PRESORT STD US POSTAGE PAID HOUMA, LA PERMIT NO. 17
Only Hospital in Louisiana To Earn 14 Years in a Row! Recognition year after year for delivering an “Outstanding Patient Experience” means patients can have confidence in the excellent care they will receive. For more information about this or any other awards we have received, go to: thibodaux.com/about-us/awards.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE |
MARCH 2022 • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS 04
OIL & GAS
The Highs and Lows of the Oil Industry Strike Again
05
GOVERNMENT UPDATE
06
FROM THE TOP
08
DEFINING THE AMERICAN DREAM
Get Thee to the Polls! William Eroche
The Barker Family
10 12 13 15
LEDET FAMILY LEGACY PUBLISHER
Brian Rushing
NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY
The Leadership Equation
MOVERS & SHAKERS Headlines and Accolades
ON THE AGENDA
Business Calendar of Events
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Mary Downer Ditch EDITORIAL Bonnie Rushing EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Heidi Guidry CONTRIBUTING WRITER
CREATIVE Lauren Hemstreet GRAPHIC DESIGNER
DIGITAL MARKETING Carlie Johnson
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Michelle Ortego
CONTACT Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com
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THE BUSINESS OF FAMILY
here’s just something special about owning and working in a familyowned business. The atmosphere is friendly, the stakes are higher, but the jokes hit harder. It’s always fun to see the dynamic that comes with the family business. A family-owned business can be defined as any business in which two or more family members are involved and the majority of ownership or control lies within a family. In America, farms were an early form of family business where family’s private lives and work lives were intertwined. According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, about 90 percent of American businesses are family-owned or controlled. Ranging in size from two-person partnerships to Fortune 500 firms, family businesses account for half of the nation’s employment and half of its Gross National Product. Here in the bayou region, it’s not uncommon to see generations of family joining together over the same business that was started here often many decades, or even a century ago. In this issue, we visit with two family businesses that seem to have worked out the magic formula to making the family business last! The Barker Automotive Group is more than just a family of car dealerships; each business
is run by the Barker family, and has been for generations. Terrebonne Motor Co Inc. opened its doors on August 14, 1917, as the only franchised Ford dealer in Terrebonne Parish. The Automotive Group has grown significantly, expanding to include Lincoln, Mazda, GMC, Buick, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Honda. The fourth generation of the Barker family is now working within the dealerships. Now in its second generation of leadership, Chris Ledet Homes has proudly been building custom homes in Thibodaux, Houma, and the surrounding area since 1983. Founded by Chris Ledet, son Paul Ledet took an interest in his father’s business of building houses at the age of 15, and has forged the company forward, leaning on decades of valuable experience from the generation before him. As you find yourself doing business locally in our area, be sure to notice if it’s a family business. Take a moment to appreciate the history and hard work that has brought these businesses full circle.
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MARY DITCH
Editorial: editor@bayoubusinessmonthly.com Sales: sales@rushing-media.com
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OIL & GAS |
STAFF REPORT
MARCH 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
Federal Judge Cancels 1.7 Million Acres of Drilling Leases
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n late January, U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras invalidated the largest offshore oil and gas lease sale in the nation’s history, canceling 1.7 million acres of drilling leases. One of President Biden’s first actions in office was to ban new oil and gas drilling on lands and waters owned by the federal government. But after a Louisiana judge struck down the moratorium last summer, administration officials said they were forced to go through with the sale in November. “Judge Contreras’ decision to ‘throw out’ the last lease sale is disappointing for industry, but even a bigger blow to the American consumer,” Louisiana Oil & Gas Association President Mike Moncla said in a statement. “This administration continues to make decisions that increase energy costs on Americans. In just one year in office, President Biden’s energy policies (or lack thereof) have
more than doubled oil, natural gas and gasoline prices.” “LOGA will continue to fight for actual policy that puts Americans to work while also providing affordable, reliable, and abundant energy to our nation.” Oil prices forecast to hit $100 per barrel
A
ccording to Loren Scott, CEO of Loren C. Scott and Associates, oil prices could rise to nearly $100 per barrel later this year, though he warned they likely won’t stay there for long as production climbs globally toward pre-COVID-19 levels. Market predictions from financial institutions like Morgan Stanley and Bank of America have stated oil could reach or surpass the $100 per barrel mark by this summer as demand inches its way back to its 2019 heights. If you recall, at the beginning of the pandemic global oil demand plummeted from 100.9 million barrels per day in 2019 to 92.3 million barrels a day in 2020, a drop of
8.5%. Producers such as the United States and OPEC cut their output as prices cratered. Demand grew back to 96.3 million in 2021 and is expected around 99.7 million this year as countries continue to reopen their economies. As a result, oil prices were $86.30 per barrel as of Jan. 28, which is higher than pre-COVID levels. So what exactly does that mean for the price of gas at the pump? According to Scott, for about every $10 increase in the price of oil, the price of gasoline at the pump is going to go up somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 cents a gallon. How is this good for Louisiana? Well, that’s the love/hate we all feel as we fill our tanks. When the oil prices are up, our people are working. But our working people have to pay more to fuel their vehicles to get to their jobs. Job openings are at an all time high here in our region. Here’s hoping the workers return to ride out this high time in the state.
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GOVERNMENT UPDATE | In the Nov. 3, 2020 presidential election, 986,428 of the state’s 3 million registered voters participated early and accounted for about 45 percent of the total vote. Records were shattered on Nov. 3 with 2 million total votes cast or a 70.1 percent turnout. But since that election, numbers have plummeted. The 2021 elections locally were extremely poor. With no statewide or parish-wide candidate races in Terrebonne and Lafourche and the election just 11 weeks after Hurricane Ida hit our state, few residents cast ballots. Terrebonne Parish was forced to relocate 40 of its 77 voting precincts due to storm damage. Terrebonne had about a 9 percent total turnout, and Lafourche had about a 10 percent total turnout. Our area’s next election is March 26, 2022, followed by April 30, 2022. Not every precinct in Terrebonne and Lafourche will have something on a ballot for each election date. It’s important to check GeauxVote.com prior to each election to see what’s on your specific ballot. Some precincts have been relocated due to damage from Hurricane Ida. If you vote at one of the relocated precincts, you will receive a letter informing you of the change. The updated voting locations will be published in HoumaTimes.com. If you are displaced outside of the parish due to the impacts of Hurricane IDA you may request a ballot by mail. Call your Registrar of Voters office for more information concerning your mail ballot eligibility. Terrebonne: 985.873.6533 Lafourche: 985.447.3256
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MARCH 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
March 26, 2022 - Open Municipal Primary Election- Polls open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. • The deadline to register to vote in person, by mail or at the OMV Office was Feb. 23. • The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is March 5. • Early voting is March 12-19 (excluding Sunday, March 13) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. • The deadline to request an absentee ballot is March 22 by 4:30 p.m (other than military and overseas voters). Absentee ballots must be received by March 25 at 4:30 p.m. April 30, 2022 - Municipal General ElectionPolls open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. • The deadline to register to vote in person, by mail or at the OMV Office is March 30. • The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is April 9. • Early voting is April 16-23 (excluding Sunday, April 17) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. • The deadline to request an absentee ballot is April 26 by 4:30 p.m (other than military and overseas voters). Absentee ballots must be received by April 29 at 4:30 p.m.
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FROM THE TOP |
QUICK QUESTIONS FOR THE PEOPLE IN CHARGE
2022 HOUMATERREBONNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CHAIRMAN
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR WORK:
TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF:
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING AS A CAREER?
Becoming more engaged with the community.
Probably practicing medicine, like my dad.
MARCH 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
WHAT IS THE HARDEST?
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Dealing with people who are simply apathetic, or close-minded to community improvements.
WHAT WAS YOUR VERY FIRST JOB?
IS THERE ANYTHING NEW ON THE HORIZON FOR FLETCHER IN 2022?
WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP AND HOW DO YOU START YOUR DAY?
More Chamber interaction with other civic leaders and organizations. The Chamber seeks to join forces with other entities such as the Terrebonne Economic Development Authority, the Houma Downtown Development Corporation, Houma Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and others, as we work to rebuild and revitalize Terrebonne Parish.
WHAT’S ONE LEADERSHIP SKILL YOU FEEL EVERYONE MUST LEARN? Effective communications, especially in a face-to-face setting. As we proceed into the twenty-first century, it seems like more and more people communicate virtually, or worse, by text alone. The subtleties of communication are often lost in such virtual settings, and can lead to people misunderstanding each other.
Cutting grass at St. Anne’s Hospital in Raceland.
I start my day at 6:30 a.m. by grabbing a cup of coffee. Then, I check on the ducks I raise on the pond behind my house, then collect eggs from my chickens. After that, I take a shower and head to my law firm, Watkins, Walker & Eroche.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Probably my wife . . . and venturing out into nature on a regular basis.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME?
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Fishing, hunting, playing guitar, and travel.
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MARCH 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
bbgulfstates.com
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BY HEIDY GUIDRY
MARCH 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
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arker Automotive Group is more than just a family of car dealerships, the business is run by the Barker family, and has been for generations. Terrebonne Motor Co Inc. opened its doors on August 14, 1917, and was the only franchised Ford dealer in Terrebonne Parish. The Barker legacy began when Richard Barker Jr. acquired control over the company in 1940 with a total of fifteen employees. He began his career by selling parts on the side of rural roads and was brought up in the service industry of the family business. Dickie Barker III learned life-long lessons from his father as he grew up in the service industry and remembers it well. He said he washed cars and fixed flats growing up, “I love it,” he said, “that’s why I’m still here seventy-something years later.” Dickie specifically remembers during WWII when steel was used in the war, creating a shortage in the automotive industry. Through the rations of the war, they learned how to reuse, recycle, and pinch pennies to get by. Dickie made trips to New Orleans to a factory to pick up charcoal so they could sell it on the showroom floor. Charcoal was a byproduct of steel, which Henry Ford had at the Rouge plant in Michigan. The Ford dealer in New Orleans became a distributor so they could fuel the heaters in the hotels in New Orleans during WWII. It became Dickie’s job to drive to New Orleans to get ten and twenty-pound bags of charcoal on Friday so that people could have them on Saturday for their barbecues. He laughed while remembering putting the bags in the bed of the pickup truck loaded to the top. He said when he got on Hwy. 182 and got up to around 65 miles per hour, a bag would fall off the top, “When I would look in the rearview mirror, I could see it when it fell off, it would be rolling and then all of a sudden it would explode into a
cloud of black dust.” While it was an interesting time, he felt blessed to be in South Louisiana. The economy was already strong between the agriculture and seafood industries, and as the oil industry grew, they were able to grow along with it. Dickie compared the automotive business to the oil business explaining they both have ups and downs. “You just hope the peaks and valleys match,” he said, “And sometimes it got tough. When things got hard in the oil business, we got the worst hit.” He recalls the instability of the industries becoming a lifestyle. In the 70s when the energy crisis hit, and there wasn’t enough oil production, he remembered lines at the gas pumps, “That shut this business down, so it was very difficult,” he shared. Dickie reflected on 1982 when the oil field industry dropped again, having another difficult time navigating the downfall. Following that crisis, the Barker family learned how to survive the hard times by holding on to money. Since purchasing the original dealership from his father around 1992, the Barker Automotive Group has grown significantly, expanding to include Lincoln, Mazda, GMC, Buick, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Honda. The Barker dealerships employ over 100 people in the parish and annual gross sales of over $80 million that contribute to the local economy. Economic growth isn’t the only community contribution. The Barker family has contributed to the community through involvement in the Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, school participation, Nicholls Foundation, involvement on various boards of directors, and more, the Barkers continue to invest in the community. Dickie was quick to say that other automotive families in the area have also done their share in the community which demonstrates how dealerships are strong pillars.
original Terrebonne Ford building on Barrow Street. “We worked our way up. Working just in summers then working here in college. This was how we earned our money, our allowances,” she said. Ann is grateful for the gift of forming a special bond with her grandfather and father, “I was able to see them as mentors and businessmen and ultimately as friends instead of just a grandfather or father, and that to me was a tremendous blessing.” Ann is proud to pass their family values and business onto the next generation, “They follow the same values they received growing up, and although business is changing, the core work ethic in the teamwork of the family business is still there.” Brett recalls watching their grandfather and father being an integral part of the business exhibiting teamwork by working alongside employees and talking to customers daily. The Barkers continue this legacy teamwork today. “If anyone had a question or a concern, they were right there. We do that now,” he said, “I’m right there on the showroom floor just like my dad was, like my grandfather was, like my brother Chris in service does. He walks right out when someone has a concern and takes care of it. That’s what is so different about us, we’re here and we’re working side-by-side with our
employees.” Michael Barker manages the Buick GMC dealership and also remembers when every sibling, at one point, worked at the dealership. He recalled growing up in the dealership doing odds and end jobs that taught responsibility and earned allowances. Lisa remembers working on a switchboard, and as a cashier at age 14. Later she reminisced about when the dealerships got on a computerized system, and helped with the transition. Just as the other siblings, Keith started young as well, at age 13, he swept the lot and worked his way up to washing cars. Today, he manages the Honda store. Receiving a long list of prestigious awards over the years, including multiple President’s Awards at multiple dealerships, and most recently Barker Honda receiving the President’s Award Elite in 2021, the Barker family continues to strive for excellence while carrying on their family legacy. Working relentlessly for generations, teaching hard work ethics, and leading with humility, the Barker family defines the American dream.
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MARCH 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
Recently, COVID, worldwide shortages, and Hurricane Ida have thrown curveballs to the Barker family, admitting that Hurricane Ida specifically has been a struggle. While they didn’t lose any employees, they are still installing doors to their buildings which were blown out from the storm. “We had a very difficult time with the storm, computers were down… I can go on and on.” He praised the management teams who came through and worked together so they could take care of customers. Dickie also touted his long term employees, some of which have been with the Barker family for several decades. “We honor all of our employees,” he said,”they’re all family, and I know that’s a cute little word, but it’s true.” While Dickie is retired, the fourth generation is managing things seamlessly with the same family values instilled in the business. Six of his eight children continue to work with the automotive group today: Ann, Chris, Brett, Michael, Keith, and Lisa. Just as generations before them, Brett and Ann have children that have already started working in the family business. Ann Barker said the business has been a part of their life for as long as they can remember. She recalls getting off of the school bus at the dealership to go to the office to help out. “It taught us about the business, and the real world,” she said. Ann even recalls running around the showroom of the
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MARCH 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
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BY BONNIE RUSHING
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orn and raised in Thibodaux, Paul Ledet began working with his dad, Chris Ledet, before he had a driver’s license. “One of my earliest memories on a job site was my dad sending me on a four-wheeler to dig a ditch,” Paul recalls. Now in its second generation of leadership under Paul, Chris Ledet Homes is still driven by experience, quality, and integrity. The company has proudly been building custom homes in Thibodaux, Houma, and the surrounding area since 1983. Founded by Chris, a Nicholls State University graduate, with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration, Chris had an interest in building from the age of 15. The Thibodaux native took an organized approach to home building, while paying attention to each individual house. Now he lends his knowledge through decades of experience, to his son. The father and son team worked side by side for years, ensuring that the same attention to detail and customer service that it was founded on remained.
With a degree in Construction Management from Louisiana State University, Paul builds every custom home with the values his father instilled in him; respect for people, respect for the environment, and hard work done well. As a licensed contractor with a hundred ton captain’s license, Paul continues to run the family business, carry on the family tradition, and make his father proud. In recent years Paul has integrated the latest industry technology to maintain frequent, consistent and meaningful communication with their clients. Using a customized, powerful web based platform, www.buildertrend.com, every detail related to each build is in one, easily-accessible place. Together, the Chris Ledet Homes team has built over 400 custom homes and counting. Proud to have served homeowners in the Bayou region for more than 30 years, Chris Ledet Homes is committed to providing an extremely high level of quality and service.
“MY DAD WORKED FROM A HOME OFFICE AND I REMEMBER HIM BEING THERE. HE WAS THERE TO EAT BREAKFAST WITH US, AND WHEN WE GOT HOME FROM SCHOOL. THAT STAYED WITH ME AND I WANTED THE SAME THING FOR MY KIDS.”
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MARCH 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
Still playing a consulting role for the business, and giving insight from his nearly 40 years of experience in residential building, Paul is grateful for his father’s expertise, knowledge, and example. Recalling memories from his childhood, Paul appreciates his dad’s work ethic while remaining committed to his family. Recently building his own home during the Covid-19 pandemic, Paul included a home office. He noted, “My dad worked from a home office and I remember him being there. He was there to eat breakfast with us, and when we got home from school. That stayed with me and I wanted the same thing for my kids,” Paul explains, “Having meetings at night with clients is also easy, it’s just a walk away.”
IT’S TIME TO GET ONLINE
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NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY |
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BY RAY PETERS
THE LEADERSHIP EQUATION
very semester, I define leadership for my students, something that’s easy for them to understand and remember. The first words out of my mouth, even before introductions, are: Leadership is the ability to make and sustain relationships and then influence through those relationships.
MARCH 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
Leadership guru John Maxwell suggests that leadership is influence, “nothing more and nothing less.” That seems simple enough. However, after spending so many years in leadership roles, I can attest that it is not as simple as that might sound. So, I started pondering creating something akin to a mathematical equation to illustrate leadership. As I processed that thought, it became clear that capturing all the variables in an equation would be difficult. While Leadership = Influence seems simple enough, it looks bare and doesn’t capture the essence of all the elements I associate with the word leadership. Here’s my attempt: Ethics -> [Leadership = Influence (Relationships (Trust))] <- Ethics To understand the equation, an examination of each element is needed. When I think of Leadership, aside from influence, the first words that come to me are courage & kindness. Leaders must have the courage to act and the compassion to understand the impact of their decisions on those they lead. Other words and phrases that come to mind: Develop & communicate a vision, live values, be trustworthy & transparent, promote equality & inclusion,
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practice emotional intelligence, recognize success (say Thank You!), develop future leaders and address underperformance. There is so much more that I could add, but this article can’t exceed 600 words. As a leader, you have boundless opportunities to Influence people and their performance. We believed that power was the primary driver of performance in prior years, but not today. Power is oneway authority, while influence allows greater employee inclusiveness, leading to higher satisfaction and retention. Think about it, would you prefer to work in an authoritarian environment or an environment where the culture is welcoming and participative? It is unlikely to positively influence others unless you can establish a constructive Relationship with them. What are the critical elements of relationships you value most? Making yourself available to assist others is fundamental – showing up when needed. In relationships, people want to feel valued and treated respectfully. Communication is central, especially being available to listen. Meeting obligations and commitments and keeping your word is vital to sustaining constructive relationships. The most critical element to building successful and satisfying relationships is Trust. Trust is the highway that all fulfilling relationships must travel. For this, I draw on the work of HBS Professors Frei and Morris. Looking from a follower’s viewpoint, they describe trust in the form of a “Trust Triangle,” which has three components: Authenticity (I experience the real you);
Logic (I know you can do it; your reasoning and judgment is sound); Empathy (I believe you care about me and my success.) Frei and Morris suggest that if any of the three components “wobble,” leaders minimize the potential to establish and sustain trusting relationships. If your followers do not trust you, they will not follow you. Lastly, and very importantly, all of the above is bracketed in Ethics. Although not singularly sufficient, I draw on #13 of Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, The Law of the Picture. Essentially, “People do what they see.” Maxwell writes, “When leaders show the way with the right actions, their followers copy them and succeed.” Creating a set of organizational values and leading through those values serves as a guide for all employees to follow. I have often said, determine the right thing to do and then do it, keeping in mind that everyone is watching. The “Great Registration” is currently illustrating the importance of the above. Remember, people don’t leave organizations; they leave their leaders. Ray Peters is MBA Director and Instructor of Leadership at Nicholls State University. You can reach him at ray.peters@ nicholls.edu.
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS | HEADLINES & ACCOLADES E.D. WHITE HELD DEDICATION OF THE BOLLINGER/ BORDELON STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING CENTER E. D. White Catholic High School held a dedication and blessing of the long-awaited Bollinger/Bordelon Strength and Conditioning Center on Friday, February 4. President Tim Robichaux thanked the many generous donors and welcomed guests to tour the new facility. In addition, donor Ben Bordelon said a few words about what E. D. White meant to his family and the impact the new facility had on Cardinal athletics for the fall 2021 season. Donor Charlotte Bollinger had the honor of cutting the ribbon.
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LOUISIANA’S CAJUN BAYOU TOURISM AND CEO CODY GRAY RECEIVE 2022 LOUEY AWARDS The Louisiana Travel Association announced Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism as the winner of the 2022 Louey Award for Convention & Visitors Bureau of the Year (budget from $500,000 – $999,999) during its Annual Meeting. In addition, President & CEO of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, Cody A. Gray, received the 2022 Louey Award for Rising Star of the Year. “2021 was a challenging year for our organization and destination overall. I am so proud of all that we were able to accomplish, despite the adversities thrown our way. It is a privilege to lead such a talented and committed team. Without the dedicated professionals, our board of directors, and the tourism partners that we have, we would not be able to position Lafourche Parish as a year-round tourism destination. I am also humbled to have been chosen to receive the Rising Star Award and could not be any more thankful for this incredible honor and recognition,”said Gray.
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This award can be given to an individual, group or business who has demonstrated an overall positive impact on the community through spirit, drive and vision. Fletcher Technical Community College was selected for playing a huge part in the recovery assistance of their staff, students and the members of the community after Hurricane Ida. Together as a team, they provided relief through several food distributions and in offering skill set training for businesses to enhance employment and individuals to recover from one of the most devastating hurricanes to impact the Bayou Region.
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Two major puzzle pieces for the construction of the Morganza to the Gulf Hurricane Protection project recently fell into place. First, there was a ceremony on the signing of the Project Partnership Agreement or PPA. The PPA is the final document that must be in place to begin federal construction on a previously authorized project that has received a new start appropriation. Second, it was confirmed that the project would receive construction funding
in the amount of $378.5 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). That is in addition to the initial $12 million received through the new start designation. These two events were a culmination from work dating back to 1992 when the project first got started. These events now mark the beginning of many more needed to get through the project’s completion.
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MARCH 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
THIBODAUX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDED THE 2021 PRESIDENT’S AWARD TO FLETCHER TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
NLLD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOGNIZES ALL INVOLVED IN HISTORIC FUNDING FOR MORGANZA TO THE GULF
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS | HEADLINES & ACCOLADES
GRAND BAYOU FLOODGATE IS COMPLETE
MARCH 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
TERREBONNE GENERAL HEALTH SYSTEM WOUND AND HYPERBARIC CLINIC NAMES CELESTE THIBODAUX, RN, PROGRAM DIRECTOR
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Terrebonne General Health System Wound and Hyperbaric Clinic is pleased to announce that Celeste Thibodaux, RN, will now be the Clinic Program Director. Thibodaux is a native of the area and comes to us with over 15 years of nursing and administrative experience. Before being promoted to Program Director, she was a staff nurse in the Wound and Hyperbaric Clinic. Our comprehensive wound healing clinic treats all wounds, especially non-
healing wounds. As Director of the Clinic, Thibodaux will work with physicians and clinicians, utilizing the latest techniques and procedures, in assuring our patients are provided the best chance for healing. “Celeste’s proven experience as a nurse who provided excellent patient-centered care will complement our organization and team in the Wound and Hyperbaric Clinic. We are excited to have her in this leadership role,” said Phyllis Peoples, president and CEO.
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LAFOURCHE PARISH INCLUDED IN UPPER BARATARIA BASIN PROJECT FOR HURRICANE PROTECTION IMPROVEMENTS U.S. Congressman Garret Graves announced that long-overdue hurricane protection improvements for Ascension, Assumption, Jefferson, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James Parishes – officially named the Upper Barataria Basin Project – is advancing. The Corps of Engineers released the final project features to be constructed. Graves and his chief of staff, Paul Sawyer, were responsible for directing the Corps to develop hurricane protection solutions for this region. Graves has committed to authorize the project for construction in federal law in the Water Resources Development Act this year. The recommendations include improving St. Charles Parish levees south of the Luling and Boutte areas (Sunset drainage levees), a barge gate, floodwalls and extending levee protection south and east of Highway 90 toward Matthews, Louisiana — a total of approximately 30 miles. The hurricane protection features are designed to effectively slow or stop storm and tidal surge from advancing north and west from Lakes Salvador and Cataouatche into communities adjacent to the Lac Des Allemands Basin. These communities have had repetitive flooding from hurricanes and tidal surge.
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Sealevel Construction, Inc. has completed the Grand Bayou “Reggie Bagala” Floodgate between Morganza to the Gulf Reaches K&L in Lafourche Parish. Since Grand Bayou is a big source of storm water in those areas, this gate and the levees constructed along Reaches K&L will positively impact the levees and gravity drainage on the west side of Bayou Lafourche to prevent future flooding from major storm events. This will also benefit the northern part of Lafourche Parish from water traveling upward to areas in our district. Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish residents thank the LA Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority for providing $18.2 million in funding for the Grand Bayou Floodgate.
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LOUISIANA EXPECTED TO RECEIVE $111.5 MILLION FROM BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE BILL FOR ORPHAN WELL RESTORATION U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy announced the U.S. The Department of the Interior will allocate to Louisiana $47,396,249 in Phase One formula funding and initial grants from Cassidy’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to plug and restore orphaned oil and gas wells. Louisiana is expected to receive a total of $111,449,520 in funding from the IIJA for orphan wells. Louisiana could also be eligible to receive further funding through the bipartisan infrastructure bill’s $1.5 billion state Performance Grant program. “I’ve heard from communities across Louisiana about the environmental and safety hazards of orphan wells,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Package will create jobs, help state officials address these wells and make Louisiana a cleaner place to live. In addition, the land around these wells can be repurposed and lead to an economic boost.”
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The following businesses joined the HoumaTerrebonne Chamber of Commerce:
• MAGNOLIA DRUGS • SUNBELT BUSINESS BROKERS • KARLIE ADAMS, LLCJANI-KING FRACHISEE • BLESSED BARBERSHOP • AFTERGLOW • SMILE DOCTORS BY DN ORTHODONTICS • LUMIERE BLUES & JAZZ BISTRO • 985 EATS, LLC The following businesses joined the Lafourche Chamber of Commerce.
• ABEL LAW FIRM • SENATOR MIKE FESI
Bayou Industrial Group will host their monthly general membership meeting with guest speaker. Meetings are held on the fifth floor of Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center.
March 14, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON SCIA will host their monthly general membership meeting with a guest speaker. Admission is $25.00 per person with payment required in advance.
March 15, 11:45 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Cypress Columns
GIVE N DAY Nicholls State University will host its fifth annual Give N Day. Make a difference on campus by donating a gift of $10 or more to a department of your choice. Visit www. givenday.org to make a donation.
March 15 12:00 a.m.- 11:59 p.m. www.givenday.org
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING The Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly General Membership Luncheon meeting with guest speaker Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana Superintendent. Admission is $25 with payment required in advance.
March 22 11:30 am.m.-1 p.m. Courtyard By Marriott, Houma
GOLF CLASSIC The Lafourche Parish Chamber of Commerce Chamber will host a golf tournament at Tidelands Golf & Country Club. Take advantage of this networking opportunity to thank customers or even reward employees by enjoying a day on the course. Registration opens at 11:00 a.m., followed by Shotgun Tee-Time at noon. Advanced registration is required. Visit https://lafourchechamber.com/ golf-classic/ for more information.
March 25, 11 a.m. - till Tidelands Golf & Country Club
THE HAVEN’S ANNUAL SPRING GALA The Haven’s annual “Home is Where the Heart Is” Spring Gala, presented by Thibodaux Regional Health System, is back as an in-person event for 2022. The event offers delicious cuisine, live music, silent and live auctions, and the infamous “Gourmet to Go.” Entertainment will be performed by Jerry Christopher’s New Orleans X-Ceptions. The Spring Gala is the agency’s largest fundraising initiative and is essential to maintain the shelter’s daily operations.
Saturday, March 26, 6 p.m.- 10 p.m. Houma Terrebonne Civic Center
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MARCH 2022 | BAYOU BUSINESS MONTHLY
• CALVIN BRAXTON FORD
BIG GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
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America’s Best in Outpatient Experience Three Years in a Row!
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Terrebonne GENERAL HEALTH SYSTEM
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