount of their oil on the global market — thus affecting global supply.

On top of that, if they’re in severe conflict with the United States or any other major nation, they’re not certain to produce consistently at all, which could scare buyers into a hike in price.

“Iranian supply concerns were already existent amidst sanctions,” Ritterbusch said. “Now, those concerns are even more heightened.”

The price of oil last month climbed back over $60/barrel right in the immediate aftermath of the drone incident.

But it’s since sunken a little bit — hovering in the high $50s/barrel at press-time.

So what stopped a continued climb?

Global demand.

Even with the concerns about Iran, a ceiling quickly emerged on the price hike because of continued concerns about global demand and the worldwide economy.

Analysts say they’re not certain about

the end result of the United States’ trade war with China, citing concerns that the battle could negatively impact both nations and hurt the global economy.

In May, Japan’s machinery orders fell for the first time in 2019 — a sign that experts say could be showing that the global trade war is hurting global business.

The price is also being heavily influenced by the influx of U.S. shale production, which is keeping large quantities of American oil on the market.

But that influx, experts warn, is not longlasting, and could lessen in 2020.

Port Fourchon CEO Chett Chiasson said recently that there are many statistics that show that the shale plays are going to someday dry up, which could far more oil and gas business back into the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which would be a boost to our local economy.

But, as we’ve seen throughout 2019, when making predictions about oil, write them in pencil, because what’s forecast today may be drastically different tomorrow depending on how things are going in global politics.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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FROM THE TOP |

QUICK QUESTIONS FOR THE PEOPLE IN CHARGE

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR WORK: WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? The people

WHAT IS THE HARDEST? The people

WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR THE LAFOURCHE CHAMBER? We (Lafourche, Thibodaux, Houma –Terrebonne and St. Mary Chambers of Commerce) are hosting U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise as our keynote speaker for our August luncheon.

WHY SHOULD AREA BUSINESSES BECOME INVOLVED WITH THE LAFOURCHE CHAMBER? We support our community and economy by supporting each other.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

TELL US A BIT ABOUT LEADERSHIP LAFOURCHE 2019-2020.

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LIN KIGER PRESIDENT & CEO, LAFOURCHE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

I have graduated the last 12 Leadership Lafourche classes, and I learn something from each class that will benefit the next, so it is very exciting to watch each class grow and learn so much about Lafourche. Regarding the next class, we are planning an alumni event for the end of the summer, which will allow prospective applicants to find out more about the program. The application deadline for the next class will be the end of August.

WHAT’S ONE LEADERSHIP SKILL YOU FEEL EVERYONE MUST LEARN? Communication. Each year we learn about each other and about Lafourche and without communication, we would learn so much less.

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF: AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING AS A CAREER? As a child, I always wanted to be a lawyer... until I got to college.

WHAT WAS YOUR VERY FIRST JOB? Ledet’s Supermarket in Larose.

WHAT TIME TO DO YOU WAKE UP AND HOW DO YOU START YOUR DAY?

Jennifer Weishaupt

Founder and CEO Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group

I typically wake up at either 5:30 or 6 o’clock depending on what I have to do before I go to work, and I start each day with coffee and Jesus!

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Dessert.

Business loans don’t have to be complicated.

Take away the paperwork monster. Take away the uncertainty.

Take away the stress. At Business First Bank we’re taking away anything standing in the way of your business goals. And as a SBA lender, we’re ready to open up customized funding opportunities for you. Let’s talk today.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME? I do enjoy reading, but I do not have much free time for it, unfortunately.

Less banking. More living.

PERSONAL & COMMERCIAL b1BANK.com CAPITAL REGION

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NEW ORLEANS

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IF YOU COULD VACATION ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO AND WHO WOULD YOU BRING? China. My daughter is adopted from China, and although my wife and I traveled there to adopt her, she was only 11 months old at the time. She is 20 now and I would love to take her and my wife on vacation there.

Coastal Mechanical Contractors

FAVORITES/THIS OR THAT: Favorite sports team: Nicholls Colonels Favorite TV series: Criminal Minds

Est. 1965

Professional Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Contracting

How do you take your coffee?

Venti Mocha Early bird or night owl? I am an early bird and my wife is a night owl Ice cream or frozen yogurt?

Yes, please Batman or Superman? Superman

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Favorite potato chip flavor: Cheetos

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HOUMA-TERREBONNE

AIRPORT SECURES

HUGE INVESTMENT

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

10

FUNDS WILL GO TO CREATE

UAS FACILITY

WHICH OFFICIALS CALL A HUGE

ECONOMIC VICTORY LOCALLY

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

T

By having the UAS facility, the local airport will be able to rise to the forefront on the quickly growing technology.

UAS drones are becoming more and more common in the oil and gas industry.

They hold a variety of purposes offshore, including hauling supplies to and from the rig and/or serving as safety check or quality-control equipment.

They can also be used to help with coastal erosion projects and research efforts.

U.S. Senator John Kennedy said the federal investment marks a much-needed victory for our local economy, which has long been in a downward swing because of the slump in deepwater drilling.

“This is a huge win for Terrebonne Parish after a tough downturn in the oil industry,” Sen. Kennedy said. “Investments like this encourage technological developments and create jobs. Local officials have worked hard on this project and I congratulate them on their progress.”

Gov. John Bel Edwards agreed and added that investments like these go a long way in keeping Louisiana as one of the leaders nationally in energy exploration.

“We are most excited by this announcement for its potential to provide new value for our oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico and along our coast,” Gov. Edwards said. “Louisiana has long been a leader in subsea technology in the offshore energy industry. Now, we will be at the cutting-edge of aerial technology.

By joining our education, government and private-sector partners, we can make Louisiana a true leader in unmanned aircraft technology to tackle many of our biggest challenges in the energy, security and military sectors.”

Serving the Oil & Gas Industry for 46 years.

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FOR BEING 96 YEARS OLD, WE ARE SURPRISINGLY LIMBER. You might think that after almost a century in business, we might be slowing down - or worse, set in our ways. Nothing could be further from the truth. We have served area businesses since 1923 and with every project we have learned and grown. Bourgeois Bennett has become one of the state’s top accounting and consulting firms offering a myriad of services from tax planning for businesses and individuals and class action administration to litigation and forensic accounting.

Our experts are eager to share our experience and knowledge and help you reach your goals or prepare for the unexpected. Call us today and let us explore solutions that can help you or your business thrive in the place we call home.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

he Houma-Terrebonne Airport is growing quickly toward its goal of establishing an Unmanned Aviation System (UAS) facility on its grounds.

The United States Department of Commerce announced in mid-June that it was investing $1.3 million in the local airport to help the UAS facility become reality. Those monies will be matched with $337,500 in local funds to allow the airport to make infrastructure improvements needed to establish the UAS facility, which is expected to create 150 local jobs, retain 70 others — all while generating more than $50 million in private investments.

Government officials met at the airport in mid-June to announce the investment.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said having the facility will help the economy of our area and also of Louisiana as a whole.

“The Trump Administration is working diligently to empower innovators who fuel job creation in communities across the nation,” Ross said. “Having UAS operations on airport facilities in the Gulf Coast will help attract new businesses to the area and will generate significant economic activity for the state of Louisiana.”

The project, when complete, will establish UAS operations at the Houma-Terrebonne Airport, which will accelerate technology techniques and procedures for the entire UAS industry.

The project site will be located on a 10-acre parcel in the southeast portion of the airport’s facilities. It will include access roads, an aircraft parking ramp and a connector taxiway to the runway. The project was made possible by the regional planning efforts of South Central Planning and Development Commission.

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FLETCHER PARTNERS WITH AIRPORT TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR GULF CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Fletcher Technical Community College is going to be a huge part of this expansion.

The college announced just days after the grant was given that it has agreed to a

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partnership with the local airport to train avionics, sensor and logistics technicians, along with airframe, power plant and ground equipment mechanics.

Officials with both Fletcher and the airport say that the ability to train workers right here at home is an asset that will ensure that our area produces graduates who study locally, but then also stay and start families locally — an economic boost.

Fletcher Chancellor Dr. Kristine Strickland called the partnership a bright spot for the community-based technical college.

“Fletcher Technical Community College would like to congratulate the Houma-Terrebonne Airport on this new EDA grant,” Dr. Strickland said. “We are proud to partner with the airport to build out new training and educational opportunities for our community in the drone sector. The Center of Excellence designation, combined with new dollars to expand the airport’s infrastructure is critical in our abil-

ity to create new economic development opportunities for our region.”

Fletcher’s initial role in the partnership will be training individuals in small UAS applications.

Training will initially focus primarily on FAA part 107 training — a certification that provides individuals with the foundation they need to start their careers in the commercial use of UAS equipment.

“We are being provided with a unique opportunity for the region,” said Dr. Clint A. Coleman, Fletcher’s Dean of STEM. “Having the oil and gas industry, as well as coastal restoration efforts in our backyard sets us up to take advantage of UAS technology in ways not previously possible. There are new uses of the technology being developed every day. What is considered cutting-edge this year in drone technology will no doubt change as the industry develops over time. Being on the ground floor of this technology truly sets Fletcher and our community up for success.”

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| ADVERTORIAL

MEMBER FDIC

n its 20-year history, Synergy Bank has been recognized by their many patrons in the Bayou Region as the local, customer-first bank you can trust.

“We are excited and thankful to be celebrating our 20th year in the Bayou Region,” said Synergy Bank President and CEO Jerry Ledet. “The overwhelming support that we have received over the years from our customers, our employees and our community is truly humbling. We are grateful to be a part of the Bayou Region and look forward to continuing to help our area prosper.”

Whether it’s a personal or business account, applying for a loan or taking the hard-earned money you made and investing it, Synergy has dedicated professionals that can assist you with your banking needs.

“When our directors formed Synergy

Bank, our mission was to cultivate a bank that was dedicated to helping our community thrive,” Ledet said. “Our success is a direct reflection of living that mission every day.”

With six locations (three in Houma, one in Gray, and two in Thibodaux), their customers in the Bayou Region have no problem finding a nearby branch to “bank on the bayou” with Synergy.

Synergy offers the most recent technological banking services. Customers can access their account information online at their website— banksynergy.com — or through their mobile app.

“Though we offer the latest in banking technology, what differentiates us from other banks is the devotion of our employees to providing exceptional customer service,” Ledet said. “I personally attribute our success to the dedication of

all our employees over the last two decades. The driving force of Synergy is our employees’ commitment to our customers and to providing excellence in service inside and outside the bank.”

Members of Synergy, along with being there for customers, are also there for the community. Many of the bank’s employees volunteer their time to help others.

“Our employees go the extra mile in helping our customers to achieve their financial goals; however, their customer service extends beyond the bank in the countless volunteer hours to both civic and nonprofit organizations in the Bayou Region,” Ledet commended.

The bank sponsors several charitable events throughout the year, such as the annual Pack the Bus School Supply Drive.

Through a partnership with United Way of South Louisiana, Pack the Bus is a school

supply drive that lasts the entire month of July. People from the community drop off donations to various businesses in the Bayou Region participating in the drive, and then the supplies are all gathered and distributed to schools in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes.

The bank is happy to support the Bayou Region, as it is the same community that has supported them these last 20 years.

“We are strengthened and blessed by the overwhelming support that we have received from our community. We are dedicated to the Bayou Region and will continue to cultivate opportunities that expand and diversify the economic well-being of our home,” Ledet said. “As our tagline for the past 20 years states, we remain ‘Your bank. Our community. Stronger Together.’”

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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SYNERGY BANK CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF LOCAL BANKING

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CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESSES |

BY MARY DITCH

FITNESS, PAMPERING ALL IN A DAY’S WORK AT ALLIE’S C

elebrating 43 years in business, Allie Authement of Allie’s Figure and Day Spa knows a thing or two about fitness!

She’s very hands-on, not only lending her name to the health club and day spa she founded, but leading classes, keeping the books, motivating staff and countless other tasks that fill her day.

Authement, at age 66, is a product of what she preaches: A diabetic since age 8, she began working out at age 11 and has learned to control diabetes through diet and exercise.

She became a believer in exercise as a youth, and at 16 began working for a women’s health club in Houma where

she learned about the basics of running a business. As a young entrepreneur, a 23-year-old Authement began planning and scheming to open a women’s only health club. At age 25, her dream became reality as she opened the doors to Allie’s Figure and Day Spa, the only gym strictly for women in the Houma area.

“What mattered was getting up and running, taking care of the women who wanted a female-only facility in which to exercise”, she said.

After the original location caught fire, Authement leased a small spot in the building she is currently in on Point Street.

Within 15 years, she purchased the entire

building, expanding to 11,000 square feet.

Aerobics classes, circuit training, elliptical training are still among the health club’s most popular offerings.

After 10 years of operating as a health club, Authement realized she needed to expand beyond strict health-club offerings and broadened the company’s scope into esthetics, researching and building upon the day-spa concept.

Our area’s oldest and largest spa facility, Allie’s full-service spa offers incredible ways to pamper yourself or your loved ones with relaxing massages, manicures and pedicures, scrubs, wraps, facials and more.

The services menu offers spa packages that

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

DAY SPA

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TONE UP HEALTH CLUB PRIVATE for women Insurance Accepted

Personalized routines • Over 100 pieces of equipment les mills classes • Aerobic bench classes 30 Min. workout classes • New Pilate pro chair classes

can be half or full days, for men and women.

Bridal, birthday and Carnival Krewe parties are also coordinated in the spa.

Some of the more modern specialty services include Lipomassage, nonsurgical removal of cellulite, BHSC Laser and Hair Therapy, micro-controlled peeling, and permanent make-up, among others.

“My theory of what I wanted for the surrounding area was for women to have a private place where they could come and not worry about having makeup on or what they’re wearing,” Authement said. “It’s a place they’re comfortable.”

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43 Years “I Love allie’s being an all women Workout”

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INCLUDES LES MILLS CLASSES

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CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESSES

WORKSAVER SYSTEMS – ENSURING EMPLOYEES ARE FIT FOR DUTY W

ith an aging, increasingly overweight and deconditioned workforce, are you concerned about hiring employees who are fit to perform work safely? Are you also concerned about the decline of fitness level and health of some of your current employees? Your concerns are not unfounded. According to the BLS, up to 45.4 percent of injuries occur in the first year of the job and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and obesity-related illnesses are epidemic among our existing workforce.

But there is a solution to this problem!

Right here in South Louisiana there is a national organization that specializes in ADA- and EEOC-compliant fitness for duty (FFD) testing. In fact, WorkSaver Systems, founded by Dr. Richard Bunch, PhD, PT, CBES and co-owned with business partner,

Trevor Bardarson, PT, OCS, CBES, has garnered national recognition for being a leader in employee FFD testing.

WorkSaver FFD evaluators conduct not only detailed physical examinations of employees, but also work-simulated functional tests to ensure that an employee has the physical abilities to safely perform essential job functions. There is no other organization in the nation with more experience in ADA-compliant FFD testing.

With more than 50+ years of combined experience in FFD testing, Dr. Bunch and Mr. Bardarson have been accepted as experts in FFD testing in federal, state, and administrative courts. “We’re very well known nationally among industries for our quality of service, effectiveness, and legal compliance to all labor anti-discrimination

laws.” said Dr. Bunch.

“The big benefits to our clients include not only significant injury reduction but improved job performance, reduced turnover, and greater employee retention.” said Dr. Bunch. No other entity in the country conducts nation-wide FFD testing with the quality controls for which WorkSaver is nationally renowned. WorkSaver’s unique team of QA nurses review every FFD test for compliance and stands ready 24/7 to assist WorkSaver clients and clinics.

So, worried about FFD testing compliance with ADA? ADEA? FMLA? GINA? HIPAA? Title VII? Union CBAs? No problem, WorkSaver and its retained labor attorney team have that completely worked out for its clients. “Return on investments using WorkSaver FFD testing range from 8-to-1

to 13-to-1! This program is an investment that pays for itself many times over.” said Dr. Bunch.

Interested in this proven injury prevention program? If so, be sure to call WorkSaver at (800) 414-2174 for a meeting or a free 30-minute educational webinar!

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CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESSES |

BY DREW MILLER

SUCCESS THROUGH FAITH, FAMILY A

lthough the family-run-and-operated Faith Family Shrimp Company was officially established in 2015, husband and wife owners, Chad and Angela Portier have continued the legacy of their families.

Chad is a fourth-generation fisherman whose father built over 150 boats in his lifetime with more than half being shrimp vessels. Angela’s father is a third-generation fisherman who built, operated and owned five steel hulls in his lifetime. It’s no surprise that the couple’s sons, Chad Jr. and Jenson Engebretson are fifth-generation fishermen as well as the dock operators for Faith Family Shrimp.

It truly is a family-operated business, with Ashlee Engebretson — Jenson’s wife — being dock secretary and Chad and Angela’s daughter, Amanda Boquet, handling the accounting.

“I love the fact that I get to see my kids every day, and we work together and get to serve our community together as a family,” Angela shared. “It just makes life easier to have them here. You know they’re on your side; you know you’re a team when you are a family. We all have the same mindset: we are

here to serve.”

The company, that operates out of Cocodrie, owns and operates five commercial fishing vessels that bring in an average of two million pounds of wild caught American Gulf shrimp a year.

Faith Family Shrimp supports local com-

mercial fishermen by buying their catch fresh at the dock and befriending them. “They have been up all night or all day or they’ve been out for 20-something days; you don’t know how long they’ve been out. We meet and greet them. As soon as they get to the dock, we are the first people they see,” Angela explained. “So, we just try to serve them and be kind to them in any way we can. We just try to give them the best price we can for their product. We’re here to encourage them and give them faith and hope.”

“I think that’s the main thing: they know we care. We’re doing the best we can. We’re always cooking, so if you know they’re hungry, they can have a meal.” Angela added.

“It’s just more personal; they’re not just a number. I think that’s maybe where we stand out a little bit more—we really care about people.”

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

FAITH FAMILY SHRIMP COMPANY

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“We have FAITH your FAMILY, will love our SHRIMP!” (985) 637-0896 • 8167 Redfish St. Chauvin, LA 70344 “Fresh caught shrimp right off the boat, straight from our dock to your table”

CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESSES |

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FLEET SUPPLY DELIVERS QUALITY PRODUCTS, SERVICE F leet Supply Warehouse, LLC has been providing the highest quality brand name filters, batteries and related products to the oilfield industry for over four decades.

Founded in 1974 as an AC-Delco warehouse distributor, our company initially operated from a modest 1,500-square-foot warehouse in Houma, Louisiana. Over the years our facilities have expanded to encompass a 63,000-square-foot warehouse complex – and our product lines have grown to include many leading brands such as Baldwin, Racor, Donaldson, Gates and Fleetguard, and Crown battery just to name a few.

In 2012 Fleet Supply expanded its product offering with the addition of our companion store Bayou Black Electric Supply, offering a full line of electrical products.

While Fleet Supply Warehouse is nationally known for our most popular brands, we are

focused on more than providing quality products – we are also committed to providing reliable delivery and outstanding customer service.

Our experienced team of sales personnel has the product knowledge and proven expertise to find the exact items required and are dedicated to meeting our customers

unique needs. Our personnel attend factoryauthorized training on a regular basis to maintain the product knowledge needed in our technology driven world.

Located at 205 Venture Boulevard in Houma, Fleet Supply Warehouse offers a large inventory and a full team of dedicated employees who deliver the highest quality

products and services.

We provide daily delivery service to customers throughout south Louisiana including Bayou Lafourche, New Orleans, Morgan City, Houma, New Iberia, Lafayette, Thibodaux and Baton Rouge. In addition, we ship products to any location worldwide at our customers’ request.

We invite you to contact us today to discover how Fleet Supply Warehouse can provide you with the highest quality products and reliable delivery service to help your business succeed.

We are proud to be a locally owned and operated company delivering unmatched quality service that larger nationwide companies can only hope to deliver. We invite you to contact us today to discover how Fleet Supply Warehouse can provide you with the highest quality products and reliable delivery service to help your business succeed.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

100 YEARS

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“SAFETY AND SECURITY DON’T JUST HAPPEN, THEY ARE THE RESULT OF COLLECTIVE CONSENSUS AND PUBLIC INVESTMENT. WE OWE OUR CHILDREN, THE MOST VULNERABLE CITIZENS IN OUR SOCIETY, A LIFE FREE OF VIOLENCE AND FEAR.” - Nelson Mandela

BY DREW MILLER

T

,

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

hroughout the 100-year history of MacDonell Children’s Services, they have created the environment Mandela was describing as they have served and protected children from our community by giving them a safe home, free of fear and violence.

MacDonell Children’s Services is what it is today because of the vision of the late Ella Keener Hooper. The Rosedale-native started missionary work in the early 1900s. Originally hoping to do missionary work in China, Hooper was unable to pursue her original dream due to her poor eyesight. She later saw this as a blessing, however, as she later found the French Mission Field.

She and another avid volunteer and friend, Laura White, did Sunday school and church work with local French immigrants.

Hooper organized Sunday school at Cedar Grove and Dulac, which became precursors for several rural Sunday schools. She taught the French people how to read and write and visited with their sick.

Noticing that French children who lived in the distant areas in the bayou country around Houma didn’t go to school, Hooper and White opened up their home on High Street to six girls living in those areas.

Because the girls lived with Hooper and White in Houma, they were able easily attend local schools. A year later, in 1919, the first official house of MacDonell Children’s Services would be established.

A Centenary gift of $10,000 lead to the purchasing of the Westley House. Located on East Main Street in Houma, the house was built in 1832 and is still on the organization’s grounds today. It became the French Mission School named MacDonell United Methodist Children’s Services. It was named after R.W. MacDonell — a Methodist missionary and former secretary that secured the Centenary funds.

In 1922, MacDonell opened the School Building, which

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provided classrooms and a dormitory for boys, and the McCoy building, that provided living space, a dining room, kitchen and laundry room for girls, after receiving funds from the Week of Prayer. In the following years, the organization was able to purchase two acres of adjoining property and residence, named Hope Cottage.

In 1948, after roads improved and education was more accessible, the French Mission School was no longer in need.

However, Hooper found another group of children that needed her help.

Following a devastating storm, a population of Indian families moved to Houma, although public schools in the area at the time had barred their children from attending them. That’s when MacDonell and Hooper opened their facilities to them.

Following the admission of Indian children into public schools in 1953, MacDonell transformed to what it is today.

Present-day MacDonell Children’s Services provides a loving home to boys, ages 11 to 17, who need a safe and nurturing

environment that have been removed from their natural homes. The facility takes in boys that are deemed fit for their services by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. MacDonell usually houses 10-12 at-risk boys at their facility.

“The kids are usually taken away from their family because of abuse and neglect.

So, they’re all on different tracks,” explained Kevin Champagne, Executive Director of MacDonell. “Some of them may return to their family. Some of them may be up for adoption. Not every kid is here with the same set of circumstances. Some here may be temporary and some here may age out. It just depends on where they’re at.”

Although MacDonell just tends to the boys, they partnered with another nonprofit, Options for Independence, to keep the girl’s dormitory open on campus.

MacDonell’s contracts with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, which allows them to pay for room and board. Proceeds from the community go to the children’s extracurricular activities

such as recreational sports, school dances, swimming lessons, and more so they can live a full adolescent life.

That’s why this year MacDonell is holding an amazing event that not only celebrates its 100 years of service, but also will raise money for the organization — that goes directly to their kids’ needs.

On August 9, 2019 at the HoumaTerrebonne Civic Center, MacDonell will kick off their event, “Celebrating the Past, Creating Futures,” at 6:30 p.m. At the celebration, the band Corporate America from New Orleans will be performing, there will be food donated by different restaurants and organizations, games and live and silent auctions.

For more information on this impactful event, email H e i d i Pellegrin a t

hpellegrin@macdonellchildren. org. Donations can also be made on their website, macdonellchildren.org.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESSES |

BY DREW MILLER

PELICAN WASTE REMAINS COMMITTED TO KEEPING OUR STATE CLEAN W

ith a devoted team lead, owned and operated by Roddie Matherne, Chris Lapeyre, Corey Callais, Nicholas Callais and Harold Callais — who combined have over 100 years of waste-industry experience — Pelican Waste & Debris is an environmentally-conscious local company that’s committed to keeping Louisiana clean.

“Pelican Waste & Debris is your local company. We not only work here, we live here and understand the unique challenges that face our region. Our commitment to our communities, customers and love for Louisiana keeps us motivated,” reads a statement on the company’s website, pelicanwaste.net. “We have set the highest standards for environmental protection, community involvement and customer satisfaction. We offer environmentally

responsible disposal services, while helping to ensure the future of Louisiana for generations to come.”

The waste and debris dedicated professionals at Pelican Waste are capable of handling c o m m e rc i a l and residential waste services.

“We work together as a team with our employees, and we work together well,” Matherne shared. “We also make sure to treat them well and promote from within whenever we can.”

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company in the United States and took the No.1 spot for Louisiana in rankings done by Inc. 5000.

Pelican Waste is well-acclaimed locally as well. In fact, the Terrebonne Parish Council unanimously approved a $5.2 million contract with them in April of this year. “That meant a lot for the company,” Matherne noted. “It gave the company a 30 percent growth.”

They also have contracts with the city of Thibodaux, St. Charles, St. Martin and St. Bernard Parishes, among other Louisiana parishes.

“I believe us being a local company that provides great service to the local area for a reasonable price makes us standout,” said Matherne.

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Pelican Waste & Debris proudly services the Gulf Coast parishes with state-of-the-art equipment and professional crews.

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Pelican In Pursuit!

For commercial services, Pelican Waste experts are trained to handle high-quality compactors, front load containers and roll off containers and handle special waste.

Curbside pickup, yard waste, special e v e n t s , recycling, dumpster rentals and bulk waste are the services they offer for residential customers.

Established in 2013, Pelican Waste received national recognition when in 2018 it was ranked the 318th fastest-growing

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CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESSES |

BY TERREBONNE GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

TERREBONNE GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER EMBARKS ON SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF LEADING EDGE HEALTHCARE GIVING BACK F

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or more than half a century, Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) has brought leading edge healthcare to the people of southeast Louisiana. We have grown through the years to become one of the largest employers in Terrebonne Parish, with an economic impact of $374 million dollars annually. The notfor-profit entity opened its doors in July of 1954 with 76 beds and a staff of 80. Today, with over 1,500 employees, 300 physicians, and receiving zero dollars in local tax dollars, TGMC provides our community with the most advanced technology, compassionate care and quality excellence across various service lines.

Through a highly experienced leadership team with healthcare expertise, TGMC is a model for providing the Gold standard of healthcare. Our state-of-theart facility has 321 patient beds, treats more than 181,200 patients annually, cares for close to 50,000 patients annually in the Emergency Department, and delivers an average of 1,800 babies annually.

TGMC introduced many of the first and only breakthroughs for our region in the areas of cardiology, cancer care, orthopedics, wellness and women’s health services with many national awards and accolades to demonstrate the highest quality of clinical excellence. “It is through the dedication of our team of physicians, staff and volunteers that TGMC has become the world-class healthcare organization we are today,” said Phyllis Peoples, President and CEO.

THE TGMC FAMILY

The building blocks of our organization lie within the familiar faces of those who call the TGMC family home. TGMC is a legacy organization rich in family culture.

Our team of highly skilled and experienced healthcare professionals are your family, friends and neighbors dedicated to caring for our community, bringing the highest quality and most advanced healthcare in the region.

TGMC is committed to the local community by giving back in a big way. The Community Sports Institute (CSI) cares for our local athletes by providing athletic trainers to all area schools for the past five years. Our certified athletic trainers keep our children safe by attending all practices and being on the sidelines at all games. CSI also provides baseline concussion testing and CPR training. In 2016, the Bayou Region Athletic Hall of Fame was created to honor local sports legends and preserve their accomplishments for generations to come. To date, three classes and 18 inductees have been honored. In addition to athletic services provided by our Healthy Lifestyles Center, our Well and Wise program was created to care for our senior population teaching them proper nutrition, exercise and helpful health information. The program is open to all seniors with no limitations based on the parish where you reside. Furthermore, we have a Med Safe depository housed in the Medical Arts building to allow proper

disposal of harmful drugs. Together, all of these services are offered to make Terrebonne Parish the best place to live, work and raise a family!

Healthcare is constantly changing and at TGMC we have a progressive plan for the future. We are on the leading edge of healthcare through innovative partnerships, collaborations, affiliations and through the dedication of our team of healthcare professionals. We are honored that you have trusted TGMC for the last 65 years and we want you to know that we are always committed to caring for you today, tomorrow and for years to come.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

O

The business also boasts a long, loyal list of long-term customers and Vince Cannata said he believes the best is yet to come.

Vince said the store constantly strives to evolve and change with business trends, including being the first local grocer to offer Curbside services and several other new technologies.

“Technology changes quite a bit,” Vince said. “And we take pride in being able to say that we work hard to stay ahead of the game and in many cases, we’re even on the forefront.”

One of those innovative ideas is a new rewards program for Cannata’s customers where the store will be able to offer rewards and discounts to its most loyal customers.

Vince said that the rewards program is special to him, because after 80 years, countless changes and an economic time where nationally-owned chain stores have become more prevalent, Cannata’s wants to make sure that its customers know how appreciated they truly are to ev-

eryone within the business.

“To me, it’s all about rewarding the folks who allow us to function and stay in business,” Vince said. “Because, frankly, if it weren’t for those people, we wouldn’t be in business today. We take pride because we continue to show progress and gain new customers and we want those customers to know that we appreciate their support so very much.”

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

ur area’s longest-running locally-owned family grocer is celebrating its 80th birthday this year.

Cannata’s started in 1939 as a newlywed couple’s quaint fruit stand. Today, the business has evolved into a well-known local grocery power with three stores (West Houma, East Houma and Morgan City) and more than 300 total employees.

Vince Cannata, President of Cannata Companies and the son of original founders Fannie and Vincent Cannata, said the key to the grocer’s success is hard work, diligence and knowledge of the area — the place the Cannata family and employees call home.

“We live here in our community,” Vince Cannata said. “We understand what is important to the people here. In addition to that, we have a pride that we want to bring the best of everything into our stores. That’s important to us and I think our customers recognize that commitment we have to them and their satisfaction. …

We’re proud (of 80 years in business). And we look forward to many, many more years in business in our market.”

From day one, Cannata’s has been a family-based business.

Vincent Cannata started his path as a boy in New Orleans. At age 12, Vincent worked at his family’s corner grocery story in the Carollton area of New Orleans.

Throughout his career, young Vincent also milked cows at his family’s dairy and delivered the product door-to-door, while

soon expanding and additionally offering bread, fruits and vegetables to homes in the community.

It is actually through that work that young Vincent met Fannie.

During his old produce routes, Vincent would travel to a corner market butcher shop owned by Fannie Canale’s parents.

The two met, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The young couple spread their own roots after marriage, opening a fruit stand in Morgan City.

Vincent would hustle to and from New Orleans daily to serve his customers.

“I’m told Dad would run back and forth to the market daily,” Vince said. “He would call Mom with what looked great, and if it was something extra special or peak of the season, Mom would get on the phone and have it sold before Dad got home.”

As Cannata’s grew, the store became Morgan City’s first modern supermarket — a partnership that still exists today.

In the 1970s, the family expanded its business and opened a store on West Park Avenue in Houma. A third store on the Eastside of Houma later brought the business to its current size.

Vince Cannata said it’s a source of pride to he and his family that the Cannata’s chain has several employees who have been with the business for decades and have seen the store through its growth.

“We’re blessed to have a lot of longterm employees,” Vince said. “Those people are so valuable to us. And we really hope to have them all with us for many years to come.”

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CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESSES |

BY DREW MILLER

CHAUVIN FAMILY DELIVERS PASSION BEHIND EVERY PRODUCT

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

T

26

he Chauvin family is well-known and trusted in the south Louisiana seafood industry. Husband and wife, David and Kim Chauvin built a multi-business operation that captures, processes, distributes, serves and showcases fresh, high-grade Louisiana seafood and has become a “one-stop shop” for those in the industry and the general public. The Chauvins have been in business in the industry for 33 years.

Kim and David established David Chauvin Seafood Company in 2010, going off the tremendous success of their business Mariah Jade Shrimp Company — which today is a brand trusted by many regional retail shops, restaurants and bait shops to deliver high-quality shrimp.

The David Chauvin Seafood Company’s center of operations is its site in Dulac, which is a fuel and ice port, receiving dock, loading center, retail location, business office and where they also wholesale fresh shrimp. The dock is home to the company’s four double-rigged trawlers, equipped with advanced technology that keeps their catches fresh and ready for distribution.

Several other vessels of various sizes, not owned by the company, choose their port as well — and for good reason.

A mile down the road from the port is their Bluewater plant, which quickly

and proficiently freezes shrimp that they then wholesale to clients.

At the dock’s location is Kim’s Shuga Shack – the restaurant that prides itself on serving fresh food. The food truck, which is open 7 days a week, offers the best in Cajun cuisine, such as their shrimp po’boys that are made with hand-peeled, fresh Louisiana shrimp.

Kim’s Shuga Shack doesn’t just serve Cajun dishes, however, as it has a wide variety of options on the menu that includes freshlyprepared burgers, salads, wraps, tacos and more. Their dessert trailer serves delicious snowballs, ice cream, milkshakes, real fruit, smoothies and parfaits, among other mouthwatering treats.

“My passion is using fresh ingredients for our patrons,” said Kim. “So, we keep it local.

We understand the importance of buying local and supporting local.”

With authentic Louisiana cooking made with local, fresh catches and ingredients, Kim’s Shuga Shack has become a tourist attraction – just like another business owned by the Chauvin family that is at their Dulac location as well.

Their business, Down the Bayou Shrimp Tours, showcases the Louisiana shrimping industry to patrons that visit from not only Louisiana but across the country and internationally as well. The group tours

take only one and a half hours, although it explores the intricacies of the shrimping industry. Tour attendees learn the ins and outs of the skimmer vessels versus the trawler, how many pounds a boat can catch, the industry’s sustainability, the importance of choosing domestic shrimp over imports, how ice plants function, how a vessel works in placing nets in the water and much more.

It’s another way the Chauvin family is able shed some positive light on the shrimping industry that they have so much passion for.

“I stand behind all my products. Whether it’s a tour, whether it’s food, whether it’s selling shrimp, I have a passion for what I do.

So, it matters to me that people enjoy the tours and enjoy the food,” Kim shared. “It’s a family atmosphere, and we keep it that way because we have a lot of families that work with us. I believe that makes us stand out — the passion that we have for our industry, the culture of family here and being a one-stop shop.”

The Chauvins’ love for their community doesn’t stop at buying local products. The David Chauvin Seafood Company sponsors the annual Down the Bayou Christmas, where children of all ages enjoy an oldfashioned south Louisiana celebration that includes a visit from Santa Claus. They donate their products to other charitable

events, too, and cooked gumbo for victims of Baton Rouge flooding.

In 2010, after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, three of the company’s vessels joined the fleet that traveled through the Gulf’s waters and assisted in containing the spill.

They are avid supporters of recentlysigned House Bill 335 — the law that requires Louisiana restaurants to notify their customers of the place of origin of their shrimp and/or crawfish if said seafood is imported from another country. The law is good for restaurant customers’ health, as they can chose not to eat imported shrimp and/or crawfish that doesn’t pass the same quality testing as Louisiana seafood, and is acknowledged by shrimp industry experts as a potential economic stimulant.

“Our biggest challenge in recent years has been imports, when restaurants did not have to label what they were serving. Now, that has changed. I don’t think Americans realize how bad it is, with the foods that are coming into our country that are full of antibiotics, — just stuff that you should not be eating,” Kim said in a recent Bayou Business Monthly article. “There are laws that have hindered us, but now there are laws that are about to help in a secondary way.”

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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BY CASEY GISCLAIR

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

B

28

y now, just about everyone locally knows about Southland Mall.

The mall opened in 1969 and has served as a retail center for Terrebonne Parish and beyond with tentacles that reach into Lafourche, St. Mary and the River Parishes, as well.

But folks outside of the decision making circle at the business don’t realize the constant work that Southland Mall does to evolve and change with both the local economy and also national retail trends — an ever-changing fight that has helped keep the mall relevant and ahead of the curve.

Southland Mall is now 50 years old — a milestone achievement that officials say is a testament to the people in the area who have supported the mall since it’s opening.

But it’s also a credit to mall staff who keep the facility stocked with stores that matter most to those locally, a process that Southland Mall General Manager Dawn Becker said is ongoing, but fulfilling — a true labor of love.

Southland Mall features two department stores and more than 60 national and local retailers — including the popular H&M. “A combination of factors goes into our Leasing Team’s efforts,” Becker said. “This includes which stores are exploring new locations and which ones are interested in being in our market that create synergy with existing shops and also meets the needs of the community.”

The mall has invented and re-invented its offerings several times since opening its doors — including several expansions along the way.

The mall opened in Feb. 1969 during the oil and gas boom that was taking place at the time.

The facility was always at its current location and it was created to give shoppers a one-stop retail shop. The mall was started by New Orleans-based developers Sizeler Management Company.

The inaugural Southland Mall had one building and 14 stores. In the first lineup were Sears, K&B Drugs, Kirshman’s, F.W. Woolworth, Winn Dixie and D.H. Holmes (now Dillard’s).

The first Southland Mall also had Southland Cinema, which

each month from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Center Court.

This event features local vendors who offer unique products and goods in addition to fresh produce. Attendance to this event is free and open to the public.

Interested vendors can call 985.876.4765.

Along the same lines of community wellness, the mall also now features Prime Time Fitness, run by local trainer Joel Ross.

“Joel and his staff offer personalized fitness to meet anyone’s fitness goals from school ages to senior citizens,” Becker said.

And this fall, Spirit Halloween will also take root in the mall, occupying more than 10,000 square feet of retail space for all those who love Halloween.

Becker said where the future goes for the mall, it’s impossible to predict because things change in retail as quickly as time, itself.

But one thing that will never change is that the mall will strive to serve its clientele — the people of the Houma-Thibodaux area and beyond.

“That’s what we’re here for,” Becker said.

“To meet the needs of the shoppers in the area.”

•

“SOUTHLAND MALL OFFERS THE MOST VARIETY IN THE MARKET FOR OUR SHOPPER,” BECKER SAID. “WE ASPIRE TO PROVIDE A MIX OF COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES TO COMPLIMENT THE TRADITIONAL SHOPPING CENTER ELEMENT.” - General Manager Dawn Becker

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

gave people in the area a chance to see all of the latest Hollywood flicks.

The mall was an immediate success.

One year after opening, it had grown by 10 more stores. In the early 1980s, the mall expanded and added a new wing. That allowed for J.C. Penney to join the family, as well as 35 additional spaces. Since the additional wing was added, the mall has also freshened up, including several major remodeling projects.

“Southland Mall offers the most variety in the market for our shopper,” Becker said.

“We aspire to provide a mix of community experiences to compliment the traditional shopping center element.”

And the mall is working hard to get even better.

Recently, the mall started its monthly Kids Club program, held the first Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. in Center Court.

The program is designed to feature fun, free activities for children ages 12 and under. Anyone interested can sign up at southlandmallonline.com.

Becker said the mall also hosts a Farmers and Artisan Market on the third Saturday of

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CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESSES |

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

W

30

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

THIBODAUX REGIONAL CONTINUES ITS GROWTH

ith one major expansion project complete, officials at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center are now working to change the game again.

The hospital’s Wellness Center has been open since 2016 — a beautiful, state-of-theart facility that has exceeded the hospital’s lofty expectations, while changing the lives of thousands locally.

At press-time, the Wellness Center has had more than one million visitors utilize the services within the center and its Fitness Center has more than 5,500 members.

Construction is beginning on Phase 2 of the Wellness Center. Phase 2 will feature tennis, courts, sand volleyball courts, a multi-use field, walking tracks and more. The expansion will provide even more opportunities for people to improve their health and overall well-being.

With that facility moving along, Thibodaux Regional also has eyes for more, including announced plans for a new state-of-the-art cancer center, which will encompass close to 100,000 square feet .

The center, when opened, will have all of the best technologies in the ever-changing world of medicine.

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center CEO Greg Stock said, once complete, the new

Cancer Institute will afford people more opportunity to seek their cancer treatments locally, instead of having to go out of town — or even out of state — while recovering from the disease.

“We know that there are people who seek treatment at facilities out of state and we want people to know that we understand the decisions that people have to make,” Stock said. “But we also want them to know that our commitment is to the best care for patients.

There are a lot of things that go into cancer care and a lot of people are affected — the patient, their families and it’s a life-changing experience for everyone. Our Cancer Institute will have the latest technologies and we will do our best to make sure that this difficult time is as manageable as it can be for those who are in need.”

The growth occurring at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center’s campus is amazing given the hospital’s modest roots. In 1930, St. Joseph’s Hospital was formed — a churchrun facility that was operated by the nuns of the church.

In 1953, St. Joseph’s Hospital got a 40-bed facility. That building was added onto and renovated several times, but by 1975, there was just not enough space to fit the needs

of the community.

So Thibodaux General Hospital opened its doors — a 101-bed facility that sits on the hospital’s current campus grounds on 602 North Acadia Road. Since that time, the hospital has continued to grow and expand— currently a 180-bed regional medical center with more than 1,300 employees and more than 250 physicians on its medical staff.

The Wellness Center marks Thibodaux Regional’s continued push to provide high quality compassionate care. Stock said the Wellness Center’s opening has been one of the most fulfilling things he’s ever seen in his career as a medical professional.He points to the thousands of lives that have been made healthier by the center as proof that the facility is working.

“There are people who have lost 115 pounds or 150 pounds in some cases,” Stock said. “In other cases, there are people who have lost just 20 pounds, but their blood pressure has gone down and they’re off their medications. There are people who are walking 3 miles a week who could hardly walk across the room. There are people who are walking across the room who couldn’t get out of bed. It’s just amazing. This Wellness Center is giving people their lives back. It’s

the greatest thing to see.”

And the Cancer Center hopes to keep the momentum rolling — literally aiming to save lives.

Thibodaux Regional Board Chairman Jacob Giardina said cancer is a disease that affects every family in the country — either directly or indirectly.

The idea for the center is several years in the making, according to Giardina who said lots of thought went into Thibodaux Regional’s planning to make sure that the facility would be state-of-the-art amidst rapid changes in medical technology.

Those aren’t just idle words. Thibodaux Regional backs those up with hardware.

The hospital has achieved its 12th straight Heathgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award — an honor which goes to only the top 5 percent of hospitals in the United States for patient experience and satisfaction.

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center is the only hospital in Louisiana to enjoy that level of sustained longevity.

“We are always striving to be better for our patients,” Stock said. “Any way that we can do more for them, we’ll explore it and look to achieve it.”

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESSES

WORLDWIDE EXPERTISE RIGHT AT HOME S

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

tarting as a small equipment rental company in 2012, Houma’s Buckhorn Companies LLC has grown to become a successful conglomerate whose services are used around the world.

“We started off as a rental company with the intention of turning it into a service company, providing the services with the same rental equipment,” said Bert Leboeuf Jr., president and co-founder of Buckhorn. “So instead of just renting the equipment, we started providing the people for the jobs, which seemed to work out pretty well. We probably had six or seven guys. Right now, total employees, we have about 145.”

With their four companies (Buckhorn Rentals, Buckhorn Services, Buckhorn Professional, Barracuda Specialty Services), Buckhorn offers a wide variety of services that include equipment rentals, bolt torque-

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ing and tensioning, pressure testing, field machining, pipeline flushing, radiography, phase array, and more.

Although it’s a Houma company, Buckhorn’s expertise and execution has led them to work in other states: Georgia, Texas (has an office in Port Arthur), New Mexico, etc.

They also have successfully completed jobs in South Africa and Canada, under extreme

conditions.

Bert and the two other partners of Buckhorn, Jaime Triche and Dale Prosperie, have worked well together since the company was established. Because it started off with a small staff, the three partners hustled any way they could to make sure their customers received quality service: answering calls, delivering equipment, cleaning equipment,

etc. Their compatibility and desire to prosper has formed the dedicated, hardworking culture Buckhorn still instills today.

“We have to maintain that. We have to all still be just as excited as we were six years ago when the phone rings. I think our customers know that,” Bert said.

The partners started this now global company, but know they didn’t get it to where it is now by themselves. They appreciate the hard work their entire staff has done and continues to do.

“You’re successful because of what your team has done. You had a lot of help from friends, from customers, and from the people that you work with,” Bert said. “If we’re going to continue to be successful we got to take care of them, so they continue to take care of us.”

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Services

Equipment Rentals • Bolt Torqueing & Tensioning • Pressure Testing • Field Machining • Pipeline Pigging/Flushing • Radiography/RT • UT/Phase Array • Welding Inspectors • QA/QC

Address: 292 Equity Blvd., Houma, LA 70360 | PHONE: 985-851-2330

CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESSES |

I

BY DREW MILLER

BROWN & BROWN CELEBRATES 80 YEARS OF GROWTH, EXPANSION

n their 80 years of rich history, Brown & Brown Insurance — the company that specializes in employee benefits, insurance capabilities and brokerage services — has grown to become the sixth largest insurance intermediary company in the world.

“Brown & Brown is a global leader in building commercial insurance and employee benefits solutions,” said Christian D. Lapeyre, RHU – Vice President and Employee Benefits Advisor at Brown & Brown. “We’ve become a top provider because we build insurance programs by using our experience, our carrier relationships and our customer-centric focus to deliver superior solutions.”

With more than 200 offices across the country and 8,000 teammates, the company

is strong nationally but makes sure to have a local presence in every market they are in by giving high-quality, personable service.

“Our drive to provide the best service to our customers has made us one of the largest and most respected brokers in the nation,” Lapeyre said.

Their Gulf States Offices include Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Gulfport, Lafayette, Mandeville, New Iberia, New Orleans and Houma.

Their Houma location has long-term, dedicated employee benefits experts, such as Lapeyre, who has been in an employee benefits business since 1996. “...So that gives a comfort level to our customer base that when they do call, the answers to their questions and their needs are going to be resolved in a confident manner,”

Lapeyre said. “We have a very good group of employees that are very knowledgeable; they take pride in their work. That’s a promise that we that we give to our customer base.”

The resourceful individuals at Brown & Brown Insurance can fill the insurance needs of small, mid-size or large companies. No matter who the customer is, their trusted advisors work alongside them every step of the way and make the best, calculated decisions that will benefit their company.

“I think some of the things that makes us stand out is the high value of service that we bring to the table and the leverage that we have with insurance carrier markets,” Lapeyre acknowledged. “As trusted advisors, we look ahead for the changes that may affect our customers, so they are ready for tomorrow’s

risk and that they’re better prepared to make stronger business decisions.”

“Without our customers, we can’t perform our job duties,” he added. “Our customers mean everything to us.”

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New Trusted Name. Same Trusted Team.

Christ ian D. Lapeyre,

Mel i ssa H unter

E ldridge Ro bich aux,

Courtney Bri negar

Ken St aples

Sadi e H am by

Be t ty Thibo daux

Ni c k i Pl ess ala

Re ne Thibodaux

Ash l ey Adam s

COMMERCIAL INSURANCE

Natal i e Hargi s 985-601-3601

1051 West Tunnel Blvd.

Houma, Louisiana 70360

bbgulfstates.com

PERSONAL INSURANCE

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

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BUSINESS NEWS | NEWS BRIEFS

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

SHELL DONATES LAND TO TPCG FOR FLOOD RISK REDUCTION

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O

fficials with Shell Oil Company and Terrebonne Parish made a huge announcement in June during “Terrebonne Coastal Day” events at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center in Houma.

Shell has donated 4,139 acres of wetlands to Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government (TPCG), which will enable the Parish to make needed improvements to its flood risk reduction and community resiliency system.

The property, located in northern Terrebonne Parish, north and south of US Highway 90 and between LA highways 24 and 311, is adjacent to 200 acres already owned by TPCG and will enable the redirection of stormwater from the most highly developed residential, retail and industrial corridor in the Parish.

When fully developed as a piece of natural resiliency infrastructure, the property will have the potential to store almost 1.8 billion gallons of stormwater produced by the areas surrounding Ellendale, Bay-

ou Cane, Gray, Schriever, Martin Luther King Boulevard and Bayou Terrebonne in the Houma area and then release it slowly into the adjacent swamp and waterways over several days after storm events. This slower release not only reduces flood risk for homes and businesses in the Houma area, but also improves water quality in the adjacent wetlands by filtering stormwater naturally before releasing it back out in to the environment.

“We want to thank Shell for this donation of 4,139 acres to act as an important stormwater retention area that will greatly assist us in our present and future works to reduce flood risks to a great many of our residents and businesses,” said Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove.

“This property donation is just the latest example of Shell’s commitment to the community and coast,” said Rick Tallant, VP of Production for the Gulf of Mexico with Shell. “Having over 4,000 active employees plus another 4,000+ retirees

who call Louisiana home, it is important that we do things that support keeping our community and coast a vibrant and sustainable home for our people and our business and this property donation is a great way for us to make a significant contribution to resiliency and sustainability.”

Other recent large investments in resiliency in the Bayou Region by Shell include a long-term funding commitment to the completion of elevating LA Highway 1 in Lafourche Parish. Shell has provided $2.4 million since 1997 for the existing and current work on the roadway and is pledging an additional $4.3 million for the final completion of a more resilient connection to Port Fourchon and Grand Isle.

“We greatly appreciate Shell’s generous donation and desire to work with us to help solve a major drainage challenge for the citizens of Terrebonne Parish and we are thankful for many years of partnerships with Shell and many more to come,” Dove added.

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T

he Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce announced officially today that it will host a series of public forums featuring candidates for Terrebonne Parish President, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff and Senate District 20.

The forums will take place on the following dates. Terrebonne Parish President will take place on Monday, Aug. 19.

Terrebonne Parish Senate District 20 will take place Tuesday, Aug. 20. Terrebonne Parish Sheriff will take place Monday, Aug. 26. Each will run from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

All three forums will take place in the Fletcher Technical Community College

Atrium, located on 1407 Highway 311.

The Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce said in the official release announcing the forums that it’s passionate about supporting community issues. The Chamber also wanted to stress that it is unbiased in candidate choices during election season.

The Chamber said the forums will be open to the public and all media outlets who wish to attend. All three forums will also be live-streamed on the Houma Chamber Facebook page.

Because of the two-hour time constraints, only panelists will be able to ask

candidate questions, but the public will have the opportunity to submit questions for consideration to nicol@houmachamber.com. Questions must be sent by Aug. 12 to be considered.

The Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce said the forums will be fair to all candidates and confidentiality will be practiced. All questions will be secured by the Chamber executive vice chair of the government activities committee. No member, board member or any other individual will have access to or knowledge of the questions that will be asked prior to the forums.

Every candidate in the above-listed raced is invited to participate in the forums. Each candidate was invited and sent a request of statement answering the following: “What would you like the community and constituents to know about you?” and “What is your campaign platform?”

Those answers will be published in the August Issue of Focus, which is the Chamber’s monthly newsletter.

For more information about the event, contact the Chamber at 985.876.5600 or email info@houmachamber.com.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

HOUMA-TERREBONNE CHAMBER TO HOST CANDIDATE FORUMS IN AUGUST

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

HEADLINES & ACCOLADES

TERREBONNE PARISH LIBRARY SYSTEM OFFERS STUDENTS A CHANCE TO ‘READ AWAY’ THEIR FINES Does your child have a past-due library book?

Well, the Terrebonne Parish Library System is willing to overlook the fine.

But, the young’in will have to do a little reading first.

The ‘Read Away Fines’ program will allow child-aged library card holders to eliminate their fines by reading library collection materials, be it books, magazines or manga.

All reading must take place in one of the nine library branches.

“The Terrebonne Parish Library encourages childhood reading. It’s imperative to a child’s development.

Children are the library’s largest customers. We do not want to prevent them from taking books home to read,” says Mary Cosper-LeBoeuf, director.

‘Read Away Fines’ is a movement happening in libraries all across the country from Queens Public Library in New York City to San Jose Public Library in California.

The Terrebonne Parish Library System is proud to take part in the growing trend, encouraging local chil-

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

NEW VICE CHANCELLOR NAMED FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION AT FLETCHER

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Dr. Mark McLean has recently been announced as the new Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at Fletcher Technical Community College.

“We are so excited to welcome Dr. Mark McLean to the Fletcher team,” commented Fletcher Chancellor Dr. Kristine Strickland. “Mark’s expertise and background working in both private business and industry as well as higher education will bring a great deal to our efforts in continuing to work with our local community business and industry partners as well as educating our future workforce.”

Dr. McLean has worked at Delgado Community College for the past 10 years, where he most recently served in the Business and Technology Division as the Assistant Chair of Business Studies and an Associate Professor. Prior to Delgado, Dr. McLean was the Portfolio Placement Program Development Consultant, College of Business at Loyola University New Orleans. He also spent 20 years at Deloitte where he held various director-level roles in several domestic and international locations.

“It is an honor to join Fletcher Technical Community College,” commented Dr. McLean. “I am

excited to become a member of the team that is making a difference in the lives of the citizens of the Bayou Region, and furthering an industry and education partnership.”

Dr. McLean began his education at the University of Pittsburgh where he received a Bachelor of Science degree before earning his MBA from Loyola University New Orleans. He holds a PhD in Human Capital Development from the University of Southern Mississippi.

While at Delgado, he was the recipient of the Lee Giorgio Endowed Professorship Award (2015); the LCTCS President’s Inaugural Faculty Fellowship (2016); and the Alden McDonald Endowment Award (2019).

He has participated in a number of service committees for Delgado and for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, and served multiple roles in the school’s Business & Technology Division. Dr. McLean provided tremendous service to Delgado students as well. His roles included being a mentor and advisor to students (2009-present), Fifth District Bank Scholarship & Internship Sponsor (2017-Present), and he was the Course Lead for a number of classes.

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dren to read, rather than preventing it by causing people to avoid the library because of past-due fees.

Students must check in with a clerk at the circulation desk to register. The clerk will then have to fill out a ‘Read Away Fines’ form. For every 15 minutes of reading time, a student will earn back $1. The student is asked to report back to the circulation desk once his/her reading is complete.

Certain stipulations do apply. Students cannot read away the cost of a lost item, read ahead for fines not yet accrued, or read away fines from another patron’s card. Students also cannot exceed $10 per year.

Please contact your local branch library for any questions regarding the ‘Read Away Fines’ program. Branch information, including location and contact number, can be found at mytpl.org.

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UBER OPENS UP SHOP IN HOUMA-THIBODAUX Live in Houma or Thibodaux? Want a ride somewhere quick?

Uber is finally here to help.

House Bill 575 was signed into law last month by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. It changed ridesharing laws in Louisiana to allow everyone in the state to use the services. Previously, just users in the largest cities had access to Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing services.

Uber services will be available in all of Louisiana effective on July 3.

Gov. Edwards said last month that the bill’s passage marked a bright day for Louisiana.

Trevor Theunissen, Director of Public Affairs for Uber South, agreed and said the expansion will be good for the people in the area.

“We are thrilled to launch the Uber app throughout Louisiana, giving people in more communities the opportunity to earn money and request rides at the tap of a button,” Theunissen said. “We thank the legislators, businesses, Uber driver-partners, community leaders, and all those in the Let’s Geaux Louisiana Coalition for their work to bring ridesharing statewide in Louisiana.”

The law’s passage also marks an economic boost to Southeast Louisiana. Uber operates using civilians as drivers. The drivers must pass a vehicle inspection before getting approval to drive. They must also pass a background check and have a clean driving record.

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JONES GIVEN TGMC’S DAISY AWARD

HOUMA NAMED ‘NICEST CITY’ IN LOUISIANA Houma scored a huge honor this month. It was named the nicest place in all of Louisiana.

Reader’s Digest named the city among its “Nicest Places in America” for 2019 — selecting one city in each state as part of the list of honorees.

Houma was Louisiana’s pick after Reader’s Digest searched the country and listened to first-hand accounts from locals and visitors in their attempt to identify the

friendliest places in the country. The purpose of the “Nicest Places in America” list is to remind folks about the good people and good deeds that there are in the United States, while trying to inspire others to be better friends, relatives and neighbors.

But Houma’s work isn’t done.

By making the list, Houma is now in the running to be named the Nicest Place in America — a title that goes to the winner of an online competition amongst the 50

chosen cities around the country. The winner will be given the cover of Reader’s Digest’s November issue, while also detailing the story that earned the city the title.

To vote for Houma, visit: https:// w w w. rd . c o m / n i c e s t p l a c e s / t h e - n i c est-place-in-louisiana-houma/.

Vote by selecting the red “Vote for Louisiana” button below the story.

Voters are encouraged to vote daily and voting will be open until July 21.

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FUNDING SECURED FOR FIRST PHASE OF NICHOLLS BAYOUSIDE PARK Soon, Nicholls State University’s beautiful campus will start to get even better.

The Board of Directors for Friends of Bayou Lafourche (FOBL) announced last month that funding has been secured for the design and construction of the first phase of the much-anticipated Nicholls State University Bayouside redevelopment project.

The idea for the park stems back to Dec. 2017 when a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement was signed with Nicholls to “establish a program for the (bayouside) property with an emphasis on facility, staff, student and public recreation.”

From there, FOBL acquired funding from Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou to procure a landscape architecture team with Duplantis Design Group. Together, they developed a phased master plan after meetings with Nicholls administration, faculty, staff, student leaders and community stakeholders.

Once that plan was developed, FOBL moved quickly to try and seek funding sources to pay for the construction of the park.

Last July, the group applied for funding through the Recreational Trails Program — a request that was recently granted with a letter for a $90,000 commitment that

will go toward the construction of Phase 1 of the park.

This funding will go toward a multi-use trailhead project that will include earthwork, tree and brush clearing, an asphalt drive with off-street parking, a pavilion, a boardwalk, a floating dock and a new walking trail that will connect to the existing bayouside walking trail already in place.

Construction on the first phase is expected to begin sometime in late 2019.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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Terrebonne General Medical Center has named Chris Jones, Emergency Department Registered Nurse with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

Jones earned the award because he shows love and compassion for his patients and others, according to TGMC. In a release issued by the hospital, they say that Jones’ knowledge has been beneficial when answering any of his patients’ concerns and that his compassionate personality leaves an impression on the patients he serves.

“It feels great to be recognized for hard work,” Jones said. “I enjoy the fast-paced, always-changing environment of the ED.”

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

HEADLINES & ACCOLADES

TUNNEL RUN GIVES BACK TO TGMC The 44th Annual Over and Under Tunnel Run was a hit — 22,000 times over.

The annual race presented The Foundation for TGMC with a check for $22,000 recently — all of the proceeds raised from the 2019 version of the race.

Those funds will support TGMC programs like Sudden Impact, TGMC’s Community Sports Institute and other wellness and prevention programs in the community.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

PACK THE BUS SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE TO BENEFIT LOCAL SCHOOLS

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Synergy Bank and United Way of South Louisiana are coordinating their fifth annual school supply drive to benefit local children and schools during the month of July.

“The Pack the Bus School Supply Drive each year helps to provide necessary school supplies for these children so that they may be prepared for a successful school year,” said United Way Executive Director Alina Merlos.

Businesses, citizens and other organizations can also host a school supply drive at their respective locations or serve as a collection site. An up-to-date list of donation sites and partners can be found at banksynergy.com or www.uwsla.com.

While all school supply donations are appreciated, some of the most

needed items are colors, pencils, color pencils, scissors, loose leaf paper, spiral notebooks, binders, glue, glue sticks, rulers, construction paper, pencil bags or pouches, and school bags.

The drive will culminate at the last week of July. Businesses that participate are welcome to be a part of the “Bus Tour,” where a school bus will travel to their site to collect donations on a designated day so that their employees can participate in donating. To participate in the Pack the Bus School Supply Drive, please contact United Way of South Louisiana at 985-8792461 or email achampagne@uwsla.com.

The community can find more information at facebook.com/BayouPackTheBus.

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TGMC HONORS JUNE EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Terrebonne General Medical Center is honoring Kelly Pellegrin, RN, as the hospital’s June Employee of the Month.

Pellegrin is a Registered Nurse in the hospital’s Emergency Department.

TGMC names an Employee of the Month each month to honor employees who demonstrate outstanding and constant commitment to the well-being of patients, their extended families and staff.

Pellegrin won the honor because coworkers say she is a perfect example of a “true, dedicated team player.”

TGMC says Pellegrin has a demanding job in the Emergency Department and is pulled in different directions throughout the day, but she never gives up and stays positive, flexible and helpful.

Pellegrin said she dedicates herself to her patients, adding that the reason she was able to win Employee of the Month is because of the coworkers and doctors who have helped guide her since the start of her career.

“Being a new grad when I started here in the ED, I’ve been given the opportunity to work and learn alongside some of the best nurses and doctors,” Pellegrin said.

“I cherish everything they have taught me; we are a family here.”

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ON THE AGENDA BIG LUNCHEON

The Bayou Industrial Group hosts their monthly luncheon with guest speaker Henri Boulet, Executive Director, LA1 Coalition.

July 15, noon Bayou Country Club, Thibodaux

SCIA MEETING

Join SCIA at their monthly meeting featuring guest speaker John Harrington, Director, Coastal Wetlands - Gulf Coast Business Unit, ConocoPhillips.

July 16, 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Courtyard by Marriott, Houma

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS TFAE, CHEVRON, PARTNER UP TO TEACH TECHNICAL SKILLS TO GIRLS The genesis of the camp began after Melissa Williamson, a teacher at Houma Jr High, held a “Girls Who Code” club during the school year. Williamson worked for 13 years as an engineer becoming a school teacher after raising two boys. TFAE then wrote a grant to Chevron asking them to help with the program.

Williamson expressed an opinion that the greatest hurdle for women in the STEM field is their tendency to perfectionism. Instead of pursuing a field which a young woman wasn’t good at, said Williamson, often she would shift to a field she had natural talent in. Then Williamson relayed this to the first day of camp where some of the girls were afraid they’d break the computers if they coded it wrong.

“It’s just in their head,” said Williamson.

“It doesn’t have to be perfect in order for you to present it and put yourself out there.”

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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.

July 18, 5 – 7 p.m.

QHS Learning Academy, Houma

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Join the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber for their monthly membership luncheon featuring guest speaker Jimmy Nguyen,

BUSINESS AT BREAKFAST

This month’s Business at Breakfast reviews the topic “Reputation Management in a Digital Space” presented by Cody Blanchard of White Car. This event is free for members and $15 for prospective members.

July 24, 7:30-9 a.m.

Rendezvous, Thibodaux

LUNCH WITH THE PROS

This event from the HoumaTerrebonne Chamber consists of five professionals that teach your table about a certain topic. This month is “Business 101.” Individual topics include human resources, insurance, legal, advertising, and customer service. This event is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members.

July 25, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Courtyard by Marriott, Houma

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

The Bayou Region has 25 new computer coders marking the end of a week-long immersion camp focused on empowering women with intense technology interests.

Last month, the Terrebonne Foundation of Academic Excellence (TFAE) partnered with Chevron to host, “Girls Who Code,” a non-profit program which seeks to empower women interested in Science Technology Engineering and Math fields.

On Friday, June 15, the camp held its last day where the participants, all between grades 5-9 showed off their projects to the public and awards were given.

“We’re so used to high-tech things, but they coded every second of it,” said Katie Portier, Executive Director of TFAE. “Starting from a blank screen - they did it all.”

Coding, in this instance, refers to computer programing. This entails learning computer language, as well as writing and understanding algorithms among other skills.

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

July 18, 5 – 7 p.m.

Gina’s at the Legion, Thibodaux

Louisiana Small Business Development Center. Admission is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers.

July 23, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Courtyard by Marriott, Houma

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