August 2016 Communiqué

August 2016, ISSUE 4, VOLUME 20
State Rep reviews this year’s legislative agenda
By: Bridget Mire, Staff Writer, The Courier
State Rep. Jerome “Zee” Zeringue discusses legislative action
taken during the recent sessions, as well as future issues facing the
state, at the recent SCIA General Membership Meeting.
Louisiana could face another major financial
shortfall if lawmakers don’t figure out a way to restructure the budget, a state representative warned.
Rep. Jerome “Zee” Zeringue, R-Houma, gave a
recap of this year’s three legislative sessions at a
South Central Industrial Association meeting at the
Quality Hotel in Houma. “It was a great experience,”
he said. “I wish we could have accomplished more.
There’s a lot more to be accomplished.”
Budget issues were the focus of the legislative
sessions, including a cut to the Taylor Opportunity
Program for Students. It left the state paying for
the $300 million scholarship program at 70 percent
and students paying for the rest. www.sciaonline.net
The Legislature dedicated $67.9 million to TOPS,
$59.6 million to higher education, $42.6 million
to the Department of Health and Hospitals and $5
million to medical schools. “We can’t continue to
fund the budget on one-time funding,” Zeringue said.
“We have to look at recurring revenue to ensure that
the projects and the programs and the agencies that
are being funded can be somewhat assured that
they’ll have funding in the upcoming fiscal years,
or we need to shut the program down.”
In the first special session this year, Zeringue
proposed a task force to look at structural changes
in the budget. At the SCIA meeting, he referred to
a Public Affairs Research Council report released.
The projection is unless we make some changes
in this next legislative session, that there will be
another billion-plus deficit that we’re going to have
to address,” he said. “That’s why the task force and
other measures that are being considered are important. So that we can fundamentally change how
we’re budgeting the state government, what we’re
doing, what we’re paying for ‘cause we cannot continue to pay. We don’t have the funding to pay for
what we’re at least engaged in right now.”
Zeringue said, like everyone, he hates paying
taxes.
“We can’t rely on taxing industry and businesses,”
he said. “We need to restructure the budget, make
it fair to both individuals and businesses for the
long-term success of our state.”
1
With the strength of our new board A
of directors
and general
membership,
we have
the opportunity to
MESSAGE
FROM
OUR
PRESIDENT...
R PRESIDENT...
A MESSAGE
FROM OUR
PRESIDENT...
assure our interests are being addressed on the local, state, regional and national levels. Next month we
Dear Members:
our in
annual
board
weSCIA
will president
developand
our
short
and
long term
goals. We
have
willI hold
have been
office almost
tworetreat
months where
now as the
have
already
experienced
the dynamics
of this
greatmany
organization. It
is
with
great
pleasure
that
I
begin
my
year
as
president
of
SCIA,
which
is
comprised
of for
a produc
of SCIA,
which
is
comprised
of
a
productive
Through
of this
time,
we wrote
letters
of support forfor
CPRA
LA 1, GOMESA
funding for and
coastal
restoration
and a grant
application
issuesthe
to course
discuss
that
could
make
a difference
theforfuture
of the maritime
energy
industries
and
I
group
ofwith
people
who
remain
focused
on theletters
critical
issues
to our
industry.
Inc
regarding
Water
Cluster,
which
the Bayou
Region. These
of support
arerelated
a proactive
way we
can show our support
elatedGNO,
to our
industry.
look
forward
to LA
interacting
thisincludes
dynamic
group
of regional
leaders.
for the region.
I As
most
of we
you have
know,
SCIA
developed
called
JOB board
MATCH,of
which
is designed
assist SCIA
member companies
with layoffs. look
forward
to working
withstrength
alla program
of to
you
With
the
of this
our year.
new
directors
andto general
membership,
we have
the opportunit
eral membership,
the
opportunity
With the current state of affairs in the south Louisiana oil patch, this is an obvious occurrence. JOB MATCH is designed to allow companies
assure
ourmonth
interests
regional and national levels.
Next
weare being addressed on the local, state, regional and national levels. Next month
who are laying off people to register those names in and SCIA data base for other SCIA members to review for possible employment. We will
will hold
annual
retreat where we will develop our short and long term goals. We have m
r short
and long
goals.
have
many
continually
keepterm
you updated
onWe
the our
progress
of thisboard
program.
Sincerely,
issues
to discuss
that
make
difference
the future
of you
themay
maritime
and our
energy industries a
maritime
We will be and
conducting
our industries
annual
boardand
retreat
mid-August
andaencourage
youfor
to submit
any ideas
have
to
grow
of the
energy
I incould
Robert Clemons
organization. Please directly
JanetoArnette
at [email protected]
if you wish
to contribute
your thoughts.
SCIA PRESIDENT
lookcontact
forward
interacting
with this dynamic
group
of regional
leaders.
nal leaders.
You should be receiving information on our annual golf tournament to be held on October 3, 2016. Please consider getting a team and/or
look forward
toSCIA
working
with
allthe
ofof
you
sponsorship. The SCIA golfItournament
has been
acclaimed
oneBoard
of
best
inthis
southyear.
Louisiana. We
would truly enjoy you as part of this major
Officers,
Directors
and Staff
fundraising effort.
Again, thank you for being a member of SCIA. We look forward to working with you on viable projects and programs that are of major
interest to our organization.
Since
Sincerely,
SCIA PRESI
SCIA PRESIDENT
Robert Clemons
President
ectors and Staff
id
ent
Robert Clemo
Robert Clemons
Charles Theriot
Treasurer
Bill Blanchard
Charles Theriot
Oneil Malbrough
Travis David
Bill Blanchard
Treasurer
Exec. Vice President Vice President
Secretary
SCIA Officers, Board
of Directors and
Staff
Bill Blanchard
Cory Kief
Kief
PaulBollinger
Danos
Chett
Chiasson
Oneil
Malbrough
Travis
David
Robert
Clemons Chris
Paul
Danos
Edward
Bouterie
Cory
Bill
Blanchard
President
Exec.Vice
President
Vice
President
Secretary
Exec.
Vice
President
Vice
President
President
Director
Director
Director
Director
Secretary
Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jane Arnette
SCIA PRESIDENT
Charles
Charles
Theriot
Lori
Davis Theriot
Treasurer
Treasurer
Advisor
Bill Blanchard
Secretary
Assistant Director . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Doiron
Committee Chairs
Annual Banquet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edward Bouterie
Crawfish Boil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shane Thibodeaux
Golf Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Keli Dantin
ICE .Stuart
. . . . Faucheux
. . . . . . . . . . . . Mitch
. . . . .Marmande
. . . . . . . . . . Willard
Robison
Jared Toups
Robbie
Naquin
Oneil
Chris Bollinger
Lori Davis
PaulMalbrough
Danos
ger
Lori Davis
Paul Danos
IGA . . .Edward
.Director
. . . . . Bouterie
. . . . . . . . . . . Director
.Cory
. . . . Kief
. . . . . . . . .Simone
Maloz
Director
Director
Director
Director
Advisor
Director
Director
Director
Advisor
Director
Henri Boulet
Workforce Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicol Blanchard
Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jane Arnette
Assistant Director . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Doiron
. . . . .Arnette
. . . . . . . . . . .Jane Arnette Assistant Director . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Doiro
Director . .Editor
. . . . . . . . . . . Jane
Assistant Director . . . . . . . . . . . .Executive
KathyCommuniqué
Doiron
Committee Chairs
Annual Banquet
. Mona Martin
Christen
SCIA Communiqué is a monthly publication
of the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Committee
Chairs
South Central Industrial Association
Crawfish Boil . . . . . Annual
. . . . . Banquet
. . . . . . . .. .. .. ... .. .. .Jason
Bergeron
.
.
.
.
.
.
. . . . . . Edward Bouterie
. . Edward Bouterie
P.O. Box 2143 • Houma, LA 70361-2143
Printed by Star Printing
Crawfish Boil . . . . . . . . .303
. . North
.Tommy
. . . .Hollywood
. Guarisco
. . . . . Road.
Shane
Thibodeaux
Shane Thibodeaux(985) 851-2201 • Fax (985) 851-2202
• Houma,
LA 70364
. . . .(985)872-4584
. . . . . . . . ..Keli Dantin
GAR . . . . . . . Golf
. . Tournament
. . . . . .. .. . .. . . . . . .. . .. .Joni
Tuck
www.sciaonline.net
. . . . . . ..Keli Dantin
irs
...
...
...
. . . . . . Willard Robison
. . . . .2. . .Simone Maloz
Henri Boulet
. . . . . . Nicol Blanchard
. . . . . . . . .Jane Arnette
. . . . . . Trotti
. . . . . Willard Robison
Golf Tournament . . . .ICE
. . . .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . ..Lance
. . . . . .Robison
. . . . . . . . .Simone Maloz
www.sciaonline.net
ICE . . . . . . . . . . . . IGA
. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. Willard
Henri Boulet
Chad Hebert
Workforce
Development
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Nicol
Blanchard
PIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Simone Maloz
Communiqué Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jane Arnette
Henri Boulet
Workforce Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicol Blanchard
SCIA Communiqué is a monthly publication of the
Communiqué
. . Association
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jane Arnette
South Central Editor
Industrial
P.O. Box 2143 • Houma, LA 70361-2143
Printed by Star Printing
(985) 851-2201 • Fax
(985)
851-2202is a publication of the
SCIA
Communiqué
303 North Hollywood Road. • Houma, LA 70364
www.sciaonline.net
South Central Industrial Association
(985)872-4584
Designed by Nicki Boudreaux
Boudreaux Strategic Communications
(985) 414-1934
2
www.sciaonline.net
2
P.O. Box 2143 • Houma, LA 70361-2143
(985) 851-2201 • Fax (985) 851-2202
www.sciaonline.net
Printed by Star Printing
303 North Hollywood Road. • Houma, LA 70364
(985)872-4584
Printed by Star Printing
309 North Hollywood Road, Houma, LA 70364
(985) 872-4584
www.sciaonline.net
www.sciaonline.net
Group travels to Washington, D.C. for HNC discussion
as reported by David Rabalais and excerpts from The Houma Courier
The pictured group with Congressman Scalise trav- million to have the Houma Navigation Canal dredged
eled to Washington D.C. to discuss the dredging and to a depth of 15,’ said The Courier.
deepening of the Houma Navigational Canal with our
“The Army Corps of Engineers’ New Orleans Disfederal delegatrict, which maintion, referencing
tains the canal,
the US Corps of
has only budgetEngineers.
ed $1.1 million
for the removal
A subsequent meeting
of 250,000 cubic
was held in
yards of mateNew Orleans
rial.
But 1.2
million cubic
with the new
yards must be
colonel. “Local
industry can’t
dredged to meet
survive if the
the authorized
15-foot depth, ofentire channel
ficials said. With
is not dredged
the canal now at
yearly to the
federally autho12 feet deep, the
rized depth. If a
corps’ work alone
tree fell across
would only dredge
an interstate, Walter Thomassie (THOMASEA Marine Constructors), Past SCIA President Oneil Malbrough, it to 13 feet,” the
it would be Bill Purvis (THOMASEA Marine Constructors), Terrebonne Port Director David Rabalais, US Courier reported.
removed right Congressman Steve Scalise and Terrebonne Parish President, Gordon Dove.
away, but if a
With
this
sandbar forms in a channel, it takes an act of Congress money to only go 13 feet, in six months, we’ll be sitting
to get it dredged,” said David Rabalais, the Port of Ter- at 10 feet and then we’ll really be in a bind,” Parish
rebonne’s executive director. President Gordy Dove said. “The industry along the
“A $2 million contribution by two local agencies will Houma Navigation Canal, the vessels coming in are all
help dredge a canal that oilfield businesses depend on geared up to 15 feet. Without the 15 feet, we lose a lot
to transport platforms and materials to and from the of jobs and a lot of industry. If we don’t do this, it will
Gulf of Mexico. Terrebonne Parish government and the devastate our marine industry.
local Port Commission are putting up a combined $2
www.sciaonline.net
3
Industrial Trades Job Fair results released
Event attracts 30 companies; over 800 participants
As reported by Vic Lafont, SLEC Executive Director
On June 10, 2016, the South Louisiana Economic
Council, with Louisiana Economic Development, Fletcher Technical Community College, economic development agencies in Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, and
Assumption Parishes, and other strategic partners,
hosted the Industrial Trades Job Fair. The event served
as an opportunity for employers to meet with those
unemployed due to the recent downturn in our local
economy.
The Job Fair hosted 30 companies along with 826
attendees. All participating companies completed an
exit survey. The survey ranked answers poor, below
average, average, good or excellent. The results were
as follows:
• How would you rate the overall Industrial Trades
Job Fair – 97% Good or Above
• What is the likelihood of hiring anyone you interviews at the Job Fair – 87% Good or Above
• Were you satisfied with the number of job seekers
that attended the event? – 94% Good or Above
• Are you arranging an interview for any candidates
your met today? – 48% answered yes. 42% percent
answered maybe. 10% answered no or had no
answer.
companies who participated in the job fair and encourage them to continue employing our local, qualified
workers,” said Vic Lafont, President/CEO of the South
Louisiana Economic Council.
“The Job Fair was extremely helpful in allowing us
to connect with individuals who were recently laid off,
but possess the skills needed for jobs we have available.
Fletcher proved to be a very professional setting which
not only allowed for a great event, but an opportunity
for those in attendance to see what type of educational
resources are available. My team and I would definitely
like to be a part of any future fairs that may be hosted,”
said Tommy Guilbeaux of Gulf Coast Employment.
Following the job fair, BayouOpportunity.com was
transitioned from the registration site of the job fair to
a resource for job seekers. On the site, job seekers will
find information related to Louisiana Job Connection,
the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Fletcher Technical Community College, and South Central Louisiana
Technical College.
The South Louisiana Economic Council conducted
a follow-up survey with all companies in attendance
30 days after the event. Companies were asked if they
had interviewed any candidates post job fair and if any
candidates had been hired. The results were as follows:
•Companies reported to having interviewed 402
candidates
• Companies reported to having hired 43 candidates
•Companies reported to have 16 pending hires
• Several companies indicated they are still review
ing job seekers and conducting interviews at this
time
“Our region has proven to be resilient in these tough
economic times and SLEC is committed to helping
ensure this resiliency. We are appreciative of the many
4
www.sciaonline.net
New levee board members begin work in north Lafourche
SCIA Committee Chair Joni Tuck joins SCIA Board Member Cory Kief
Joni Tuck
North Lafourche’s levee and
drainage board has seven new
members. The 11-member board
oversees flood protection in the
North Lafourche Conservation,
Levee and Drainage District, north
of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.
Last week, the board met for the
first time Gov. John Bel Edwards
made the new appointments. Three of the four returning members will serve in executive positions. Members are nominated by legislators,
mayors and parish presidents, but the final appointment
is made by the governor.
“We have a lot of freshman class board members on
board,” board President Cory Kief said. “It’s exciting to see
the diversity that we have on the board now.”
Kief, of Thibodaux, director of business development
at Crosby Tugs, said the members have experience in
agriculture, land development, the marine industry and
farm equipment. “We want different perspectives,” he said.
“We have to have a variety of thoughts and ideas so that
we can make good, educated decisions.” Incumbent board
members Timothy Allen will service as
vice president and Kenney Matherne as
secretary-treasurer. Allen, of Houma, is a
general manager with the Apache Corp.
oil company. Matherne, of Lockport, is
a designer and modeler with the John
Deere manufacturing plant in Thibodaux.
Louis Andolsek of Thibodaux, president
and manager of Levert-St. John, is the
Cory Kief
fourth to return to the board. The newcomers are:
• Rodney Foret of Raceland resident, owner of RPF
Farms.
• Darcy Kiffe, a retiree from Lockport.
• Adley Peltier of Thibodaux, a research farm
manager at the LSU AgCenter
• Elmo Pitre of Larose, owner and manager of Pitre
Industries, a local trucking company.
• Robert Pitre of Thibodaux, owner and manager
of Triple P Farms.
• Shawn Preston of Thibodau, principal of Napoleonville Middle School.
• Joni Tuck of Thibodaux, grants administrator with
the Greater Lafourche Port Commission.
Richard
Development
Meeting your residential and
commercial needs
985-856-5203
www.richarddevelopment.com
www.sciaonline.net
5
Participate in SCIA’s 16th Annual Golf Tournament!
Plans are underway for SCIA’s 16th Annual
Golf Tournament! The tournament is scheduled for October 3, 2016 at Ellendale Golf Course.
Only morning flights are still available. Morning
flights will begin at 7:30 a.m., while afternoon flights
are scheduled for 1 p.m. Last year’s participants are
offered the first right of refusal for the afternoon flight.
Team Information
The cost is $1,000 for a four-man team.
Each player will receive a $75 gift certificate to
spend in the SCIA Signature Mobile Pro Shop.
Another option is to sign two (2) players for $500.
Either join up with two players from another company
to make a team, or let us match you up with another
pair. Each player will still get the gift certificate!
Lastly, you can always sign up as an individual for $250. We will put you on a team with three
other players and, of course, you still get the gift
certificate! After all, it’s all about the networking!
Jambalaya! Armadillo Eggs! Grillades! Boudin Nachos!
Meat Pies! Fried Fish! Hogs Head Cheese! Beef Jerky!
Cigar Bar! Gumbo! And so much more! Please contact
Robbie Naquin directly if you are interested in becoming
a food course vendor! ([email protected].)
Sponsorship Availability
SCIA’s golf tournaments have always been an excellent
way to promote your business. We offer unique opportunities, so please review the options on the next page.
Thank You to Our Corporate Sponsors
Chevron
BP
Buquet Distributing
Crosby Tugs
Entergy
Gulf Island Fabrications
Chet Morrison Contractors
Danos
Food Vendors
Oilstates
One of the highlights of the SCIA Golf Tournament is
RAMCO
the unbelievable food on the course! Seriously! Fried
Oreos! Signature drinks! “Janegle Juice! (Yep! Named
after the SCIA Executive Director!) Chicken! Brisket!
For more information about a team or sponsorship, please call
the SCIA office at 985-851-2201 or email [email protected]
or [email protected]
Excellence
leads to opportunity.
Excellence is not something you claim. It’s something you
prove. Our company has won a total of 83 Greenwich
Excellence designations for small business and middle
market banking since 2009. Adhering to our founding
principles of commitment to service and teamwork, we work
hard every day to provide the financial solutions that can
Whitney Bank has earned a record
19 NATIONAL AND REGIONAL
2015 GREENWICH EXCELLENCE AWARDS
for small business and middle market banking.
Whitney Bank, Member FDIC
6
help your business grow and succeed.
Put Whitney Bank to work for you.
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www.sciaonline.net
SCIA
16TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
ELLENDALE COUNTRY CLUB
HOUMA, LA
OCTOBER 3, 2016
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
ITEM with COMPANY NAME
Golf Carts
Signature sponsors for
Mobile Pro Shop
Beverage Carts
Game Program
Score Card Ad Back
Score Card Ad Front
Picture Sponsor
Clubhouse Sponsors
Golf Course Green
T-Box
Course Food Vendor
NUMBER OF SPONSORS
ONE
THREE
TWO
ONE
ONE
ONE
ONE
UNLIMITED
18
30
COST PER SPONSOR
$2,500.00
$2,000.00 each
Includes logo flag
$1,300 each
$500.00
$500.00
$600.00
$1, 500.00
$500.00
$200.00 each
$100.00 each
Contact
Contact
[email protected]
Robbie.Naquin@capitaloneban
k.com
My company is interested in sponsoring ___________________________ at a cost of _____________.
Name of Company: ___________________________________________
Company Contact Person: ______________________________________
Phone Number: ___________________ Email:_____________________
Please return this form and payment to the SCIA Office. Mail to SCIA PO Box 2143, Houma, LA 70361
For more information, please contact the SCIA office at 985-851-2201 fax: 985-851-2202
Golf Tournament Chair: Lance Trotti, Paul’s Agency- Co-chair: Robbie Naquin, Capital One Bank
Jane or Kathy can assist you with your sponsorship requests! Information regarding teams for the
tournament should be directed to Jane Arnette, SCIA Executive Director, [email protected]
www.sciaonline.net
7
Spotlight on SCIA President Bill Blanchard
There is no doubt that Bill Blanchard is leading SCIA through
his 34 years of executive and project management experience. As
the general manager of Gulf Island, LLC in Houma, LA, he is responsible for the executive management and overall financial success of
Houma’s large fabrication yard that employs between 550 and 700
people.
After completing his BS degree from LSU in Mechanical Engineering, he quickly joined the workforce as a member of the Texaco
team in Morgan City where he was responsible for the management
and execution of special projects on various platforms in the Gulf
of Mexico. This position lead to his long-term career with Global
Industries before joining the Gulf Island team.
Bill is a member of the I-49 Coalition, Vandebilt Terrier Club
Board and St. Francis Pastoral Council. He and his wife, Ellen, enjoy
family time with their five children and new daughter-in-law.
Bill’s experience and leadership will bring a structured innovative system to SCIA that will enhance the programs and expand
the depth of the organization.
We welcome him as our president and look forward to this year
of development.
ANSWERING
the
CHALLENGE!
Thad
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SCIA Activities
Hecht drew a line between the state’s successful effort
to combat reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program
that threatened the region to the creation of a stronger
lobbying coalition that could make south Louisiana
more competitive with its neighbors and even the world
economy.
Last year, fixing flood insurance reforms that would have
dramatically raised insurance costs for local homes and
businesses became a rallying cry for Hecht’s organization,
as well as states across the country that would have
faced substantially negative consequences had the
reforms proceeded as planned.
“We just needed to educate people because what was
happening was an unintended consequence,” Hecht
told the group.
What
came
as
a
result
was
the
first
bipartisan
House
Senate
of
the
Terrebonne
Parish and
President
Gordonvote
Dove presents
year,
a
vote
that
would
pass
the
Homeowner
Gordon “Bubba” Dove Scholarships to:
Flood
Insurance
Affordability
Act.
Brianna
LeBlanc,
daughter
of Gavin & Gigi LeBlanc
In
a
slide
show
Tuesday,
Hecht
discussed
how and
the
from member company Danos, graduate
of HLB
coalition
that
formed
to
fix
the
Flood
Insurance
Program
plans to attend LSU to major in Biology andTheresa
has
segued
into one
of his own
the member
creation
Sevier,
daughter
of Matthew
&ambitions
Jill Sevier—
from
of
a
so-called
“super-region”
that
links
together
the
company Bollinger Shipyards, graduate of HLB and plans
business
and
political
interests
of
Lafayette,
Baton
to attend ULL to major in accounting.
Rouge, New Orleans and Houma-Thibodaux.
Two Gordon “Bubba” Dove
Scholarships Awarded
www.sciaonline.net
www.sciaonline.net
www.sciaonline.net
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www.sciaonline.net
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New Orleans
504.831.4949
New Orleans
504.831.4949
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Save the Date! You don’t want to miss these exciting SCIA activities!
General Membership Meeting
August 16, 2016
with
U.S. Congressman Garret Graves
The SCIA ICE Committee presents
A Major Workshop
on Human Resources
Including the most recent laws passed regarding overtime for
salaried employees
September 29, 2016
Presented by Fisher & Phillips
HR credits will be issued
More information coming soon!
Meetings are held at the Quality Hotel, Hollywood Road
Start using
mobile
deposit.
Or start
your own
pipefitting
operation.
P.O. Box 2143 • Houma, LA 70361-2143
Phone: (985) 851-2201 • Fax: (985) 851-2202 • Email: [email protected]
www. s c i a o n l i n e . n e t
Either way, you can bank on United
Community Bank. We offer an array
of services that help you manage both
your personal and business needs. So
whether you need to make a deposit on
the go or need new equipment for your
business, our local bankers can help you
meet your financial goals.
Contact a UCB representative for details
about our available products.
The Local Way to Bank Big.
10
www.sciaonline.net
News Bits
Port Fourchon Continues Slip D Development, have also continued to add hundreds of additional acres
Focuses on Resilient Design
of wetlands through our own development to protect
(PORT FOURCHON, LA) - the Greater Lafourche Port
Commission (GLPC) announced the completion of the
bucket dredging phase in Slip D, the latest development in Port Fourchon’s Northern Expansion area. The
initial dredging of Port Fourchon’s new Slip D, which
broke ground less than one year ago, is the most recent
benchmark completed in the progression of the port’s
Northern Expansion development plan.
Bucket dredging is the first physical step in the
creation of a new slip in a port development area.
To carve out the footprint of Slip D, contractors used
a barge-mounted bucket dredge and dragline to dig
the outline of the 3,800 foot long and 1,000 foot wide
slip, like scooping out the first shovelfuls of earth at a
groundbreaking.
During this first phase of work, over 451,000 cubic
yards of material were excavated. Every speck of dredged
material is used beneficially in Port Fourchon, and in
Slip D, initial dredged material is being used to form
containment levees for the next phase of the project’s
construction. It took workers seven months to complete
this first phase of excavation in Slip D.
GLPC is on schedule to start work on the next phase
of the project - hydraulic dredging - by early 2017. The
hydraulic dredging work will be done in two stages as
part of Port Fourchon’s unique focus on enhancing the
resiliency of the port through continued development.
The materials excavated in the first phase of hydraulic
dredging will be used to construct over 60 acres of
wetlands in the port area, which will not only fulfill
the port’s development permit obligations but also
double as a natural protective buffer for the port from
hurricanes and storm surge.
“Over the years, we have taken an increasingly holistic approach to our port’s development,” said Chett Chiasson, Executive Director of the Greater Lafourche Port
Commission. “Since Hurricane Katrina, we have focused
on making sure that our projects and infrastructure are
built to a higher standard. We have increased the base
elevation of our newer slips, our roads, bulkheads, you
name it. In addition to building higher and harder, we
www.sciaonline.net
our tenants’ assets in a natural way,” he added.
This innovative “resiliency in design” approach to
the continued evolution of Port Fourchon, the nation’s
premier oil and gas service port, demonstrates the
vision of the forward-thinking Port Commission in its
role as a partner in the strengthening and advancement
of the oil and gas service industry. GLPC is also focused
on a sustainable and affordable partnership with the
tenants and users of Port Fourchon, highlighted by the
Port Commission’s willingness to work with its lease
rates during this industry downturn and to be a strong
voice in advocating for industry issues, like the importance of a robust oil and gas industry to our economy,
on local, state, and federal levels.
Port Fourchon’s new Slip D in the Northern Expansion simply augments Port Fourchon’s established
position as the “Gulf’s Energy Connection.” Now more
than ever, quality, quantity, and location matter, and
Port Fourchon is proven as the most efficient oil and gas
service base in the world. Centrally located on the Gulf
of Mexico, Port Fourchon is the only one-stop shop for
the quality and quantity of goods and services needed
for exploration and production in the Gulf of Mexico.
Ready today, and ready for tomorrow.
For information on leasing property in Slip D or
any of the port’s other development areas, contact the
Greater Lafourche Port Commission at (985) 632-6701
or visit Port Fourchon’s “Properties Available” webpage
at www.portfourchon.com.
4 More!
Only 4 spots left for
golf teams!
11
News Bits
Danos Adds I&E Services to Amelia Fabrication Facility
Danos’ fabrication facility in Amelia now features
on-site instrumentation and electrical services, including automation, safety and control systems. “As a result
of adding I&E capabilities to our Amelia yard, our
customers can now access an even broader range of
services – all in a single location,” said Mark Danos,
vice president of project services.
Danos’ Amelia fabrication facility offers an integrated line of services, including materials management, storage facilities, coatings services, project
laydown areas and covered warehouses. With the
addition of I&E services, the Amelia facility can also
offer customers on-site integration of automation
systems, control panels, and installation and maintenance for a broad range of control and electrical
systems. This allows Danos to better serve customers
in the upstream, production, midstream and hydrocarbon processing markets. Located on 175 acres along Bayou Boeuf, the facility features 120,000 square-feet of under-roof fabrication area that can accommodate large-scale custom
fabrication projects of more than 1,000 tons. Five
thousand linear feet of bulkhead and 18 feet of water
depth enable easy loading and receiving via barge.
Danos also has a second I&E office located in Carencro.
Acadian exec honored for service
Acadian Chairman and CEO Richard Zuschlag was
recognized for 45 years of service during the company’s
annual meeting. Zuschlag is one of the three founders
of Acadian and oversees Acadian Ambulance Service;
Acadian Total Security; Air Med; Executive Aircraft
Charter Service; National EMS Academy; and Safety
Management Systems. The company provides ambulance service in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. He is a member of the American Ambulance Association, Tiger Athletic Foundation, Drew Brees Quarterback
Club, Lafayette Civic Cup, New Orleans Business Council,
University of Louisiana Lafayette Foundation board of
trustees and the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians.
12
Bayou Community Foundation Launches
New Website with Online Giving
By Jennifer Armand, BCF Director
Bayou Community Foundation (BCF)
has launched a new
website at www.
BayouCF.org that includes a new online
giving system for donors wanting to invest in our
Bayou Region communities through the BCF Fund.
In addition, the site includes a nonprofit directory featuring descriptions and contact information
for nonprofit organizations in Lafourche, Terrebonne, and Grand Isle. The website also introduces
the BCF Disaster Recovery Fund now being developed to respond to community needs if and when
the next natural or man-made disaster impacts our
area.
“We remember too well how our region missed
out on private recovery funds after Hurricane Katrina
and the 2010 Gulf oil spill. Now with BCF serving
as our region’s ‘bucket’ to receive donations, and
with our new BCF Disaster Recovery Fund in place,
we won’t miss out the next time disaster strikes,”
says BCF Chairman Stephen Peltier. “Supporting
our community is quick and easy at www.BayouCF.
org.”
BCF was created in July 2012 following hurricanes and the Gulf oil spill by local residents who
recognized the need for a community foundation
specifically serving Terrebonne, Lafourche, and
Grand Isle. The foundation serves as a “community
bucket” to receive and distribute private aid in the
event of a natural disaster or emergency, awards
annual grants to nonprofits meeting critical needs
in our communities, and works with the Greater
New Orleans Foundation to provide free workshops
and other programs to grow local nonprofits
www.sciaonline.net
News Bits
TRMC wins Safety Award
Thibodaux Regional
Medical Center is one of
three winners of the 2016
Safety Star Award by the
Louisiana Hospital Association Trust Funds. The program acknowledges innovative ideas that improve patient safety. The hospital
received the award for reducing mortality, complication rates and cost of care for patients undergoing
total hip/knee replacement surgeries. A hospital team created a pre-op patient education program, improved operating room efficiencies,
decreased complication rates, developed an enhanced
recovery pathway and reduced length of stay.
Thibodaux Regional also received Safety Star Awards
in 2014 and 2012. The facility will receive recognition
at the LHA Summer Conference in July as well as a
$10,000 cash award.
I-49 Connector prepares for EIS
By Deidra L. Druilhet
The Louisiana Department of
Transportation and Development
announced that, in consultation
with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), it will prepare
a Supplemental Environmental
Impact Statement (SEIS) document for the I-49 Connector project. The alignment of the future I-49 Connector, which generally runs along existing Evangeline
Thruway from I-10 to the Lafayette Regional Airport,
was approved by FHWA in the Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) process which documented (or assessed) the positive and negative impacts of the proposed project. This process was completed in 2003
with a Record of Decision.
DOTD initially began working on a Reevaluation
of the project, which is a process to find out whether
there have been any changes along the approved
alignment since 2003 and as follow up to the 21 Comwww.sciaonline.net
mitments made in 2003. In consideration of the input
from the community, potential refinements to the approved alignment are now being assessed.
As a result, FHWA and DOTD agree that a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS)
process and document, in lieu of a Reevaluation, will
be appropriate for assessing or documenting possible
changes within the approved alignment. “DOTD will
continue to work with our federal partners to ensure
any significant or proposed changes since the original
EIS are thoroughly vetted to identify and document
any new positive or negative environmental impacts,”
said DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson, Ph.D. “DOTD is not
just committed to the completion of the I-49 Connector, we’re committed to getting it right on every level.”
The SEIS process is currently estimated for completion
in spring 2018.
Shell Energy Venture Production Camp at
Fletcher
For the second year, Shell Oil Company and
Fletcher Technical Community College have partnered to offer the Energy Venture Production Camp
to the Bayou Region. The camp was held during the
week of June 13-17 at Fletcher Technical Community College’s BP Integrated Production Technologies
building in Schriever, Louisiana. There were 22
participants in the camp. They ranged in ages thirteen to eighteen and in grades ninth through twelfth.
Campers participated in STEM related hands-on
activities and experiments, toured the Shell Robert
Training and Conference Center, and listened to
several industry professionals.
The Shell Energy Venture Production Camp is
an effort to provide campers with the opportunity
to learn about careers in energy production and to
help meet future employment demands. The camp
was made possible by a grant from Shell Oil Company
to Fletcher Technical Community College.
13
News Bits
Chet Morrison Contractors’ Harvey Facility
Receives Quality Management System
Registration
Chet Morrison Contractors is pleased to announce
that the company’s Harvey-based fabrication facility
has been assessed by Hartford Steam Boiler Registration Services and has been found to be in conformance
with ISO 9001:2008. With this registration, Chet Morrison Contractors’ fabrication services is certified to
provide the highest standard of quality fabrication
services in the industry by utilizing procedures guided
by ISO requirements. Fabricationservices
is the second Chet Morrison Contractors division to
attain ISO 9001:2008 Registration. The company’s
Deepwater Riser division received the registration
in 2014, along with API Q1. “This certification is important for Chet Morrison Contractors as we seek to
grow our fabrication and coatings business. It signals
our ability to offer traceability and quality control
systems that our clients require,” said Derick Bourg,
general manager of fabrication.
Chet Morrison Contractors’ Harvey facility is also
ASME “U” and “R” stamp-certified to manufacture
and repair/alter boilers and other pressure vessels
as authorized by the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME). “These achievements are proof
of our continued commitment to operational excellence and an example of the strides we are making
to ensure we can provide the premier support our
clients expect,” said Bourg.
Offering 24-hour service, on-demand deployment
of on-site installation teams as well as in-house custom
fabrication, the fabrication team is experienced in
handling projects for onshore and offshore facilities
and structures. Thanks to its waterfront location, the
shop can handle transportation of complex assemblies
with ease.
14
Danos adds Tom Broom as executive
account manager for Shell
Danos announces the hiring of
Tom Broom as executive account
manager. In this role, Broom will
be responsible for overseeing and
maintaining Danos’ long-term relationship with Shell. “Tom is a perfect fit for Danos,
said Executive Vice President Paul Danos. “His experience in the industry and long career with Shell make
him the ideal person to oversee this relationship that
has endured for 45 years.”
In 2015, Broom retired from Shell after a 35-yearcareer, most recently serving as director of coastal
issues for Shell Exploration & Production Company.
In that role he served as the inaugural director of a
25-person international team focused on collaborating with internal and external stakeholders on coastal
management issues. Prior to that position he oversaw
workforce development and construction risk mitigation and managed operations training for the United
States, Canada and Brazil. He also supervised the daily
operations of Shell’s Robert Training and Conference
Center, the company’s primary operations training
facility. As an executive account manager for Danos, Broom
will draw upon his experience with Shell and industry
knowledge to provide leadership and strategic guidance for the partnership. His hiring is part of Danos’
ongoing strategy of investing in new opportunities and
planning for future growth.
Synergy Bank Announces Michel Hebert as
Banking Officer
Synergy Bank’s board of directors recently named Michel Hebert
as an Officer of Synergy Bank. The
announcement was made by Jerry
P. Ledet, Jr., Synergy Bank president. Hebert joined Synergy Bank
10 years ago to begin an official
www.sciaonline.net
News Bits
credit department for the bank. Since then, the department has grown to a team of four. Hebert serves as the
Credit Department Manager. “Michel is an extremely
knowledgeable banker,” Ledet said. “As an integral part
of our bank’s loan process, she is a valuable asset to
our customers. We are very fortunate to have her on
our team.”
Hebert is a graduate of Central Lafourche High
School. She also graduated from Nicholls State University with an Associate Degree in General Business
and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance. “I am
happy and honored to be an officer of Synergy Bank,”
Hebert said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work
at such a special place with a great group of people.”
Synergy is a locally owned community bank. As of
March 31, 2016, the company’s total assets equaled
$506 million. Further information on the bank may be
obtained from its web site at www.banksynergy.com
Nicholls named as a Top College for
Secularists
Kevinisha Walker The Courier Staff Writer
Nicholls State University ranked 14th in a
list of the 20 best and
least expensive colleges
and universities for secularists, according to a
recent Great College Deals list. The university’s Secular
Student Alliance helped the university earn a spot on
the list. Great College Deals is a free online resource
guide for finding up-to-date advice on affording a highquality college education.
The Secular Student Alliance at Nicholls advocates
for secular values and allows students of all beliefs to
openly discuss politics without the influence of religion.
According to Stephanie Verdin, director of Nicholls’
marketing and communications, the organization is
fairly new and growing. It has been on campus since
October.
www.sciaonline.net
Great College Deals researchers looked at small,
progressive-minded colleges with a net price relatively lower than other schools of a similar size and
minimal religious ties. The website also took into
account the existence of secular student organizations,
the percentage of students who identify as religious,
financial aid and scholarship opportunities, diversity
in faculty and student body, and anything else that
enhanced the secular student experience.
When it came to Nicholls, Laura Kilmartin with
Great College Deals said editors selected the school
because it encourages students to be leading voices in
secular humanist living. Nicholls freshman Taylor
Conrad was part of the organization when it first started
last fall but isn’t very active now due to a tight school
schedule. The 20-year-old became interested in the
organization because it represents being tolerant of
other religions. “It helped us see that everyone has the
right to believe whatever they want and that’s a big
part of why I joined,” she said.
During the first meeting, Conrad recalled there
being a great number of people who identified as Catholic or Christian, which she found interesting. But it
didn’t make her look at them any differently. “They’re
not going to say you’re a Catholic so you can’t be part
of the secular group,” she said. “It’s about being tolerant
and accepting of other people.”
TGMC wins Orthopedics Award Terrebonne General
Medical Center has received
the 2016 Women’s Choice
Award as one of America’s
Best Hospitals for orthopedics. This designation is the
only orthopedics award that identifies the country’s
best health care institutions based on criteria that
considers patient satisfaction, clinical excellence, and
what women say they want from a hospital, TGMC said
in a news release. The hospital said among improvements to its orthopedic services are a state-of-the-art
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Caring MR Suite
Imaging Area, which enhances the quality of care.
15
News Bits
Port Fourchon launches new website The Greater Lafourche Port Commission is pleased
to announce the redesign of its website at www.portfourchon.com. The website’s new responsive design
is user-friendly, with enhanced features that allow
for easy navigation and viewing from any device,
and prominently features the Port Commission’s two
brands, Port Fourchon and South Lafourche Airport.
In addition to a crisp new look and neat, simple
navigation, the redesigned website includes a new
feature: the NOTIFY ME page. This new option gives
regular users the opportunity to update, add, or modify
subscriptions to Port Commission communications,
making it even easier to get the latest up-to-date information on Port Fourchon and the surrounding area.
Newly enhanced directory listings also allow users
to search by category, individual company name, site
location, and physical or mailing address.
“Our website has always been a vital tool for us
to communicate with our tenants and the public, to
share information and resources,” said Chett Chiasson, Executive Director of the Greater Lafourche Port
Commission. “Now our tool is sharper, cleaner, and
more effective, bringing a higher level of support and
accessibility to our port and airport businesses.” The
new website includes the same wealth of information
on Port Fourchon and the South Lafourche Airport,
with additional resources for port and airport users,
potential property leaseholders, industry, and the
community at large. Centrally located on the Gulf of Mexico, Port Fourchon is the only one-stop shop for quality and quantity
of goods and services needed for exploration and
production in the Gulf of Mexico. Ready today, and
ready for tomorrow.
16
Pack the Bus School Supply Drive to Benefit
Local Schools
Synergy Bank and United Way of South Louisiana
are coordinating a multi-parish wide school supply
drive to benefit local children and schools. Their goal
is to pack a school bus full with school supplies to
donate to schools throughout Terrebonne and Lafourche Parish.
“There are many children in our communities
whose families simply cannot afford the proper school
supplies needed,” United Way Executive Director Alina
Merlos said. “By giving a child these supplies, we as a
community can help these children not only be prepared but give them the confidence to thrive.”
Citizens can help by donating new school supplies
to various Pack the Bus collection sites around Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes. To date, the businesses that will have the Pack the Bus collection bins
are all Synergy Bank locations, United Way, Allstate by
Stephanie Hebert, Bayou Country Children’s Museum,
Busy Bee Clinic, Cannata’s, Lafourche Parish Libraries,
Lanaux & Felger CPAs, Nicholls Alumni Federation,
Nicholls State University Student Union, Raising Canes,
South Louisiana Bank, Sunburst Media, Terrebonne
Parish Government Towers, and Workforce Logistics.
An up to date list of donation sites and partners can
be found at banksynergy.com.
While all school supply donations are appreciated,
some of the most needed items are colors, pencils,
color pencils, scissors, loose leaf paper, spiral notebooks, binders, glue, glue sticks, rulers, construction
paper, pencil bags or pouches, and school bags.
Businesses are also welcome to be a part of the
“Bus Tour,” where a school bus will travel to their site
to collect donations on a designated day so that their
employees can participate in donating. The community
can find more information and post pictures of their
donations to our Facebook page at facebook.com/BayouPackTheBus. For more information, please contact:
Ashlee Champagne, United Way, 985-879-2461.
www.sciaonline.net
News Bits
Secretary Johnson appoints Port Fourchon
employee, April Danos to National Maritime
Security Advisory Committee
Commission, has been appointed by Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to the National Maritime
Security Advisory Committee (NMSAC) for a 3-year
term. Comprised of members representing all segments
of the maritime industry, the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (NMSAC) provides advice to
the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security
via the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard on matters
such as national security strategy and policy, actions
required to meet current and future security threats,
international cooperation on security issues, and security concerns of the maritime transportation industry.
The committee also works with representatives
of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, FEMA and the Transportation Security
Administration as well as other federal agencies.
Danos is a nationally recognized expert in information technology systems and port security projects.
She has chaired the IT Committee of the American
Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and currently serves as the AAPA Cybersecurity Subcommittee chair, often speaking to ports, federal agencies, and port security authorities on how to build
and implement resilient maritime cybersecurity
standards and practices. Danos will serve her term
as a NMSAC member through December 31, 2018.
Vice chancellor earns credential
Cindy Poskey, Fletcher Technical Community
College vice chancellor of workforce development, has
graduated with the first class to earn the credential
of Louisiana Certified Workforce Developer. Poskey
was awarded the CWD credential during the Louisiana
Community and Technical College System Board of
Supervisors meeting on June 8 in Baton Rouge. The
CWD program is a first of its kind certification program
designed to advance knowledge, skills and relationships relative to economic and workforce development
in Louisiana.
www.sciaonline.net
Danos names Employees of the Year
Danos is pleased to announce its 2015 Employees of the Year, Mark Doiron and Rene
Vidrine. The award is presented each year to one
staff member and one field employee who best
embody the company’s core purpose and values.
“We congratulate Rene and Mark for receiving this
prestigious award,” said CEO Hank Danos. “They truly
embody what it means to be part of the Danos team.
Staff Employee of the Year
Rene Vidrine started as as a safety
specialist for Danos in 2006. In
2012, he joined the Danos team
working in West Texas to to establish a foothold in the Permian
Basin. Vidrine proved to be an able
leader who customers trusted to
handle even the most complex
challenges. One of the people
who nominated him for this award said, “his managers trusted him with a huge job and he has performed remarkably. His involvement with safety is
seamless and his relationship with customers has
been top notch.” As operations manager for production services, Vidrine has become the driving force
behind the company’s success in the Permian area.
Field Employee of the Year
Mark Doiron has been a stalwart
of Danos’ production services for
the past 9 years. As operations
lead and site lifting coordinator, Doiron is an active leader
and mentor to other employees,
especially on matters of safety
and best practices for lifting
and rigging. He is described by
coworkers as “constantly seeking ways to improve
himself within and beyond his job scope.” Doiron’s
nominator praised his selfless commitment to Danos’
“high performance culture” in everything he does.
17
News Bits
LA 1 to get GOMESA funds
The Advocate - By AMY WOLD and edited by Jane Arnette
The state coastal
authority approved the
final step needed to
allow offshore oil and
gas revenue to be used
to cover construction
costs for the continued
elevation of La. 1 connecting Golden Meadow to the
important oil and gas Port Fourchon.
The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
(CPRA) approved a set of criteria of how road and
other infrastructure projects can qualify for up to
10 percent of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act
(GOMESA) proceeds to the state.
GOMESA was adopted in 2006, allocating more
money to the state from offshore oil and gas production starting next year -- although President Barack
Obama has expressed interest in sharing that money
beyond the states along the Gulf of Mexico. Most of
the expected $130 million to $140 million per year
from the act that goes to Louisiana is slated for coastal
restoration and protection, but state officials allow up
to 10 percent to go to infrastructure projects directly
impacted by coastal land loss.
Although part of La. 1 between Golden Meadow
and Port Fourchon is elevated, there is additional
work to do. “As you know, Port Fourchon and our tenants are
the gateway through which approximately 20 percent
of the Nation’s supply of oil and gas flow,” wrote Chett
Chiasson, executive director of the Greater Lafourche
Port Commission, in support of the proposed process
“We feel that these draft criteria proposed for the
program represent the most effective set of screening
criterion presented to date in order to fairly address
the damages inflicted on our coast’s environmental,
community and infrastructure assets.”
Other letters of support include those from the
coastal nonprofit advocacy group Restore or Retreat,
the Bayou Civic Club which runs the Larose Regional
18
Park and Civic Center, as well as SCIA.
Last year, proponents of the LA. 1 road elevation
pushed for, and were close to getting, a portion of
the Deepwater Horizon settlement. Coastal advocates
objected, claiming that would open the floodgates and
others would attempt to raid the settlement funds -leading to the alternative proposal allowing up to 10
percent of GOMESA funds for specific projects.
Courier, Daily Comet receive dozens of awards By Mike Hill – The Comet/The Courier Night City Editor The Courier and Daily Comet received 66 awards
Saturday in the Louisiana Press Association’s annual
journalism and advertising contests. The Courier received 17 awards, four for first place, as the smallest
newspaper in a group of much larger publications,
including The Advocate in Baton Rouge.
“This kind of showing, with awards across such
a broad range of categories, gives readers an assurance that they are receiving top-notch coverage of
their community,” said Executive Editor Keith Magill.
“I’m really happy for the journalists, advertising staff
members and others who work hard to produce high
quality local newspapers every day. They have earned
the recognition they received in this competition.”
The Daily Comet received the Editorial Sweepstakes
award after earning more points than any paper in its
division in all news-related categories combined. The
Comet won 49 news and advertising awards. Among
its 16 first-place awards are general excellence, best
news coverage, best sports column and best success
story of an ad.
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