Business Scene

ABiz Scene

Gov. John Bel Edwards was the keynote speaker at ABiz’s annual Top 50 Private Companies luncheon.

Gov. John Bel Edwards was the keynote speaker at ABiz’s annual Top 50 Private Companies luncheon, delivering his address to more than 750 people who gathered Sept. 1 at the Cajundome Convention Center to honor the contributions of both privately held and publicly traded companies throughout the Acadiana region. Acadian Companies topped the private list for the first time this year with $481 million in 2015 revenue, and Frank’s International earned the No. 1 spot on the public list with $975 million in revenue last year. The Top 50 luncheon is sponsored by Whitney Bank and Allen & Gooch law firm. Additional sponsor support comes from LHC Group, The Pinnacle Group, Frank’s International and Vidox Motion Imagery.

1. Gov. John Bel Edwards

2. Terrance Simien

3. Larry Atlenhofer and Chip Knight

4. Former Gov. Kathleen Blanco and Gov. John Bel Edwards

5. Carl Turnley and Amy Thibodeaux

6. Allyson Pharr, Richard Zuschlag and Karmen Blanco

7. Sharon Richey, Tina Thornton and Mike Williams

The Lafayette Bar Association held its Hall of Fame induction event on Sept. 8 at Le Pavillon, recognizing and honoring local attorneys who exemplify the Lafayette Parish legal community’s tradition of producing highly skilled lawyers who are also community servants. The prestigious honor recognizes an exemplary career as an attorney, dedicated service to the community and participation in the bar. The 2016 honorees are Edward C. Abell Jr., Robert L. Cole, Richard R. Kennedy and Margaret Maraist Ritchey. Posthumous honorees are David M. Chretien, Anthony D. “Tony” Moroux and John G. Torian II.

1. Wilda and Deke Dekerlegand

2. Jean-Paul Coussan and Art Mouton

3. Carolyn Chretien, Erin Boyd and Alden Chatham

4. Robert Cole

5. Dwazendra Smith