Mid Size City Conference (MSCC)
On Thursday May 6th and Friday May 7th, Thibodaux hosted the Spring Mid Size City Conference (MSCC). The conference is held three times per year and the event consists of mayors, council members, and administrative staff – all members of the Louisiana Municipal Association (LMA) – coming together for networking and round table discussions involving issues associated with cities that are 10,000 – 30,000 in population. In addition to bringing municipal leaders together, the LMA keeps its members abreast of federal and state policies that directly or indirectly impact towns or cities.
The Thibodaux MSCC was very well attended and attracted mayors, and council members from Abbeville, Baker, Covington, Crowley, Gonzales, Gretna, Hammond, Minden, Morgan City, Natchitoches, New Iberia, Pineville, and Sulphur. It was great to show off our beautiful city again (We hosted two past conferences.) and we received positive feedback from many attendees.
Although I never need a reminder of the incredible jewel our Nicholls State University is to the community, I received another shining example of this on Thursday evening. One of the conference’s main attractions is the Thursday evening event. I chose to showcase Nicholls State’s John Folse Culinary Institute (JFCI). Nearly 100 conference attendees and local dignitaries attended an unforgettable meal at the John Folse Culinary Institute Bistro located at the Carmel Inn. The meal was prepared solely by JFCI students. Associate Dean, Chef Randy Cheramie, provided a brief description of the Institute including future plans. The meal was then served by JFCI students led by Student Executive Chef, Johnathan Lynch and Student Sous Chef, Jason Flato. The evening was truly spectacular. I was so very proud of the students who cooked and served. At the end of the evening, the students introduced themselves to all of us and the attendees cheered for them as if they were rock stars. The students were from many different cities, but on Thursday, May 6th, the JFCI students were great ambassadors of our university and Thibodaux. As mentioned, it was a magnificent evening and one that will not be forgotten by anyone in attendance.
As usual, the conference was very informative. My administrative staff and I have been attending the Mid Size City Conferences for nearly twelve years and we continue to come away with new ideas and a renewed energy. Hosting the conference is always a lot of work, but showcasing our city and the fine citizens who live here is an honor. The improvements to our city were noticed and appreciated by conference attendees. It is a tough and observant group, but conference attendees were pleased and impressed with Thibodaux and I knew they would be.
To all business owners and individuals who helped make our conference a success… many, many thanks. To the Nicholls State University John Folse Culinary Institute Students, you all were extraordinary examples of the university’s commitment to excellence and I knew you would rise to the occasion! I am so very proud of you all!
