BBM - Legal Leaders by Rushing Media

APRIL 2021

LEGAL LEADERS

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE |

APRIL 2021 • VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS 04

GOVERNMENT UPDATE

FROM THE TOP

LEGAL LEADERS:

Bayou Country Sports Park Makes Major Strides Towards Completion

Ashlee Barahona

OIL AND GAS UPDATE

US Interior Department plans to meet with industry leaders as end of Biden’s 60-day oil ban draws near

‘DOING SOMETHING RIGHT’:

13 18

NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY

20 23

Off the Hook continues growth, success The Law of the Picture

NEW COURT PROGRAM IN TERREBONNE AIMS TO REUNITE FAMILIES

WAITZ AND DOWNER

Hunt Downer, Mary Waitz Riviere, Joseph Waitz III, Ellen Daigle Doskey

THE LAW FIRM OF MICHAEL J. SAMANIE

RIVIERE ABEL, PLC

Michael J. Samanie

George Riviere, Christopher Riviere, Todd Magee, William Abel

TERESA KING, ESQUIRE, LLC Teresa King

EDITORIAL Mary Ditch EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Drew Miller CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Keely Diebold CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CREATIVE Lauren Pontiff GRAPHIC DESIGNER

COVER PHOTO Misty Leigh McElroy

ADVERTISING Beth Ann Tabor

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Michelle Ortego

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Editorial: editor@bayoubusinessmonthly.com

Headlines and accolades

Sales: sales@rushing-media.com

ON THE AGENDA

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Business Calendar of Events

pring is upon us as we focus on new beginnings, leaving the cold days behind us. As I write this column, Louisiana has moved into Phase 3. President Biden has announced his plan to make all adults eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine by May 1. Hope is in the air that it will be “business as usual” within a few months. As we approach the end of Biden’s 60 day oil ban, the U.S. Interior Department is set to meet with industry representatives, labor organizations, environmental and natural resource groups at a virtual forum on March 25 to receive feedback for its review of oil and gas leases on public lands to “highlight perspectives” from the group. The interim report is expected to be released in early summer. The Louisiana Legislature will return to Baton Rouge in April. The hot topic will be the state’s budget, which must be balanced before June 1. In early March, the Edwards administration

PUBLISHER

Brian Rushing

Bayou Business Monthly is published monthly. Subscriptions are available for $24 for 12 issues.

proposed a budget for fiscal 2022 that would use federal coronavirus aid to avoid cuts and provide additional funds to K-12 and higher education.The $36.6 billion budget provides annual pay increases of $400 to K-12 public school teachers and $200 for K-12 support staff, a proposal that teachers unions immediately criticized as too small. The lack of cuts is due—for the most part— to hundreds of millions in federal support. In addition to aid provided to healthcare and higher education, stimulus checks encouraged Louisianans to spend more and kept the state’s sales tax revenue from declining as much as expected. As of press time, the President was signing his new COVID-19 package. Hopefully it will include additional aid for Louisiana. Our April issue also includes a special section focused on our Legal Leaders. Dedicating their lives

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GOVERNMENT UPDATE | BY DREW MILLER

hen Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government relieved Recreation District No. 2-3 of its obligation to run the Bayou Country Sports Park (BCSP) in October 2020, complete control of the park shifted to the parish, with the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center staff at the helm. “So one of the goals [when the parish took over] was to bring the economic impact with the tournaments, being able to sell the park, advertise the park and promote the park to bring outsiders in,” said Dean Schouest, Director of the Civic Center. “But at the same time, half the park is a Terrebonne Parish facility for the community to use, and I don’t think the community fully was aware of that. So it was also to bring awareness to that.” Schouest said all-around interest is growing for the massive complex, which sits off of La. Highway 311 near the Lakes subdivision. Regarding bringing in out-of-towners, Schouest said the park has 27 tournaments booked this year for its softball facility,

about 75 percent of the season. In February, Terrebonne High hosted a team softball tournament at the complex. Consisting of 13 out-of-town teams, the event brought over 2,000 visitors to BCSP, Schouest said. “So, that’s people staying in hotels, eating in restaurants -- just spending money in the community,” he continued. Officials aim for Bayou Country Sports Park to bring in more locals, too. The parish partnered with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to stock the park’s pond with channel catfish and rainbow trout for recreational fishing. In November 2020, BCSP hosted the “Get Out and Fish!” event, encouraging the community to spend a day reeling in catches at the park. “People just came out and really supported the event,” Schouest said. At press time in mid-March, Schouest said the pond is about to be stocked again with catfish this month in addition to another time in May. He also said Parish President

Gordon Dove is committed to stocking it with bass. The director also highlighted the park’s beach for attracting residents. “Every weekend, the beach has got 75-100 people on it. I’ve received nothing but compliments on it,” he said. “Get Out and Fish!” wasn’t the only event BCSP hosted in 2020. In October, community members were invited to “Trunk or Treat,” a free Halloween candy giveaway that included music, games, food and a car show. This year, the parish plans to hold a free Easter egg hunt on March 20. Schouest said the event currently has 15 sponsors. “It’s going to be a huge event,” he said. “We want everyone to come out and enjoy the place and learn more about it.” Schouest credits the Civic Center staff, especially Event Manager Rachel Bridges, Marketing Manager Scott Belanger and Concession Manager Dennis Lebeouf, for the strides Bayou Country Sports Park has made in attendance, sponsorship and promoting.

“Taking over, I would say only 30-40 percent really knew about the park,” he said. “Since we’ve gotten involved and entrenched in it, I’d say 85-90 percent of the local community now know about the facility and are using it.” The BCSP, which opened in 2019, still has a long way to go, with other additions planned for the 154 acres of land, such as tennis courts, playground equipment, sand volleyball courts, an amphitheater, a splash pad (officially opening May 1) and a dog park, among other attractions. “The good thing is now that they have a full-time force out there like ourselves, we can stay on top of projects and make sure that as one project comes to a close, we have another one already on the books and ready to go,” Schouest said. Although years away from coming to complete fruition, Bayou Country Sports Park is already being credited for reaching the parish’s goal: improving the quality of life of Terrebonne residents. “...Quality of life in Terrebonne Parish is an important goal right now – and that’s what we are focused on,” Schouest said. “Come and see the park because you would never believe Houma has something of this nature--that’s what I’ve been told by so many people who have been through that park...The quality of life has just reached a level that we just haven’t seen, and we’re really excited about it.”

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FROM THE TOP |

QUICK QUESTIONS FOR THE PEOPLE IN CHARGE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FOUNDATION FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SCHOOL (TFAE)

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR WORK:

APRIL 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? The best part of my job is knowing the work I am doing is impacting thousands of little minds for years to come. The Foundation for Academic Excellence has supported our community’s public-school educators and scholars for the past 30 years. I am honored to be part of this exceptionally important work set forth by our founding members.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST? The toughest thing for me is the enormous responsibility I feel because students and educators rely on our foundation for support. I am passionate about improving literacy in our community, it is one of the reasons I took this job. I have met so many inspiring people who are just as committed to education as I am, yet we still seem to fall behind in all national educational rankings. It is discouraging because we are making incremental improvements, but there remains work to be done. IS THERE ANYTHING NEW ON THE HORIZON?

YES! TFAE is bringing to Houma a fun new way to run a 5k on May 8th. The 5K Run for Excellence will be the same fun-filled family event but with a twist. We, at the foundation, are putting the safety and health of our community and participants as our number one priority. Runners can sign up for the virtual option and have three days to get their time submitted. Run anywhere, anytime and with anyone they choose May 5, 6, or 7th. There will

also be an in- person run May 8th. Although there will be no gathering after the race, runners will journey through 30 years of history, on the route. As they run through the streets of historic downtown Houma, they will be entertained, motivated and perhaps even inspired to dance. The funds raised from the TFAE 5K Run for Excellence directly fund Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) programs. This includes grants to local public-school teachers and funding for the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Terrebonne Parish. Due to Covid, we had to cancel this event last year, so we are excited to bring it back to the community. The event is more than just a run, it is a chance to raise awareness to the importance of education and encourage health and wellness in our community.

WHAT’S ONE LEADERSHIP SKILL YOU FEEL EVERYONE MUST LEARN? Self-Motivation. Everyone should have the ability to motivate themselves in every aspect of life. You should do it for you and not anyone else. Self-motivation drives people to keep going even when faced with diversity; to never give up no matter the challenge. Self-motivation opens up endless opportunity. It shows commitment to the goal you are trying to achieve and brings pride and value into your life.

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF: AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING AS A CAREER? As a young child, I wanted to be a professional ice skater. Incredibly challenging, since I grew up in Houma.

There are no frozen lakes for practicing. However, I would put on my rollerblades, skate up and down the paved roads and pretend I was Kristi Yamaguchi.

WHAT WAS YOUR VERY FIRST JOB? My very first job was vacuuming my Mawmaw’s house. I was 10 years old. She would let me use her rainbow vacuum cleaner and she would pay me 10 dollars. It wasn’t a steady job but I made enough money to go to the movie theater that week.

WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP AND HOW DO YOU START YOUR DAY? I have two pugs and a beagle-bull as an alarm clock. They seldom allow my husband and I to sleep past 5:00 am. My day begins with letting them outside while my husband puts on the coffee pot or vice versa.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT? God. He takes care of

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APRIL 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Favorite vacation spot: On a warm sunny beach, clear sky, white sand, blue water and Jimmy Buffett playing on the radio.

OIL & GAS |

APRIL 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

BY DREW MILLER

he U.S. Interior Department is set to meet with industry representatives, labor organizations, environmental and natural resource groups at a virtual forum on March 25 to receive feedback for its review of oil and gas leases on public lands to “highlight perspectives” of the aforementioned groups. On January 20, President Joe Biden issued a 60-day ban on oil and gas leasing and permitting on federal lands and waters while his administration “evaluates the legal and policy implications of the program.” Now the end to the moratorium draws near, and the Interior Department is set to release its “interim report” this summer. But first, the agency looks to receive input from stakeholders. “The federal oil and gas program is not serving the American public well. It’s time to take a close look at how to best manage our nation’s natural resources with current and future generations in mind,” Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary - Land and Minerals Management Laura DanielDavis said in a statement. “This forum will help inform the Department’s near-term actions to restore balance on America’s lands and waters and to put our public lands’ energy programs on a more sound and sustainable conservation, fiscal and climate footing,” she continued. “The information gathered at the forum, which will be livestreamed, will help inform an interim report from the Department that will be completed in early summer. The report will include initial findings on the state of the federal conventional energy programs, as well as outline next steps and recommendations for the Department and Congress to improve stewardship of public lands and waters, create jobs, and build a just and equitable energy future,” reads a statement from the Interior Department. In addition to the forum, the Interior Department said it is conducting outreach to Congress members, governors,

tribes and other state and local elected leaders. Members of the public will be able to offer written comments to inform the interim report, too. Coastal lawsuit against major oil company settled for $100 million; some industry groups oppose In early March, La. Attorney General Jeff Landry authorized a $100 million settlement of Freeport-McMoRan Inc., which had been accused of damaging Louisiana’s coast. According to reports, Landry said he authorized the agreement because Freeport wanted to settle the lawsuits as the deal would help restore the disappearing coast. Landry, a supporter of the oil and gas industry, made it clear that he is against coastal lawsuits. “...Fragmented lawsuits that attack industry and ignore federal responsibility for damages cannot fully restore Louisiana’s coast,” reads a statement from his office. “The energy industry, which employs hundreds of thousands of our neighbors, is a crucial component to ensuring a vibrant economy and a safe environment in Louisiana,” the attorney general said. “The State’s energy industry has not only been responsible for creating jobs and prosperity, but it also has contributed tax revenues critical to funding coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects.” Although he is a proponent of the oil and gas industry, Landry’s decision was met with backlash from industry leaders. Tyler Gray, President of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA), and Mike Moncla, President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA), expressed their disappointment with the settlement with a joint statement. “It is disappointing that some elected officials have sided with plaintiffs’ attorneys in support of job-killing lawsuits and a flawed settlement scheme that could put our coast further at risk,” they said. “Through these lawsuits, the government seeks to impose sweeping, retroactive liability on the entire

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oil and gas industry for activities carried out according to federal laws and regulations decades ago. This misguided attempt to rewrite history and penalize energy producers for legally conducted operations that have been endorsed and incentivized by state and local leaders for nearly a century is a distortion of the law dreamed up and marketed by plaintiffs’ attorneys, presumably to serve their own financial gain.” After going through some obstacles, such as the passage of related legislation, the settlement would pay Louisiana $100 million over 20 years, according to reports. Landry said in a statement that the $100 million would go toward “state and local projects enhancing coastal restoration and hurricane protection.” However, Gray and Moncla argued otherwise. “Contrary to recent claims by some elected officials, this proposed settlement is not dedicated to coastal restoration—the supposed reason why these lawsuits were filed. Under this problematic proposal, funds could be used for projects unrelated to coastal restoration and hurricane protection,” reads their joint statement. “This convoluted approach is inconsistent with current state law, and it exposes these lawsuits for what they really are—a money grab unconcerned with coastal restoration.”

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DOING SOMETHING

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H G I T R

OFF THE HOOK CONTINUES GROWTH, SUCCESS

those extra customers there, as opposed to being inside.” The business makes sure employees are adhering to the mask mandate and thoroughly sanitizes the restaurants too. “We just stayed focused on making sure we were staffed properly. We were able to continue to serve a quality product through the drive-through and make sure we were moving our lines quickly and taking care of customers,” Paxton said. By sourcing the best local seafood they can find, the Moreauxs aim to support the state’s fishing industry. They also give back to the community through their efforts in coastal restoration. Every first Monday of the month, Off The Hook hosts “Coastal Give Back Night,” where they set aside

APRIL 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

he Moreaux family dreamed of starting an authentic Cajun restaurant that offered quick service without compromising quality and taste. “When you look at other seafood quick-service options, they are lower quality. The only Cajun-type fried seafood options are more sit-down,” said Paxton Moreaux, Chief Operations Officer of Off The Hook. “So, we wanted to find some balance there between seafood and quick service.” In 2012, their dream turned into reality in the form of a 900-square-foot establishment on Canal Boulevard in their hometown of Thibodaux. Attracted by the convenient drive-through and fresh ingredients, the Thibodaux community quickly took a liking to the family’s restaurant, Off the Hook; so much so that the Moreauxs were able to move the restaurant into a bigger building located in a prime spot down the road just two years later. And the business’s growth didn’t stop there. Exactly one year after the Thibodaux expansion, the neighboring city of Houma got an Off The Hook restaurant. Despite dealing with a pandemic, they were able to open a site in Gonzales last summer. “We thought it was a good market and had some similarities to Thibodaux and Houma. We noticed that Gonzales and Ascension Parish are both growing areas,” Paxton said. “It’s been great. It’s done really well.” Although the company still managed to maintain and even grow during the COVID-19 pandemic, it still had to overcome its fair share of challenges the virus created. “We transitioned from around 55 percent drive-through to about 80 percent drive-through,” Paxton said. “So, we had to be able to handle

a portion of the day’s sales to donate to Restore or Retreat and Restore the Mississippi River Delta, two nonprofits geared toward protecting and restoring the Louisiana coast. “We thought they were the right organizations to partner with; they have some really great people leading them,” Paxton said. “It’s a cause we care about as well.” Off The Hook, run by Paxton, his father Brett (President) and brother Cameron (Partner, Marketing Director), has come a long way since its humble beginnings, with its expansion, rebranding and menu tweaking. But the franchise’s dedication to fresh, quality food and speedy customer service has never faltered. “We have a ton of faithful customers that have been coming since day one, even throughout the pandemic. It means a lot to see people stick with us throughout the years. That makes us think we’re doing something right and they’re happy with the product and service,” Paxton said. “We hope we can continue that.”

APRIL 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

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NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY |

BY RAY PETERS

THE LAW OF THE PICTURE

Think about it. Witness a leader arriving to work in the mornings. Does he arrive cheerfully and projecting a positive attitude? Or, does he drag into the office, head down, not acknowledging the people around him? What message are his actions sending to other employees? Would that make you want to come to work? Even though the organization has a purchasing policy prohibiting employees from accepting gifts and gratuities from vendors, a leader accepts a fishing trip or an expensive bottle of wine. He or she is telling employees that it is perfectly okay to receive gifts and gratuities. His or her actions speak volumes to employees. What about a leader that

disrespectfully speaks to a subordinate, especially in front of other employees. When a subordinate leader is treated discourteously by his/her leader, is that an invitation to treat their employees equally disrespectfully? This last example can have even more negative implications. What about a leader that sees but ignores safetyrelated incidents? Is he telling employees that it is okay to bypass safety protocols? Such action or lack thereof could result in a severe injury or even a fatality. Followers are always watching what leaders do, how they act, how they treat others. It is the role of a leader to create a culture for success. Nothing is more convincing than setting the example for others to follow. After all, people typically believe what they witness. Borrowing from Mahatma Gandhi, as a leader, paint the picture that you want others to see. Nicholls State University continues recruiting for its next Executive MBA cohort. Reach out to me if you would like more information on this great program. Ray Peters is MBA Director & Leadership Instructor at Nicholls State University. He can be reached at ray. peters@nicholls.edu.

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APRIL 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

nitially published in 1998, leadership expert John Maxwell wrote the book entitled, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership to guide leaders in honing their leadership skills. Every week, my MBA students are required to identify and read a current article with a leadership focus, write a summary and then attach one or more of the 21 Laws to the article. It could be either in a positive or negative perspective. Generally speaking, I am impressed with the pieces they select, and they do a good job connecting the leadership dots. The “Laws” run the gambit of leadership application, including The Law of Influence, The Law of Process, The Law of Empowerment, the Law of Priorities, to name a few. Of the 21 laws, the most important (to me) is Law #13, The Law of the Picture. It is based on the premise that “people do what people see.” According to Maxwell, “When the leaders show the way with the right actions, their followers copy them and succeed.” Contemplate exactly how this notion can be broadly applied. It deals with honesty, integrity, ethical behavior, character, trustworthiness, compassion, employee treatment, commitment, kindness, openness, etc. What a leader does, the actions and behaviors her/she demonstrates speaks volumes to the people they lead.

APRIL 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

SPECIAL SECTION

Our legal leaders dedicate their lives to helping keep order in our society. From settling business disputes to placing criminals behind bars, they have a tough job to do. In order to maintain a fair and balanced society, our legal leaders are faced with checking their opinions at the door and becoming servants of the law.

LEGAL LEADERS | SPONSORED CONTENT

WAITZ & DOWNER

Hunt Downer, Mary Waitz Riviere, Joseph Waitz III, Ellen Daigle Doskey

with them, allowing them to help their clients achieve success in the courtroom. Hunt points to his life experiences as helpful to his practice of law, such as working as a roughneck and roustabout to driving a school bus among them, as benefitting his ability to help clients. His resume also includes the titles Major General (Retired), USA/ LANG and Speaker, Louisiana House of Representatives. Hunt is a graduate of Nicholls State University, Loyola Law School, and Army War College. Mary is a graduate of Louisiana State University and Tulane Law School. Following law school she clerked for both Judge Morey Sear and Judge Veronica Wicker, both district federal judges for the Eastern District of Louisiana. She brings to the firm 30 years of experience in a variety of complex serious personal injury cases. Having grown up on boats her entire life, she has a special love for maritime and offshore cases. Mary is an outspoken defender and advocate of victim’s rights and passionately represents her clients to ensure that justice is achieved in all of her cases. Mary also focuses a portion of her time on Social Security Disability law. She also specializes in providing legal advice and counsel to the elderly in the forms of successions, wills and donations and estate planning.

Joseph is a graduate of Nicholls State University and Southern University Law Center. He joined the firm in 2014, focused primarily on personal injury. Prior to attending law school, Joseph served four years as a deputy for the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol Division, conducting search and rescue operations and patrolling the waters of Terrebonne Parish. He understands the marine oilfield industry and the dangers posed. He is also the Past President of the Terrebonne Bar Association. Ellen has over 25 years of experience in the practice of law. Upon graduation from LSU School of Law, she clerked for the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeals in Shreveport for three years before returning to her hometown of Houma. She is an Assistant District Attorney for Terrebonne Parish where she is the lead research and appellate attorney. Ellen specializes in wills, successions, trusts, estate planning, and elder law. She also has expertise in researching and writing of briefs, memos, and appeals. The family of attorneys at Waitz and Downer stand ready to defend your rights. Contact the firm by visiting their website at Waitz-Downer.com or by calling 985-876-0870.

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APRIL 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

he law firm of Waitz & Downer focuses on helping injured persons and devastated families who have suffered a catastrophic loss in an oil field accident, maritime accident, auto or boating accident that resulted in serious personal injury or wrongful death. They are also skilled in handling Social Security and disability claims, as well as wills and successions. For over five decades, Waitz & Downer has represented Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region. Founded by the late Joseph L. Waitz in 1971, attorneys at the firm include Hunt Downer and Mr. Waitz’s children: son Joe Waitz Jr, who is Terrebonne Parish District Attorney and of counsel, daughter Mary Waitz Riviere, his grandson Joseph Waitz III and rounding out the firm is Ellen Daigle Doskey, who also is an assistant district attorney. The care with which clients are handled reflects the family-like atmosphere at the firm overall. Hunt stated, “Our philosophy is when you are our client you are part of our extended family. Mr. Waitz instilled that into us. You are not a number; you are not a dollar sign; you are a person who has experienced a devastating loss. We are going to treat you as we would any member of our family.” Each member of the firm brings a diverse and experienced background

LEGAL LEADERS | SPONSORED CONTENT

THE LAW FIRM OF MICHAEL J. SAMANIE

APRIL 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

ince obtaining his law degree in 1973, Michael J. Samanie of Houma has been actively practicing as a trial attorney in civil litigation, having represented many injured and deceased persons in hundreds of cases in numerous jurisdictions around the United States in both State and Federal Courts. Michael’s experience also carries over internationally, having processed many international claims, representing injured and deceased oil field related workers in other countries such as Malaysia, Mexico, Venezuela, and the North Sea area of Scotland. The Law Firm of Michael J. Samanie concentrates on serious personal injury and death cases under maritime, aviation, automobile, products liability, and medical malpractice law. He is admitted to practice before the Louisiana Supreme Court, the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana, the Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas, the United States Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeal for the 5th Circuit. He is a past member of the Board of Governors of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association and recognized as an advocate by the National College of Advocacy. He is also a member of the Terrebonne Parish and Louisiana State Bar Associations. Michael is a graduate of Nicholls State University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1970 and earning a Juris Doctorate Degree from Louisiana State University in 1973. He also served in the United States Air Force for six years working in the field of Air Intelligence and was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1969. For more information, please call 985-868-8223.

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LEGAL LEADERS | SPONSORED CONTENT

RIVIERE ABEL, PLC

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iviere Abel, PLC prides itself on providing top-notch legal services in the courtroom and in the boardroom. Attorneys Christopher Riviere, Will Abel, and Todd Magee combine a wealth of experience and a commitment to diligence in their representation of local businesses, individuals, and public entities in matters pertaining to commercial litigation, oil & gas, maritime & admiralty, construction, agriculture, real estate disputes, personal injury, commercial transactions, and intellectual property litigation. The firm’s litigation practice extends to state and federal courts in Louisiana and Texas. Outside of the practice, Riviere Abel, PLC’s attorneys are vested members of the community volunteering with the local fire department, civil service boards, nonprofit organization committees, the Louisiana State Law Institute, and the Louisiana State Bar Association. For more information, please call 985.447.7440 or visit RiviereAbel.com.

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APRIL 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

s Teresa King entered law school, she aimed to become a real estate attorney. But she then discovered her true calling during her clinic program, when she practiced criminal defense. In New Orleans, she met incarcerated individuals who had been in jail for months without ever meeting their public defender. “Those attorneys were overwhelmed with their caseload, so they often got student attorneys like myself. We were able to give them time and attention that they weren’t getting through the public defender’s office,” King said. “That’s when I found my passion — helping people in the criminal justice system.” Today, King is one of the most trusted and dedicated defense lawyers in the Bayou Region, with 10 years of defending peoples’ rights. She has experience with theft, drugs, drunk driving, violent crime and sex crime cases, having also worked as a public defender before establishing her law firm in 2016. “As a private attorney, you can choose to control your caseload, control the number of clients and control the number of serious cases because those take more time and attention,” she continued. “I know how important it is that I control my caseload so that I can give [my clients] the representation that they deserve.” A native of Oakdale, King decided to call the Houma-Thibodaux area home after graduating from Nicholls State University. She is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, where she sits on a panel that determines how grant money for local organizations will be distributed. She also sits on the board of directors for Terrebonne ARC (TARC) and Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS). For more information, please visit teresakingesquire.com.

APRIL APRIL2021 2021||BAYOU BAYOUBUSINESS BUSINESSMONTHLY MONTHLY

n the last five years, Terrebonne Parish has seen increased rates in addiction, with about 80 percent of parents with children in the foster care system dealing with substance abuse. Twenty-nine drug-exposed newborns were born in the parish in 2019; the following year, that number jumped to 41. “After working for a very long time in this field, we do learn a lot about the underlying causes of drug addictions,” said Ellen Doskey, an assistant district attorney for Terrebonne Parish who has handled foster care cases for nearly 25 years. “One of the primarily underlining causes of drug addiction is trauma, especially in women,” she continued. “The statics will show you that women, especially, use drugs to cope with the effects of trauma in their life.” She added that users often have mental health issues that are “disguised by substance abuse disorders,” either anxiety, depression, bipolar or another mental illness that they cope with by using illegal substances, referred to as “co-occurring diagnosis.” As some of these parents deal with their sobriety, they also struggle to regain custody of their children. But now, in Terrebonne Parish, Family Preservation Court, a voluntary program, will help parents who are determined to bring their child home to a safe and clean environment. “I’ve seen many cases where parents struggle with their sobriety, and the trauma of the child being removed from their care oftentimes just exasperates: they feel defeated, depressed, they are not good enough,” Doskey shared. “But this program will provide them with support to help them through it.” “If you have a child in state custody, you have a couple of early hearings where we determine the facts and determine that the child definitely needs to be in state custody. But then after that, you only come in to see the judge once every six months,” she explained. “So the idea behind the Family Preservation Court is they see the judge twice a month and that motivates the parents to become more accountable to their program and their sobriety.” Doskey also noted that the program does random drug screens 2-3 times a week. “We are offering more supervision,

more intensive services,” she said. “It’s for those parents who really do want to kick their drug habits and have full custody of their children.” The program takes a holistic approach, Doskey said. Instead of centering just on sobriety, the program aims to find the root of a client’s drug addiction. “We want to know why you’re using and why you continue to use. And in order to do that, we need to get to the underlying issues.” To address these issues, the Terrebonne Family Preservation Court has partnered with several local treatment providers, primarily Houma’s START Corporation, a nonprofit organization that offers health services to individuals with mental disabilities, the homeless, youth and veterans. “We’re focused on their entire mental health and getting help for the children because the children have now experienced trauma, whether it’s the trauma of being neglected or abused or simply the trauma of being removed from their home,” she said. On the road to recovery, parents have to solve other problems that may stem from their addiction. “Substance abuse is the root cause of a lot of the problems, but it does compound the other issues -- they haven’t held a job, they can’t get an apartment -which means that they can’t provide a safe and stable home for their children,” Doskey explained. The program assigns caseworkers to every parent to help them with such problems. “Parents will be reporting directly to that caseworker once or twice a week during their program, and we’re there to help them through their problems: whether it’s housing, transportation, child care -- all of those issues that come up during a recovery.” Doskey began researching Family Preservation Court three years ago after caseworkers with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) introduced her to it. She later approached David Arceneaux, 32nd Judicial District--Division D, to be the court’s primary judge. “I agreed with [Doskey] that something needed to be done to put a more concentrated effort into helping the parents who are having substance abuse problems,” Arceneaux said. “Experience indicated to me that addressing the parent’s

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APRIL 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

problems was taking too long. So I thought the idea of being able to concentrate the efforts, speed the process up and pay more attention to the problem would help solve a problem sooner so that the children could then be reunited with their parents, sooner rather than later.” Doskey and Arceneaux established a steering committee consisting of representatives of the Office of the District Public Defender, CASA of Terrebonne and DCFS, among others. Through the La. Supreme Court Specialty Program, Family Preservation Court receives reimbursements for participants. However, the initiative needed money to get the ball rolling. All five judges in the 32nd Judicial District agreed to put up the upfront costs for it. The initial funding allowed the program to hire Valerie Cooper, the program’s coordinator, who also currently handles cases. Doskey commended Cooper for being “very instrumental in getting us off the ground.” “This has been a collaborative effort, and we [everyone involved] have been working very well together in establishing this,” she added. The high court approved Terrebonne’s Family Preservation Court’s application on March 3, making it just the eighth one in the state. Already, three participants have enrolled in the program. “As a prosecutor, I do have to remind myself every day that we are a rehabilitative court and not a punishment court,” Doskey shared. “Our concern is more often not necessarily what you did in the past, but what have you done now, and what are you doing to correct that? “I’m very happy to have this program in place so that we can have that thinking for everyone involved: for the parents, judges and children themselves,” she continued, “because our goal is always to reunite a family.”

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HEADLINES & ACCOLADES

ROTARY CLUB OF HOUMA KICKS OFF CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION The Rotary Club of Houma is kicking off its centennial celebration with the donation of 100 books and a new Lending Library in downtown Houma. Officially chartered in 1921, the Rotary Club of Houma was created by a group of business leaders who were committed to making a profound difference in our community. Today, multiple local Rotary groups have been created from the Rotary Club of Houma. Together, we will celebrate 100 years of “service above self” in Terrebonne Parish with communitywide projects, which will be announced in the coming months. To kick off these festivities, Rotary Club of Houma sponsored a Lending Library through the Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) and donated its first 100 books. A lending library is a neighborhood book exchange where everyone is invited to take a book or leave a book for others. The goal is to inspire reading and literacy in our community,

where everyone can participate regardless of income, age, or reading level. The Rotary Lending Library is located outside Downtown Jeaux’s facing Grinage Street. Service is the cornerstone of Rotary, and the Rotary Club of Houma has put a significant emphasis on education in our community. Throughout the years, Rotarians have donated time and funds to many school projects and programs, as well as helped to develop local education non-profit organizations. “It’s fitting to kick off our centennial celebration with this lending library,” Rotary Club of Houma President Jerry Ledet, Jr. said. “We have a deep history with proving educational resources in Terrebonne Parish and are excited to facilitate this opportunity to help increase literacy by providing books for both adults and children.”

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APRIL 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

BAYOU-AREA CPA FIRM NAMES NEW PARTNER

Michael J. Blanchard, CPA APC is pleased to announce that Jill H. Ganier, CPA has been admitted as a partner in the firm. Ganier has been instrumental in the growth of the practice since joining the firm in 2007. In commemoration of Jill’s success and becoming a shareholder, the firm name will change to Blanchard, Ganier and Associates CPAs APC. Ganier was born and raised in Houma, LA. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Nicholls State University in May of 2003. After 4 years with another local firm, she joined Michael J. Blanchard, CPA APC in 2007. Her 18 years of experience in public accounting has allowed her a wide range of accounting experience with a focus in business and individual taxation and planning. In her personal life, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband Matthew and children Sadie and Layne.

Ganier is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants. Michael J. Blanchard, CPA APC was founded in October of 2000. The firm has a 20-year track record of providing personalized, quality professional services including management and business consulting, business and individual tax filing and planning, compilations and preparations of financial statements, financing and loan packages, bookkeeping, and payroll and sales tax services. Blanchard, Ganier and Associates CPAs APC has offices in Houma and Thibodaux to meet all of your professional service needs.

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INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED AACSB EXTENDS NICHOLLS BUSINESS’ ACCREDITATION The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business Board of Directors extended accreditation to the Nicholls State University College of Business Administration and Department of Accounting through 2025. AACSB reviewed the College of Business Administration during Fall 2020 to ensure the college was providing a highquality education and responding to changes within each facet of the business environment. “Only the best schools around the world can meet the consistent, demanding requirements of earning AACSB accreditation, which is the highest standard of quality for business schools in the world,” said Dr. Marilyn Macik-Frey, dean of the College of Business Administration. “This means that we are providing rigorous, dynamic and relevant coursework, which prepares our students for the challenging and changing global business environment. And it means businesses in our region can count on Nicholls to provide graduates who are prepared for today’s challenges and who can grow into the future business leaders in the Bayou Region.”

Nicholls has held AACSB accreditation since 1983, and the accounting program since 2007. The Nicholls State University College of Business Administration offers degrees in accounting, finance, computer information systems, management, marketing and business administration, along with a master of business administration degree. Students learn from experienced faculty and take part in competitive programs which regularly place at state, regional and national competitions. Established in 1916, AACSB is the world’s largest global business education network, connecting educational institutions and businesses to develop exceptional global leaders. Fewer than 5 percent of business schools in the world hold this distinction and less than 200 schools in the world hold a separate AACSB accounting accreditation. For more information on the College of Business Administration and Department of Accounting, visit https://www.nicholls.edu/ business.

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U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is awarding $1,985,062.39 in federal funding to the Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District to restore the levee system damaged by Hurricane Barry. “Hurricane Barry eroded portions of Terrebonne Parish’s levee system, posing a serious threat,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding makes needed repairs to keep residents and businesses safe from flooding.” The J2 levee in Terrebonne Parish experienced severe erosion and overtopping when Hurricane Barry slammed into the Louisiana coast in July 2019. The storm surge breeched the top of the levee and flood waters washed away hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of earthen material from the embankment area and service road atop the levee. The Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District, which manages all permanent work associated with the levee, will use these federal funds to repair the levee system and bring it back to its pre-disaster design, function and capacity. The total project cost is $2,646,749.85, and FEMA will pick up 75 percent of the federal cost share for reconstruction.

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APRIL 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

$2 MILLION AWARDED FOR TERREBONNE PARISH LEVEE REPAIRS REBRANDING

MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

HEADLINES & ACCOLADES

GOV. EDWARDS ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR 50-ACRE LOUISIANA SPACE CAMPUS

APRIL 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Gov. John Bel Edwards recently announced the State of Louisiana has signed an agreement with NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility that could lead to creation of the Louisiana Space Campus, a dedicated 50-acre business park within NASA’s 829-acre site in New Orleans. The space campus would target commercial office development, with contemporary amenities, for existing Michoud tenants and new prospects from the public and private sector to support Michoud Assembly Facility and other industry in New Orleans East. NASA and Louisiana Economic Development signed a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, to mutually explore development of the space campus to its highest and best use. “This year, as we celebrate 60 years of NASA’s operation of the Michoud Assembly Facility, we proudly announce a new chapter in this site’s storied history,” Gov. Edwards said. “We are excited about partnering with NASA for the development of the Louisiana Space Campus, and we look forward to the future tenants who would locate here. From the days of the Apollo missions to the development of the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft, we have long looked to Michoud for a glimpse at our destiny in space. The Louisiana Space Campus will help us fulfill that destiny.” The main building at Michoud Assembly Facility, or MAF, encompasses 43 acres of climate-controlled manufacturing space, and hosts both government and commercial tenants, including Boeing, which is assembling the Space Launch System, or SLS, Artemis rocket; and Lockheed Martin, which is developing the Orion crew capsule. The site has an extensive history of hosting defense and civil agencies, along with contractors that support the development of technological

products and services. The Louisiana Space Campus would build on that foundation with a new initiative to attract leadingedge tenants. “NASA is excited to enter into this MOU with the State of Louisiana to explore the concept of the Louisiana Space Campus,” said Director Robert Champion of NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility. “For 60 years, NASA has enjoyed a great partnership with Louisiana that has propelled the success of our nation to launch humans into space. This MOU represents an opportunity to further strengthen that partnership as the work at MAF moves us a step closer to landing the first woman and next man on the moon.” MAF has been dedicated to NASA activities since 1961, including the development and construction of space vehicles. Major achievements include building Saturn V rockets for 13 Apollo and Skylab missions; development of 135 external tanks that fueled Space Shuttle flights; and current SLS rocket and Orion crew capsule assembly. Prior to NASA’s takeover of the site, Michoud served as the home of continuous government interagency activity since the 1940s, including assembly of Sherman and Patton tank engines by the Chrysler Corp. “Right here in New Orleans at the Michoud Assembly Facility, the rockets to take Americans into outer space are now being built, and will continue to be built, to transport them to Mars,” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “This agreement will further drive transformative development in New Orleans East, which is already becoming a major hub for STEM in our city. With continued partnership from the state, a Louisiana Space Campus will not only provide jobs and economic opportunity, but will also inspire us all, particularly our young people, to dream big.

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GFP ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR DESIGN ANNOUNCES REBRANDING Building on 70 years of service to clients and community, Gros Flores Positerry, LLC is pleased to usher in a new era of leadership designed to honorably reflect the growth and success the firm has experienced since their founding in 1949. Formerly Weimer Gros Flores, LLC, Gros Flores Positerry, LLC (branded as GFP Architecture + Interior Design is excited to share their new company name and corporate identity. GFP Architecture + Interior Design looks forward to this exciting new growth opportunity.

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U.S. CHAMBER AWARDS HOUMATERREBONNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WITH 5-STAR ACCREDITATION

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SCIA ANNUAL CRAWFISH BOIL

Join SCIA as they celebrate the businesses that make their organization thrive. Wristbands are $40 and must be purchased in advance. April 8, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Southdown Museum, Houma

CONNECTING BUSINESSES WITH CONTRACTS CONFERENCE

Facilitated by LSBDC at Southern University: Main Office, “Connecting Businesses with Contracts Conference” provides training and assistance to the small business community including small business enterprises (SBEs), woman-owned small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs), 8(a) certified firms, HUBZone certified firms, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), and Veteran-Owned (including ServiceDisabled Veteran owned) small businesses and to link these various small businesses with Federal, State, and Municipal procurement agents, and Prime Contractors. Contact the Houma Chamber to register for the webinars. Below are recommended free webinar series to get you and your business on the right track. Business Certifications/Government Contracting: April 6, 9 a.m. Business Planning for Entrepreneurs Wednesday: April 7, 3 p.m. Starting & Financing Your Business: April 9, 10 a.m. Digital Marketing: April 17, 10 a.m.

2021 BANQUET AND AWARDS PROGRAM

Join the Thibodaux Chamber for an evening of celebration as they recognize outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses and look forward to the upcoming year. Individual tickets are $75. April 14, 6-9 p.m. Conference Center of the Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

The Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly general membership meeting with guest speaker Jim Donelon, Louisiana Insurance Commissioner. Admission is $25 per person with payment required in advance. Seating is limited; masks are required. April 27, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Courtyard by Marriott, Houma

APRIL 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

The United States Chamber of Commerce awarded the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. “Now more than ever, chambers of commerce have stepped up to serve as a resource to the business community and advocates of free enterprise” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “Through the pandemic these chambers continue to lead while maintaining transparent governance practices, sound financial controls, safe work environments, value in programming and effective communications. They are commended for their sound policies and practices, and for this great accomplishment.” Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete. “Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce is here to serve our members and community. We are honored to be recognized as 5-Star Accredited Chamber. This accreditation helps us become a better organization. We will continue our work and improve our efforts to benefit our members and community,” said Nicol Blanchard, CEO of Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce. Local chambers are rated Accredited 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

KEEP YOUR EMPLOYEES HEALTHY AND HAPPY

The TGMC Wellness for Life team will work with you to keep your greatest asset, your employees, healthy and happy! Our Corporate Wellness Program will help control rising healthcare costs by improving your employees overall health, which leads to a more productive workforce and a boost in morale. Having a wellness program in place has also been proven to reduce absenteeism, injury and illness. Onsite wellness screenings could be covered by your health insurance at 100% with NO OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE! Think differently about employee health and happiness.

Call 985.850.6208 or visit TGMC.com