Upper lafayette Newsletter June 2014

UPPER LAFAYETTE ON THE MOVE

June 2014Volume 66

www.upperlafayette.com

Printed by Lafayette Economic Development Authority

LAFAYETTE GENERAL HONOREDUPPER LAFAYETTE STAYCATION IDEAS

ALSORotary Club of Lafayette North Celebrates 30 Years

Upper Lafayette Sponsor LYS ScholarshipsWelcome New Members

Volume 66 • June 2014 • www.upperlafayette.com

Published byUpper Lafayette Economic Development

Foundation

Printed byLafayette Economic Development Authority

Board of DirectorsDavid Welch, President

Cherie Hebert, Vice PresidentTodd Citron, Secretary/ Treasurer

Adrian BaudoinJulie DronetDon Dupuis

Brenda FoulcardDonna LandryKirk LaCourBeau Phares

Dwight “Bo” RamsayHerbert Schilling

Bryan TaborJerry VascocuMonty Warren

Honorary Advisory BoardDon DupuisEd Krampe

Dwight “Bo” RamsayHerbert Schilling

StaffJan Swift, Executive Director

Mailing AddressP.O. Box 53107

Lafayette, LA 70505

On the Webwww.upperlafayette.com

Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation is an association of proactive individuals and business leaders joined together to be a catalyst for change.

The Foundation’s mission is to enhance and direct the positive, planned growth of Upper Lafayette, focusing on quality of life, while participating in the overall development of the Greater Lafayette

Metropolitan Area.

For membership information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Jan Swift at [email protected]

or 337-769-7649

June 2014 • www.upperlafayette.com

A Letter from the Executive DirectorSummertime is here and am I ready for a vacation break! The best part is, we have so many beautiful sites here throughout Upper Lafayette and the Acadiana region to explore and enjoy. A “staycation” is perfect for those of us who are saving our cash for home improvements or just don’t want to hit the road this summer when there is so much right here in our backyard.

To get ideas for this article, I went first to TripAdvisor.com and saw that the #1 top attraction in our area is Vermilionville, located at 300 Fisher Road, right off Surrey St. by the airport. Visitors can take advantage of a 30 minute boat ride, wonderful scenery, great shopping and a visit back in time to our region’s early days. Right here under our nose! Another top favorite is the 110 acre Acadiana Nature Station at 1205 E Alexander St. where you can hike, learn more about nature and take paddle trips down the Vermilion. For more information, see http://www.naturestation.org.

Looking for a quaint inn locally? Check out the Savoy Bed and Breakfast at 533 Rue Bon Secours in Scott which received rave reviews from travelers who have visited dozens of B & B’s around the country. For more information on the Savoy, contact Rodney or Darlene Savoy at [email protected].

And of course, Upper Lafayette is home to some of the most beautiful golf courses around. Why not get a little exercise and enjoy the scenery at Oakbourne Country Club (3700 E. Simcoe), the Farm d’Allie (5500 Moss St.) or the Wetlands (2129 N University Ave.)?

I hope you get my point. There is a great deal to enjoy right here and at home, and sometimes we just need to be reminded of our many treasures that we take for granted. We have much to be proud of in Upper Lafayette Parish, and we just need to look around us.

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Jan SwiftExecutive Director

BELOW: Acadiana Park Nature Station

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2014

Seven Ways to Start A Great Day

We all know that the first hour of your day will often times set the tone for the rest of the day. That being said, here are seven surefire positive day starters for you to read. They are: #1: PLAN THE NIGHT BEFORE Taking 20 minutes to lay out your clothes and plan your breakfast can save you from a stressful, mad rush in the morning. With a little efficiency, you’ll save the frustration and scrambling, leaving you ready to tackle more important issues. #2: SCHEDULE A POSITIVE MEETING TO DISTRIBUTE GOOD INFORMATIONHaving something to look forward to is a great way to energize you in the morning. If you don’t have an exciting opportunity or important meeting lined up, try to schedule one. The prospect of a fun and productive encounter usually wakes you up with a smile and often without an alarm clock. #3: STRETCH EVERY PART OF YOUR BODY FOR 15 SECONDSLimbering up your muscles and joints enhances the flow of blood through your body, providing an extra shot of oxygen to all your tissues. #4: TRY 15 MINUTES OF MEDITATIONMeditation stimulates the brain in a deep and thoughtful way. It allows you to clear distractions from your mind and purge negative energy. Center yourself by shutting off your mental chatter and clearing your mind, opening yourself to the positive energy the world brings your way. #5: DRINK A MINIMUM OF 8 TO 10 OUNCES OF WATERYou have been fasting all night and you wake up dehydrated. Many doctors recommend a glass of water first thing in the morning, before your coffee or breakfast. #6: OPEN A BOOK THAT HAS INSPIRATIONAL COPY - Buy a few books that are uplifting, inspiring, or even humorous for your first brain stimulus. This will give you positive, fun thoughts to keep you energized throughout the day.

Article Courtesy of the Dale Carnegie Team of Middle Louisiana/East Texas

#7: OPEN YOUR EYES TO BRIGHT COLORS Research suggests that exposure to bright colors in the early morning raises your spirits and energy. So pick up a pleasant bouquet every few days and set it right in your view. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Some people are naturally morning people, while others hit their stride in the afternoon or evening. No matter what your inclination, everyone knows the importance of starting off your day on the right foot. A smooth, stress-free morning sets the tone for the rest of the day and keeps you sharp and clear-headed, ready to take advantage of any opportunities that might come your way. Conversely, carrying the stress of family, weather, traffic and other distractions into your office can hinder your success and directly affect your employees and/or co-workers. By using the tips above, you can start out each morning on your terms and be prepared to make it a great day!

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Welcome New Member: Lafayette Youth Soccer AssociationSo many of us have great memories of friendships forged during soccer practices, games and tournaments played on the fields of Moore Park. Whether you are a child, a parent or grandparent, we all smile when we think of the fun times spent in Upper Lafayette while participating in Lafayette Youth Soccer Association events. We are proud to welcome this stalwart of our community to the ranks of Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation.

LYSA and Cajun Soccer Cup have been shepherded by Executive Director, Mitch Ritch for several years. Michael has professional playing experience with the Columbus Crew (MLS) as well as an extensive coaching history. Michael currently holds a USSF ‘A’ License and USSF National Youth License. LYSA also enjoys an active and caring Board of Directors headed by President, Jason Foreman.

The association caters to the various needs of the community, from offering the Turf Tyke program which provides a basic introduction to the fundamentals of soccer for little ones, to the CSC Juniors Program, to the Cajun Soccer Club for talented and competitive players who are looking to play competitively at the collegiate level. The various tournaments held throughout each year are an important contributor to our local tourism industry, as the traveling teams and families fill our hotels, shop and frequent our many restaurants.

For us adults in the community, there is even a Summer Adult League for summer time fun, where all games will be played at Moore Park on Sunday evenings from June 8th to July 20th this year. This league is strictly for fun: there are no referees, no scores kept, and no standings, just a good time and an opportunity to kick back and enjoy yourself.

LYSA/Cajun Soccer Club offers summer camps for either half-day or full day sessions. The camps offer a great way to enhance a child’s technical skills while having a great time with friends.

Moore Park is located at 210 Sonny Roy Lane in Lafayette off of N. University Avenue.

For more information on Lafayette Youth Soccer Association, please visit http://www.lysasoccer.com or call (337)261-5425. Upper Lafayette is proud salutes Lafayette Youth Soccer Association/Cajun Soccer Club for all you do for our families and our greater community!

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LEFT Michael Ritch of Lafayette

Youth Soccer Association and Exectutive Director Jan Swift

BELOW Lafayette Youth Soccer

Association team enjoying their trophy

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2014 4

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Arlene LeBlanc and Jan Swift giving away door prizes; Dr. Chuck Burnell and colleagues enjoying the presentation; Joan Wallace and Adam Chapman of The705 Young Leaders of Acadiana.


Upper Lafayette May Meeting a “Timely” Event!

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A sold out crowd enjoyed camaraderie as well as professional development tips on time management at our May 21 luncheon. Over 120 people packed the Acadian Companies’ auditorium on N. University as we focused on time and how we utilize this precious commodity. Led by our guest speaker, Christina Harper of Excelerant, we were challenged to take a thoughtful look at our priorities and consider what activities actually fill the hours of each day. When you consider what is truly important in your life, such as family, friends and faith, it becomes crystal

clear that we must choose to prioritize throughout each day if we will remain true to our core values. Christina did a wonderful job of presenting her nuggets of wisdom and received a standing ovation at the conclusion of her talk.

We also enjoyed hearing from Jason Huffman of United Way of Acadiana about the “Leader in Me” program being taught in area schools. Based upon Steven Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” the principles of integrity, honesty, fairness and human dignity are

BELOW Attendees of the May Meeting enjoying the event


CLOCKWISE FROM UPPER LEFT:May Meeting attendees give Christina Harper a standing ovation; Presenting Sponsor, Advancial; Christina Harper and Arlene LeBlanc at the Upper Lafayette May Meeting

June 2014 • www.upperlafayette.com7

transforming behavior in schools nationally. In Lafayette Parish, several schools are privileged to have the program taught to its students, and Jason shared the startling success enjoyed once students are exposed to leadership skills that enhance effective living. All in all, our meeting was so much fun and we were grateful to have so many community members among us.

Special thanks must go to our Presenting Sponsor, Advancial, and our Host Sponsor, Acadian Companies, for making this meeting such a success!

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT:Jason Huffman of United Way; Murphy Guilbeaux and Jeff Benton; Host Sponsor, Acadian Companies; Calvin James and Executive Director, Jan Swift


A key area of focus for Upper Lafayette is to improve the educational climate for all of our students. We also believe that encouraging leadership qualities in our youth is an avenue to future success by enabling them to see the unlimited possibilities for their potential in life. One way in which we have chosen to further this goal is to underwrite scholarships to enable deserving students at Carencro High and Northside High Schools to participate in the Louisiana Youth Seminar this summer at LSU. Working with recommendations made by counselors at both schools, students were selected to attend this summer’s LYS July session.

Louisiana Youth Seminar is held every July for juniors and seniors throughout Louisiana. Students participate in many activities which focus on leadership skills, such as communication skills, setting and achieving goals, team building, understanding and accepting others, developing self-confidence, and problem solving skills. For more information, visit http://louisianayouthseminar.org.

Upper Lafayette Sponsors Scholarships for Louisiana Youth Seminar for Deserving Students

A great benefit of having your own television show is getting to meet great people and highlight their accomplishments in a relaxed 26 minute format. Recently Jan Swift has invited Chanda Rubin, renowned professional tennis player, and Lee Verret, successful State Farm Agent, to be on the show. Not only are these two individuals interesting to learn about, but they both shared some personal anecdotes that were inspiring and uplifting.

We invite you to watch Upper Lafayette On the Move on AOC 2 (LUS 4 and Cox 16) on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, at 8:30 p.m., or on our website at www.upperlafayette.com/videos. We have interviewed some of the best known and talented people in our community and look forward to many more years of using this wonderful avenue to promote Upper Lafayette!

Upper Lafayette On the Move Highlights Local Icons

ABOVE: Executive Director, Jan Swift, Kallie Guillory, Harold Williams and

Adrian Baudoin in front of Carencro High School

ABOVE: Chandra Rubin, Professional Tennis Player, appearing on

Upper Lafayette On the Move.


Lafayette General Health named “Large Business of the Year”

Cox Honors Inspirational Students Who are Heroes for Us All

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Junior Achievement of Acadiana named Lafayette General Health its “Large Business of the Year” for 2014. Lafayette General Health President/CEO David L. Callecod, FACHE, was presented with the award and honored at the 18th annual Business Hall of Fame event on May 6 at The Victorian Mansion in Broussard. Junior Achievement of Acadiana connects volunteers from the business community with students in grades K-12 to learn about entrepreneurship, jobs skills and financial literacy. LGH

Cox Communications recently honored 41 students as Inspirational Heroes on at River Oaks in Lafayette. The event recognizes students who inspire others with the way they’ve overcome obstacles. The public, private and parochial schools in Cox’s six-parish Acadiana footprint are each invited to submit the name of one student who has met special challenges or overcome some sort of adversity. Some of the students have faced diagnoses of several illnesses or cancer, struggle with physical or developmental disabilities or faced the loss of a parent. Some of the students have overcome learning or behavioral challenges.

“We know that each of our Cox Inspirational Heroes has overcome obstacles in their young lives and have done so with determination, courage and a positive attitude. That’s a winning combination, and we are pleased to be honoring them,” said Director of Operations for Cox Acadiana Julie Simon-Dronet.

was honored for being one of the area’s largest employers, with many of its employees serving as volunteers in various capacities that benefit the entire community. LGH also contributes to and sponsors events for several causes across its nine-parish service area, which coincides with Junior Achievement of Acadiana’s regional territory. The Business Hall of Fame honors individuals, such as Callecod, who share their personal professional experience to help students make a significant impact on the local free enterprise system and community. Some proceeds from the Business Hall of Fame event help Junior Achievement reach out to more students. Junior Achievement is a worldwide organization that utilizes experimental, hands-on methods to teach students how to generate wealth, manage it and how to generate jobs to make their communities more robust. Last year, Junior Achievement of Acadiana reached over 5,000 students in both public and private schools across a nine-parish area.

ABOVE: Julie Simon-Dronet (left) and Fran Gladd (right) honoring

Korianna Boloney with the Cox Inspirational Heroes 2014 Award

www.upperlafayette.com • June 2014

Rotary Club of Lafayette North Celebrates 30 Year Anniversary

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On May 14, 2014, the Rotary Club of Lafayette North celebrated its 30th anniversary in fine style at the party room of Schilling Distributing on Moss Street. Originally chartered on May 24, 1984 and sponsored by The Rotary Club of Lafayette, the Rotary Club of Lafayette North was the fourth club chartered for Rotary International in Lafayette, Louisiana.

The club was chartered with 28 members, two of whom remain active today: Dr. Donald Reed and Danny Delhomme. The first meeting place was the Travelodge on the Evangeline Thruway. The club now meets at the Ramada Conference Center at 2032 NE Evangeline Thruway.

The early leaders and founding members of our club are: Russell Leblanc, Joe Gajan III, Travis Knight, Greg Zaunbrecher, L. J. “Frenchie” Thibodeaux, Richard Bijeaux, Terry Latiolais, Virgil Reid, Ron Vidrine, Bobby Castille, Lynn Guidry, Dr. Don Reed, and Danny Delhomme.

The Rotary Club of Lafayette North has a strong history of continuing to focus on “Service Above Self” in the community and to those worldwide. Current club service projects include teaching the “Choices” program in schools throughout our community, Clean Up Day at Rotary Point, Cite’Des Arts staffing, Faith House Special Needs Drive, assisting with Run Upper

Lafayette, funding of UL Lafayette scholarships to Northside, Carencro and Teurlings High students, mentoring the Carencro High Interact Club, and much, much more.

The first president of Rotary Club of Lafayette North was Russell LeBlanc and the current serving president is Andre Mitchell. Many distinguished North Lafayette leaders have served throughout the club’s 30 year history and we expect many more leaders will be stepping up to the plate.

Upper Lafayette congratulates Rotary Club of Lafayette North for 30 years of fine service to better our community!

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT:

Tom Acosta, Rotary District 6200 Governor of Port Allen, La., and Andre Mitchell, president of the Rotary Club of Lafayette North;

Linwood Broussard (Past District Governor of Rotary District 6200 and member of the Rotary Club

of Lafayette), Tom Acosta, and Greg Landry; attendees having fun at the social; Pat and Louise

Logan; Donna Landry and Executive Director, Jan Swift


Acadian CompaniesAcadiana Computer Systems, Inc.Aries Marine CorporationASH/Badger Oil CompanyCouret FarmsCox CommunicationsDelta MediaHome FurnitureHub City FordIBERIABANKLafayette General Medical CenterMcDonald’s of AcadianaMidSouth BankOur Lady of LourdesRepublic National Distributing CompanySchilling Distributing CompanyStone Energy CorporationWhitney National Bank

Acadiana Rubber & GasketAtmos EnergyBeau Box Commercial Real EstateDupré Logistics, LLCFenstermaker & AssociatesGulf Coast BankHome BankOmni Energy ServicesPixus Digital PrintingThe Southwest GroupTobacco Free LivingVan Eaton & Romero

Platinum Members

Gold Members

Ace Plumbing, Inc.Arsement Machine and Supply, Inc.BBR CreativeCajun Harley DavidsonCoburn’s Supply CompanyEdward Jones/Bob CristExcelerantGauthiers’ RV Center

Acadiana C.A.R.E.S. Acadiana Symphony OrchestraAdvancial Federal Credit UnionAnytime Fitness Upper LafayetteAspen ClinicAssociated TravelBoys and Girls Clubs of AcadianaJean C. Breaux, Jr. & AssociatesBreaux’s MartBridge Ministry of Acadiana, Inc.Community Foundation of AcadianaCrawdaddy’s On-Site CateringDale Carnegie-The Winner InstituteDavis Property ManagementDerek Development Corp., LLCJoey DurelDrury Inn & SuitesGreater Lafayette Chamber of CommerceLynn Guidry, ArchitectJohn Paul The Great Academy Jolie’s Louisiana BistroLafayette Animal AidLafayette Community Health Care ClinicLafayette Convention and Visitors CommissionLafayette Youth Soccer AssociationLee Verret/State Farm Insurance AgencyLowry’s Printing and CopyingFlo Meadows, Coldwell BankerIqbal Merchant, CPAMelancon I-49 Storage CenterPetroleum Club

Silver Members

Bronze Members

Ron J. Gaubert RealtorsW. W. Rucks, IIISarah SchoefflerSchools of the Sacred HeartSMILEJohn SwiftSylvan Learning CenterTeche Electric Supply, LLCDr. Brent Jason Toups, LLCTerry J. Rogers, Ltd.Valerie Gotch Garrett, APLCWorldPay

PLATINUMIBERIABANKLafayette Airport CommissionLEDAStone Energy

GOLDAT&TBeau Box Commercial Real EstateDupré LogisticsExcelerantHub City FordLUS FiberRader SolutionsTobacco Free Living

SILVERAcadian CompaniesAdvancial Federal Credit UnionSchilling Distributing Company

BRONZECity of CarencroCity of Scott

Bronze Members

Sponsors

Silver MembersGuidry’s UniformsMaster Builders & Specialists, Inc.Oakbourne Country ClubRader SolutionsShelf Energy, LLCSLEMCOStella MarisStirling PropertiesTotal Pump and Supply, LLCUniversal Sign & Manufacturing CompanyWalters Funeral Home

For more information or to register, visitwww.upperlafayette.com/events

July Meeting Wednesday, July 16, 2014

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Mark your calendar for this event

Upcoming Upper Lafayette Events

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September MeetingWednesday, September 17, 2014

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Mark your calendar for this event

Run Upper LafayetteSaturday, September 13, 2014

8:00 a.m..Pelican Park, Carencro

Documents

Upper lafayette Newsletter June 2014