January 2019 by Rushing Media

FREE DUFRENE BUILDING MATERIALS EVOLVES TO MEET NEEDS

FELGERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FOOTWEAR PLACES FAMILY FIRST

GAUBERT OIL CELEBRATES OVER 90 YEARS

D&D DRIVE IN

SPOTLIGHT ON FAMILY BUSINESS

JAN

2019

FOR LOCAL FACES

JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

IN LOCAL PLACES

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE |

JANUARY 2019 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 1

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

PUBLISHER

Brian Rushing

GOVERNMENT UPDATE

Gordon Dove, Terrebonne Parish President

OIL AND GAS UPDATE

DUFRENE BUILDING MATERIALS GROWS

11 12

Trump responsible for oil price plunge

Lumberyard continues to evolve with the times.

FIVE GENERATIONS OF SERVICE AT SAMART Family continues to care for yours during difficult times .

14 18 22 27

EDITORIAL

FAMILY COMES FIRST AT FELGER’S FOOTWEAR Two generations of Felgers welcome all into their store.

GAUBERT OIL APPROACHES A CENTURY IN BUSINESS

Third generation leadership at the helm pushes forward.

MOVERS & SHAKERS News Briefs

ON THE AGENDA

Corporate calendar of events

Mary Ditch MANAGING EDITOR

Casey Gisclair MANAGING EDITOR Drew Miller ASSOCIATE EDITOR

CREATIVE Amber Duplantis SENIOR DESIGNER Paul Guidry GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nicholas Boutte GRAPHIC DESIGNER

PHOTOGRAPHY Drew Miller Deno Theriot

ADVERTISING Deanne Ratliff SALES MANAGER Harold Cancienne, Linda Pontiff, Mike Woods, Lanie Roberts

D&D EVOLVES OVER TIME

Family-first mentality keeps business running.

DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Monica Harrison de Castillo

OFFICE/CIRCULATION MANAGER Michelle Ortego

SPOTLIGHT ON FAMILY BUSINESS

CUSTOMER SERVICE Kimberly Ross

CONTACT

In in Larose has been serving up delicious food and memories of older, more relaxed times to the people of south Lafourche Parish — now three generations running. Family comes first at Felger’s Footwear as the mother-daughter duo of Brenda Felger and Rebecca Romano welcome you into their store. Employees and customers alike are treated as family the moment the step inside. Gaubert Oil is approaching a century in business with third-generation leadership at the helm. Ever evolving with the ever growing oil and gas industry, Gaubert Oil maintains the family-like feeling that was established in 1926. The Terrebonne/Lafourche region is built on the backs of successful family businesses. They are what keep us strong and unique. If you’re one of them, hats off to you for keeping it in the family.

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

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JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

t’s an exciting time in business as we move into a new fiscal year and and get to work on our goals for 2019. Bayou Business Monthly has moved into Volume 2 and we couldn’t be more proud to continue to bring you the bayou area’s only business-to-business magazine. This month’s issue focuses on family business. Our area is brimming with successful businesses that have passed from generation to generation. As a second-generation business owner myself, I understand the unique pressures and expectations that brings. We took a moment in this issue to visit with five local businesses on what it’s like to work with family. Dufrene Building Materials understands the hard work that goes into running a business, especially one with your family. The locally owned lumber yard is working into its third generation with Paul Dufrene III operating the business with his children — the same business that his father, Paul Dufrene Jr., started in 1953. Five generations of family strive to make a devastating time in your life as easy as possible at Samart Funeral Home. The not only family-owned but also locally-owned business features six locations. For more than 50 years, the small, family-owned D & D Drive

Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com

GOVERNMENT UPDATE |

BY GORDON DOVE, TERREBONNE PARISH PRESIDENT

THE STATE OF FISCAL AFFAIRS AND CAPITAL PROJECTS IN TERREBONNE PARISH

JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

was honored to take office in January 2016 and since taking office Terrebonne Parish has endured tough economic times due to declining oil prices. We have seen deepwater and shelf drilling decline drastically, and land and bay drilling has been at a basic halt due to legacy and coastal lawsuits against oil companies as well as declining oil prices. In 2016 sales tax collections dropped 11% compared to 2015, and in 2017 there was a 2% drop in collections compared to 2016. Yet, thanks to the resiliency of the Terrebonne Parish residents, businesses, and government, we have seen businesses diversify. Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government (TPCG), under my administration, and together with the council, has streamlined the budget by cutting all departments by 23% (with no services cut and no layoffs). Equipment longevity is surveyed as not to buy new equipment, dump trucks, excavators, vacuum trucks, pickup trucks, etc., unless it is deemed absolutely necessary. Also overtime pay was curtailed. As of January 1, 2019, residential renovation permit fees have been waived due to moving permit enforcement into my administration from South Central Planning. This move has resulted in a substantial savings to the citizens. The permit and necessary inspections are still required, but at no cost to the applicant. It is the intention of my administration to double the parish’s pumping capacity where applicable. TPCG is still funding $83 million of construction and drainage projects as follows: $1.0 million of subdivision concrete panel replacements, curbs, asphalt replacement, sidewalks $3.7 million (Fully Funded) Bridge Concrete Replacement or Repair • Industrial Road Bridge replacement square culverts (Chabert Hospital area) • Polk Street (Highway 311) Concrete Bridge Replacement • Bridge Repair – Savanne Road (by Rouses), Country Estates (Bayou Blue, Coteau) Bayou Black, Funderburk Avenue Bridge, Highway 24

• Carroll Street Bridge – Gibson Replacement $900,000 (Fully Funded) Completing Construction of a total of eleven soccer fields, concession stand and bathroom (starting construction), parking phase 1 construction completed Hanson Canal 1000 CFS Pump Station in Gibson • Pumping Chacahoula Basin - 109,000 acres • Total Project Cost $14,690.615 • Construction started with completion scheduled for end of 2019 Lashrook Pump Station in Chauvin • 450 CFS Pump Station Replacement • Construction to begin early 2019 • $3.9 million (Fully Funded) Highway 311 – 250 CFS Pump Station – North of Equity Bridge with 20 ft. radial gate (water control station 1-1A system) • Construction to begin Feb. 2019 • $3.9 million (Fully Funded) Chauvin at Boudreaux Canal Lock System (Petite Calliou) • $9.7 million (Fully Funded) • Currently under construction

Bayou Neuf Pump Station • 450 CFS Chauvin • Completed $5.9 million (Fully Funded) Falgout Canal Floodgate Dularge • Funded $16.8 million of Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government Funds (CDBG) • $13.8 million of State funds • $5 million of Terrebonne Levee District Funds • Total: $35.6 million - (Fully Funded) – Completion set for March 2019 Valhi Drainage and Flood Protection Levees with Pump Stations • $1.8 million (Fully Funded) – Under Construction

RESTORATION PROJECTS Whiskey Island Restoration - Completed • 10.6 million cubic yards – Marsh Creation • $118 million (Restore Act Funding/ BP Oil Spill Fine monies) Lost Lake Restoration – Completed • 1100 acres impact – 5 water control structures • $35 million – Federal monies

Conveyance Channel and Pump Station in Chauvin • Petite Calliou to Lake Boudreaux • 450 CFS Pump Station - $9 million (Fully Funded) • Construction to begin in Early 2019

HNC Lock System at the existing HNC Bubba Dove Floodgate • Fresh Water Diversion, Salt Water Intrusion System • $387 Million (Restore Act Funding /BP Oil Spill Fine Monies) • Construction to commence late 2019

Bayou Terrebonne at Montegut Lock System • Construction to begin Early 2019 • $10.8 million (Fully Funded)

Restoration of Trinity Island, Timbalier Island (Terrebonne Parish) and West Belle Pass (Lafourche Parish) • $161 million (Restore Act Funding/BP Oil Spill Fine monies)

Suzie Canal Levee and Pump Station (Dulac) Completed • $6.6 million

OTHER PROJECTS Hollywood Road Extension to Southdown Mandalay • Opened with temporary traffic lights – Completed - $5 Million • Permanent Steel Poles to be installed in April 2019 HNC Dredging - $13.4 million • Corps of Engineers funding – The Houma Navigation Canal is an economic engine for marine vessels and drainage of Terrebonne Parish to the Gulf of Mexico and must be dredged. (Great job by our Federal Delegation) Terrebonne is in strong fiscal shape and the economy is starting to pick up. The Parish is projecting a 3.8% increase in Sales tax for 2018. FEMA is on schedule to approve TPCG flood maps in 2019 which will include Morganza levees as well as floodgates and redundant levees in their formula for reduced flood insurance rates. My administration, together with the parish council, has added monies for pump stations, cleaned and excavated drainage ditches as well as changed and replaced and enlarged culverts. Over 200 pumps are currently 100% operational with

back-up generators, where necessary. (19 pump stations have been added or are currently under construction.) Concrete panels have been changed where necessary and we are currently building three lock systems along with many other projects. All of this has been done while maintaining a strong fiscal position. Our 2019 adopted budget is for $217 million and we have maintained our Standard and Poors rating of AA- and A+. My administration and the council have developed and initiated total sweeping reform over Terrebonne Parish Recreation (TPR) as well as Recreation Districts 2-3 and 11. I am honored to have served Terrebonne Parish as a Louisiana State Representative from 2004-2015, as Chairman of the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee as well as a member of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CRPA) and currently as Parish President since 2016. The positive results of my administration and this council are evident as we continue to move Terrebonne Parish forward! Terrebonne Parish is the Good Earth.

•

AFTER TWELVE YEARS, I AM PROUD AND EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT MORGANZA LEVEE AND FLOODGATES FROM POINTE AUX CHENES TO FALGOUT CANAL (DULARGE) WITH NINE NEW FLOODGATES WILL COMPLETE THE FIRST PHASE, APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES, WITH A GREAT LEVEL OF HURRICANE PROTECTION! GREAT JOB BY THE LEVEE BOARD! WE ARE ALSO UNDER CONSTRUCTION TO TIE THE TERREBONNE MORGANZA LEVEE SYSTEM TO THE SOUTH LAFOURCHE LEVEE SYSTEM. THIS PROTECTION IS APPROXIMATELY $400 MILLION IN STATE AND LOCAL FUNDS FOR THE MORGANZA TO THE GULF SYSTEM.

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OIL & GAS |

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

he price of oil is down — way down — to start 2019. In the past 90 days, the price sunk from more than $75/barrel to the $46/ barrel levels we’d seen to start the New Year — a more than 38 percent decrease that has caught the attention of all local business owners who want the trend to reverse in the near future. As the price has dropped, so has the price of gas. As gas has fallen, President Donald Trump has been outspoken, saying in a Tweet on January 1 that he believes low gasoline prices are an indirect tax cut for Americans and a boost to the national economy. In another Tweet, he added that he’s urged OPEC to continue to boost supply, which will keep prices low for the future, something he called a “win” for America. But industry experts say that Trump’s words on social media don’t have as much weight as he may believe. Despite the President’s outspoken statements on the topic, oil and gas experts say that the price of crude in the future will be dictated by OPEC and its member nations — a topsy turvy relationship that has had roller coaster-like ups and downs throughout the past 12-18 months. At press-time, industry leaders say that forecasts for oil’s future aren’t worth the

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paper they’re printed on because there’s year. just no way to predict supply, demand Trump said during a conference call with and the future of unstable oil-producing reporters on Jan. 2 that this is what he’s nations, which could greatly impact the rooting for, adding that he’s been in contact supply in the coming months. with OPEC leaders throughout the past JP Morgan said in November that they several months. believe crude prices will average $73/barrel “Let the damn oil flow,” Trump said to in 2019, which would mean a significant reporters. “Cheap gas is good gas for the increase is coming in the weeks ahead. But American people.” their report also said that their previous But there are also concerns that the cut prediction was for an average of $83.50/ in supply will not greatly shake the market barrel oil, adding that there is great because of demand issues on the global uncertainty in the market, which makes market. the future widely uncertain. Darling said the No. 1 reason for the “I think anyone who thinks the picture price drop — above all other factors — was is crystal clear is looking through fogged that demand for crude globally dropped lenses,” said Scott Darling, J.P. Morgan’s in 2018, which helped to send the price head of Asia Pacific oil and gas. “There into a tailspin. is great uncertainty right now within the But while demand remains in flux, other industry and the coming weeks and months factors like unstable politics in producing will be decisions nations like that will have Venezuela and great influence other nations on where things could create a go in 2019 and supply shortage beyond.” that will outweigh So here is what t h e d ro p i n we know for demand and could certain. keep prices up. In December, “In some OPEC and nonparts of the OPEC-member world, you’ve nations met and still got aging agreed to take oil infrastructure, 1.2 million barrels which leads of oil per day off to unplanned the market for maintenance,” a period of six Darling said. “It - Scott Darling months — a cut only takes a few of that began in these events and January and which you suddenly get should stop the price from significantly more support to the oil price.” tanking further in the future. Of course, while the rest of the country “That was a good step for a rebound,” a may root for cheap gas, the Houmareport issued by Frost and Sullivan stated Thibodaux area is a minority in that higher in Dec. 2018. gas prices mean more deepwater drilling Experts say that what happens and more work for the local economy. surrounding that cut in supply will be huge Industry leaders have contended that for the future of the price. prices around $70-80 per barrel would They contend that if the supply cut support the work force locally with plenty continues through all of 2019 — past the room to spare thanks to Trump-issued initial, six-month period, then it could policies that have greatly deregulated the be good for a price rise that could last industry, thus making it cheaper to drill. throughout the better part of the year. But if member nations balk at the cut and step up their production, it could also impact the price, keeping it steady at a level near $50/barrel for most of the next

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

he business of lumber has changed drastically since the 1950s. But Dufrene Building Materials has embraced those changes and has evolved with them every step of the way — all while keeping with its principles of hard work, quality products and dedication to the customers in southeast Louisiana that’ve supported the company every step of the way. The locally owned lumber yard is working into its third generation with Paul Dufrene III operating the business with his children — the same business that his father, Paul Dufrene Jr., started in 1953. Today, Dufrene Building Materials has four stores and a team of more than 150 employees. The family also operates Triple Son Wholesale Timbers — a company they started in 1989 from the ground-up. Members of the family business said their successes stem from their willingness to adjust and adapt, while also having the foresight to take a few risks along the way. “You have to be willing to accept change and adapt with the times,” said Paul Dufrene IV. “Where the business was 30 years ago is vastly different now than it was then. And it will be evolving for the next 30 years into the future.” “You have to be willing to take risks,” Paul Dufrene III added. “There will be mistakes. But you have to trust yourself and what you know and be willing to take that risk for the betterment of your company. If a guy comes to you and says he didn’t ever make a mistake, he’s lying to you. We all do. But at the end of a year, you have to be able to look back and say, ‘I made more good decisions than I did those mistakes,’ and that’s how you build yourself up over time — by trusting those instincts that we’ve developed by being in business over time.” For Dufrene, there were modest beginnings. Paul Dufrene Jr. left his work at a bakery in 1953 to start Dufrene Lumber — a small, community-based lumber yard. He owned the business for more than 30 years, then decided that the hard work of owning the lumber yard had taken its toll.

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At that time, Paul III was in construction, but he decided to change paths and buy the business from his father. When he did, the store changed from Dufrene Lumber to its current name — Dufrene Building Materials. “Daddy came to me and he said, ‘I’m tired,’” Paul III said. “He was just beat. I was in construction at the time, but I talked to my wife and we decided that we’d buy it and open up.” Under Paul III’s leadership, the Dufrene business has gradually grown. It started as a 2-truck, 3-employee business. But soon came expansion — first a move from the original lot in northern Cut Off to the current, larger location at 14502 West Main Street in Cut Off. After that happened, next came a store in Belle Chasse, then Thibodaux and also Slidell. Paul III said the growth was a total team effort of he and his employees. He said he remembers a time when he’d work long, tiring hours — a day and night shift both each day. He also remembers grooming his children into the business, teaching them every, single aspect of the business — from sweeping the floors to stocking shelves to now, leadership positions within the business. “It took a lot of hard work and sacrifice,” Paul IV said of what’s allowed for Dufrene’s successes. “Paul Dufrene III taught us through his actions what it takes to succeed.” Paul IV said working with his father and brothers is one

of the most fulfilling parts of being involved in a long-standing family business. “It’s one of the toughest and most rewarding parts of being in a family business. We all work very close with each other and there are many irons in the fire, so we are all in many different directions,” Paul IV said. “But each day is a new day and it presents different and challenging tasks.” And some of those tasks involve maintaining a bright future for the family business. Paul IV said Dufrene Building Materials has every intention to continue on its longstanding path of providing quality product and service to customers. And, of course, with lumber, a little bit of consistency in the weather wouldn’t hurt for 2019, either. “Dufrene Building Materials is ready to serve and provide our customers with the latest and greatest products to make their jobs easier,” Paul IV said. “And hopefully, 2019 brings us sunny skies and less rain.”

JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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FIVE GENERATIONS OF SERVICE AT SAMART Kees, Jared Kees and Travis Lawrence, who have all worked in the family’s funeral business since they were teenagers, are all extremely hardworking and efficient in every aspect of the funeral business, as their grandfather, Douglas Kees, instilled in them at a young age. “Our family members are licensed crematorium operators, licensed embalmers and licensed funeral directors. We have the availability, the knowledge and the capability to go from the initial contact with the family all the way to the end of it,” said Jared. “We might have a day off here and there, but a lot of times we end up coming in and working on that day off just because we feel needed and have a responsibility to the family that we serviced—to take care of them through the whole process,” Sarah added. The not only family-owned but also locally-owned business has a full-service funeral home in four locations (includes the towns of Houma and Thibodaux) and two layout facilities in Labadieville and Napo-

leonville. At each full-service location, the staff members are adept to handle crucial pre-planning, personalized funeral services, thoughtful gifts, burial, and much more, especially at their newest state-of-the-art facility at 4511 West Park Ave. The new funeral home has the most up-to-date technologies, such as a virtual casket showroom, and marvelous kitchen/ reception area with modern décor and appliances. For the slideshow presentations of the deceased (a service offered free at all full-service locations), the building has a Spotify account—which allows patrons to access tens of millions of songs that can be played during the presentation and/or reception—to have an even more personalized experience that remembers their loved ones well. With a crematorium also at the location, for those that choose cremation, there are exquisite urns, jewelry and various other items on display that hold remains of the deceased. In addition to keeping up with the times, the family added the new facility to better

serve their community and reach out to more families. “For me, it was a sign of establishing our ability to service a large area and gives me hope for the future that we can continue to grow and serve the local areas, and maybe even expand beyond that,” Travis shared. By servicing six parishes (even sometimes crossing state lines to do burials in other states), their ability to stay with a family throughout the entire process and always evolving to better fill the needs of their customers, there is no question that the business—originating back to 1888— has unparalleled dedication in our area. “I just take pride in the fact that we’ve served this area and we continue to serve it,” Stephen said. “I think being that we’re a family business, we serve our community better than businesses that are corporate owned or owned from a conglomerate outside this area.”

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JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

t’s nearly indescribable: the aftermath following the loss of a loved one. During this trying time in their lives, families and friends of the deceased look for not only expert guidance and assistance but also tender care when choosing the proper services that celebrates, mourns and honors their fallen. People of the Bayou Region and beyond have been trusting the Kees-Lawrence family with such services and care of their late loved ones for several decades, as they have been turning to Landry’s, Thibodaux and Samart funeral homes. “When you have that connection to a family, whether it be you’re meeting them for the first time and you make a connection with them in the arrangements or you’ve known them for years, personally, I find it’s important for me to want to try to be there through the whole process,” said Sarah Kees Larose, licensed funeral director and embalmer and 5th-generation member of the family business. Sarah, and the rest of 5th generation of the funeral directors, including Stephen

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

or more than 50 years, a small, family-owned drive-in in Larose has been serving up delicious food and memories of older, more relaxed times to the people of south Lafourche Parish — now three generations running. D&D Drive In will turn 55 this year with its first days dating back to the business’s beginning in the summer of 1964. The local eatery is owned by husband and wife David and Darlene Ledet. Together, they work with daughter Erin Ledet and her husband Adam Doucet — the next in line to run the business — a three-generation company lineage. The family said a combination of good food, hard work and that unique, down-home, old-school feel are what’s allowed the drive-in to succeed and withstand the test of time in the ever-changing world of restaurants. D&D has a lot of call-in and pick-up business, though there is a dining room available at the restaurant. The menu offers a full allotment of typical drive-in cuisine — all made to with fresh ingredients and fair pricing. A favorite for many locals is also D&D’s full menu of delicious desserts — ice cream cones, shakes, malts and other treats that have been appeasing the taste buds of locals for more than a half-century. “I think we’re unique to this location,” David Ledet said. “We’ve had people stop by just to take pictures of the restaurant.” “I love when people from the older generations bring their grandchildren or great-grandchildren in just to talk about old times,” Adam Doucet said. “They always mention how many hot dogs you could buy with a dollar and how they’d walk over from their houses to buy an ice cream cone. Kids don’t do that anymore and I think that’s why we like to maintain our drive-in style so that the memories last.” D&D has had a few name changes and expansions along the way. The business started as R&R Drive in 1964 — the product of Roland and Ruth Ledet.

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it’s been my whole life.” But for as laid back and old-fashioned as D&D may be, they are also aware that it’s now 2019 and the world is changing fast. And they’re here to adapt and evolve with the times. The restaurant has become highly active on social media with more than 2,000 followers on Facebook and also a presence on Instagram, as well. Erin Ledet said they use social media to engage with customers and seek their input on what items are a winner, what can be changed and how to be better overall as a restaurant — now and into the future. “Everyone’s on Facebook — young and old — and with us being active on social media platforms, it allows us to reach our audience in a different way,” she said. “We’re now able to monitor things like what people want to see on the menu, what changes we should make and ways to improve overall in the future. We’re now able to form relationships with our customers — even when they’re not at the window.” That combination of merging the business’ family-like principles with also the new way of interacting with the public in a modern world are why D&D believes that even after all these years, they’re able to stay around and give the public what they want from a family restaurant. “2019 makes 55 years we’re in business and we’re excited for that and for the future of D&D Drive-In,” Darlene Ledet said. “I’m excited to see where Erin and Adam take it in the future.”

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Thank You! When we opened our rst location in 1999, our founders knew they wanted to create a diﬀerent kind of bank, one with local values and a profound commitment to the growth and prosperity of the Bayou Region. As we celebrate our 20th year of being “Your Bank” in “Our Community,” we remain now, and always “Stronger Together.”

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JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

It later became H&R Drive-In when Roland went into business with his brother-in-law, Harry Hebert. Roland’s two sons, David and Darrel Ledet then owned the restaurant, dubbing it Double D Drive-In. Now, David and Darlene Ledet operate the restaurant while grooming Erin and Adam for the future. They also adopted the current name — D&D Drive-In. Since the time of opening, D&D has expanded its building, though operating out of the same central location at 12410 La. Highway 1 in Larose at the southern foot of the Larose Intracoastal Bridge. The early days didn’t feature the dining room, operating just out of a small kitchen. But while things may have changed around ownership of the restaurant over time, the principles of D&D have never changed over time. Adam said D&D makes its own hamburgers — never using frozen or artificial patties. The chili served is from the same recipe from the restaurant’s beginning — the same recipe that’s fed grandparents, their children and now their grandchildren over the years. “It’s a place full of memories,” he said. David said running the business has become a way of life for he and his family, adding that they take great pride in providing the community with the food they’ve come to enjoy over the years. “Something that I think sets us apart from other places is that the owners are in the business every day,” David said. “We know the restaurant can’t run itself. A lot of people who aren’t familiar with restaurant management think the day begins when the open sign turns on and it ends when the sign goes off. But for us, it’s our life — every day. And

JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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s we celebrate local family-owned businesses this month, we need to look no further than Houma’s Felger’s Footwear: a staple in the area since husband and wife, Mark and Brenda Felger took over the store at its original location in Southland Mall in 1991. Felger’s Footwear— which is now run daily by the mother-daughter duo of Brenda and Rebecca Felger Romano—has provided the best possible foot solutions by understanding their customers’ needs, offering the latest and greatest in therapeutic and stylish shoes, and treating everyone that walks in that they are part of their family. The Felger family’s professionalism and dedication to their craft has led the business to have a prosperous three-decade

some way. “And today, the biggest challenges are your big box stores. The only thing that keeps us different is the service that we provide. You won’t find anywhere else in the area where they measure you and fit your child,” said Rebecca, who is a Certified Fitter of Therapeutic Shoes and has been serving customers in the store since she was 12 years old. “…So, when you walk in the door, it’s a very relaxing experience. You don’t have to work when you come into our store. That’s our job; that’s what we’re here for.” Each staff member of Felger’s is thoroughly trained to measure feet and select the most comfortable fitting shoes for their customers. Working with such brands at New Balance, Aetrex, Vionic, Eastland, Dansko, among other noteworthy vendors, the specialists at the store also provide a wide selection for back-to-school, therapeutic,

comfort, style, exercise or any other shoe needs. “The employees mean everything; they are the front line. They represent me, Felger’s—the company. They’re invaluable. We teach them what they need to know, and they do the rest,” Brenda shared. “They’re an extended part of our family. They might not have the same last name that we do, but they are part of our family,” Rebecca added. Rebecca and Brenda also acknowledged their customers, who they feel are members of their family as well, as they have seen and built relationships with generations upon generations of patrons that have come in and out the store over the years. “There are lots of elderly who come in, and they’re lonely. They just want to talk and try on shoes. They want comfort—not just on the foot,” Brenda said. “It’s a ministry, besides being a shoe store. We live here. We believe in what we do and we support our community.”

“THE EMPLOYEES MEAN EVERYTHING; THEY ARE THE FRONT LINE. THEY REPRESENT ME, FELGER’S—THE COMPANY. THEY’RE INVALUABLE. WE TEACH THEM WHAT THEY NEED TO KNOW, AND THEY DO THE REST,” BRENDA SHARED. “THEY’RE AN EXTENDED PART OF OUR FAMILY. THEY MIGHT NOT HAVE THE SAME LAST NAME THAT WE DO, BUT THEY ARE PART OF OUR FAMILY,”

JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

he Small Business Administration has statistics which say that just 1/3 of family businesses last a decade. Even fewer — a number closer to just 1/10—see 20 years. Gaubert Oil has exceeded those numbers now many times over and they have their long-standing principles for business to thank for that longevity and success. Open since 1926, the Thibodaux based business has surpassed its 90th birthday and is heading toward a century of providing quality fuel and lubricants to an area that’s now expanded to multiple states in the Gulf South. The reason for the success is multi-faceted, but at its foundation, it’s because of the long-standing principles of business the company has practiced — dating back to its original days under its founder Nolan J. Gaubert and still now by company president and Nolan’s grandson, Grady Gaubert. “These values are founded in the principles of honesty, integrity and treating people fairly,” the Gaubert Oil website’s description reads. “Gaubert Oil strives to treat its customers, vendors and employees with the utmost respect. … Gaubert Oil started with an idea, but it’s turned into a dream come true.” That, it has. Nolan Gaubert was the son of a dredging engineer in Lafourche Parish. He was born in 1902. He attended Thibodaux College and graduated from Walden’s Business College before beginning his career. He married Henrietta Bergeron and the proud couple gave birth to two children, Joyce and Kevin. Nolan was a diligent man. He started his work as a clerk in a store as a part-time employee when he was just 15. A few years later, he got into the oil business. After generating countless experience in the oil and gas industry, which included work as a distributor for numerous oil companies, Nolan decided to launch his own venture, Gaubert Oil, in 1926. The timing was challenging. The Great Depression had stricken the United States and the economy was at a downswing. But the automobile industry at that time was growing, even as the national economy struggled.

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Nolan diligently grew his business, got past the Depression and experienced steady growth and sustainability in its first two decades in operation. As the business approached the 1950s, son Kevin had graduated from LSU with a degree in business administration. He joined the company with his father and worked up the ranks, eventually joining his father in Gaubert leadership. Kevin became the Vice President and General Manager of the company and later, in 1952, he became the President — a second-generation. The third generation came when Grady joined the business. Like those before him, Grady worked his way up within the company and took over as President when Kevin passed away — a title Grady still holds today. At present, Gaubert Oil is continually growing and evolving with the quickly-changing oil and gas industry — a family-owned business that’s grown and evolved to service a lot of the Gulf South. The business is headquartered in Thibodaux, but it now also has two satellite offices — one in Donaldsonville and the other in Violet. Gaubert Oil also has bulk plants in Houma and Morgan City. The company offers Louisiana’s most extensive and dependable petroleum products and fuel distribution services. They provide wholesale fuel, diesel, DEF, gasoline, oil and lubricants to businesses in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. “Gaubert Oil continues to expand its market reach,” the business’s website reads. “A prominent member of the Lafourche Parish business community, Gaubert Oil supplies products and equipment across the Gulf South.” But no matter where the company goes from here, it will never lose that family-like feel established by Nolan Gaubert in the company’s early days. The business started with the idea of one, but has expanded and grown exponentially — all while keeping roots here in Lafourche Parish. That, the business said, is something they’re forever grateful for. “And the best is yet to come,” the business says.

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CHAUVIN PRESENTED WITH PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Debbie Chauvin was presented with the Professional Achievement Award from the Bayou Board of Realtors at their Annual Installation Banquet and Toys for Tots Drive in December. The Professional Achievement Award is voted on by Realtors and Affiliates from the Bayou Board of Realtors. Chauvin has been a Realtor since 1999 and has many accomplishments including: Bayou Board of Realtors Board

of Directors since 2006; 2014 & 2017 MLS Chairperson; 2011 President of Bayou Board of Realtors; 2010 Louisiana Realtors Leadership Graduate; 2011-2012, 20172018 and 2019-2020 Louisiana Realtors At Large State Director; 1999 Bayou Board Congeniality Award; and 2009 Bayou Board Realtor of the Year. Chauvin has completed Professional Designations in real estate which include ABR, SRS and GRI.

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TGMC NAMES NEW ASSISTANT VP OF FINANCE Terrebonne General Medical Center has promoted Meggan Murray, CPA, CHFP, as the Assistant Vice President of Finance. Murray graduated from LSU in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She obtained her Certified Public Accountant license in 2013. She joined the TGMC team as a Healthcare Project Manager in 2017. Before that, she was the Assistant Controller for University Medical Center of New Orleans.

JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

TGMC NAMES DECEMBER EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Terrebonne General Medical Center has named Paula Giles, the Manager of its Central Sterile Processing Department, as its December Employee of the Month. TGMC names an Employee of the Month each month in an effort to recognize outstanding employees. Employee of the Month recipients demonstrate outstanding and constant commitment to the well-being of patients, their extended families and staff. And Giles has been doing that for a long, long time. Her 40th anniversary with TGMC will be in Feb. 2019. She first started working on St. Joseph Hall in the “old” hospital as an LPN. She

later moved into the Surgery Department as a Scrub Tech. Over time, Giles transitioned to a coordinator role in the Central Sterile Processing Department and has worked her way up to become the manager. “I have been so fortunate in having this job,” Giles said. “I have seen so many people come and go and many have remained very good friends. What else can you do that allows you rewards of helping people every single day and keeps them safe from potential harm?”

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Meggan started her career as an auditor in public accounting before getting into healthcare. “Meggan has been a great asset to the organization,” said Phyllis Peoples, TGMC President and CEO. “With her expansive accounting background, she’s helped us improve financial processes and has strong analytical skills helping TGMC serve more patients. We’re thrilled to watch her career grow at TGMC.”

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NICHOLLS ENTERS ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS WITH SLCC Mary Parish is Colonel Country.” Dr. Natalie Harder, chancellor of SLCC, called Dec 17 a “gold star day” for both schools. “This really shows you that when you put good heads together, you can serve students in ways you never thought possible,” she said. Dr. Jim Henderson, who is president of the University of Louisiana System, which Nicholls and SLCC are a part of, said the partnership is an example of how the state’s two and four year colleges can put their heads together with a mission to serve students first, before anything else. “In this economy we need more talent, more that what we’ve ever had before, talent that can develop with the knowledge and ability to succeed,” Henderson said.

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Easy does it down La. Highway 90 East, to Nicholls State University. The university has entered into a historic partnership with South Louisiana Community College, the Young Memorial Campus in Morgan City, to make smooth transfer options available for students there, to transfer to Nicholls after their second year of classes, with the hope of obtaining a four year degree in Biology, Business Administration, Criminal Justice or Nursing. Dr. Jay Clune, Nicholls State President, signed four articulation agreements on Dec 17, which guarantee a transfer to Nicholls after earning an Associate’s degree in the above named fields, from SLCC. “Nicholls is the neutral ground where St. Mary, Terrebonne and Lafourche come together. We are one,” Clune said. “St.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

NEWS BRIEFS

THIBODAUX REGIONAL RECOGNIZED BY LOPA Thibodaux Regional Medical Center is proud to announce that it was among a select group of hospitals nationwide recognized for promoting enrollment in state organ donor registries in a national campaign sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Thibodaux Regional was awarded Bronze Recognition from the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) for its efforts and participation in the Workplace Partnership for Life (WPFL) Initiative. This campaign is a special effort of HRSA’s Workplace Partnership for Life to mobilize the nation’s hospitals to increase the number of people in the country who are registered organ, eye, and tissue donors and ultimately, the number

of organs available for transplant. The campaign unites donation advocates at hospitals with representatives from their local organ procurement organizations. This year’s initiative began October 1, 2017 through April 2018. More than 1200 hospitals participated in the national campaign. During that time period, 23,700 people were added to the registry. With LOPA and the full support of Thibodaux Regional’s Administration and staff, the hospital conducted awareness and registry campaigns to educate staff, patients, visitors, and community members about the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donors and, by doing so, increased the number of potential donors on the LOPA’s donor registry.

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CIVIC CENTER CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

LAFOURCHE INCHES CLOSER TO JAIL’S OPENING

After years of struggle for public approval, a new jail for Lafourche Parish became an official reality in late-December and is expected to receive its first inmates some time early in 2019. A grand opening ceremony was held in December at which Sheriff Craig Webre thanked the public and his staff, referring to the event as a “a historic and monumental day in the Lafourche Parish criminal justice system.” The $40 million jail’s design and features have been praised for offering better margins of safety to officers and inmates. The old jail, just across the street from the new structure at La 3185 and Veterans Boulevard, and its landscaped grounds, has been a subject of criticism for years. In addition to safety issues the old jail had serious infrastructure issues due to age and

other factors. “Today is an historic and monumental day in the Lafourche Parish criminal justice system,” said Sheriff Craig Webre during his remarks at the ceremony. “My staff and I are forever grateful and honored to be part of and witness to what is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Webre said of the jail opening. Officially named the Lafourche Parish Criminal Justice Complex, the 125,000 square foot project was praised as an opening of a welcome development not just for its physical amenities, but how they allow for better meshing of a philosophy based on desire accomplish, in Webre’s estimation, what the word “correction” implies. Webre has long been a proponent of operating programs that can aid willing

offenders to lay down foundations for new lives after incarceration, creating benefit not just for the inmates but the public at large. “For far too many years we have cycled people in and out of the revolving door of the jailhouse,” Webre said. “Some of these individuals, as a practical matter, are serving a life sentence 30 days or six months at a time.” Prior programs that focused on rehabilitation found severe limitations, often due to infrastructure. The new jail’s capacity of 533 inmates -- nearly double that of the old jail -- is a number that Webre has maintained will eliminate the overcrowding that has at times plagued his jail operations in the past.

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The Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center is now officially two decades old. The local entertainment venue hosted its 20th Anniversary Celebration on Jan. 6 with an indoor concert for people of all ages in the community. The event also featured a ribbon cutting – the official completion of several renovations at the local facility, which opened its doors in 1999. At the concert, locals gathered to enjoy music by Vintage and Payton Smith. Those acts opened for The Chee Weez, which entertained the audience for more than two hours. In year 20, the civic center has big plans. In recent weeks, the facility has been given a new paint job and lighting has been added to areas - all in an effort to give the facility a more modern feel, according to Director Dean Schouest. Renovations will continue into 2019 with the project expected to be completed by the end of the summer.

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SCIA DONATES $60,000 FOR FLETCHER’S CAREER CENTER South Central Industrial Association (SCIA) recently donated $60,000 to Fletcher Foundation for their ACT 360 Career Center Building. “The SCIA donation was the last piece of the puzzle in raising the 12% of the matching funds to proceed with certifying the match for bond sales at the state level,” stated Chancellor Kristine Strickland during her presentation to the attendees of SCIA’s December General Membership Luncheon. “The Career Center, will provide career assessment, whether you are age 18 or 55. It will be a site for industry interviews and job placement. It will also house many community agencies, including workforce commission, to learn about training opportunities and job opportunities.” Chett Chiasson, SCIA’s Executive Vice President followed by saying, “This falls very much in line with our mission of proactively developing solutions focused on

improving the business climate and quality of life in our region.” SCIA is a multi-parish industrial non-profit organization representing more than 240 - member companies with over 100,000 employees, many of which are engaged in servicing the oil, gas and maritime operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and around the world. Located in Houma, Louisiana, the organization is designed to provide a vehicle for businessmen and women to address issues indicative of industry in the Bayou Region. Recognizing the adage “strength in numbers,” they work to create a stronger vote in community and government. It serves as a resource for businesses that focus attention on governmental affairs, education or current and future work force, job training and infrastructure concerns such as levees, roads, bridges and waterways as they affect industry.

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TGMC NAMES NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF CLINICAL ANCILLARY SERVICES 2009. For the past three years, she has served on the Executive Team as the Assistant Vice President of Organizational Excellence at TGMC. In the release issued by TGMC, the hospital boasts that Duet has driven employee engagement initiatives, leadership trainings and has also improved customer service skills for the TGMC staff over recent years. She has also played an integral part in overseeing the organization’s quality metrics, improving methodologies and outcome management, as well. “Cindy has been an integral member of the TGMC family and the leadership team for many years,” said Phyllis Peoples, TGMC President and CEO. “In her new role, she will continue to bring valuable clinical, quality and leadership experience and will be a vital asset in our never ending pursuit of providing exceptional patient care.”

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JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Terrebonne General Medical Center has appointed Cindy Duet as the hospital’s new Vice President of Clinical Ancillary Services. The hospital announced the news in a post-Christmas news release, congratulating Duet for the promotion, while detailing her new responsibilities in the job. In the new position, Duet will be responsible for overseeing the direction of the clinical ancillary departments such as pharmacy, radiology, laboratory and cardiopulmonary areas of the medical center. In addition, she will be asked to oversee all quality initiatives and organization excellence within her team. For Duet, the promotion is another accomplishment in a TGMC career that’s been filled with them. She started with TGMC in 1987 as a staff pharmacist. More than 15 years later, she progressed and became Pharmacy Manager in 2003, then later Pharmacy Director in

MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

NEWS BRIEFS

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JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

GERI LYNN NISSAN RECEIVES J.D. POWER DEALER OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

Geri Lynn Nissan has been awarded the 2019 J.D. Power Dealer of Excellence Award. Geri Lynn and her team constantly strive for excellence at their dealership. J.D. Power recognized Geri Lynn’s efforts in taking an underperforming store and within 18 months, becoming a Nissan Award of Excellence winner. The program did an indepth study of the dealership, unbeknownst to Geri Lynn and her team, before making their award selection amongst a short list of dealers nationwide. The J.D. Power Dealer of Excellence program recognizes dealerships for providing customers with an outstanding sales experience and distinguishing those dealerships as trusted partners for purchasing a vehicle. Certification is designed to highlight select dealerships for their commitment to customer service and assist dealer managers in differentiating their stores from local competitors. From the customer point of view, Dealer of Excellence is a stamp of approval that provides confidence in the new- and usedvehicle shopping experience.

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Nicholls State University and the Lafourche Parish School Board announced the creation of a magnet school for highperforming 4th—and 5th-grade students in Thibodaux that will begin next academic year. As part of the agreement, 20 4th-grade students and 20 5th-grade students will visit Nicholls campus every day for personalized instruction from Lafourche Parish and Nicholls teachers. Eligible students must be currently enrolled in a Thibodaux elementary school with a 3.0 GPA and apply to the Lafourche Parish School District. “This program is another affirmation of our school district being an A-district,” Lafourche Parish School Board President Al Archer said. “It reinforces all of the commitments and the partnerships in education within the community. This is another step for our students to excel and do very well. They can start here at Nicholls at a young age, and when they return as college students, they will be coming home. This is a win-win for everyone involved.” Students will arrive on campus in the morning with an assigned teacher and aide and will interact with Nicholls College of

Education students and faculty. With access to all of the resources on the Nicholls campus, the teachers will be able to craft individualized lesson plans for the students in the magnet school program based on their academic performance. “This program is going to be beneficial for our students, as well as Nicholls State University,” Lafourche Schools superintendent Dr. JoAnn Matthews said. “It’s a joint partnership that will embrace STEM and embrace moving students along faster. They’ll have access to everything the university can offer.”

The school will not only provide benefit for the elementary students involved, but also Nicholls students training to become teachers, said Dr. Steven Welsh, dean of the College of Education. “Our students must complete clinical experiences before they go on their residency. With this program, that residency can happen right here on this campus, which we’re very excited about,” Dr. Welsh said. “This will also provide a way for our teaching faculty to model teaching techniques to our students.”

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WELL-KNOWN LOCAL SHIPBUILDER RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTORATE Shipbuilding magnate and philanthropist Donald “Boysie” Bollinger received an honorary doctorate of commerce from Nicholls State University during the university’s 103rd Commencement Ceremony. The former Chairman and CEO of Bollinger Enterprises, Bollinger is a passionate advocate for education. He serves as the chairman of the Nicholls Foundation Board and, along with sisters Charlotte and Andrea, donated the first $1 million endowment in Nicholls history in 1997. He has also served on the Louisiana Board of Regents and the University of Louisiana System Board of Trustees. “Nicholls State University is the heartbeat of the Bayou Region. Their continued growth and success is imperative to the future of this community and our state,” Bollinger

said. “Throughout my professional career, I have been fortunate to work with Nicholls alumni and students, and each time I have been amazed by their preparation, their dedication and the impact they have on their community. To receive an honorary doctorate from Nicholls is one of the highlights of my life.” The Lockport native has been an influential figure in South Louisiana – Nola.com named him one of the 300 people who make New Orleans New Orleans – and he has served on numerous boards, including chairing the National World War II Museum board when the museum opened in 2000. The National World War II Museum recently honored Bollinger by naming their latest project after him, The Bollinger Canopy of Peace.

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ON THE AGENDA CHAMBER BANQUET

Join the Thibodaux & Lafourche Chambers for an evening of celebration as they recognize outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses and look forward to the upcoming year. This year’s guest speaker is John Bel Edwards, Governor of Louisiana. January 17, 7 p.m. WARREN J. HARANG JR. MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM, THIBODAUX

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NICHOLLS CAN DRIVE EASILY SURPASSES HOLIDAY GOAL The Nicholls State University annual food drive surpassed its goal for 2018 holiday collections - in a big, big way. The Nicholls community donated 20,492 food items during Nicholls CAN, which was Oct. 29 through Nov. 9. That amount is the second-highest ever collected in the drive, which started in 2012. It’s also an increase of more than 6,000 from the number of cans collected last year. With the more than 20,000 cans collect-

ed, the drive has also surpassed 100,000 total cans donated since the start of the drive years ago. Before the collection started, a goal was set to collect 7,000 cans – a goal that was nearly tripled when it was all said and done. Collected food items go back to the community and those who are in need. They are donated to food banks in Houma, Thibodaux, Raceland, Galliano and Dulac.

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BIG BANQUET

Join the Bayou Industrial Group for their annual banquet. This year’s master of ceremonies is Rep. Jerome “Zee” Zeringue and the keynote speaker is Brandon Landry, Founder and CEO, WalkOn’s Bistreaux and Bar. The banquet also features the presentation of the 2019 BIG Achiever Awards and music by the Houma Terrebonne Community Stage Band. February 12, 6 p.m. THE WELLNESS CENTER AT THIBODAUX REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

SCIA MEETING

Join SCIA at their monthly meeting featuring guest speaker Mark Hatfield, GM of Planning & Strategy, Chevron. February 18, 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT, HOUMA

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Join the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber for their monthly membership luncheon. This month’s guest speaker is Parish President Gordon Dove. Admission is $25/member and $30 for nonmembers. Registration deadline is February 20. February 26, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT, HOUMA

JANUARY 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) has received the 2017-2018 Silver Award for participation in the Workplace Partnership for Life (WPFL) Campaign. The shared goal of the campaign is promoting a “donation-friendly America” by fostering organ donation education and creating opportunities for individuals to sign up to save lives. The award was presented by Lisa Lirette-West of Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) and recognizes TGMC’s activities as a workplace partner during the campaign and the commitment to spreading awareness and promoting donor registration. To achieve this honor, TGMC held donor drives in the hospital, participated in National Donate Life month by hosting a flag-raising ceremony to honor organ, eye and tissue donors, supported LOPA’s events during the year and used available resources to spread awareness and information at every opportunity. In 2009, TGMC created the Wall of Heroes as a space to recognize and pay tribute to those who saved or enriched someone else’s life through donation. The wall now has over 140 photos and more are added every year. “We are fully committed to this initiative and we will continue to promote awareness and honor donors in our community,” said Phyllis Peoples, TGMC President and CEO. “We are proud to be the only hospital in the region to achieve the Silver Award.” The WPFL is a national initiative that unites the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the organ donation community with workplaces throughout the nation to spread the word about the importance of donation.

The Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce hosts its Annual Banquet where the Chamber’s newly installed officers, outgoing officers and board members are recognized at the event along with the announcements of the Chamber’s Community Champion, Chamber Star award, Chamber Distinguished Diplomat award, The Courier’s Most Useful Citizen award, the Teenager of the Year, and HTV’s Eugene Folse Outstanding Veteran award. The keynote speaker for 2019 is magician entertainer David Hira. January 30, 6-9 p.m. HOUMA-TERREBONNE CIVIC CENTER