Annual Report 2011 1 Letter from the Executive Director Foundation Board Stuart McAvoy While news of a national recession dominated the airwaves in 2011, St. STEDF President Tammany Parish saw both retention and growth in our local economy. UPS, Government Sector Solutions Development While the national unemployment rate rose to double digits, here at home Manager the rate was closer to 7 percent – a rate not far from the 5-percent level economists agree is attractive to businesses, and proving once again that Bruce Clement we are well-positioned to hold our own as a destination of choice for site STEDF Vice-President selectors and businesses of all sizes. Slidell Memorial Hospital, Chief Ancillary Officer

New businesses continue to launch in our community at a rate of several Stella Helluin hundred a month, and range from cottage industries families start to STEDF Treasurer supplement income to major corporate relocations and expansions. Nolan Power Group, Human Resource Manager/ Assistant Controller On the political front, we gained a seat in the House of Representatives and lost one in the Senate as 2010 Census data were put into effect through Nixon Adams redistricting. But as 2012 begins, a majority of our delegation to Baton Mandeville Planning & Zoning Commission, Chairman-Zoning Rouge were given significant leadership roles in the new Legislature. David “Dave” Anderson There are undeniable assets here that make us an extraordinary place. From Retired Senior Vice President, Hancock Bank the natural geography that places us near waterways that are navigable for both commerce and recreation to the long-established Interstate corridors Martin Bruno, Jr., FAICP that make us a logistics coordinator’s ideal, St. Tammany is in a good place both literally and figuratively. Rick Chapman Diversified Foods & Seasonings, Inc., The St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation continues to thrive. President/CEO Our work in helping existing businesses succeed and grow is effective, as business-retention efforts have measurably kept companies here and Irma L. Cry helped them expand employment opportunities. Our efforts to attract local St. Tammany Parish, businesses through outside promotion and by helping site selectors and Business Development Liaison CEOs who contact us have led to thousands of new jobs and acres of clean development. Shelby P. LaSalle, Jr. GEC/Krebs-LaSalle, Chairman/CEO While many of our efforts are behind the scenes, the impact can be seen everywhere in St. Tammany, from major construction projects to increased Ron Lee housing sales as new families move here to follow new jobs. Ron Lee Homes, Owner

Of course, nothing exists in a vacuum, and responsive local governments, Peter J. Link First Bank and Trust, Executive Vice President comprehensive rezoning, low crime and quality education are all factors in our work – and factors to which we contribute in a variety of ways. Mallery Mele Mele Printing, Owner/CEO We enter 2012 with optimism and determination, bolstered by recent successes and spurred-on by positive indicators that show our success and Ivan Miestchovich, Jr., Ph.D., CEcD bode well for more. University of New Orleans, Institute for Economic Development & Real Estate Research, Thank you for your interest in our work. Whether you’re an established Director and Associate Professor of Finance supporter of EDF or have interest in joining our efforts, we welcome you. Daniel “Danny” R. Schaus Sincerely, Cleco Power, LLC, Director of Governmental Services

Eric Schouest Cleco Power, LLC, Brenda Reine Bertus General Manager Eastern District Executive Director Foundation Board EDF Staff About St. Tammany EDF 2

Brenda Reine Bertus The St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation (STEDF), a non- Executive Director profit corporation and politically unaffiliated, is recognized as the lead economic development organization for St. Tammany Parish. STEDF Tracy Clanton seeks to improve the quality of life in the parish by strengthening and Executive Assistant supporting the business climate in the region.

Michael Tomlinson Business Development Manager Our Services Site Selection Services Ronda Sides • Locates sites that meet business partner specifications Information & Events Coordinator • Coordinates meetings and negotiations • Maintains database of available site locations Demographic Statistics & Publications • Customizes individual information products Other Members • Publishes 10-Year Economic Summary, Parish Profile, and Of Our Team Quarterly Economic Trends Report • Reports and information available online at www.stedf.org James Hartman Retention Program Communications Director • Makes on-site visits to resident businesses and industries James Hartman & Associates • Facilitates problem resolution • Hosts Business Assistance Forums John Borland Support Economist • Facilitates federal, state and local incentives Borland Econometrics • Acts as both a liaison and an advocate with local governments and regulatory agencies Normand Pizza • Assists in finding resources Legal Counsel • Supporting Workforce Development Efforts Milling Benson Woodward, LLP • Provides business counseling services through Southeastern Louisiana University’s Small Business Development Center, Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Louisiana (MEPOL), and Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center (LA PTAC) Projects

STEDF achieved important wins in new business development, retention/expansion, and creation throughout the year. Twenty-one projects reached completion in 2011; generating $155.5 million in investments, representing 280 existing jobs and 539 new jobs. Some of the 2011 projects include:

Completed

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. - Associated Wholesale Grocers began construction of their seventh full-line grocery distribution 2011 Governor’s Lantern Awards – June 14, 2011 center in Pearl River. The $75 million project includes a 720,000 square- From left: Representing St. Joe Brick Works-Chris Schneider, Pete Schneider, IV, Elizabeth Schneider, Pete Schneider, III and Kathryn Schneider; Brenda Reine Bertus, foot facility situated on a 68-acre site, and will bring an estimated 588 STEDF; Kara Renne, Regional Planning Commission construction jobs and employ nearly 300 new permanent workers when it opens in January 2013. Continued on next page → Projects (Continued) 3 2011 Investors Nunmaker Yachts – Nunmaker Yachts is a full-service yacht sales and Champagne Beverage service company located in Madisonville. It is beginning construction of a City of Covington new sales and service facility and a new 114-unit full-service dry storage marina. The $2.2 million project will create three new jobs and retain six City of Mandeville jobs.

City of Slidell Slidell Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center – Slidell Memorial’s Cleco Power, LLC new Regional Cancer Center provides inpatient and outpatient services to patients from the entire Gulf South. The project created 40 new jobs with a Diversified Foods & Seasonings, Inc. $22 million capital investment. Express Employment Professionals Candlewood Suites – Candlewood Suites is a new extended-stay, all-suite Florida Marine Transporters hotel located in Slidell. This project created 30 new jobs with a capital investment of $2 million. Folger Coffee Company Gilsbar, Inc. Comfort Suites – Comfort Suites is a new hotel currently under construction in Mandeville. This project will create 10 new jobs with a LaPorte, Sehrt, Romig & Hand $2.1 million capital investment. Louisiana Workforce Commission Hilton Garden Inn – The Hilton Garden Inn is a new hotel located in Mele Printing Covington. This $14 million project created 25 new jobs. Northshore Business Council Retention IBERIABANK In 2011, 94 retention visits were performed, representing 796 existing jobs. Paternostro Bros. Joint Venture Real The purpose of these visits is to assess the well-being of our existing firms -Estate and to provide assistance through outreach and educational opportunities. Many of the expansion projects listed below were identified during a Poitevent Interests retention visit. Rooms To Go Expansions St. Tammany Home Builders -Association Abita Brewing Company – Abita Brewing Company, a production facility located in Abita Springs, completed a $13.6-million warehouse expansion. St. Tammany Parish Government Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, Inc. – Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, the Stirling Properties largest manufacturer of hand-made, open-flame copper lanterns in the Wegmann-Dazet & Co. world, completed a $250,000 facility expansion at its Covington location that created eight new jobs and retained 35 jobs.

Mele Printing – Mele Printing, the largest commercial printer in the metro New Orleans area, recently expanded its existing facility. The $1.2 million project created five new jobs and retained 51.

NMD, Inc. – NMD, Inc., a software development company located in Slidell, relocated into a larger facility. The relocation created two new jobs, and retained 10 jobs with a capital investment of $50,000.

PEC/Premier Safety Management – PEC/Premier Safety Management, a training provider and consultant in the oil and gas industry, expanded MECO – August 15, 2011 its Mandeville location. The project created six new jobs, and retained 60 Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret visits St. Tammany manufacturer, MECO. Pictured from left: Reano Siragusa, MECO; Secretary Stephen job with a capital investment of $642,900. Moret; Jeff Lynn, Louisiana Economic Development 2011 STEDF Combined Economic Impact 4 of 21 CompletedChart Title Projects

18% 15% 0% 3%

4%

60% Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Certified Sites Program Seminar – October 11, 2011 From left: Arsene Aka, LED; Ron Crum, LED; Larry Henson, LED; Brenda Reine Bertus, STEDF Industry Total Economic Impact (1 yr) Manufacturing $32,074,438 Construction $787,200 Wholesale Trade $131,081,900 Hotel & Other Lodging $8,483,584 Places Miscellaneous Services $7,977,025 Health Services $38,867,400 Total $219,271,547 GNO, Inc. Northshore Site Selector Tour – September 19, 2011 Pictured from left: Bill Fredrick, Wadley-Donovan, GrowthTech, LLC; Michael McDermott, Grubb & Ellis Company; Scott Kupperman, Kupperman Highlights & Achievements Location Solutions; Brenda Reine Bertus, STEDF; Dan Mahoney, Bear Creek Partnership • Conducted 10 Site Visits for prospects interested in relocating to St. Tammany, representing potential investments of $71 million and 365 new jobs.

• Responded to 27 Requests for Proposals (RFPs) representing more than $3 billion in potential investments and 5,613 potential new jobs. Two of the responses led to site visits. Four of the RFPs are active projects representing a potential $30 million investment and 501 new jobs.

East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet – • Hosted three Business Assistance Forums: January 14, 2011 The East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce presented an award of recognition to Windward, Inc., in honor of the company o “Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program,” presented winning the 2010 Governor’s Lantern Award. Pictured from left: Michael Tomlinson, STEDF; Donna Albert, Windward, Inc.; Fulton Hicks, Windward, by representatives of Delgado Community College, focused on Inc.; Dawn Sharpe Brackett, East St. Tammany Chamber; Wendy Beadle and a unique program designed to spur growth and job-creation in Chris Beadle of Windward, Inc.; Colleen Brandy, Windward, Inc. our region. o “Business Incentives Seminar,” presented by representatives of Louisiana Economic Development, discussed program rules and application processes for a variety of programs and incentives, including Enterprise Zone, Industrial Tax Exemption, Restoration Tax Abatement, Research and Development, Small Business Loan Guaranty, Technology Commercialization and Quality Jobs. o “LED Certified Site Program,” presented by representatives of STEDF Annual Luncheon – March 21, 2011 Louisiana Economic Development, highlighted the Program Pictured from left: Stuart McAvoy, UPS, STEDF President; Melissa Elliott, Express and provided information on requirements to successfully Employment Professionals-Luncheon Sponsor; Dr. David Kolzow, Team Kolzow, execute the application and have a site branded as an official Inc.-Guest Speaker; Brenda Reine Bertus, STEDF; Representing luncheon sponsor Northshore Business Council - Eric Schouest, Cleco & Kelly McHugh, Kelly J. McHugh Louisiana Certified Site. & Assoc. 5 Highlights & Achievements (Continued) STEDF 2011 Budget Revenue* • Launched a new available property database to advance Revenue STEDF to the next level in site selection services. The new 3%

website allows realtors/property owners, site selectors 13% and potential clients access to tools such as mapping, data 9% District Support downloads and community profiles. STEDF’s site is part of Parish/Municipal Support LED’s Louisiana Site Selection Center. Investments 75% Other Income • Collaborated with the Stennis-Michoud Corridor Alliance to develop Sen. David Vitter’s Stennis-Michoud Aerospace Economic Corridor, a partnership between Louisiana and Mississippi to jointly market and promote the neighboring District Support $281,347 NASA facilities. The hope is to lure large aviation and Parish/Municipal Support $35,996 aerospace companies. Investments $48,700 Other Income $10,545 • Bondilyn Jolly, of the Slidell-based eMerge, was the recipient of the Technology Leader of the Year Award at the 2011 Total $376,589

Governor’s Technology Awards. The award is given annually to an individual who has made a substantial contribution to the state’s technology sector. Jolly was nominated by the St. Expenditures* Tammany Economic Development Foundation. Expenditures Salaries & Benefits

5% 2% Office Overhead • Brenda Reine Bertus, STEDF Executive Director, received 5% 3% a mini Louisiana flag that was flown aboard Space Shuttle Adver=sing/Marke=ng 9% Atlantis, STS-115, on its Sept. 9, 2006, flight. The flag was Professional Fees 1% presented by Stennis Director Patrick E. Scheuermann in 10% 65% Seminars/Training & appreciation for her longstanding support of NASA and Travel the John C. Stennis Space Center through her leadership in Demographics & Dues/ Subs Partners for Stennis. Contract Labor

Other • Michael Tomlinson, STEDF Business Development Manager, was awarded certification as a Louisiana Economic Salaries & Benefits $261,131 Developer upon his graduation from the Louisiana Industrial Office Overhead $39,744 Development Executives Association’s (LIDEA) Certification Advertising/Marketing $6,011 Program. He was also a recipient of the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) Diane Lupke Scholarship Professional Fees $35,633 Award, an annual award that provides ongoing training for Seminars/Training & Travel $13,931 international economic development certification. Demographics & Dues/Subs $20,627 Contract Labor $19,987 • St. Joe Brick, a longstanding manufacturing company based in Pearl River, was recognized with the prestigious Lantern Other $6,442 Award, given each year by Louisiana Economic Development Total $403,510 for excellence in manufacturing. The St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation nominated the company for the award. Non-Recurring Revenue* • STEDF’s two luncheons featured highly recognized and respected individuals from the economic development field. Non-Recurring Revenue $ 4,972 Dr. David Kolzow, President of Team Kolzow, Inc., based in Unaudited figures Franklin, TN, and a principal consultant with the Mandeville- * based Taimerica Management, was the guest speaker at STEDF’s Annual Luncheon. Mark Sweeney, senior principal of Greenville, SC-based McCallum Sweeney Consulting, was guest speaker at STEDF’s Mid-Year Update Luncheon

District Commissioners St. Tammany Development District 6 Daniel “Danny” R. Schaus District Chairman Cleco Power, LLC, Director of Governmental Services The St. Tammany Parish Development District is a political subdivision of the state created by the Legislature to foster business development through the Chadwick W. Collings District Vice-Chairman issuance of bonds and by taking other steps necessary to advance sustainable Milling Benson Woodward, LLP, Partner commerce. The District has issued bonds for projects such as Diversified David “Dave” Anderson Foods & Seasonings, Inc., Folger Lacombe Distribution Center Florida District Treasurer Retired Senior Vice President, Hancock Bank Marine Transporters, Rooms To Go Distribution Center and Champagne Beverage. The St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation is the Nixon Adams Mandeville Planning & Zoning Commission, management arm for the St. Tammany Parish Development District. Chairman – Zoning

John Ammerman IBERIABANK, Senior Vice-President Northshore District Bond Projects Brenda Reine Bertus A significant portion of the District’s economic development work involves St. Tammany EDF, Executive Director helping private entities finance their projects. In the past eight years, the Dawn Sharpe Brackett District has issued more than $732 million in private activity bonds and East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, CEO industrial revenue bonds to finance 18 projects that have generated 1,588 Martin Bruno, Jr., FAICP jobs in St. Tammany Parish. Irma L. Cry St. Tammany Parish, Business Development Liaison PROJECT NAME BOND NEW PURPOSE AMOUNT JOBS Stella Helluin, Nolan Power Group, Diversified Foods & $15,380,000 75 Manufacturing Facility- Human Resource Manager/Assistant Controller Seasonings Madisonville Kristin McLaren Mickal Folger Coffee Company $25,000,000 90 Distribution Facility- Louisiana Tourism Coast Coalition, Executive Director Lacombe Florida Marine Transporters $25,000,000 100 Marine Vessels-Mandeville John Murchison Cleco Power, LLC, Senior Residential & Small Main Street Holdings $5,400,000 225 Main Street Center-Slidell Commercial Business Development Main Street Holdings $2,600,000 N/A Main Street Center-Slidell Donna O’Daniels Florida Marine Transporters $49,074,000 N/A Marine Vessels-Mandeville Salaries & Benefits $261,131 St. Tammany Parish Tourist & Convention Commission, Tammany Middle $7,800,000 150 Former Wink, Inc. Office Overhead $39,744 Executive Director Building-Covington

Advertising/Marketing $6,011 William “Bill” Oiler Rooms To Go $45,000,000 300 Distribution Facility-Pearl Professional Fees $35,633 St. Tammany Parish, Chief Administrative Officer River 1077 Properties LLC $2,240,000 40 Tammany West Multiplex John Smith Seminars/Training & Travel $13,931 Office Building-Covington St. Tammany Parish, Director of Engineering Demographics & Dues/Subs $20,627 BCS LLC $3,680,000 80 Hwy. 1077 Retail Complex- Contract Labor $19,987 Covington Other $6,442 I12/59 Properties, LLC $3,310,000 200 Hwy. 59 Retail Complex- Mandeville Total $403,510 Slidell Development Co., LLC $25,000,000 50 Summit Fremaux Development-Slidell Tammany Holding Company, $15,000,000 50 Lakeshore Marina LLC Development-Slidell Florida Marine Transporters $39,151,000 N/A Marine Vessels-Mandeville Florida Marine Transporters $107,265,000 32 Marine Vessels-Mandeville Champagne Beverage $23,000,000 35 Distribution Facility- Madisonville STEDF November Luncheon – November 14, 2011 Topic: Site Selection Process and the Importance of Certified Sites. Speaker: Mark Associated Wholesale $75,000,000 161 700,000 sf Distribution Sweeney, McCallum Sweeney Consulting. Sponsor: Cleco Power, LLC. From left: Von Grocers Facility Hatley, LED; Mark Sweeney, McCallum Sweeney Consulting; Brenda Reine Bertus, STEDF; Mike Sibley, Cleco Power; Eric Schouest, Cleco Power. Florida Marine Transporters $263,435,000 N/A Marine Vessels TOTAL $732,335,000 1,588

21489 Koop Drive, Suite 7 Mandeville, Louisiana 70471

985-809-7874 888-868-3830 (toll-free) www.stedf.org [email protected]

SEDC “Meet the Consultants” – May 12-13, 2011 Windward Innovator Award- June 13, 2011 Associated Wholesale Grocers Groundbreaking Ceremony – June Cleco sponsored individuals representing communities that had completed Slidell-based Windward, Inc., received the Southern Growth Policies Board 29, 2011 or currently are enrolled in the LA Ready Development Communities 2011 Innovator Award at the Chairman’s Conference Innovator Award Brenda Reine Bertus joins Associated Wholesale Grocers representatives program to attend SEDC’s “Meet the Consultants” forum in Atlanta, GA. Ceremony held in Roanoke, Virginia, on June 13, 2011. Pictured from left: and guests for the groundbreaking of AWG’s 700,000 sq ft distribution Front row from left: Tara Ingram-Hunter, City of Slidell; Roxane Barnes, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, Fulton Hicks, Windward, Inc. & Virginia center in Pearl River. Cleco Power; Brenda Reine Bertus, STEDF; Deborah Joffrion, Cleco Power; Governor Robert F. McDonnell. Allison Clarke, City of Crowley; Katie Chiasson, Cleco Power. Back row from left: Rich Dupre, City of Pineville; Don Reber, City of Eunice; Mike Tarantino, Iberia Industrial Development.