Bayou Business Monthly - September 2021 by Rushing Media

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

Since 2016, Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center has been helping to improve the health and wellness of the region one person at a time.

1,000,000 700,000 400,000 242,000 5,500

People utilized Wellness Center services Visits to the Fitness Center People received clinical services Square feet Average membership of Fitness Center

3,450 1,479 1,345 200 16

Pounds lost New patients received education services to lower A1Cs Free blood pressure and blood screenings Wellness nutrition counseling sessions completed Zip codes Fitness Center members call home

thibodaux.com

We can help you to be in that number. Call 985.493.4400.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE |

SEPTEMBER 2021 • VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 9

TABLE OF CONTENTS 04 06

GOVERNMENT UPDATE

North Terrebonne Recreation District votes to propose property tax in November special election

OIL AND GAS UPDATE

U.S. Appeals Court rules Louisiana oil and gas lawsuits must stay in federal court

FROM THE TOP

YOUTHBUILD

Michael Paul LaRussa

FROM TRASH TO ASH

NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY

WHAT IN THE CRYPTO IS VIRTUAL CURRENCY?

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Phoenix Waste Solutions Be Kind and Have Courage!

Is Cryptocurrency the future of money? Headlines and Accolades

Start Corporation is changing lives by providing the YouthBuild Program to our area’s youth.

PUBLISHER

Brian Rushing ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Mary Downer Ditch EDITORIAL Drew Miller CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Heidi Guidry CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CREATIVE Lauren Pontiff GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ADVERTISING Beth Ann Tabor

DIGITAL MARKETING Carlie Johnson

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Michelle Ortego

IS IT REALLY REAL?

know this probably isn’t a very business-owner type of thing to say… but does anyone else think that money you have saved in your Venmo or PayPal account isn’t real money? Hear me out on this one - I make a purchase at the coffee shop for me and a friend on my debit card. They don’t have cash on them, so they pay me back via Venmo, where the money stays. (I don’t typically transfer small amounts back to any accounts.) I mark the purchase as food on my little book and deduct the total from my account like normal. But now I have $5 in my Venmo. It’s virtual money, just hanging out in space. A few weeks from now, the same scenario occurs, but in reverse. I don’t have cash to pay a friend back. So I go to Venmo them, (yes, I just made that a verb) knowing I have that money in my checking account. Except, SURPRISE! I have money hanging out in the Venmo app. So I don’t have to deduct anything from my checking account. It feels, to me, like I got a free coffee with pretend money from space. Does anyone else feel like this? I’m sure my finance readers will all email me with reasons why this is just a terrible way to manage my money and a terrible thing to admit out loud that I do. When I tried to explain Venmo to my parents, who are in their 70s, they were completely lost. How could this even be possible? Virtual money that stays in an app, not in my bank account? I assured them that this was indeed legal currency that I could use to pay for tangible goods. I feel like this when it comes to cryptocurrency. Despite reading and editing the article that is running in this month’s issue, I’m still lost when it

CONTACT Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com Editorial: editor@bayoubusinessmonthly.com comes to this. (Quite frankly, stocks still confuse the crap out of me too. This whole “to the moon” phrase just baffles me.) I hope our article helps provide a little more clarity to you. In this issue, we also introduce you to a new business in our area and a renewed way to provide a trained workforce for our area. Phoenix Waste Solutions has developed a machine, the ‘Phoenix’, that can thermally reduce 4-8 tons of mixed solid waste into two percent ash per day, without using any fuel or producing pollution, and with less than half the cost of landfill tipping fees. The applications for this technology are endless. Staffing our workforce with trained individuals is always an issue and a concern for business owners. YouthBuild is a national program that focuses on strengthening connections to career pathways through apprenticeship. Locally, Start Corporation in Houma is changing lives by providing the YouthBuild Program to our area’s youth. I hope this issue finds you safe and well. Take care of MARY DITCH yourself and those around you.

•

Sales: sales@rushing-media.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS Bayou Business Monthly is published monthly. Subscriptions are available for $24 for 12 issues. For more information, email mail@rushing-media.com or visit rushing-media.com/subscriptions.

RUSHING MEDIA P.O. Box 5013 Houma, LA 70361 985.868.7515 bayoubusinessmonthly.com

Bayou Business Monthly is a free publication. The entire content of this publication is copyrighted by Rushing Media, with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphics content in any manner is prohibited. Bayou Business Monthly is published monthly by Rushing Media.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

GOVERNMENT UPDATE | BY DREW MILLER

n Aug. 9, the North Terrebonne Recreation District Board voted to propose a property tax in a November 13 special election, which could restructure parish recreation after the polls close. Residents of the existing Recreation Districts 1, 2/3, 8 and 9, which fall within the “super district” of North Terrebonne, will decide on the new tax. The territory encompasses Bayou Cane, Bayou Blue, Gray, Schriever, Gibson, Lisa Park and the Highway 311 corridor, among other areas. The current recreation system is divided into 11

districts — each run by its own board. Every ward has an individual millage rate. If each of the four aforementioned districts passes the proposed tax, those constituents would have a millage rate of 6.5 mills for recreation, and the new North Terrebonne Recreation District would be officially formed. (One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property value.) Currently, residents pay 7 mills in Rec 1, 9 mills in Rec 8, and approximately 15 mills in Rec 9. Only taxpayers in Rec 2-3 would see their recreation property tax increase as they now pay 5 mills. The parish will not impose North Terrebonne

HIGHLY AT TENTIVE. HIGHLY REWARDING.

BE UNCOMPLICATED

•

We believe commercial banking should be personal. So whether it’s a f lexible business loan or high-tech treasury management services, b1BANK has the expert guidance you need. BE UNCOMPLICATED

BE UNCOMPLICATED

PAIN GONE,

GAME ON Headache &

GRAY • NEW IBERIA LOW BACK PAIN • NECK PAIN • JOINT PAIN • SHINGLES • HERNIATED DISCS • ARM & LEG PAIN • ON SITE OPEN MRI • SPECIALIZING IN PAIN RELIEF WITHOUT OPEN SURGERY

answertopain.com

985.580.1200

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

constituents’ current recreation district property taxes if the proposition is accepted. “If this tax passes for the North Terrebonne Board…it will not be a duplicate tax. Nobody will be charged duplicate taxes with the current districts in the consolidated district,” said Councilman Gerald Michel, chairman of the recently formed board, during a July meeting. If the property tax fails in at least one of the districts, the council will abolish the new super district. In June, the Terrebonne Parish Council created the new district and formed the interim North Terrebonne Recreation District Board, consisting of council members acting as a recreation board to place the property tax on the November ballot. The proposition reads: “Shall the North Terrebonne Parish Recreation District (the “District”), State of Louisiana, be authorized to levy a special tax of six and one half (6.5) mills (the “Tax”) on all property subject to taxation within the boundaries of the District if said Tax is approved by a majority of the voters in each of the existing recreation districts, Parish of Terrebonne Recreation District 1, 2-3, 8 and 9 (the “Existing Districts”), for the purpose of constructing, improving, maintaining and operating recreational facilities, and the consideration of incorporating the Existing Districts into the newly created North Terrebonne Parish Recreation District ($3,770,840) expected to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2022 and ending with the year 2031, and only to be imposed if none of the Existing Districts impose ad valorem taxes within the District?” The November 13 special election call is subject to the approval of the Louisiana State Bond Commission.

BE UNCOMPLICATED

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2021 2021 | | BAYOU BAYOU BUSINESS BUSINESS MONTHLY MONTHLY

OIL & GAS |

BY DREW MILLER

n early August, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of some of the nation’s largest oil companies in major coastal land loss cases. The court said that because the cases involve operations that were federally overseen at the time, they should be re-examined in federal district court. The ruling reverses a decision by the Fifth Circuit in 2020, which allowed the cases to be heard in state court. The recent decision is seen as a plus for the defendants as the plaintiffs sought for them to be heard in state court. Louisiana and six coastal parishes have filed 42 lawsuits against 200 fossil fuel companies since 2013 over coastal erosion and wetland loss. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA) President Mike Moncla released the following statement following the ruling: “The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association applauds the decision handed down by the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this afternoon. “Since the beginning of the coastal litigation process, the oil and gas industry in Louisiana has been on the decline. These frivolous lawsuits have hurt jobs, bankrupted marine service companies and operators, and have decimated the state’s tax revenue it receives from energy production. “Our industry is committed to protecting the 250,000+ workers in the state that rely on oil and gas as well as preserving much-needed funds for Louisiana’s coastal restoration efforts. “Today’s ruling makes it very clear how the Fifth Circuit views the arguments made by the plaintiff’s legal representation.” The goal of LOGA is to provide the oil and gas industry “with a working environment that will enhance it by creating

REMOVABLE/REUSABLE THERMAL INSULATION SYSTEMS Custom Fabricated Insulation blankets for the Marine, Industrial, Offshore, and Oilﬁeld Service Industries. Applications include but are not limited to: Heat Exchangers, Valves, Manways, Flanges, Pumps, Nitrogen Units, Engine Manifolds, Engine Exhaust, Exhaust Joints, Exhaust Silencers & Turbines.

24 HOUR SERVICE www.BluewaterRubber.com

LOUISIANA LOCATIONS

HOUMA • BELLE CHASSE • GALLIANO • BATON ROUGE

HOUMA 985-851-2400 • GALLIANO 985-632-4200

•

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

incentives, warding off tax increases, changing existing, burdensome regulations and educating the public and government of the importance of the oil and gas industry.” Louisiana is one of the top five states in both natural gas production and proved reserves, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), and the state accounted for nine percent of U.S. total marketed gas production in 2020 and has about eight percent of the nation’s gas reserves. Louisiana’s 17 oil refineries account for nearly one-fifth of the nation’s refining capacity and can process about 3.4 million barrels of crude oil per day, according to EIA. According to Southeastern Louisiana University, the natural gas and oil industry has a value exceeding $16 billion a year.

FROM THE TOP |

QUICK QUESTIONS FOR THE PEOPLE IN CHARGE

PRESIDENT OF COLDWELL BANKER LARUSSA REAL ESTATE

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR WORK:

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF:

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?

AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING AS A CAREER?

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Helping our clients obtain the right property that suits their needs.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST? Staying on top of the fast changing world of real estate and our economy in south Louisiana.

IS THERE ANYTHING NEW ON THE HORIZON? Hopefully the oil prices stay consistent for an extended period of time to bring some stability to our region.

Working for my family’s company.

WHAT WAS YOUR VERY FIRST JOB? My first job was in summer while I was in high school working as a janitor at Fantasies and East Houma Bingo Hall.

WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP AND HOW DO YOU START YOUR DAY? 6 a.m. when school is in. I drink some coffee and get the kids ready for school.

WHAT’S ONE LEADERSHIP SKILL YOU FEEL EVERYONE MUST LEARN?

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT?

Leadership is not the actions of one rather the cumulative actions of everyone in an organization. The best leaders surround themselves with motivated individuals who perform well and push you to constantly reflect and grow continually.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME?

My children!

Watching sports and spending time with my children.

FAVORITES/THIS OR THAT: Favorite food: Fried shrimp Favorite vacation spot: Disney and Grand Isle (Very similar, LOL) How do you like your coffee? Black with sugar Chocolate or vanilla ice cream? Vanilla Pen or pencil? Pen Early bird or night owl? Night owl

•

Boat Orders

Galliano Food Store is proud to work with our local marine industry to provide the freshest ingredients and necessary supplies for your crew. Just try us once and you’ll understand why exceptional customer service sets Galliano Food Store apart from the rest!

we offer dockside delivery from Grand Isle to Lockport! drop off, fax, or email your grocery order to us today! ORDER FORM AVAILABLE AT GALLIANOFOODSTORE.COM

FRESH TO Geaux

SAVE TIME. SHOP ONLINE. PICKUP CURBSIDE.

18210 W Main St. Galliano, LA 70354 Phone: 985-632-7195 Email: boatorders@gallianofoodstore.com

Oil & Gas

DECEMBER

Risk Management Technology Human Resources

NOVEMBER Health Care

JANUARY Influencers

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT SALES@RUSHING-MEDIA.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

OCTOBER

New Inquiries: Contact Jaedon Burregi Director of Sales and Marketing jaedon@gallianofoodstore.com

YOUTHBUILD BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES TOGETHER

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

B Y HE I DI GUI DRY

ccording to the U.S. Census Bureau estimates, there were 41,852,838 youth ages 10-19 in the United States, or 13 percent of the total U.S. population, in 2019. Estimates of homelessness among adolescents under the age of 25 are roughly six percent of the homeless population. Even more shocking, according to the American SPCC, 4.4 million reports are made of child maltreatment, 142,056 children received foster care services, 491,710 victims (74.9 percent) are neglected, and 115,100 victims (17.5 percent) are physically abused. Life for these youths can be on a day-by-day survival basis. Imagine trying to become a productive member of society under the pressures of those circumstances. YouthBuild is a program aimed towards ages 16 to 24 that are current or former high school dropouts that face the greatest life challenges to be able to find jobs that can sustain a living. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the overall status dropout

rate decreased from 9.7 percent in 2006 to 5.3 percent in 2018. The Department of Labor’s (DOL) YouthBuild program prepares workers for jobs and provides skills and knowledge needed for success in a knowledge-based economy. It contains five program components; Education, Core Construction/Construction Plus, Leadership Development, and Transition Services. The grant program, with approximately $89 million in annual funding, has provided about 210 programs in more than 40 states that serve over 6,000 youth nationally per year. The program focuses on giving applicants education (high school diploma or state-recognized equivalent), occupational skills training (industry-recognized credentials in construction or other in-demand industries), leadership development, innovative alternative education programs, and individualized and project-based instruction. According to the DOL, 70 percent of YouthBuild exiters earned a degree or certificate, 62 percent of YouthBuild

exiters increased their literacy or numeracy skills, and 54 percent of YouthBuild exiters entered education or employment. YouthBuild focuses on strengthening connections to career pathways through apprenticeship, which the DOL says is a key workforce preparation strategy to provide youth with successful outcomes for education, training, and ultimately, unsubsidized employment. Although there are programs all over the world, each program is unique depending on the areas’ needs. Locally, Start Corporation in Houma is changing lives by providing the YouthBuild Program to our area’s youth. Program Director Kimberly Rister has a social work background and has experience with working with youth from all backgrounds. She reminisced stories where children would come into the program with broken self-confidence because adults ranging from teachers to guardians, even parents would tell the children would “amount to nothing.” This is where START comes in.

•

bbgulfstates.com

EMPLOYEE TS AADV I SORS E MP LOYEEBENEFI B EN EF I TS DV I SOR S

CO M M RCI P EER RSO NAL CO MMER CIEA L AL I N SI NSURANCE U R A N CE || P SO N AILNSURANCE I N S U R A N CE

ChristianD. D.Lapeyre, Lapeyre, RHU Christian RHU Rene Thibodaux Rene Thibodaux Philip J. Hebert Philip J. Hebert 985-360-486

985-360-486

1051 W. Tunnel Blvd. Houma, Louisiana 70360

LET'S REIMAGINE THE FUTURE TOGETHER.

WEB DESIGN • SEO/SEM SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT • LOGOS/BRANDING

985.868.7515 | REIMAGINEMARKETING.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

They provide opportunities along with support to teach the youth that it is in fact possible to not only become successful in a career but be productive and positive adults. They provide a holistic approach working towards helping youth gain independence. Not only does the program focus on education, leadership, and career training, but also focuses on the physical and mental health of the students. Rister said these services help provide both the mind and body with a successful future. The most appealing aspect, besides a chance at a brighter future, is the students get paid while learning! YouthBuild is consistently taking applications and there are eligibility requirements that must be met. Applicants must be ages 16-24 years of age at the time of enrollment and have dropped out of high school, and also at least one of the following: • Must meet criteria for a disadvantaged youth • A low-income youth • A youth who has a high school diploma/HiSet or is not a member of one of the targeted populations above, but is basic skills deficient in reading or math, can be enrolled. To apply, applicants can fill out an application which can be found on Facebook @startcorpyouthbuild or at any of the Start locations. Interested applicants can also call (985) 226-1032 to talk about the opportunity with Start Corp. YouthBuild staff. After the application process is complete, it is an extensive process going forward. Multiple interviews must be completed to see if the applicant is a good fit for the program. Rister said, “If you’re ready for change, really ready for change and to make a difference in your life, we’re the program for you.” She said that many of the youth come in with an individualized goal, but it’s a balance of working in a group that she pushes for. Vice President of Marketing, Nicole Ditch, said that there’s a relatability that brings a certain level of comfort to the youth, “it then strengthens them as a group because there are certain things even somebody like Kim, who’s a seasoned individual that has worked with this population for so many years, still connects with them on a different level than their peers are connected to them. I think that that’s another thing that they have never really been around people that have been through some of the same challenges that they have been through, but have the same goals of making that change.”

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

hen you throw something away, where does it go? According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2018, 292.4 million tons of trash were generated and 146.1 million tons of that total ended up in landfills. Only about 94 million tons were recycled. Phoenix Waste Solutions is a womanowned business based in Chauvin, Louisiana that is changing the way the world is reducing solid waste. Developed in November 2019, owners Tammy Webb and Yuen-Li Chan have developed a machine, the ‘Phoenix’, that can thermally reduce 4-8 tons of mixed solid waste into two percent ash per day, without using any fuel or producing pollution, and with less than half the cost of landfill tipping fees. The pair formed Phoenix Waste Solutions to bring this breakthrough technology

BY HEIDI GUIDRY to fruition to sustainably and definitively solve the world’s trash problem. Passionate outdoors women who love to kitesurf, whitewater kayak, mountain bike, rock climb, and fish, they were moved by witnessing the effects of climate change in environments they love so much. They decided to throw their considerable energies and life savings into developing The Phoenix, both as a technology, and a means of climate resilience. They are also planning to test creating electricity from the heat and steam generated from the Phoenix Waste Treatment process in Phase II of the project. Webb described a memorable moment when they first tested the Phoenix, “I think the moment really clicked is when we first tested it and turned the ionizer off, and turned it back on, and watched what it did. That was the moment. It was amazing because it was an idea that turned into fruition. It was just an idea up until that moment.”

A typical commercial incinerator can use up to 1,000 gallons of diesel a day, while the Phoenix is electricity-based. The machine uses 7-9 kilowatts per day for 24-hour usage for water filtration pumps and blowers which is similar to an air conditioner. The machine also uses 10 to 15 gallons of water per hour at peak operating temperatures, in which the water is recycled and reused in the process. Exactly how does it work with no fuel? Let’s get into the science behind the invention: Negative ions provide energy and pollution control. The furnace chamber is preheated to between 200 to 300 degrees F. A blower drives atmospheric air into the IONIC GENERATOR creating ionized gas with free-flowing ions and negatively charged electrons. The oxygen is paramagnetic. Oxygen atoms have two unpaired electrons which are freed in the ionizing process. The unpaired electrons get concentrated as they enter the

READY

WHEN YOU ARE Training is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at your facility or ours.

150+ SAFETY COURSES NOW OFFERING COVID-19 ANTIBODY TEST DISA/DOT • DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING AVAILABLE

LOCATIONS

1202 St. Charles St. Houma, LA 299 Mecca Dr. Lafayette, LA

CONTACT

sales@advancesafetytraining.com 985.262.1590

ADVANCE FIRE AND SAFETY TECHNICIANS LLC Fires are one of the most dangerous occurrences in the workplace, causing millions of dollars in property damage and deaths. We offer specialized courses tailored to equipping your employees to better handle fires. Fire Extinguisher Serivces/Inspections • Restaurant/Hood Inspections CO2 Inspections • Emergency Light & Exit Sign Inspections

advancesafetytraining.com

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

furnace chamber. The heat in the chamber further energizes the free ions and the exothermic reaction of this ionization is accelerated. These highly reactive negative ions inhibit the formation of dioxins, furans, NOx, and SOx through an ionic exchange, and pollutants normally associated with incineration are minimized. The heat energy that is released thermally degrades the waste material fiber and the temperature inside the furnace rises to up to 500-1000 degrees F. This is when the waste matter is thermally decomposed into ash with two to four percent reduction. So now, where do these gases go? After passing through a heat exchanger, the exiting gas then passes through five stages of water spray and baffle system that acts as a suppressant to remove toxins and further quench temperatures to protect the materials. A variety of alkaline solutions are available to sequester carbon dioxide, hydrochloric acid, and sulfur dioxide. Particulate matter and pollutants fall into the bath where the built-in cartridge filters capture particles as the water is continually recirculated. This is a closed-loop system with no water discharge. The gas stream exits the water scrubber and passes into carbon beds to remove heavy metals, acid gas, dioxins, and furans as well as color. Activated carbon works via adsorption whereby pollutant molecules are trapped inside the pore structure of the carbon substrate. One gram of the carbon pellets has an internal area of 2 tennis courts! As a bonus, the air quality exceeds US EPA standards for air emissions. ‘The Phoenix’ is deliberately designed small so that communities can responsibly dispose of their waste at the source, saving

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

both the cost and carbon footprint of transporting waste to centralized landfills. The Phoenix doesn’t incarnate glass or metal, but it is recycled at the end of the process. They also are working towards finding ways for beneficial reuse of the ash residue as a construction material for bricks or as a soil amendment. You can watch a video on the company’s website (phoenixwaste-solutions.com) about this new green technology. Waste has a massive impact on climate change. Webb said not only does waste take up space in the environment, but the greenhouse gasses that are emitted are devastating. Even in the United States, landfills are the third-largest methane emitters. Climate change may be a controversial topic to some, but according to many scientists, it is a real and serious problem. According to NASA, the evidence is clear of climate change including global temperature rises, warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets, glacial retreats, decreased snow coverage, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, declining sea ice, ocean acidification, and more. As a coastal community, Chan said we should be aware of this and make some changes. Webb and Chan said they strongly believe that The Phoenix has the potential to be a

disruptive technology that revolutionizes how waste is managed around the world. Who can use this innovative technology? Subdivisions, condominiums, housing facilities, hospitals, medical facilities, airports, marine terminals, universities, schools, factories, office buildings, recycling centers, stadiums, concert halls, hotels, resorts, restaurants, retailers, malls, grocery stores, and remote islands or off-grid properties that lack infrastructure for proper waste management. National Science Foundation Grant The company was recently awarded a National Science Foundation Grant worth $256,000. With the grant monies, they are refurbishing the Phoenix to be more efficient in emission numbers. Although the machine does emit 98 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than a landfill, the owners said they want to do better. Webb said, “We have a unit that meets EPA standards and this is our ability to make it more refined and surpass EPA standards by a greater degree. So this is a chance to further the development of what we have been working on the past two years.” Tasks for the grant include testing functionality and emissions quality with a variety of waste

feedstock and operational parameters and conducting a life cycle analysis. Also, the project will explore the co-generation of electricity and beneficial reuse of the ash by-product. The National Science Foundation funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering. It does so through grants and agreements with more than 2,000 colleges, universities, K-12 school systems, businesses, informal science organizations, and other research organizations throughout the country. The Foundation accounts for about one-fourth of federal support to academic institutions for basic research. The owners hope to be approved for the Phase II National Science Foundation Grant so they can further their research and be able to continue moving forward with their game-changing equipment which they will be eligible to apply for after the 6 months-a year phase I contract. Everyone can agree that littering is bad for the environment, but the pair are looking at it from a larger perspective. Webb concluded, “How can waste being in our oceans and everywhere else be a good thing? So, for us, it’s really about coming up with an economic and environmentally feasible solution.”

•

NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY |

“S

BY RAY PETERS

BE KIND AND HAVE COURAGE! end of the program, the commentator read these words that Anne wrote on the inside cover of her journal, “Be kind and have courage!” Hearing those words, I immediately began putting them into a leadership context, believing that both kindness and courage are essential traits of a successful leader. Of course, I instantaneously started relating those traits to emotional intelligence. A deeper dive into those two words suggests that they could have a relationship. When you take the word courage to its Latin root, the first syllable means heart (cor). In French, the word heart is spelled Le Coeur. Doesn’t it seem to make sense that kindness requires a caring heart? In a recent Harvard Business School article, authors Groysberg and Seligson suggest that good leadership is an act of kindness. This was explicitly pronounced during and coming out of the pandemic. Much like emotional intelligence, kindness is teachable. The simple questions, “Are you okay?” “How can I help?” can go a long way to opening the door to a strong leadership relationship. You may recall from a previous column that I defined leadership as the ability to make and sustain relationships and then influence through those relationships. The essential element of that is making yourself not only available but accessible and approachable to your people - Putting their needs above yours. It takes courage to act. A courageous leader demonstrates the willingness to take that crucial first step. Aristotle calls courage the greatest virtue of leadership. Reaching back (way back) to one of my most used references,

The Rhetoric of Aristotle, edited by Lane Cooper, Aristotle says the greatest virtues must be those that are most useful to other people. “Hence it is that none (virtues) are so highly esteemed as the just and brave; for courage is useful to one’s fellows in war, and justice in peace as well as in war.” He goes on, “Courage is the virtue which moves men to perform noble deeds in times of peril, as the law enjoins and to uphold the law; cowardice is the opposite.” I know that’s a little deep, but it says so much. Notice how “justice” is incorporated into the definition. Translate that message in simple terms, determine the right thing to do (justice), and then do it (courage). Like leadership, I believe that justice is a process rather than an outcome. Due process is a critical element of “equity” and “fairness.” (I struggle using the word “fairness” because it has different meanings to different people.) Lastly, Aristotle regards virtues like kindness and courage as faculties of beneficence – beneficence, meaning for the benefit of others. Can you imagine what a thirteen-yearold, hiding in an attic, was thinking when she wrote the words kindness and courage? Maybe that is how she was attempting to lead herself during her time of peril. How are you leading yourself?

Ray Peters is MBA Director and Instructor of Leadership at Nicholls State University. You can reach him at ray. peters@nicholls.edu.

•

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

oit gentil et tiens courage!” These are the words written inside the cover of Anne Frank’s diary. Written in her native Dutch, the words translate to, “Be kind and have courage!” Having the opportunity to live and work internationally has many advantages, mainly it broadens your worldview. In the early 1990s, my family relocated to the Netherlands, where I accepted a position as Corporate Management Development Officer for a global chemical and materials organization. It was a great opportunity, particularly because I was the first American to get such a position. With this assignment in the southernmost province in the Netherlands, we took advantage of the location. We traveled extensively through the region called “Drielanderpunt,” meaning “Three-Land Point” because of its proximity to the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. Amsterdam was just over an hour by train from Maastricht, near where we lived. In Amsterdam was the Anne Frank House. I think most people know the Anne Frank story. She was the young Jewish girl who, along with her family, hid in an attic from the Nazi occupiers. Anne eventually died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany, a victim of the Holocaust. Her diary was published in 1947. On one occasion, when visiting Amsterdam, my wife and children visited the Anne Frank House. The visit made a strong impression on my young daughter. Moved by the visit, she submitted a social studies project on the subject later in high school. Over the Independence Day holiday, I watched a documentary on the Frank family, focusing on Anne and her diary. Towards the

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

rom news desks and corporate offices to sketch comedy shows and internet memes, cryptocurrency has been a hot topic in 2021. Yet, many may feel they still don’t know enough about the virtual currency to invest their hard-earned money. So, here’s what you should know before venturing into the crypto world.

16 16

What is Cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrency is decentralized digital money based on blockchain technology, meaning that unlike the U.S. Dollar or the Euro, there is no central authority that manages and maintains the value of a cryptocurrency, according to Forbes. According to CoinMarketCap. com, More than 10,000 different cryptocurrencies are traded publicly. Some of the most popular ones include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and the social-media-driven Dogecoin (DOGE) — although it’s currently far from the value of the aforementioned coins. The total value of all cryptocurrencies on Aug. 18 was more than $1.9 trillion — down from April’s high of $2.2 trillion, according to CoinMarketCap. How does it Work? According to Forbes, Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency and first outlined in principle by Satoshi Nakamoto in a 2008 paper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System.” Nakamoto, according to Forbes, described the project as “an electronic payment system based on cryptographic proof instead of trust,” and that proof comes in the form of transactions that are verified and recorded in the form of a program called a blockchain. Now, what is blockchain? It is a type of database but differs from a typical database in the way it is structured. According to Investopedia, “A blockchain collects information together in groups, also known as blocks, that hold sets of information. Blocks have certain storage capacities and, when filled, are chained onto the previously filled block,

forming a chain of data known as the ‘blockchain.’ All new information that follows that freshly added block is compiled into a newly formed block that will then also be added to the chain once filled...This system also inherently makes an irreversible timeline of data when implemented in a decentralized nature.” Forbes describes a blockchain as an “open, distributed ledger that records transactions in code” and says it’s like “a checkbook that’s distributed across countless computers around the world.” Can you use Cryptocurrency to Purchase Things? Actually — you can, especially with Bitcoin. According to a May 2021 Yahoo article, such major companies as Microsoft, Whole Foods, Etsy, Home Depot, PayPal and Overstock now accept Bitcoin as payment. And there are other ways to use Bitcoin purchase from companies that have not yet accepted the digital currency. “Until crypto is more widely accepted, you can work around current limitations by exchanging cryptocurrency for gift cards. At eGifter, for instance, you can use Bitcoin to buy gift cards for Dunkin Donuts, Target, Apple and select other retailers and restaurants,” reads Forbes. Investing in Cryptocurrency Many cryptocurrency platforms are available to investors now, from crypto exchanges to online brokers and payment apps (CashApp, Venmo, PayPal). “It was once fairly difficult, but now it’s relatively easy, even for crypto novices,” David Zeiler, a cryptocurrency expert and associate editor for financial news site Money Morning, told Forbes. “An exchange like Coinbase caters to non-technical folks. It’s very easy to set up an account there and link it to a bank account.” SoFi, Webull, Robinhood, TradeStation, Gemini, eToro, Coinbase and Binance.US made the “8 Best Crypto Exchanges and Platforms of August

Coastal Mechanical Contractors Est. 1965

Professional Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Contracting

Cleaning air with the speed of light! 2021” list by NerdWalllet.com. Evaluations were based upon the weighted averages of factors that include but are not limited to: trading and transaction fees, crypto withdrawal fees, cryptocurrency selection, crypto-to-crypto trade offerings and whether consumers can use their own cryptocurrency wallets, and Nerd Wallet also scored providers based on website transparency regarding fees and offerings, their mobile platforms and customer support. You can also purchase a percentage of a coin, such as Bitcoin — which was trading at $45,098.10 a coin at press time.

•

876-6187

Highly effective ways to purify your indoor air and HVAC

HEPA FILTERS • ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT • ION GENERATORS

www.cmchouma.com • 876-6187 318 Venture Blvd., Houma

IT’S TIME TO GET ONLINE NO PAYWALL. NO SUBSCRIPTION.

HOUMATIMES.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

Making Money off of Cryptocurrency Like investing in traditional currencies, stocks or precious metals, investors can profit once the value of their coins or tokens goes up. As far as if you should invest in crypto, well, experts differ on the matter because of the intense price swings and other reasons. “Cryptocurrencies may go up in value, but many investors see them as mere speculations, not real investments. The reason? Just like real currencies, cryptocurrencies generate no cash flow, so for you to profit, someone has to pay more for the currency than you did,” reads Nerd Wallet. “That’s what’s called ‘the greater fool’ theory of investment. Contrast that to a well-managed business, which increases its value over time by growing the profitability and cash flow of the operation.” But others feel it’s okay to invest in cryptocurrency but note it should be part of a more extensive portfolio. “It does have a place, especially for those that are younger,” Tyrone Ross, CEO of Onramp Invest, a provider of “cryptoasset” management technology for financial advisors, told CNBC. According to Ross, investing in cryptocurrencies should be second to having a solid financial plan that includes emergency savings and solid retirement planning. “Have a financial plan first and figure out where crypto fits into that,” he said. “If you don’t have a plan, what are you doing?”

MPL#442

MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

HEADLINES & ACCOLADES

NOAA, SEA GRANT SELECT NICHOLLS ALUM FOR PRESTIGIOUS D.C. FELLOWSHIP

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

HASSELL WEALTH MANAGEMENT WELCOMES NEW WEALTH ADVISOR

Hassell Wealth Management is pleased to announce that it has added Gary J. Birdsall, Jr., to its team of Wealth Advisors. Birdsall brings the total number of Wealth Advisors to five at the fee-only, fiduciary Registered Investment Advisor in Houma. “We are thrilled to welcome Gary to Hassell Wealth Management,” said Tom Hassell, CLU®, ChFC®, the firm’s founder. “Gary has a diverse career background that includes both financial services and law. He also helped found a primary-care health clinic, which he ran for more than five years. All this brings a rich career background that will serve our clients, including business owners, professionals, and pre-retirees and retirees.” Birdsall has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Nicholls State University, a Juris Doctor from the Loyola New Orleans College of Law, and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (tm) (CFP®) certification from the CFP Board of Standards. The CFP® mark is a highly respected credential in financial services for its emphasis on comprehensive education, experience, and ethics. CFP® practitioners must serve as fiduciaries to their clients. Birdsall said that as a lawyer, his work mostly involved assisting people with

existing problems. He decided to become a financial planner so he could play a more proactive role in helping people. “As a Wealth Advisor, I can help people prepare before life happens,” he said. “I help people prepare for both the expected and unexpected while building a financial plan that helps them pursue their financial and life goals.” Birdsall’s areas of expertise include personal financial planning, business startup and succession planning, wills and estates, and risk mitigation. After he left health care management, Birdsall worked as a financial advisor with New York Life, NYLife Securities, and Eagle Strategies. As a Wealth Advisor with Hassell Wealth Management, he provides comprehensive financial planning and investment management designed to provide clarity about where clients want to go, strategy to get them there, and accountability to keep them on track. In addition to his responsibilities as a Wealth Advisor, Birdsall is a volunteer firefighter with Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department and a board member for the Bayou Country Children’s Museum. He and his family live in Thibodaux.

•

Nicholls State Alum Spring Gaines (BS ‘08) is one of 74 finalists for the 2022 Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program. Gaines will be a part of the legislative cohort working with a congressional representative or committee. “Being a Knauss Fellow is an incredible opportunity to be directly involved in marine policy issues on the federal level,” Gaines said. “I am honored and excited to be able to work with game-changers on Capitol Hill.” She will go through a virtual orientation in January before moving to Washington D.C. in February. The one-year fellowship matches graduate students with hosts in the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. Since 1979, almost 1,500 fellows have completed the program. Knauss fellows have a long history of becoming influential leaders in science, policy-making and public administration. Gaines is the second Nicholls alum to earn a Knauss Fellowship. The finalists are overseen through a competitive review process. They must first apply to one of the 34 Sea Grant programs and are then reviewed by a national panel of experts. “I’m from St. Bernard. This coast is my home, and I want to do what I can to protect it for generations after me,” Gaines said. “Nicholls not only gave me the background, knowledge and tools but also the confidence to be able to educate others about this incredible biosphere we experience every day and to advocate for the positive change we need.” “While at Nicholls, I had fantastic opportunities with my marine biology professors and the Honors College. I was able to go out into the marsh, plant and measure Spartina grasses, participate in frogcalling and fish surveys and even present at state conferences on the anatomy and physiology of bowhead whale hearing mechanisms,” Gaines said. “Nicholls led me on a path to want to advocate for our wetlands and estuaries. With this fellowship, I saw a unique opportunity to use my marine science background and legal knowledge in environmental law to get in on the ground floor with leading coastal issues facing our nation.”

•

TERREBONNE GENERAL WOUND & HYPERBARIC CLINIC NAMES SHARON TERREBONNE, RN, PROGRAM DIRECTOR Terrebonne General Health System Wound and Hyperbaric Clinic is pleased to announce that Sharon Terrebonne, RN, will now be the Clinic Program Director. Terrebonne is a native of the area and comes to us with over 19 years of nursing and administrative experience. Our comprehensive wound healing clinic treats all wounds, especially non-healing wounds. As director of the clinic, Terrebonne will work with physicians and clinicians,

utilizing the latest techniques and procedures, in assuring our patients are provided the best chance for healing. “Sharon’s proven experience in patient-focused care and her extensive knowledge will complement our organization and team in the Wound and Hyperbaric Clinic. We are excited to welcome her to our team,” said Phyllis Peoples, President, and CEO.

•

PEOPLES, ALLEN TO SERVE ON LOUISIANA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES

•

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

The Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA) announced its 2021-2022 Board of Trustee officers and newly-elected board members during its virtual annual membership meeting on July 29. Jason E. Cobb, FACHE, chief executive officer (CEO) of Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, will serve as the LHA Board of Trustees Chair. He received the gavel from Phyllis L. Peoples, president and CEO of Terrebonne General Health System in Houma, who will now serve as Immediate Past Chair. Greg C. Feirn, CPA, CEO of LCMC Health in New Orleans, will serve as the Association’s ChairElect, and Mary Ellen Pratt, FACHE, CEO of St. James Parish Hospital in Lutcher, was elected Treasurer. In addition to the officers, the LHA Board of Trustees is composed of At-Large and District Trustees. Stuart Archer, FACHE, CEO of Oceans Healthcare, was elected for a two-year term as an At-Large Trustee. Kirk Soileau, FACHE, CEO of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, and Michele Kidd Sutton, FACHE, president and CEO of North Oaks Health System in Hammond, were re-elected for a second term as At-Large Trustees. The following individuals were elected to serve a two-year term as District Trustees: • Acadiana District: Kenneth “Ken” J. Cochran, RN, FACHE,

president and CEO of Opelousas General Health System; • Bayou District: Timothy “Tim” J. Allen, FACHE, CEO of Ochsner Bayou Region, which includes Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center in Houma, Ochsner St. Anne Hospital in Raceland, and Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City; • Northshore District: Rene J. Ragas, FACHE, president and CEO of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System’s Northshore Region and CEO of Our Lady of the Angels Hospital in Bogalusa; • New Orleans District: Peter “Pete” November, CPA, JD, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Ochsner Health in New Orleans; • Southeast District: Edgardo J. Tenreiro, FACHE, president and CEO of Baton Rouge General; and • Southwest District: Dana D. Williams, CEO of Jennings American Legion Hospital. The following individual was re-elected to serve a second term as a District Trustee: • Northeast District: Jeremy M. Tinnerello, RN, CEN, president of Glenwood Regional Medical Center, a Steward Family Hospital. During the meeting, the LHA Research and Education Foundation (LHAREF) elected Mary Ellen Pratt, FACHE, as Chair of the LHAREF and re-elected Charles “Chuck” D. Daigle, CEO of Ochsner LSU Health System-North Louisiana, as its Secretary/Treasurer. “The LHA applauds the dedication and commitment of our new and returning board members as we work together, as an industry, to improve healthcare in communities throughout our state, especially during these trying times,” said LHA President and CEO Paul A. Salles.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

HEADLINES & ACCOLADES

THIBODAUX REGIONAL WELCOMES DR. LASSEIGNE Thibodaux Regional Health System is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Lindsay Lasseigne, Neurosurgeon, to the active medical staff. Dr. Lasseigne is available to care for patients at Thibodaux Regional Brain and Spine Clinic. A native of Lockport, Dr. Lasseigne earned her undergraduate degree from Nicholls State University, and received her medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. She also completed her Residency and Internship in Neurosurgery at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. Additionally, Dr. Lasseigne completed a Fellowship in Neurocritical Care at Case Western Reserve University - University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Lasseigne specializes in surgical treatment and management of disorders of the nervous system including degenerative disc disease, chronic neck and back pain, radiculopathy and myelopathy, traumatic injuries and spine fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and brain and spinal tumors. She has special training in minimally invasive spine surgery and management of critically ill neurological patients. Dr. Lasseigne has a great sense of pride with regard to her bayou roots, making the choice to return to Thibodaux an easy one. It is her lifelong ambition to dedicate her education and training in service of the needs of her local community, so people of the bayou region can receive the finest and most compassionate care close to home.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

•

Each Power in Purple Ambassador has accepted a fundraising challenge and will compete to be the top fundraiser among their peers by the end of the campaign. Every dollar raised allows the American Cancer Society to continue leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the American Cancer Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY ANNOUNCES FIFTH ANNUAL POWER IN PURPLE CAMPAIGN IN LAFOURCHE In its fifth year in Lafourche Parish, five men and three women will unite to fight cancer with the American Cancer Society through participation in the Power in Purple campaign until November 1, 2021. Power in Purple Ambassadors will encourage community members to take action in the fight against cancer. “So many of our friends and family members have been affected by Cancer,” said Annette Fontana, Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court. “Being a part of the American Cancer Society’s Power in Purple Campaign allows me to honor those affected and to raise money that could help save lives from cancer.”

The 2021 Power in Purple Candidates are: Annette Fontana – Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court Constance Johnson – Thibodaux City Councilwoman Calvin Cooks Sr. – Thibodaux City Marshall Dr. Bobbie Morris – Crescent Dental Jonathan Terrell – Athletic Director at Nicholls State University Cody Blanchard – Founder of White Car Major Cortrell Davis – Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Greg Stock – CEO of Thibodaux Regional Health Systems If you want to donate to any of the Power in Purple Ambassadors the website is: main.acsevents.org/ pipplafourcheparish For more information about the Power in Purple campaign in Thibodaux, call 1-800-227-2345 or email becca.schick@cancer.org

•

NONPROFIT AIMS TO TRAIN WOMEN TO RUN FOR OFFICE IN LOUISIANA Louisiana Women Lead (Lead), a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose mission is to train business-minded women to run for office in Louisiana, is inviting center or right-of-center women interested in running for office to apply for its fall training. Lead’s fall training will take place on Saturday, October 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Monroe. Deadline for applications is Friday, September 10, and accepted trainees will be announced on Monday, September 20. Daycare will be provided for those who may need it. The Lead Training will equip women with everything needed to know to run for office: • Campaign Process • Networks • Marketing and Media • Public Speaking • Fundraising Space is limited, so interested would-be candidates are encouraged to apply today by visiting www.louisianawomenlead.org and clicking “APPLY NOW.”

“We need women to reach their next goal and to be the next generation of leaders that are desperately needed in Louisiana,” Renee Amar, Executive Director of Louisiana Women Lead said. “Our training will give these up and coming leaders the tools to run a successful campaign and be the change we need.” “Center and center-right women interested in public office who aren’t sure where to start will learn how to get their campaigns going with our training,” Cheryl Tolbert, LEAD Board Chair added. “The fall training will provide skills, information, networks, and other avenues to harness their interest, ideas, and passion to be leaders in our state and nation.” The cost for training is $500, scholarships and a payment plan are available. Louisiana Women Lead was formed in 2020 to engage more centerright women in politics. Lead’s goal is to increase the number of women elected or appointed to leadership positions in Louisiana by breaking down barriers, create a statewide network for support, and provide tools to women so they have a leg up when running for or being appointed to office.

•

United Way for South Louisiana officially kicked off their annual campaign on August 12 on the Nicholls State University campus with an intimate proclamation celebration. Dr. Jay Clune, Nicholls State President and last year’s Campaign Chair, announced that they raised $1.2 million last year, and he is proud and happy to “pass the baton” to this year’s Campaign Chair, Elmy Savoie. Savoie said, “We are really looking forward to having a great campaign this year. We do note that the needs are still great as we continue to deal with the pandemic. Please donate, go to uwsla.com, or call so that we can get a campaign set up for you.” United Way has been serving Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Mary, and Assumption parishes for over 40 years. The campaign was especially vital in the past year to help many in need in the community. All four parishes have proclaimed August 12th as United Way Day. Last year’s donations raised funding that provided essential services such as life-saving medicines and supplements for cancer patients, food assistance for the elderly, prescription medications to those

who couldn’t afford medications such as insulin, and a safe place for women and children suffering from abuse. The organization said what the donors gave touched many lives, including 29,837 individuals and families with food and infant needs through the United Way-sponsored Food Banks. Also, the 2021 Pack the School Bus supply drive provided thousands of school supplies for Terrebonne and Lafourche parish students. Another accomplishment was the organization was able to allocate $125,525 to emergency and COVID-19 related services, but they said their work is far from over. The organization wants to remind the community that United Way is a community-wide effort that helps at home. By Living United, that difference makes our community a better place for all. The community is invited to continue support and donate so that the much-needed community-based services can continue, especially in these trying times. For any questions or further information, please contact Executive Director Alina Merlos at 985. 879.2461.

•

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

UNITED WAY FOR SOUTH LOUISIANA OFFICIALLY KICKS OFF ANNUAL CAMPAIGN AT NICHOLLS

MOVERS AND SHAKERS |

HEADLINES & ACCOLADES

CIS CELEBRATES 38 YEARS OF CARDIOVASCULAR CARE On August 15, Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) celebrated 38 years of providing advanced cardiovascular care in south Louisiana. Started by Dr. Craig Walker in Houma in 1983, CIS has grown to have 22 locations across Louisiana and Mississippi, with more than 65 physicians, 1,075 team members, 10 telecardiology sites, and management services now reaching to the suburbs of Chicago. “I am proud of CIS’s accomplishments,” said Dr. Craig Walker. “We have built a practice that is well-known around the world.” CIS’s mission, since day one, was to provide the highest-quality cardiovascular care available, and this mission still stands today. CIS is known as a pioneer of many cardiovascular “firsts” such as the first peripheral stent trial in 1988, the first coronary stent trial in 1989, and hundreds of firsts in the past near four decades. In putting patients first, CIS has also contributed significantly to the advancement and

development of non-surgical treatments for cardiovascular disease, with a special focus also on peripheral artery disease in the legs. “At CIS, we have continued to execute our original mission statement which had lofty goals. We have attracted and retained excellent talent and have been voted as a best place to work. We have participated in ground breaking research and education. And most importantly, we have been able to offer state-of-the-art cardiovascular care.” CIS locations celebrating anniversary milestones this year include: • 35 Years- Thibodaux and Lafayette General on Ambassador Caffery • 15 Years- Zachary • 10 Years- Crowley and Lafayette General on Heymann Blvd. • 5 Years- Meridian, MS Learn more about CIS at www.cardio.com.

•

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

WBA ATHENA AWARD NOMINATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 1

The Women’s Business Alliance of Houma has announced the extension of Athena Award Nominations until Friday, October 1. The Athena Leadership Award is presented by chambers of commerce, women’s organizations, and universities to a woman or man who demonstrates the qualities embodied in the Athena Leadership Model. Athena Leadership Award nominees must meet each of the following three criteria: • Demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession • Provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community • Actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential Award Nominees may represent either the profit or not-for-profit sector. Previous Athena Leadership Award Recipients are not eligible for nomination; however, past nominees may be nominated again. There is no minimum or maximum age qualification that must be met by Athena Leadership Award nominees. The Athena Award will be presented at the November 19 Luncheon. Previous Athena Award winners are Lori LeBlanc, Angie Pellegrin, Sharon Bergeron, Brenda Babin, and Karen Schilling. To nominate, email the info@wbahouma.org,or submit at www.wbahouma.org/Programs/Athena/.

•

HOUMA FIRE DEPARTMENT WELCOMES TWO NEW FIREMEN Two new firemen, William Bucklew and Austin Ashburn, were welcomed to the Houma Fire Department last week. The department said, “These two firefighters will be vital to protecting the citizens of Terrebonne Parish.” The two firemen have been attending the Louisiana State University Fire and Emergency Training Institute and have officially graduated in a class of 16 from across the state. The recruits studied an array of topics such as fire behavior, building construction, fire hose, water supply, extrication, ladders, and rescue, just to name a few. Firefighter Bucklew was awarded the Salutatorian of recruit class 177.

•

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AWARDS NICHOLLS $3.5 MILLION TO CREATE BAYOU REGION INCUBATOR

•

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER! The following businesses joined the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce in July/August 2021:

NIKKI’S INDULGENCE NICOLE BANKS

P.O.W.E.R INVESTMENTS CODY CHARLES

CHERAMIE SCREEN PRINTING LLC TONY CHERAMIE

WHISKEY HAVEN BAR & GRILL JUDE MCGUIRE

H&H REALTY GROUP/ EXP REALTY, LLC PAIGE HUTCHINSON

UNITED HOUMA NATION, INC LANOR CUROLE

WAFFLE HOUSE

PHUONG NGUYEN

BEAUTY ESSENTIALS ALICIA BARRIOS

SEPTEMBER 2021 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY

The Office of Community Development has announced a $3.5 million grant to establish a Bayou Region Incubator at Nicholls State University. The incubator will allow access to consulting, training, technical assistance, and funding opportunities to local entrepreneurs. Guest speakers will also visit the incubator to host entrepreneurial workshops, organize pitch competitions, and provide professional development. The grant is a part of the Louisiana Community Development Block Grant CARES Act Program (CDBG-CV). “This grant will cement Nicholls State University as the economic heart of the Bayou Region. We expect the Bayou Region Incubator will produce everything from coastal solutions to innovative ideas in technology, healthcare, and more,” Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune said. “Rebuilding our coast is more than physical land. It’s rebuilding the quality of life. And the Bayou Region Incubator will sprout businesses and generate jobs that will only augment the unique character of South Louisiana.” The incubator’s objectives are to enhance resiliency in a postCOVID-19 environment by diversifying the local economy and developing strategies for businesses to adapt and respond to new economic trends along with unexpected challenges. The incubator will also organize programs for minority and women-owned businesses. It will also support business development and job creation in low and moderate-income communities. “As these businesses grow, they will create more jobs and contribute their fair share of taxes. All of this will help the local economy,” said Kevin Pitts, the incubator’s executive director. “While some businesses will focus on coastal dynamics, we will work with a diverse variety of businesses. These will be businesses that the Bayou Region can be proud of.” Governor John Bel Edwards emphasized economic recovery in the wake of a global pandemic as a reason the state supports the initiative during the announcement of the money. The facility will be approximately 8,000 square feet, and construction is expected to begin in the fall. The cost of construction will cost about $2.6 million and will be located on the same footprint as the future Coastal Center, which is on the corner of Acadia and Ardoyne Drive. Small businesses will have access to collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, private offices, and a multifunctional conference room. The remaining $900,000 of the funds will contribute to operating expenses. The incubator will become a self-managed nonprofit following the end of the 2-year grant period. “This facility will be a place for entrepreneurs to access training, mentoring, and space to make their dreams of a successful business come true. Helping ideas grow into viable businesses benefits the entire region through economic diversification and job creation,” said Dr. Marilyn Macik-Frey, dean of the College of Business Administration. “We are especially excited that the incubator will be on the campus. Students and faculty will have a resource in their backyard that allows them to transition research and creative ideas into viable businesses.”