A monthly publication of the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce

FoVolume 8 | Number 9 | September 2015 us

Music Festival September 26 & 27

Join Us! 5 One on One with Restore or Retreat 7 The Best of the Bayou Music Line Up 10 September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Starting at age 50, men should have a discussion with their physician about prostate screening.

Are You At Risk: Age — Increases sharply after age 50 Family History — Higher if a brother or father had it Race — More common in African American men

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Starting at age 40 women should have an annual mammogram. Women in their 20’s and 30’s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a regular health checkup.

Help Reduce Your Risk: Stay at a healthy weight Be physically active Limit alcohol intake

For more information about cancer prevention, screening, or treatment, call: 985-493-4008 www.thibodaux.com Nationally-Recognized Hospital. Patient-Centered Excellence. Calendar Contact Us!

AUGUST 2015: Officers: 8/24 Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee Chairman of the Board 12:00 Noon - Chamber office Stephanie Hebert 8/25 General Membership Luncheon Stephanie Hebert Insurance Agency 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Courtyard by Marriott, 142 Library Drive - $25/person Chairman-Elect Sponsored by Acadian Ambulance - Speaker: Chris John, President, LA Mid Continent Oil & Gas Association Earl J. Eues, Jr. SEPTEMBER 2015: KEE Environmental Services, LLC 9/1 Chamber Development Committee Meeting Treasurer 12:00 Noon - Location to be determined Kate Theriot Coaching for Change, LLC 9/7 Labor Day - Chamber office closed Vice Chairman-Community Development Division 9/8 Executive Committee Chad Hebert 8:00 a.m. - Chamber office Workforce Logistics 9/15 Chamber Board Meeting Vice Chairman-Chamber Development Division 8:00 a.m. - Chamber office Paul Labat Foundation for Terrebonne General Medical Center 9/16 Government Activities Committee 12:00 Noon - Chamber office - Special Guest Rep. Gordon Dove Vice Chairman-Infrastructure & Economic Develop. Div. Business After-Hours Stephen Smith 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Houma Terrebonne Airport Commission All South Consulting Engineers, LLC 9/17 Education Committee Meeting Vice Chairman-Government Activities Division 8:00 a.m. - Chamber office Jason Bergeron Health Care Committee Meeting Technology Professionals, LLC 12:00 Noon - Chamber office Immediate Past Chairman 9/18 Terrebonne Young Achievers Nominatin Deadline Donald A. Hingle, II 9/22 General Membership Luncheon Business First Bank 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Courtyard by Marriott, 142 Library Drive - $25/person Sponsored by Homewood Suites by Hilton Houma - Speaker Dr. Bruce Murphy, President, Nicholls State University

9/23 Chamber Cares - Marketplace on Wellness BOARD MEMBERS: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Houma Municipal Auditorium, 880 Verret Street No admission fee or registration required for attendees. Ann Barker Mike LaRussa Terrebonne Ford LaRussa Real Estate Agency, Inc 9/28 Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee Joseph Boudreaux Mike Lewis 12:00 Noon - Chamber office Blackhawk Specialty Tools Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse For more information about Chamber Events call (985) 876-5600 or Email: [email protected] Natalie Campbell Mitchell Marmande Campbell Technology Delta Coast Consultants, LLC Consultants, LLC David Rabalais Mona Martin Christen Terrebonne Port Commission Mona & Company, Inc. Janel Ricca Reggie Dupre Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Terrebonne Levee & Conservation District Darlene Rodrigue The Courier William Eroche Watkins, Walker & Eroche, APLC Brian Rushing Rushing Media Michael J. Garcia, M.D. South LA Medical Associates Kimi Walker Chauvin Brothers, Inc. Leroy Guidry Chet Morrison Contractors, LLC Chuck Weaver Jr. South LA Financial Services, LLC Cindy Landeche Baymont Inn & Suites

H o u m a -Te r r e b o n n e Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 3 www.HoumaChamber.com Chairman’s Me s s a g e

Your health at work When we feel well, we work well. That’s The Chamber cares about your corpo- centers, insurance companies, and health what “workplace wellness” is all about, a rate family and we invite you to our first care nonprofits. Four speakers are also trend that is catching fire in the corporate “Marketplace on Wellness,” where own- lined up for presentations on healthy life- world as companies of all shapes and sizes ers, managers, and human resources staff styles, mind and spirit, drug and alcohol strive to improve employee health. The can learn more about programs that can addiction, and smoking cessation. The full benefits of this focus on wellness are im- strengthen the overall health of your em- lineup is published on page 14. pressive and include reductions in health ployees and, ultimately, your business. Thank you to all of our presenters for care costs and absenteeism, increased The Marketplace on Wellness will be held helping us spread the message of wellness productivity, and improved employee mo- on Wednesday, September 23 from 3:00 – to all of our Chamber members at this up- rale and retention. 7:00 p.m. at the Houma Municipal Audito- coming Marketplace event. We hope to Corporate wellness programs in Sili- rium. We are excited to have many booths see you all on September 23 as we strive con Valley are perhaps some of the best reserved by Chamber members represent- to be well and work well! known, as high-tech companies vigorously ing the medical field and hospitals, fitness compete for the brightest minds in the tech industry and invest heavily in keep- ing those minds bright and bodies healthy. Stephanie Hebert “Google” the employee perks for the com- 2015 Board Chair pany Google, for instance, and you’ll likely Stephanie Hebert Insurance Agency be amazed like I was. Google employees are offered full use of on-site gyms, swim- Registration is open for the 6th Annual ming pools with lifeguards, free mental Houma Heart and Soles Race health counseling, sleeping pods for nap- ping, massages, and snack and meal areas Registration is now open for the 6th relay finishers. Participants and guests providing healthy meals at no charge, not Annual Houma Heart and Soles Half- are invited to stay for the race after-par- to mention full medical and dental insur- Marathon & 5K scheduled for Saturday, ty which will include live entertainment, ance and on-site medical staff. Who would November 14 at 7 a.m. at the Houma- great food, and an awards ceremony for ever want to leave? Terrebonne Civic Center. Presented by our winners! There will be a $5 admission Obviously, we can’t all work at Google Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) fee for non-participants over the age of nor provide these kinds of perks to our em- and Terrebonne General Medical Center 12. ployees, but there are ways we can help (TGMC), the event will include a half-mar- CIS and TGMC have teamed up to sup- our team get healthy and stay healthy, athon at 13.1 miles, a two-man relay at port this event in order to raise funds to and promote a healthy workplace. Simple 6.55 miles per person and a 5K walk/run provide cardiovascular screenings and ed- steps like providing healthful food options at 3.1 miles. ucation for the community. Proper cardio- in vending machines, posting a wellness The race is offering low introductory vascular education and regular screenings billboard in your break room, supporting rates for a limited time: half-marathon at are the first steps in preventing cardio- a “lunchtime walking club,” negotiating $50, half-marathon relay at $35 per per- vascular disease. And by making lifestyle a corporate discount for employee gym son, and 5K run/walk at $15. changes, you can modify your risk factors memberships, or offering an onsite health The race has a unique “Red Carpet” fin- to reduce your risk for heart disease. fair for routine screenings can really go a long way to improve our own health and ish inside of the Houma-Terrebonne Civic To register or learn more, visit http:// our team’s health. Center. Commemorative award medals halfmarathon.tgmc.com. will be presented to all half-marathon and

staff: Suzanne Nolfo Carlos Chantell Pepper Betsy Breerwood Kay Thibodeaux Heidi Ohmer President and CEO Administrative Assistant Events & Membership Account Executive Communications Specialist [email protected] [email protected] Communication Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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 Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 4 www.HoumaChamber.com n o t e s f r o m t h e President

Hot, hot, hot!! Was it like this We want to make it easy for Terrebonne Council on Aging, tional Medicine Services. last summer? My electricity bill you. You will need your login DeFraites Associates, Flynn Clin- Call Curtis Courtney, project tells me no. September is right and password, so just email us ic of Chiropractic, Brooke’s Sno director, at 870-3032 or email around the corner and with or give us a call if you’ve forgot- World, Logan Babin Real Estate him at [email protected] it, we can look forward to the ten it. Just log in to your Cham- & Appraisals, Bourgeois & As- if you would like to participate. fall and cooler temperatures. I berMaster account from the sociates, Barataria-Terrebonne Of course, you can always call hope. If not, October is on its Chamber’s website, and click NEP, Synergy Bank and Occupa- our office at 876-5600. way as well. on to Hot Deals in the shortcut While the temperature is menu found on the right side of staying high, unfortunately the the page. Then click ‘Add Hot price of oil keeps dropping. Deal’ on the right side of the We’ve been holding out pretty page, fill in the information and well, trying to stay positive, submit it for approval. Join Us! while waiting for the price per There’s now a Hot Deals but- barrel to go back up, and stay ton on the Chamber’s homep- BUSINESS AFTER there. Our community is made age to get instructions as well up of strong, caring, resilient as a Hot Deals button to bring people who support each oth- you directly to the listings. Suzanne Nolfo Carlos er and stick it out. Now more Hot Deals, one more way to H URS President/CEO than ever we all need to ‘keep be ‘Chamber Connected and Networking at its best! our cool’, be patient with one Chamber Strong!’ Business After Hours is held each month for Chamber members and their another, and continue to do the Our historical book project, employees to network and enjoy food, drinks and door prizes. best we can. Cooler tempera- the Terrebonne Parish: Stories Wednesday, September 16 • 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. tures and higher oil prices will of the Good Earth is finishing Sponsored by: All South Consulting Engineers, be here. up. There’s only a little more Bourg Supermarket, Inc., CB&I, Chauvin Brothers, Inc., Over the past several months, than a week left to be included Coastal Commerce Bank, Low Land Construction Co., Inc., we’ve been updating and work- in the special section called Providence/GSE, Stephanie Hebert Insurance Agency ing on the Chamber’s website. Sharing the Heritage, which One of the things we have no- tells the stories of individual ticed is that the Hot Deals page businesses and organizations in and the Job Postings page get Terrebonne Parish. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP quite a few hits each month. Chamber members still have However, there’s a problem. the opportunity to be included in LUNCHEON There’s nothing posted to this section of the book. Here’s them! a list of current participants: Tuesday, September 22 • 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. One way for Chamber mem- Harry Bourg Corporation, Mor- Courtyard by Marriott - 142 Library Drive bers to help each other out rison Terrebonne Lumber Cen- Speaker: Dr. Bruce Murphy, during these troubling times, ter, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s President, Nicholls State University and at the same time promote Office, Terrebonne Parish Con- Sponsored by: Homewood Suites by Hilton Houma Admission is $25 per person in advance (deadline is Friday, September 18) and your business, is to post a ‘Hot solidated Government, Chauvin $30 per person after the deadline. General public is invited to attend, Deal’ through the Chamber’s Brothers, Lanaux & Felger CPA, call the Chamber at (985) 876-5600 for admission fees. website. Terrebonne Levee & Conserva- Hot Deals are special dis- tion District, Terrebonne Folk counts, sales, etc. that Chamber Life Culture Center, Terrebonne Chamber Cares about your Corporate Family members offer only to other Waterlife Museum, Terrebonne Marketplace on Wellness Chamber members. It’s a great Parish Library, SONOCO, Cortec way to increase your exposure Fluid Control, Holiday Inn, Mo- Wednesday, September 23 • 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and gain new business. tivatit Seafoods, Stephanie He- Houma Municipal Auditorium - 880 Verrett Street With 774 member businesses bert Insurance Agency, Cardio- Chamber business owners, executives, and Human Resource personnel and organizations that employ vascular Institute of the South, are invited to attend this Marketplace on Wellness. more than 28,000 people, there T. Baker Smith, Terrebonne More than 24 vendors will be on hand with information, services, and is the potential to increase your General Medical Center, Leon- products that you can use to improve the wellness program customer base. ard J. Chabert Medical Center, within your organization. See more information on page 14.

H o u m a -Te r r e b o n n e Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 5 www.HoumaChamber.com Focus on the Parish

date. The 30 foot alligator would be similar to the lily begins on the Westside Bridge that bridge will have to by Michel Claudet pads in the bayou by the Waterlife Museum in that it be closed for up to 6 months for the improvements. Terrebonne Parish would be a sculpture that is anchored to the bottom We will be expanding the bridge to the North toward President of the Bayou. The 30 foot alligator would be in Bayou Thibodaux and making it a 2 way bridge again. We Terrebonne in a location that would be visible from are most sorry for the closure of the bridge but it is Houma Police Chief the Barrow Street Bridge. We can just imagine the necessary if we want to enjoy the improvements in Dana Coleman has been comments from visitors to our area. the future. selected and approved by Award for our new Skateboard Park Houma Elementary the Parish Council as the The LMA (Louisiana Municipal Association) recently We are pleased to report that the last piece of the next Police Chief in Houma. had its convention in Baton Rouge where we were puzzle is now in place for the renovation of Houma Dana has a 20 year career with HPD during which he honored to receive the Community Achievement Elementary (located at the corner of Point Street and has worked on Patrol, as a School Resource Officer, award for our Skateboard Goode Street) into and recently Chief of Detectives. He assumed the Park. Thanks go to the 103 Elderly Apart- duties of Chief on August 7. We wish him well on Planning Department ments. These Elder- his new challenge at HPD and certainly also wish Todd under the leadership of ly Apartments are Duplantis an enjoyable retirement after his 30 years Pat Gordon and special so needed in this of distinguished service with HPD. thanks go to Chris Pulas- community. This Pelican on the Bayou Walk ki who has spearheaded renovation will in- Downtown Houma has a new resident. The Down- and worked so hard on clude the construc- town Development Corporation has been promoting the Skateboard Park to tion of a new build- art in public places and the most recent addition is make it a real ing to replace the the Pelican placed on asset to our building that had the Bayou Walk. It is community. been destroyed by adjacent to the bayou Ward 7 fire. Special thanks walk by the pedestrian Levee go to the School bridge that comes out on We have Board for transfer- the extension of Goode now received ring the property to Street by People’s Drug authorization to go to bid on the lower por- the Parish and the Council on Aging for making this Store. This Pelican was tion of the Ward 7 levee that runs from possible by an injection of capital into this project in created by Kevin Brown the Lashbrook pump station to Boudreaux the amount of $5,500,000. The ground breaking will and is a beautiful piece Canal. This will bring the entire area along probably take place this year with the actual construc- of metal work that is Highway 56 to a 10 foot elevation from the tion beginning in 2016. now conspicuously dis- Thompson Road extension to Boudreaux played downtown. This Canal. A requirement of this permit is to is the second bird that begin the mitigation and the levee work -si We treat eeryone like family. the Downtown Devel- multaneously. In addition to levee work you People youknow. Aname youtrust. opment Corporation should begin seeing marsh being created in has assisted in finding a Lake Boudreaux. This has been a project good home. The other that has been in the works for years and we (a Blue Herring) is located at the intersection of Bar- are most thankful to finally obtain the permit so that row Street and the Bayou Walk and was also created all of the people along the levee will have a 10 foot by Kevin Brown and was donated by Entergy. level of protection. Please understand these are not Art in Public Places Morganza levees but redundant levees to provide an The Downtown Development Corporation has en- additional layer of protection that the Parish has been Skilled Nursing tered into negotiations to provide a 100 foot mural working on for quite some time. It is a risk reduction TherapyServices and a 30 foot alligator downtown. The 100 foot mu- levee. ral would depict the history of Terrebonne Parish and Buquet Bridge Certified Nurse’sAid would be created by Hans Geist. At the time of the We expect the Buquet Bridge to be open for traf- Medical Social Worker writing of this article it appears that all parties are By Decision Health and National fic by the time you are reading this article. We also Research Corporation in agreement with the terms and the location. The hope that work will have begun on the Westside completion date would be in approximately one year Bridge (Cannata’s Bridge). Unfortunately, when work 200E.6th Street |Thibodaux | 985.262.0445 with portions being displayed prior to the completion www.divinityathome.com

H o u m a -Te r r e b o n n e Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 6 www.HoumaChamber.com One on One with Restore or Retreat The Chamber selects member busi- half—we have had four major hurri- lenging about your job? What is most nesses, organizations and individuals canes and a major environmental di- challenging about the industry? to highlight in this monthly publica- saster with the 2010 oil spill. ROR has Louisiana’s coastal story is as com- tion. Simone Maloz with Restore or Re- always tried to look for the silver lining plex and dynamic as the bayous and treat was selected at a recent General of those tragedies, and encourage oth- rivers flowing through it, with advances Membership Luncheon to be featured. ers to view them not as setbacks, but as in coastal science helping us to learn Earlier this month we interviewed Ms. opportunities to identify and advance more every day about effective strate- Maloz to learn more about her and Re- our priorities for restoring the bayou gies and projects to restore it, so stay- store or Retreat. region. ing on top of the details and changes In your own words, describe Restore How do you sign up to become a to tell that story at the local, state, or Retreat. What is the mission of Re- member or volunteer for Restore or and national levels and get the story store or Retreat? Retreat? right is the best challenge I have in Restore or Retreat is a regional, non- You can join Restore or Retreat any my role. There are so many mov- profit advocacy group that was created time of the year, even in your pajamas ing parts to restoration, but it all to support the implementation of large- from your computer at home! We usu- requires a delicate balance— scale coastal restoration projects for ally have an annual membership re- restoration and protection, the Barataria and Terrebonne Basins, newal period in the Spring, but another natural and mechanical, fresh- or the region between the Mississippi great way to join is at our Barnstorming water and saltwater, big and and Atchafalaya Rivers. Knowing what to Save the Coast fundraiser every year small, politics and the will of an enormous problem coastal land loss at Charlotte Bollinger’s barn in -Lock the people, and I could go on. is for our environment and economy, port. It is a fun way to support a great Knock one of those things out this has been our mission since stake- cause. of balance, and it could all be holders created the organization over Tell us about you. Where were you in jeopardy; that is the biggest 15 years ago. born and raised? challenge of this industry. How many people are employed by I was born and raised in Houma, and Do you have a fundamental philoso- Restore or Retreat? attended Vandebilt Catholic. After a phy for life or business that you can We now have two employees—I short time at UT in Austin, I came home share? have been the Executive Director for and finished school at Nicholls State I read this quote once and I re- ten years, and last year we hired John University. I am a proud graduate of the ally liked it: “There are no se- Lombardo as an Outreach Coordinator. first years of the TOPS program. I am crets to success. It is the result of Tell us about your Executive Commit- married and have two small children, tee, Board of Directors and Member- Benjamin who is 5 and Penelope who is − continue on page 8 − ship? 3 going on 18. We We have a diverse and dynamic group are big football fans of eight that makes up our Executive with LSU and Saints Committee, and they guide our day-to- season tickets, and day decision making. We have a large I love to read and board of directors of over 60 stakehold- make origami. ers from our area representing busi- What do you like ness, industry and other non-profit and best about Restore governmental organizations. Our mem- or Retreat? bership has been a loyal group of busi- Every day at work nesses and individuals who care deeply is different, and it about our working coast, and we are has been that way growing every year. for 10 years. I am What do your volunteers and members not sure I could sit like best about Restore or Retreat? at a desk from 8-5 We set goals to achieve results. We everyday, so it really set out to move the ball forward when helps that on any it comes to coastal projects every day. given week I can Some days are easier to see results than be in a boat in Port others, but looking back since our start Fourchon, in Grand in 2000, our region has made amazing Isle talking about progress and we hope we have con- restoration with tributed to that success, and we look academia, meeting forward to continuing to advance vital with the State in projects to secure our region’s future. Baton Rouge on the In what ways has your organization next Master Plan, changed the most over the years? and having a work- The coastal world has changed sig- ing lunch in Houma. nificantly over the past decade and a What is most chal-

H o u m a -Te r r e b o n n e Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 7 www.HoumaChamber.com Welcome New Members BOARD Charlotte Grace Agency Allstate Charlotte Grace (985) 492-1579 1208 Louise Street SPOTLIGHT Thibodaux, Louisiana 70301 http://agentsallstate.com/charlotte-grace-thibodaux-la.html Categories: Insurance, Insurance - Auto Cynthia Landeche Venyu Cheryl Rice General Manager (225) 214-3800 Baymont Inn & Suites 7127 Florida Boulevard Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70608 http://www.venyu.com Areas of Expertise: Categories: Technology Consulting Hotel operations

Why did you join the Chamber? Clyde Hamner (985) 876-6567 To be part of the business community that 102 Easy Street influences the decision making that makes Houma, Louisiana 70360 our community a better place to live and http://clydehamner.net work. I enjoy networking with other profes- Categories: Individuals - Retired sionals to gain a better understanding of issues outside of my area of expertise. Keep Terrebonne Beautiful, Inc. Wendy Billiot Why do you serve on the Board of (985) 851-7578 Directors? 2715 Bayou Dularge Road To assist the chamber in building a stronger business community and Theriot, Louisiana 70397 having a better understanding of the current issues affecting our com- Categories: Environmental Services munity. Townsend-Houma What is the Chamber’s role in the business community? Marty Trosclair To act as a vital channel for the business community, keeping us (985) 746-3946 abreast of current and critical issues affecting business, government, 1340 West Tunnel Boulevard, Suite 310 healthcare, and education. Houma, Louisiana 70360 http://www.townsendla.com Categories: Addiction Counseling

− continue from page 7 − into the issues. continue to protect what is most important to us: a Why should other organizations invest in the Hou- safe and beautiful place for us to continue to raise our preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” ma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce? children and their children. Colin Powell said that, and I would say he was pretty The Chamber allows organizations like ours to bet- successful. ter reach the people most invested in saving Tell us about the relationship between Restore or our coast, community, and culture, and that Retreat and the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of connection and support can be invaluable. Commerce? Can you share any of your personal in- Networking through the Chamber has also volvement? afforded me the opportunity to build mean- Restore or Retreat and myself personally have ben- ingful relationships in the community I love, efitted from a good working relationship with the and that surely is priceless. Chamber. The Chamber is engaged and supportive of Any other news you would like to share? our efforts in coastal restoration and understands the As Restore or Retreat celebrates our 15th relationship between coastal restoration and coastal anniversary this year, I can assure you that protection (aka levees) as well. If we don’t have a safe we will not take the pedal off of the gas— and secure coast, then can we live, work, and play we are just getting started! With the recent here? I have been on many trips with the Chamber announcement of the BP settlement and to Washington DC to help educate others on these is- GOMESA federal funding coming online sues, and I continue to participate on the committees soon, we have been provided a great oppor- like Economic Development and Infrastructure and tunity; however, many challenges and tough Governmental Affairs Committees to help get deeper decisions remain, and we must make sure we

H o u m a -Te r r e b o n n e Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 8 www.HoumaChamber.com Kate Theriot Awarded Certification as 2015 Member Events CDC Work@Health Trainer Kate Theriot, owner of site-training program (not fully present and fo- 8/28 Downtown Live After 5 Coaching for Change, LLC that supports employers cused at work); Improve Free concert series featuring Sheaux Down was recently selected by of various sizes, industry employee health and Opening Act: 5:30 p.m. - Main Event: 7:00 p.m. - Downtown Houma - Courthouse Square the Centers for Disease sectors, and geograph- productivity; as well as For information call 985-873-6408 Control (CDC) as one of ic areas. The program be an effective tool in 9/14 6th Annual Bayou Country Children’s Museum Golf Classic 7 trainers in the coun- helps employers develop employee recruitment Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild, Patterson, Louisiana try to become a Master the skills needed to build and retention strategies Deadline is August 30 to register trainer for their Work@ or enhance a worksite as part of the total em- For information visit www.bccm.info or call (985) 446-2200 9/18 Downtown Live After 5 Health program. She was health program through ployee compensation Free concert series featuring Blue Eyed Soul awarded certification training and on-going package. It is a “win-win” Opening Act: 5:30 p.m. - Main Event: 7:00 p.m. - Downtown Houma - Courthouse Square as a CDC Work@Health assistance. Every em- for both the employer For information call 985-873-6408 trainer for their train- ployer can benefit from and the employee. 9th Annual Ladies Night Out the-trainer and technical such a program, whether Kate established Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center - for information call (985) 873-4617 assistance program back you’re a small or large Coaching for Change, 9/26 Best of the Bayou Festival in December 2014. Kate employer, self-insured, LLC in 2002 and has been 9/27 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Saturday) - 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Sunday) Historic Downtown Houma Main Street will attend a CDC training or fully insured. The working with organiza- Free 2-Day, 2-Stage Music Festival featuring national headliners and Louisiana and in Maryland to certify as program enhances em- tions and corporations bayou-bred bands playing non-stop all weekend a Master trainer. These ployee productivity and to build a culture of well- Enjoy delicious food, vendors, open car show and contest, and the Great Gator Race Master trainers will edu- therefore enhances your being. Kate brings ex- For information visit http://bestofthebayou.la cate future train-the- bottom line. tensive knowledge and 10/1 4th Annual Rooftop Rodeo - The Foundation for TGMC trainers for the program Worksite wellness pro- 30+ years’ experience in TGMC Parking Garage Rooftop - For information call (985) 873-4617 across the United States. grams have been shown human resources to this 11/14 6th Annual Houma Heart and Sole Half-Marathon and 5K 7:00 a.m. - Houma Terrebonne Civic Center The CDC established the to reduce injuries, dis- program. For information visit http://halfmarathon.tgmc.com Work@Health program, ability, workers’ compen- 11/19 Rudolph’s Route a comprehensive work- sation, and presenteeism 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Downtown Houma For information call (985) 876-6408

TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT INFORMATION IN THIS LISTING EMAIL: [email protected] BTNEP welcomes new staff members (Chamber Members Only.) The Barataria-Terrebonne National in office administration in the oilfield Estuary program would like to welcome and transportation industries. She will Seth Moncrief, Public Involvement Co- serve as the Administrative Assistant ordinator and Nicole Babin, Office Co- to the program director and will be Custom Homes Lots Available ordinator to the BTNEP program. responsible for the everyday activities Moncrief, a resident of Thibodaux, is of the program office. Babin will also a graduate of Nicholls State University work very closely with program staff, in Marine Biology. He enters the posi- members of the BTNEP Management tion knowing the issues and the ecol- Conference, and the public. ogy of the Barataria-Terrebonne Estua- “It’s a great feeling to be part of a rine System. Moncrief will be tasked group that is making a difference in with engaging and recruiting the public coastal Louisiana,” said Babin. “I am in coastal restoration and preserva- very excited to become part of BTNEP tion events through BTNEP’s volun- team, and to have the opportunity to teer program. He will also be working work and meet such wonderful people to increase the understanding among along the way.” the general public of the problems that For more information about BTNEP, threaten the estuary and it communi- please visit our website at www.btnep. ties, and to build an awareness of the org, or follow us on Facebook and Twit- BTNEP and its coastal restoration proj- ter. ects. Moncrief will be working closely with local, state and federal agencies and local governments, as well as, spe- cial interest groups, universities and high schools. “I am excited to be part of the BTNEP team,” said Moncrief. “I welcome the opportunity of working with great volunteers to help protect and re- store coastal Louisiana.” 4463 West Park Avenue • Hwy 24 • Gray Babin, a native of Gheens, has over 20 years of experience H o u m a -Te r r e b o n n e Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 9 www.HoumaChamber.com The Best of the Bayou Music Lineup Rocks! (and rolls, and swings, sways, shimmies and shakes...)

by Dave Norman is the former Gabriel Blum (a native) since he was seven. His five Grammy lone non-Louisianan act, but her Texan (with contributions and Houma’s own Joe Stark (Baby Bee) nominations finally landed him his first home address keeps up a BoB tradition from Billy Foster) often plays and travels with him. Brous- award in 2015 for Best Regional Roots of hosting at least one act a year from sard’s latest album, A Life Worth Living, Music Album (the all-Cajun French The our neighboring state. Yes, she should The fourth an- shows a mature artist at the peak of his Legacy), and he was inducted into the be a household name by now, and no, nual Best of the powers. He’ll be shaking the rafters and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2009. life isn’t fair. Bayou Festival touching hearts in equal measure Sat- He’s recorded both straight country KRISTIN DIABLE is a rising star. She’s (BoB) on Septem- urday night. and Cajun music throughout his career, a Baton Rouge native who spent several ber 26 and 27, once again is chock-a- THE REVIVALISTS-- Probably the and he too had a role on Tremè. He’s no years in New York soaking up experienc- block full of great and diverse acts that most buzzed-about act this year, the museum relic, despite all the honors-- es that were added to and warped by showcase the best of our regional and Revivalists roll in with a truckload of he’s still got plenty of juice left to get her last few years in New Orleans. She’s local musicians. Come for the zydeco, momentum. They’re New Orleans- feet moving and couples two-stepping. been compared to Amy Winehouse and stay for the R&B, rock, Cajun and coun- based and internationally known and LIL NATHAN AND THE ZYDECO BIG Bonnie Raitt, and that’s as flattering as try. Or you can just take a chance on they’re on the cusp of stardom. Like, TIMERS are modern day practitioners it is hard to live up to. She writes her any act, and wander back and forth be- Broussard, these guys are restless roots of a time-honored genre. They are fear- own material and sings it with full own- tween the two stages -- you’re guaran- rock polymaths, combining elements less in mixing in elements of hip hop, ership. The fact that she has the stage teed to hear music of the highest cali- of rock, soul, funk and even country rock and R&B, determined to keep presence to have gone very deep on a ber. in their signature mix, heard in spades the music relevant. Their genius lies show like The Voice is topped by the The BoB music committee believes on their spanking new album, Men in maintaining a firm grasp with tradi- fact that she actually turned down an that its track record of setting the musi- Amongst Mountains. They need to be tion while updating, making sure not to invitation to be on it. Instead she opted cal menu the past three years has gar- heard and seen live, however. Driving alienate the older crowd. to sharpen her skills in front of audi- nered the community’s trust. The festi- arrangements feature dynamic horns, But enough -- It’s just a zydeco party, ences like ours. Be in that number. val’s reputation has also grown beyond slinky-to-blistering guitars, in-the-pock- y’all. MAGGIE KOERNER completes the our borders to attract tourists’ atten- et rhythms and above all lead vocalist LOUISIANA’s LEROUX should need trio of ultra-talented women who give tion-- the core of BoB’s mission state- David Shaw’s incendiary stage (on and no introduction -- “New Orleans La- the Festival a signature theme this year. ment. off) presence. They’ll be holding down dies”, anyone? More like a re-introduc- Koerner’s from Shreveport but has also Also: BoB is still free, making it the the prime slot early Saturday night on tion might be in order. Just about all the been living in NOLA for the last few best entertainment bargain anywhere. Stage 1, and you’ll rather have heard original members are still present and years. That city’s unique spirit (and re- Help to keep it free for years to come them in person instead of second-hand. their chops are still in primetime form. ality) of community has seen her em- by supporting it with your donations Trust. (If you’ve got any doubt about that, braced and welcomed -- she’s fronted and sponsorships, and most easily by BIG SAM’s FUNKY NATION delivers listen to the recent Tab Benoit albums funk powerhouse Galactic (at gigs like buying your refreshments from BoB what its name implies -- a party big where they back him up.) They’ve ex- Jazz Fest and on a recorded duet with booths. enough to sustain its own economy panded their repertoire beyond their David Shaw of the Revivalists), and For those who may not have heard of and standing army. Sammie “Big Sam” older stuff, but when they do venture sung with Andrew Duhon, among many some or all of this year’s acts, here’s a Williams blows a mighty trombone and back they tend to concentrate on their collaborations. She’s got her own mate- quick rundown of each act: leads his Funky Nation to its first BoB. excellent first album. No matter what rial spread over two albums of torchy MARC BROUSSARD-- Lafayette native His stint in the Dirty Dozen Brass Band they’re playing, however, they sound as R&B to draw upon. That, coupled with Broussard headlined the rain-plagued led to connections that landed him a fresh as they did when you heard them her flat-out sexy strong stage presence, inaugural BoB three years ago. He re- recurring role on HBO’s Tremé. Besides at the Palmetto Club on Main St. back guarantees a satisfied audience. turns again in the same honored slot, the nominal funk, Sam’s Nation brings in the day. BABY BEE are BoB’s mainstays, having this time under guaranteed clear skies. the rock, jazz (trad and contemporary) KELLY WILLIS is a treasure. Her voice closed out the fest every year running. Broussard’s talent is immense. His in- and some serious soul. Our ever-grow- cuts through whatever arrangement These Houma boys continue to crank strument is his huge voice, on display ing festival should be rightly proud to surrounds it, sounding as rich in timbre out their special brand of high energy when he sings his own increasingly land such a prodigious talent, one that’s as a cello. She puts her instrument in rock & roll that so enthuses their fans, confident songs or well-chosen- cov destined to leave satisfied and satiated service to the prettiest, saddest, sweet- all the while incorporating new sounds ers. Rock, R&B, heartfelt Americana fans. est and twangiest songs you’re likely and wrinkles into their groove. This set and soul are his stock in trade, and his JO-EL SONNIER is a living South Loui- to hear all weekend. Country-rock, catches them on the eve of a studio band is super tight. Of special note is siana legend. A native of Rayne, Son- rocking country-- take your pick-- Wil- session with the Black Keys’ producer. Houma’s connection with Broussard -- nier’s accordion has been recorded lis is simply a player. She’s the festival’s Buzz on, BB! the wife of his drummer, Chad Gilmore,

H o u m a -Te r r e b o n n e Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 10 www.HoumaChamber.com WAYLON THIBODAUX is a local boy who has ‘made man) - Drums, Background Vocals, Kevin Stelly - Bass funky brand of rock and soul. Besides Levron on trum- good’ in the music industry, and who ‘makes great’ Guitar, Kevin Cormier (Turtle) - Lead Guitar, and Jerry pet, they are Ian Smith on trombone, Kyle Cripps – music every time he takes the stage. His fiddle work Kilmer – Keyboard. saxophone, Ed Barrett on guitar, Mark Kryvanick on is virtuosic—he can play the most swingin’ Cajun two- THE DULAC SMACK are five young’uns who got to- bass, Leslie Martin on keyboards, Kyle Sharamitaro on step or mesmerize with flights of fancy, blending ele- gether while at LSU. We could try to improve on their drums. ments of rock and jazz into his improvisations. Work- own explanation of their sound but: “Rock and roll TERI AND THE FELLAS are Houma’s classic country ing as a member of Voice of the Wetlands has only deep fried, peppered with soul, wrapped in bacon fla- act par excellence. Fronted by Theresea Chaisson on enhanced his skills, reputation and contacts within vored blues, and smothered w/ a tangy funk sauce” lead vocals, they write their own tunes as well as cov- the music community. sort of nails it, no? Plus, we’re now too hungry to write ering well-known songs. Houma’s guitar sage Pershing SWEET CRUDE (great name) are a force of nature. any more. Suffice it to say that Matt Meche (guitar), Wells says of this ensemble that “It’s one of, if not the, Seven (really) young members crowd the stage, with Ethan Belanger (guitar) and Gabriel Delaney (bass/vo- best bands I’ve ever been in.” And with Wells’ resume, usually 3-4 manning some sort of percussion kit. cals) Zack Blum (drums) and “piano-whisperer/Organ that’s saying a lot. Two keyboardists and two lead vocalists round out maniac” Jordan Anderson will leave you gasping…for CAJUN MUSIC PRESERVATION ALL-STARS says that their sound. And what a racket—anthemic singalong something. Make it a BoB-sanctioned craft beer, why its mission is “…to promote, preserve, & enhance the choruses lift the spirits while the members’ swirling not? awareness & appreciation of traditional Cajun music movement sweeps the audience into the maelstrom. CORPORATE AMERICA are based in NOLA but within the southeast region of Louisiana...” and their Lyrics are mostly sung in French, but you won’t think fronted by Houma’s own Mark Levron. They are not zeal is boundless. Normally their gigs are billed as the of their music as Cajun. Lead singer Alexis Marceaux affiliated with, promoted or sponsored by any of the “Society”, and they’re open affairs where anyone with sounds operatic at times, earthy at others. Don’t miss mega corporations that festoon the American flag an instrument can join in the music-making. Here, the these guys. featured on their website—although I’m guessing “All-stars” will be playing a standalone set for every- VOODOO BAYOU are Houma’s own masters of Lou- they wouldn’t mind some of their money. Despite one’s pleasure. We’re sure, though, if anyone brings isiana roots rock, delta blues, country and funk fusion. some indications, their message is not so much about a washboard and strums along there’ll be no com- Led by Kyle Domangue and Jody Naquin, the band’s overthrowing corporate overlords’ hegemony over plaints. Come and support the band and the music-- high level of professionalism never gets in the way our society as much as it is getting down with their the very essence of our festival. of them throwing down a great party. They gamely soldiered on through the steady rain that marred the very first BoB, but they’re now back to set things right. And by ‘right’, we mean fun and funky. Poster contest winner announced for PONTCHARTRAIN WRECKS bring their Americana by-way-of -New Orleans magic to our Festival for the 2015 Best of the Bayou Festival first time. Their mix of back porch acoustic laments/ The 2015 Best of the Bayou Festival has selected sion and his artwork will be reprinted as the official love songs and uptempo rockers is a potent one. Their the official artwork for its fourth annual festival post- poster and available for sale at the festival, with all songwriting skills are polished but not slick, as are the er, chosen after a three-month long contest open to proceeds going to the Best of the Bayou Foundation. performances that bring them to life on stage. Work- all area artists. The winning artwork is a painting by Slage will be on hand during the festival to sign pur- ing man problems, love gone right and wrong and Mike Slage of Houma, which brings to life some fa- chased posters. odes to our awesome (and heartbreaking) home pro- vorite aspects of our area. The remaining art pieces submitted into the con- vide the grist for their mill. “I thought a Sportsman’s Paradise theme was an test will be on display at the Information and Mer- NONC NU & DA WILD MATOUS are from Thibodaux obvious fit when thinking about things that might chandise tent during the festival. Additionally, the and have developed quite a following. Their original represent the ‘best of the bayou’ in a painting,” Slage tent will be home to the original canvas painting auc- song list is rife with humor, but their talent and deter- said. “I mean, what’s better than relaxing out at the tion where festival goers will be able to bid for the mination to pass a good time are no laughing matter. camp at that special, quiet time of the day and cast- beautiful winning artwork. Cajun, zydeco and rock form the bedrock upon which ing your line and catching a great fish? I was hoping they get down. NN&DWM are: Philip Porche - Singer to capture one of those magical moments.” / Guitar, Mike Collins – Accordion, Cody Guidry – Bass, As a school art teacher in Terrebonne Parish for the Leith Adams – Drums, Brance Lloyd – Washboard, last 16 years, Slage enjoys teaching art to a younger Brent Klibert – Cowbell, and Raffi Daisy - Pock Pocks generation. Slage notes his favorite thing about living TRAVIS MATTE AND THE KINGPINS are Acadiana- in Terrebonne Parish is the warm and friendly people based and are all about the party. Dropping “zydeco” he encounters. When he moved to Houma 24 years from their name did not diminish their knack for get- ago from Orlando, he said he immediately felt so wel- ting feet moving and bodies swaying. They write their comed by everyone he met. own material, which can be on the risqué side, and “When you make friends here, you are not just they also like to “Cajunize” modern and old rock num- making one friend, you are making friends with en- bers to great effect. They are: Travis Matte - Vocals, tire families,” Slage said. “These wonderful people Accordion and Fiddle, Bryson Simoneaux (Sneaux- take you in and suddenly you’re a family member.” Slage was awarded $250 for his winning submis-

H o u m a -Te r r e b o n n e Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 11 www.HoumaChamber.com Photo Gallery

Friends, family, clients and elected officials gather to participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new corpo- Complete Network Management, Inc. (CNM) holds a ribbon cutting ceremony during their grand opening cel- rate headquarters of Danos located in Gray, Louisiana. The 68-year-old, family owned company was previously ebration. Jason Blanchard, center holding the ceremonial scissors, is joined by team members, family, friends based in Larose. For more information and additional pictures from the grand opening celebration, see page 15 and special guests at their new location at 649 Enterprise Drive. CNM provides technology services from cabling of this publication. to compliance and everything in between. For more information visit their website at www.completenetwork. com

Paisley Park Resale owner, Jennifer Robinson and her daughter Paisley, center wielding the ceremonial scissors, prepare to cut the ribbon during a grand opening celebration. Attendees include (from left to right) Kimi Walker, Suzanne Nolfo Carlos, Chamber President/CEO poses with Ronnie Slone, faculty member with the Goldman Sachs Chauvin Brothers and Chamber Board member, Denise Toups and Amy Robicheaux, Robinson family friends, 10,000 Small Businesses initiative at Delgado Community College. Mr. Slone presented “Your Leadership Style” to Parker and Chris Robinson, (Jennifer and Paisley Robison), Abigail Giroir, Paisley Park Resale, Amy Neil, Coastal Chamber members at a Lunch & Learn event in July. Commerce Bank, Katherine Gilbert-Theriot, Terrebonne Parish Economic Development, Sharon Bergeron, Coastal Commerce Bank and Judy Smart. Paisley Park Resale is a children’s resale store offering a large inventory of qual- ity secondhand clothing and equipment, and serving as a place to sell your gently used children’s items. For more information visit their website at www.paisleyparkresale.com or stop by their location at 209 Bayou Gardens Blvd. Suite Q in Houma.

Unitech Training Academy hosted a Business After-Hours in July, and staff members and students were on-hand to provide facility tours and mini health screenings. Staff members included Torri Corrao, Medical Assistant In- EKG/Phlebotomy students Quatia Quarles, Brittany McDaniels, Maria Thacker and Jamie Howard administer structor, Bianca Dorazil, Career Services Coordinator, Faith Hooks, Campus Director, Katie Picou, Pharmacy Tech blood sugar level screenings during the Chamber Business After-Hours at Unitech Training Academy located at Program Director, Cyndi Rivette, Administrative Medical Assistant Instructor, Jada Aloisio’, Registrar and Brooke 1227 Grand Caillou Road in Houma. Ashley Hagen, Admissions Rep. Special thanks to all of the staff and students for a fabulous event. H o u m a -Te r r e b o n n e Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 12 www.HoumaChamber.com Photo Gallery

Marcus Celestine, Unitech Training Academy student offers Marissa Moreno, Comfort Inn & Suites a paraffin Kimi Walker, Chauvin Brothers and Chamber Board member wins a door prize from Bianca Dorazil, Career Ser- wax treatment as part of the physical therapy screenings during a Business After-Hours. Special thanks to all vices Coordinator with Unitech Training Academy at the Business After-Hours event. students and instructors for the mini health screenings offered to Chamber members during the event.

Curtis Courtney, Chamber History Book Project Manager, Tyler Blanchard, Classic Business Products, Shawn David Tauzin, Tauzin Retirement Solutions and Tanner Magee, Magee Law attend the Business After-Hours at Nettles, VASS Electric LLC, and Coleman Cormier, D.C., Flynn-Manceaux-Arcement-Pizzolato-Thompson Clinic Unitech Training Academy located at 1227 Grand Caillou Road in Houma. attend the Business After-Hours at Unitech Training Academy.

Christy Naquin, Bayou Country Children’s Museum Executive Director (center) poses at the General Member- ship Luncheon behind various office supply items donated by Chamber members. The Bayou Country Chil- dren’s Museum was randomly selected to participate in a new Chamber Cares initiative which gives Chamber Senator Bret Allain, Senator Norby Chabert, Stephanie Hebert, Stephanie Hebert Insurance Agency and Cham- members the opportunity to donate needed items to a non-profit Chamber member. Ms. Naquin is joined ber Board Chair, Representative Gordon Dove, Suzanne Nolfo Carlos, Chamber President/CEO, Tony Gautreaux, by Chamber Board members Natalie Campbell, Campbell Technology Consultants LLC, Kimi Walker, Chauvin FMT Aggregates, LLC and Representative Joe Harrison attend the General Membership Luncheon in July. Spe- Brothers, Paul Labat, Foundation for Terrebonne General Medical Center and Janel Ricca, Houma-Terrebonne cial thanks to Mr. Gautreaux and to FMT Aggregates, LLC for sponsoring the event. Civic Center.

H o u m a -Te r r e b o n n e Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 13 www.HoumaChamber.com With Allstate life insurance, love wins.

I can help you protect your growing family at an affordable price. Do you have enough life insurance? It’s one of the best ways to provide for your family if something happens to you. With the right coverage, love wins. Call me today for affordable options.

Stephanie Hebert 985-872-0201 854 Grand Caillou Rd. Houma [email protected]

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. 111499

H o u m a -Te r r e b o n n e Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 14 www.HoumaChamber.com Focus on Members

Danos unveils new corporate headquarters Danos hosted a grand opening cel- ebration and ribbon cutting in July for its new corporate headquarters. Friends, family, clients and elected officials gathered to celebrate the new 64,000-square-foot facility lo- cated in Gray, La. The 68-year-old, family owned company was previ- ously based in Larose. Nestled among live oaks and small ponds on the 11-acre prop- erty, the new state-of- the-art office includes a healthy lifestyle. space for up to 250 One wall of the great room depicts Danos’ employees. Lead ar- history in a 32-foot-long interactive display chitect and Houma na- spanning from the company’s early founding tive Greg Lacour of the in 1947 to the present and beyond. A locally Houston-based archi- harvested cypress staircase leads to the sec- tectural firm Gensler ond floor and a custom 9- by 15-foot world designed the building, map with magnetic pins representing every which combines mod- Danos location and field employee. ern and naturalistic CEO Hank Danos expressed gratitude for elements in harmony the community’s support. “From Larose to with the surrounding Gray is a short distance in miles, but we’ve environment. covered a lot of territory in those 68 years. “This organization We’re proud to be here. Our team members, is not about the build- our community partners and our customers ing – we’re celebrating are vital to our success,” he said. that today – it’s about the people that fill the build- About Danos – For over 60 years, Danos has served ing. Everybody that works for us is part of our family,” as a strategic partner to oil and gas operators across noted Executive Vice President Eric Danos. the globe. From production workforce to construc- A central “great room” with floor-to-ceiling win- tion, coatings, fabrication and environmental servic- dows provides employees with a place to enjoy lunch, es, Danos has the expertise and resources to deliver meet over coffee or collaborate in small groups. The consistent operating results. With more than 1,700 great room connects to an on-site employee lunch- employees and operations offshore and in the shale room, which offers sandwiches, soups and salads. A plays, the world’s leading operators choose Danos. fully equipped gym along with men’s and women’s Learn more at danos.com. locker rooms make it easy for employees to maintain

Learn about local ‘Oil and Industry’ Learn about issues affecting the from top experts and analysts look at other significant issues af- Houma-Thibodaux area’s biggest who can give us some ideas about fecting the local economy. business in The Courier’s annual what’s ahead for the oil industry,” “The section can really serve as Oil and Industry section. Executive Editor Keith Magill said. a valuable resource for anyone in- Scheduled for publicationThurs - “And the section will explore the terested in what makes business day, September 24, it will examine impact the industry has on the lo- tick in our community,” Magill the effects low oil prices are hav- cal economy.” said. ing on the industry and its workers The section will include stories For more information contact in Terrebonne and Lafourche par- about the seafood and sugar in- Marian Long at Marian.long@hou- ishes. dustries, a list of Terrebonne and matoday.com, 985-857-2291 or “We’ll also include comments Lafourche’s top taxpayers and a 985-232-3658.

H o u m a -Te r r e b o n n e Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 15 www.HoumaChamber.com CIS and TGMC are first in the state to use the new valve device Interventional cardiologist Peter Fail, MD and car- nickel titanium metal alloy frame that provides the valve implantation. The structural heart and valve diovascular surgeon, Edgar Feinberg, MD are the first ability for the physician to recapture and reposition team is comprised of interventional cardiologists and in the state to perform a heart valve implantation with the device as needed. This “memory metal” also cardiothoracic surgeons who use minimally-invasive a new, commercially-approved heart valve called the opens the door for a wider range of patients to be eli- catheterization procedures to treat cardiovascular Evolut R. This new device, manufactured by Medtron- gible for an implantation procedure as compared with disease and pioneer innovative techniques to treat ic, was used for the first time at Terrebonne General previous generations of valves. And in comparison life-threatening structural heart disorders. These Medical Center (TGMC) in the cardiac catheterization to having traditional surgery, patients who undergo a physicians work together to provide innovative heart laboratory. transcatheter heart valve implantation have a shorter treatment solutions and the best possible outcomes Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a non-sur- length of stay and recovery time, in addition to opti- for our patients with structural heart diseases and gical option for patients with severe aortic stenosis. mal outcomes. conditions. Aortic stenosis occurs when aortic valves do not open “This technology requires a new level of collabora- “Terrebonne General and CIS have been very for- properly, hindering the heart from pumping blood tion between the surgery and cardiology teams that tunate to be involved in and witness the evolution of throughout the body. The aorta is a major blood ves- offers our patients more options than ever before,” stent valve therapy for aortic stenosis,” said Dr. Fail. sel that travels from the left heart ventricle out to the said Dr. Feinberg. “The Evolut valve is a significant improvement in our body. If left untreated, the aortic valve weakens and The Structural Heart Program at Terrebonne Gen- ability to more easily treat very difficult patient cases the condition worsens over time, potentially leading eral Medical Center is the only program of its kind in with the repositionable and recaptureable feature to heart failure and increased risk for sudden cardiac Louisiana to provide treatments for valve disorders this new valve offers.” arrest. and structural heart defects. CIS and TGMC have also The Evolut R transcatheter heart valve has a unique previously participated in multiple research trials for

Bourgeois & Associates, Inc. presents SLMA welcomes two surgeons to practice Joseph Proskauer with Service Award South Louisiana Medical Associates gree in Biology and Minor in Chemis- Joseph Proskauer of (SLMA) is proud to announce the addi- try from Louisiana Tech University and Bourgeois & Associ- tion of Drs. Thomas Christopher Berry graduated Magna Cum Laude. After ates, Inc. was recently and Neil Lyons to their team. Both pro- completing his undergraduate degree, awarded a 10-Year Ser- viders will be seeing patients at new Dr. Berry received his medical degree vice Award plaque and SLMA locations in Houma at 144 Valhi from LSU in Shreveport, LA. He com- engraved watch. Lagoon Crossing and Morgan City at pleted five years of surgical residency Mr. Proskauer is re- 1302 Lakewood Drive, Suite 202. in Memphis, TN through the University sponsible for field inspec- Both natives of Houma, Drs. Berry of Tennessee Health Sciences Center. tions of fire detection and Lyons perform surgery at Terre- Dr. Lyons received his undergraduate and suppression sys- bonne General Medical Center, Physi- degree at Louisiana State University, tems. Roger Bourgeois, cians Medical Center in Houma and graduating Magna Cum Laude. He re- President, presented the Teche Regional Medical Center in Mor- ceived his medical degree from LSU in 10 year Service Award, gan City. They provide general surgery Shreveport and completed his General praising Mr. Proskauer care, diagnostic and therapeutic upper Surgery residency with Ochsner Medi- for his dedication and at- endoscopy and colonoscopy proce- cal Center in New Orleans. titude in performance of He recently completed installation, and service dures, laparoscopic surgery (diagnos- To schedule an appointment with assigned duties. the Fire Suppression Sys- of engineered fire sup- tic, hernia, gallbladder and appendix), Drs. Berry or Lyons, please call 985- Mr. Proskauer is li- tems Association (FSSA) pression systems in Pet- breast cancer, dermatologic surgery 262-1639 or 985-300-5438. For more censed as a fire alarm online training seminar. rochemical, utility, and and fire suppression Bourgeois and Associ- offshore facilities. (skin cancer) and others. information about SLMA, call 985-868- technician by the Louisi- ates, Inc., based in Hou- Dr. Berry received his Bachelor’s De- 9300 or visit www.slma.cc. ana State Fire Marshal. ma, specialize in sales,  Serving Customers Since 1988  Mold Certified FREE It’s Hot Outside!  Mech. Engineer on Staff A/C KEEP COOL IN YOUR CAR!  24/7 Service all brands INSPECTION  LA Bryant Dealer of the Year  Residential and Commercial  Serving Houma and Thibodaux 30 Day 985-746-4747 warranty  Daily Comet Readers Choice 2014 on parts (985) 879-4700 • 326 S Van Avenue Houma, LA 70363 and labor. www.CALLDOUGS.com  Now Offering Plumbing Service Financing LA Lic #46925 Plb#1666 www.jandjautorepairinc.com available.

H o u m a -Te r r e b o n n e Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 16 www.HoumaChamber.com TGMC launches new interactive website CIS Clinic locations are designated as Terrebonne General Medical Cen- a convenient click- to- call feature for Lung Cancer Screening Centers ter (TGMC) has announced the official all numbers listed on tgmc.com. Cardiovascular Institute of the South launch of a redesigned, interactive Patients will also be able to regis- locations in Houma, Thibodaux and website, www.tgmc.com. The new site ter for classes and purchase tickets Lafayette have been designated as will feature a fresh, modern design, to events through the new website. Lung Cancer Screening Centers by the easy- to- navigate functionality, and a Through the assistance of PayPal, American College of Radiology (ACR). content-rich site experience. TGMC patients will be offered the con- This voluntary program recognizes fa- The redesigned website features venience of paying for classes and cilities that have committed to practic- two video blogs on health and well- events when they register through ing safe, effective diagnostic care for ness. TGMC’s executive Chef Jackie tgmc.com. Patients can visit the events individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer. Marsh will provide delicious and nu- page to see a complete list of upcom- In order to receive this elite distinc- tritious recipes and tips with her blog ing classes and events. tion, CIS had to be accredited by the “The Fresh Fork”. Zach Voss of the “It is with great excitement that ACR in computed tomography for the TGMC Sports Performance Training TGMC launches the redesign of our chest area, in addition to passing a Center will be host to TGMC’s fitness interactive website,” said Phyllis Peo- rigorous assessment of its lung cancer blog, “The Warm Up”. The video blogs ples, president and CEO. “This visually screening protocol and infrastructure. 80 years who have a 30 pack per year will be updated frequently to provide pleasing, user- friendly layout offers The program also requires that proce- smoking history and who currently updated and informative health and users numerous convenience features, dures be in place for follow-up patient smoke or have quit within the past wellness information. as well as providing our community care, such as counseling and smoking 15 years. Lung cancer is the nation’s The website will also feature a new with cutting-edge health and wellness cessation programs. leading cancer killer – taking the lives physician section with photos and bi- resources through our video blogs. Lung cancer screenings with low- of more people each year than breast, dose computed tomography scans ographies of TGMC active medical We encourage utilization of the site to colon and prostate cancers combined. and appropriate follow-up care signifi- staff. The new functional layout makes experience the advanced features we For more information about this des- cantly reduce lung cancer deaths. In ignation, visit acr.org/Quality-Safety/ it easy for patients to locate physicians, have to offer.” December of 2013, the United States Lung-Cancer-Screening-Center. practices, and services. Accessing the Preventive Services Task Force recom- site through mobile devices will allow mended screening of adults aged 55 to

You don’t have to search far and wide for professionals that can handle your most complicated

A WORLD OF accounting needs. Bourgeois Bennett brings the power of the industry’s leading staff right to your EXPERIENCE 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 IN YOUR 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 HOME TOWN. 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 Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 17 www.HoumaChamber.com SCLTC’s Lafourche Campus receives Fletcher’s Practical Nursing Program $12,500 for CVO Scholarships achieves 100% NCLEX Pass Rate South Central Louisiana Technical demand of CDL drivers in this market,” Fletcher Technical dedication to the nursing the nursing process and College’s (SCLTC) Lafourche Campus re- said J. Louis Watkins, III, TEDFO chair- Community College’s profession has shown incorporates the con- ceived $12,500 from Terrebonne Eco- man. “That demand is expected to Practical Nursing (PN) through in their success. cepts of holistic nursing, nomic Development Foundation to be increase with the pending increase in program’s May 2015 These graduates have hierarchy of needs, pri- used towards scholarships for its Com- coastal restoration project activity, and graduating class has joined an elite group of oritization of care, stress mercial Vehicle Operations Class A CDL TEDFO is trying to help meet the short- achieved 100% pass rate Fletcher practical nursing and adaptation, creative program. term need for drivers.” on the National Coun- graduates who because problem-solving and op- Campus Dean, Anthony Baham, said Students interested in applying for cil Licensure Examina- of their love for nursing timal psychosocial de- “Our community has a shortage of CDL this scholarship should contact SCLTC tion for Practical Nurses and humanity are pro- velopment. Classroom drivers. The purpose of this scholar- Lafourche Campus’s Office of Admis- (NCLEX-PN). For four viding our community instruction includes, ship is to enable students the opportu- sions at 985-447-0924. (4) consecutive years, with excellent, compas- but is not limited to, an nity to gain a high skill, high wage, and About CDL Program: CLASS A CDL Fletcher’s PN program sionate patient care. ” in-depth knowledge of high demand career in transportation. program is a six week training course has achieved such an About Fletcher’s Prac- anatomy and physiology, More trained and certified drivers will including hands-on-training and incredible accomplish- tical Nursing Program: pharmacology, nutrition empower our local industries to move classroom instruction. Tuition cost is ment. Additionally, for The Practical Nursing Di- and diet therapy, nurs- the goods and supplies needed in the $2,500. those seeking employ- ploma Program consists ing care of the individual Terrebonne and Lafourche area.” This ment, the graduates of five semesters of class- across the lifespan, safe- scholarship money will be available for have attained a 100% job room instruction, service ty and infection control, the 2015 Fall semester. SCLTC will be placement into the in- learning opportunities, therapeutic communica- awarding 10 students scholarships of dustry. and supervised clini- tion and intervention, $1,250 to go towards tuition of their Fletcher’s Dean of cal activities in accred- documentation, mental program. This will cover 50% of tu- Nursing and Allied ited hospitals, nursing health, and health pro- ition. Health, Dr. Sonia Clarke, homes, and other health motion and wellness. The “This donation was given to South commented, “We are care agencies, including curriculum encourages Central Louisiana Technical College to excited and proud of the learning community the student to become provide assistance to individuals wish- our May 2015 PN gradu- at Fletcher Technical self-directed, account- ing to obtain a CDL license. The dona- ates and believe that Community College. The able, and responsible for tion was made because of the increased their perseverance and program content utilizes lifelong learning.

HWY 9090 EXIT 181 CLOSEST SLOTS & TATABLESBLES!

See B ConConnectnecteded clubclub for details. Must be 21 or olderolder.. Management rereservesserves allall rrigights.

JOIN TODAY FREE BUFFET! Valid for new members only. Expires December 31, 2015. Must present this coupon and valid photo ID to the B Connected club to redeem. One offer per guest upon sign up for a new membership. See the B Connected staff for full details. Management reserves all rights. Gambling Problem? Call 1.877.770.7867.

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1.877.770.STOP

H o u m a -Te r r e b o n n e Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 18 www.HoumaChamber.com Local program receives Gulf Guardian Award The Barataria-Terrebonne National gages in a unique education program Program (BTNEP) is honored to have citizens and volunteers who work with Estuary Program (BTNEP) is proud to that brings students from around the two of its outstanding programs recog- BTNEP are dedicated and enthusiastic. announce that Alma Robichaux, Matt nation to help expand the type ofdi- nized by the EPA’s Gulf Guardian Award. The award belongs to all of the mem- Benoit, and former staff member, Jo- versity of wetland plants that are used The work done by our BTNEP staff to bers of our community and volunteer seph Dantin received the Gulf of Mex- in coastal restoration in Louisiana. Ma- engage the public in the restoration and program who continue to support our ico Program’s Gulf Guardian Award on jority of BTNEP’s volunteers are college protection of this valued wetland eco- ongoing efforts.” behalf of BTNEP for their work on two students from around the country who system is remarkable,” said Susan Tes- unique projects. come to learn how to pot plants, iden- troet-Bergeron, BTNEP Director. “The Robichaux is the Education and Out- tify stages of growth for plants, and reach Coordinator for BTNEP and has then go out into the habitat and plant been with the program for five years. older varieties on wetland restoration BTNEP and Robichaux were nominated projects. During this process volunteers CIS clinic locations are named Level One in the Partnership category for the work are educated on the causes of land loss, Wellspots by DHH on the Bayou Lafourche Cleanup held the importance of native plant com- every March. Over the past four years, munities, and various restoration tech- Cardiovascular Insti- Organizations that meet By working together and Robichaux has orchestrated the clean- niques. tute of the South’s 14 the necessary criteria encouraging each other, up that has involved over 1300 volun- The Gulf Guardian Award was creat- clinic locations have are designated as Level we can make our com- teers and has picked up over 60 tons of ed in 2000 to recognize environmental been designated as Level Three, Two, or One Well- munity, and our state, a trash out of Bayou Lafourche. The an- excellence towards achieving and pre- One “WellSpots” by the Spots, with the highest healthier place to live— nual cleanup event along the bayou has serving healthy and resilient coasts in Louisiana Department level being Level One. one step at a time.” been co-sponsored by Keep Louisiana Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi of Health and Hospitals CIS has received the Well-Ahead Louisi- Beautiful as well as many local support- and Texas. The award also recognizes (DHH) Well-Ahead initia- highest designation of ana, the first voluntary ers. The cleanup has become extreme- efforts with the 31 states that comprise tive. CIS clinics represent Level One for programs designation program ly popular and raises awareness to the the Gulf of Mexico watershed. 14 of 38 Level One well- such as a tobacco-free of its kind in the state, litter abatement and EPA’s Trash Free The awards are presented on a bi-an- spots in the state. campus policy, which encourages organiza- Waters. Local residents join together to nual basis in the categories of Business/ “Cardiovascular Insti- was instituted in 2009, tions and individuals Industry, Environmental tute of the South is one and an employee well- to make small healthy Justice/Cultural Diversity, of our state’s largest and ness program, which in- lifestyle changes to the Civic and Nonprofit Orga- most well-respected cludes employee screen- spaces where Louisiana nizations, Youth Environ- health organizations,” ings and provides health residents spend most of mental Education, Indi- said DHH Secretary challenges, workshops, their time. Well-Ahead vidual, Partnerships and Kathy Kliebert. “I’m glad coaching and more for establishes healthy liv- Bi-national. they’re on board with employees. ing designation criteria “The Barataria-Terre- the Well-Ahead initia- “CIS is honored to be for organizations to fol- bonne National Estuary tive, and I look forward designated as a Level low that will result in to the positive impact One WellSpot,” said Da- better health outcomes their actions will have on vid Konur, CEO at CIS. for Louisiana residents. their employees and pa- “Through our core mis- These changes will make tients.” sion of providing world- smart choices an easier clean up the body of wa- Well-Ahead desig- class cardiovascular part of living and work- ter that provides drink- nates places and spaces care, we continually en- ing in Louisiana. To learn ing water to more than courage and challenge more about the Well- 300,000 citizens along that have implemented Bayou Lafourche and voluntary, smart changes both our employees and Ahead initiative, visit Terrebonne Parish. to encourage healthy patients to take steps to- www.wellaheadla.com. Benoit, BTNEP Habitat lifestyles for all Louisiana wards adopting healthier Restoration Coordinator, residents as WellSpots. lifestyles and behaviors. has been with BTNEP since 2008. Dantin is the former Public Involve- ment Coordinator. Both have been heavily involved in resto- ration and preservation work of the coast through BTNEP’s volunteer program. BTNEP Elegant Setting | Exceptional Cuisine | Extraordinary Events and the gentlemen were nominated in the Youth Environmental Education category for the work in the Growing Restoration CORPORATE EVENTS · PRIVATE PARTIES · WEDDINGS Roots project. The BTNEP Volunteer program en- 157 To urist Dr. ∙ Gray ∙ 985.580.1500 www.CYPRESSCOLUMNS.com

H o u m a -Te r r e b o n n e Ch a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e Fo c u s /Au g u s t 23, 2015 19 www.HoumaChamber.com Stay in Touch with Rouses • @RousesMarkets • facebook.com/rousesmarkets • www.rouses.com Tailgate Greats at ROUSES

Our Chefs Prepare A Game Day Spread That Can’t Be Beat! Whether you are heading out for Friday Night Football or going to a Colonels game tailgating on the Bayou begins at Rouses! Our chefs and cooks are famous for their St. Louis-style ribs and Southern fried chicken, which is double battered and fried in 0% trans fat oil. Get cold beer, cold drinks and hot food before and after every Friday Night Football or Nicholls home game.

TAILGATE GREATS Whole & Mini Muffalettas • Mini Po-Boys and Finger Sandwiches Hot Pizza • Fried Chicken Tenders • Spinach & Artichoke Dip Shrimp Dip, Crab Dip and Key West Smoked Fish Dip Deviled Eggs • Guacamole, Salsa and 7 Layer Dip Coleslaw, Macaroni Salad & Corn Macque Choux

ROUSES IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF NICHOLLS FOOTBALL. GEAUX COLONELS!