August 27 Program – Bayou Community Foundation
August 26, 2014
James J. Buquet III is President of Buquet Distributing Company located in Houma. He is the Chairman of the Bayou Community Foundation, Chairman of the Board of Coastal Commerce Bank, and past Chairman of the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce.
After Hurricane Katrina, key investors discovered the need to have a local, non-profit foundation to compete for available recovery funding. The Bayou Community Foundation (BCF) was established as the entity to serve as an endowment recipient for the Lafourche, Terrebonne, and Grand Isle community. The BCF is a donor-advised fund of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, focused on strengthening the local capacity to create a compassionate and sustainable coastal community for generations to come.
The Bayou Community Foundation began by completing a needs assessment. Mental Health ranked as the most significant need expressed by service providers. BCF’s funding focus is in educational success for children and adults; protection and preservation of our coast; and human services.
The Gheens Foundation, granted the BCF $500,000, dispersing $100,000 annually for five years, with the stipulation of a grant match of a 2:1 ratio. BCF can assist in directing contributions to non-profit organizations; in turn, the donations will contribute towards satisfying the ratio. Contributions can be specific to organizations or the BCF can facilitate the decision making in awarding funding to grant applicants. Since 2013, BCF has awarded $225,000 in competitive grants to area non-profit service agencies and schools.
For more information or for more information contact Jennifer Armand (985-580-3901) at Armandj@bayoucf.org or visit www.bayoucf.org.
John M. Barry |
January 21, 2014
By: Brian Rodrigue
John M. Barry is a prize-winning and New York Times best-selling author whose books have won multiple awards. Barry is best known as the author of the bestselling book, Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How it Changed America.
John Barry is a consultant for storm protection for all major storms anywhere in the world and is also the leader of the lawsuit against oil and gas companies filed in August by the local Flood Protection Authority.
Since leaving the levee board last year, a website was established by John Barry called Restorelouisiananow.org . The levee board saw themselves as a group tasked not to oversee levees, but as a group responsible for protecting people’s lives.
When considering what is happening to the Louisiana coast, this task is becoming more and more difficult. Louisiana has already lost nearly 2,000 square miles of coast. That land lost is not stopping and the lost rate is actually increasing even though it has leveled off recently.
The storm surge is increasing due to multiple causes. The levees are a cause in coastal loses even though without the levees there would be no Baton Rouge, no New Orleans and no industry between those two cities. The levees cannot be taken down; however, diversions could be built. Another reason is due to the oil and gas industry.
Many people agree that the land loss is caused by oil and gas operations. Some areas have zero loss and other areas are as high as 90 percent land loss. The oil and gas companies were allowed to exploit the Louisiana resources and in return they agreed to restore what they destroyed.
Using Delecroix area as an example, one can see the minimal losses over time before the oil and gas industry arrived. Thus, the coast can sustain itself if the oil and gas industry does not dig canals in the coastal areas. The law reads that when an area is damaged, the vegetation must be restored and the land be put back in its original condition.
Coastal restoration is absolutely necessary for maintaining storm surge protection. The govenor’s office was asked to have industry to pay for the restoration and the answer was no. The governor’s office opposes the lawsuit while every parish has supported the lawsuit.
Mr. Barry’s latest book is related to the lawsuit because the first 100 pages are about constitutional law which is summarized in that everyone is equal before the law, even the oil and gas companies.
The Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce |
February 11, 2014
By: Shay Holloway
Presenter: Patrice Oncale
The Mission of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce is to promote economic prosperity by connecting business with the community. There vision is to bridge business to business, and business to community. The Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce was established June 22, 1966. At the end of the first year of the establishment of the chamber membership had grown to 211. Currently Membership averages 600. Thibodaux was first accredited in 2008. Out of 7,077 Chambers in the United States – 222 are Accredited.
17 are accredited – 8%
40 are accredited with 3 stars – 18%
80 are accredited with 4 stars – 37%
79 are accredited with 5 stars – 37%
The Chamber serves as a catalyst and a resource center for business, residents and visitors. It publishes and distributes various publications. The Chamber sponsors workshops, seminars and professional development programs.
The Chamber is a co-sponsor of Leadership Lafourche, with the Chamber of Lafourche. It has a business reference library that is available to members. The Chamber works very closely with local educational institutions, hosting Job Shadow Day and Career Days with local high schools. Involved in higher education, the Chamber is represented on the Advisory Council of the Louisiana Technical College, as well as N.S.U.’s Free Enterprise Week Advisory Board.
2014 Plans
Revitalize the Ambassador Program
Technology Upgrades
More Thibodeauxville Improvements
Senatorial Forum
Legislative Issues Forum – February 27
Legislative Issues Update
Continue to Monitor Affordable Health Care Act’s Impacts
Continue to be Involved with the I-49 South Coalition
Continue to be Involved with the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance
Month Business after hours
Quarterly Business at lunch
Quarterly Business at breakfast
And Much More!!
The American Sugarcane League | Thibodaux Rotary Club
June 11, 2013
By: Luci Sposito
Herman Waguespack presented for the American Sugar Cane League (ASCL), which is a non-profit organization representing Louisiana sugar cane growers and processors.
Incorporated in 1922, the Louisiana sugar industry was threatened with extinction by cane diseases. Consequently, the league was formed with the mission to sustain success through effective research, positive legislation, public relations/promotion, and education. The ASCL’s office is located along the banks of Bayou Lafourche in Thibodaux.
In Louisiana, there are 22 parishes producing sugarcane which accounted for about 427,000 acres of cane. The state’s 475 farms and 11 raw sugar mills produced sugar valued at about one billion dollars. If an economic multiplier of 2.75 is used, it equates to approximately three billion in generated economic value.
Although acreage has remained relatively steady, three decades of mediocre prices caused many farm operators to sell. There were 35% less farms operating in 2012 compared to 2001. However, production has remained relatively steady due to existing mills getting larger and therefore more efficient.
Although production costs have risen over the years, the average farm size has increased which has created economies of scale and therefore efficiency.
To increase yields, sugarcane breeders have been able to develop varieties to grow in our sub-tropical environment and produce yields that rival production yields of tropical countries. Variety development is accomplished through cooperation of the ASCL, LSU, and USDA.
The improved varieties have helped the industry yield more tons of cane per acre. Researchers at LSU and USDA have world class facilities to conduct research and farming practices have been improved. Ultimately, continued research and improve practices help producers become more efficient.
What does this mean to our region? In Lafourche and Terrebonne, 37 farms (39,089 acres) plus 2 raw mills generate $80,982,400 in value to the area.
Thibodaux Rotary Club Event | Congressman Bill Cassidy M.D. part 6
Part 6 – Congressman Bill Cassidy M.D. – Questions and Answers on the national health care plan, the Supreme Court, and coastal restoration for Louisiana.
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 1
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 2
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 3
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 4
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 5
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 6
At the Tuesday meeting of the Thibodaux Rotary Club, Mayor Tommy Eschete presented Congressman Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) representative for the 6th District in Louisiana, as the guest speaker. The lower portion of the 6th district now encompasses parts of northern Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.
Congressman Cassidy covered a wide array of topics, from the energy concerns of the nation, the resurgence of manufacturing in the US, to issues surrounding coastal restoration for Louisiana. He also touched on President Obama’s healthcare plan, gave his take on the Presidential race, and then took questions from the audience.
In the U.S. House, Bill serves on the Energy & Commerce Committee and its subcommittees on Health; Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade; and Environment and the Economy. He serves as an Assistant Whip for the House Republican Conference. His legislative focus is health care and energy.
Thibodaux Rotary Club Event | Congressman Bill Cassidy M.D. part 4
Part 4 – Congressman Bill Cassidy M.D. – The national health care plan and its impact on the economy and the quality of health care. Alternatives to the present health care plan. Coastal restoration and its impact on the nation’s energy concern.
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 1
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 2
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 3
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 4
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 5
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 6
At the Tuesday meeting of the Thibodaux Rotary Club, Mayor Tommy Eschete presented Congressman Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) representative for the 6th District in Louisiana, as the guest speaker. The lower portion of the 6th district now encompasses parts of northern Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.
Congressman Cassidy covered a wide array of topics, from the energy concerns of the nation, the resurgence of manufacturing in the US, to issues surrounding coastal restoration for Louisiana. He also touched on President Obama’s healthcare plan, gave his take on the Presidential race, and then took questions from the audience.
In the U.S. House, Bill serves on the Energy & Commerce Committee and its subcommittees on Health; Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade; and Environment and the Economy. He serves as an Assistant Whip for the House Republican Conference. His legislative focus is health care and energy.
Thibodaux Rotary Club Event | Congressman Bill Cassidy M.D. part 3
Part 3 – Congressman Bill Cassidy M.D. – The core of the national health care plan. The state of Medicare and Medicaid. Alternative plans being considered.
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 1
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 2
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 3
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 4
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 5
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 6
At the Tuesday meeting of the Thibodaux Rotary Club, Mayor Tommy Eschete presented Congressman Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) representative for the 6th District in Louisiana, as the guest speaker. The lower portion of the 6th district now encompasses parts of northern Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.
Congressman Cassidy covered a wide array of topics, from the energy concerns of the nation, the resurgence of manufacturing in the US, to issues surrounding coastal restoration for Louisiana. He also touched on President Obama’s healthcare plan, gave his take on the Presidential race, and then took questions from the audience.
In the U.S. House, Bill serves on the Energy & Commerce Committee and its subcommittees on Health; Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade; and Environment and the Economy. He serves as an Assistant Whip for the House Republican Conference. His legislative focus is health care and energy.
Thibodaux Rotary Club Event | Congressman Bill Cassidy M.D. part 2
Part 2 – Congressman Bill Cassidy M.D. – Resurgence of manufacturing in the U.S. The relationship of energy policies to economic growth.
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 1
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 2
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 3
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 4
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 5
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 6
At the Tuesday meeting of the Thibodaux Rotary Club, Mayor Tommy Eschete presented Congressman Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) representative for the 6th District in Louisiana, as the guest speaker. The lower portion of the 6th district now encompasses parts of northern Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.
Congressman Cassidy covered a wide array of topics, from the energy concerns of the nation, the resurgence of manufacturing in the US, to issues surrounding coastal restoration for Louisiana. He also touched on President Obama’s healthcare plan, gave his take on the Presidential race, and then took questions from the audience.
In the U.S. House, Bill serves on the Energy & Commerce Committee and its subcommittees on Health; Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade; and Environment and the Economy. He serves as an Assistant Whip for the House Republican Conference. His legislative focus is health care and energy.
Thibodaux Rotary Club Event | Congressman Bill Cassidy M.D. part 1
Part 1 – Congressman Bill Cassidy M.D. – Coastal restoration and its effects on the nation. The road to economic recovery flows through energy. Manufacturing.
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 1
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 2
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 3
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 4
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 5
Congressman Bill Cassidy – Part 6
At the Tuesday meeting of the Thibodaux Rotary Club, Mayor Tommy Eschete presented Congressman Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) representative for the 6th District in Louisiana, as the guest speaker. The lower portion of the 6th district now encompasses parts of northern Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.
Congressman Cassidy covered a wide array of topics, from the energy concerns of the nation, the resurgence of manufacturing in the US, to issues surrounding coastal restoration for Louisiana. He also touched on President Obama’s healthcare plan, gave his take on the Presidential race, and then took questions from the audience.
In the U.S. House, Bill serves on the Energy & Commerce Committee and its subcommittees on Health; Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade; and Environment and the Economy. He serves as an Assistant Whip for the House Republican Conference. His legislative focus is health care and energy.
Dan Borne’-The Power Of The Ask!
Dan Borne’: president of the Louisiana Chemical Association
Mr. Borne’ graduated from Thibodaux High School salutatorian and attended Nicholls where he was student body President and Mr. Nicholls and inducted to NSU Hall of Fame.
He attended LSU to work on his Masters in Mass Communications. Dan became the news anchorman for Channel 9. Later, he worked on the staff of two senior U.S. senators, Allen Ellender, and Russell Long.
Dan joined the Edwin Edwards administration as the governor’s chief assistant and executive secretary. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Baton Rouge General Hospital and General Health System, President of the Louisiana Arts and Science Center, and President of the Louisiana Council on Economic Education.
For the past 22 years, he has served as President of the Louisiana Chemical Association. Dan is an adjunct professor at L.S.U. and he is also President of the Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance, a group of over 500 businesses.
He is a member of the board of directors of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation. Dan is the public address announcer in L.S.U.’s Tiger Stadium and also the courtside announcer in the P-Mac for basketball games.
Mr. Borne’ began by saying that we are in the Renaissance in manufacturing industries which will benefit our State tremendously. He further stated that God did not give us mountains like in Colorado or the white beaches of Florida but He gave us dead dinosaurs, Jurassic Park of minerals, oil, natural gas, and the incredible Mississippi River that provides commerce and brings Louisiana to the world and the world to Louisiana.
Over the last five years, the availability of natural gas has changed the manufacturing industry in the State, because now natural gas is plentiful and relatively inexpensive.
This has and will result in billions of dollars in investments along the river in several parishes and will reverberate into all the river parishes and those bordering the river parishes. It will create good jobs especially for young people who receive technical, manufacturing, and business degrees. He further added that “Renaissance of Manufacturing” is coming and it is because of natural gas and shell gas drilling in North Louisiana and Texas.
As an adjunct instructor at LSU, one of the questions Mr. Borne’ is often asked is “how did you get the job as PA announcer at LSU?” He explains the reason was that he asked for it. The message of the story was “Don’t ever be afraid to ask.” If at anytime there is ambiguity in life as to what we are suppose to be doing on the job, with the family, or at church or volunteer activities, ask what is the next thing that needs to be done and how can one help to do it.
Dan said that another life lesson is the power of one person. He further added that the power of knowing one’s role and playing it well and understanding what the role is in an organization is important. A good friend of his went for an audition and did not get the role he wanted but got a smaller role He asked for another role but was told that there were no small roles but there were small actors. Dan tells the students who are entering into an organization to understand their roles and the part they are suppose to play and not to be intimidated by people who have bigger roles because in the grand scheme of things there are no small parts/roles in any organization.
