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MOVERS

Safety Management Systems Inc. has named Michelle Dronet Schollian administrative assistant.

Bill Phillips has been hired as a U.S. Tennis Association Southern Section tennis service representative. Phillips will be responsible for increasing participation in tennis by promoting, developing and servicing programs in Louisiana.

SHAKERS

The Training Source announced a strategic alliance last month with The Chally Group, a supplier of assessment tools and organizational development services in Dayton, Ohio.

SOLA Communications is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide Electronic Stabilized Platforms for civil works projects in navigation, flood control, environmental protection and disaster response.

The Tumblebus of Lafayette recently celebrated 10 years of business in Lafayette. Owned by Pam Cotton, the Tumblebus is a gym on wheels that provides a preschool tumbling program.

St. Martin Bank and Trust Co. has opened a new branch at the intersection of Albertsons Parkway and the Youngsville Highway.

Acadiana Symphony Orchestra held a press conference Nov. 3 to announce the Acadiana Symphony Decorators Showhouse. The $1.3 million house is in Youngsville and will be decorated and furnished by 24 local decorators as part of an ASO fundraising project.

The 2005 date for Palates and Paté has been announced. The visual and culinary art event to benefit Acadiana Outreach Center will be held Dec. 8 in the old Advertiser warehouse building downtown and includes New Orleans artists and chefs.

Local petroleum landman and president of Merlin Oil & Gas Inc. and American Environmental Research Inc., Mark K. Miller has been elected to the regional board of directors of the Independent Petroleum Association of America.

The Acadiana Center for the Arts and Project HEAL are calling for artists from the Gulf Coast affected by the hurricanes to participate in an art exhibition to be held at the center in January 2006. Titled Sustained Winds: before ' during ' after, the exhibit will include murals, easel paintings, sculpture, graphic arts, photography, scenic design, architecture and crafts. The deadline for entry is Nov. 28.

The annual Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive began last month, and toy drop-off boxes are now located in local businesses throughout Acadiana. Businesses can also hold private toy drives, company parties or provide public drop-off sites. The last day of toy collections is Dec. 18.

HONORS

Allstate agent Ken Yeomans received the Agency Hands in the Community Award for his commitment to volunteering. Yeomans also received a $500 grant from the Allstate Foundation for the Louisiana Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Also in Allstate news, the company announced that it raised $6 million for the victims of Hurricane Katrina through its annual charitable giving campaign, Hurricane Katrina Recovery Fund and other efforts.

Episcopal School of Acadiana has announced its national merit semifinalist and national merit commended students. Semifinalists are Caroline Gray and Ryan Boudreau; and commended students include Kristen Rice, Mary Doris Reggie, Amy Meche, Emee Morgan, Lillian Guidry and Julien Gradnigo.

Edge Communications Inc. was honored with three Gold Awards in the MarCom Creative Awards 2005 competition.

GOOD DEEDS

Lafayette Catholic Service Centers Inc. handed out Wal-Mart gift cards through the Msgr. Sigur Service Center to hurricane evacuees. A total of $265,000 was distributed to 5,067 families. LCSC also operates St. Joseph Diner and served 3,840 meals during the month of September. The diner is currently in need of volunteers to help prepare and serve meals.

The Band Together hurricane relief concert downtown in September raised more than $32,000 for the American Red Cross.

Jake Delhomme has announced that for each touchdown pass he throws, he will donate $1,000 to the United Way of Acadiana Hurricane Recovery Fund.