Thibodaux Chamber Of Commerce Blog

Welcome to 2010 with the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce!  I am looking forward with great anticipation to all of the activities and opportunities that a year as Chairman of the Board is sure to bring.  As someone who isn’t originally from here, I have come grown to love this town and its people and have embraced Thibodaux as my home.

I am honored to have the chance to give back to this community in some small way through my service to the Chamber.  And I am fortunate to have a great group of enthusiastic people to work with on the Chamber Board of Directors.  Our annual Board retreat, held in early December, gave me a glimpse into what the future with this dedicated group of people will be like and I must say that the future is looking bright.

One of the main activities that we undertook at our annual retreat was goal setting for the year.  The two standing Chamber committees, Governmental and Public Affairs and Organizational Affairs, have each gotten off to a great start with goals that should enable the Chamber to improve many of its ongoing activities and to offer some new opportunities to our members and to the City of Thibodaux.

The Governmental and Public Affairs Committee, chaired by Annette Fontana, will, (1) maintain political involvement at all levels, (2) update the Chamber’s marketing plan as it applies to the committee, (3) partner with the City on its litter campaign, and (4) continue activities related to workforce development.

The Chamber has historically provided opportunities for political candidates to share their platforms and the public to question candidates about their political agendas.  This year we will continue this tradition by hosting political forums for elections to all public offices germane to our area’s future.  We will continue our annual legislative luncheon and lobbying efforts both in Baton Rouge and Washington, D.C., as well as serving as a voice for our members through letters to legislators and resolutions supporting or opposing proposed legislation.

We will maintain our efforts to help the young people of our area plot their future through a career fair and job shadowing, both which have been highly successful in the past.

The Organizational Affairs Committee, chaired by Mandy Foret, will, (1) increase membership exposure, (2) define and enhance marketing and advertising opportunities, (3) investigate communication technology enhancements, and (4) improve the annual banquet.

The Committee got off to a quick start by polling Chamber members about their interest in participating in a member expo.  The expo would give member businesses the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the public and to one another with the hopes of increasing their business.  Look for more information on this event in future editions of the ChamberGram and Insight.

Although members are already offered the chance to advertise their businesses throughout the year by way of sponsorships of Chamber publications and events, the Committee will try to find ways to offer these sponsorships, and possibly other marketing opportunities, in a more convenient format for our members.  Attempts will also be made to improve learning and communication through the increased use of communication technologies.  The Committee will investigate increasing utilization of social network sites such as Facebook and Twitter and using webinars as a tool for offering training and development.

As you can see, the Chamber will be busy all year serving you as your bridge to business, the community, and the future.  Please join us on this journey by participating in Chamber events, patronizing our members, and letting us know what you think about how we are doing.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, I extend our best wishes to you, your families and your co-workers for good health, happiness and prosperity.

Last month in my column I said thanks to the directors who have retired after three or more service to the Chamber’s Board of Directors.  This month I wish to welcome the individuals who will be filling those spaces.

Elected to the board for the term 2010-2012 are:  Jack Black with Integrated Data Systems, Michael Delaune from Hampton Inn & Suites, Brenda Hansen of Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, Ben Harang with Donnes Real Estate, Marian Long from the Daily Comet, B.J. Maisuria of the Economy Inn, Christy Naquin from the Bayou Country Children’s Museum, and Earl Thibodaux of Audubon Guest House.  Welcome to the board room to each of you!

I would like to congratulate the businesses and individuals who were recognized at the Chamber’s recent Annual Banquet for their successes and their contributions to the community.

Dr. J.B. Stroud presented his Chairman of the Board Award for Service to Mark Kearns.  Mark recently completed his three year term on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

He has been instrumental in getting the Chamber’s technology updated and has spent countless hours behind the scenes and working with the staff.  Additionally, when the Chamber was approached by various businesses about issues related to City zoning, Mark spearheaded a group that conducted research to present to the Planning and Zoning Board and the City Council which resulted in the City contracting with professional planners to evaluate the issue.

John Todd was presented with the Music’s Unsung Hero Award.  The award, sponsored by C. Lindy and Mary Ann Hoffman is presented to an individual for their outstanding contributions to local musical arts.

Mr. Todd has been involved with promoting music on a volunteer basis for more than 30 years, devoting countless hours to various bands and schools.

The Chamber’s Business of the Year was presented to Cherry Books.  In addition to filling a great need in Thibodaux and being a cheerleader for local business, Woody and Susie Falgoust provide the opportunity to fledgling businesses to grow and prosper by providing an incubator setting on the second floor of the bookstore.

The Daily Comet received the Chamber’s Member of the Year Award for the support and partnership that they provide to the Chamber in accomplishing the production of many Chamber publications, as well as their support of many Chamber events.

Matthew Labat was the recipient of the Chamber’s Teenager of the Year Award, presented in memory of Norman “Big Boy” Swanner.  I have to tell you, with this young man’s accomplishments and involvement in the community and school, I can’t imagine when he has had time to go to school.

Matthew is the son of Curtis and Kay Labat and is a senior at Thibodaux High School.  His resume is ten pages long so I won’t even try to begin to list his many accomplishments

The 2009 Frank Kennedy Citizen of the Year award was presented to Greg Stock.  In addition to the growth and expansion of Thibodaux Regional Medical Center that he has facilitated, (which has had a tremendously positive economic impact on the region) Mr. Stock also serves as a youth mentor, volunteer coach, and is actively involved in many local clubs and organizations.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Thibodaux Chamber, I offer our congratulations and sincere thanks to all of the award winners for their contributions to our community.

It was in 1998 that TIDBITS first came out thanks to encouragement and editing from Murray Dennis. It has been my JOY (my favorite word) to write for all my readers and for the Chamber of Commerce monthly INSIGHT.  2007 was exciting and downtown has boomed and THIBODEAUXILLE was extraordinary.  I MC’d the BAYOU COMMUNITY BAND and it was fabulous with members of the Houma Community Band involved and the BCC singers, under the direction of Sandra King, provided glorious Christmas music.  John Stafford directed this unique group .Watch for big things in 2008.’

Wow, that was two years ago and all is about the same with a fabulous THIBODEAUXVILLE again and the Bayou Community Band still going strong thanks to Ted Hoffmann.

TIDBITS has been having fun with JAMBALAYA and Yvonne.  Someone called me (I lost his name) to tell me that Buster Lagarde was sitting with Yvonne Lirette, his mother, way back in the 50’s when Hank Williams came to town.  Well, Yvonne passed away recently and TIDBIT pursued Buster and found out his son is Buster Jr. and runs the bowling alley on Hickory St.  The full name is Constant Joseph Lagarde and there is a Sr., Jr. and III.  Seems Lash Larue was present too and had his picture taken with  Yvonne.  Seems the concert was on a train parked behind the St. John Cemetery next to Frost Lumber.  How time flies!!!

Dr. James Peltier and his wife Ann have travelled the world and James did a remarkable job of writing memories of each trip for over 30 years. Back in 1987 he wrote this TIDBIT which I find interesting. “The economy of Louisiana economy was failing with oil prices at $21.00 a barrel, gold was $459.00 and the stock market for the first time reached 2500.  How time flies!!!

TIDBITS recently got an e mail from Tammy Nail asking for information about an Air Force wing that her father Kent Savage was in in 1952. She had gotten my name from this web site (usaf.com/reunions3.htm.)  Her father was stationed at the same Air Force Base as I was at Naha, Okinawa.  He attended church at the Chapel that I was serving as a Chaplain’s assistant for 25 months.  Fascinating and intriguing to think that after 57 years TIDBITS would be contacted for memories.  If any of my readers were in the Air Force go to that site and look up old friends and memories.

TIDBITS SIGN OF THE MONTH: “We exchange anything-bicycles, washing machines, etc.  Why not bring your wife along for a wonderful bargain.”

Communication is critical in any organization. One of my most difficult tasks (as Mayor) has been getting information to Thibodaux residents. We submit newsletters and weekly press releases to the media, local churches, and residents who are signed up to receive city information. We go to great lengths to maintain information on the city’s website (www.ci.thibodaux.la.us). Also, my Administration and I are involved in many local organizations and attend regular meetings where we take every opportunity to relay city information to attendees. In our plight to inform residents, the local media, organizations, and churches have helped tremendously, but I ask residents to take a few steps to ensure you are receiving necessary information.

Thousands of individuals are signed up to receive city information. (If you are not already signed up to receive important city information including newsletters and press releases, go to www.ci.thibodaux.la.us. Near the top/center you can subscribe using your email address). Many receiving city updates do not live in the city limits of Thibodaux so to ensure that you are getting all pertinent information, along with city of Thibodaux information, I suggest signing-up to receive Lafourche Parish emergency emails, www.lafourchegov.org. I have instructed the city’s Public Relations Department to forward Lafourche Parish press releases to city residents, but if you are already signed up for parish updates you will receive firsthand information. For example, earlier in the month, January 10^th,  there was a boil advisory issued for the Lafourche Parish Water District #1 service area. This issue only affected Thibodaux residents living in Acadia Woods since all other residents living in the city limits receive water from the city’s water system. (FYI: Acadia Woods was annexed into the city limits in 1995 and that is why they are in city limits, but not using city utilities). However, residents living outside city limits were under a boil advisory. If you were signed up to receive city and parish information, you were fully informed.

If you are interested in seeing the city limits map, we have it posted on the city’s website (http://www.ci.thibodaux.la.us/maps/files//City%20Limits%20Map%20-%20Thibodaux.pdf), but know that if you are receiving your utilities (gas and water) from the city, you are inside the city limits. However, if you live in Acadia Woods, you are in city limits, but not receiving city utilities, so you will have to follow parish advisories regarding water and gas issues even though you reside inside the city limits.

I feel it important to fully explain the communication situation because it is imperative that we all have access to up-to-date, relevant information, especially during emergency situations. Please be proactive in keeping yourself informed and I will do my very best to continue exploring all communication venues.

Just a suggestion: the following are a few website links that you may want to save in case of an emergency:

City of Thibodaux: www.ci.thibodaux.la

Lafourche Parish Government: www.lafourcheparishgov.org

Lafourche Parish School Board: www.lafourche.k12.la.us

City of Thibodaux Press Releases: www.ci.thibodaux.la.us/departments/mayor/press_release.asp

Lafourche Parish Government Press Releases:

www.lafourchegov.org/News_All.aspx

May you all have a safe, prosperous, and INFORMED New Year!

The 2010 Census is approaching and The Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the U.S. Census Bureau to help achieve a complete and accurate count of our population. Every person living in the United States must be counted in the 2010 Census - including people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and noncitizens. As part of our partnership with the Census Bureau, we will provide employees, customers, business and industry partners, and others in our community with information on the 2010 Census. Our goal is to help individuals in our community and beyond to understand the importance of the census, and encourage people to complete and return their 2010 Census forms.

Census data are vital to our company and our communities. The data collected in the census directly affect how more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed annually to state, local and tribal governments - including our community. In fact, census data help guide local planning decisions, such as where to provide additional social services, build new roads, hospitals and schools, and where to locate job-training centers. For businesses, census data are critical to help companies make strategic and fiscally sound decisions that can spur and sustain economic development and growth. Specifically, census data can help businesses to:

How you can help:

As an important member of our organization, we ask for your assistance in this important initiative.  We encourage you to let your family, friends, neighbors, business associates, industry contacts and others know that:

• The census is easy. One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete.

• The census is important. Census data guide decisions that can help improve services to our community, including schools, hospitals, housing, roads and more.

• The census is safe. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.

Everyone needs to be counted. Throughout the coming months, we’ll continue to share information with you on the 2010 Census and our partnership with the Census Bureau, as well as other census-related news and activities in our company and community. Watch for additional details or visit 2010census.gov to learn more.

Europeans long searched for the riches that were undoubtedly hidden among the powerful landscapes shaped by the Mississippi River.  Vast deposits of gold, a strategic northwest passage, and the life-giving waters of the fountain of youth were never discovered.  The treasures that awaited early Louisiana settlers were far greater than they imagined.

The fertile soils of coastal Louisiana produced bountiful harvest.  The lakes, bays, and bayous were overflowing with delectable seafood.  Marshes, swamps, and upland forest provided game and fur.  Later, the earth’s hidden secrets were unveiled as wells tapped valuable oil and gas reserves.

Settlers knew the risk.  Powerful storms blew in from the Gulf of Mexico, covering low-lying land with water while strong winds strained sturdy homes.  The risks were acceptable.  At that time, a vast complex of wetlands protected residents by acting as a buffer against high tides and hurricane storm surge.  Communities were built on natural ridges formed by the great rivers and bayous and, where necessary, homes were slightly elevated so that flood waters could flow harmlessly beneath them.

As the economy grew, man wrestled with nature for control.  Earthen levees severed wetlands from the life-giving flood waters of the Mississippi and canals sliced gaping wounds through fragile marsh.  In 70 years, man destroyed what took nature 7000 years to build.

Today we face the constant risk of flood from storm surge and high tide, but it hasn’t always been this way.  When our ancestors settled here, natural defenses protected them.  The unwitting results of man’s battle with nature have resulted in the collapse of our shielding wetland system.  We are not a people who settled where we shouldn’t have been; we are a people whose home was sacrificed for the good of the nation and today we ask the nation to repay that debt.

Debates over the correct course of action continue, but one thing is certain; we must move forward.  We need the return of our defensive wetland complex now.  The varied techniques that have been covered in this calendar all play a role in the long-term restoration of a sustainable coast.  Of these, one has the potential to build meaningful amounts of land in an acceptably short time frame, providing the protection we can’t live without.

In January, this calendar introduced you to Pipeline Sediment Delivery.  Pipeline Sediment Delivery is the harvest and transport of sediment from river bottoms, lakes, bays, and the Gulf of Mexico.  Construction using these materials is effective and efficient, and to date, has been the primary tool used to rebuild Louisiana’s vanishing wetlands.

The most effective of Pipeline Sediment Delivery projects will harvest sources in Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers, contributing millions of cubic yards of new material into our wetland complexes that were cut off from our rivers nearly a century ago.  Funding is limited, and our efforts today must be focused on the most effective strategies that go the furthest in providing the protection we so desperately need.

Excerpt from BTNEP’s 2010 Tidal Graph Calendar, “Coastal Restoration Strategies.” Please call 1-800-259-0869 to find out how to receive your free copy.

by Carol Pierce

On that final day of swimming class, I cautiously tiptoed to the end of the board and looked over its edge.  The longer I stared, the greater the distance seemed to grow between the water and me.  My heart raced.  My legs weakened.

The instructor beckoned, “Jump, Carol, jump!  I’m here to catch you.”

I desperately wanted to jump off that board into the water, but I just couldn’t do it. With my head lowered and tears in my eyes, I slowly turned around and walked off that diving board.

That day, I allowed my fear of heights and water to prevent me from doing what I really wanted to do…to jump into the deep end of the pool and swim to the side.  I couldn’t face my fears, much less overcome them.  I allowed my fears to control me.

As I grew older, I found myself standing on the edge of that diving board many times, personally and professionally.  Feeling afraid, I often continued to turn away from challenges instead of facing them head-on.

Each time, I filled my life with regrets, regrets that I failed to do what I really wanted to do…whether it was to voice my opinion, to attempt something new, or to leave a bad personal or professional relationship. I allowed fear to control me instead of my confronting it directly, no longer allowing it to get in my way.

As that little girl standing on the edge of that diving board, I didn’t trust my own self. I lacked the confidence that I had the ability to jump into that pool and swim to the side….and deep inside, I didn’t trust that instructor was telling me the truth…that he’d be there to catch me!  I lacked trust in myself and in everyone around me!

What happened to that little girl who feared jumping off that diving board and allowed a lack of confidence to keep her from doing what she wanted to do for too much of her life?

She finally began believing in herself and her own abilities.  She became that courageous adult who climbed a pyramid, swam in an underground river, and no longer allows fear to stand in the way of whatever she really wants.

Are you allowing your own fears to control you?  Are you allowing your lack of trust in yourself and your abilities to keep you from doing what you’ve so wanted to do?  Remember, fear is not trusting in yourself and in your own abilities to go after what you really want.

Do you want to give yourself the best Christmas gift ever….the courage and the confidence to go after what you really want?  Why wait?  Jump now!

Jump Now Author Carol Pierce teaches people how to believe in themselves.   She can be reached by calling 225-474-4923 or visiting www.jumpnow.com.  Article used with permission.  All rights reserved.  Copyright 2009, Carol Pierce.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches, and yet they are not well understood. They generally produce a diffuse, usually mild to moderate pain over the head.

Tension headaches may also cause pain in the back of the neck at the base of the skull. Although this pain may be severe, in most cases it’s not the result of an underlying disease. Tension headaches are the cause of the vast majority of so-called primary headaches that also include migraines and cluster headaches.

Almost 90% of women and 70% of men experience tension headaches, and they are most prevalent in people between the ages of 20 and 50. There is no clear cause for a tension headache, but effective treatments are available.

Managing a tension headache is a balance between fostering healthy habits, finding effective non-drug treatments and using medications appropriately. In addition, a number of preventive, self-care and alternative treatments may help you deal with headache pain.

Symptoms can last from 30 minutes to an entire week. They may occur occasionally or nearly all the time. If the occurrence is 15 or more days a month for several months, they are then considered chronic. Symptoms include a dull, achy pain or sensation of tightness in the forehead or at the sides and back of your head.

Some people with tension headaches experience neck or jaw discomfort, tenderness of the neck and shoulder muscles, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating. Initial onset of pain is usually first thing in the morning or late in the day when work stress or conflict at home is anticipated.

Unlike some forms of migraine headaches, tension headaches usually are not associated with visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, slurred speech, or weakness and numbness on one side of the body.  Physical activity rarely aggravates tension headaches and rarely does it increase sensitivity to light or sound.

Experts continue to debate the causes and even the name of tension headaches. The exact cause or causes are unknown. Researchers now believe they may result from changes among certain brain chemicals-serotonin, endorphins and numerous other chemicals-that help nerves communicate.

The fluctuations of chemical levels are thought to activate pain pathways to the brain and to interfere with the brain’s ability to suppress the pain. The debate remains-do tight muscles in the neck contribute to a headache in someone with altered chemical levels or do muscles become tight as of a result of these chemical changes.

Although medication may provide temporary relief, lifestyle and postural changes are the best way to combat tension headaches. Lifestyle changes should begin with a regular sleep schedule and eating balanced meals. In addition, regular exercise and managing your stress will help.

Regular aerobic exercise can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches, and it may relieve stress, relax muscle tightness, and increase the levels of beta-endorphins which are our body’s natural stress relievers. As always, check with your physician before starting any exercise program.

Stress management techniques such as biofeedback training and relaxation therapy can help reduce stress. Additional relaxation techniques include deep breathing, yoga, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation.

Good posture helps keep muscles from tensing up. Proper posture places minimal strain on muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones. Good posture supports and protects all parts of our body and allows us to move efficiently.

Your physician may consider a consultation with a physical therapist to evaluate posture, establish a regular exercise program, begin bio-feedback training, educate with breathing and relaxation techniques and perform massage therapy to spinal musculature.

When you lose, everyone knows the score.  When you win, you are ignored.  Hurricane Gustav struck on the critical path of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Larose to Golden Meadow Hurricane Protection System.  This system was designed to shield against this type of storm and it was successful in protecting the communities of South Lafourche.

On September 1, 2008 a call was received from Will Schafer, a modeler for the National Weather Service, warning me that he had run two models of the storm with one overtopping the levee system and the other not overtopping.  We received this call from the levee district’s emergency base of operations, the third floor of the Lady of the Sea General Hospital in Galliano.  The winds were over 80 mph when I received the call.

To a certain degree, it was good news.  I knew that most computer models lean toward being conservative and that we had raised much of the levee in the past two years, thanks to the 1 cent sales tax in South Lafourche.  I suspected that the models did not have our latest elevations.  But seeing and feeling the winds blowing over 100 mph consistently for hours, it seems hard to believe that the storm would not blow water over the top of the levee.

Later in the day the wind shifted from east to southeast.  This meant that the water was being driven to one area where the levee intersects in an acute angle.  There was also a break in the storms bands which allowed the winds to drop below 100 mph.  Jimmy Badeaux, chief field manager for the levee district, and I decided to observe how that point of the levee was dealing with the storm surge.

We were able to drive to the shell road which accesses the levee, avoiding debris and power lines on La 1 and Hwy 308.  But trees were blocking the shell road only a few feet from Hwy 308.  Jimmy and I cut and dragged enough trees to allow our vehicle to squeeze through the remaining trees.

The rain was stinging us as we approached the levee on foot.  We had to abandon the truck a few hundred feet from the levee because a power line blocked our path.  It was a relief to see that we still had more than four feet of levee above the water.

After the storm we inspected the levee and found that the debris line indicated the storm did not get closer than four feet in the entire 48 mile system.  In fact, the water levels reached a little over eight feet in the south near Golden Meadow, but hardly reached 3.5 feet in Larose.

But this success does not insure that the next storm will not find a lower section of levee to push its water.  It is our responsibility to continue to find ways to raise the lowest parts of the system.  To see the system and its levee elevations, we have a virtual fly over video by Dr. Roy Dokka of LSU.  You can view this fly over on our website at www.slld.net.

Windell A. Curole

(985) 852-2084

October 7, 2009

I have always told participants in my leadership development workshops (as well as my kids), that how you treat others is like a boomerang… what you throw out there will come back to you.

When I had the opportunity to travel to Australia last year, (which was awesome, by the way), what do you suppose I brought back as a souvenir? Yep, you guessed it, a beautiful handcrafted boomerang! It sits on my desk as a reminder to be conscious of the way that I treat others.

Successful leaders understand this principle and practice it daily with their team members. Successful leaders also know that they actually become more powerful when they give power away. We have all been conditioned to believe that power is available in a limited quantity: If I have more, you have less. Naturally those who believe this tend to hoard the power that they think they have and are reluctant to share it with anyone.

But experience - with lots of research to back it up - shows that the more control you give employees over their work environment and the more you ask for their input on decisions that affect them, the more productive and effective they will be.

As a leader, when you share power with others, you are demonstrating your trust and confidence in their abilities and skills. Help others to grow and develop, and that help will be returned to you. Your team members will feel committed, engaged, and loyal to you and to the organization. In other words, they will feel a sense of “ownership” in their jobs.

Hoard your power, refuse to allow employees to have any say in their work, or  control their every move, and you will wind up with employees who may comply with your demands - at best. They may comply, (in order to keep their jobs), but they won’t be dedicated or committed to you or the team.

As a team member, when you are open and receptive to the input and suggestions of your co-workers, you will be demonstrating your respect for their ideas and strengthening the work relationship. And, like a boomerang, you can expect that respect to come back to you.

I believe that respect is a form of power. If you want to be respected, you must be respectful of others. And here’s the kicker: Be respectful of others, regardless of their title or yours. You will have that power/respect reciprocated, possibly even doubled.

Some people have a negative connotation of power. This is probably because they’ve had experience with someone who abused their power. If we think of power in terms of respect, then we can never abuse our power. Power, when misused, becomes manipulation, and that is never productive.

To be a true leader, regardless of your title or position, just remember my boomerang theory. What you throw out there will come back to you…If you throw out control over others, disrespect, and manipulation, that’s what you will have reciprocated. But if you treat others with respect, openness, and trust, then you will enjoy having those qualities returned to you, often two-fold.

Give Power - Gain Power!

Jennifer Ledet has helped hundreds of organizations transform their businesses from the inside out.  Through her Leadership Development and Teambuilding Training, Jennifer teaches organizations and individuals the power of self-understanding to help them achieve their maximum potential and improve the bottom line.  To receive (FREE!) monthly tips on developing your People Power!, becoming a better leader, team member, and communicator, go to www.ledetmanagement.com .