12
Fo us A monthly publication of the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Volume 9 | Number 12 | December 2016 New Members 3 Terrebonne’s Young Achievers 8 Shop Local
Fo usA monthly publication of the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce
Volume 9 | Number 12 | December 2016
New Members 3Terrebonne’s Young Achievers 8
ShopLocal
2H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C H a m b e r o f C o m m e r C e f o C u s / n o v e m b e r 2 7 , 2 0 1 6 www.HoumaChambe r. com
Calendar Contact Us!Officers: chairman of the Board earl J. eues, Jr. KEE Environmental Services, LLC
chairman-elect Kathleen “Kate” Theriot Coaching for Change, LLC
Treasurer Jason Bergeron Technology Professionals
Vice chairman-community Development Division Janel ricca Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center
Vice chairman-chamber Development Division Paul Labat FoundationforTerrebonneGeneralMedicalCenter
Vice chairman-infrastructure & economic Develop. Div. Mitchell Marmande Delta Coast Consultants, LLC
ViceChairman-GovernmentActivitiesDivision chad Hebert WorkforceLogistics
immediate Past chairman stephanie Hebert Stephanie Hebert Insurance Agency
Ann BarkerTerrebonne Ford
Joseph BoudreauxBlackhawk Specialty Tools
Natalie campbellCampbell Technology
Consultants, LLC
roslyn chauvinSouthdownMiniStorage
MonaMartinChristenMona&Company,Inc.
Michel claudetClaudetProperties
reggie DupreTerrebonneLevee&ConservationDistrict
William erocheWatkins, Walker, Eroche and HoychickAttorneysatLaw
Michael J. Garcia, M.D.SouthLAMedicalAssociates
Doug GregoryMorrisonTerrebonneLumber
cindy LandecheBaymontInn&Suites
Mike LewisBigMike’sBBQSmokehouse
David rabalaisTerrebonne Port Commission
Darlene rodrigueThe Courier
John rogersCoastal Commerce Bank
Brian rushingRushingMedia
chuck Weaver Jr.South LA Financial Services, LLC
BOArD MeMBers:
sTAff:suzanne Nolfo carlos
President and [email protected]
chantell PepperAdministrativeAssistant
Betsy Breerwoodevents coordinator
Kay ThibodeauxMembershipAccountExecutive
Danielle evansCommunicationsSpecialist
6133 Hwy.311 | Houma, LA 70360 | 985.876.5600 | www.houmachamber.com
DeceMBer 2016: 12/2 EducationCommitteeMeeting 8:30a.m.,Chamberoffice Formoreinformationcall(985)876-5600
12/3 HoumaDowntownChristmasFestival 11:00a.m.to4:00p.m.,Parade4:00p.m.to6:00p.m.,HistoricDowntownHouma Formoreinformationcall(985)873-6408
12/6 General Membership Luncheon 11:30a.m.to1:00p.m.,QualityHotel,210SouthHollywoodRoad Sponsored by Business First Bank Terrebonne’sYoungAchieversAwardLuncheon Formoreinformationcall(985)876-5600
12/8 WBA’s Holiday Marketplace 11:00a.m.to2:00p.m.,RamadaInn,1400WestTunnelBoulevard,Houma Formoreinformationcall(985)262-0406
12/8 BusinessAfterHours 5:00p.m.to7:00p.m.,DowtownArtGallery630/TerrebonneFineArtsGuild,630BelangerStreet,Houma Formoreinformationcall(985)876-5600
12/8 Leadership Terrebonne Alumni reunion 7:00p.m.to10:00p.m.,Milano’sPatio Formoreinformationcall(985)876-5600
12/10 Breakfast with santa - Kiwanis fundraiser 7:00a.m.to11:30a.m.,VandebiltCatholicHighSchool,209SouthHollywoodRoad Formoreinformationcall(985)858-3971
12/10 1st Annual santa stroll - rotary club of Houma 4:00p.m.,LaCarettaMexicanRestaurant Toregistervisitthewebsitewww.runsignup.com/santastroll
12/10 Papa Noël’s cajun christmas 5:00p.m.to9:00p.m.,HoumaVisitor’sCenter,114TouristDrive,Gray Formoreinformationcall(985)868-2732
12/13 DiplomatMeeting 4:00p.m.,Chamberoffice Formoreinformationcall(985)876-5600
12/17 Ala Bayou Terrebonne christmas Boat Parade Dusk,BayouTerrebonnefromBourgVolunteerFireStationtoHumbleCanalBridge Formoreinformationcall(985)209-1771
For more information about Chamber Events call (985) 876-5600 or Email: [email protected] in red denotes Chamber events
Thibodaux Region-al Medical Center is pleased to announce the addition of Chad Dugas, MD, Cardi-ologist, to the active medical staff. He has joined the practice of Cardiovascular Insti-tute of the South lo-cated at 1320 Martin Luther King Drive, Thi-bodaux. A Thibodaux native, Dr. Dugas received his medical degree
from Louisiana State University Health Sci-ences Center School of Medicine in New Orleans. He com-pleted an internship in internal medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, and an internal medicine residency at Earl K. Long Memorial Hos-pital in Baton Rouge. Additionally, Dr. Dugas completed a fellow-
ship in cardiovascular disease at the Ochsner Heart & Vascular Insti-tute in New Orleans, and a fellowship in in-terventional cardiolo-gy at the Baylor Heart & Vascular Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Dugas is a dip-lomate of the Ameri-can Board of Internal Medicine and has ad-ditional board certi-fication in cardiovas-cular disease. He is a
member of the Ameri-can College of Cardi-ology, the American Heart Association, and the Society for Cardio-vascular Angiography and Interventions.
Thibodaux Regional Welcomes Cardiologist Dr. Chad Dugas
The Barataria-Terre-bonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) would like to welcome Siva Nunna as the new BTNEP Water Quality Scientist. Nunna is a native of Gu-divada in South India and a resident of Thibodaux. She is a graduate of Na-garjuna University with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Mi-crobiology. She has also received a Master of Science in Biochemistry from Andhra University, a Master of Science Ad-vanced Diploma in Bioin-formatics from Osmania University, and a Master
of Science in Marine Biology from Nicholls State University. She has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed scientific journal articles and par-ticipated in numerous project activities, pre-sentations and labora-tory and environmental analyses. As Water Quality Sci-entist, Nunna will col-lect field data and water quality grab samples for laboratory analysis, ana-lyze water quality data, and write watershed im-plementation plans for Bayou Folse watershed, and prepare monthly re-
ports and manage Loui-siana Department of Environmental Quality water sampling. “The Louisiana De-partment of Environ-mental Quality is part-nering with BTNEP to make this project pos-sible. This project will be the first of several efforts to be made to improve the water quality in our estuary,” said Susan Tes-troet-Bergeron, BTNEP Program Director. If you want to learn more about improving water quality in your area contact the BTNEP office to invite Nunna to
be a presenter for your organization.
3H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C H a m b e r o f C o m m e r C e f o C u s / n o v e m b e r 2 7 , 2 0 1 6 www.HoumaChambe r. com
New MembersHampton innLelania clarkson(985) 873-31401728 Martin Luther King BoulevardHouma, Louisiana 70360-2408http://www.houma.hamptoninn.comHotels
Koko fitclubJoni Bascle(985) 746-41614734 Highway 311Houma, Louisiana 70360Fitness Centers, Health Clubs
Teresa King, esquire, LLcTeresa King(504) 473-52737836 Park AvenueHouma, Louisiana 70364LegalServices,Attorneys
Security,Safety&Consulting,LLCAndy Boudreaux(985) 414-4602P.O. Box 1065Thibodaux, Louisiana 70302http://www.securitysafetyandconsultingllc.comSecurityGuardService
Boy scouts of America-southeast Louisiana councilTorrey Hayden(504) 889-038842 S. I-10 Service Road W., Suite 101Metairie, Louisiana 70001http://www.bsa-selacouncil.orgOrganizations-Non-Profit
myPhoneMD, LLcDavid Lyons(985) 346-63781311 St. Charles Street, Suite BHouma, Louisiana 70360SmartDeviceRepair,WirelessCommunications
Louisiana stateRepresentativeDistrict52Jerome Zeringue(985) 709-1099423 Goode StreetHouma, Louisiana 70360GovernmentalOfficial
BayouCaneFireProtectionDistrictKen Himel(985) 580-72306166 West Main StreetHouma, Louisiana 70360http://www.bayoucanefd.orgOrganizations-Non-Profit
Waste Pro of Louisianarachel Bridges(985) 401-2900300 Venture BoulevardHouma, Louisiana 70360http://www.wasteprousa.comGarbage&RubbishRemoval
The core for Kidssharon Henry(985) 262-81656861 West Park AvenueHouma, Louisiana 70364Education-Schools,EducationandEnrichment
4512 Country Dr.Bourg, LA
(985) 594-5888
1482 Highway 665Montegut, LA(985) 594-4474
1482 Highway 665Montegut, LA(985) 594-4474
POINTE-AUX-CHENES SUPERMARKET
4512 Country Dr.Bourg, LA
(985) 594-5888BOURG SUPERMARKET, INC.
STOP HERE FIRST ONYOUR WAY OUT OF
TOWN,WE’RE HERE TOHELP YOU!
Nunna New Addition To BTNEP Water Quality Program
“If future generations are to remember us more with grati-tude than sorrow, we must achieve more than just the miracles of technology. We must also leave them a glimpse of the world as it was created, not just as it looked when we got through with it.” Lyndon B. Johnson Early last year the Chamber embarked on a project to pub-lish a coffee table history book of the parish that turned out to be quite an undertaking. Because we wanted to get it right, and to produce a history book that we could be proud of, this project took more time that we had anticipated. It was daunting at times, but reward-ing and fascinating, or maybe I’m just dorky like that, I do have a minor in history. It’s amazing that there is so much to tell, to learn from, and to be proud of in the history of our parish. Many businesses and orga-nizations took advantage of a unique feature of this book in the Sharing the Heritage sec-tion which gave them the op-portunity to record the history of their organization.
A considerable amount of time and effort was taken in editing and in selecting the photographs and images. I am happy to inform you that Terrebonne Parish: Stories of the Good Earth will be in hand for distribution the first week of December. Just in time for Christmas! We’ve begun taking orders so call the Chamber for your own personal copy or unique gift for customers, family, and friends. On Tuesday, December 6th, the Chamber will host the Ter-rebonne’s Young Achievers Awards Luncheon, sponsored by Business First Bank. Earlier this month we announced six honorees and you’ll see them featured in this issue of the Fo-cus. These young profession-als, as well as others who were nominated, inspire optimism in the future of our commu-nity. The Chamber established this award to recognize young professionals in our commu-nity, under the age of 40, not only for their career achieve-ments, but for their commu-nity service and their vision of
what Terrebonne Parish can be. Through the work and vol-unteerism of these young pro-fessionals, they are learning the value in helping others and developing a sense of citizen-ship and stewardship. They are developing leadership,
communication, and organi-zational skills that make them better employees and better citizens. Our future is bright with citizens such as these who are making their way and making a positive difference here in Terrebonne Parish.
4
Recording the Past and Looking to the Future
H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C H a m b e r o f C o m m e r C e f o C u s / n o v e m b e r 2 7 , 2 0 1 6 www.HoumaChambe r. com
notes from the President
Suzanne Nolfo CarlosPresident/CEO
A A RELECTRONICS, INC
Alarms • Audio
Radio SystemsLouisiana State Fire Marshal License No. F2
TELEPHONE SYSTEMSSECURITY CAMERASACCESS CONTROLINTRUSION ALARMSSOUND SYSTEMSFIRE ALARM
TWO-WAY RADIOVEHICLE TRACKING
INTERCOMNURSE CALL
VIDEO DISTRIBUTIONSTRUCTURED CABLING
985-876-4096800-649-7346aarelectronics.com
510 W. Tunnel Blvd.PO Box 4336
Houma, LA 70361
Leadership Terrebonne class of 2016Bottom Row (in Chairs), Left to Right: Angie Rome Walsh, Mimi Johnson, Chris-ty Jaccuzzo, Erin Gros, Amber DeGeorge, Kimberly CologneMiddle Row, Left to Right: Cassie Daugherty, Tracy Guyan, Nicole St. Pierre, Stephanie Bruning, Karla Tipton, Tori Louviere, Heidi Songy, Chad Parr, Craig Landy, Leon Stiel, Anthony Aex, Blake TaborTop Row, Left to Right: Erika Wolfe, Gerald Michel, Peggy Fazzio, Ernest Brown, Mark Stevenson, Sanders ‘John’ Poiencot III, Lonnie Lusco
cONGrATULATiONs!
I hope everyone had a Happy Thanks-giving Day and took the opportunity to give thanks for all the great things we en-joy daily in our life. In 1621, the pilgrims gave thanks for their bountiful first corn harvest and we continue the tradition by giving thanks for our bountiful harvests of seafood, sugarcane and other natural re-sources that we have here in South Loui-siana. As we come to the close of another year, so does my term as chairman of our great Chamber. I would like to thank our divi-sion chairpersons for this past year: Paul Labat - Chamber Development, Mitch Marmande – Economic Development and Infrastructure, Janel Ricca – Community Development, and Chad Hebert – Gov-ernment Activities for their hard work and dedication to fulfill the goals that we set for the Chamber this year. Thanks to all the board members who assisted our division chairpersons with their events and meetings and most of all, thanks to our members who continued to support our activities through sponsorships and participation in our committee meetings and events. I would like to extend a spe-cial thank you to Jeff Bordelon for chairing
our annual golf tournament. Once again, the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce received a five-star accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The five-star accreditation places our Chamber in the top 3% of all chambers in the United States and 1 of 6 chambers in Louisiana. This significant honor is attributed to our staff, board members and general membership of the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Com-merce striving to maintain our mission of “Uniting community and building a stron-ger Terrebonne – Chamber Connected.” The incoming chairperson for 2017, Ms. Kate Theriot, conducted a successful annual planning retreat this past month and is continuing the great works of our Chamber. Kate and her division chairs have set their short-term and long-term goals for 2017 and will continue to work on providing for our chamber membership, economic devel-opment, coastal protection and restoration, infrastructure im-provements and quality of life projects within our parish. The success of our Chamber is credited to our awesome
staff, who work hard every day to make sure that our activities run smoothly and the needs of our members are met. A big “THANK YOU” to our President/CEO Suzanne Nolfo Carlos and her staff Betsy Breerwood, Kay Thibodeaux, Chantell Pepper and Danielle Evans for assisting me in my role as chairman. I couldn’t have done it without you all. In closing I would like to congratulate Kate Theriot on being selected as the new chairperson for the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce and offer my sup-port to her. I ask that you support Kate by continuing to participate and promoting Chamber events. Please continue to pray for the people of Terrebonne Parish and our economic recovery. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
5
Chairman’s message
Earl Eues, Jr.2016 Board Chair
KEE Environmental Services, LLC
GENERAL MEMBERSHIPL U N C H E O N
Tuesday, Dec. 6 • 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Quality Hotel, 210 South Hollywood Road, Houma, LA
sponsored by: Business first BankTerrebonne’s Young Achievers Award Luncheon
Admission is $25 per Chamber member (deadline is Friday, Dec. 2) and $30 after deadline and at the door.
Admission for general public is $30.
Register by calling the Chamber at (985) 876-5600or send an email to: [email protected]
Join Us!
Business After Hours is held each month for Chamber members andtheir employees to network and enjoy food, drinks and door prizes.
Networking at its best!H URS
A F T E RBUSINESS
Thursday, Dec. 8 • 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.sponsored by: Downtown Art Gallery 630/
Terrebonne fine Arts Guild630 Belanger street, Houma
H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C H a m b e r o f C o m m e r C e f o C u s / n o v e m b e r 2 7 , 2 0 1 6 www.HoumaChambe r. com
Nicholls State Uni-versity Dean of Nursing and Allied Health Dr. Sue Westbrook was re-cently honored as one of The Great 100 Nurses of Louisiana in 2016. Nurses are chosen based “on their concern for humanity, their con-tributions to the profes-sion of nursing and their mentoring of others.” “With over 60,000 registered nurses in Louisiana, I am hon-ored and humbled to be named one of Louisi-ana’s 100 Great Nurses
of 2016,” said West-brook, a Nicholls alum. “Raising the level of healthcare in the region Nicholls serves has al-ways been a passion of mine.” After graduating from Northwestern State University, Westbrook worked as a nurse for three years before join-ing the Nicholls staff as an instructor. Over the course of the next three decades she added graduate degrees from Nicholls and the LSU Health Sciences Center.
She was named dean in 2004. Under Westbrook’s watch, Nicholls nurs-ing graduates regularly pass the national li-censure exam at rates greater than both the national and state av-erage, and 100 percent of all recent graduates are employed.
Nicholls Nursing Dean Honored forContributions to the Industry
6H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C H a m b e r o f C o m m e r C e f o C u s / n o v e m b e r 2 7 , 2 0 1 6 www.HoumaChambe r. com
Photo Gallery
The Terrebonne Levee & Conservation District hosts a ribbon cutting ceremony of the Bayou Petit Caillou Floodgate and Highway 56 Rollergate. Participants include (left to right): Fr. Wilmer Todd, St. Joseph Church in Chauvin, Beryl Amedee, State Rep., District 51, Jerome Zeringue, State Rep., District 52, Tanner Magee, State Rep., District 53, Norby Chabert, State Senator, District 20, John Bel Edwards, Governor, Tony Alford, Terrebonne Levee Board President, Reggie Dupre, Terrebonne Levee Director, Johnny Bradberry, Chairman of LA Coastal Protection & Restoration Authority (CPRA), and Jay Walker, President of Morganza Action Coalition (MAC).
Chamber Board Chairman, Earl J. Eues, Jr., KEE Environmental Services, LLC, reflects on the accomplishments of the organization during its annual Board Retreat in October.
Past and present Chairman of the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors pose dur-ing a luncheon held in their honor at Ellendale Country Club. Attendees include (first row left to right): Jerome Daigle, Stephanie Hebert, Jennifer Armand, Sharon Bergeron and Sid Sundbery; (second row left to right) Raymond Saadi, Al Badeaux, Dr. Michael Flynn, Earl K. Eues, Jr., J.J. Buquet, Marvin Marmande, Jr., Daniel Walker, Dr. Glenn Manceaux, Jerry Ledet, Steve Crispino and Kenneth Watkins.
Reverend Don Ross, First United Methodist Church, participates in a blessing of the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce during a Chamber Open House event in October.
Chamber Board member Paul Labat, Terrebonne General Medical Center, Suzanne Nolfo Carlos, Chamber President/CEO, Chamber Board member Chuck Weaver, South Louisiana Financial Services, Ryan Burnett, Cheri Blanchard, Business and Career Solutions/Work Connection, Judy Smart, Chamber Member, and Kelly Weaver, pose for a picture after landscaping an Options for Independence client’s house during Chamber week. Special thanks to all volunteers and donations for this Chamber Cares project!
Geri Lynn LeBlanc, Geri Lynn Nissan prepares to cut the ribbon at their Grand Opening event in October. She is joined by her family, Nissan representatives, management team, staff, Chamber members and special guests. Stop by to visit their dealership at 1772 Martin Luther King Boulevard in Houma.
7H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C H a m b e r o f C o m m e r C e f o C u s / n o v e m b e r 2 7 , 2 0 1 6 www.HoumaChambe r. com
Photo Gallery
Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove, elected officials, special guests, and Chamber members cele-brate the opening of Hollywood Road in Houma.
Sid Siddiquie, Homewood Suites, Suzanne Nolfo Carlos, Chamber President/CEO, and Terrolyn Mitchell, Homewood Suites pose for a picture at October’s B2B Luncheon. Thanks to Homewood Suites by Hilton Houma for sponsoring the event!
Left to Right: Suzanne Nolfo Carlos, Chamber President/CEO, Eric Sunstrom, The Chesapeake Group, Ashlee Champagne, Stephanie Hebert and Pat Gordon, Leadership Terrebonne, Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Gov-ernor, Sallie Preston, Karen Schilling and Angela Rains, Leadership Terrebonne, Kate Theriot, CFC, LaDonna Cruse and Sharon Henry, Leadership Terrebonne attend the General Membership Luncheon. Special thanks to Leadership Terrebonne for sponsoring the event and to Mr. Nungesser for his presentation.
Stephanie Hebert Insurance Agency staff pose during the Halloween themed Business After Hours in Octo-ber. Members include Cynthia Dehart, Nicole St. Pierre, Michael Woods, Mimi Johnson, Stephanie Hebert, Mitzi Nelton, Brandi Verrett, Chris Benoit, Mason Becnel and LaDonna Cruse. Thank you to Stephanie He-bert and staff for sponsoring this event!
Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove, parish officials, special guests, and Chamber Members celebrate the opening of Terrebonne Parish’s first roundabout with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The roundabout lo-cated on Westside Blvd near Hwy 311 is designed to help continue the flow of traffic and ease congestion.
Governor John Bel Edwards prepares to cut the ribbon during the dedication ceremony of Thibodaux Re-gional Medical Center’s new $73 million Wellness Center. The innovative, state-of-the-art, 242,000-square-foot-facility is the first of its kind in the state. Hundreds of community members and business leaders gathered with Thibodaux Regional Board of Commissioners, team members and physicians to mark the momentous occasion.
Ann Dupre – 39 years oldcompany: Terrebonne General Medical centerPosition:MedicalStaffOfficeManagerEducation:BachelorsinHumanResourceManage-ment from Louisiana state UniversityVision for Terrebonne Parish: When it comes to Ter-rebonne Parish-there’s no place like home. Between the delicious Cajun food, unique culture, recreational activities, and strong family bonds, this area is second to none. Like Lafayette, I would like to see Terrebonne Par-ish grow in several industries specifically oil and gas, sugar cane production and healthcare. Working for a hospital, my main focus is to encour-age, support, and care for a healthier population. Nu-trition and exercise is in the forefront of major areas of improvement that I can impact. I want children to have access to healthy food options and more ex-ercise time in the school system. For adults, I want to see healthier food options in existing and new restaurants as well as at major community events. In order to achieve this vision, we must consistently educate the community and lower the chronic dis-ease rate by taking better care of our bodies. TGMC’s involvement in the school system, as well as my current role in Project Lead, offers an ideal av-enue for me to get involved in educating our com-munity about the benefits of proper nutrition and physical activity. Working closely with physicians, I plan to focus on reducing the chronic disease man-agement rate through proper education and screen-ings.
Over the years, I plan to serve on and support committees that will work to build better recreation-al facilities including outdoor long-distance running/biking trails in Terrebonne Parish. The parish needs an inviting, safe place where people feel compelled to get outside and exercise. Terrebonne Parish has tremendous potential, and as a young leader, I look forward to the opportunity to play a role in further developing my vision for the Good Earth.
christy Vargas Jaccuzzo – 28 years oldcompany: spartan industrial ProductsPosition:SalesExecutive/H.R.SpecialistEducation:EllenderMemorialHighSchoolVision for Terrebonne Parish: In 40 years, my vision is for Terrebonne Parish to still be a thriving parish of Louisi-ana. We need to succeed not only in the oilfield, but also achieve the goal of diversi-fying our local economy. We need prosperous new mar-kets to broaden our econom-ic base. It is vital that other industries invest their businesses, time and families into our area. As a native of Terrebonne Parish, I always expect to call this place home for my family. The continued success and growth of our “good earth” will insure that our families remain here for generations to come. The Leadership Terrebonne experience has truly opened my eyes to all aspects of our community. It has allowed me to see the concerns we face first hand in Terrebonne Parish.
My future ambitions would be getting involved with TEDA and the Wetlands Discover Center. These organizations address what I believe to be two main concerns we have for our future here. By the year 2056, I would hope people remember me as someone who got involved at a young age, someone who talked to everyone with a smile and tried to relate to what they did or how they felt. I want to be remembered for not just having an opin-ion, but for standing up for what I believe in. When people think of Christy Jaccuzzo, I want them to remember me as the one who helped make a difference in our community.
Trisha H. Melancon – 32 years oldcompany: TPsD/ Houma Jr. High schoolPosition:AssistantPrincipalEducation:MasterofEducationfromNichollsStateUniversity and a Bachelor of science from Nicholls state UniversityVision for Terrebonne Parish: My vision for Terrebonne Parish would start with a com-munity that supports educa-tion. The school system must promote the positivity and academic gains our students are achieving. As a leader, the duty starts with myself and my team to share our yearly success with all stakeholders. A strong, high achieving education system provides a selling point to solicit job opportunities and attri-butes to a healthy real estate market for our parish. Terrebonne Parish is seeing a population shift; therefore, the current districting of our parish may not continue to be effective for a productive educa-
8H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C H a m b e r o f C o m m e r C e f o C u s / n o v e m b e r 2 7 , 2 0 1 6 www.HoumaChambe r. com
The Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce announced six honorees who will be receiving the 2016 Terre-bonne’s Young Achievers awards at a special awards luncheon on December 6th. Receiving this honor are Ann Du-pre, 39 year old Medical Staff Office Manager for TGMC; Christy Vargas Jaccuzzo, 28 year old Sales Executive/H.R. Specialist for Spartan Industrial Products; Trisha H. Melancon, 32 year old Vice Principal for Houma Jr. High; Robbie Naquin, 36 year old Tri-Parish Market President/SVP-Commercial Banking Section Manager for Capital One Bank; Katie Portier, 29 year old
Marketing Associate for Synergy Bank; and Monique Robinson, 38 year old Di-rector of Operations for SEECA Medi-cal, Inc. “The Chamber considers it a privi-lege to recognize these outstanding young professionals who contribute to our community in so many ways.” said Earl Eues, Jr., Chamber Board Chair-man. “These are six great examples of the young professionals that we have in Terrebonne and we hope that this award will encourage them and others to continue to strive for excellence.” Members of the Chamber and the public are invited to attend an awards
luncheon in their honor on Tuesday, December 6, from 11:30am – 1:00pm at the Quality Inn. Special apprecia-tion and acknowledgment goes to our sponsor Business First Bank. “Business First Bank is proud to sponsored this award. We feel it is important for our young people to know that they are appreciated and that they are an essential part of this community.” said Don Hingle, Regional CEO for Business First Bank. The Chamber established this award in 2014 to recognize young profession-als in our community under the age of 40 for their outstanding career achieve-
ments, community service impact, and their vision of what Terrebonne Parish can be. A panel of judges evaluated and scored each nomination on infor-mation provided in the following categories: reason for nomination, professional career achievements, community involvement, and vision and future aspirations for Terrebonne Parish. Honorees had to be over the age of 21 and under the age of 40 as of December 31, 2016.
Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce AnnouncesHonorees for the Terrebonne’s Young Achievers Award
Go to www.houmachamber.com to register to attend the Luncheon.
Young AchieversTerrebonne’s
2016 Award Luncheon
December 6thSponsored by:
mber.com to register to attend the Luncchamby
mber com to register to atttend the Luncy:
Business 2 Business is a networking event for Chamber members and their employeesto promote their business and hand out marketing materials to the guests at their table.
Admission is $15 per person with payment required in advance.
Friday, August 7 • 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.spahr’s seafood and catering at ramada inn Houma
1400 West Tunnel BoulevardSponsoredby:Russel“Red”Hornsby,CertifiedTVIBAuditor
9H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C H a m b e r o f C o m m e r C e f o C u s / n o v e m b e r 2 7 , 2 0 1 6 www.HoumaChambe r. com
tional system. Within the next 20 – 40 years, leaders must evaluate the structure of our system to ensure the effective use of resources in comparison to our community’s growing educational needs. Our parish offers a wide variety of employment prospects. The goal for the next 20 – 40 years would be to grow the business/school partnership. A strong partnership provides students with multiple career potentials while generating a community with home grown employees. A successful parish continues to foster generational substance in current and future career paths. In 40 years, I hope to be remembered for my ef-forts in cultivating an educational system that aides our parish in providing multiple growth opportuni-ties while enlisting pride in our community.
robbie Naquin – 36 years oldcompany: capital One BankPosition:Tri-ParishMarketPresidentSVP-CommercialBankingSectionManagerEducation:MasterofBusinessAdministrationfrom Louisiana state University and a Bachelor of science in finance from Louisiana state UniversityVision for Terrebonne Parish: My vision for Terrebonne Parish is for it to be a place where my children and, eventually, grandchildren can have the same great oppor-tunities at home as I did. One step toward achieving this goal is the building and main-taining of a vibrant, diverse economy. This has and will continue to be contingent upon having a great qual-ity of life, sound infrastructure, and a skilled work-force. I envision a region that continues to provide great local education and prepares local residents with the job skills needed now and in the future, right here at home. I also envision a place where our homes are protected, and our beautiful marshes, swamps and barrier islands are not just a tale of old, but something that our children and grandchildren can experience firsthand, as we have been so for-tunate to do. I feel as though my past and present involvement in local organizations that work on the above issues, as well as my leadership role at Capital One, committing monetary and volunteer support to these initiatives, is a step in the right direction. There is, however, so much more I would like to do in my life. I would like to be remembered as someone who worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality. And I would like my children to think of me as a great role model in commitment to community, much as I think of my father in his lifelong commitment to our community.
KatiePortier–29yearsoldcompany: synergy BankPosition:MarketingAssociateEducation:BachelorsinMassCommunicationfromNicholls state UniversityVision for Terrebonne Parish: It took leaving Houma for a few years as a young adult to realize just what I would be missing. I truly believe that we live in one of the most unique and loving places in the world. There is no other place I would dream of rais-ing my children. I believe that we must continue to move forward over the next 20-40 years so that our chil-dren can have it even better than we do now. My vision for Terrebonne Parish is that we will continue to grow and strengthen our local small businesses so our hardworking citizens can live their dreams. My vision also includes non-profit organizations making great strides in their important work because our cit-izens are willing to volunteer for various causes. My hope is also for parents to take an invested interest in our neighborhoods and schools so that our chil-dren have a safe learning and living environments. I would hope that all of our citizens begin to take ownership over the years so that the community in which we work, live, and play can continue to pros-per. I hope that in 40 years, I am remembered first and foremost for my most important job – being a moth-er who instilled in her children to spread love and to be of service to others. I believe that creating a great community starts at home with ourselves and our children. I hope to be remembered as a genuine person who helped others in a time of need.
Monique V. robinson – 38 years oldcompany: seecA Medical inc.Position:DirectorofOperationsEducation:BachelorsofSciencefromDillardUni-versity,MasterofBusinessAdministrationfromUniversity of PhoenixVision for Terrebonne Parish: At the beginning of 2015, I made a re-commitment to re-turn to one of my first loves, volunteerism and community engagement. With the tal-ents and abilities that God has blessed me with in my life, it is a responsibility to impact my community to improve it for those around me and be a positive example. My endeavors caused me to wit-ness first-hand the evident needs of the community and fuel a greater passion to remain committed. My hope for Terrebonne Parish in the next 20-40 years is that it will become a community rich in further di-versity that extends to the population mix in race, age, socio-economic status, occupational offerings (like new job creation in different industries), com-munity outreach, and cultural activities. As I reflect on how I would like to be remembered in 40 years, I think of my favorite quote from the late Maya An-gelou: “A leader sees greatness in other people. You can’t be much of a leader if all you see is yourself.” I want to be remembered as one who helped to gal-vanize change and bring new ideas to the commu-nity through my commitment to service and concern for the well-being of others. I want to be one that is remembered for bringing the best out of people that I come into contact with through various aspects of life whether on the job, church, board positions, community organizations, etc...
10H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C H a m b e r o f C o m m e r C e f o C u s / n o v e m b e r 2 7 , 2 0 1 6 www.HoumaChambe r. com
With Allstate life insurance,love wins.
854 Grand Caillou [email protected]
Stephanie Hebert985-872-0201
1114
99
Availability from a particular company varies by product. Subject to availability and qualifications. Lifeinsurance issued by Allstate Life Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL, and Lincoln Benefit Life Company,Lincoln, NE. In New York life insurance issued by Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Hauppauge,NY. Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. © 2011 Allstate Insurance Co.
I can help you protect your growing familyat an affordable price.Do you have enough life insurance? It’s oneof the best ways to provide for your family ifsomething happens to you. With the rightcoverage, love wins. Call me today foraffordable options.
Thibodaux Regional Medical Center recently dedicated its new $73 million Wellness Center. This innovative, state-of-the-art, 242,000-square-foot-facility is the first of its kind in the state and one of the best in the nation. The Center rep-resents a significant in-vestment in the health and wellness of commu-nities in Lafourche Par-ish and the surrounding region. Hundreds of commu-nity members and busi-ness leaders gathered with Thibodaux Region-al Board of Commission-ers, team members and
physicians as well as special guests Governor John Bel Edwards, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, Con-gressman Garret Graves, and other local and state elected officials to mark the momentous occa-sion. “The new Wellness Center is the result of a powerful vision to change the health and wellness status of the people in this region,” said Greg Stock, CEO of Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. “The Center brings much needed services and can lead to a better quality of life for people now
and for generations to come.” Statistics indicate that people in Lafourche and surrounding parishes have a high prevalence of diabetes, heart dis-ease, and obesity, and Louisiana currently ranks 50th in overall health and wellness. The Wellness Center addresses wellness at every level, including prevention, education and rehabilitation, com-bined with medically directed services. Ev-ery resource needed to enjoy a healthy lifestyle has been put under one roof.
Thibodaux Regional Medical CenterDedicates New Wellness Center
The Women’s Business Alliance of Houma hon-ored Sharon Bergeron as its 2016 Athena Award winner Nov. 3 in Hou-ma. The Athena Award, given by communities around the world, hon-ors an individual who forges a path of leader-ship for women to fol-low, strives toward the highest level of personal and professional accom-plishment, excels in his or her chosen field and provides a valuable ser-vice to improve quality of life in the community. Bergeron, a vice presi-dent and commercial lender for Coastal Com-merce Bank, has spent her 45-year banking
career providing an example of profes-sional and civic lead-ership. Aside from rising through the banking industry to serve as the first female bank presi-dent in Louisiana, Bergeron has served in various leader-ship and founding roles in various civic organizations not only in Terrebonne Parish, but some with further-reaching influence, such as the Morganza Action Coalitions. “One of the most memorable moments of the event was when three past Athena Award winners/successful busi-ness owners (Lori Da-
vis, Stephanie Hebert and me) recounted sto-ries about how Sharon helped, supported and inspired us in our busi-nesses,” said Brenda LeRoux Babin, owner of Busy Bee Clinic. “To me, that was a very special moment and an exam-ple of how she has influ-enced countless others in the community.”
Sharon Bergeron Honored as2016 Athena Award Winner
11H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C H a m b e r o f C o m m e r C e f o C u s / n o v e m b e r 2 7 , 2 0 1 6 www.HoumaChambe r. com
bourgeoisbennett.com
New Orleans 504.831.4949 | North Shore 985.246.3022 | Houma 985.868.0139 | Thibodaux 985.447.5243
A WORLD OFEXPERIENCEIN YOURHOME TOWN.
You don’t have to search far and wide for professionals that can handle your most complicated
accounting needs. Bourgeois Bennett brings the power of the industry’s leading staff right to your
neighborhood. We are one of the state’s top accounting and consulting firms offering a myriad
of services from tax planning for businesses and individuals and audit and assurance to litigation
and forensic accounting. We are also your neighbors and eager to share our years of accumulated
knowledge to help you reach your goals or prepare for the unexpected. Call us today and let us show
you how we can help you thrive without leaving home.
Let us show you a better way of banking.
Coming soon to South Acadia Rd.
in ThibodauxKassie BarrancottoBranch Manager
MLS# 1066161 Mindi BoquetHead Customer Service Associate
Denise PhelpsBranch Assistant Manager
