As the executives who lead the region's top privately held and publicly traded companies gather next week for the third annual luncheon, three of their peers - Acadian Companies, Schumacher Group and Louisiana Rice Mill - will be recognized for standout performances.
As the executives who lead the region's top privately held and publicly traded companies gather next week for the third annual luncheon, three of their peers - Acadian Companies, Schumacher Group and Louisiana Rice Mill - will be recognized for standout performances.
The annual event is based on research that is published each year in The Independent's sister publication ABiz. Every August the magazine compiles a list of Acadiana's top performing companies based on gross revenues and offers a full report and analysis.
Dr. Kip Schumacher, CEO of The Schumacher Group, has been named Dealmaker of the Year, having just announced a five-year plan to add 600 new jobs with average annual salaries of over $60,000 and a $19-million expansion to its local headquarters and training center. (The Schumacher Group also ranks second among the Top 50.)
First-timer on the list is Louisiana Rice Mill, which burst on the scene at No. 11 with revenues of $196-million, earning the company the Newcomer of the Year Award. The Crowley-based firm markets rice to both domestic and global markets. CEO Bobby Hanks will accept the award.
The Acadiana Honors Award, bestowed annually by the regional economic development professionals who comprise the Acadiana Economic Development Council, will be presented to The Acadian Companies and its chairman and CEO Richard Zuschlag. This award recognizes a company that exemplifies entrepreneurship, innovation, great corporate culture and a strong regional spirit.
Whitney Bank and the Allen & Gooch Law Firm host the luncheon in honor of the top CEOs, slated this year for Thursday, Sept. 1 at the Cajundome Convention Center at noon. Peter Ricchiuti, associate dean of Tulane's Freeman School of Business, will offer keynote remarks. Rob Eddy of The Pinnacle Group, Vidox Productions and Fire & Safety Specialists are supporting sponsors for this event. Tickets are $50 per person or $450 for a reserved table for eight; deadline for reservations is noon on Thursday, Aug. 25. For more information or to download a ticket order form online, go to www.theind.com/indevents or contact Robin Hebert at (337) 769-8603 by phone or by email at [email protected].