BUSINESS NEWS

ROUSES MARKETS CELEBRATES 60 YEARS

Standing today as one of the largest family-owned grocery store chains in the United States, Rouses Markets is celebrating its 60th anniversary of operation this year.

A staple for grocery shopping among residents of the Gulf Coast, Rouses Markets was established in 1960 when Anthony J. Rouse, Sr. and his cousin and Ciro DiMarco opened the chain’s first location in Houma. In 1974, the company opened a second location, marking the first Rouses store in Thibodaux.

Under the management of Anthony’s sons, Donald and Tommy Rouse, the chain began its expansion into other parishes across Louisiana, including Jefferson and St. Tammany Parishes, over the next few years. By 2007, Rouses Markets increased its reach into New Orleans and across state lines into Mississippi.

In 2009, Anthony passed away at the age of 79, leaving his legacy in the hands of his children and grandchildren. Two years later, Donald’s son, Donny Rouse, and Tommy’s daughter, Ali Rouse Rosyter joined the

Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) has been selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the 2020 Best Places to Work in Healthcare.

“It has been an especially trying year for the world, and healthcare in particular as COVID-19 ravages our communities and your workplaces,” said Aurora Aguilar, Modern Healthcare’s editor. “But the organizations recognized on this year’s list rose to the top and continued to be a source of strength for their teammates. They have seen their colleagues fall ill to the virus and struggled with the economic impact of the pandemic. The loyalty and trust between employers and their workers is being put to the test now more than ever. We congratulate the Best Places to Work in Healthcare for continuing to serve their workforce and communities during such an unprecedented time.” family business as managing partners.

The company has continued its expansions well into the 2010s, opening locations in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Alabama and more. Last year, Rouses Markets welcomed its first college-themed location near Nicholls State University’s campus in Thibodaux.

In 2016, the company appointed Donny as CEO: a title he still holds today.

A year later, the New Orleans Saints named Rouses Markets as the official supermarket of the team.

To further its reach, the chain has added an online order service with pickup and delivery options to make shopping easier for its customers.

On its 60-year anniversary, Rouses Markets now has 64 locations across the Gulf Coast, with 53 of those locations housed in Louisiana. The company’s mission remains the same as it was when it was first founded: to serve and support the

CIS IS NAMED ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN HEALTHCARE

local community, as well as celebrate local culture. •

“Our physician-led, employee-driven culture has always been the key ingredient in our success at CIS,” said CIS CEO David Konur, FACHE. “Now more than ever, our team has shown amazing perseverance through these difficult times, and their commitment to our patients has been nothing short of exceptional.”

This award program identifies and recognizes outstanding employers in the healthcare industry nationwide. Modern Healthcare partners with the Best Companies Group on the assessment process, which includes an extensive employee survey.

Cardiovascular Institute of the South will be recognized at the 2020 Best Places to Work in Healthcare awards gala taking place virtually on October 8 in conjunction with the Workplace of the Future Conference. •

NICHOLLS RECEIVES DONATION FROM BHP PETROLEUM TO RENOVATE BABINGTON HALL DORMS

Nicholls State University announced that it received a $400,000 donation from BHP Petroleum to renovate dorm rooms in Babington Hall to create more housing for students ahead of the upcoming semester.

The $1 million project will renovate 68 rooms across the 2nd and 3rd floors of North and South Babington Halls. This will aid Nicholls in creating living spaces that align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Over the long-term, this will create 17 more suites for Nicholls housing.

Renovating Babington Halls has been a priority for Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune since he was hired in 2018.

“I have kept a portrait of Mima Babington hanging over the desk in my office as a reminder of the necessity of renovating those buildings, and I’m thankful to BHP for helping us do just that,” Dr. Clune said. “This is going to help us return to campus this fall in a safe environment. They will be able to live on campus and experience campus life, with a decreased chance of being introduced to the virus.”

The 32 rooms under renovation in North Babington will be completed before the semester begins, while the 36 rooms in South Babington will be complete during August.

“BHP recognizes this is a time of great uncertainty for students hoping to return to campus, and a key component of that is safe and affordable housing,” said Myron Protz, BHP Gulf of Mexico general manager. “As a company, we are committed to safety, not only in our operations, but also in our host communities, and we are pleased to partner with Nicholls State University to ensure they meet CDC guidelines for all students to safely return.”

Built as the women’s dorm in 1963, Babington Halls were among the first dorms on campus. Babington was an original faculty member for Nicholls Junior College and was the English department head at the time of her death in 1960. She was awarded emeritus status in 1981.

Babington Halls haven’t operated as dorms since Spring 2015, but still house the nonprofits Restore or Retreat, the South Louisiana Economic Council and the BaratariaTerrebonne National Estuary Program. •

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