May - Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce

Fo us
A monthly publication of the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce
Volume 9 | Number 5 | May 2016
Join Us! 6
One-on-One with Springleaf Financial 7
Photo Gallery 8
Outstanding Cancer Care
And That’s Not Just Our Opinion...
2015
2012
2009
Louisiana’s ONLY Four-time Consecutive Recipient*
Outstanding Achievement Award
From the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer
Higher Standards. Better Outcomes.
For more information
on our cancer services:
985-493-4008 or
Thibodaux.com
*Four consecutive survey cycles.
For more information: www.facs.org
2006
Calendar
Contact Us!
Officers:
may 2016:
Chairman of the Board
Earl J. Eues, Jr.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
5/3
GiveNOLA Day for the Bayou Region
24-hour event
For more information, visit www.givebayou.org
5/7A “Mother’s Day” to Remember
5:00 p.m., Bayou Blue Recreation Center, 201 Mazerac Street
For more information call Stella Learning Center (985) 868-2671
8th Annual Chamber Golf Classic
5/9
7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Flights, Ellendale Country Club
For more information or to register call (985) 876-5600
5/9Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC Breast Cancer Screenining
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sam’s Club, 2174 Martin Luther King Boulevard
Appointment required for breast screenings, call (888) 616-4687
Health Care Committee Meeting
5/10
5/10
12:00 p.m., Chamber office
For more information call (985) 876-5600
Diplomat Meeting
4:00 p.m., Chamber office
For more information call (985) 876-5600
5/13Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC Skin Cancer Screening
12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Walgreens, 1435 West Tunnel Boulevard
For more information call (888) 616-4687
5/19
Business After Hours
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sponsored by Morrison Terrebonne Lumber Center, 605 Barataria Avenue
For more information call (985) 876-5600
5/20
Education Committee Meeting
5/23
5/24
5/25
Technology Professionals
Vice Chairman-Community Development Division
Janel Ricca
Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center
Vice Chairman-Chamber Development Division
Paul Labat
Foundation for Terrebonne General Medical Center
Delta Coast Consultants, LLC
Vice Chairman-Government Activities Division
Chad Hebert
Workforce Logistics
Stephanie Hebert Insurance Agency
Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse
Mona Martin Christen
Terrebonne Port Commission
Claudet Properties
Reggie Dupre
Terrebonne Levee &
Conservation District
William Eroche
Events in red denotes Chamber events
3
Cindy Landeche
Roslyn Chauvin
Michel Claudet
For more information about Chamber Events call (985) 876-5600 or Email: info@houmachamber.com
Doug Gregory
Morrison Terrebonne Lumber
Baymont Inn & Suites
Mona & Company, Inc.
Chamber office will be closed
Michael J. Garcia, M.D.
South LA Medical Associates
Campbell Technology
Consultants, LLC
Southdown Mini Storage
12:00 p.m., Chamber office
For more information call (985) 876-5600
Commerce Focus/April 24, 2016
Natalie Campbell
Government Activities Committee Meeting
of
Treasurer
Jason Bergeron
Joseph Boudreaux
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Quality Hotel, 210 South Hollywood Road
Sponsored by Technology Professionals
For more information or to register, call (985) 876-5600
H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C h a m b e r
Blackhawk Specialty Tools
General Membership Luncheon
Happy Memorial Day!
Coaching for Change, LLC
Ann Barker
5/28Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC Skin Cancer Screening
5/30
Terrebonne Ford
12:00 p.m., Chamber office
For more information call (985) 876-5600
Chairman-Elect
Kathleen “Kate” Theriot
BOARD MEMBERS:
Economic Development/Infrastructure Committee Meeting
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Walgreens, 1415 St. Charles Street
For more information call (888) 616-4687
Immediate Past Chairman
Stephanie Hebert
8:30 a.m., Chamber office
For more information call (985) 876-5600
KEE Environmental Services, LLC
Vice Chairman-Infrastructure & Economic Develop. Div.
Mitchell Marmande
Watkins, Walker & Eroche, APLC
Mike Lewis
David Rabalais
Darlene Rodrigue
The Courier
John Rogers
Coastal Commerce Bank
Brian Rushing
Rushing Media
Chuck Weaver Jr.
South LA Financial Services, LLC
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Chairman’s
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to participate in a strategic planning
meeting with Dr. Kristine Strickland, the
new chancellor at Fletcher Technical Community College. Dr. Strickland invited several community organizations and industry
personnel to give her input regarding their
perspectives of the strengths, weaknesses
and opportunities in relation to Fletcher. I
can honestly say that it was an “eye-opening” experience in a good way and that we
are very fortunate to have this jewel in our
community.
Like many of us, I had never really taken the time to explore just exactly what
Fletcher has to offer to so many individuals wanting to learn a skill or advance their
education.
Did you know that you can be enrolled
at Fletcher and Nicholls at the same time,
or even take classes at Fletcher while you
are still attending high school? Did you
know that Fletcher offers general education courses that may transfer to many
other colleges and universities in Louisiana
through the Louisiana Board of Regents
Articulation Matrix?
Fletcher offers many programs in arts
and sciences, business, petroleum production technologies, manufacturing and
service technologies, marine operations,
nursing, and allied health. They are also
accredited by the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.
During the strategic planning meeting,
more strengths than weaknesses were
identified, which truly shows the importance of Fletcher to our area. I applaud
Dr. Strickland for conducting the strategic
planning sessions and her willingness to
continue to move Fletcher forward and
improve the quality of secondary education for our community. With a little polishing and the help of the community, Dr.
Message
Strickland will surely make this institution
a bright and shiny jewel.
If your company is looking for qualified
individuals from the many programs taught
at Fletcher, please contact the school’s career services office to assist you in filling
your employment needs. Like many of us,
I had never really taken the time to explore
just exactly what Fletcher has to offer to
so many individuals wanting to learn a skill
or advance their education and I would
encourage you to contact the school to
schedule a tour and find out all the amaz-
ing opportunities that Fletcher has to offer.
Just a reminder that our annual Chamber Golf Classic will be held on May 9th at
Ellendale Country Club. Contact the Chamber office for entry forms and sponsorship
opportunities.
Please pray for our economy and continue to support our local businesses as
we work toward the Chamber’s mission of
“Uniting community and building a stronger Terrebonne – Chamber Connected.”
CORPORATE
OFFICE PARK
Earl Eues
2016 Board Chair
KEE Environmental Services, LLC
staff:
Suzanne Nolfo Carlos
President and CEO
suzanne@houmachamber.com
Chantell Pepper
Administrative Assistant
cpepper@houmachamber.com
Betsy Breerwood
Events Coordinator
betsy@houmachamber.com
Kay Thibodeaux
Membership Account Executive
kay@houmachamber.com
Heidi Ohmer
Communications Specialist
heidi@houmachamber.com
6133 Hwy.311 | Houma, LA 70360 | 985.876.5600 | 985.876.5611 fax
www.houmachamber.com
H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C h a m b e r
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Commerce Focus/April 24, 2016
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notes from the
President
Gaining or Maintaining a Positive Outlook
doing today. Take just 15 minutes each day
to quiet your mind and clear your head.
• Take care of your body. Eat a nutritious
well balanced diet. Exercise enhances a
positive mood by releasing endorphins and
lowering cortisol and other stress related
hormones. Being in shape helps to keep
you feeling strong, optimistic and in control
of your life.
• Smile. I’ve said this before and I’ll keep
saying it, smiling can actually change your
mood. So look for the humor in everyday
life and make it a point to be with others
who make you laugh.
Why should you bother you might ask?
Well, besides just feeling better, a positive
mind set keeps your heart healthy, lowers stress levels, lowers blood pressure,
increases pain tolerance, helps you age
gracefully (not as many frown lines), and
it’s good for relationships. What more motivation do you need?
Chabert Medical Center Matches Eight New Interns into
Internal Medicine Residency Program
H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C h a m b e r
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tation from the Accreditation Council for
Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in 2008
and began training
young physicians in
internal medicine.
Since that time, 41
internal
medicine
physicians
have
graduated from the
program. Fourteen
of those graduates
are now physicians
practicing primary
care in the Region
3 area. Six of the
fourteen are seeing
Commerce Focus/April 24, 2016
5
patients in the Houma/
Thibodaux/Morgan City
area with 3 more joining
those ranks in July 2016
and several more slated to begin practice in
Houma in July 2017.
STOP HERE FIRST ON
YOUR WAY OUT OF
TOWN, WE’RE HERE TO
HELP YOU!
INTE
-A
PO
The Chabert Medical
Center Internal Medicine Residency Program
participated in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP)
on March 18, 2016 and
successfully filled the
eight intern positions
available for the educational year beginning
July 1, 2016. These new
interns will join sixteen
upper level residents
currently training in the
three year program.
The residency program received accredi-
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Bourg, LA
(985) 594-5888
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Montegut, LA
(985) 594-4474
UX-CHENES SUPERMARK
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have in our life.
• Be supportive of yourself. Criticizing
and belittling yourself does no good. Negativity only creates more negativity, so replace those negative thoughts in your head
and the words that you speak with encouraging, positive reinforcements. Be as supportive of yourself as you are of your loved
ones.
• Be nice. This is one I always remember
my mom telling us as kids. One of the best
ways to boost your mood is to do something nice for someone else. The other
part of this is not to expect anything in return. Remember the old saying, what goes
around comes around.
• Be aware of using negative language
and sending negative messages to those
around you. Your words, again whether
they’re in your head or spoken out loud,
are as important as your tone. So, at work
and in your personal life, communicate
positively for positive results.
• Spending time dwelling on the past or
worrying about the future can make you
anxious and tense. If you want to be positive, focus on the present and what you are
B
Suzanne Nolfo Carlos
President/CEO
Are you finding it difficult these days
to look on the bright side? It can be difficult when we’re going through such
tough times. We look around and it seems
there’s strife and chaos in every direction,
from the Presidential election campaigns,
to the state budget, to the downturn in the
oil and gas industry, to the latest episode of
Housewives of ‘whatever’. The real problems of our lives can be overwhelming.
Cultivating and maintaining a positive attitude and outlook on life is something that
I have to consistently work. Some days it’s
easier than others. You can strive for that
optimistic attitude using various methods.
There are plenty to choose from, but here
are some that I’ve used at different times.
• Discover little things that make you
happy. For me, chocolate is one. Even more
than that, it’s putting on some good music
and dancing around the kitchen while I’m
cooking.
• Focus on what’s good. Sometimes, we
get so busy thinking about those things that
have gone wrong that we overlook everything that has gone well. Optimism helps
us appreciate all the things and people we
Free Personal Consultations
a style for every point of view ®
Shop from the comfort of your home.
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WWW.BUDGETBLINDS.COM
w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
Join Us !
New Members
Pogo Realty, LLC
Troy Jowers
8th Annual Chamber Golf Classic
(985) 804-0088
5936 West Main Street, Suite B
Houma, Louisiana 70360
http://pogobayou.com
Monday, May 9 • 7:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Flights
Ellendale Country Club
Categories: Real Estate Cmpanies
MJR Line Striping
3319 Highway 311
The format for the tournament will be a four-person scramble with two shotgun starts, one
morning flight beginning at 7:30 a.m. and an afternoon flight beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Call (985) 876-5600 for more information or Email info@houmachamber.com
Robert Verrett
(985) 200-4280
123 Sugar Street
Mathews, Louisiana 70375
AFTER
Categories: Paint - Marine & Industrial
H URS
Bonita L. Dupre CPA, LLC
(985) 870-6266
315 Inglewood
Houma, Louisiana 70360
Categories: Accountants - Certified Public
Affordable Dustless Blasting, LLC
Raymond Clement
Networking at its best!
(985) 226-1709
588 Aragon Road
Montegut, Louisiana 70377
http://www.affordable1dustless.com
Business After Hours is held each month for Chamber members and their
employees to network and enjoy food, drinks and door prizes.
Categories: Blasting, Dustless Blasting
Thursday, May 19 • 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
First NBC
Jere’ Voisin
Morrison Terrebonne Lumber Center
605 Barataria Avenue
(985) 346-5676
1241 St. Charles Street
Houma, Louisiana 70360
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
Categories: Banks & Banking Associations
Karen Chisholm, Independent Consultant Pampered Chef
L U NC H EO N
(985) 505-2060
Houma, Louisiana 70360
http://www.pamperedchef.biz/KarenChisholm
Categories: Cooking classes, Kitchen Products
Houma-Terrebonne Airport
Tuesday, May 24 • 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Joseph Wheeler
(985) 872-4646
10264 East Main Street
Houma, Louisiana 70363
Quality Hotel, 210 South Hollywood Road
Sponsored by Technology Professionals
Speaker: Dr. Kristine Strickland
Categories: Governmental Agency
Physicians Urgent Care Center
Chancellor L.E. Fletcher Technical Community College
David Martin
(985) 853-1390
131 Corporate Drive
Houma, Louisiana 70360
http://PhysiciansUrgentCareHouma.com
Admission is $25 per person in advance and $30 per person at the door for members.
General public is invited to attend, call the Chamber at (985) 876-5600 for admission fees.
Categories: Urgent Care, Medical Services
Memorable
Events
Associate Members
Dr. Jonathan J. Boudreaux
Back and Neck Relief
(985) 655-4373
1437 St. Charles Street, Suite 127
Houma, Louisiana 70360
http://www.drdufrene.com
Lenda Roberts
Latter & Blum Co. Inc. / REALTORS
(985) 868-5230
6712 West Main Street
Houma, Louisiana 70360
http://www.latter-blum.com
157 TOURIST DRIVE, GRAY, LA 70359
Categories: Real Estate Companies
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Commerce Focus/April 24, 2016
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Unforgettable
Moments
985.580.1500 | WWW.CYPRESSCOLUMNS.COM
w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
X055XX19
Categories: Chiropractors, Physicians
One-on-One with Springleaf Financial
The Chamber selects member businesses, organizations and individuals to highlight in this monthly publication. Springleaf Financial was selected at a recent
General Membership Luncheon to be featured. Earlier this month we interviewed Paula Guidry to learn
more about her and Springleaf Financial.
In your own words, describe Springleaf Financial.
Springleaf is part of one of America’s leading personal finance companies, OneMain Holdings Inc.,
and offers responsible and transparent personal loan
products, primarily to nonprime consumers.
Springleaf is a customer focused business that
strives to be a good community partner. At Springleaf
we are always looking for creative ways to help in our
community. We take care of our customers and care
about their needs.
How long has it been in business? Is it locally owned
and operated? Tell us a little about the history of
Springleaf Financial.
For over 100 years, the company has been providing personalized, best-in-class service at more than
1,800 branches in 44 states. We started out as Credit
Thrift, but now we have purchased One Main Financial which we will take their name later this year.
Where is the main office located?
Our headquarters is located in Evansville with offices located in Chicago, Delaware, Connecticut, Baltimore, Texas, Arizona, and Kentucky.
What is the company’s specialty?
Personal loans are Springleaf’s specialty.
How many people are employed by Springleaf Financial?
The company has more than 11,000 team members
who proudly support the communities in which they
live and work.
What do your clients like best about Springleaf Financial?
The personal experience that they get when they
H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C h a m b e r
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walk into one of our branches.
Where were you born and raised? Tell us about your
family.
I was born and raised in Houma La. I am the second
to oldest in a rather large family of 5. I am married to
my beautiful wife, Maia, and we have two sons. We
have also been blessed as new grandparents to an
adorable baby boy.
What is your title?
Personal Loan Specialist
What are your primary responsibilities?
Loan applications, Credit Review, Loan Closings,
and Collections.
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been in the financial industry for 7 years. I
started in retail banking, which I loved, then I crossed
over to Springleaf with a desire to be more involved in
the loans and lending process.
What do you like best about Springleaf Financial?
I love being part of a growing company. There are
great things happening and I am blessed to be part
of it. The changes are going to make us even stronger
than before.
What is most challenging about your job? Favorite
part of your job?
Not being able to help everyone. We go above and
beyond to try to accommodate everyone, but there
has been a time or two where it just wasn’t a benefit
to the customer. You never want to put someone in a
worse situation than what they are currently in.
Do you have a fundamental philosophy for life or
business that you can share?
I will never make a recommendation to anyone that
I would not personally recommend to my parents. I
always ask myself, “is this really in their best interest?
Commerce Focus/April 24, 2016
7
Would I think it was a good idea if this was my parents
in this situation?” I never want someone to walk away
without knowing they were well taken care of.
Tell us about the relationship between Springleaf
Financial and the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of
Commerce. Why does Springleaf Financial invest in
the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce?
One of the things I love about this company is the
support for our local communities. We may be a big
company, but we are a local office. We live here, our
kids go to school here, and we want to be a part of
it. Being involved in the Chamber will accelerate that.
We want to know what’s going on in our community.
Can you share any of your company’s involvement or
your personal involvement with the Chamber over
the years?
We are new to the Chamber, but are really excited
to be a part of it.
Why should other businesses invest in the HoumaTerrebonne Chamber of Commerce?
I think it is important to know other businesses and
business people. I think to be aware of the developments and changes will make us a stronger company.
I also think that by becoming familiar with the businesses we will know who to go to in our time of need.
It may be something simple like copies of documents,
or new copier equipment, but it’s good to know the
companies and individuals that can help support our
business.
w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
Photo Gallery
From left to right are Jamie Johnson, Scott Tucker-My Home Team Media, Larry Hyatt- My Home Team Media, along with Gilligan and his wife, My Home Team Media, enjoying a breezy day at March’s Business After
Hours.
March’s Business After Hours hosted by My Home Team Media (previously Sunburst Media) and was celebrated
with a St. Patrick’s day crawfish boil! For more information about My Home Team Media call (985) 851-1020.
Danny Picou, Terrebonne Patriots and Loney Grabert, Terrebonne Parish Assessor, pose at March’s Business
After Hours March 17th.
Doyle Garner, Richard Fry, William Staples, and Wendy Martin of My Home Team Media at March’s Business
After Hours.
Louisiana Treasurer, John Neely Kennedy, speaks at March’s General Membership Luncheon. Kennedy presented his plan to fix the state budget through a series of cuts.
H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C h a m b e r
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Commerce Focus/April 24, 2016
Pictured from left to right are Chamber Chair elect Kathleen “Kate” Theriot, Coaching for Change, Louisiana
Treasurer John Neely Kennedy, Chamber board member, Chad Hebert, Workforce Logistics, and Chamber President/CEO Suzanne Nolfo Carlos. Workforce Logistics sponsored the event: Visit http://www.worklogis.com for
more information about their services.
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w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
Photo Gallery
Congratulations to Quality Process Services on 10 years of service! Quality Process Services employees along
with Chamber staff and diplomats celebrated with a ribbon cutting March 16. Quality Process Services is located on 292 A Equity Blvd. Visit http://qps-la.com for more information.
Pictured from left to right are Chamber Chair Elect “Kate” Theriot, Coaching for Change, Dawn Buquet, Terrebonne Children’s Advocacy Center, Chamber Community Development Division Vice Chairman Janel Ricca,
Houma Terrebonne Civic Center, and Chamber President/CEO Suzanne Nolfo Carlos. The Chamber Cares initiative allows members to donate items to a non-profit organization at the General Membership Luncheon each
month.
Elyse Krous cuts the ribbon as Mankind Barbershop celebrate their new location at 1463 St. Charles Street Suite
200 with a ribbon cutting ceremony March 21.
Dr. Bryan Dufrene and Dr. Jonathan Boudreaux cut the ribbon at the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating their
new location for Back and Neck Pain Relief located at 1437 St. Charles Street, Suite 127. For more informationhttp://www.drdufrene.com.
Terrolyn Mitchell, founder of Women Make a Move! (center) is joined with Tiffany Garth, Stella Mitchell, Chamber Chair Elect Kate Theriot, BrenEtta Williams, Tiara Wolfe-Qashou, and Arlanda Williams for the Women
Make a Move! ribbon cutting sponsored by Homewood Suites by Hilton Houma. Women Make a Move! is a
new non-profit organization that motivates, inspires, and empowers women with a streamline focus on single
mothers.
Captain Billy Gaston and wife Tammy (center) cut the ribbon at the ribbon cutting celebration for Cajun Man’s
Swamp Tours and Adventures. Cajun Man’s Swamp Tours and Adventures offers tours in the beautiful swamps
of the Bayou Black/ Gibson area. For more information, call (985) 868-4625.
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Commerce Focus/April 24, 2016
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Ready, Set, Give!
On Tuesday, May 3,
2016, Terrebonne and
Lafourche communities
will come together as
one to support and celebrate the great work of
54 local nonprofits during “GiveNOLA Day for
the Bayou Region.”
GiveNOLA Day for the
Bayou Region is part of
GiveNOLA Day, a 24-hour
online giving event sponsored by the Greater
New Orleans Foundation
(GNOF) to inspire people
to give generously to the
nonprofits that make
communities stronger.
With online gifts starting
at $10, everyone can be
a philanthropist during
GiveNOLA Day for the
Bayou Region!
Here in Terrebonne
and Lafourche Parishes,
the Bayou Community
Foundation (BCF) is coordinating the #GiveBayou
campaign to promote
the 54 organizations
in Terrebonne Parish
and Lafourche Parish
that are participating in
GiveNOLA Day for the
Bayou Region on May 3,
and to encourage local
residents to make online
donations to our Bayou
Region nonprofits May 3
at www.GiveNOLA.org.
Houma-Terrebonne
Chamber of Commerce
nonprofit members participating in GiveNOLA
Day for the Bayou Region
include
Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary Foundation, Bayou Country
Children’s
Museum,
Nicholls Foundation, Restore or Retreat, Alcohol
& Drug Abuse Council for South Louisiana,
Bayou Grace, CASA of
Terrebonne, Hope Extreme, Keep Terrebonne
Beautiful, MacDonnell
United Methodist Children’s Services, Options
for Independence, START
Corporation, Terrebonne
Children’s Advocacy Center, Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence, The Foundation
for TGMC, and United
Way for South Louisiana.
Giving doesn’t end
with online donations
on May 3! These 54 participating nonprofits will
also get “a little something extra,” from the
Al Danos, Jr. Memorial
Lagniappe Fund.
BCF
is now accepting taxdeductible contributions
for the Lagniappe Fund
honoring a man who personified the giving spirit.
A full list of Bayou Region
participating nonprofits
and information about
the Al Danos, Jr. Memorial Lagniappe Fund can
be found at www.GiveBayou.org and the GIveBayou Facebook.
BCF and local nonprofits also invite everyone to celebrate giving
at the #GiveBayou Giving Celebrations hosted
by Spahr’s Seafood in
downtown Thibodaux
and on Tunnel Boulevard
in Houma from 4 pm - 7
pm on May 3. Come enjoy great food, music and
fun, all benefitting #GiveBayou nonprofits!
BOARD
SPOTLIGHT
David Rabalais
Executive Director
Terrebonne Port Commission
(985) 873- 6428 or (985) 804-4650
Areas of Expertise:
I am not an expert at anything but have a lot of experience doing many
things in the public and private sectors.
Other interests:
Fishing, hunting, woodworking, landscaping and relaxing.
Why does your company/organization support the Chamber?
My organization supports the Chamber because we support the success
of businesses in the region and that’s what the Chamber supports. We
have common interests.
Why do you serve on the Board of Directors?
I serve on the board of directors because I feel it’s important to contribute my time and efforts to help the Chamber promote the business
community in our region.
Adopt-a-Spot…Build a Community
Rapid growth, construction and transient traffic have created a growing litter problem in Terrebonne Parish that
threatens the quality of life we cherish
so much. Lowe’s Community Development Grant, Keep America Beautiful,
and Keep Terrebonne Beautiful make
the new Adopt-a-Spot project possible
and are looking for volunteers to improve and take pride in our parish by
participating in Adopt-a-Spot.
This is more than an anti-litter campaign! This is a broad-based initiative
by families, neighbors, businesses,
schools, churches and other groups.
It’s a great activity for families and
neighbors... it’s a way to teach citizenship and responsibility… it’s a tangible
way for businesses and organizations
to show their commitment to this
area…it’s a way to show visitors that
we care about our city and bayous…it’s
the kind of effort that truly builds and
bonds a community.
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How do you participate in Adopt-aSpot? It’s an easy process. Just put together a group willing to sign an “adoption contract” for a portion of a local
street, highway, or public green space.
You select the area, which can be near
your facility if you prefer.
All you have to do is commit to organizing and participating in a minimum
of four cleanups annually for the next
two years. The only other requirement
is that you have at least one adult on
your team for every three children under the age of fourteen.
Keep Terrebonne Beautiful will do
the rest! We’ll explain the program in
detail and review all required materials
you will need—bags, safety vests, and
grabbers. We’ll also record and track
litter data documenting your group efforts. Finally, we’ll provide and install
signs acknowledging your group’s involvement. For more information visit
www.keepterrebonnebeautiful.org
Commerce Focus/April 24, 2016
What is the Chamber’s role in the business community?
The Chamber’s role in the business community is to help businesses
prosper in our region by giving businesses a voice in local, state and
federal government.
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PO Box 4336
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w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
Thibodaux Regional
Appoints Three Positions
Peltier Named
Director of Human Resources
Thibodaux Regional Medical Center is pleased
to announce that Casey Peltier, MBA, has been
appointed Director of Human Resources. She will be
responsible for the overall
administration, coordination, and evaluation of the
Human Resources department.
Peltier, a Vacherie native,
earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master’s
degree in Business Administration from Nicholls State University. She has been
working at Thibodaux Regional for seven years, and
most recently served as Benefits Specialist.
Dufour Named Clinical Director of Women’s Center
of Thibodaux Regional
Thibodaux Regional Medical Center is pleased to
announce that Richelle Dufour, RN, BSN, has been
named Clinical Director of
its Women’s Center. Dufour
earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Our Lady
of Holy Cross College in New
Orleans. She has more than
21 years of experience and
has held several leadership
positions in obstetrical services.
DeGravelle Named Vice President
of Professional Services
Thibodaux Regional Medical Center is pleased to
announce that Eric DeGravelle has been named Vice
President of Professional
Services. In this role he will
be responsible for ancillary
and support services at Thibodaux Regional Medical
Center.
DeGravelle, a Thibodaux
native, earned a Bachelor’s
degree in Business Management from the University of
Louisiana at Lafayette, and
his Masters of Business Administration degree from
the University of New Mexico. DeGravelle has been
working at Thibodaux Regional for thirteen years,
and has held positions as the Director of Human
Resources and the Director of Environmental Services.
H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C h a m b e r
of
Board Certified Interventional Cardiologist Joins TGMC and CIS
Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) and
Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) welcome
interventional cardiologist Amjad AlMahameed, MD
to the active medical staff. He will be joining the
world-renowned cardiovascular programs at TGMC
and CIS.
Dr. AlMahameed is board certified in internal
medicine, vascular medicine, cardiovascular disease,
interventional cardiology and endovascular medicine. He received his doctorate from Damascus University School of Medicine in Syria and completed a
residency in internal medicine and fellowship in vascular medicine at the renowned Cleveland Clinic in
Cleveland, Ohio. He accepted faculty appointment at
the Cleveland Clinic and served as a vascular medicine consultant and director of vascular medicine
research program. Dr. AlMahameed received a master’s degree in public health from the Cleveland Clinic
– Cleveland State University joint program.
Dr. AlMahameed received his general cardiology
and interventional coronary and peripheral training
at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center - Harvard
Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2010, Dr.
AlMahameed accepted faculty appointment at Beth
Israel Deaconess Medical Center – Harvard Medical
School and served as an interventional cardiologist
and endovascular specialist. He was named director
of the vascular medicine program, founding director
of the vascular laboratory and founding director of
the vascular disease management program, as well
as co-director of the peripheral interventional program.
Dr. AlMahameed served as a
consultant at Harvard Clinical
Research Institute, and was a
clinical instructor at Harvard
Medical School. He is the recipient of several awards including the Cleveland Clinic’s
senior resident of the year,
Cleveland Clinic’s chief medical resident, and the chief
cardiology fellow at Beth Israel Deaconess – Harvard
Medical School.
Dr. AlMahameed is widely published and has authored several book chapters in leading interventional, endovascular and cardiology textbooks. He
is a regular contributor to premier medical journals,
and serves on the editorial board and as a reviewer
to several prominent cardiovascular journals. He has
shared his expertise in numerous national and regional conferences, where he also was an effective
organizer and leader.
“We are honored to have Dr. AlMahameed join
our talented cardiovascular team,” said Phyllis Peoples, president and CEO of TGMC. “TGMC is on the
forefront of advanced cardiac care and Dr. AlMahameed’s knowledge and expertise will be an asset to
our cardiology program.”
Cindy King Has Been Awarded the Certified
Residential Specialist Designation
Cindy King has been
awarded the prestigious
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation
by the Council of Residential Specialists, the
largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®.
REALTORS® who receive the CRS Designation have completed
advanced professional
training and demonstrated outstanding professional achievement
in residential real estate.
Only 37,000 REALTORS®
nationwide have earned
the credential.
Home buyers and sellers can be assured that
CRS Designees subscribe
to the strict REALTORS®
code of ethics, have been
trained to use the latest
tactics and technologies,
Commerce Focus/April 24, 2016
11
and are specialists in
helping clients maximize
profits and minimize
costs when buying or
selling a home.
Cindy King is a Realtor with Houma’s Town
and Country Real Estate.
She is a member of the
Bayou Board of Realtors.
Cindy King is also PAT
Chairperson Board of Directors, Houma Chamber
of Commerce, Lafourche
Chamber of Commerce,
Houma Rotary Club,
South Central Industrial
Association, Houma Terrebonne
Community
Band, Bayou Civic ClubLarose, Louisiana Realtors Association, and The
National Association of
Realtors.
Charlotte Grace
Agency Owner
Allstate Insurance Company
1208 Louise St.
Thibodaux, LA 70301
Office 985-492-1579/Cell 985-665-3585
Fax 985-492-1264
Cgrace@allstate.com
Your trusted Allstate advisor
w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
Louisiana to Receive A Minimum Of $6.8 Billion For State
Claims Related To BP Oil Spill
Daigle Recognized for
Professional Leadership
The Court approved the settlement between the United States,
the five Gulf States and BP for
damages stemming from the 2010
Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The
Court approved Consent Decree
outlines more than $20 billion in
damages. Louisiana will receive a
minimum of $6.8 billion for claims
related to natural resource damages under the Oil Pollution Act,
Clean Water Act civil penalties,
and the State’s various economic
claims.
“Today’s announcement is welcomed news for Louisiana,” said
Johnny Bradberry, Governor John
Bel Edwards’ executive assistant
for coastal activities. “The finalization of the settlement provides
certainty regarding the timing and
availability of funding needed to
move forward with significant recovery efforts. We will continue
working with the utmost sense
of urgency and engaging with our
Edward Daigle, CIC , of
USI Insurance Services,
LLC, Houma, La., was
recently recognized for
professional leadership
and advanced knowledge by the Society
of Certified Insurance
Counselors (CIC), a leading national insurance
professional organization.
Mr. Edward Daigle was
awarded a certificate
marking more than fifteen years of participation as a designated CIC,
which requires annual
completion of advanced
education and training.
Edward Daigle’s ongoing allegiance and support of the CIC Program
is a testament to the
value he places on “real
world” education and
customer satisfaction.
“Your clients, associ-
federal partners and the public to
get critical projects on the ground
as quickly as possible.”
The Court’s approval of the Consent Decree finalizes the agreement in principle announced in
July of 2015 and allows Louisiana
to move forward with identifying
and implementing projects. This
settlement combined with prior
Deepwater Horizon-related settlements translates into approximately $8.7 billion for Louisiana
coastal restoration.
Under the terms of the Consent
Decree, BP will pay the following:
• Up to $8.8 billion for natural resource damages (includes
$1 billion in early restoration
projects);
• $5.5 billion for Clean Water
Act civil penalties (plus interest;
subject to the RESTORE Act); and
• $600 million for other claims.
Additionally, BP will pay $4.9 billion to the Gulf States in a paral-
A WORLD OF
EXPERIENCE
IN YOUR
HOME TOWN.
lel settlement that resolves their
economic damage claims arising
from this incident. In other, related
agreements, BP also will pay up to
another $1 billion to resolve similar claims the company faces from
various local governments in the
Gulf region.
A breakdown of the Louisiana
share of these funds is as follows:
• A minimum of $5 billion for
natural resource damages (includes $368 million previously allocated for early restoration projects);
• A minimum of approximately
$787 million for Clean Water Act
civil penalties (subject to the RESTORE Act); and
• $1 billion for state economic
damages.
ates, and the insurance
professional as a whole
will benefit from such
dedication and leadership,” cited Dr. William
T. Hold, CIC, CPCU, CLU,
President of the Society
of CIC.
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.
bourgeoisbennett.com
New Orleans 504.831.4949 | North Shore 985.246.3022 | Houma 985.868.0139 | Thibodaux 985.447.5243
H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C h a m b e r
of
Commerce Focus/April 24, 2016
12
w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
Duplantis Design Group Welcomes
Jessica Thornton as a
Business Development Representative
DDG welcomes Jessica Thornton to the
Thibodaux office as a
Business Development
Representative. In 2003,
she received a Bachelor
of Science degree in
marketing from Nicholls
State University and has
worked in the business
development field for 13
years in both public and
private sectors. Her background includes outside
sales for pharmaceutical
and medical industries,
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political fundraising and
most recently, she served
as the Executive Director
of Institutional Advancement for Fletcher Technical Community College. These experiences
will be strongly beneficial as Jessica strives to
promote and develop
DDG further in the south
Louisiana market. Jessica
Thornton can be reached
at 985-447-0090 or at
jthornton@ddgpc.com.
TGMC Earns Two ACR Accreditations
Terrebonne General
Medical Center (TGMC)
has once again been
awarded a three-year
term of accreditation
in magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT)
as the result of a recent
review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). TGMC also
hold accreditations from
the ACR in mammography, ultrasound, nuclear
medicine and PET/CT.
TGMC recently installed a 1.5 Tesla Discovery MRI system. MRI
is a noninvasive medical
test that utilizes magnetic fields to produce
anatomical images of internal body parts to help
physicians diagnose and
treat medical conditions.
TGMC uses a Revolution
Cat Scan system for CT
which is a noninvasive
medical test that helps
physicians diagnose and
tailor treatments for various medical conditions.
The ACR gold seal
of accreditation represents the highest level
of image quality and patient safety. TGMC was
awarded this distinction
by meeting ACR Practice
Parameters and Technical Standards after a
peer-review evaluation
by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in
the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality
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control procedures and
quality assurance programs are assessed. The
findings are reported to
the ACR Committee on
Accreditation, which subsequently provides the
practice with a comprehensive report that can
be used for continuous
practice improvement.
“TGMC is pleased to
once again earn the ACR
gold seal for MRI and
CT,” said Phyllis Peoples,
president and CEO. “Our
dedicated physicians and
staff work hard to provide quality, state-of-theart radiology services to
our patients and it is an
honor to receive this national recognition.
Stephanie Hebert
985-872-0201
854 Grand Caillou Rd.
Houma
shebert@allstate.com
8th Annual Golf Classic
Ellendale Country Club
Availability from a particular company varies by product. Subject to availability and qualifications. Life
insurance 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.
Call (985) 876-5600 for more information
or Email info@houmachamber.com
H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C h a m b e r
of
Commerce Focus/April 24, 2016
13
111499
Monday, May 9 • 7:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
Arlen “Benny” Cenac Donates 10K to Houma Community
Garden to Benefit Local Food Bank
Houma Businessman,
Arlen “Benny” Cenac, has
donated $10,000.00 to a
local community garden.
The garden is to be located at Southdown Plantation House and is being
operated in conjunction
with the St. Francis Vegetable Garden in Thibodaux. A ribbon cutting
to commemorate the
Southdown Garden location was held on Thursday, April 7, at 10:30am.
The event took place on
the Southdown Plantation lawn and a reception
followed.
The local garden will
include 12 raised beds.
It will be operated with
a team of volunteers,
which will include local
students,
community
residents and master
gardeners. When asked
about being involved in
such a project, Cenac responded, “This is important to our area. Not only
is it a great addition to
both the St. Francis Vegetable Garden and Southdown Plantation, but also
to the entire community.
It benefits everyone. It
creates a learning experience for all volunteers
involved. The best part
is, the Good Samaritan
Food Bank benefits from
it. It’s just a win-win for
everyone, and I’m truly
honored to be a part of
it. I can only hope other
areas see the good being done here and implement similar projects.”
Cenac, a Houma businessman and owner of
Cenac Towing Co, LLC,
takes pride in his local
community and has a
personal mission to see
the Houma/Thibodaux
area flourish. Giving back
to the community that
has been a part of his
business for generations
is his way of ensuring
that continues to
happen. Cenac said
the best part is “the
Good
Samaritan
Food Bank benefits
from it. It’s just a
win-win for everyone, and I’m truly
honored to be a
part of it.”
H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C h a m b e r
HOUMA-TERREBONNE CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE GOLF CLASSIC- May 9 , 2016
Thank you to our sponsors!
●Buquet Distributing Company, Inc.
● Coca-Cola Refreshments
● Charles A. Page & Sons
Insurance Agency, Inc.
● Coastal Commerce Bank
● FMT Aggregates, LLC
● Gulf South Risk Services
● Houma Highlands Apartment Homes
● HTV 10 KFOL/KJUN
● Morrison Terrebonne Lumber/
Home Hardware
● South Louisiana Bank
● Southwest Funding
● State Farm Travis Gravois
Insurance Agency
● Stephanie Hebert Insurance Agency
● Synergy Bank
● TGMC’s Healthy Lifestyles Center
● Bourgeois Bennett, LLC CPAs
● Christian Lapeyre, RHU -
Insurance & Benefits
● Claudet Properties
● First American Bank and Trust
● K & B Industries
● Senator Bret Allain
● Brian Mustin - Allstate
● NRE Power Systems
● Summit Electric Supply
● United Community Bank
● Vida Paint & Supply, Inc.
● Cajun Meat Market
● Coburn Supply Company
● Community Coffee Company, Inc.
● Off The Hook
● Premier Catering & Events, Inc.-
Grady V’s American Bistro
*Sponsors as of 4/11/16
of
Commerce Focus/April 24, 2016
14
w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
Getting to Know Our Members!
We randomly chose various businesses/organizations from different
categories to ask a few light-hearted questions to get to know them a little better. Here’s what we found out:
What is one thing in your
house you treasure?
If you could create a holiday,
what would it celebrate?
Give your elevator speech
in 35 words or less.
God’s Holy Written Word
(The Holy Bible)
I would
celebrate a national
holiday for Native
Americans
The success of a community is contingent upon
the economic success of all its residents. Here at
Learning Bridge, The Career Institute, we believe
that bridging the gap through education
contributes to the economic success of
Terrebonne and surrounding Parishes.
Pictures of my children!
They are now grown and
gone but the memories we
shared together as they were
growing up are forever
captured in those photos.
My daughter, son, and
grandson are my greatest
treasures!
Urban Loft Day! It would be a day
filled with runway fashion shows
in which we would showcase
the fashion’s past, present, and
future and also highlight the great
designers who pioneered this
wonderful industry!
What would you tell a
first-time visitor about
Terrebonne Parish?
Everyone should
experience food,
festivals, and fishing
Gloria Williams
Learning Bridge
Career Institute
Eva Smith
Urban Loft
Terrolyn Mitchell
Homewood Suites by
Hilton Houma
You’ll need more than
I own Urban Loft, a clothing boutique
located on Main Street in beautiful down- just a week to truly enjoy
this wonderful place! It’s
town Houma! Owning & opening a
boutique like this has been a dream of mine filled with great Southsince I was in the 4th grade and I am now ern hospitality! Bring an
living that dream. I began this business at appetite because we have
some of the most wonthe age of 43. Never let a dream go because
they can and do come true!
derful restaurants! Also
pack your walking shoes
in order to visit the
amazing historic places
located in downtown
Houma and don’t forget
to stop in at Urban Loft!
I treasure my mushroom
National Help A Kid Day.
Life is often busy and I’m your solution! I
Our parish is the closest
chair in my bathroom. It
Families would be able to take in a
can provide you a turn key ELITE
place to your home!
often serves as my escape
kid from a shelter or foster facility
experience from hotel & travel
Regardless of where
from the hustle & bustle of
to spend a day with them to give arrangements as well as planning, designing you’re from, you’ll find
the hotel & event planning
them a glimmer of hope & show
& decorating your dream event. Let’s get
comfort in knowing that
entrepreneurship. I often call
them that we care.
started!
Terrebonne has a perfect
it nap space too.
place just for you.
Family Photos
Education Day—it would
celebrate learning in all forms.
Dr. Brenda
Leroux Babin
Women’s Business
Alliance (WBA)
H o u m a - Te r r e b o n n e C h a m b e r
of
Commerce Focus/April 24, 2016
15
If you are a business woman living in
Terrebonne Parish and would like to join
a group that supports, empowers, and
educates other women, you should join the
Women’s Business Alliance of Houma.
In Terrebonne, French
for Good Earth, our
food says it all about
our culture. How you
make a gumbo depends
on what bayou you live
on. Our seasons are
identified by what we
eat—King Cake season,
Crawfish season., etc.
Even our music has to
do with our food. “Jambalaya, crawfish pie, file’
gumbo...“
w w w. H o u m a C h a m b e r. c o m
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DAILY • 11AM-7PM
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