AU GU S T 2 022
PRESORT STD US POSTAGE PAID HOUMA, LA PERMIT NO. 17
Get Relief For Neck and Back Pain Comprehensive care from initial evaluation and diagnosis to complex surgical procedures – and everything in between.
Make one call and get the help you need for your neck and back pain:
The region’s only comprehensive spine center, we help patients achieve excellent results utilizing non-surgical as well as innovative and surgical procedures. If surgery is necessary, minimally invasive options can mean quicker recovery, less post-operative pain and faster return to work and play.
985.493.4501
Thibodaux.com/spine-center
PUBLISHER’S NOTE |
AUGUST 2022 • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 8
TABLE OF CONTENTS 11
LEAVING LEGACIES
06
MOVERS AND SHAKERS
FROM THE TOP
13
08
ARCHITECTURALLY SOUND
15
ON THE AGENDA
04
LOUISIANIANS DESERVE BETTER THAN BIDEN’S GAS HIKES Cohen Guidry Archestrate
Slo-Melt Ice
PUBLISHER
Brian Rushing
Headlines & Accolades
Business Calendar of Events
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Mary Downer Ditch EDITORIAL Bonnie Rushing EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Heidi Guidry CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Keely Diebold CONTRIBUTING WRITER
CREATIVE Lauren Hemstreet GRAPHIC DESIGNER
PHOTOGRAPHY Channing Candies
DIGITAL MARKETING Carlie Johnson
CONTACT Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com Editorial: editor@bayoubusinessmonthly.com Sales: sales@rushing-media.com
L
ocal businesses are the backbone of our communities. They help to shape our parish and enhance the bayou region. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there were about 32.5 million small businesses in the United States, more than 99.9 percent of all businesses within the country in 2021. Small businesses create 1.5 million jobs annually and account for 64 percent of new jobs created in the U.S. However, coronavirus took its toll on our small businesses nationwide. According to the latest small business statistics, nearly one-third (31 percent) of small businesses in the U.S. are currently not operational. Over 70 percent of U.S. small businesses shut down in March 2020 when the U.S. became the new epicenter of the virus. More than 60 percent of these small businesses that closed were due to government or health authority orders, as large parts of the country went into lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. Here in Louisiana, just as things were on the upswing in 2021 in our business community, Hurricane Ida was the final blow. One year later, our business landscape has changed. It is frustrating for our local businesses to be able to offset the increasing cost of supplies and materials, while also trying to be mindful of the community that is still
SUBSCRIPTIONS struggling with the cost of home repairs, rising electric bills and the general cost of living. In the midst of the struggles we are facing, Bayou Business Monthly aims to shine a light on a few local businesses that are helping rebuild our community. Our first story focuses on the aspect of physically rebuilding, as we visit with Shelley Olivier, a local architect and owner of Archestrate. Her mission behind her selfstarted firm is simple: spearhead projects that make people feel something. Archestrate is currently working with the Terrebonne Parish School District to coordinate and aid in the repair of schools left un-occupiable from Ida’s damage. Family often plays a large role in small businesses you encounter in south Louisiana. Slo-Melt Ice proudly shares their legacy of being family-owned-and run. As they grow and reach for new dreams, family is by their side. The next time you are out and about, notice how many small businesses “ain’t dere no more.” Let’s all make a stronger and more conscious effort to shop local and support the business that support us.
•
MARY DITCH
Bayou Business Monthly is published monthly. Subscriptions are available for $24 for 12 issues. For more information, email mail@rushing-media.com or visit rushing-media.com/subscriptions.
RUSHING MEDIA P.O. Box 5013 Houma, LA 70361 985.868.7515 bayoubusinessmonthly.com
Bayou Business Monthly is a free publication. The entire content of this publication is copyrighted by Rushing Media, with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphics content in any manner is prohibited. Bayou Business Monthly is published monthly by Rushing Media.
OIL & GAS |
M
BY SENATOR JOHN KENNEDY
ost Louisianians get up every day, go to work, obey the law, pay their taxes, and try to save a little money for retirement while living in the greatest country in all of human history. But Louisianians are struggling under the Biden administration’s war on American energy. President Biden took office on January 20 of last year, which means that America is now 17 months into “Build Back Better.” From where
Louisianians sit, though, nothing has been built, nothing is back, and nothing is better. Inflation and gas prices are still soaring, and wages haven’t caught up. At the start of the president’s term, Louisianians paid about $2 for a gallon of gas. Today, the price is roughly $4.45. That means moms are forking out close to $90 to fill up their minivans. It’s not just gasoline that’s breaking household budgets. A dozen eggs now costs more than $2.50. Ground beef is way above $5
per pound, and chicken is over $4 per pound. The list goes on, and it’s connected to energy prices. Much of our food, clothing, pharmaceuticals, and other basic goods arrive in our stores by air, truck, or tanker — all of which run on fossil fuel. As a result, Biden’s constant attacks on the oil and gas industry aren’t just forcing oil prices higher — they’re stoking inflation across Louisiana’s economy. President Biden has canceled leases on federal lands in the Gulf of Mexico
LOUI S I A N IANS
DESERVE BETTER.
A MER IC ANS
DESERVE BETTER. SO, I ’L L K E E P FI GHTI NG FOR BETTER.
•
bbgulfstates.com
bbgulfstates.com EMPLOYEE BENEFIT S ADVIS OR S bbgulfstates.com
CO MMER CIA L IN SUR A N CE | PER SO N A L IN SUR A N CE
EMPLOYEE TS AADV I SORS E MP LOYEEBENEFI B EN EF I TS DV I SOR S Christian D. Lapeyre, RHU ReneD. Thibodaux Christian D.Lapeyre, Lapeyre, RHU Christian RHU Rene Thibodaux Philip J. Hebert Rene Thibodaux
CO M RCI P EERSO NAL CO MME RM CIEA L AL I N SI NSURANCE U R A N CE || P RSO N AILNSURANCE I N S U R A N CE
Philip J. Hebert
Philip J. Hebert
985-360-486
985-360-486
985-360-486
1051 W. Tunnel Blvd. 1051 W. Tunnel Blvd. Houma, Louisiana 70360 Houma, Louisiana 1051 W. Tunnel70360 Blvd. Houma, Louisiana 70360
THE FISH ARE BITING
WE CAN HELP FINANCE YOUR NEEDS TO GET THERE
AUGUST 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
when Louisianians could be drilling there and helping recover America’s energy independence. President Biden has also created new strict regulations on oil and gas producers that could make it nearly impossible to open new pipelines in America. What’s even more curious to me is that, despite the Biden administration’s claims that it is kneecapping America’s oil production for so-called environmental reasons, the White House insists that the U.S. must purchase foreign oil from countries that bring that fuel to our shores in tankers. Those tankers use 2,000 gallons of fuel and emit eight tons of carbon dioxide into the environment every hour. This White House is beyond tone deaf. Now, President Biden has said he has no control over the price of oil or gasoline. But it’s clear that you can’t have regulatory control over the drilling, transport, storage, refining, trading and taxation of oil — as the president does — and claim to have no control over the price of gas. That’s just not true, and people of Louisiana know it. Here’s what most people in our state see: The Biden administration has crashed their 401k’s and increased their bills by $5,200 a year. Louisianians understand that that is a rotten deal built on bad liberal policies. President Biden’s energy agenda depends on “wind, solar and wishful thinking” and is causing much of these prices to skyrocket. Whether they’re at the grocery store or gas pump, the people of Louisiana are struggling under a president whose policies ignore Middle America. Louisianians deserve better. Americans deserve better. So, I’ll keep fighting for better.
5
FROM THE TOP |
QUICK QUESTIONS FOR THE PEOPLE IN CHARGE
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR WORK:
TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF:
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING AS A CAREER?
AUGUST 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
Giving back to the community that I have lived in for most of my life. Becoming reacquainted with people that I have not seen in many years. Helping people and local businesses.
6
WHAT IS THE HARDEST? Not having an unlimited budget that would allow us to do all of the great things for this community that we would like to.
IS THERE ANYTHING NEW ON THE HORIZON? There are several opportunities in the coming months that could certainly add to the local economy, through job creation, grants and education programs that we are partnering with local companies, agencies and educators.
WHAT’S ONE LEADERSHIP SKILL YOU FEEL EVERYONE MUST LEARN? Give the best of yourself to get the same from your team, while leading from the front.
As a child, I really did not have that sort of focus, I had no real admirations that come to mind. When I found a place that felt right, I took it and ran with it. I’ve always loved a challenge and ran toward them instead of running away from them. I like making a difference and have always wanted to leave something better than the way that I found it.
WHAT WAS YOUR VERY FIRST JOB? I joined the Army at 17 years old.
WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP AND HOW DO YOU START YOUR DAY? My eyes open most mornings by 5:30, yes even on the weekend. Coffee is a must!
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT? The continued support of my family and loved ones.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME? Anything DIY, saltwater fishing and road trips.
•
FAVORITES/THIS OR THAT: Favorite food: Steak, roasted brussels and Caesar salad Favorite vacation spot: Montana. A cabin in the mountains How do you like your coffee? With coconut sugar and a little cream Chocolate or vanilla ice cream? Cookies and cream Pen or pencil? Blue ink pen
REMOVABLE/REUSABLE THERMAL INSULATION SYSTEMS Custom Fabricated Insulation blankets for the Marine, Industrial, Offshore, and Oilfield Service Industries. Applications include but are not limited to: Heat Exchangers, Valves, Manways, Flanges, Pumps, Nitrogen Units, Engine Manifolds, Engine Exhaust, Exhaust Joints, Exhaust Silencers & Turbines.
24 HOUR SERVICE www.BluewaterRubber.com
LOUISIANA LOCATIONS
HOUMA • BELLE CHASSE • GALLIANO • BATON ROUGE
HEPAHOUMA FILTERS985-851-2400 • ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT • 985-632-4200 ION GENERATORS • GALLIANO
Coastal Mechanical Contractors Est. 1965
Professional Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Contracting
876-6187
HEPA FILTERS • ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT • ION GENERATORS
Cleaning air with the speed of light!
AUGUST 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
Highly effective ways to purify your indoor air and HVAC
7
BY KEELY DIEBOLD | PHOTOS BY CHANNING CANDIES
AUGUST 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
A
8
n orchestra comprises a wide range of instruments, each one offering its own unique sound that blends with the sounds of other instruments to create a stunning final product: an intricate, blended symphony for the world to hear. Living in a household with a deep passion for music, it’s no wonder local architect and designer Shelley Olivier sees building design and creation in the same light as one would see an orchestra and its resulting symphonies — as an example of the power of cohesiveness and a creative vision. It’s also no wonder that the name of her firm, Archestrate, would reflect that creative approach to architecture. “The architect orchestrates the project,” Shelley says, “because under the architect, you have mechanical, electrical, civil and structural engineers that are your consultants, so you have to oversee the whole process and make sure that everybody’s building systems are meshing and not coming into conflict with one another.” Music has always played a part in Shelley’s career in architecture, which found its beginnings with her designing
performing arts spaces at her first job after graduating from Louisiana State University in 2006. There, Shelley and a fellow LSU graduate had the opportunity to design their alma mater’s marching band rehearsal hall — the first of several full-circle moments that have defined her career, including designing her alma mater H. L. Bourgeois High School’s freshman center. “[LSU] was our alma mater, and we’re doing performance arts stuff. It was probably one of my favorite projects because of that,” Shelley says. “I was more in charge of the interior space where they would be performing, so I got to work hand-in-hand with an acoustical engineer and help design the space.” Shelley’s passion for architecture took root as early as her childhood, where she grew up surrounded by blueprints and the smell of sawdust at the hand of her father’s career as a contractor. She recalls pretending to draw floor plans on his drafting table with his tools and scales when she was as young as kindergarten age. “Of course, every house had to have a pool,” Shelley laughs.
After a brief stint pursuing pre-med during her freshman year of college at LSU, Shelley decided to reignite her childhood passion after being inspired by the projects lining the walls of the university’s architecture building. “I really enjoy creating things that people end up really liking and get inspired from,” Shelley says. “I got to reconnect with the childhood Shelley, and it just made sense. It clicked.” After several years of experience working for other firms, which included the completion of projects like Southdown Elementary School’s new campus that opened in 2018, Shelley’s longstanding drive to be a leader led her to pursue her goal of owning her own business. What resulted was Archestrate — a comprehensive firm that offers services in architecture, interior design, product design and graphic design to both public and private clients. Her mission behind her self-started firm is simple: spearhead projects that make people feel something. “I always knew that if I’m going to do something for myself, I want to do it right, and I want to be the one that’s in
Serving the Oil & Gas Industry for over 45 years. 5450 West Main Street P.O. Drawer 4319 Houma, LA 70361 (985) 851-0727 • (800) 458-2511 • (800) 458-7012
www.sontheimeroffshore.com
AUGUST 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
charge of creating my own destiny and who I am as a person, or who I am as an architect,” Shelley says. “I want to make people happy, and I want to build a better community.” For Shelley, a career in architecture also carries with it the added layer of existing in a space that is heavily dominated by men. She notes that of all licensed architects in the United States, only 18 percent are women, despite the volume of female architectural graduates — a disparity she attributes to women feeling like they have to take a backseat to motherhood amidst the high amount of licensing exams and internships required for a career in the architecture industry A proud wife and mother, Shelley says the advice she always gives aspiring female architects is that marriage, motherhood and a career can coexist; a woman doesn’t have to choose between her job and her personal life. “I felt like I needed to prove myself, and I do think that that is also one of the attributes that inspires me and gives me drive,” Shelley says. “You can be an architect, a wife and a mom. You can do it all. It’s hard, but you can do it. I never
9
AUGUST 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
“ BU T AF TER K ATR I N A . . . M AD E M E REAL I Z E WH AT AN AR CH I TECT’ S RO LE IS IN SO CI ETY . WE’ R E N O T J U ST HE RE TO D ESI G N F ABU L O U S STU F F , B U T WHEN A CO M M U N I TY I S I N D I STR E S S , W E N EED TO H EL P I T R EBU I L D. ”
10
put my personal life on pause to be an architect.” Owning a small business, Shelley says she has the unique advantage and pleasure of seeing projects through from start to finish, as opposed to, for example, one person designing a structure but a different person overseeing its physical construction. Giving structures emotional appeal and a heart is crucial to Shelley, which is achieved through a deep focus on the function of the building. For example, designing a school requires a special emphasis on the school’s way of education and the needs of its children. “For a school, children need to be inspired. They need to have a sense of place and a sense of purpose, and they need to have morale,” Shelley says. “For a performing arts space, you want people to not only feel excited, but you’re designing sound.” This particular approach came especially into play in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida last year, which brought Shelley into the middle of recovery efforts and filled her with gratitude over the fact that her career led her back to her home. Archestrate worked with the Terrebonne Parish School District to
coordinate and aid in the repair of schools left un-occupiable from Ida’s damage, which she believes is the first priority following a devastating natural disaster. “Schools are not only important for the children, but for their little communities that they’re in because each school represents a different community, and if you don’t have that school and you don’t have that normalcy in your community, then you start to lose a hope or excitement for where you live,” Shelley says. “I’m from here. Who wouldn’t want to help their community?” Shelley describes her role in recovery following Ida as “emotional,” asserting that she believes the pieces of her life and career fell into place to bring her back to her roots. That feeling was only heightened by her previous experience with living and working in a community impacted by a disaster, as Shelley graduated only six months after Hurricane Katrina’s devastation and immediately moved to New Orleans. “It becomes emotional because when I was in my senior year of college, me and my friends had plans to go to New York or Washington. We wanted a big city. We wanted to live that life,” Shelley says, “but after Katrina, I was so
emotionally drawn to that, that it made me realize what an architect’s role is in society. We’re not just here to design fabulous stuff, but when a community is in distress, we need to help it rebuild.” As for the future of her career, Shelley says she’s focused on living in the present and serving her current clients to the fullest, especially as she and her husband continue to adapt to life with both parties owning and operating their own businesses Of course, the local architect is not without dreams, as she hopes to add more employees to her team and welcome more public building work. Shelley says she would also love to return to her beginnings and dive back into performing arts projects and event halls. No matter what comes next for the force behind Archestrate, though, she always hopes there exists a visible piece of herself in every architectural symphony she creates. “Every project that an architect participates in, they can’t help themselves but to kind of emit their background and their style,” Shelley says. “You kind of want to leave a little piece of ‘you’ in a building that’s going to be around for decades, right?”
•
BY HEIDI GUIDRY
L
ouisiana culture is rich in family traditions and values that carry on for generations. Slo-Melt Ice based in Bourg, Louisiana is evidence of the drive and determination that has been handed down from generation to generation. Founded in 1997, the family-owned and operated company has consistently provided high-quality products that fill ice chests across the region. The company has been a leader in providing packaged ice and bulk ice for commercial, industrial, and retail businesses in South Louisiana. The company services areas as far west as the Texas state line, Slidell to our east, and as far north as Baton Rouge and Zachary. Co-owner Kenneth Klingman said he grew up working hard for his father, Henry Klingman, alongside his siblings. Henry was in the refrigeration industry when his father Louis had Klingman Supermarket in Montegut. He fixed the coolers in the supermarket and found a
love for the mechanics of refrigeration. Henry later purchased ice machines which he began leasing to local shrimp factories. As ice machines grew in size, so did his business. Henry eventually built an ice plant in Cocodrie when Kenneth was in middle school, which they sold only last year. “We were always in the ice business, but my dad saw the writing on the wall in the shrimping industry,” Kenneth said. He said the shrimping business was declining at the time and his father had a dream of wanting to bag ice and sell it. “We grew up working. We would go outside and help with the ice business. I was carrying Freon bottles down the stairs or going to get his tools, and my two older brothers would fix things,” Kenneth explained, “We built it with him.” The family started with a five-ton ice maker, a used bagger, and a used meat cooler. They started in a small bagging room, bagging five tons a day and have
grown to 250 tons a day. They have also grown from just three of them to now having 30 employees. Some of the employees at the familyfocused business includes siblings Kenneth, David, Kevin, Jimmy, and Katherine; spouses Jason Rogers and Alicia Klingman; and brother-in-law Jacob Eschete. The business continues to grow and the company is adding another 40-50 ton ice maker at the end of 2022. “I don’t think he would have imagined it to be as big as it is today,” Kenneth said. Henry was adamant about working for himself, which his father Louis was as well with the supermarket, and now the siblings also work for themselves. There are certain aspects that Kenneth said are key that
have led to their success. The key to success, Kenneth said, is working together and providing high-quality products along with great customer care. The siblings each have a certain skill set that the other one may not possess. Kenneth is strong in striking up conversations and gaining new customers, while his brothers have the minds for
“SUCCESS IS THE PRODUCT OF HARD WORK; ALWAYS GIVE PEOPLE MORE THAN THEY EXPECT.” mechanics, just like their father Henry. Everyone jumps in when needed, including Kenneth’s son, and he said they stay out of each other’s way with no micromanaging. As far as high-quality products, Kenneth said that’s the biggest running factor in being successful. The ice business isn’t always easy, he pointed out. During peak times and hurricane season, they bag 24 hours a day to keep up with demand. Hurricane Ida was especially hard on the company. They had to purchase water to keep in tanks to be able to produce ice, and although they were going around the clock, they couldn’t keep up with demand and had to purchase elsewhere to continue bagging. Slo-Melt Ice doesn’t only provide ice at your local grocer and convenience
stores. They provide 7lb ice bags, 10lb ice bags, 20lb ice bags, snowball ice, bottled water, bulk ice and other largescale orders. The company provides ice for special events such as Zurich Classic in New Orleans, industrial applications, and emergency services. They also provide ice for Louisiana State University’s Tiger Stadium including athletic games and concerts, and Saints training camps. They also have many trailers that they rent out to local businesses including Rouses and offer reefer and dry van rentals. Although it’s hard work, it’s worth it, and it has taught generations of the Klingman family many life lessons. Kenneth shared a particular life lesson that has guided them to success: “Success is the product of hard work; Always give people more than they expect.”
•
MOVERS AND SHAKERS | HEADLINES & ACCOLADES
BAYOU COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANTS $327,100 TO 32 LOCAL NONPROFITS The Bayou Community Foundation (BCF) awarded grants totaling $327,100 to 32 nonprofit organizations working in Lafourche, Terrebonne, and Grand Isle to fill critical needs in our coastal communities, particularly as the area recovers from Hurricane Ida. The 32 nonprofits gathered for the annual ceremony which filled the room with people across the bayou region that put their hearts into the community. The grants will fund food and medicine distribution, baby supplies and parenting resources, homeless housing, women and children in crisis, mental health counseling, addiction recovery programs, education and job training for at-risk youth, along with other services that meet the needs of residents most impacted by Hurricane Ida.
Recipients include: A Place of Restoration, Bayou Civic Club, Bunkhouse Shelter, Inc., CASA of Lafourche, CASA of Terrebonne, Catholic Community Center, Caritas Food Pantry, Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center, Family Values Parenting Program, Dulac Community Center, Faith Ministries International, Friends of P.A.C.T. Place, Helio Foundation, Hope Center, Hope Restored Pregnancy Resource Center, House of Prayer Thibodaux, Jacob’s Ladder, Lafourche ARC, Lafourche Education Foundation, Lifted by Love, MacDonell Children’s Services, New Life Counseling Center, Plymouth Rock Baptist Church, St. Vincent de Paul Tri-Parish Pharmacy, Terrebonne ARC, Terrebonne Churches United Food Bank, Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence, The Haven, Upside Downs, Inc., Wallace Community Center, Beyond the Bell, and We Can All Ring
•
SEALEVEL CONSTRUCTION ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF THE BAYOU CHENE FLOOD CONTROL STRUCTURE
•
MARSHAL CALVIN COOKS HONORED WITH DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMEN AWARD The Bayou Lafourche Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. honored Marshal Calvin Cooks, Sr., at its annual Gents Award Ceremony. Cooks was presented the Cream of the Crop Distinguished Gent Award in recognition of his sincere dedication. “Marshal Cooks was one of the recipients of this award in recognition of his commitment to revolutionize the operations within the Thibodaux City Marshal’s Office. Currently under the leadership of Marshal Cooks, your
Marshal’s Office has marked units with prisoner transport equipment, uniformed deputy marshals, free vehicle unlock service, law enforcement data system for report writing, and yearly scholarships awarded to area high school graduates,” reads a statement from the Thibodaux City Marshal’s Office. Cooks is a native of Thibodaux, is a retired captain of the Thibodaux Police Department, and the 2020 City MarshalWard 2 elect.
•
AUGUST 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
Sealevel Construction completed the Bayou Chene Flood Control Structure, providing flood protection to six south Louisiana parish communities. President of Sealevel Construction Richard Roth said, “The Bayou Chene project was the largest job we’ve completed to date in terms of size and contract value. All I can say is how proud I am of our team for their commitment to safety and construction excellence, and I look forward to taking on our next biggest project.” Engineers and coastal representatives deem this flood control structure to be one of the largest of its kind in the United States, spanning approximately 1,050 linear feet across the channel in its closed position. Sealevel’s fabrication division, Specks Fabrication and Cutting, also performed their largest fabrication project to date with the flood control structure’s jacket receiving structures, which both stand at 40’(W) x 173’ (L) x 36’(H). The jackets were fabricated, sandblasted and painted in five months at Sealevel’s Houma-based marine affiliate company, Eagle Drydock and Marine Services.
13
MOVERS AND SHAKERS | HEADLINES & ACCOLADES HOUMA JUDGE ANNOUNCES HER RETIREMENT FROM STATE 1ST CIRCUIT APPEALS COURT AT YEAR’S END Vanessa Guidry-Whipple, the first woman elected to Louisiana’s 1st Circuit Court of Appeal, will retire when her term ends on December 31.GuidryWhipple, a Bourg native, was elected to the court in 1990 and became its chief judge in 2013. She is the first woman to serve as the court’s chief judge. The appeals court handles appeals from 16 parishes, including Terrebonne and Lafourche. The Republican chief judge has participated in several thousand cases on the court and authored more than 1,000 opinions, according to a news release. “Chief Judge Guidry-Whipple expressed that she wishes to thank the citizens of the parishes encompassing the First Circuit for placing their trust in her and allowing her the opportunity to serve as their judge on the First Circuit for the past 31 years,” read the release. The election for Guidry-Whipple’s seat will take place November 8.
•
TPAS RECEIVES $30K GRANT FROM PETCO LOVE
AUGUST 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
TERREBONNE GENERAL HEALTH SYSTEM MAKES $60K DONATION TO THE CENTENNIAL PLAZA PROJECT
14
The Rotary Club of Houma Centennial Plaza Project received a $60,000 donation from Terrebonne General Health System. In celebration of its 100th anniversary, the Rotary Club of Houma is dedicating a Centennial Plaza to serve as a lasting gift to the Terrebonne Parish community.
“Thank you to Terrebonne General Health System for their generous donation to the Rotary Club of Houma Centennial Plaza Project to benefit Terrebonne Parish. We are so grateful for their continued support of our community!” reads a statement from the Rotary Club of Houma.
•
Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter received a $30,000 grant from Petco Love, a non-profit organization with a mission to create a better world for animals and the people who love and need them. Since 1999, Petco Love has invested $300 million in lifesaving animal welfare work across the country. TPAS will use the funds to support their low-cost spay and neuter program, Operation: Reduce Population. TPAS created the program to reduce the number of unwanted animals in the community. The shelter said having your pet spayed or neutered reduces aggressive behavior and helps contribute to the overpopulation problem in Terrebonne Parish. “Thank you Petco Love and Petco for supporting our lifesaving work!” reads a statement from TPAS.
TERREBONNE PARISH LIBRARY NAMED PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE YEAR The Louisiana Library Association recognized the Terrebonne Parish Library as the best public library system in the state with the James O. Modisette Award for 2022. “This honor is a dedication to the staff who work tirelessly for the community. The library board and staff set the bar high to provide services and state-of-the-art technology. The residents of Terrebonne Parish deserve the best library system,” Library Director Mary Cosper-LeBoeuf said. The award is given in even-numbered years and recognizes the achievements of outstanding public libraries in Louisiana for their service to the community and dedication to improving patron experience. “Their efforts to bring joy to nursing home residents via butterfly hellos during the pandemic shutdown, eye towards creative public service, and community partner relationships, as well as efforts to improve technological resource availability for their parish left no doubt that Terrebonne Parish Library is well deserving of the 2022 James O Modisette Award for Public Libraries,” said JeremyBolom, Louisiana Library Association president.
•
•
HOUMA - TERREBONNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CHAMBER EVENTS • August 11 – Hurricane Preparedness, Terrebonne Parish Library, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. • August 18 – Houma Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Wellness Expo, HoumaTerrebonne Civic Center, 12 – 6 p.m. • August 30 – Joint Membership Luncheon – Chip Kline, Director of Coastal Activities for the State of Louisiana, Courtyard by Marriott, 11:30 a.m. *Luncheon is subject to change.
LAFOURCHE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEW MEMBERS:
TOUCHSTONE CHAMBER EVENTS • August 26 – Deadline to submit applications for the Leadership Lafourche Class of 2023.
In honor of the Terrebonne Bicentennial Celebration Year, presentations will be conducted throughout the year in celebration of 200 years of prosperity and growth. This month two presentations will be held.
August 4, 6:00 p.m. - Evolution of Education August 11, 6:00 p.m. - Governing the Good Earth Barry P. Bonvillain Civic Center, Meeting Room 3
BAYOU SHRM ANNUAL CONFERENCE LEGAL UPDATES
Bayou SHRM, an Affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management, will host its annual meeting and will provide valuable information on a variety of employer topics including, remote work, recession, and policies and procedures.
August 11, 8 a.m. Courtyard by Marriott
PAIRINGS FOR A PURPOSE CASA of Terrebonne will host its first Pairings for a Purpose event. It will be a fun evening to eat, drink, and help the local children that are in the foster care system. There will be live entertainment, signature cocktails paired with local food delights, and an auction. Tickets for the event are $75 per person.
August 12, 6 - 10 p.m. Bayou Terrebonne Distillers
Join Thibodaux Main Street, Inc. in historic Downtown Thibodaux as they celebrate the long, lazy days of summer - Cajun style. Enjoy extended business hours and specials, a variety of local vendors, music, games, and fun for all ages. Dress cool and comfy or come decked out in your best Cajun-inspired ensemble.
August 12, 5- 8 p.m. Downtown Thibodaux
SCIA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON SCIA will host their monthly general membership meeting. Admission is $25 per person with payment required in advance.
August 16, fellowship 11:15, meeting 11:45 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Cypress Columns
DANCING WITH THE STARS Dancing with the Stars is Junior Auxiliary of Houma’s premier fundraising gala featuring a dance-off with local celebrities and professional dancer couples. Guests will also enjoy a silent auction, prize drawings, food, drinks, and more. All proceeds go directly to the chapter’s service projects and benefit many of all ages in the area.
August 20, 7 p.m. Barry P. Bonvillain Civic Center
BIG GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
AUGUST 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
• October 21 – Fall Golf Classic, Tidelands Country Club, Cut Off. Reservations are required.
TERREBONNE 200: CAJUN LINEN NIGHT EVOLUTION OF EDUCATION AND GOVERNING THE GOOD EARTH
Bayou Industrial Group will host their monthly general membership meeting with guest speaker Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. Meetings are held on the 5th Floor of Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center. RSVP by August 15.
August 22, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center
•
15
Lose Fat. Gain Health.
Losing Weight is Complex. When a healthy diet and lifestyle are
not enough, an obesity medicine specialist may be able to help.
Dr. Sindhura Bandaru is the only physician in the region who is board certified in obesity medicine. She will customize a weight loss plan for you using FDAapproved medications with individualized treatment to improve your overall health. To schedule an appointment for your scientifically-based weightloss treatment call 985.873.3484 or visit tghealthsystem.com.
Dr. Sindhura Bandaru Obesity Medicine, Endocrinology
Endocrinology Care tghealthsystem.com