Discover Lafayette

Adam Daigle, Business Editor of the Acadiana Advocate, discusses the biggest business news of 2024 in this episode of Discover Lafayette. We want to thank the Advocate for highlighting our latest podcast each week in their online Business Section. You can subscribe online at theadvocate.com/newsletters to keep up with our community’s latest business headlines. The # 1 story in 2024, without a doubt, is the announcement that Buc’ees will be opening at the northeast corner of Louisiana Avenue and Interstate 10. Rumored for years, this will be a major draw for motorists traveling along I-10, and most of the sales taxes paid will be collected from out-of-towners. When people travel, Buc-ees is a destination as well as a place to fill up the tank. The new site is projected to be a 74,000-square-foot building, complete with gas pumps and nearly 700 parking spaces, and the store is estimated to be a 13-month build, opening during the 2025 holiday season. The closest Buc-ees to Lafayette is either Alabama or Baytown, TX, so Lafayette can anticipate a heavily-trafficked spot for people looking for that golden Buc-ees’ experience. I talked to a convenience store analyst, and he said, “Buc’ees takes everything you hate about traveling, removes it, and replaces it with what you love about traveling. You want to stop there because you’ll never wait in line for a gas pump. You want to go there because you know the bathroom is clean. You want to go there because they’ve got unique snacks and not Cheetos that every other place has. You get a brisket sandwich or a hot dog with the gas station. They’ve just flipped the whole concept on its head.” There’s a Tax-Increment Financing (“TIF”) district already in place that dates back to when Stirling Properties originally built the Target Shopping Center across I-10 from where Buc-ees will be located. At the time, there was no water or sewer lines and the project was only feasible with this type of government assistance to cover the massive infrastructure needs. The TIF was paid off quicker than anticipated and is still in play today. To accommodate the Buc-ee’s deal, a subdistrict was created, which will tax 2% of all sales, including gasoline purchases. While some question the need for TIF districts, this is a trend that has been taking place all across the U. S., and it is a negotiating tool that jurisdictions utilize to attract big business such as Buc-ees, Bass Pro, and other large retailers. As Adam says, “That is what you do to land the big boys. You got to pay for it.” The # 2 story is the passing of Richard Zuschlag, Chairman and CEO of Acadian Companies. When he started his business in the early 70s with Roland Dugas and Richard Sturlese, funeral homes were dispatched to pick up people who were ill, and they were transported in a hearse. This was the era prior to ambulances and the trio identified a huge gap in the healthcare market. Zuschlag was the driving force in the company’s growth, and he was also literally a driver of an ambulance in the early days. He attended all of the police jury and city council meetings to meet with people and get agreements signed. Acadian Ambulance would hold membership drives that ran on television, where people paid a fee to ensure that an ambulance would pick them up. Over the years, Zuschlag became the principal behind Acadian and the company experience extraordinary growth, opening up it National EMS Academy, Acadian Total Security, Air Med, Safety Management Systems, Executive Aircraft Charter Service, and Acadian Health (home healthcare services.) The late Richard Zuschlag, who founded Acadian Ambulance and served as Chairman and CEO of Acadian Companies. Today, Acadian Companies is an employee-owned company with 5200 employees in four states. Zuschlag’s memory lives on through his family, and his son, Blaise, serves as Executive V. P. and Chief Administrative Officer. The # 3 story of the year is the opening of Superior Grill at 2320 Kaliste Saloom Road. The restaurant is wildly successful, with the positive reaction of people being off the charts. The core of Lafayette’s activity has been gravitation to South Lafayette, in the area of River Ranch, Youngsville, and Broussard. People meet to eat and spend lots of their money. Outside investors have see the strength of our market, and where the money and demand is. When Topgolf came in, according to Adam, “That put Lafayette on people’s radar. It’s the strength of our market, and people from the outside are putting up their radar.” Superior Grill spared no expense in detail when designing and building the restaurant. Old brick, electric doors from Turkey, Mexican tile patterns, exquisite glass. The site is in a prime location where the former Randol’s Restaurant was situated, and is now a dominant force in our restaurant market. The #4 story is the $19 million, full-service, 83 room boutique hotel to be built downtown at the former Don’s Seafood location. Sans Souci Properties is the owner and managed by Lafayette business owners Gus Rezende, Ryan Pecot, BJ Crist and John Peterson.  Adam says it is significant to have local people invest that much money in a project of this magnitude, and to do so with our town’s best interest in mind. The project is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2025, and will be built by the Thrash Group out of Hattiesburg, MS which has experience with this kind of unique hotel concept. The hotel will feature a restaurant space, an outdoor pool and 2,500-square-foot event spaces. The #5 story is Waitr filing for bankruptcy. Waitr was Lafayette’s shining story of success in entrepreneurship. Adam explained in these type of startups, the goal is to invest, hit success within eight years, and then to sell, to cash out, “Where some big shot comes along and says, ‘I’ll pay you $300 million for it. Everybody gets paid and more. Then they go on to something else.” But Waitr did it in only five years and was a huge success when it was managed locally. It was out in front of the trend of DoorDash. The turning point for Waitr was when it purchased Bite Squad. The exiting local private board advised against the purchase, but the incoming public board wanted to grow the company’s national footprint fast. It turned out that Bite Squad was hemorrhaging money, $3 million per month, in a declining market share. Adam shared that Joe Stough, an angel investor who was on the private Waitr board, gave him one of his best quotes of the year. “It was like attaching an anchor to the company.” Waitr had been doing fine before the Bite Squad purchase, but things slowly unraveled and now Waitr is shut down in bankruptcy. The silver lining is that all the people who were at Waitr went through an incredible learning process, gathering institutional knowledge of startups and how to how to make things work. They stayed in Lafayette, and one of them, Joe Stough is now a principal at FlyGuys, which specializes in contract drone operations worldwide. For our Business Person of the Year, Adam selected John Tomassini, owner and proprietor of Jet Coffee, a rising local star in the coffee market. John played baseball at Oregon State, and “when his sister married a Louisiana guy she said, you got to come down here, it’s great. So he did.” Tommasini had a vision to start a coffee shop and his first was down the road in Maurice. Next came Broussard, then Ambassador Town Center by Dave & Busters with its rooftop lookout, and now its newest location on Johnston Street in the former Johnson Street Java locale. Jet Coffee owner John Tommasini and manager Gabby Constant. Jet Coffee appeals to the young adult crowd which craves its energy drinks. The incredible part of his story is that he had to elbow his way into this market as a guy who’s not from here. His manager, Gabby Constant, shared that when she met him for an interview, he talked about Jet Coffee as if it had been open for ten years; he was had that much of a vision. Customer service comes first and Tommasini promotes from within, hiring people from the ground up and developing them into management talent. Jet even has its own roasting facility in Lafayette. We congratulate John Tommasini on his success and wish him the best as Jet Coffee continues its growth trajectory. Adam and the Acadiana Advocate run their Power Poll once a month. People can sign up to answer questions on their opinions about the latest news. For more information, visit https://www.powerpoll.com/la/lafayette.  As we wound down our conversation, Adam shared a few other tidbits of developments. Starbucks is moving into the former Capital One building in the Stirling Shopping Center on Louisiana Avenue. The third Aldi store in Lafayette will be built across the street from Walmart on Ambassador Caffery. Amazon quietly expanded their employee base in Carencro to 1400. They originally projected 500 people. And, movie theaters are hanging in there with their $5 cup of Skittles and $8 popcorn offering families and friends the whole big screen experience where you can pop your feet up. Stuller is still the biggest non-healthcare employer in Lafayette. We thank Adam Daigle for his commitment to delivering the best business news! We look forward to a prosperous 2025. Happy Holidays!

In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we feature Mel Haynes, owner and proprietor of Sweet Envie, a delightful bakery and deli located at 4302 Moss Street in North Lafayette. Mel brings a beautiful sense of joy and humor into our world and shares her inspirational story of becoming a successful business owner who follows her instincts. Since opening in 2021, Sweet Envie has become beloved for its heavenly pastries, confections, and a menu that caters to both sweet and savory cravings. Mel’s journey is one of passion, resilience, and community, as she found and followed her calling after a career in corporate management. A graduate of the Accelerate Northside Program, Mel transitioned from her management role at Acadian Companies to entrepreneurship, fulfilling a dream that began as a conversation with her late husband as to what her future would hold. Inspired by her mother’s talent for baking and informed by her mom’s recipes, Mel honed her craft, from decorating wedding cakes to mastering the art of petit fours. “Eventually I want to get to the point where I’m not working in my business as much. If my seven year old Samuel has an event at school. I don’t have to ask anybody if I can go. I don’t have to say, mother, may I? I’m going. so that’s freedom. That feels so good that I can just say, you know what? The kids have something going on. I’m one of those moms that’s involved. If the teacher calls me, I’ll be there in a second. I’m going to make sure that it’s wonderful. Whatever I need to do for my kids. They are my first priority because if it weren’t for them, I don’t know where I’d be. I’d probably still be working another job, but being able to wake up and go to work and show my daughter, my 12 year old daughter. You know what? If you decide one day you want to run your business, you can run your own business.” Today, Sweet Envie offers not only baked goods but also a retail baking supply store and catering services, bringing smiles to clients throughout Acadiana. Sweet Envie won accolades in 2024 for Gold Best Deli, Bronze Best Bakery, and Silver Best Dessert in the Acadiana Advocate’s Acadiana’s Choice Awards. Highlights from the Conversation: The Spark: Mel shares how her passion for baking was ignited while creating her “huge castle” wedding cake with her mother and later through baking for coworkers. Leap of Faith: Following the loss of her husband and with a newborn on the way, Mel took a chance on herself, joining the Accelerator Northside program to gain the tools needed to launch Sweet Envie. Challenges & Joys of Entrepreneurship: Mel discusses the highs and lows of running a business—from the freedom to attend her children’s events to the challenges of wearing all hats, including maintenance and accounting. Community Impact: Sweet Envie provides a welcoming space where families and children can explore their own creativity. Whether decorating cakes or learning how to fry beignets, Mel inspires future generations. Catering Services: Sweet Envie offers both savory and sweet catering options for groups ranging from 5 to 300 people, with onsite food truck services provided by Mel’s fiancé, “Big Nick.” Sweet Envie Favorites: Signature cinnamon rolls Chicken salad Petit fours Fried-to-order beignets Mel credits her faith, compassion, and authenticity as the foundation of her success. She encourages listeners to embrace their dreams and let go of imposter syndrome, reminding us all that we are capable of achieving greatness. As Mel says, “You have to get out of your own way. That is a big thing that a lot of people suffer from. That imposter syndrome where you don’t think that you’re good enough to run your own business. You know, I saw X, Y, and Z do it. How can I do it? I’m not half as good, half as smart, half as talented. When in fact, you are just as good, just as smart, just as talented. I don’t ever use any of those excuses such as ‘because I’m this or I’m that, I won’t be able to make it. If you don’t get out there, you’ll never make it.” Thank You: This special episode is made possible by Lafayette Travel and Eat Lafayette, who continue to support local entrepreneurs shaping the culinary landscape of Acadiana. To visit Sweet Envie or place a catering order, stop by 4302 Moss Street, Lafayette, call (337) 344-4425, or follow on Facebook for updates and inspiration.

The Acadiana Center for the Arts’ Sam Oliver, Executive director, and Taylor Davis, Board President, join Discover Lafayette to discuss the AcA’s 50th anniversary approaching, the superb programming they offer our community, and discuss upcoming events. The Acadiana Arts Council, the organization that later evolved into the Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA), was established in 1975. It began as a regional arts organization focused on promoting and supporting the arts throughout Acadiana. Over the years, the Council expanded its vision and programming, eventually leading to the creation of the AcA as its permanent home on November 1, 2010. The AcA, at its core, is the Arts Council for the region, that offers Lafayette and the Acadiana region something you would expect in a larger metropolitan area: incredible performances from all over the world, high production quality shows, and the promotion of local and regional artists. It is a space for visual arts, performing arts, music, dance, and theatre. It is also a gathering place for social events, debates and forums for political occasions, and civic presentations that benefit the entire community. Sam has served as Executive Director for six years. You can hear our original interview with Sam here where we discussed his educational background and what led him to serve the AcA. Taylor has served on the board the past ten years and was first exposed to the AcA at its first show ever which brought Lyle Lovett to Lafayette. Taylor says his service is “a labor of love,” and he and his wife, Yvette regularly go out to see and enjoy live music. The James Devin Moncus Theater offers a superb sound system that was upgraded this year, with a seating capacity of 304 seats, “and there is really not a bad seat in the house!”  It’s a great time to join or renew your AcA membership as you receive early bird access to tickets for 2025’s in-demand performances before they open for sale to the general public. Yearly memberships begin at $35 a year with higher levels for those who want to support the organization at a higher level. The AcA’s 2025’s Louisiana Crossroads series will showcase performers such as Steve Khan, Louis Michot, and C.J. Chenier celebrating the 100th birthday of Clifton Chenier. Scott Mulvahill, a Nashville based singer, songwriter and bass player, will be leading a full album length playthrough of Paul Simon’s Graceland album, which featured Acadiana artists with Zydeco and accordion music. George Porter Jr. will round out the year. January 2025 will be kicked off with a two-night concert “The Roots of Fire Live,” bringing local Cajun and Creole together live on stage to perform, Other big name acts will include Lucinda Williams, Andrew Duhon, Ruthie Foster, and Kat Higgins, Several perks are being offered to enhance your AcA experience. Parking is always a challenge downtown, so the AcA is introducing free parking with a ticket at the parking lot across from Chase Tower on Jefferson Street. If you’re planning dinner and drinks after a show, the AcA has partnered with downtown restaurants such as Vestal and Pop’s Poboys who are doing pre-show discounts on meals. The Aca has also partnered with restaurants such as Pamplona and Ton’s Downtown who will stay open later on show nights to offer post-show cocktails, In order to ensure a lineup of performances which pleases its patrons, the AcA put out a survey asking for the types of acts desired by the community.  Putting together a 50th anniversary season “had to be not just good, but something that our audience and our supporters really resonate with. We actually put out a survey where we said to members of ACA, tell us what you want to see”, Sam Oliver said. In honor of the upcoming 50th anniversary of AcA, on December 7, 2024, the Pelican Ball will honor five people who have made an impact over the course of its existence. One of the founders of the Acadiana Center for the Arts, Janet Begneaud, was an active participant in the original Arts Council in 1975, and will be recognized for her early work in creating the organization while a volulnteer with the Lafayette Junior league,  which was which was very involved in the founding. Begneaud has remained involved throughout the past 50 years as a member and a board. Sharon Moss, a generous philanthropist and supporter of the arts in Lafayette will also be honored, along with Todd Mouton, who founded the Louisiana Crossroads series 24 years ago as an educational forum. Cathy Webre and Jody Nederveld, who played big parts in the creation of the Downtown Development District and the Downtown Cultural District, with the streetscaping of Jefferson Street, the planting of beautiful cypress trees and creative placemaking work through the 80s and 90s will also be honored. A highlight of the Pelican Ball each year is the auctioning off of two special pelicans: one is pre-decorated and the other, known as “the Ghost,” will be available to the highest bidder. The blank pelican is always very desirable because it offers the opportunity to have a pelican custom-made by an artist to suit the winner’s dream of what their pelican should represent. Artie was purchased in 2023 as a Ghost Pelican through the Acadiana Center for the Arts by Annie and Joe Spell and then commissioned by Tides Medical’s Sarah Marr. According to Tides Medical’s Facebook Page, “Artie, in his wisdom, is a pelican of many talents and curiosities. He meditates daily, enjoys the harmonica, is pursuing a master’s in philosophy, and winds down with an ice-cold IPA at the local microbrewery. We are so proud to house him at our headquarters to inspire all who see him to “ride the wave that is life.” There are currently 89 Pelicans on Parade showcased around town. The idea originally began to recognize the schools where the AcA’s programs were active, and students participated in decorating them. Soon, business owners and people around the community said, ‘I want a pelican.’ So the AcA introduced the pelicans as something that businesses could sponsor as a way to provide support for the AcA’s art and education work. The annual Pelican Ball is the only venue where you can access the opportunity to bid on your own pelican. Admission to the Pelican Ball on December 7 is $125 per ticket. Dress is black tie optional, but “dancing shoes are mandatory!” Besides the Pelican Ball, the AcA hosts two yearly signature events: Gulf Brew in October and a Spring Jazz Brunch hosted at the beautiful home of Kip and Carolyn Schumacher. Throughout each year, there are 100 events held at the AcA.. The Louisiana Music Museum is a big project in the works, with construction to begin in 2025. It will be located immediately next door to the ACA in the Lafayette Hardware Store, the oldest commercial building in downtown Lafayette which is listed on the National Historic Register. The project commenced in 2021 and significant progress has been made on the design. Jane Vidrine was recently hired as the Director. A capital campaign to raise $10 million is underway. Sam Oliver speaking in front of the former Lafayette Hardware Store, soon to be the Louisiana Music Museum. Sam says, “This project is about telling the story of Louisiana’s music and musicians who have made an impact on the whole world through melodies that resonate throughout the world. But today, there is really no home to share these stories. So we want to build a place to connect people back to this place and our culture, to have a place where people can visit and go further and find something new. To really help the local person understand the impact of our culture and be proud of it. We want to tell these stories from the lens of Acadiana and talk about those connections and  the story of community, the people and places, traditions, struggle and strife, joy and celebration, and how music is an essential part of all those things.” “I would really like to communicate how important our cultural economy is to this community. Festival Acadiens, Festival International, all the many festivals that we have. This is not just fun and games. This is our economy. We talk about oil and gas or medical economies. But the cultural economy is so unique to Louisiana. When we talk about the Louisiana Music Museum, this is going to be a big conversation of how we can share our cultural economy with the world,” says Taylor Davis, Board President of the AcA. AcA brings equitable access to the arts through year-round education and outreach activities and aims to build a more sustainable cultural ecosystem for future generations in Acadiana across an eight-parish region that includes Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion Parishes. Arts in Education is one of the most significant contributions AcA makes in our community, touching the lives of 40,000 children in 89 schools throughout Acadiana and education committee. PACE (Primary Academic and Creative Experiences) assists schools in teaching the arts and teaching other academic areas through the arts. Each year, AcA’s team of Teaching Artists provide lessons in 546 preK–3rd grade classrooms on a weekly basis. Teaching Artists conduct arts integrated classes that advance state standard curriculum in Science and Social Studies through engaging activities rooted in visual art and dance. PACE is based on the idea that children learn in a variety of ways. Speaking on the importance of the AcA providing access to arts education to 40,000 children each year, Sam Oliver says, “Only with that access can you create that spark that can turn into a real fire of passion, but it could not be possible at all without that exposure. So we’re not there to provide the the air for the fire, the oxygen for the entire life. But we are there to help provide the spark.” ACA teaching artists who are professional artists in a variety of disciplines such as visual arts, music, dance, theater go into those schools and teach. These lessons offer courses that those schools couldn’t otherwise offer due to limited budgets. The Student Arts Expo is a one day festival each Spring where the AcA brings in students to perform or exhibit their visual artwork.  It is the premier arts event in where you can get a glimpse of all of the best artworks created by the students educated by the AcA Teaching Artists each school year.  The public can walk in to tour the AcA and check out its exhibits for $10 general admission. One great exhibit currently up through January 2025 is the George Loli exhibition. A well-kept secret is that you can go the Lafayette Parish Public Library and check out passes to the AcA, as well as to Vermilionville, the Science Museum, and the Hillard Museum. For more information, visit https://acadianacenterforthearts.org/

Our guests today are Jeff Martin and Blake Adams, creators and proprietors of Short and Fat, a unique custom men’s clothing line. While there are plenty of options out there for plus sizes, big and tall, and regular, there just aren’t traditionally that many for, well, someone who may be short and fat. Short and Fat originated in 2017 as Jeff and Blake’s response to a lack of clothing options for men who are “short and fat”. Their online store focuses on a subscription-based service for men’scustom shirts with hundreds of choices for customers. Shirts can be ordered on their website,https://shortandfat.com/ and have a one-month turnaround. Customers are shown nine videos which demonstrate the correct way to measure yourself and Short and Fat takes these measurements to make a perfectly tailored shirt! There are nine different cuffs and collars to choose from, as well as a choice of pocket, button color, button stitching, and shirt fabric. Jeff Martin tells us they are “custom built shirts for custom built men” which will givetheir customers confidence in their appearance. https://youtu.be/OsNeqgrmFME They have found five pain points for men’s dress shirts: collars, shoulder seams, sleeve length, shirt length, and something they call the “belly wink”. Blake describes it as the moment where someone’s shirt is too tight, and the buttonhole opens and “winks” at you. Short and Fat addresses these pain points with the 3 important variables to feeling more confident: fit, fabric, and fashion. They want the shirts to fit well, with over 1200 fabrics to choose from while also adding the fashion aspect with small details like buttons. The custom shirts, manufactured in Bangkok and shipped directly to Short and Fat, are allwrinkle free, aside from the linen, and customers don’t have to tuck in their shirt if they don’twant to. The average Short and Fat customer stays with the business for a long time, because once theshirt fits perfectly, the measurements and customizations are saved. The subscription serviceallows customers to receive custom shirts they know will fit well on a quarterly basis. Blake Adams has a “no bullshirt guarantee” that if a shirt doesn’t fit perfectly, they’ll retry until they get it right. Blake’s customer service is one reason why the business made it through the pandemicafter production shut down. He kept customers up to date and made sure they received the shirts they were owed once production picked up again. Blake also uses a one-on-one approach with customers for their custom blazers and suits. Suits and blazers cannot be ordered on their website yet, but Blake will assist customers in creating the perfect suit through email. He helps with fabric, accent color, and gives advice to first time customers when creating their suit or blazer. The idea for the business began when Jeff Martin was shopping in the “big and tall” section ofthe men’s department store. He had trouble getting a shirt to fit his neck and said, “I’m not bigand tall, I’m short and fat”. Later, he met Blake at a Catholic retreat where they shared theirsimilar struggles with men’s shirts. Blake was on board immediately, the two entrepreneurslaunched a Kickstarter campaign, and Short and Fat was born as a way to help men who are “vertically challenged and horizontally blessed.” Now they say that they are a startup with eight years of experience since COVID shut them down for nine months. Short and Fat is a passion project for Jeff Martin and Blake Adams, and Jeff says, “we know ourcustomer; we are our customer”. This passion is apparent from their dedication to making clothes that men want to wear and that fit them. https://youtu.be/RXvS7JQSLZA Learn more at https://shortandfat.com/. Their hilarious and informative videoscan be found on their YouTube channel, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok which are all@shortandfat.

Becky Collins and Jennifer Joseph, volunteers with the Bayou Teche Museum in New Iberia, join Discover Lafayette to discuss the museum’s inaugural fundraising musical event, Music On Main, taking place November 21, 2024. Located at the Bayou Teche Trading Company, Music on Main will be filled with food, music, and fun! The two bands performing are The Eighties Experience, an 80’s and 90’s tribute band, and 5th Avenue, playing R&B, country, and zydeco music. Co-chair member Jennifer Joseph says, “we’re also going to be combining music with laughter” and Jerrod Guillory, a local comedian, will certainly bring laughs to the event. Music On Main is a casual event that takes place both indoors and outdoors so Jennifer says “come as you want,” but get there early because there is a capacity limit. The first band starts at 7pm; doors open at 6pm. Attendees can park in Bouligny Plaza or across from the Bayou Teche Trading Company. Admission is $60 per person, and tickets can be purchased on their website, their Facebook page, or at the door at the event. The museum is also asking for sponsors to donate to the fundraiser in one of 3 tiers: The Bronze level at $250 will receive 2 complimentary tickets, Silver at $500 will receive 4 tickets, and Gold at $1000 will receive 8 tickets. All proceeds will go towards expansion of the museum, namely the “Doc” Voorhies wing, and improvements to the exhibits. When there isn’t a fun-filled music event, the Bayou Teche Museum is open from 10-4 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. There is an admission fee, but Veteran’s tickets are free so Becky and Jennifer urge Veterans to check out the museum. The Bayou Teche Museum at 131 E. Main Street, opened in 2010, and displays historic exhibits and art from New Iberia and the surrounding areas. Becky Collins states the museum’s mission: “Our mission is simple: Education, preservation, and engagement”. It reflects the excitement of New Iberia as well as the rich history of the towns along the Bayou Teche. As proof of her love New Iberia, Becky tells us, “I could live anywhere in the United States…we choose to live there because it is such an exciting place”. The museum serves as a bridge to bring the community together, and with a diverse board of directors, they are open to any suggestions to improve the museum. Going with their mission of engaging with the community, the museum wants to include members from pre-school as well as those from nursing homes and assisted living. The museum is hoping to add more interactive exhibits with the funds from the music event. When you step into the museum, there is a timeline that starts all the way back to 10000 BC where it traces the earliest Native Americans through New Iberia. It also includes artifacts and pottery from 400 AD connected to the Atakapa tribe. The timeline ends in 2013 as the museum was opening. There are several interesting artifacts thanks to the generous donations from the community. The Exhibit Acquisition Committee is in charge of going through these donations and determining if they have a purpose and fit the meaning of the museum. Some special exhibits include stories from Beyonce and Solange Knowles, who have connections to New Iberia, as part of their music area, and the painting that George Rodrigue was working on when he died. Becky Collins also tells us about her favorite exhibit, the Salt Mine. In this part of the museum, guests can step into an elevator and “it simulates what it would be like to ride down to the bottom of the salt mine”. It involves a fully immersive experience, including a lever that triggers a dynamite explosion. Exciting and interesting exhibits such as these are possible through generous donations from the community, so they urge those interested to join them on November 21st for Music On Main. For more information, reach out to bayoutechemuseum@gmail.com.

Our guests today are Mia and Rob Sandberg, husband and wife, and a dynamic duo of entrepreneurship! Mia is the proprietor of Root Floral on Jefferson Street in Downtown Lafayette, 810 Jefferson Street. The shop is open Tuesday – Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. unless an event taking place.. Her company specializes in providing floral arrangements for events, weddings, and everyday flowers.  They offer a subscription service where you can sign up to give periodical gifts of flowers to that special someone. Open for walk-in arrangements, Root Floral’s stock varies from day to day, so Mia advises people to order online or call ahead if they can. Big events like weddings can affect the in-store supply so it’s best to place an order well in advance. Rob is the proprietor of Lucia, a bakery that offers not only delicious pastries but baked goods that offer a feast for the eyes! One look at their website will have you running to Lucia, located at 607 Kaliste Saloom Road. Lucia started out as a small batch, from-scratch bakery that began doing popups in our downtown area in late 2020, selling brioche-stuffed donuts (bombolonis) and then slowly began adding laminated pastries to the rotational menu. Lucia now concentrates on viennoise-style baking, a form of pastry made famous in France with origins in Vienna. Mia proudly shares the expansion of her online event collections, which now includes 21 color palettes to choose from. This is a great option for a bride who just needs basic items or those who don’t want to go through the whole process of meeting. These collections can be used for bridal showers, baby showers, Christmas parties, or any special occasion. It’s also a great way for clients on a budget to order flower arrangements. For clients worried about costs, Mia says that Root Floral will work with clients on a budget to help them achieve a beautiful arrangement for their special day. She explains that for pricing, they “price everything out by the stem” and “use a system called curate”. This is helpful for adjusting the number and types of flowers based on a client’s budget. Mia graduated from the UL-Lafayette with a degree in interior design in 2008. She is passionate about color, texture and proportions, which she says helps her now in making her floral arrangements. After graduating, she took various jobs in product design and interior design in Dallas, Texas. She also was a waitress as Toulouse, the same restaurant Rob worked as a pastry chef. When the couple moved back to Lafayette in 2012, Rob was the one who suggested she open a flower shop. So, she began creating and sharing her creations inside of a small portable storage building at her parent’s house in Cecilia. For a year she says she was “sending arrangements to as many businesses as I could”, like Carpe Diem or Kiki, to promote her work. She attributes good photography, Facebook, and her unique arrangements for her success. In the beginning she says, “there was lots of spray paint”. Within a year, she outgrew that location and moved to downtown Lafayette. Now she continues to provide beautiful flowers for events across Lafayette. It is an understatement to say that her company began to flourish; Root Floral has even been written up in Martha Stewart Living! Lucía, a boulangerie and viennoiserie located at 607 Kaliste Saloom Road near St. Pius was opened by Rob Sandberg in 2021. He began in the bakery business by doing popups and later selling pastries at the Moncus Park farmer’s market where his brother Ruben Sandberg came on board. Lucía sold out each Saturday for about 2 years before Lucia opened on Kaliste Saloom. Rob says in the early days, he and Mia converted their sunroom into a bakery where their were frying donuts and making custards. Pastries and floral bouquets showcased at Lucia Mother’s Day weekend 2024. A wonderful partnership between Mia and Rob Sandberg. Lucía is open Wednesday – Saturday from 8 – 2, but Rob says, “we close when we sell out so usually, we don’t make it to 2”. The bakery is full of beautiful and delicious Viennese style pastries, croissants, Danishes, Bomboloni, lemon tarts and more. It’s a cozy atmosphere with 6 tables inside and outdoor seating available, although Saturdays are almost always busy, so Rob mentions the best times to go are from 8 – 11! The recipes are all created by Rob and his brother Ruben and he says, “we make everything from scratch”. Lucia Bakehouse Rob got his start in 2008 where he attended a 2-year culinary school in Dallas, Texas. He describes his love of the “artistic side of cooking” and began working in a French restaurant (Toulouse) as a pastry chef making lots of souffles and as a garde manger making salads. When the couple moved back to Lafayette in 2012, Rob got a job as a line cook working for Jolies. He then worked in restaurants that were just starting up, like Pop’s Po’boys. He notes that, “most restaurants I’ve worked in, I’ve worked in from the beginning”. He then took a break from restaurants and helped Mia with Root Floral for about a year. During the pandemic, Rob decided he wanted to get back into baking and “wanted to do something different that no one else is really doing”. And he had no experience at that time baking pastries yet mastered hir craft beautifully. A few years later, Lucía Bakehouse is selling out within hours, constantly improving their menu and creating delicious treats. Rob’s advice to up and coming entrepreneurs is to be careful with your funds. He obtained a $35,000 loan from Home Bank and utilized some of the couple’s savings. It is difficult to obtain loans as a newly minted business and never a good idea to get in over your head in debt. To learn more about Lucía, visit https://lucialafayette.com/ or go to their Instagram @luciabakehouse. To learn more about Root Floral, visit their website or Instagram @rootfloraldesign.

Dr. Shannon Bernard and Michelle Luquette, representatives of On Track by 5 Alliance for the Lafayette Parish Public School System, join Discover Lafayette to discuss their department’s mission to improve the quality and access of early care and education for children from birth to age 5 years of age. The research is clear: 90% of brain development occurs before age 5. Great work is being done to improve early childhood educational options for young people which is being funded through School Readiness Tax Credits and the generosity of Lafayette businesses. You can actually designate up to $5,000.00 of your state tax dollars that are owed each year to go to On Track by 5 Alliance, and then get a refundable tax credit of that same amount. How does this work? In January of 2008, Louisiana established a package of refundable state tax credits for businesses designed to support quality child care pursuant to LA R. S. 47:6107. A business is defined as any for-profit or not for-profit entity, which includes sole proprietors, partnerships, limited liability corporations, and corporations. Your CPA can help you file for this refund if you give them a heads up before filing your tax documents. See below for Michelle Luquette’s contact information to ask questions on this detail. How to Claim the School Readiness Tax Credit for Businesses? To file the SRTC for businesses: a) Filing Individually: complete tax form IT-540; b) Filing as a corporation or franchise: complete tax form CIFT-620; c) Filing for non-profit organization: complete tax form CIFT – 620. These tax credits provide businesses with a dollar-for-dollar credit of up to $5000 for donations made to Child Care Resource and Referral agencies that are contracted by the Department of Education. On Track by 5 Alliance is such an agency and your contributions go directly to benefit children that live in Lafayette Parish. You can make this designation each and every year, get a tax refund, and know that your money is being dedicated to early childhood educational efforts for our must vulnerable and in-need young people. Pictures above were taken when Ochsner’s Lafayette General adopted Campbell Academy Childcare Center. Ochsner’s Lafayette General participates in the School Readiness Tax Credit as a non-profit, giving OTb5 $5000 contribution per entity in its health system and in return Ochsner’s entities get their contribution back with the dollar-for-dollar refundable tax credit program. These dollars are invested directly into our publicly funded childcare centers and Campbell Academy was able to get a Frog Street Pre-K curriculum. OTb5’s mission is to have all children in Lafayette Parish kindergarten ready! Paul Molbert said this is part of their “Healthy State” initiative as education is one of the key components of improving the healthcare status of our citizens. The School Readiness Tax Credit and ON TRACK programs here in Lafayette are so special because they serve learning centers and programs only in Lafayette Parish. Lafayette applied to be a Childcare Resource and Referral Agency just for Lafayette parish, so businesses know their dollars are staying in the parish and serving local centers when they designate . This tax credit not only boosts the economy by investing money back into the parish, but also ensures that children will become contributing members of society. In Lafayette Parish there are 58 publicly funded centers (meaning they accept childcare tax dollar assistance) and over 100 centers total which service over 6,000 children. Some publicly funded centers include Gifted Early Learning Center, Little Blessings, Little Miracles, and LA 4 (a public pre-school). In a typical school day, children are learning through play, such as dramatic play, sensory play, and manipulatives. Manipulatives are tools like string beads for counting and puzzles which develop the child’s fine motor skills. They are also being taught social-emotional skills that are critical for development and will set the child up for the next stage in their life. The children at these schools may not otherwise learn life skills and will enter kindergarten way behind their peers. This program is a life changer for many young people who are intelligent and gifted but need a hand-up while being provided a safe learning environment. Early childcare is much more than just babysitting, which is a common misconception about the On Track by 5 programs. Children are taught by qualified teachers who go through yearly training to continually provide quality care and education to the children. Providers are registered with the state and can take up to six children in their home from birth to 5 years old. There are also several Head Start programs and pre-schools in Lafayette that On Track by 5 works with. Parents are encouraged to be involved in the process of choosing a program and deciding what is best for their family and children. Dr. Bernard tells parents, “Don’t be afraid to say, ‘can I come and see the facility?’, don’t be afraid to ask questions”. Parents know their children the best, so they can give vital information on their child and what ON TRACK can do for them. Parents can visit www.enrolllafayette.com for more information and to apply for programs in Lafayette parish. They can also go online to the Louisiana Department of Education and search for programs by address. Here they can learn about learning centers near them, with information on classroom ratios, qualified teachers, curriculum, hours, and more. So how do parents learn about their options when it comes to early childcare and education? There are three main divisions in the early education department: LA 4 programs, Lafayette Ready Start, and ON TRACK by 5. Each division serves a different purpose and can help guide parents in making the right choices for their children. Dr. Bernard describes Ready Start as the access piece, where parents can start the process of finding the perfect fit, while ON TRACK is the quality piece. This is where they can give referrals to parents after determining the best program to care for the child. Background on our guests: Michelle Luquette, Child Care Resource & Referral Marketing Specialist, began her work in the Lafayette school system in 2017. Her background was in marketing, but then she went back to school as a non-traditional student and graduated at 36 years old. After graduating, she focused her time on working at a for-profit college helping non-traditional students, guiding them through resume writing and finding jobs after graduating. This inspired her to pursue a career in early education. Ms. Luquette joined the team for ON TRACK by 5 because she believes “early childcare…plays a huge part and critical role in our lives”. Dr. Shannon Bernard grew up in Lafayette and graduated from Northside High. She earned her Masters and Doctorate from the UL – Lafayette. Dr. Bernard says that early education “help set the foundation for our earliest learners” which is one reason why she is so involved in aiding the youngest group in our society. Her background is in non-profit work, serving families of children with disabilities, low-income families, and those who are disadvantaged. Bradley Beck State Farm Agency in front of Nite Owls Childcare after adopting it, When adopting a learning center, a sign will be put up in front of the center in honor of the donor. A sign will also be placed in front of the business to show their support and dedication to early leaning in Lafayette. Businesses will also get the chance to visit their adopted center and help deliver the materials that are bought with their generous donation. Dr. Bernard remarks on how excited the children get when they see the mountain of boxes that are delivered to their center. Donations to learning centers go towards materials like books, manipulatives like puzzles and counting beads, and even outdoor learning materials like sand tables. Money is also set aside to provide monthly training for teachers, coaches, and staff so they can stay updated on the best practices for educating children. Ms. Luquette says that “over the past 8 years with the tax credit and the ready start program, we’ve put over 300 curriculums in these classrooms” which is an astounding number that shows the importance of donations from local businesses. Delivering supplies to Truman after being adopted Businesses interested in donating can call Michelle Luquette at 337-521-7209 or go to https://sites.google.com/a/lpssonline.com/on-track-by-5. When donating through the website, Ms. Luquette will be immediately notified and can begin preparing the paperwork for the donor’s CPA.

Kevin Landry, proprietor of Café Lola, joins Discover Lafayette in special partnership with Eat Lafayette and Lafayette Travel. Eat Lafayette is a yearlong celebration of Lafayette’s locally owned restaurants. Café Lola was opened at 1155 Coolidge in the Oil Center in April 2002 by Mark and Jill Balser. Their focus was on fresh, wholesome, colorful, and delicious ingredients sourced locally. They offered a simple menu that worked through repeated trial and error as they found out what the customers consistently liked. Kevin took over the helm of Café Lola in February 2021 and has intentionally kept things just the same, because it works.! Café Lola is open for lunch, 10:30 AM – 2 PM. They can seat about 60 patrons at any time and about 70% of customers are dine-in and pick up. Door Dash is a popular option. They have a steady clientele of pharmaceutical/medical/business customers who order for meetings; call or order online ahead one day for these items. This is a great gig for single moms who need to drop off their children for school in the morning and then pick them up after school. Kevin is proud of his staff and depends on them for their understanding of customers’ needs as they order meals daily. “The menu is a guide but you can substitute anything to ge what you really want.” He trusts the staff and stays out of their way. “Our food is fresh. We make our bread daily. My motto is, ‘Fresh ingredients, fast service, and friendly faces. We are not fast food. Our menu is a guide but you can substitute anything.” In the ensuring years since opening, the restaurant earned and maintained a popular reputation for its great lunch time menu selection of sandwiches, soups, and salads. Even today, you know you are always going to have plenty of delicious options for high-quality, fresh food with great service. And, the brownies are always a hit! While Kevin shares that prices on the menu went up recently against his instincts, it was done to meet the inflationary impact on the cost of fresh lettuce and other items. At one point, romaine lettuce soared in price from $29 to $80 per order. “We held on as long as we could to raise prices. It’s bad that we are not the gas pump and have the flexibility to raise and lower prices quickly. We have no choice but to wait it out and adjust accordingly.” Pictured above are Lynn and Kevin Landry. Fan favorites are the TLC Sandwich, composed of Turkey, Lettuce, Provolone cheese, sprouts, cucumber, tomatoes, and avocado, as well as the Shrimp wrap. “People like wraps,” says Kevin. At a point early on during the pandemic, the original owners, the Balsers, were empty nesters and found themselves ready to retire and live at their vacation home right outside of Park City, Utah. Kevin took over the helm of Café Lola in February 2021 when he and his wife were looking to buy a sustainable business venture; the opportunity fell in his lap and was the right fit. He secured financing and used his business acumen to maintain what was already a successful business. Soups are a popular option. Pictured is Café Lola’s Seafood bisque. Many people wait for the daily soup specials, which include Potato Soup on Wednesday, Broccoli and Cheese on Thursday, and Seafood Bisque on Fridays. ” We enter the Eat Lafayette soup competition all the time and usually win. One time we came in second.” Kevin hasn’t changed a thing on the menu since he purchased the restaurant and shares how when he talked to customers and polled people about Café Lola, saying he couldn’t “find a hole in the restaurant. Everything worked from an investment standpoint as well as the quality of food and service that Café Lola offered day in and day out.” The only downside he found was that people might have forgotten the restaurant was there in the Oil Center. That could be fixed. One of Kevin’s favorite meals is the Cobb Salad. He is an intermittent faster who eats around 10:30 to 11:00 am every day. “I’ll walk into the restaurant and tell everyone ‘I’m fixing my salad.” He’ll shake it up with different options such as olives and other tasty ingredients. With a unique blend of eclectic flavors and a cozy atmosphere offering nostaligic touches such as red and black tiles originally installed by Radio Shack, the original tenant, Café Lola has become a staple in the local dining scene, drawing in both longtime residents and visitors alike. “Some people say you need to be in the right place in the right time. I say, ‘No, you’ve got to be in the right place all the time.” Kevin Landry showed up prepared to take over Café Lola’s ownership as an experienced business person and a guy who had worked with his dad running a Mr. Gatti’s franchise in Abbeville in his teen and college years. He knew management, sales, food, and was steeped in the “As a service model” focused on the customer. Kevin currently has a day job as Director of Business Development for LineOne, a cloud-based business phone system. Café Lola offers a diverse menu that reflects Lafayette’s love of good food, featuring both local Louisiana-inspired dishes and a variety of international flavors. Customers rave about the gourmet sandwiches, artisan salads, and hearty soups that rotate with the seasons. Known for using fresh ingredients, the café provides something for everyone when you’re in the mood for a casual lunch. Café Lola isn’t just about food; it’s also about the experience. With comfortable seating and tasteful, clean décor, the space offers a welcoming environment that encourages guests to linger. But interestingly, Kevin shared that most patrons work in the Oil Center and have a 30-minute lunch break….they come in, pick up, and eat at their desk. Kevin Landry has been careful to maintain Café Lola’s original, distinctive vibe, balancing a relaxed charm with excellent service. His ability to remain true to the café’s roots has helped it thrive through changing times, making it a cherished part of Lafayette’s culinary landscape. To find out more, please visit https://www.cafelolalafayette.com/. Discover Lafayette would like to thank Eat Lafayette for its continuing partnership as we showcase local success stories in the locally-owned restaurant business!

Jill McGehee and Amy Broussard of Acadiana Vintage Finds join Discover Lafayette to discuss their inaugural marketplace event to be held October 25 – 27, 2024 at Blackham Coliseum in Lafayette. If you love consignment or thrift shopping, want to do your bit to purchase repurposed items to reduce waste production and conserve resources while supporting sustainable consumer habits, or just love the thrill of the hunt, Acadiana Vintage Finds’ offerings will please your tastes. How did this event come about? About two years ago, Jill began mulling over the lack of access to a one-stop shop for unique accessories and vintage items that can be purchased by people on a budget or who want to purchase unique items that have vintage appeal. On the same note, thrift shopping is on the rise nationally and Lafayette has some catching up to do! The thrift store industry in the U.S. generates over $17 billion in revenue annually. A few statistics: The average thrift store item is sold for about 75% less than its original retail price.  56% of thrift store consumers are under the age of 35. 80% of thrift store revenue is reinvested into the local community. It is definitely a real industry to take seriously. With all that said, about a year ago Jill reached out to Amy, her close friend from their Comeaux High days here in Lafayette, to partner with her to pull off this event. The upside is that Acadiana Vintage Finds will offer our community plenty of shopping opportunities for the home and personal apparel, Christmas gifts, and so much more. Acadiana Vintage Finds will feature everything from vintage fashion to antique treasures, handmade wonders, and gourmet delights. Repurposed furniture and lamps, new baby clothes, and uniqe jewelry will be found. This type of shopping is such a delightful to find unique ways to upgrade your home and fashion while keeping within a budget. Whether you’re a vintage lover, treasure hunter, or just love discovering unique items, there’s something here for everyone! Patrons can purchase a 3-day parking pass for $13.00 or a one day pass on Sunday for $10.00 where you will find all the markdowns from merchandise for sale on the last day. Vendors will be offering clothing & accessories, furniture and home decor, photography and artwork, collectibles and memorabilia, and there will be food truck offering delicious eats! Visit here to purchase a parking pass. According to the Journal of Antiques and Collectibles, 2024 was poised to be a year where vintage and retro trends took center stage. From the resurgence of ’90s nostalgia in fashion to the revival of retrocolor palettes in interior design, this year promised a celebration of the past. Designers are reimagining classic elements with fresh, playful styles, making Acadiana Vintage Finds the perfect destination for those seeking to embrace these trends. Blake Brodhead of Primary Artworks will be offering his unique designs. Banannie Bands, pictured above, will offer children’s items at Acadiana Vintage Finds. When: October 25-27, 2024 Time: Friday & Saturday 10 AM- 4 PM; Sunday 10 AM- 3 PM Where: Blackham Coliseum, Lafayette, LA Cajun Cuisine will be joining the event as a food truck vendor at Acadiana Vintage Finds. For more information and to purchase a parking pass, visit https://www.acadianavintagefinds.com/.

Ochsner Lafayette General’s Patrick Gandy and Marie Lukaszeski join Discover Lafayette to discuss the hospital system’s careful growth and planned design to meet the needs of the region today and into the future. The only Level II Trauma Center in Southwest Louisiana, its services extend to patients “from the bayou to the border,” stretching along I-10. Incredibly, the hospital system treats 255,000 unique patients per year. Patrick Gandy, a licensed CPA who has been with the organization for 31 years, began serving as President and CEO of in March 2021. He previously served in several senior management positions at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, Ochsner Lafayette General Surgical Hospital and Ochsner Lafayette General Imaging. His tenure as CEO began right after Lafayette General Health merged with Ochsner Health of New Orleans in September 2020, and he successfully led the hospital system through the trying times of the pandemic. A native of Shreveport, Patrick loves the community and says he has been “happily married to a girl from Arnaudville since 1998.” Marie Lukaszeski, Director of Planning and Design, is an Arnaudville native who graduated in Interior Design at UL-Lafayette (formerly USL) in 1995. She is certified by the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers (“AAHID”), the highest standard for the knowledge needed and experience required to address acute, ambulatory and residential care environments. After working with other industry professionals and a local architectural firm, Marie opened Interior Design Solutions in 2009 and became a consultant to Lafayette General. They began a series of expansions to meet the growing demands of the healthcare landscape, including expansions to its surgical platform and Emergency Department. Her service as Facilitator and Project Manager overseeing the projects was so successful that Patrick jokes, “We wanted her all the time!” So Marie and her team joined the healthcare system in 2015. Marie Lukaszeski is an artist at heart and in practice, and she brings that aesthetically pleasing touch to Ochsner Lafayette General’s design concepts! “There was a study done with prisoners that showed that blues and greens were more calming to your physiology than reds and yellows. We tend to go with a soothing, neutral palate for our interiors. But most of my time goes into ensuring that our spaces are safe, help the staff interact easily, and function successfully. I work with third party vendors and a whole team of Security, IT, and FF & E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) people to make sure that vital equipment, patient beds, etc. to make sure that the building is being designed to meet our standards. We have to meet licensing standards mandated by the State of Louisiana.” Ochsner Lafayette General has a rich history of significant contributions to our community’s well-being. It began in 1911 as a 6-bed sanitarium and has grown into an 8-hospital health system, the regional hub for Ochsner, and a leader in healthcare. Patrick mentioned the health system’s three core principles that define its mission: “First, we are always focused on patients first and then create our organization around their needs. Second, Transparency in everything we do is incredibly important as a philosophy for our organization. Third, We have to constantly evolve and assess how we can best adapt our business model to take care of our patients. “ The first major milestone in Lafayette General’s growth was in 2009 when it acquired St. Martin Hospital in Breaux Bridge. Patrick says “It was the first hospital outside of Lafayette. That was the beginning of us becoming a regional healthcare system in South Central Louisiana. That was a defining moment for us as well as rural healthcare in Acadiana. We want to invest in whatever a local community can support because local healthcare is the best healthcare.” U.S. News & World Report named Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center as the best hospital in Southwestern Louisiana for the second straight year in 2024. This recognition includes Ochsner Lafayette General Surgical Hospital, Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital and Ochsner Cancer Center of Acadiana. It was also named the No. 4 hospital in Louisiana and the Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access. Patrick states, “This award starts with our talented medical staff, nurses, and clinical staff. For them to receive this recognition brings me great pride and joy.” Ochsner Lafayette General delivers more babies than any other hospital in the community and surveys have consistently ranked it in the 99th percentile for patients’ likelihood of recommending our facility to other mothers-to-be. To meet its growing needs, a recent $30 million expansion of the mother-baby suites allowed the medical center’s obstetricians to treat more patients. . Before the expansion, the medical center already delivered more babies than any other hospital in the region, but it had maxed out its capacity. The medical center now has the ability to perform 5,400 deliveries each year, as well as more beds for its obstetrics emergency department, and beds for antenatal care. The neonatal intensive care unit will also has significantly more space, meeting a growing need in the region. On April 16, 2024, Ochsner Lafayette General celebrated the launch of its new General Surgery Residency Program, which began July 1, 2024. The new residency program is both a strategic response to the escalating physician shortage and a model for innovative care solutions leading to increased patient access. In a 2024 report, the Association of American Medical Colleges projected that physician demand will grow faster than supply, leading to a projected total shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. Moreover, Louisiana is projected to rank third nationally for a shortage of physicians by 2030, according to a Human Resources for Health analysis. The accredited surgical residency program received nearly 600 applications for three coveted spots. The 5-year surgery program will train a new class of three residents per academic year. Ochsner is also pursuing accreditation of Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Transitional Year Programs. The hope is that these physicians will remain in Acadiana upon finishing their training, as residents typically stay within 50 to 55 miles of where they train. On September 22, 2024, Ochsner Lafayette General broke ground on the $24 million expansion and renovation of the Ochsner American Legion Hospital in Jennings, the last American Legion hospital in the U. S. This rural hospital has been a cornerstone of healthcare in Jennings for more than 70 years. It merged with Ochsner in 2022. The renovation will expand the Emergency Department, create a drive-through pharmacy, and relocate the OB/GYN Rural Health Clinic to the hospital with expanded space. Ochsner American Legion Hospital cares for approximately 31,338 patients annually, with a staff of over 445 employees, greatly increasing access to care for this rural population. In August 2024, Ochsner Lafayette General broke ground in a project that aims to bring the most comprehensive orthopedic care to Acadiana. Two years ago, the medical center partnered with world-renowned orthopedic surgeon James Andrews to create The Ochsner Andrews Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute. Located at 4212 W. Congress Street (at Ambassador Caffery intersection), the expansion adds 17,000 square feet to the property, and a 14,000 square-foot facility dedicated to physical therapy and sports medicine services. Patrick said the medical center is “transforming sports, medicine and orthopedic care for the for the community” by bringing together a multidisciplinary team under one roof. The new facility is expected to open in the Fall of 2025. Groundbreaking ceremony of the Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute on August 29, 2024. Patrick Gandy speaking of Ochsner Lafayette General being a Level II Trauma Center: “We are the only one from the Bayou to the Border (of Louisiana and Texas) and one of the busiest trauma programs across the state of Louisiana. We are consistently ranked one of the best in Louisiana. The other nearest trauma center would be the Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge.” The physical safety and aesthetics of a hospital interior and exterior are important components of any project. Marie Lukaszeski has dedicated her professional life to ensuring that patients and visitors alike are comfortable in Ochsner Lafayette General’s facilities. Good lighting, clean air filtration, and art work that is pleasing to the eye all provide calm settings. “Any images on the wall should be one the brain can easily recognize. Abstract art is kept out. “That is why there is a lot of Time photography in healthcare facilities. You know if you are looking at a meadow or a beach. It doesn’t require your mind to make a translation.” Marie Lukaszeski, Director of Planning and Design, oversees all of the major expansions conducted by Ochsner Lafayette General. “If I’m confortable in a space and my family is comfortable, I feel that will translate into a space that others would feel good in. It’s a personal connection for me, ensuring that our spaces are safe and our clinical folks can handle their jobs efficiently. We want healing, confortable, calming spaces where people feel at home.” Ochsner Lafayette General has committed to expanding its footprint next to University Hospital & Clinics in the space that was formerly the Daily Advertiser building. Patrick stated the health system is adding 100 exam rooms and moving UHC Internal Medicine into the building to expand the care as part of its commitment to grow its Graduate Medical Education program to train physicians. In August 2024, Kent Design Build pulled a commercial alteration permit for $17.8 million for the space at 1100 Bertrand Drive to renovate the existing office building and warehouse. Ochsner Lafayette General and Oceans Healthcare have formed a partnership to increase access to behavioral health services in Southwest Louisiana. Oceans Healthcare is leading the development of an approximately 120-bed hospital that will operate under the name Ochsner Behavioral Health Acadiana and is expected to open in the first half of 2026. This partnership is a result of the Community Health Needs Assessment Ochsner conducts every two years. Behavioral and mental health are one of the top problems in Acadiana, which has secondary factors negatively affecting overall health. Located on Verot School Road, plans include inpatient services for adolescents, adults and geriatric patients, as well as outpatient treatment options. The new facility will greatly increase access to services, create the largest behavioral health center in the region and fill a critical need for compassionate, comprehensive care for those experiencing mental health issues and co-occurring substance use disorders. Together, the partners will invest approximately $30 million in the expansion. Shortages in the clinical workforce were exacerbated by the pandemic, in particular in the nursing profession. Ochsner Lafayette General is investing in training programs to bridge the gap and as part of that focus, Ochsner Lafayette General has partnered with UL – Lafayette to create an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Students with a completed bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline will complete 70 hours of nursing course work and earn their BSN through a combination of teaching methodologies including didactic courses, clinical and lab experiences, and hybrid interactive learning courses, in just 15 months. There are scholarship opportunities for students who commit to work for Ochsner Lafayette General for three years after graduation. Learn more here. LSU Eunice, Ochsner Lafayette Genera,l and Acadiana Workforce Solutions have partnered to create a Respiratory Therapy Apprenticeship Customized Training Program on the campus of LSUE which offers students the unique chance to “earn while they learn” through a paid apprenticeship while pursuing an Associate of Science in Respiratory Care at LSU Eunice. Specifically designed to provide opportunities in the thriving Respiratory Therapy field for financially challenged families. students benefit from paid positions at an Ochsner Lafayette General facility in Acadiana as they work towards their degree. Other initiatives to educate medical professionals exist at South Louisiana Community College (practical nursing) and the funding of faculty spots at UL Lafayette. We thank Ochsner Lafayette General for its commitment to providing the best health care in our region. For more information on the general surgery teaching initiative, please listen to our previous podcast with Ochsner Lafayette General Chief Medical Officer Dr. Amanda Logue here.