FREE FOURCHON HIGHLIGHTS POSITIVES IN 2020
BOLLINGER LOOKS BACK AT SUCCESS AND GROWTH
2021 BAYOU REGION INFLUENCERS
FELGER ACCEPTS POSITION ON NATIONAL BOARD
FEB 2021
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE |
FEBRUARY 2021 • VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS SPOTLIGHT ON: 08
FELGER ACCEPTS POSITION ON NATIONAL BOARD
12
BOLLINGER SHIPYARDS LOOKS BACK ON SUCCESS, GROWTH AS IT CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF BUSINESS
IN EVERY ISSUE: 04
GOVERNMENT UPDATE
Lafourche Parish President looks back at 2020 and toward a promising new year
06
OIL AND GAS UPDATE
10
BUSINESS NEWS
11 21
Chiasson reflects on Port Fourchon in 2020 and highlights its promising future
INFLUENCERS: 15
DR. STEPHEN MORGAN
16
DR. NATHAN SUTTON
17 18 19 20
ALI ROUSE ROYSTER
Houma Family Dental
Terrebonne General Medical Center Rouses Markets
RYAN PAGE
Page Insurance
GREG STOCK
Thibodaux Regional Health System
DR. MICHAEL GARCIA
South Louisiana Medical Associates
Drew Miller CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Keely Diebold CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Hugh Plaisance CONTRIBUTING WRITER
CREATIVE Lauren Pontiff GRAPHIC DESIGNER
ADVERTISING Beth Ann Tabor
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Michelle Ortego
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Headlines and accolades
2021 BAYOU REGION INFLUENCERS
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EDITORIAL Mary Ditch EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com
CIS performs first procedure in new ambulatory surgery center
eadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” - John Maxwell In the business world, influence is one of the key qualities any successful person possesses. Everyone knows influence when they see it, but most struggle to articulate it. In our lives, certain people stand out to us as highly influential. Whether becoming influential through a government or civic elected position or through slowly gaining the trust of those around them, these people have risen to the top of their community and industry as leaders. In this issue, we proudly share our Bayou Region Influencers, a special advertising section that showcases local leaders and influencers in our community. These individuals have made great strides in their industries to meet the challenges placed
PUBLISHER
Brian Rushing
before them. I encourage you to take a closer look at what influence and leadership mean to you. Find a great mentor who can guide you forward. Create a vision for what you wish to do with your future, and make that a reality. Motivate others around you to do the same.
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FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
GOVERNMENT UPDATE |
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“T
BY LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT
here is a renewed focus with 2021 kicking off quickly. While 2020 was definitely a year that most were happy to put behind them, we learned that our Lafourche Parish community is resilient no matter the challenges thrown our way,” said Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson. When President Chaisson assumed office, he set goals that resonated with residents and businesses. Despite the pandemic and active hurricane season, the work to move the needle on those goals continued quietly in the background. The five pillars he set as a foundation to
move Lafourche Parish forward included local tax reform, economic diversification, drainage and infrastructure improvements, coastal restoration, and recreation expansion. “Local tax reform has never been more important than it is now,” emphasized President Chaisson. The tax reform process has entered the second phase of its evolution towards actionable legislation. An extensive report, produced by the research of Dr. James Richardson, analyzed the overall tax and spending activities of the parish. Additionally, in the report, Dr.
Richardson submitted his recommendations that will be considered by a committee designed to decide the forward measures. As a part of the economic diversification strategy, the Lafourche Parish Grants and Economic Development department announced that a newly created Industrial Development Board (IDB) had been established in midNovember, 2020. This board was noted as the first of its kind parish-wide and would be responsible for crafting agreements with new and existing businesses to help them locate or expand in Lafourche Parish. At the same
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restoration project as a way to increase the freshwater flow from the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) into the marshes adjacent to Grand Bayou,” said President Chaisson. Funds to complete construction have been allocated from the parish’s GOMESA funds, as well as through a commitment from CPRA to construct this project. “While every effort to move Lafourche forward is important, recreation seems to be the topic most people want to discuss because it’s fun and brings families and communities together. We were excited to unveil our state-of-the-art community center in Lockport this past year, and plan to expand in other districts,” said President Chaisson. Projects slated for this year include boat launch upgrades parish-wide, new facilities for the Chackbay, Choupic, and Choctaw areas, partnerships with the Visitor’s Center in Raceland, and repairing the Leeville launch following damages during Hurricane Zeta. “None of our accomplishments thus far or future goals could be met without the support of the entire community. When I said it would take us moving forward together, those words have never rung truer than they do today,” expressed President Chaisson.
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time, a $25 million dollar expansion of Performance Foodservice – Caro was announced which entailed a multi-million dollar capital expenditure and created approximately twenty full-time jobs. An active hurricane season tested the drainage and infrastructure improvements completed in 2020. With seven named storms, Lafourche as a whole fared well. However, preparation for the next season always drives more improvements. “For the year ahead, we’ve budgeted over $10 million dollars toward drainage and infrastructure improvements,” noted President Chaisson. “The budget is a combination of grant dollars secured for pump station improvements as well as dedicated tax dollars.” As with drainage infrastructure, coastal restoration is paramount to protection. Lafourche Parish Government, Nicholls State University, and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) announced the beginning of the development of the Coastal Center at Nicholls State University. Lafourche Parish Government dedicated $500,000 of the parish’s Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) funds towards development. “In addition to this partnership, we have identified the Grand Bayou Freshwater Reintroduction project as a priority
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FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
OIL & GAS |
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BY CHETT CHIASSON, MPA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GREATER LAFOURCHE PORT COMMISSION
ith everything that has happened in 2020, it makes sense for me to update everyone on where we stand as a Port Commission following all these events. Let me preface both these topics by leaning on our slogan at Port Fourchon, which is Ready Today, Ready for Tomorrow. This year’s hurricane season bought us many challenges with five glancing blows and a direct hit. All of them caused some sort of disruption to our community and Port Fourchon by cutting off access with water overtopping LA 1 between Golden Meadow and Leeville. Although Port Fourchon took a hard hit and sustained damage as a result
of Hurricane Zeta’s direct hit, our tenants and users returned to work and power was totally restored to the Port very quickly thanks to the amazing work that was performed by GLPC Staff, Tenant Facility Employees, and our partners at Entergy that got us back up and running in short order. As for the presidential election, we pledge to work with the new administration as we continue to demonstrate why we play such an important role in meeting and providing for this country’s energy demands today, tomorrow, and into the future as well. We all know President Donald J. Trump was
an ally for those working in the energy industry. With this said, we also believe President-elect Joseph R. Biden can be as well knowing that he understands fully that all forms of energy must be explored and pursued as a country in order to keep us on a trajectory to remain energy independent as a Nation. Throughout his campaign, Mr. Biden spoke of shifting away from oil and gas over time, but he knows that eliminating oil and gas completely is not an option. At the end of the day, ridding ourselves of oil and gas is simply impossible, and we will go on believing this because we know it to be true. None of the many products, services, etc. that we utilize in everyday life would be possible as most everything is made with petroleum products….this is just reality. For a Port that services nearly 100% of all Deepwater offshore energy exploration and production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, it is our job to make sure Mr. Biden and his administration understands our continued importance to this country. Furthermore, we embrace the opportunity to work in collaboration with an incoming administration that is willing to listen, and to put our future successes as a country over any sort of non-sensible policies that would
seek to undermine our country’s progress as an energy leader on the world stage. There is no doubt that COVID-19, the many storm threats we faced this hurricane season, and a struggling economy has not made any of our lives easy. Despite this, we remain confident that our tomorrow is full of the promise that comes with the announcement of significant projects such as the completion of the elevated highway leading to Port Fourchon, the construction of an Airport Bridge and Connector Road, and continued investments in developments of bulkheads. These investments when combined with significant dredging of the waterways leading in and out of Port Fourchon constitute an economic return estimated at more than $1.7 billion in public and private investment over the next decade. Add that to the already amazing impact of Port Fourchon to the tune of $46 million daily to the Oil and Gas and $500 million daily to the National GDP. In the coming year, you will see us debut a new logo that will more clearly tell the story of our ever-evolving Port. This image was created with the purpose of setting us apart from other ports because we are unlike any Port in the sense that we not only service the oil and gas
industry, but serve as an environmental hub where wildlife and nature flourish in such a way to where you have a hard time distinguishing which one is valued more because each co-habitats seamlessly together.
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stablished in 1991, Felger’s Footwear has become a household name in the Houma area, priding itself on being a family-centered small business with a commitment to making the process of shoes not simply a transaction, but a chance to build personal relationships with the local community. Now, as the store approaches its 30th anniversary of operation this year in the midst of a pandemic that has rattled small
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businesses across the country, longtime owner Brenda Felger is taking on a new role with the National Shoe Retailers Association’s (NSRA) Board of Directors and carrying over that relational approach to serve as a mentor to other shoe retailers nationwide. “I’ll be using my background for the past 30 years and helping other retailers just like me - smaller retailers,” Felger said. “Right now, we’re all in the same boat.
So anybody that’s really in business, new or otherwise, we’re all kind of navigating things differently.” The NSRA was founded in 1912 by shoe store owners who sought a way to use their collective knowledge to guide one another and figure out solutions to overcoming challenges in the shoe retail industry. Now, the NRSA continues that mission through programs, services and networking opportunities geared toward
adjusting to an ever-changing business landscape. The organization is made up of independently-owned shoe retailers across the country and guided by its Board of Directors. A longtime member of the NSRA, Felger said she was nominated by another board member to join the organization’s Board of Directors. A voting process among members confirmed her as part of the
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“I’ve always believed that you should give back to your community, to other people,” Felger said. “It’s just the right thing to do. I believe that you have to be involved in your community if you want your community to thrive, so if I want other communities to thrive like we do, it’s time for me to share that information in any way possible.” that they can take with them beyond Felger’s. The timing of being given a chance to take that same approach to her role on the NSRA Board of Directors amidst the store’s 30th anniversary “feels right,” Felger said. “I’ve always believed that you should give back to your community, to other people,” Felger said. “It’s just the right thing to do. I believe that you have to be involved in your community if you want your community to thrive, so if I want other communities to thrive like we do, it’s time for me to share that information in any way possible.” To everyone who has been a part of Felger’s Footwear’s 30-year journey, whether as an employee, customer or vendor, Felger said that “thank you” does not seem enough. “Our customers have been a part of us for 30 years, and I’ve seen children grow up. I’ve seen children that have grown up having babies, and so I get to see that cycle again. That’s really rewarding,” Felger said.
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board, on which she will serve until her term expires in September of 2023. Felger said her role will entail using her 30 years of experience as the owner of a shoe business to assist fellow retailers with their own businesses. The Board of Directors meets several times a year to assess the marketplace and determine what actions the NSRA can take to most effectively aid its members, Felger said. “I can’t talk or get anything done for myself, but as a group, we have more buying power, talking power, lobbying power - all of that,” Felger said. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continuing to impact small business, Felger’s new role feels especially poignant. “We’re going to share our knowledge of how we handled it and were still successful in what we do. Not everybody can say that, unfortunately, and the industry as a whole is getting tougher and tougher,” Felger said. Felger said she has always viewed working in the shoe retail industry as an opportunity for ministry, through mentoring her staff members and offering a stepping stone to obtaining life and business lessons
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FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
BUSINESS NEWS | STAFF REPORT
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CIS PERFORMS FIRST PROCEDURE IN NEW AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER
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ardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) completed the first outpatient procedure January 5, 2021 in its new Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) located at 191 Innovation Ct, Ste B in Gray, La. The peripheral angiogram was performed by world-renowned interventional cardiologist, Dr. Craig Walker. A first-of-its-kind in the region, the CIS Ambulatory Surgery Center was built with patients and their families in mind and offers the community innovative outpatient procedures in a convenient and comfortable setting. This same-day
surgical care, including diagnostic and treatment procedures, is a lower-cost alternative to a hospital-based stay. The facility includes two catheterization laboratories equipped for interventional procedures to treat coronary disease, as well as peripheral artery disease and venous disease in the legs. It also includes a cardiovascular clinic for patient followup appointments. “It has been my life’s mission to return home to South Louisiana to establish a world-class cardiovascular program for our area,” said Dr. Craig Walker, native
of Bourg and founder of Cardiovascular Institute of the South in 1983. “Over decades, our focus has not wavered, and CIS is now recognized as a leader in cardiovascular care throughout the world.” “This state-of-the-art Ambulatory Surgery Center and Office-Based Lab is another giant step in achieving my life-long dream. It is equipped with the best available imaging and treatment tools, and the staff is hand-picked. This center was created to achieve our goals of improving patient access, comfort, and
convenience as well as decreasing cost and risk of infection.” Within the opening week, CIS physicians and staff will complete about 10 cardiovascular procedures at the ASC, and that number is expected to grow exponentially in next few months. A formal ribbon-cutting event will take place in the near future. To learn more about the ASC or find a CIS cardiologist or location near you, visit www.cardio.com.
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NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY |
BY RAY PETERS
LEADERS NEVER STOP LEARNING
E
ven with 40 years of professional/ corporate experience, a master’s degree in leadership development, and two professional certifications, I continuously seek ways to continue selfeducation. As an instructor in leadership and occasional leadership consultant, I must remain professionally relevant. You see, the world is continually evolving and changing, and by not staying current with updated management and leadership practices, I would be ineffectual to both my students and clients. Most recently, I completed two significant developmental activities. The first is Leadership Lafourche, a leadership immersion program designed to train cross-sections of Lafourche residents for productive roles focusing on the future and well-being of Lafourche Parish and its associated institutions. The second is Ethical Leadership, presented through NASBA Center for the Public Trust. While Leadership Lafourche is typically a 9-month program, it was extended to twelve months because of COVID-19. Surprisingly for me, I was asked to be the featured speaker at our graduation ceremony. I looked upon the opportunity as something of a valedictorian address – something I never dreamed I would ever do.
I started the body of my presentation by sharing three thoughts that I generally convey to my students at the beginning of each semester. (1) An organization can never be something the people are not. (2) Leadership is defined as the ability to make and sustain relationships and then influence through those relationships. (3) Leaders never stop learning. There it is - leaders never stop learning. No matter how good and capable we believe we are, there will always be opportunities to improve our knowledge, skills, and abilities. Only the naïve fail to recognize the need to continue learning and growing. Even the most successful people in business have professional coaches they can count on to help them identify competency gaps. Every successful athlete, after every game, watches film to identify areas where they need to improve. There is always something new to learn. I also mentioned my participation in an Ethical Leadership training program. Ethics is a critical element of
my leadership class. It is the prism through which leaders make decisions. According to the NASBA Center for the Public Trust, “ethical decision making is one of the most important components of sustainable business success.” The program is divided into three training modules: (1) Culture Matters: The value of an Ethical Culture. (2) Leadership Matters: The Need for Ethical Leaders Everywhere. (3) Strategy Matters: The Key Components of Ethical Business. (Participants are tested on all three modules.) The most significant takeaway from this training focuses on organizations’ need to establish a functional code of conduct, an internal locus of control. As individuals, we develop our values from family, friends, schools, social organizations, church, etc. While personal character is important, everyone’s values are different, which leads to ethical diversity. We do not always share the same behavioral expectations, making it necessary for organizations to establish internal guideposts. The internal guidance becomes more critical when leaders are put in a position to
make instant decisions. Lastly, I would be remiss by not sharing that I am continually reading new materials to gain even more leadership insight. As Harry S. Truman once said, “not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” Because I require outside reading in my leadership class, I read what I am assigning to my students. Currently, I am reading The Inspirational Leader by Gifford Thomas. It is a condensed version of much of what I teach. Having said all the above, the absolute best way to learn to lead is to start leading. Leading takes courage. Leading is experiential. Remember, you never learn to swim until you jump into the pool. You never learn to lead until you start leading. Just never stop learning. One more thing. If you really want to advance your knowledge, skills, and abilities, we (Nicholls State University) are currently recruiting for our next Executive MBA cohort. We anticipate starting the 18-month program, most probably in mid-spring. No GMAT is required. Visit nicholls.edu/mba for more information. Ray Peters is MBA Director & Leadership Instructor at Nicholls State University. He can be reached at ray.peters@nicholls.edu.
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FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
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FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
BOLLINGER SHIPYARDS LOOKS BACK ON SUCCESS, GROWTH AS IT CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF BUSINESS
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BY DREW MILLER
S
tarted by Donald Bollinger in 1946 as a machine shop on the banks of Bayou Lafourche that focused mainly on repair work, Bollinger Shipyards (Bollinger) has grown to become one of the leaders in vessel repairing, designing and building in the state— with 10 shipyards located throughout Louisiana that have access to the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River and the Intracoastal Waterway. To achieve its tremendous growth over its 75 years of business, Bollinger had to diversify — starting new construction projects in the late 1950s with smaller boats, leading it to later acquire government contracts. “The big transformation in the company started really in the mid-80s, during which a lot of companies down here transformed in an adverse way due to the crash of the oil and gas market,” said Ben Bordelon, Bollinger President and CEO. “But at that point, we pivoted into doing government
contracting work for the United States Coast Guard. And since then, they’ve been one of our main customers,” he continued. To date, Bollinger has delivered over 165 vessels to the Coast Guard (six fast response cutters in 2020), not to mention the vessels the business has built for the Army and Navy as well. “I think it’s a huge responsibility for us to perform and exceed expectations for the government,” Bordelon said. “When you deliver ships and you know you’re going to put service men and women on vessels and put them in harm’s way, we for sure need to be doing our job to build high-quality ships that are going to perform when they need to and last for decades. I like to say the U.S. Coast Guard or any customer we build for has the highestquality ships that could compete anywhere in the world.” In addition to its work for the military, Bollinger also specializes in ocean-going double hull barges, offshore
oil field support vessels, tugboats, rigs, lift boats, inland waterways push boats, barges and other steel and aluminum products. “I think that’s one of the things that helps keep our blade sharp -- that we touch in a lot of different markets,” Bordelon noted. “It keeps us focused and really helps our employees have a broad stroke of exposure to different types of projects.” Like virtually every company in Louisiana last year, Bollinger had to adapt to the new challenges the novel coronavirus brought. Deemed an essential business, Bollinger was able to continue working throughout the pandemic while maintaining the COVID-19 protocols, Bordelon said, and still managed to deliver each of its ships and projects on schedule. “Obviously there was not a manual for dealing with a pandemic, business-wise. So we definitely gathered up
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that work here, last names that have been around these facilities for a long time,” he said. “I always brag to folks that our sales guys and myself help get customers in the door, but it’s our employees that keep them. The quality products we produce help separate us from a lot of folks.” Based on the culture and team at Bollinger, the growth of the company over its 75-year history doesn’t surprise him, Bordelon said, and he is grateful for its success. He emphasized, however, that he always aims for the business to reach new heights. “You’re either getting better or you’re getting worse,” he said. “I think we have a great team that we continue to build from...I’m very thankful for where we are.
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as a team and came up with a strategy and a plan of how to work through this and protect our employees during that time, which was obviously challenging,” he recalled. “For us to maintain schedules during a pandemic, I think speaks volumes of the commitment of our workforce to deliver ships to our customers and work safely,” Bordelon added. “We were voted 15 years in a row for being the safest shipyard by the Shipbuilders Council of America, and essentially all that means is that we’re doing the right things and we care about our employees.” A third-generation leader of the company, Bordelon said that the employees are the core of the family business. “We have multi-generational families
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2021 BAYOU REGION
FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
INFLUENCERS 14
“THE FACE OF THE COMPANY” “MOVER AND SHAKER” “LEADER” Influencers take on many monikers, but it’s how they shape our local businesses that matters most. From delivering exceptional care to providing unforgettable customer service, our Influencers look for opportunities to interact with their community. Join with us as we celebrate our area’s top Influencers.
INFLUENCERS 2021 |
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
DR. STEPHEN MORGAN Owner, Houma Family Dental
What led you to make the decision to own your own company? Did you see yourself in the position when you began dreaming of your future? “The beauty of the profession of dentistry lies in the autonomy to direct your future. You have free will to practice when you want, where you want and in whatever aspect of the dental field. This allows me to work hard, still have a family life and develop my company to give the staff the best possible work experience.”
What does your morning routine look like? “I’m up at 4:30 a.m., working out at 5. Then I’m back home to shower, eat breakfast, pray, take care of the animals and spend time with Amanda and Avery before he heads to school. I’m out the door at 7:15 for work to prepare for the 7:45 morning huddle with the office staff.” What’s one thing you can’t leave your house without each morning? “Underwear...just kidding. Truthfully, I’d say my phone. My days are completely busy, so my connection to family and communication with the world outside the office is through email, phone calls and texts.”
What skill do you feel all successful leaders should possess? “Excellence in leadership is not a singular act. You are what you repeatedly do. Therefore, you must consistently understand the goals you want your company to achieve and motivate your people based on their personality type needs. By understanding their needs, the staff will take ownership of their jobs and career. Then, the entire organization becomes successful.” What has been your greatest accomplishment? “I think the greatest accomplishment and with the endeavors in life is being able to keep everything in balance with the six aspects of life: family, intellect, spiritual, health, economic, social. “You have to make sure you commit family time, whether it’s your immediate family or beyond. Intellect is always challenging your mind, pushing a little bit to learn more to achieve more in that intellectual side. Social — you have to enjoy life. You have to have some social interactions, whether it’s family or friends — someone who is keeping you accountable but also there to help enjoy different aspects of life. Health is keeping your body healthy, which
allows your body, your mind and everything else to kind of flow into play. Economics are important. They’re not the center of life, but economic stability helps to make general life stable. And then last and most important is the spiritual side. I believe strongly, whatever spirit or religion or faith you follow, if you’re dedicated to it and the fact that there’s a higher power, that holds you accountable to live a good life.” Who are your greatest influencers? “My wife is one of my greatest influencers. She pushes me to reach many of the goals we’ve set forth. She’s always been there for me through everything. I take inspiration from my extended family and my kids also. I have a 15-yearold special needs daughter, and she’s been through a lot of medical complications and challenges. Seeing her get through those complications and challenges can inspire any parent to make life as good and as comfortable for them as possible.” How are you going to impact the Bayou Region in 2021? “So one of the great things about Houma Family Dental is we have “Freedom Day,” where we offer free dental procedures to active, veteran and retired military men and women and their families. It’s just a way to give back to our region, a way to serve. Supporting your community with a nice, comfortable, welcoming safe environment as a dental office, I think is a tremendous benefit for our community.”
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FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it? “Deciding to move from a 150-year-old building where we practiced for 14 years to a brand new location on Highway 311 and Polk Street. It happened over four years’ time. We opened our doors in 2020 to great success, despite the coronavirus and five-plus hurricanes. “
What piece of advice do you share with your employees regularly? “It lies within our daily mantra that we say every morning in our huddle: ‘Our team at Houma Family Dental strives to provide the highest standard of dental care to ensure optimal health to our patients.’ It’s all about serving others with care, respect and empathy.”
After 14 years of practicing downtown, Houma Family Dental moved into its new state-of-the-art facility on Highway 311. In addition to its innovation, the dentistry is also known for its family-like comforting atmosphere and patient-oriented care. The business is led by owner Dr. Stephen Morgan. A member of the Bayou District Dental Association, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Louisiana Dental Association and an avid runner who supports local exercise groups, there is no question that Dr. Morgan greatly influences the Bayou Region.
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INFLUENCERS 2021 |
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
DR. NATHAN SUTTON
FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
Medical Director of Hospital Medicine at Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC)
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Dr. Nathan Sutton began his medical career in Houma in 2017 at the Family Doctor Clinic. In 2019 he joined the Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) Hospital Medicine Group. He now serves as the Medical Director of Hospital Medicine at TGMC. During the past year, he played integral part on the hospitalist team that navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. He continues to be dedicated in the fight against COVID-19 to provide the most innovative treatment options available to patients. He and his wife, Dr. Jill Sutton a pediatrician at TGMC welcomed their first child, a baby boy, in February of last year all while navigating a pandemic.
What led you to the role you currently hold at the hospital? How did COVID-19 impact your role? “When I found out that TGMC was starting a hospitalist group, I wanted to be a part of it to be able to focus more on inpatient medicine. TGMC was putting together a great team, so I jumped at the chance to be a part of it.” What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the last year and how did you meet it? “COVID-19 was the biggest challenge I’ve faced this year. We created a COVID-19 Team at the hospital to manage the situation as it evolved. I did as much research about COVID-19 as I possibly could in order to do my best to treat patients and solve problems as they arose. I am proud of how we all worked together as a team to meet the challenge of COVID-19 and keep our community as safe as possible.” Do you have a set morning routine? “I usually wake up, get dressed, feed my son a bottle, then go to work. Nothing too exciting.” What’s the one thing you can’t leave your house without each morning? “My cell phone. It’s the best way for everyone at work to get in touch with me.” What is the best piece of advice you have ever gotten that you try to live by? “Try to treat every patient as you would want your family member to be treated.”
What skill do you feel all successful doctors must possess? “The ability to feel empathy and compassion for their patients and their families. Communication skills are also very important.” What has been your greatest accomplishment over the last year? “My wife and I raising my son, having him be healthy and happy while navigating a global pandemic, has been my greatest accomplishment over the last year.” Are there any hobbies that you are currently pursuing? “I recently got my private pilot’s license so I’ve enjoyed flying around. It’s really made it a lot easier to visit my family.” Who are your greatest influencers? “Dr. Brian Matherne and Dr. Russell Henry have both had a big impact on me as a physician, as have many of the other physicians I’ve worked with who have mentored me and helped me to develop my skills along the way.” What are you most looking forward to in 2021? “I’m hoping for as many people as possible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 so we can start to return to some sense of normalcy. I’d really like to be able to spend more time with my family and friends this year and hopefully, go to some Saints and LSU games.”
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
ALI ROUSE ROYSTER
| INFLUENCERS 2021
From its humble beginning as a single store in Houma in 1960, the family-owned-andoperated Rouses Markets is one of the largest independent grocery chains in the United States — with over 7,000 employees and 64 stores across Louisiana, Mississippi Gulf Coast and Lower Alabama. Much of the company’s success and continuous growth can be attributed to Ali Rouse Royster, a 3rd Generation owner of Rouses.
Rouses Markets
Then more recently when we took over the LeBlanc stores in Baton Rouge, that was a smaller one, but it was a more local company. It presented its own challenges to try to fit it in while keeping the culture, which was so great, and keeping our culture at the same time and meshing them. Those are challenges, but those are ones that are fun because you’re really growing the company in a unique way -- where you’re able to really put your stamp on something that’s already there and see what you can do to better it while keeping the best parts of it. those are challenges that I enjoy.” What’s the one thing you can’t leave your house without each morning? “Nowadays — a mask. All the time, I walk out my door
and say, ‘Oh no, I forgot my mask.’ Besides that, the usual stuff: my phone, which is an appendage of my body, and my keys — that way I can get there.” What piece of advice do you share with your employees/coworkers regularly? “I like to quote my grandfather or my dad. One of the biggest ones that has stuck with me from my grandfather is that he used to always ask, ‘How many customers do you have tomorrow?’ And the answer to that is always zero. So you start out each day with zero customers, and there’s no guarantee that anybody’s going to walk through. And so every day we need to be ready to earn the business from our customers. That’s something that I don’t take lightly. Nobody here does. It’s not guaranteed that people are going to show up and shop with you. They have other places they can easily go to in most cases. But what we want to do is we want to earn the privilege of having people come shop with us every day.” What skill do you feel all successful leaders must possess? “I think that empathy is a very important trait of a successful leader. It’s probably one of the most important ones that I try myself to be cognizant that I’m being empathetic. I kind of play devil’s advocate, in a way, in discussions about things. I like to remind people -- my team members, our vendors, whoever — to look at the other point of the view, which in our business often is a question like, ‘but how does that look or feel to our customer?’ I think that plays into almost every aspect of our business: how does that affect our customer? Really, we’re a customer-centric business as a retail grocery
store. That really needs to be in the forefront of our minds as leaders — all the way down to anybody at the store. Who are your greatest influencers? “My greatest influencers would definitely be my parents. My dad and I are in a lot of ways two peas in a pod, and I grew up working very closely with him, talking to him a lot. The same with my grandfather regarding work, he always really pushed me to be my best and to not be boxed in. When I was young, he wanted to make sure that I wasn’t kind of relegated to little tasks. He wanted to make sure I was seeing how things worked. He used to always make sure that I knew that. The grocery industry is a male-dominated industry, always has been. It’s kind of evolved over time and there are more and more female leaders. But it’s still not the norm. Especially 20 years ago when I was starting, he was making sure that I knew that that was not an issue to overcome. So my dad, my grandpa and my uncle Donald through work, of course, are my greatest influences here.” How are you going to impact the Bayou Region in 2021? “We’re gonna keep making groceries. 2021, nobody knows what’s in store. Hopefully, it’s a great year; hopefully, it’s much better than the last. But what I know is that my family and I will always be here to serve the community by providing a good clean place to shop for food — and that’s always been our mission. We want to keep doing what we’re doing in 2021. For me personally, I hope to still be impacting our team, our customers and my personal circles, empowering people to live their best versions of themselves — in all aspects.
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FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it? “So probably our biggest challenges as a company have been acquisitions. I’ve been involved in some of the bigger ones and more recent ones. In 2007, we doubled the size of our company through acquisition, and that was all hands on deck, going from 15 stores to 32 stores — really getting a presence in New Orleans and the surrounding areas and moving into Mississippi and the Gulf Coast. And we did it all in about a month -- not to say that that didn’t have eight months of work behind it. It was a challenge. It was scary. It was hard at times. It was fun at times. Looking back on it, I can smile much more than I did then when I felt chained to my desk while my whole family was across the state getting things done. I was holding down the fort back here.
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INFLUENCERS 2021 |
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
RYAN PAGE
Charles A. Page & Sons Insurance Agency Inc. has been a staple in the insurance business in Houma for the past 75 years. With the ability to write commercial and personal lines, they are known for making sure you receive the best insurance to match your budget and your needs. Ryan Page, a fourth generation agent in the business, didn’t start out his career path as a professional in Houma, but after deciding to settle down with his family here, he joined Page Insurance as the next generation to help those in need.
FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
Page Insurance
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What led you to make the decision to travel down the career path you have selected? Did you see yourself in this position when you began dreaming of your future? “For the past four generations, the insurance business has always been part of my family; however, I was never interested in the business when growing up. Looking back on it now, I was just being stubborn, and wanting to carve my own path. I started my career in a totally different field (art & design) which allowed me to explore, learn, and gain valuable life skills along the way. My father, Robert Page really did a great job allowing me to find my interests outside of the family business and pursue them. After spending a decade or so in the marketing and advertising industry across Southern Louisiana, my wife Lauren and I were ready to settle down with a family when a position at Page Insurance simultaneously opened up. We figured it was, “now or never” and was worth a shot to see if this career path would be a good fit. So far, so good—moving home to Houma was a great decision for me as a professional, and more importantly for my family.“ What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it? “One of my biggest challenges has been to constantly overcome my fear of underperforming in the spotlight. It’s a hard lesson to fully learn and accept, but fear of failure should not be a reason to not try something. Another big challenge I’ve faced is the general resistance to change. I’ve learned that it takes much more time and energy to resist change than to accept it; and sometimes (if appropriate) change can actually be a great thing!”
What’s the one thing you can’t leave your house without each morning? “An “I Love You” from my wife and kids. Also: coffee. I try leaving without keys and my phone every now and again, but I don’t get too far. “ What skill do you feel all successful leaders must possess? “I can make a whole list of skills that I think are needed in order to be a successful leader. Although strong communication skills, empathy, and creativity are all attributes of a successful leader, in my opinion, the main role of a leader is to (positively) empower others.” What has been your greatest accomplishment? “My biggest accomplishment was obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, which has helped lay the foundation of who I am today. I definitely appreciate the importance of this achievement now more than when I earned it at the time.” Who are your greatest influencers? “I would say my greatest influencer was my late grandfather, Richard Gibbens. I am inspired quite often remembering the simple but accurate life lessons he taught me from a young age. He embraced the fact that the good life was the simple life and I think that we can all learn a thing or two from that philosophy. In addition, he was a patented inventor and an avid collector of steam engines, antique wooden boats, antique cars and machinery so there was always something interesting going on in his shed that we could tinker with together.
Although I didn’t quite inherit his mechanical skillset, I do enjoy tinkering around with other hobbies such as homebrewing and fishing. Homebrewing has become a passion of mine and I enjoy following some really cool movers and shakers in the craft beer industry. Karlos and Stephanie Knott and their team at Bayou Teche Brewing in Arnaudville are doing things right, and have been ambassadors for great beer, great food, and cajun culture in Louisiana. Other times I draw in inspiration from other greats such as Anthony Bourdain (particularly during his Cajun Country episode of No Reservations), or Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation, and even sometimes George Carlin, but as of late, Noah Lirette at Bayou Terrebonne Distillers.” How are you going to impact the Bayou Region in 2021? “It is my goal to continue to work with others to bring positive change and enhance our quality of life in Terrebonne Parish. A few things that I’m personally interested in are recreation, the arts, entertainment and coastal conservation. I think that if we continue to have community leaders step up and work alongside with the Parish, we can successfully develop ways for us to enhance our community. Specifically, I would like to advance our natural surrounding landscape by developing more public nature and bike trails, bank fishing and paddlecraft opportunities, disc golf courses, and overall Parish-wide beautification.”
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
| INFLUENCERS 2021
GREG STOCK
CEO, Thibodaux Regional Health System
What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it? “A lot of the challenges here were how to change to align with the needs of the community. The care that we provide is top-quality care. That started as a vision for what we could be and our potential. We developed strategic plans and tactical plans and then executed those plans along that spectrum. It’s challenging to come up with that vision, make the plans, meet the requirements to meet that vision, and execute that plan at the level you’re required to execute it. All of those together constitute in my opinion tremendous challenges and it requires smarts, teamwork and all of the abilities a person may have.”
What skill do you feel all successful leaders must possess? “Being agile and the ability to adapt to change.” What has been your greatest accomplishment? “Wellness and what we’re doing going forward. We’re helping the community be a healthier place to live and individuals, facilities, companies and organizations are better for it. They’re reaping the benefits of it, and that inspires us every day.” How are you going to impact the Bayou Region in 2021? “We will continue to grow and provide high-quality costeffective care close to home. The opening of our new 80,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Cancer Institute later this year will bring a new level of quality and cancer care to the region that we have not had before. Also, we will work to further develop comprehensive neuroscience services and WellFit, which integrates medical care with wellness, giving individuals the highest quality, most active lifestyle possible.”
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FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
Thibodaux Regional Health System, the only hospital in southeast Louisiana rated 5-Stars for quality care, continues to grow to meet the healthcare needs of the region and improve the health and wellness of the communities it serves.Thibodaux Regional has recruited over 100 physicians, received numerous awards, constructed a 242,000 square foot innovative Wellness Center and began construction on the 80,000 square foot Cancer Institute, among other accomplishments, under the leadership of CEO Greg Stock.
What led you to the role you currently hold in your company? Did you see yourself in this position when you started out in the workforce? “I originally intended to become a city manager but changed to healthcare administration. I became fascinated with the complexities of the job and the opportunity to make a difference in the quality of people’s lives.”
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INFLUENCERS 2021 |
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
DR. MICHAEL GARCIA
South Louisiana Medical Associates (SLMA) consists of physicians and specialists who provide an array of medical expertise for residents in Houma, Morgan City and beyond. Its mission is “to provide quality health care and a diverse group of experienced physicians and specialists to best serve residents of this region.” By employing over 100 medical providers and offering primary care adult and pediatric services and specialty services in cardiology, neurology, critical care, highrisk OB/GYN, ophthalmology, orthopedics and urology, the organization carries out its mission each day. CEO and President Dr. Michael Garcia leads the influential South Louisiana Medical Associates.
SLMA CEO and President
FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
What led you to the role you currently hold in your company? Did you see yourself in this position when you started out in the workforce? “I did not see myself in this role. In 2005, after 11 years of me being a part of the organization, the Medical Director and CEO of SLMA wanted to step back and asked me to take on the role.”
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What does your morning routine look like? “When I get to work, I quickly scan my emails that may have come in overnight, and then I seek out the coffee pot. I gather in the surgery lounge with our residents to discuss patients that may have come in through the night or whatever might be troubling them in reference to patient care.” What piece of advice do you share with your team regularly? “For this past year being the eternal Monday that it was, the advice I’ve tried to deliver is to look past it, not let the day-to-day things get you down. We will get out of this; we will manage our way out of this. The virus hit many people, but it also hit many organizations. We have to manage our way out of that while keeping people healthy and trying to continue to see patients.”
What skill do you feel all successful leaders must possess? “I think a successful leader has to have vision, and they have to be able to see problems through the eyes of their employees. The successful ones are the ones that can see those problems the way someone else does and then find the fix that is accepted in both places, because now you understand both sides of the argument.”
What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it? “The changes in healthcare, especially towards physicians, and how we navigate that, has been my biggest challenge in the last 10 years. You must figure out how to manage and lead an organization to keep people happy while the external forces are trying to hurt you.”
What has been your greatest accomplishment? “In work, my greatest accomplishment would be leading SLMA for the last 15 years and markedly enlarging the company, covering multiple clinics in three different cities.
How are you going to impact the Bayou Region in 2021? “As a physician group, try to expand our base so that we can impact more patients and take care of more people. I will use my skills not only in doing that but also with the Terrebonne Economic Development Authority [TEDA]. This will be my second year as the President of TEDA, and I’m also the incoming Chair of the HoumaTerrebonne Chamber of Commerce. So, in those other two capacities, as well as what I do here at SLMA, I hope that we can put 2020 behind us and help out the parish as well as our group of providers and all the patients we serve.”
On a personal side, certainly my two sons — I’m very proud of their accomplishments. They have a strong work ethic, and they know where right and wrong are.” Who are your greatest influencers? “I think the most important thing you can do to help with influencing is to not just manage people, but inspire people. I’ve seen that through the years many times in many ways, and people have inspired me and helped me to see beyond what I thought I could do, such as my uncle who is a doctor. I chased that dream after him after, his inspiration.”
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS |
HEADLINES & ACCOLADES
TGMC APPOINTS NEW CHIEF OF STAFF, VICE-CHIEF OF STAFF Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) a nationally recognized and award-winning healthcare organization has appointed William St. Martin, MD as Chief of Medical Staff and John Steigner, MD as Vice-Chief of Staff for 2021-2022. Dr. St. Martin has served as Vice-Chief of Staff for the past two years. Dr. Steigner has served on the Medical Executive Committee for six years. Dr. William St. Martin is a Houma native. He received a Bachelors of Science from
Nicholls State University and subsequently graduated from Louisiana State University School of Medicine. He then completed his residency at the University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences. Dr. St. Martin is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and has been practicing in Houma for 26 years. Dr. John Steigner received a medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at Louisiana State
University Hospital in New Orleans. He is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. Dr. Steigner is a radiologist with Houma Radiology Associates and has been practicing medicine for 17 years. In these roles, Dr. St. Martin and Dr. Steigner will provide medical leadership and direction to TGMC’s highly specialized medical staff, and will oversee medical staff activities related to improving the quality of clinical services. TGMC has over 450 medical staff providers on its Medical
Staff and offers 42 various specialties to serve our region. “We are proud to have Dr. St. Martin and Dr. Steigner serving as our Chief of Medical Staff and Vice Chief this year,” said Phyllis Peoples, president and CEO. “With their knowledge and expertise, they will provide strong leadership to our dedicated medical team allowing us to continue to effectively serve our community.”
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LOUISIANA’S CAJUN BAYOU TOURISM NAMES NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO “Cody has the talent, knowledge, dedication and – most importantly – the passion to take Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism to the next level as we navigate the road to recovery from a turbulent year,” said Jeremy Punch, the 2020 tourism board chair. “I’ve enjoyed working with Cody and look forward to the continued success in store for our destination-promotion organization.” Marguerite Knight-Erwin, who was named 2021 chair of the tourism board at the same meeting, added, “As the incoming chair for the board of directors, I look forward to working with Cody. We are so fortunate here in Lafourche Parish to have someone with his talent, skill and professionalism leading our tourism program forward.” Prior to moving to Louisiana, Gray worked in Florida’s travel industry for nearly seven years, first for the Columbia County Tourist Development Council and then as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Tru by Hilton & Lake City Hotels, Inc. His destination work was for a travel bureau in a rural destination with
tourism assets and challenges that are similar to those of Lafourche Parish, and his hotel experience has been a tremendous resource for his work here in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou. Gray received his TMP (Travel Marketing Professional) certification via the Southeast Tourism Society’s Marketing College in 2018 and has continued professional development initiatives for himself and the tourism office since arriving in the parish. “This year has been extremely difficult for everyone in the travel and hospitality industry, but we’re very fortunate to have a community that understands the importance of tourism as an economic engine in Lafourche Parish,” Gray said. “I’m honored and humbled to be chosen to lead this organization as we move forward together to brighter days ahead. I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to the board of directors for their trust in me. I look forward to continuing to build relationships with our tourism partners and positioning Lafourche Parish as a year-round tourism destination.
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FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
The board of directors of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism, Lafourche Parish’s destination marketing organization, has officially named Cody Gray the tourism office’s new President and CEO. Gray had been serving as Interim President and CEO since October 16, when his predecessor, Timothy Bush, left Louisiana for a tourism job out of state. Bush recruited Gray to join the parish’s tourism team as its director of sales and marketing earlier this year, and Gray relocated from his home state of Florida while much of the country was in pandemic lockdown. He came to Louisiana in a year that has proven tremendously difficult for the tourism industry on the local, state, national and global levels. Despite COVIDinduced obstacles and limitations, Gray was able to forge relationships with the restaurateurs, hotel operators, charter-boat and swamp-tour captains, museum curators, shop owners, and other partners who comprise the parish’s growing tourism industry.
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS |
HEADLINES & ACCOLADES
UNITED HOUMA NATION RECEIVES DONATION FOR NEW TRIBAL OFFICE
DANOS FAMILY FOUNDATION SUPPORTS RENOVATION OF TALBOT HALL, THEATER SIGNAGE The Danos Family Foundation will help Nicholls State University renovate Talbot Hall and provide signage for the Mary and Al Danos Theater. As part of the $233,000 gift, the nonprofit – composed of siblings Rene, Alyce, Andre and Marcel Danos – will make the final payment on a 2016 $1 million commitment to support the theater named for their parents and the academic programs that benefit from it. “With this donation, we have completed our dad’s last official task and dream for the Mary and Al Danos Theater,” Rene said. “This is a very proud moment for our family and the foundation. Daddy was always looking toward the future and knew
how important having this fund would be for the theater and Nicholls State University.” The remaining $80,000 will be used to resurface, pressure wash and paint the exterior of Talbot Hall. It will also be used to install signage for the theater. “It has been wonderful to see a project that meant so much to Mr. Al and Ms. Mary come to fruition,” said Monique Crochet, executive director of external affairs. “Their children have taken on their legacy and with their support, we can ensure that the Mary and Al Danos Theater is crisp, clean and state-of-the-art for years to come.” To donate or for more information visit http://nichollsfoundation.org/.
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In December, the United Houma Nation received a donation that will allow them to open a new tribal office and cultural center. The Oaks of Houma has offered their old location at 400 Monarch Dr. in Houma. “We are so thankful to the Oaks of Houma for this donation,” said Principal Chief August Creppel. “This donation means so much to our people.” The new space provides tribal members the opportunity to come together and interact in many different ways. The Tribal Council will potentially be able to host council meetings, and staff members have a space with the means to assist tribal citizens. In the future, the UHN also plans to use the building for showcasing a tribal citizen art exhibit, an official archivist space to look at historic documents and photos, meeting and event spaces, classrooms, office space for rent, and other projected growth of tribal services. “The donors from the Oaks of Houma have been very wonderful to work with and recognize the tribe’s efforts in providing the needs and services to the community,” said Creppel. Creppel also said that the tribal elders
were excited for the move and the significance of having their own space. “Our elders have announced their excitement for this move,” said Principal Chief August Creppel. “There was once a time whenever they were not allowed access to public places or schools due to segregation in Terrebonne Parish, so this makes them thrilled to see this move happen in their lifetime.” The UHN expects to be moved into their new building during the first quarter of 2021.
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FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
LAFOURCHE NATIVE SWORN IN AS THE 26TH CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT
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An investiture ceremony was held January 7, 2021, for Chief Justice John Weimer, a Thibodaux native who became the 26th Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court on January 1, 2021. Weimer was entrusted with the role following the retirement of Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson – the first African American to serve in the position. “...I promise to work hard and be dedicated to the principles of impartiality, independence and fairness while pursuing justice and acting with integrity, just as did my predecessors,” Weimer said during Thursday’s ceremony that was attended by Governor John Bel Edwards, Attorney General Jeff Landry and other elected state officials. Weimer’s service on the state Supreme Court goes back to 2001 when he was elected to serve as an Associate Justice,
District 6, which is comprised of the parishes of Assumption, Iberia Lafourche, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne and a portion of the west bank of Jefferson. Over his career, he has won numerous awards, including the Outstanding Judicial Award from Victims and Citizens Against Crime, Outstanding Jurist Award from Crimefighters, Inc. (both statewide organizations dedicated to victims of crime), and the Award of Merit by Common Sense Against Crime and Crimefighters. The chief justice has also been acclaimed for his assistance in establishing the Lafourche Parish Drug Treatment Court. A graduate of Thibodaux High School, Weimer was a full-time faculty member at Nicholls State University (also a Hall of
Fame graduate of the university) -- where he taught law and ethics classes for 16 years prior to taking the bench. Over the course of his teaching career, he received the Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence and was also named to the “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.” Weimer is also a member of the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department, Fire Company No. 1, and an awardwinning painter – which allowed him to raise thousands of dollars for charity through donated works. “I ask one favor,” said the chief justice during his closing remarks on Thursday. “I ask for your prayers that my decisions and the decisions of my judicial colleagues will be just, wise, fair and that we will have an understanding heart -- that we are good servants as we toil in the vengeance of justice.”
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www.cmchouma.com • 876-6187 318 Venture Blvd., Houma CHOUEST SIGNS FIRST LONG-TERM CONTRACT TO UTILIZE BATTERY SYSTEM ABOARD U.S. FLAGGED 312’ CLASS PSV working with its clients to achieve long-term emissions reductions. “In pursuit of our long-term vision for renewable energy development and reduced emissions, Edison Chouest Offshore strives to improve efficiency through technology and innovation. Receiving the first-ever contract for battery technology in the Jones Act market demonstrates the close relationship we maintain with our clients and their trust in working with Edison Chouest Offshore,” said Dino Chouest, Executive Vice President of ECO. “Through these efforts, we can reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment for future generations, while our technological innovations make our customers’ offshore operations more efficient and cost-effective,” said Chouest.
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FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) has executed the first long-term contract with a major oil and gas company in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to install a battery-on-board (BoB) system aboard an ECO 312’ Class platform supply vessel (PSV), with options for additional systems. The vessel has been augmented with the latest sustainable BoB technology in order to reduce the carbon footprint during operations and port standby periods. ECO is working alongside its affiliate Marine Technologies to use proprietary, class-certified automation. This integrated solution between a marine propulsion and battery system will be the first of its kind to allow the PSV to work on one generator in the 500-meter zone. This, in conjunction both with signing the first-ever U.S. flagged “Jones-Act” compliant Service Operations Vessel (SOV) for offshore wind as well as ECO’s use of its proprietary shore power system, C-Power, establishes ECO as an innovative leader in providing and
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS |
HEADLINES & ACCOLADES
AMAZON TO OPEN ITS FIRST LOUISIANA FULFILLMENT CENTER, RESULTING IN 1,400 NEW JOBS
FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
In January, Gov. John Bel Edwards and Amazon announced the company will open its first Louisiana fulfillment center in the Lafayette Parish city of Carencro. The company will make a $100 million capital investment and create 500 direct jobs with an annual payroll of more than $16 million. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project also will result in 982 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 1,400 jobs in Acadiana and surrounding regions. Located on the former Evangeline Downs site in Carencro, the fulfillment center will be near the junction of Interstates 10 and 49 and provide optimal access to Louisiana markets. In the new 1 million-square-foot fulfillment center, Amazon associates will pick, pack and ship bulky or larger-sized items, such as patio furniture, outdoor equipment and rugs. “You don’t become the world’s largest online retailer without making a series of well-reasoned strategic investments, and Amazon’s selection of Carencro for its new fulfillment center is a testament to this,” Gov. Edwards said. “This 1 millionsquare-foot fulfillment center will not only prove to be a tremendous asset for all of Louisiana, but the project also will create 500 full-time jobs on-site, and spur the
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growth of other jobs in Acadiana. I am proud to welcome this new fulfillment center to Louisiana, and I look forward to Amazon’s continued investment in our great state.” The new fulfillment center is the latest Louisiana investment by Amazon, which already had invested more than $250 million in the state since 2010. In addition to seven Whole Foods Market locations in Louisiana, Amazon operates delivery stations in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The company also operates an Amazon Air logistics gateway at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Across Louisiana, Amazon currently employs over 1,500 full- and part-time workers. “We are thrilled to be opening our first fulfillment center in the great state of Louisiana,” said Alicia Boler Davis, Amazon’s vice president of global customer fulfillment. “We are grateful for the strong support we’ve received from local and state leaders as we expand our footprint in Louisiana. Every day at Amazon, incredible employees come together to deliver magical experiences for customers and we look forward to creating over 500 new full-time jobs for the local community, with industry-leading pay and comprehensive benefits starting on day one.”
In 2020, Amazon ranked Louisiana No. 5 among all states for the fastest annual growth among its digital entrepreneur partners. More than 14,500 small and medium-sized businesses in the state participate in Amazon’s fulfillment network. From June 2019 through May 2020, those Louisiana entrepreneurs recorded a 49 percent growth in yearover-year sales. “Carencro is extremely honored and equally blessed to have been chosen for Amazon’s first Louisiana-based fulfillment center,” Mayor Glenn Brasseaux said. “The economic impact of this facility cannot be overstated in terms of capital investment, job creation with respectable wages and benefits, and the increased interest in residential housing development.” In July 2020, LED and its economic development partners began formal discussions with Amazon about a potential fulfillment center. To secure the project in Carencro, the State of Louisiana offered Amazon a competitive incentive package that includes the comprehensive solutions of LED FastStart® – the nation’s No. 1 state workforce program for the past 11 years. Additionally, Amazon will be eligible for a performance-based grant of $3 million, payable over two years, to offset facility infrastructure costs.
“Today’s announcement is a big win for Carencro, Lafayette Parish and our Acadiana people,” said President and CEO Gregg Gothreaux of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority. “Amazon’s decision to locate Louisiana’s first fulfillment center here validates that our community is attractive to companies across sectors because of our work ethic, creativity and pro-business attitude. As our economy continues to recover from impacts of the pandemic and the energy downturn, this project highlights the importance of our diversification efforts to help stabilize the region’s economy.” Amazon anticipates a completion of the fulfillment center in Carencro by the end of 2021. Hiring of new employees is expected to begin one to three months prior to the launch of operations. “I’m so thankful to Mayor Brasseaux, LEDA, Amazon and all of the others who were involved in making this extraordinary project possible,” said Mayor-President Josh Guillory of Lafayette. “Anytime we can bring business and jobs to Lafayette Parish, everyone wins. We have all worked hard and will continue to put every resource forward to attract more businesses like this one to Lafayette.”
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LITTLE IMAGINATIONS COMES UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP Little Imaginations Developmental and Learning Center welcomed new owners in January. Bobby and Erica Rock announced the new learning center will focus on student safety, development and learning. The facility will introduce a new curriculum, Frog Street, for all young learners. The Rocks have been married for 10 years and have three boys - 2 year old twins Noah and Luke, and a new addition, Ian Patrick, who was born in November. Erica graduated in Elementary Education from Nicholls in 2009. She has been working in the Terrebonne Parish school system. She was awarded Teacher of the Year twice and has been named a highly effective teacher for the past several years. She has also been a dancing teacher since 2005. Bobby graduated from Nicholls in 2013 in Business Administration. He currently runs and manages a family-owned pharmacy.
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205 Venture Boulevard Houma, LA 70360 Tel: 985-868-0430
SMITKO ELECTED CHAIR OF LOUISIANA WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES COMMISSION Jerri G. Smitko was elected chair of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) and William “Joe” McPherson, vice-chair during the Commission’s January meeting on January 7, 2021, in Baton Rouge in Baton Rouge. The two Commissioners will serve in those positions through 2021. Smitko is an attorney and the owner of Smitko Law, APLC, in Houma. She is a graduate of Nicholls State University and Tulane University School of Law. Smitko was special legal counsel to the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government from 1992 to 1998, and the assistant parish attorney for the same body from 1988 to 1992. She has served on various boards throughout her career. Smitko is a member of the American Bar Association, Louisiana and Terrebonne Parish bar associations and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. She served in the Louisiana Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve until her honorable
discharge in 1985. McPherson served six full terms – 1984-96 and 2000-12 – in the Louisiana Senate. The Woodworth resident authored several bills for outdoor causes, including the creation of three wildlife management areas. He was honored with the Governor’s Award for conservation achievement in 2005. His work on behalf of outdoor heritage was recognized by various groups, including Ducks Unlimited, Safari Club International, Louisiana Outdoors Writers Association, and the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. He is a Life Member of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Quality Deer Management Association, and the National Rifle Association. He is also a member of Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, and Avoyelles Wildlife Association. McPherson is a veteran of the United States Army Reserve.
Mon-Fri 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM www.fleetsupplywhse.com
LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1974
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TGMC AWARDED SAFETY STAR AWARD FOR PATIENT SAFETY
reduced mortality, reduced blood transfusions, decreased cost of hospital care, decreased length of stay, and increased patient satisfaction resulting in lives being saved. “Being recognized for the LHA Safety Award is another example of how patient safety is our top priority,” explained Phyllis Peoples, President and CEO. “I am extremely proud of the team that worked so hard to achieve this prestigious award.”
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For 40 years Bluewater Rubber & Gasket has been a leading supplier of hoses, hose assemblies, and gaskets for the oilfield drilling and production markets, both domestically and internationally.
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www.BluewaterRubber.com LOUISIANA LOCATIONS
HOUMA • BELLE CHASSE • GALLIANO • BATON ROUGE
FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) is honored to be the only hospital recognized by the Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA) Trust Funds Safety Star Award for our patient safety initiative to reduce Maternal Morbidity through Quantification of Blood Loss (QBL). The Safety Star Award program acknowledged TGMC’s initiative, an innovative idea that improves patient safety. Because hemorrhage was identified as the leading cause of pregnancy related death in the state TGMC chose to address this issue. TGMC has successfully implemented a risk assessment to 100% of all vaginal and cesarean delivery patients through our EPIC system. TGMC achieved its goal of performing Quantitative Blood Loss (QBL) calculations in 100% of cesarean and vaginal births. By hardwiring this process and continuing with performing QBL in all deliveries, TGMC has improved early recognition and intervention for maternal patients resulting in a reduced risk of complications from hemorrhage including
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS |
HEADLINES & ACCOLADES
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR SOUTH LOUISIANA WETLANDS DISCOVERY CENTER’S NEW WETLANDS EXHIBIT Phase one of construction for the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center’s (SLWDC) new wetlands exhibit and campus has begun. An official groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site of the project on January 7, 2021. The new campus will be built at 86 Valhi Blvd. in Houma, near the main branch of the Terrebonne Parish Library. Parish President Gordon Dove, Executive Director of SLWDC Jonathan Foret and SLWDC board members Juana Woodard, Emily Elmore, Dr. Joy Tingle, and Martha Thibodeaux were all present
for the ceremony. “It was very important that the four ladies that we have with us here today are here for the groundbreaking because we like to refer to them as our ‘Founding Mothers’. They are the founding mothers of our organization. We’ve all been working pretty hard at this, especially these ladies that we have here, for now maybe 20 years or so trying to get to this place,” said Foret. Foret said that plans for this building began around two decades ago, and that the board members had been working since then to secure a space
FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
HARDING ELECTED PRESIDENT OF TERREBONNE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
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for the construction to begin. Plans for phase one include over 17,000 squarefeet of man-made wetlands, a half-acre of wetlands exhibits and a functional pavilion with restrooms. This project will be completed in four phases, with phase one costing about $1.3 million, and the total amount coming out to about $8.2 million. Phase one is expected to be completed by April 2021. Funds for the project came from state capital outlay money, which SLWDC matched 25% of through fundraisers, donations and the annual Rougarou Fest, hosted by SLWDC. In 2019, the
event made a net profit of $103,538.39. “This vision began the drive to create a way for future generations to fully understand the importance of land conservation as well as coastal restoration in order to preserve our community. An organization was established in the late 1990s by Mrs. Juana Woodard and her late husband Mr. John Woodard which would lay the groundwork for an educational center for children,” Dove said in an official proclamation from Terrebonne Parish.
On January 5, 2021, the Terrebonne Parish School Board elected Gregory Harding as president. A member of the board for over 20 years, Harding has held the position before. For his current tenure, Harding said after the meeting, he is looking forward to the Terrebonne Parish School District (TPSD) “conquering” the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping the students, faculty and staff safe. Harding also touched on other challenges TPSD needs to address under his term, such as redistricting, beautification of schools, deciding what direction to move the district in as Superintendent Philip Martin’s contract expires in 2022 and local violence — especially in the Black community. “You guys probably have looked at the news with all the violence that we have in this parish: young African-American men killing each other,” he said to his fellow
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board members and attendees. “It is devastating.” The board president said there needs to be an innovative program that reaches out to students in grades seventh through ninth. “I think we as a school district have to do a better job at identifying these kids at a younger age because it’s a lot cheaper to educate them than to incarcerate them,” he said. “When you look at what we do here, they are entrusting us with our kids’ futures,” he told the Times after the meeting. “And I think it’s very important that we do the best we can to educate our kids and help them move on to have profitable careers.” Harding takes over the role following the two-year term of Debi Benoit, who is the first woman to hold the position in the district’s history. Also at last night’s meeting, Dr. MayBelle Trahan was selected to be vice president.
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BAYOU LAFOURCHE FRESH WATER DISTRICT AUTHORIZES CONTRACTOR TO BEGIN WEIR DEMOLITION more fresh water into the Bayou Lafourche to protect our endangered coast due to saltwater intrusion. The only true long-term mitigation for this continued encroachment is to increase the fresh water supply into Bayou Lafourche from the Mississippi River, and removal of the weir is a large part of the MRRBL project list. The Thibodaux weir was constructed in 1969 to create a water reservoir for water treatment facilities and sugar mills north of the weir. While it has served its original purpose, it has not only impeded the flow of water in Bayou Lafourche, but also prevents boat access in Bayou Lafourche which is not only a major impediment to the operations of BLFWD but also a major impediment to the recreational boaters
of the bayou region. With the Lockport Water Control Structure in place, and the Assumption Parish Water Control structure recently completed, the water elevations of Bayou Lafourche can be safely managed without needing the weir in Thibodaux. In addition to coastal erosion benefits, removal of the weir will greatly increase the recreational potential in the bayou. In August of 2019, the BLFWD hired Duplantis Design Group to perform the survey, regulatory compliance, demolition plan, and permitting for removal of the weir, and in May of 2020 the Lafourche Parish Council approved a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District to provide $1.3 million of the parish’s GOMESA funds towards the project.
Archie Chaisson III, Lafourche Parish President said “Lafourche Parish is proud to partner with the BLFWD on the removal of the weir. This is a project that we have all worked on and dreamed of for years and to finally see it become a reality is exciting. This project will not only open up the bayou for better flow but the impacts to the recreational use of Bayou Lafourche will be tremendous.” Ben Malbrough, Executive Director of the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District, said “The Weir Removal Project has been a priority project for BLFWD for quite some time. With the completion of several other necessary projects in the bayou, the weir can now be removed without jeopardizing our region’s water supply.”
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LAFOURCHE DISTRICT ATTORNEY SET TO BEGIN HER TERM Lafourche Parish District Attorney Kristine Russell is set to begin her first full term as District Attorney. On Monday, January 11th, 2021, she was sworn into office by Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court Annette Fontana in a small, private ceremony due to Covid-19 guidelines, followed by the swearing-in of the Assistant District Attorneys. “I am humbled by the confidence the citizens of Lafourche Parish have placed in me and my staff,” said District Attorney Kristine Russell. “Together, we have accomplished so much over the last three years, but there is still plenty of work left for us to do.” District Attorney Russell served as interim District Attorney for five months in 2017 after the retirement of her predecessor, Camille A. “Cam” Morvant II. She was elected in March of 2018
to finish the last two and a half years of Morvant’s six-year term before being elected again in November of 2020. “As a career prosecutor, I have a deep appreciation and understanding of the difference between dangerous offenders who pose a risk to public safety versus offenders in need of services due to an underlying addiction or mental health issue,” said District Attorney Kristine Russell. “As the justice system evolves, we will continue to work hard by ensuring dangerous criminals are prosecuted and justice is served.” District Attorney Russell and her dedicated D.A.’s Office staff are grateful for the overwhelming support the community has shown them and are committed to continuing to serve the residents of Lafourche.
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FEBRUARY 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
The Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District has authorized Sealevel Construction to proceed with the Thibodaux weir removal project. took place at the City of Thibodaux’s water treatment facility in early January. The weir demolition is scheduled to begin in late February and completed by mid-2021. Pedestrian traffic, some bayou-side vehicular parking spaces, boat traffic, and fishing will be restricted around the immediate area during utility relocation, equipment mobilization, and weir demolition. Long-term closure of La Highway 1 is not expected. As part of the MRRBL (Mississippi River Reintroduction into Bayou Lafourche) series of projects, the removal of the weir plays a critical role in the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District’s ability to pump
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