December 2019

SPOTLIGHT ON FINANCE HTSA, SOUTHLAND MALL ANNOUNCE SOCCER FIELD LEASE

OIL PRICES HOLD STEADY, WORK COULD INCREASE

USNS NAVAJO BRINGING JOBS TO THE AREA

TFAE ANNOUNCES DEAL WITH NICHOLLS, FLETCHER

DEC 2019

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

It’s all in the

FAMILY

Rushing Media

DECEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

M A R K E T I N G

2

Rushing Media

6160 West Park Ave. • Houma, LA 70364 • 985-868-7515 • rushing-media.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTE |

DECEMBER 2019 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 11

TABLE OF CONTENTS IN EVERY ISSUE: 06

OIL AND GAS UPDATE

08

FROM THE TOP

10

USNA NAVAJO BRINGS EMPLOYMENT, HOPE TO HOUMA

18

HTSA, SOUTHLAND MALL ANNOUNCE 10-YEAR LEASE

20

22

Oil prices steady now Nicol Blanchard

Gulf Island Shipyard awarded Naval ships

PUBLISHER

DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAM A GAME CHANGER Fletcher and Nicholls welcome high school students

24

MOVERS & SHAKERS

27

ON THE AGENDA

Brian Rushing EDITORIAL Bonnie Rushing EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mary Ditch MANAGING EDITOR

Casey Gisclair MANAGING EDITOR

Headlines and accolades

Drew Miller CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CREATIVE

Corporate calendar of events

Amber Duplantis SENIOR DESIGNER

Nicholas Boutte GRAPHIC DESIGNER

SPOTLIGHT ON: FINANCE

New soccer fields to be constructed

20

EFFORTS MADE TO BEAUTIFY BAYOU LAFOURCHE

COVER PHOTO Drew Miller

BREAKING DOWN BUSINESS FINANCE

CPA Ross Valure shares his advice

ADVERTISING Deanne Ratliff SALES MANAGER Elise Falgout, David Gravois, Linda Pontiff

Showcasing beauty, history and tradition

OFFICE/CIRCULATION MANAGER Michelle Ortego

CUSTOMER SERVICE

SPOTLIGHT ON FINANCE

Kimberly Ross

CONTACT

F

inance relates to businesses in all sorts of ways, from the revenue we generate to the costs we incur to stay open. Employees are affected by these decisions, through items such as benefits and retirement planning. In this issue, we visit with local CPA Ross Valure for his advice on business finance.

In other business news, things are picking up over at Gulf Island Shipyard in Houma with the awarding of multiple Naval vessels to be constructed over the next several years. This contract kicked off in October with the official keel laying ceremony of the USNS Navajo. Our area welcomed several dignitaries from the Navajo Nation for this honorable ceremony.

Our local soccer community is also rejoicing with the formal announcement of six full-sized soccer fields being created for Houma-Terrebonne Soccer Association. These fields are made possible by a land lease between Southland Mall and HTSA. The Friends of Bayou Lafourche are making great strides in bringing attention back to the main

waterway that runs through Lafourche Parish. By the removal of derelict vessels and the creation of a map system to highlight fun stops, FoBL hopes to shed a positive light on this amazing tributary.

Finally, we take a look at a new way students will be able to get a leg up on their education through a grant proposal by TFAE and funding through Chevron. High school students will be able to earn college credits by enrolling in a class at Fletcher and a class at Nicholls.

Opportunities within the Bayou Region continue to present themselves. We are always thankful and grateful to the businesses and organizations that help keep our area moving forward.

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OIL PRICES OIL & GAS |

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

STEADY NOW

DECEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

… AND INTO THE FUTURE, BUT GULF PRODUCTION ON THE RISE

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T

hroughout most of 2019, this column has chronicled the roller coaster ride that is the price for a barrel of oil — a constant sequence of dips and peaks which occur based on things going on in both the industry, but also in politics around the world.

But right now is a rare time because there’s nothing dramatic to report with price.

Oil prices have remained steady this month with just common, minor ebbs and flows in price daily on the market.

At last writing, prices hovered in the mid-$50/barrel range. At our press-date in early November, that remained the same with prices having risen slightly to just north of $56/barrel.

With 2019 winding down, experts are already looking to 2020 and beyond for oil.

Forecasts call for prices just north of $60/barrel in 2020 and into 2021 — short of the full-blown price surge that some locally might want to see for the sake of deepwater exploration.

But Port Fourchon Executive Director Chett Chiasson has said multiple times throughout the summer and fall that information he and others at the port are seeing point to an increase in work in the future.

“We’re optimistic,” Chiasson said.

“It’s cautiously optimistic, but we’re optimistic. From some of the things we’ve been seeing, we think there’s going to be a resurgence and we think the future remains bright for our port and also for our industry as a whole.”

There are signs that Chiasson’s optimism is warranted.

The global climate surrounding oil and

gas has changed drastically in recent years and most of that change starts at home.

Under President Donald Trump, the United States has significantly upped its production of oil and gas, which has contributed to a global glut in supply and the lower prices.

A lot of that supply has been sparked by a fracking craze — a craze which has slowed some in recent months, but which continues on and is a major player in the industry.

But statistics show that Gulf of Mexico exploration has been on the increase in recent months.

Gulf production dropped to just 1.6 million barrels per day in July because of the temporary work stoppage associated with Hurricane Barry.

But before and after Barry, production had risen. It was 1.9 million barrels per

day in June and production had risen to 2.0 million barrels per day in August — allowing the United States to reach a new record for production at 12.4 million barrels per day.

That 2.0 million barrels per day number is expected to be the standard in 2020, according to a report by WorldOil.com.

Oil experts say Gulf production is going to stay steady at a higher rate because of projects that are currently on the books are beginning to ramp up production.

The report also says that there are uncertainties in the oil market and that long-term planning for figures in the Gulf are difficult to make and “may change accordingly”.

One of those factors that impacts longterm planning is OPEC, and recently the oil powerhouse rose its production by 700,000 barrels per day in October, which,

HELPING YOU GET THERE STARTS WITH KNOWING WHERE YOU WANT TO GO but isn’t horrible. It’s above the breakeven point for oil and gas companies.

So as long as business is being done in the Gulf, we could see a small bump in our local economy.

But as we’ve learned, global conditions could change this entire picture at any moment.

“Trade relations are dictating the global market right now,” said analysts at Goldman Sachs. “And no one has a clear picture of what will be the final result of those negotiations, which makes it hard to figure supply, demand, price and the short-term future of the industry.”

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if continued, could greatly lower the price for the future.

That decision, according to Stephen Brennock, oil analyst at Oil Associates, is why it’s highly unlikely that we see a significant jump in price anytime soon.

So where do we go from here?

New, recently released forecasts for 2020 and 2021 remain the same now as they were before — even with some of the slight changes in the market.

Fitch Solutions Macro Research’s latest forecast calls for levels around $60/barrel for the next several years — going into 2023.

Bloomberg Consensus mostly agrees.

They project $64/barrel oil as the average price in 2020, then levels that hover around the $62-63/barrel range for the better part of the next half-decade.

That number is not great for us locally,

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FROM THE TOP |

QUICK QUESTIONS FOR THE PEOPLE IN CHARGE

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR WORK: WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? I love the culture and diversity of the Chamber, and all the many different aspects of our members.

I am so blessed to be here surrounded by an awesome staff, and every day I come to work to my dream job.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST? I believe balancing politics.

DECEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

WHY SHOULD LOCAL BUSINESSES CONSIDER JOINING/GETTING INVOLVED WITH THE HOUMA TERREBONNE CHAMBER?

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NICOL BLANCHARD CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER HOUMA TERREBONNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Through our events, the Chamber provides businesses and individuals with opportunities to develop business relationships and generate leads. Building and strengthening relationships are a big part of the monthly Business After-Hours events, the Business 2 Business luncheons, the monthly General Membership Luncheons, the golf tournament, and the annual banquet, as well as participating in the various committees.

The Chamber also provides an outlet for the opinions and needs of businesses in the community to be heard in order to influence projects and programs that support our community’s growth.

Issues such as the economy, health and wellness, education, and infrastructure become Chamber business issues because they are a significant part of our overall business climate. As a collective voice, we can have a greater impact on issues that transform our community.

WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA FOR THE CHAMBER FOR THE REST OF 2019?

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2020?

Ending 2019, we are updating our member directory and planning our annual banquet for January 29, 2020. In 2020, we have our annual banquet, general membership luncheons, focusing on new goals for our committees and revitalizing our member events.

WHAT’S ONE LEADERSHIP SKILL YOU FEEL EVERYONE MUST LEARN? I think being a good listener is an excellent skill in becoming a good leader.

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF: AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING AS A CAREER? I always wanted to be an accountant. I enjoyed working with numbers.

WHAT WAS YOUR VERY FIRST JOB? While in college, I was a Kmart cashier.

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USNS NAVAJO BRINGS EMPLOYMENT, HOPE TO HOUMA

BY DREW MILLER

G

ulf Island Fabrication’s shipyard subsidiary, Houma’s Gulf Island Shipyard, is tasked with the design and construction of the USNS Navajo (T-ATS 6), the future Naval ship named in honor of the Navajo Nation, after it was awarded a $63.5 million contract for the vessel in March 2018.

The USNS Navajo will be the lead ship in the Navy’s new class of towing, salvage and rescue vessels. The three T-ATF 166 and two T-ARS 50 class ships, which are expected to reach the end of their service lives in 2020, will be replaced by the new Navajo-class ships.

“When she joins the fleet, T-ATS 6 and her sister ships will play an absolutely critical role in our national defense strategy,” Navy Program Manager for the Support Ships, Boats and Craft Program Office Michael Kosar said during the keel laying ceremony for the USNS Navajo. “Unmatched versatility and flexibility, these ships will replace two existing classes of support and significantly enhance... the support we provide for our fleet sailors and Marines.”

In addition to how vital the USNS Navajo and the Navajo-class ships will be to the U.S. Navy, the construction of the ship will help the economy here in the Bayou Region. Many locals have been contracted to work on the ship, which will be constructed in the shipyard in Houma.

It is scheduled to be completed in March 2021.

In April of this year, Gulf Island was awarded a contract modification for the construction of two additional vessels: the future USNS Cherokee Nation (T-ATS 7) and USNS Saginaw Ojibwe Anishinabek (T-ATS 8), which will be constructed in Houma as well.

The original contract in 2018 includes options for seven additional vessels, which have the potential to bring the value of the contract to $522.7 million.

"We are extremely excited that the Navy has exercised these options for two additional vessels, which once again exemplifies the confidence and trust our customers have in Gulf Island and our ability to deliver a quality product. We look forward to working with the Navy on these very important projects and in the future on the remaining optionable T-ATS vessels if exercised,”Gulf Island President and CEO Kirk Meche said. “These projects support our efforts to diversify our backlog beyond offshore oil and gas and will contribute significantly to the utilization of our shipyard facilities.”

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USNS KEEL LAYING CEREMONY

Gulf Island held a keel laying ceremony on Oct. 30 at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center for the USNS Navajo.

The ceremony opened with a presentation of colors by the Vandebilt Catholic High School Color Guard and playing of the national anthem by the school’s band.

Attendees heard remarks by Gulf Island Shipyard Chairman Jack Laborde, Kosar, Navajo Nation President Jonathon Nez, Speaker of the 24th Navajo Nation Council Seth Damon and Miss Navajo Nation 2006-2007 and USNS Navajo Sponsor Jocelyn Billy, among other guest speakers.

Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove, representatives from the office of U.S. Sen. John Kennedy and U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, U.S. military representatives and other Navajo government officials were among the audience.

Peter MacDonald, Navajo leader and code talker during World War II–who was also in attendance–was acknowledged with a standing ovation.

“During World War II, the Navajo Code Talkers, Marines Corps service members under the Department of the Navy, fought in the Pacific Theater, transmitting top-secret messages. By the end of the war, over 400 Code

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Talkers were trained for this unique service,” reads a press release by the Navajo Nation. “Today, the Navajo people continue to serve in Armed Forces at a higher rate than the national participation rate.”

Navajo Nation Spiritual Leaders Leroy Thinn, Kenneth Begishe and Thompson Billy conducted prayer dedications of the USNS Navajo.

The keel was authenticated by Nez, Damon and Billy, who signed their initials that were then engraved into the keel plate – which is the symbolic backbone of the ship.

The naming of the USNS Navajo is greatly contributed to late U.S. Sen. John McCain, after he advocated for and supported the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, which supported naming the new class of ships after the Navajo Nation.

“As the First Americans of this country, we are honored to celebrate this major milestone in our history. The milestone we celebrate today is the first of its kind for the Navajo Nation,” reads a statement by Nez. “Throughout our history, the Diné people have always been the caretakers and protectors of our sacred land in every branch of the Armed Forces, so we are very grateful that our selfless and brave Diné warriors are being recognized and honored through this historic ceremony.”

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HTSA, SOUTHLAND MALL

DECEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

ANNOUNCE

12

10-YEAR LEASE FOR NEW SOCCER FIELDS

save the date 5TH ANNUAL

DOWN THE BAYOU CHRISTMAS Brought to you by:

DECEMBER 14, 2019

FUN STARTS AT 11:00AM • TREE LIGHTING AT 5:00PM

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

S

storms and even at night, leading to the continued improvement of the quality of soccer in Terrebonne Parish.”

Excavation will begin in early 2020 on the fields and the project is expected to be completed by August 2020.

Funding for the project will come from club funding, individual and corporate donations as well as a portion donated by Southland Mall.

“With available land accompanied by adjacent parking opportunities, the partnership between HTSA and Southland Mall just made sense for both parties,” says Josh Nolan, Director of Asset Management for Morguard.

“Having HTSA come to the table and be excited about this project was enough fuel to get the deal completed. Without their commitment, collaboration, and enthusiasm, this wouldn’t be happening in our community right now. Southland Mall is very proud to partner with HTSA and its future growth.”

Nolan said the project will impact more than 300 families in our community.

“You’re going to have 300 or more families who may not normally visit this side of town now having a dedicated two hours every, single week that they are going to be here,” says Nolan. “We are hopeful that nearby retail, eateries, gas stations, convenience stores, and the like see an immediate impact.”

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DECEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

ix full-sized soccer fields are coming to Southland Mall.

The Houma-Terrebonne Soccer Association (HTSA) will break ground on the fields thanks to a 10-year land use lease that was signed with Morguard Management Company, the owner and operator of the popular retail mall.

The agreement was signed earlier this month and it grants HTSA exclusive use of undeveloped land located east of the JCPenny building along Bayou Gardens Boulevard for team training and games throughout the year, while also promising the new Southland Mall Soccer Complex two tournament weekends a year hosted

by HTSA each year.

The deal is a win-win for both parties.

The Houma-Terrebone Soccer Association is a non-profit association that's been around since the late 1970s.

The organization has more than 1,500 members and also a pair of travel teams.

"The partnership between HTSA and Southland Mall provides a more permanent home for our association and as such, allows us to address the concerns our members have voiced year after year regarding our facilities," HTSA Board President Kevan Keiser said. "Developing fields that drain, providing a concrete, lighted parking lot and future plans for lighted fields will provide our members the ability to play and practice after rain

13

EFFORTS BEING MADE TO

BEAUTIFY BAYOU LAFOURCHE, DECEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

SHOWCASE ITS TRADITION

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37,000 sqft

Exhibition Halls

10,000 sqft

Meeting & Banquet Rooms

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

B

ayou Lafourche has been around since the beginning of time.

And now, efforts are being made to inform the public about its rich history and tradition, while also working to showcase its beauty.

Multiple projects are ongoing to try and make Lafourche’s bayou better.

Announced last month were a project to showcase attractions along the 106 miles of the bayou and also plans to remove sunken vessels from the waterway’s floor.

Both projects have a common cause and purpose: to give love to a waterway so rich in our area’s history.

FOBL ANNOUNCED COMPREHENSIVE MAP OF BAYOU LAFOURCHE

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The Board of Directors for Friends of Bayou Lafourche, Inc. (FOBL) announced this past month the creation of a comprehensive and multi-platform map of Bayou Lafourche.

The map includes information on more than 60 facilities along the banks of the Bayou that provide recreational access, dining options, historical tours, lodging and various other attractions along the 106 miles of the bayou.

Friends of Bayou Lafourche recognized that a central source of information documenting assets along the entire

Bayou Lafourche was not available and it sought to fix that.

As the only entity that works along the entire 106 miles of the bayou across Ascension, Assumption and Lafourche parishes, Friends of Bayou Lafourche understood the need for making this information available and initiated the project.

After the group formed a plan and scope of work, FOBL received funding support from the Bayou Community Foundation and the Callais Family Fund for the project.

Additionally, the project includes a series of informational videos documenting the critical importance and various uses of Bayou Lafourche.

In order to make the map valuable and user-friendly, the information is available in three different platforms: A. Online / Web Browser 1. On your computer or smartphone, visit bayoulafourche.org/map.

2. This allows for full access.

B. Smartphone View Utilizing Location Services 1. Download the “Google Maps” app.

2. In your web browser, visit bayoulafourche.org/map , then click on the button that says “View in Google Maps App”.

3. The Google Maps App will open automatically and display icons for all waypoints along Bayou Lafourche.

15

“Some of these vessels have been derelict in the bayou for many years and we are excited to play a role in finally getting them removed. It is impressive to see multiple government agencies and private entities working together to resolve issues like this for the betterment of the community.”

DECEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

-Ben Malbrough

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4. Selecting a waypoint icon will provide additional information such as pictures, contact info, and other details.

C. Print Brochure 1. Available at Visitors Centers along Bayou Lafourche 2. Email info@bayoulafourche.org or call 985-665-8474 to request brochures Ryan M. Perque, Executive Director for Friends of Bayou Lafourche, said the project will be a community asset.

“This is a much-needed source of information that we are excited to release," Perque said. "It has been designed to attract and assist both visitors to our region as well as our local residents looking to explore the bayou.

Bayou Lafourche has so much to offer and this map exhibits that perfectly. The map is a work in progress, and we look forward to adding new attractions as our community continues to develop Bayou Lafourche. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Bayou Community Foundation and the Callais Family Fund for making this project possible. We are grateful to share a wonderful vision for Bayou Lafourche with these dedicated supporters.”

"From our bountiful seafood production to the Gulf oil and gas industry serviced

by Port Fourchon, Bayou Lafourche plays a very important role in the economy of our region and our nation. My family and I are happy to support this Bayou Lafourche map project and are excited to share with the world the immense value of our bayou,” added Mike Callais.

“Bayou Community Foundation collaborates with local donors like the Callais family to fill critical needs in our community and promote the long-term sustainability of our precious Bayou Region,” added Bayou Community Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Armand. “We are delighted to play a role in making this interactive map of Bayou Lafourche a reality."

12 SUNKEN VESSELS TO BE REMOVED FROM BAYOU’S FLOOR As efforts are being made to publicize and showcase the bayou’s rich history, there’s also a push to make her look as good as she can to the new sets of eyes that will be focused on our area.

In late October, the Bayou Lafourche

Fresh Water District announced an agreement with Couvillion Group LLC to remove 12 derelict vessels in the bayou between Raceland and Larose.

Titled the Bayou Lafourche Derelict Vessel Removal Project, this is being funded by the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District and Lafourche Parish Government.

It’s being done in an effort to improve water quality in the bayou and to provide a safer waterway for recreational users.

Bollinger Shipyards has played a critical role in the project’s progress by providing a bayou-staging area at their Lockport facility.

In total, 12 boats will be removed and discarded.

The work will begin in mid-November and will last a month.

removing the vessels.

Lafourche Parish President Jimmy Cantrelle agreed and said this will be great for the people of Lafourche.

“The beauty of Bayou Lafourche should be a showcase that attracts tourism and recreation,” Cantrelle said. “As good stewards of our natural resources, we should always look for better ways to take care of the land and water we live off of.

Cleaning out vessels up and down our bayou should improve aesthetics and the environment in which wildlife can florish. We are hopeful that this project will increase activities like canoeing, kayaking, fishing an touring along Bayou Lafourche.”

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DECEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

There are no anticipated environmental complications expected with the project, but precautions will be taken to ensure the bayou is not contaminated by oil during the removal.

“It is really great to see this project get started,” said Ben Malbrough, Executive Director of the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District. “Some of these vessels have been derelict in the bayou for many years and we are excited to play a role in finally getting them removed. It is impressive to see multiple government agencies and private entities working together to resolve issues like this for the betterment of the community.”

Bollinger President and CEO Ben Bordelon said he’s happy to assist in the project, adding that the landscape and beauty of the bayou will be enhanced by

17

DUEL ENROLLMENT

A GAME CHANGER

DECEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

FOR LOCAL STUDENTS

18

BY CASEY GISCLAIR

L

credit, locals may also be able to earn high school credit through the program by taking electives that maybe aren’t offered at one particular school (because of interest), but can maybe be offered by combining students at all the local schools. “We felt students without reliable transportation or gas money, as well as students who are very involved with school curricular activities like band, sports or clubs may not be able to participate (in commuting to Nicholls or Fletcher),â€? Portier said. “With the satellite component, those students could remain on their own high school campus and still attend the college course remotely and earn the credit‌This will open up so many options for our students.â€?

The curriculum that will be offered in the satellite program was developed after students were surveyed.

Plans are still being made to work on the logistics of how the program might work. But in the future, more is expected to be added to the curriculum list. “Our first courses will be STEM related,�

Portier said. “We hope to continue to build on this each semester and also include TPSD utilizing the technology to offer satellite high school level courses as well. This will come in handy for electives or courses that may not have enough students at one high school to require its own teacher, but instead can pull together students from all schools to make up this class. It’s our hope that TPSD will offer Physics through this program in the Fall of 2020.�

Both Nicholls and Fletcher are on board 100 percent and think the idea will be great for our community.

Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune said he thinks the program will help local students thrive and get ahead. “We thank Chevron,� Dr. Clune said. “This is going to be great for our university and for you, the students.�

Fletcher Chancellor Dr. Kristine Strickland agreed and said the opportunity to partner with Nicholls and local public schools is an opportunity worth seeking. “This is a great thing for all of us,� she said. “It’s a major win for our area.�

•

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ocal high school students are going to be able to get a leg up in their future careers thanks to a grant proposal by the Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) and funding from Chevron.

It was announced in October that Chevron was going to donate $51,000 to help fund a new satellite program initiative that will be available to all public school students in Terrebonne Parish beginning 2020.

The program will allow local students to take one Fletcher course and one Nicholls course — earning collegiate credit without having to leave their high school campuses. The credit will be able to be earned 100 percent free of charge.

Local students have been offered the opportunity to earn credit for years, but never have they been able to do so from their high school campuses. “I can’t say enough about Chevron’s investment in our local education, particularly in STEM programs and courses,� said Katie Portier, the Executive Director of TFAE. “I believe this program will allow more students the opportunity to explore college courses and reap the benefits of hard work through dual enrollment. We are incredibly thankful to TPSD, Nicholls and Fletcher for their willingness to partner with us on this and offer an alternative style of learning to students.�

This is a pretty cool thing for local high school students.

Chevron’s donation will fund the technology needed for the program, which is going to be state-of-the-art.

All four public high schools in Terrebonne Parish will receive a large TV to be used as screen projectors. Laptops will also be provided for teacher/instructors at the high schools to project the course.

Also, 30 Chromebooks will be purchased for students participating to utilize.

Portier said having the students be able to study while on their high school campuses will be huge, adding that some students were not able to find the time or transportation to commute to college campuses.

She said that in addition to collegiate

19

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s the year comes to a close, many business owners are starting to call their respective CPA or accountant to start preparing for tax season.

However, Houma native and CPA Ross Valure said tax planning should be an ongoing process throughout the year instead of a lastminute item right before tax season. Tax planning begins moving into more of a damage control situation when it starts towards the end of the year and goes into tax season.

“You don't want to wait until the last minute to start tax planning because a lot of your options start expiring the closer you get to the end of the year,” he said. “What we could have done in the spring or summer, we will not be able to do now. It just takes time.”

Valure also discussed the purchase of company-owned vehicles for a tax deduction. But he said the IRS no longer allows for the likekind exchange (1031 exchange) for vehicles, which allowed the seller to defer the tax gains related to trading in a company-owned vehicle for another vehicle. “Now when you trade in your company-owned vehicle you might notice some unintended tax sequences on your next income tax return,” he said. “For this reason, and many others, having company-owned vehicles for the owners of companies may not be the best business model.

It’s a common misconception that someone can spend money to save on taxes, Valure said.

“This time of year, I'm going to get asked the same question: What can I spend money on to save on taxes? I look at them and say ‘nothing,’” he said. “You're going to spend a dollar to 35 cents. It's not a dollar-per-dollar match.”

“Now there are a couple small exceptions for individuals, like an HSA account that you can literally put a dollar into, and you get a dollar deduction. You get this deduction, and you get to keep your money,” Valure explained. “Retirement accounts are good, too, because again, you’re not really the spending the money. You're parting ways with it, but you're going to get it one day.”

There are many questions people have when starting or running a business, not just regarding taxes, that Valure has come across during his nearly 15 years of accounting — such as when a business should open a line of credit.

“The problem with a line of credit is that you're just spending someone else's money at the end of the day; people usually misuse lines of credit,” he said. “They’re usually getting a line of credit to offset their lack of working capital due to the poor performance of their company.”

“I guess a good time to use it is if your company is performing well

YOU ARE

21

DECEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

22

“You don't want to wait until the last minute to start tax planning because a lot of your options start expiring the closer you get to the end of the year. What we could have done in the spring or summer, we will not be able to do now. It just takes time.”

- Ross Valure

but for reasons outside of your control, the cash flow just isn’t there,” Valure continued. “A lot of times, especially down here, you have customers that will pay you every 30, 60 or 90 days. If companies are paying you on 30, 60 or 90, you might need a line of credit to draw from to be able to fund your business because it's hard to go that long without getting money in the door. However, the goal should be to build-up enough cash reserves, so you can reduce or even eliminate your dependency on the line of credit.”

Valure also broke down financing versus cash when it comes to investing in equipment. He said cash is a good option — if a business has a lot of it. He said he witnessed oil field companies go out of business during the recent downturn because they ran out of cash, even though they had assets.

Financing is also a good option, so long as the loans have good interest rates and good amortization periods, he said.

A lot of businesses make hiring a CFO a high priority and rush into it, but Valure explained it might not always be the best option. Highly competent

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CFO’s are not cheap; most small to medium sized businesses don’t have a true need for a fulltime CFO, he said, even though they continue hiring them.

“What many of them really need is more of a part-time CFO, which is what we offer to our clients,” Valure continued. “Once a business surpasses certain benchmarks, hiring a fulltime CFO can make a lot of sense.”

Consulting with a CPA is a priority, even before starting a business, Valure said. “I like to tell people, ‘Before you start a business, talk to a CPA because there's a lot of planning you can do ahead of time to save yourself time and money.’”

In addition to a CPA, an entrepreneur should also talk to their lawyer, insurance agent and banker before creating their company.

“If you have those people on board and you have a good, solid team,” Valure said, “it’ll be a lot easier.”

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BY RAY PETERS, MS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

MENTORSHIP – STANDING UPON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS

J

ust a few weeks ago, I attended the funeral services of my dear friend, Jonathan E. Martin. At the time of his death, Johnny was Chairman of the Board for Martin Sustainable Resources L.L.C., the parent company of timber products company RoyOMartin. Following the memorial service and while driving back to Thibodaux from Alexandria, Louisiana, I mentally recounted the value of our nearly 20-year relationship, recalling the last note Johnny penned to me, signing it, “your friend, boss, and mentor.”

I truly valued Johnny’s friendship and generally considered the word “boss” as a term of endearment. However, as I reflected on the word “mentor,” it occurred to me that as I am growing nearer to the twilight of my working career, I am fast losing those individuals that have guided me throughout my professional life.

Looking back, I counted five individuals that had the most profound impact on me professionally. Of those five, three are now sitting around the heavenly boardroom table.

Interestingly, when I now reflect on their contributions (gifts) to me, they were perfectly metered into my life at the exact time of my needing. The first was Dr. Al Delahaye, professor of Journalism at Nicholls State University. Dr. Delahaye made me believe

in myself with his abundant guidance, which I amply needed. He helped me appreciate the importance of words in communicating effectively, a gift that I rely upon every day.

Dr. “D” is living in Thibodaux.

Next was Ernest J. Cappel. Ernie was the Industrial Relations Superintendent at Kaiser Aluminum in Chalmette, Louisiana.

To a developing professional, Ernie helped set a solid foundation in my career development. His gift was attention to detail.

In my Labor Relations role, all correspondence with union leaders was required to be letterperfect. You never knew if your work would end up before an arbitrator or judge. Ernie passed away in early 2010.

Steve Kerns gave me the gift of exploration and freedom. I was in my young 30’s when I joined Copolymer, later DSM Copolymer, in Baton Rouge. Starting as Manager of Employee Benefits, Compensation, and EEO, and then as Director of Human Resources, Steve allowed me to generate

ideas for new processes and practices. He provided me the freedom to fail. Wisdom is the product of time x experience. Experience often means failure + failure + failure, then learning from every “failed” effort. The last time I heard about Steve, he was living in New York.

From a leadership perspective, Jerry L. Thurston, then president of DSM Engineering Plastic Products – North America, Reading, Pennsylvania, was my most significant influence. He was the person who told me, “if you’re leading in one direction, and everyone else is moving in a different direction, you’re no longer leading.” He reinforced the lesson that you only lead when your followers permit you to. Jerry also worked to hone my commercial skills, assigning me sales leadership roles. As a more seasoned professional, Jerry kept pushing me to continue learning and growing. Jerry is now playing rounds of golf with St. Peter.

During my nearly 20-year tenure with Johnny Martin, I enjoyed my most significant

professional accomplishments. A focus on preparation and execution was Johnny’s greatest influence on me. You had better not float a trial idea to Johnny without having considered all of the ramifications, because you may be walking out of his office implementing that previously conceptual thought. Johnny made me not only a better leader but a better person. It was through his pursuit of excellence that I grew. Johnny’s greatest gift was his vision – looking at what’s working today and asking, how can we make it better tomorrow? To Johnny, “moving the rock” and getting better every day was essential.

For the developing professional and future leader, I cannot overstate the importance of having a mentor(s) contributing to your career advancement. Each of the individuals I mentioned above profoundly influenced me to improve my performance capabilities. Now that I have retired from the private sector and am teaching leadership in the MBA program at Nicholls State University, I intend to pay forward the insights I have acquired over the past forty years. I want my students to have the benefit of my experience. Quoting Sir Isaac Newton, “If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.”

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25

MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

HEADLINES & ACCOLADES

SAINTS, CHEVRON DONATE TO H.L. BOURGEOIS It was a party recently at H.L. Bourgeois, and those in attendance had every reason to be excited.

In between musical notes by the school’s band and performances by the dance team and cheer squads, it was announced that Chevron had donated $15,000 to the school — $1,000 each to 15, separate classrooms, as part of its ’15 on 15’ event and Fuel Your School program.

At the ceremony, Chevron also announced that the teachers being awarded the donations would also receive an additional $100. The proceeds will go to provide top-notch supplies to enhance hands-on learning at the school. Included in each gift package were things like

iPads, Chromebooks and other learning items needed for STEM-based learning.

New Orleans Saints’ defensive lineman Taylor Stallworth was on hand to unveil the gift packages, and officials with the school and school system said they were thankful to be the recipients.

“We’re so thankful to Chevron and everyone involved in making this day a reality,” H.L. Bourgeois principal Matthew Hodson said. “We’re truly grateful.”

“It’s a wonderful gift and we will put it all to great use — to help the wonderful students at this school,” Terrebonne Parish Schools Superintendent Philip Martin said. “Thank you so much. We are so appreciative.”

Voisin continued, “Bobby was a man of the people. He knew just about all of you and he probably knew you by your first name. He recorded our births, he recorded our deaths. He recorded when we were married, when we were divorced, when we bought property, when we sold property…Bobby truly loved that service.”

Parish President Gordon Dove also

spoke, recalling his first election to State Representative in 2003 that came down to a five vote difference.

“I held an umbrella over his head and a flashlight as we counted the votes,” Dove laughed. “It was an honor to work with Bobby. He was a man among people.”

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DECEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

HOUMA COURTHOUSE NAMED FOR FORMER CLERK OF COURT

26

Family, colleagues and friends of the late “Bobby” Boudreaux, former Clerk of Court, gathered recently inside the Division D courtroom of the old courthouse building as it was dedicated and renamed the Honorable I. Robert “Bobby” Boudreaux Courthouse.

Boudreaux passed away in February 2018. An air force veteran, Boudreaux began working in the courthouse when just out of high school. He worked himself up the ranks in the clerk’s office, earning the post of clerk in a 1963 election, serving until his retirement in 2012.

He was the second longest-serving clerk of court in Louisiana history.

Boudreaux was well known to every lawyer practicing in Terrebonne, and they all have stories to tell about him, most notably his seemingly inexhaustible supply of Boudreaux jokes. They tended to feature “Boudreaux “ growing up in “Bayou Self” with his cousin “Flounder”.

At the ceremony, the family of Boudreaux filled the first two rows, the first seat filled by his wife Rose.

The Honorable Glynn Voisin, who is

also Boudreaux’s cousin, made opening remarks in his honor.

“Bobby spent most of his adult life in this courthouse,” reflected Voisin. “He truly loved the people of Terrebonne Parish and lived a life of service to his family and to his community, according to his motto ‘the greatest of men are those who serve others’.”

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ROZANSKI ACHIEVES HIGHEST SPORTS NUTRITION CREDENTIAL IN US Thibodaux Regional Health System recently announced that its Sports and Fitness Dietitian Lilli Rozanski, MS, RDN, CSSD, LDN, has achieved Board Certification as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD). CSSD is the premier professional sports nutrition credential in the United States. Rozanski is one of only a few in Louisiana to achieve this designation.

The Commission on Dietetic Registration offers CSSD certification for registered dietitians who have specialized experience in sports dietetics. Being Board Certified as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics designates specific knowledge, skills, and expertise for competency in sports dietetics practice. .

•

TGMC HONORS MARTINEZ AS LEADER OF THE QUARTER

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DECEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) honors Joy Martinez, Director of Care Management as the Leader of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2019.

Martinez has held this position at TGMC for over 16 years.

“I am excited and honored to be recognized among other outstanding leaders, I am proud to be a part of TGMC,” said Martinez. “My favorite part of my job is working closely with the staff, physicians and most importantly our patients.”

Martinez’s colleagues say she is still as passionate about her leadership role as the day she began her career at TGMC. She is a very special leader, who takes ownership in helping her staff, physicians, other departments, and most importantly our patients. Regardless of how many other responsibilities she may have in a day, she will take time to sit with a patient and family to listen and to help them work through very difficult

27

MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

HEADLINES & ACCOLADES

TGMC HONORED AS A PLATINUM AWARD HOSPITAL PARTNER BY LOPA Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) has received the 2018-2019 Platinum Award for extraordinary efforts in the Workplace Partnership for Life (WPFL) Campaign from the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA). This is the highest honor awarded from LOPA. Platinum recognition signifies TGMC’s commitment to being a workplace partner and spreading awareness and promoting donor registration.

“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 Platinum Award.”

To achieve this honor, TGMC hosted a

DECEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

THIBODAUX REGIONAL DOCTOR EARNS PRESTIGIOUS HONOR

28

An Orthopaedic Surgeon at Thibodaux Regional Health System is recognized as one of the ‘Best Doctors’ in America.

Neil Maki, MD, an active member of Thibodaux Regional’s staff, was named to the ‘Best Doctors’ list, which is published by New Orleans Magazine.

Dr. Maki has been named a Best Doctor since 2000, and is widely regarded as one of the area’s top orthopaedic surgeons.

New Orleans Magazine publishes the list each year to honor the top physicians in Louisiana. The list spotlights physicians selected to the “Best Doctors in America® List” compiled annually by Best Doctors, Inc. Best Doctors, Inc. undertakes the largest, continuous, peer-to-peer survey of the medical profession to develop the Best Doctors in America® List.

Dr. Maki is an expert in shoulder care, sports medicine, hand surgery, joint replacements, endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery and fracture care.

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flag-raising ceremony during National Donate Life month 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. 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.

TGMC took organ donation a step further and created the Wall of Heroes in 2009 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 150 photos and more are added every year.

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CHABERT MEDICAL CENTER EARNS ‘A’ GRADE Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center (LJCMC) was awarded an ‘A’ grade in the fall 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing LJCMC’s achievements protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care.

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization driven by employers and other purchasers of health care committed to improving health care quality and safety for our consumers and purchasers. The Safety Grade assigns an ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, or ‘F’ grade to all general hospitals across the country based on their performance in preventing medical errors, injuries, accidents, infections and other harms to patients in their care.

“Our dedicated team at Chabert is committed to keeping patients safe while delivering exceptional and compassionate care to the community we serve,” said Tim Allen, CEO, Ochsner Bayou Region. “This recognition is an honor and a testament to the tireless efforts of our providers, nurses and staff, and we are very proud to have received this distinction.”

Developed under the guidance of a National Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data

to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.

LJCMC is a 156-bed, licensed, acute care facility accredited by the Joint Commission providing both primary and secondary levels of care. The facility also received a Healthgrades 2019 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™, placing it among the top 10 percent of hospitals nationwide for patient experience.

Inpatient and outpatient services at LJCMC include radiology, laboratory, emergency medicine, physical rehabilitation, pediatrics, oncology, pulmonary/critical care medicine, cardiology, urology, orthopedics, surgery and psychiatric care. LJCMC’s physician group South Louisiana Medical Associates (SLMA) is comprised of eightyfive providers including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurse anesthetists. SLMA physicians span eighteen specialties providing clinic and hospital services.

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FLETCHER TO LAUNCH ALTERNATIVES TO DETENTION PROGRAM Fletcher Technical Community College announced recently the launch of its "Falcon Academy", which will provide alternatives to detention for at-risk youth who would otherwise be sent to Juvenile Justice facilities by local district court judges.

The program is made possible due to a grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice.

The goal of the program is to divert juveniles from deeper contact with the juvenile justice system by providing education, career counseling, technical skill training and mentoring.

“We are honored to have been selected for this grant that will allow the creation of the Falcon Academy,” commented Chancellor Dr. Kristine Strickland. “Our

mission at Fletcher focuses our efforts in providing access to education and training to help continually improve the lives of those in our communities. The efforts of the team through the implementation of the Academy will allow our fellow citizens an opportunity to improve their lives and reduce recidivism.”

The Academy will employ mentors who will work with the youth to provide positive guidance and promote social and emotional adjustment, enhancing life skills and independent living skills.

The mentors, some of whom will be reformed offenders, will be sent to LaPlazita Institute in Albuquerque for training to create a model for mentorship that can be replicated in various

jurisdictions.

The program will be housed at Fletcher Technical Community College’s Thibodaux facility. The grant will be managed through Fletcher’s WorkReadyU/Adult Basic

Education program to assure students receive all the services they need to succeed. It is anticipated the Academy will see its first students in early 2020.

to continuing to grow our partnerships with existing and new customers.”

About 60 employees from Danos’ fabrication, construction, instrumentation and electrical service lines are assigned to the project, which began in June and is expected to take approximately five months to complete.

Danos, a 72-year-old company, has

provided services in the Permian Basin for over seven years, and the employee number in the area has grown to 500.

The company recently moved into a newly construction office for its Permian headquarters in Midland, Texas.

•

Danos has been awarded multiple contracts to fabricate, install and automate compressor station components for a fullservice midstream provider.

The company announced in a release that the fabrication work will, in part, be done locally, including separator skids and spool piping work done in Danos' Larose facility. Field installation and hookup will

take place at five Permian-based sites located in Culberson County, Texas and Eddy County, New Mexico.

“This is an exciting time for our company as we see a growing number of customers in the Permian, Eagle Ford, Delaware Basin and Gulf of Mexico looking to Danos to provide integrated services solutions,” said owner Mark Danos. “We look forward

•

DECEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

DANOS PROVIDES INTEGRATED SERVICES

29

MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

HEADLINES & ACCOLADES

DESPOT AWARDED CCIM DESIGNATION Jourdan Despot, CCIM, Commercial Realtor with Logan Babin Real Estate in Houma, recently received the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation from the CCIM Institute.

The designation was awarded during the organization’s global conference in San Diego, CA on Oct. 11-16, 2019.

Despot was one of 228 commercial real estate professionals who earned the designation by passing CCIM Institute’s comprehensive examination, the capstone element in the designation process.

This new group of CCIM designees hails from 41 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., as well as Canada. He joins over 13,000

active CCIM designees globally that set themselves apart, in terms of bringing proven expertise in financial, market, and investment analysis, in addition to negotiations to our commercial clients.

Despot now further stands out as the only CCIM designee or candidate that currently resides in the Bayou Region.

“I chose to spend the time and effort over the last several years to become a CCIM because I love the financial side of real estate,” shared Despot. “I know that the knowledge and experience I gained through this process will pay great dividends for my clients.”

To earn the CCIM designation,

commercial real estate professionals must complete more than 160 hours of case-study driven education covering topics such as interest-based negotiation, financial analysis, market analysis, user decision analysis, investment analysis, and ethics in commercial investment real estate. Candidates must also compile a portfolio demonstrating the depth of their commercial real estate experience and pass a comprehensive examination.

Even though Despot is the only CCIM designee residing within 30 miles of Houma, he joins a strong Louisiana CCIM chapter and looks to support any and all real estate investors in our area.

new geology program coming to Fletcher, once officially approved by the Louisiana Board of Regents.

Hamline University professors Tracy Fredin and John Shepard traveled from Minnesota to discuss their partnership

with Fletcher at the ceremony. Fletcher will house a Hamline Mississippi Multimedia Gallery — a 55-inch, 4K touchscreen kiosk that displays the Mississippi River from its headquarters until its end in the Gulf of Mexico. The gallery contains high-

definition video, photo galleries, maps and immersive panorama photography.

Shepard showcased several videos and photos the gallery contains to the audience.

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DECEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

FLETCHER LAUNCHES NEW INSTITUTE

30

Fletcher Technical Community College held an open house for its new Institute of Coastal Studies program recently in its college atrium at 1407 La. Highway 311 in Schriever.

The ceremony opened with remarks by Fletcher Chancellor Dr. Kristine Strickland. When she first came to Fletcher in 2016, there was a “resounding cry” for more education, training and community awareness around coastal issues facing the community, she said.

“One of the things that I’ve heard time and time again was the role that Fletcher needed to play in ensuring that we would have a workforce of tomorrow to be able to provide opportunities for us to both protect and restore our coastline,” she continued.

Next, Dr. Clint Coleman, dean of Fletcher’s Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM), detailed the new programs coming to the institute, acknowledged new hires and showcased some of the state-of-the-art equipment, such as drones, students will be able to use.

Coleman introduced Jacqueline Richard, science department head and geologist, who gave an outline of the

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ON THE AGENDA BIG LUNCHEON

Join the Bayou Industrial Group at their monthly luncheon featuring guest speaker Dr. Craig McClain, LUMCON. November 18, 12-1 p.m.

Bayou Country Club, Thibodaux

JOINT BREAKFAST #IGIVECATHOLIC GIVING DAY SLATED FOR DECEMBER 3 and together were able to raise just over $375,000 locally. This year, the diocese has set a goal to raise $150,000.

Some of the projects made possible by money raised through last year’s #iGiveCatholic campaign are a new adoration chapel at St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish on the Nicholls State University campus in Thibodaux, a new fence for St. Bernadette Church parish and school, a new roof for St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in Kraemer, and new Chromebooks for St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School in Houma, to name a few. #iGiveCatholic is held each year in conjunction with #GivingTuesday, which is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday; #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.

At this time, the CFSL is actively raising money for prizes to give to participating organizations within this diocese as an extra incentive to participate. To learn about the local sponsors, go to https:// www.catholicfoundationsl.org/.

Advanced Day Giving starts Nov. 18 and continues through Dec. 2. For more information about #iGiveCatholic, go to iGiveCatholic.org/Houma-Thibodaux, email cfsl@htdiocese.org or call (985) 8503116.

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GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Join the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber for their monthly membership luncheon featuring local education leaders Dr. Kristine Strickland, Fletcher Technical Community College; Dr. Jay Clune, Nicholls State University; and Philip Martin, Terrebonne Parish School Board. Admission is $25 for members and $30 for non-members; advance registration and payment required.

December 3, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Courtyard by Marriott, Houma

BIG LUNCHEON

Join the Bayou Industrial Group at their monthly luncheon.

December 9, 12-1 p.m.

Bayou Country Club, Thibodaux

Join SCIA at their monthly meeting.

Admission is $25; reservations are required.

December 10, 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Courtyard by Marriott, Houma

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

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

December 19, 5-7 p.m.

Downtown Jeaux, Houma

91ST CHAMBER ANNUAL BANQUET

Save the date for the HoumaTerrebonne Chamber’s Annual Banquet.

January 29, 6-9 p.m.

Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center

DECEMBER 2019 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana (CFSL) have joined forces with 39 other dioceses and archdioceses in the United States to host its fourth annual #iGiveCatholic giving day on #GivingTuesday, December 3. #iGiveCatholic is a 24-hour online giving challenge that celebrates the work of Catholic schools, ministries, church parishes and other charitable organizations affiliated with the participating dioceses and also helps to celebrate all those who give throughout the diocese. Throughout the giving day, from midnight on Dec. 3 until the stroke of midnight on Dec. 4, Catholics can go to iGiveCatholic.org/Houma-Thibodaux and click on a specific ministry listed there to make a donation with their credit card.

“We are excited to host our fourth annual #iGiveCatholic campaign to bring our Catholic community together as one in support of our local church parishes, schools and ministries,” said Amy Ponson, executive director of the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer multiple incentive prizes to encourage our ministries to promote their individual projects and raise funds for these projects to advance the mission of the Catholic Church.”

Last year, approximately 70 ministries within the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux participated in the online giving day

The Houma-Terrebonne, Lafourche and Thibodaux Chambers of Commerce, and SCIA invite you to Breakfast with the BSEE Director, Scott Angelle. Reservations are required; please RSVP with only one organization. Admission is $25 per member for full breakfast buffet.

November 19, 8-9 a.m.

Cypress Columns, Gray

SCIA MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

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