As we close this chapter on Lafayette-focused publishing, we look to a new generation of emerging leaders to help chart a future we can all embrace.
As we close this chapter on Lafayette-focused publishing, we look to a new generation of emerging leaders to help chart a future we can all embrace.
Half a Penny for Lafayette Parish Public Schools?
While we’ve been critical of past tax proposals for LPSS, the vote this time is clearly yes.
Announcing a new Downtown Lafayette address, the launch of a glossy magazine and timely iterations of our core brands.
Acadiana’s Growing Tourism Portfolio
Nonprofits take the lead in developing important new assets for our region.
Acadiana’s Newfound Cred in the Entrepreneurial Realm
INNOV8 Acadiana will leverage a hefty U.S. Economic Development Administration grant to boost our region’s status as a business incubation hub.
Lessons learned from the LUS Fiber fight and Lafayette’s airport tax are germane to the Connector.
It’s Time to Move Forward With the I-49 Connector
After a bumpy start, the process has worked to help our community envision how I-49 could be done right.
The Power of Information When It Matters Most
The 2016 ABiz State of the Economy Luncheon comes at a critical time for local business leaders.
Exploring the Path To High Value Economic Diversification for Acadiana
ABiz announces a series of reports and events for 2016.
Exploring Process and Progress for the I-49 Connector
The April 6 INDesign Awards Luncheon features a panel of key players as new ways to design the highway emerge.
Can we diversify our energy portfolio beyond petroleum? It’s time to have that conversation.
Lafayette has been given the planning capacity to design a great Connector. The question is whether the resources will be there to finish the job.
Butch Darce, Cathi Pavy to Receive Entrepreneurship Awards
Now in its second year, the ABiz Entrepreneurship Symposium is slated for Nov. 12 at the Cajundome Convention Center.
Nominations for Entrepreneur of the Year Accepted Through Oct. 6
To honor Jillian Johnson’s legacy, ABiz also announces the award for entrepreneurship in the creative economy.
MAIS OUI: The Stump Speech at The Horse Farm
Lafayette media unite to create an old-fashioned community-wide campaign event during an important election year.
Bringing a New Sheriff to Town
As Lafayette Parish voters determine who will replace Mike Neustrom this fall, it’s important to understand the difference he’s made in local law enforcement.
It’s Festival time, when it becomes abundantly clear how much we love the arts in Acadiana. Festival International hits it on all cylinders: music, food, visual and performing arts, arts education and cultural exchange. Locals flock to the streets of Downtown to join tourists who navigate their way to Lafayette from all corners of the globe.
In danger of collapsing under its own success, INNOV8 Lafayette is doing what any good business would do — develop version 2.0.
Making Every Day Count in 2015
As energy prices soften, Lafayette gets a wake-up call: Diversification of our local economy — and support of the initiatives that nurture it — are at the top of everyone’s to-do list.
As the Lake Charles region ramps up for record-setting growth, ABiz lays out the challenges and opportunities ahead for South Louisiana. This special edition of ABiz has been in the works for more...
Assessing the Future of Lafayette's Innovation Celebration
What will INNOV8 4.0 look like? What will INNOV8 4.0 look like? Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2014 It takes a while to get your head around what INNOV8 Lafayette is and could be. When it was launched in April...
By launching a Super PAC to end all Super PACs, our Top 50 keynote speaker hopes to change the game in Washington. By launching a Super PAC to end all Super PACs, our Top 50 keynote speaker hopes to...
LCG's comprehensive plan is the blueprint for an exciting renaissance in our community. LCG's comprehensive plan is the blueprint for an exciting renaissance in our community. By Cherry Fisher May I'm...
Celebrating Those Who Create the Place Where We Live
Dave Perkins, LCG Comp Plan honored along with local architects and designers at the 2014 INDesign Awards The life and legacy of Dave Perkins will be commemorated with a special Lifetime Achievement...
Isn't a Senator's Rise to Power a Good Thing?
Chair of the energy committee, Mary Landrieu (discussing the urgency of Keystone with Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird) should get the respect she deserves in Louisiana. Our senior senator is now...
As the state reviews its film tax credit program, Lafayette's busiest professional screen actor is wooing investors for an exemplary new project worth a look. Ten years ago, Louisiana's film tax...
LCVC's new Shop Lafayette campaign promotes the parish as a shopping mecca. Could the chamber play a role in its success? For decades, Lafayette's Holy Trinity of assets - our unique food, music and...
LED Secretary Stephen Moret says a few thousand acres in core Acadiana parishes could be the ticket to luring bigger projects. It's a bit early to call Stephen Moret's recent tour of editorial boards...
The Changing Face of the Energy Industry
Women recruits in the sector are almost at parity with men. Could we someday see a LAGCOE Loo-eez? [Clarification: While there is no "LAGCOE Loo-eez," there was indeed a female LAGCOE Looey...
Scouting Opportunities in the Basin
Scouts launch eco-tourism initiative that could mean millions for Acadiana. Scouts launch eco-tourism initiative that could mean millions for Acadiana. By Cherry Fisher May Friday, July 19,...
INNOV8 helped me understand how Lafayette is poised for meaningful diversification in its economic base. INNOV8 helped me understand how Lafayette is poised for meaningful diversification in its...
From its humble beginnings as a bar and grill for oilmen only, the club now serves a variety of professionals beyond its traditional industry base and continues to grow. Six decades ago, big oil...
From its humble beginnings as a bar and grill for oilmen only, the club now serves a variety of professionals beyond its traditional industry base and continues to grow. From its humble beginnings as...
Eight days, infinite possibilities and a few quick picks that pique my interest. Photo by Robin May Morris Miller Two dozen core collaborators have been meeting weekly at The Greater Lafayette...
In his third and final term, Joey Durel still has a full agenda to discuss at the annual State of the Parish Luncheon Feb. 6. Each year IND Media produces a series of events through our INDevents...
Finding Our Way Back to Civility in Politics
A respected national leader offers a systemic alternative to the bitter partisan politics paralyzing our democracy at all levels, especially in Washington. Is there a better time than the holiday...
In Support of Campaign Finance Reform
Do we really need another presidential election to get behind an amendment to overturn Citizens United? Do we really need another presidential election to get behind an amendment to overturn Citizens...
A Beacon of Hope for Women in Need
The Outreach Center's Lighthouse Shelter offers safe haven for women - often with children - in search of a new start. Although women have made great gains in the workforce since I cashed my first...
One Power Lunch You Don't Want to Miss
On May 17, LEDA will unveil its first-ever Economic Performance Index, pulling 1,500 data points into 15 key statistics to help your business succeed. If you check Wikipedia for the definition of a...
Launched by the Lafayette chamber, INNOV8 is designed to expand our creative economy. Launched by the Lafayette chamber, INNOV8 is designed to expand our creative economy. I admit it. I'm a geek for...
Less Taxing for Some Conservatives
The free ride for e-commerce may be over soon. The daily grind of lawmaking will commence once the gavel comes down in legislative chambers March 12, but debate has already begun on the budget...
The Right Reasons for the Season
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 By Cherry Fisher May The Right Reasons for the Season The win-loss stats aren't the only measure of Louisiana's gridiron greatness this year. The Right Reasons for the...
Incoming Lafayette Parish Schools Superintendent Pat Cooper is a smart investment. By Heather Miller Incoming Lafayette Parish Schools Superintendent Pat Cooper is a smart investment. By Heather...
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 Could Cuba become the next new market for Lafayette deepwater technology? By Cherry Fisher May With the first-ever Russian delegation in attendance, this year's LAGCOE...
Wednesday, September 28, 2011 By Cherry Fisher May **Training workers for Louisiana's emerging digital economy ** Wednesday, September 28, 2011 By Cherry Fisher May Training workers for Louisiana's...
Marking the Milestones of Women in Business
There is progress to report for women in the workplace, but the gender gap still exists. By Cherry Fisher May There is progress to report for women in the workplace, but the gender gap still...
Wednesday, July 27, 2011 By Cherry Fisher May Acadiana's business leaders are navigating well in challenging times. Wednesday, July 27, 2011 By Cherry Fisher May Acadiana's business leaders are...
Wednesday, June 29, 2011 Written by Cherry Fisher May Whether your issue is job growth, dropped calls, next generation technology or lack of rural access, this acquisition is a winner. Wednesday, June...
Wednesday, May 25, 2011 We have great leaders in key positions throughout our community. It's time for the school board to do its part. By Cherry Fisher May The phalanx of leadership in this community...
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 Already halfway to its $4.7 million goal, the university turns to best-selling author Rebecca Wells - and all of us - to help make the mark. By Cherry Fisher May I hardly...
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 A growing number of global experts make the case for this cheap, abundant, clean-burning energy option. There have been no new nuclear reactors built in the U.S. since the...
Natural Gas and U.S. Energy Security
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 **The president says the fuel has a role in our energy future, but try finding that message in his administration's policies. By Cherry Fisher May ** In the wake of...
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 ** Every district for elective office at the state, regional and local levels are about to be redrawn. What happens in the next three months will chart our future for a...
An Open Letter (and an Invitation) to the New LPSB
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 In January you will take an oath to fulfill the profound duty of charting the future of our community at the most intimate level of government service. You were elected or...
Wednesday, November 24, 2010 Holding his cards until the last minute may be clever politics for the governor, but it seriously threatens good decision-making for the rest of us. From the...
Will the World Delta Dialogues be enough to save America's - and Louisiana's - wetlands? By Cherry Fisher May Even a reluctant student of history is usually at least curious about the many...
An Election Where Everybody Wins
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Will the new school board take our system to the top? The success of Lafayette's public schools is important to us all, and hopefully voter turnout will be strong for...
Celebrating the Accomplishments of Women in Business
**Wednesday, August 25, 2010 Written by Cherry Fisher May The success of women in the workforce changed the history of our country.** As we were going to press with this publication of ABiz - the...
**Wednesday, July 28, 2010 Written by Cherry Fisher May ** After three years as a monthly supplement to The Independent Weekly, Acadiana Business stands on its own. Welcome to ABiz. The launch of a...
Getting Back on Track in the Gulf
**Wednesday, May 26, 2010 Written by Cherry Fisher May ** It's time to resume drilling, safely and swiftly. My husband Steve and I just returned from an extended trip through Turkey, Croatia and...
**Wednesday, May 26, 2010 Written by Cherry Fisher May Can we really run government like a business?** When it comes to education, the answer is yes, but it's up to us as shareholders to make it...
Lafayette's vaunted fiber optic network is nearing completion. Now what? What makes Lafayette a cool town? Last week's cover story in The Independent Weekly explored that question from many different...
The Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce is moving into a new era of political activism at a pivotal point in the community's future development. Dave Welch, the incoming chairman for the Greater...
Going for the Goal in Lafayette Parish Public Schools
A new education stakeholders’ coalition in the parish combined with updated, easy-to-understand state accountability standards could provide the opportunity for a fresh start with local business...
Lots of good economic news was made in Lafayette this year. With the filming of Secretariat here, 2009 may well be remembered as the year Disney discovered Lafayette, but the story that’s likely to go...
With oil execs and NPR on the same page, natural gas is getting the attention it deserves In September when National Public Radio announced a series of reports titled “Rediscovering Natural Gas by...
Our 12th annual nod to ladies who lead Each fall we have the distinct pleasure of producing the annual Women Who Mean Business issue and awards luncheon. We are continually touched by the inspiring...
Acadiana Business’ inaugural list is the kind of snapshot of activity you can’t find elsewhere at such a critical time for local business. As Acadiana Business closes out FY2 (we begin our third year...
Summer Fun at Acadiana Business
We’re scouting the market for Acadiana’s top privately held companies. What do you have planned for your summer vacation? For us here at Acadiana Business, the time will be spent launching a new...
The chamber promotes high-tech wildcatting in the 21st century to see if broadband can be the new Black Gold. Ideas and creative exchange are the payload in the new century. Economic development pros...
LUS’ fiber capacity is a huge economic development opportunity for Lafayette to emerge as a global leader in educational tools for the new century. There’s a lot of buzz surrounding a recent report...
The 10/12 Corridor Coalition: What’s In it for Lafayette? As a Lafayette Parish designee on the Acadiana Regional Alliance, I’m a big believer in regionalism and have spent countless volunteer hours...
Shaping Up the New Year I hope your year is off to a running, walking, swimming or cycling start. It’s the end of January, and if you haven’t renewed your commitment to personal fitness, put the...
For these holidays, you can’t beat home sweet home As we go to press with this issue of Acadiana Business, Chrysler has just announced a one-month, nation-wide shutdown of production for its entire...
Regionalism Revisited: As the regional mindset catches fire, is now the time to spend millions attracting educated, young adults from out-of-state? In my thirty-some odd years covering local news,...
Lafayette’s Tipping Point We hear a lot about Lafayette’s potential for economic development in a high-tech world. We are fortunate. The stars aligned long ago for us — some happenstance, others the...
Making the Move from Good to Great Lafayette Parish is often the envy of the rest of Louisiana and, given the company we currently keep, it’s no wonder. This year we made the cut for The Milken...
Forgive and Forget? If, like me, you weren’t at the state Capitol during the many consecutive legislative sessions of 2008, then last week’s wrap-up from Acadiana’s delegation provided a useful...
New Vision, New Partners There has never been a more exciting time in Lafayette’s history than the one this community is writing right now, and it’s pervasive throughout the parish (except for the...
What’s All the Fuss About? It was over in a flash. Literally. We were headed for my daughter’s pre-dawn figure skating lesson and, even though we were late, I thought I was obeying the many changes in...
Got Your Sneakers Ready? Time to Tie ’em On! I bought my walking shoes in January, when we announced the launch of The Independent Weekly’s Corporate Challenge 5K Run/Walk. I had great intentions of...
Acadiana Business makes the list David Letterman has built a franchise with his list. Keith Olbermann uses his nightly Top 10 countdown to present a quick roundup of the news of the day, and Stephen...
Marking the Life of the Marquis
Lafayette Plans a Year-Long Celebration of La Fayette It is June in Paris, 1917. World War I is raging across Europe. As the Americans are drawn into the fight, the U.S. Army's First Battalion earns...
The New Thing-A-Mento on Jefferson Street When you run a small café in the midst of some of the best plate lunch restaurants in the world, it makes sense to take your menu in a different direction....
Comeaux Endowed Fund for Traditional Music at UL Lafayette Nears Goal Occasionally life presents us with a challenge that takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but it's worth it because it's the...
Moseley & Hollard To Add Women's Boutique Moseley & Hollard, the River Ranch men's clothing store, has been open only seven months but is already set to expand by adding a new shop for women....
LITE on Cruz Control Since the groundbreaking ceremony last April for the Louisiana Immersion Technology Enterprise, or LITE, construction has proceeded on a building that looks much like any other...
Since founding the spa that bears her name in 1987, Pascale Henry's pixie haircut and lovely French accent have contributed to the character of Lafayette's Oil Center. Hers was the very first spa in...
New Chamber of Commerce leader advances Smart Growth agenda Lafayette General Medical Center's Chief Operating Officer Donna Landry officially takes the reigns of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of...
A New Orleans Holiday Message Just before Christmas, the Louisiana Press Association sponsored a tour of New Orleans. We drove to the airport and boarded Black Hawk helicopters for a fly-over to West...
Thibodeaux's Tops in Information Technology Keith Thibodeaux, the chief information officer for Lafayette Consolidated Government, has just been listed among the business world's Premier 100...
"Paradigm Man" Offers Expertise to Help Re-Think Louisiana Futurist and scholar Joel Barker pioneered the concept of paradigm shifts to explain profound change and the importance of vision...
New Life in Leadership Lafayette After a one-year hiatus, Leadership Lafayette has been revamped, revitalized and is ready for new applicants. The 20-year-old program was suffering from program...
Louisiana's French connection generates post-hurricane donations. I walk or drive through The Longueuil Intersection at the corner of Buchanan and Vermilion streets almost every day. Such signage...
Winds of Change in Real Estate As New Orleanians are repatriated, it will be interesting to see how Lafayette changes yet again. Since Hurricane Katrina (and later Rita), there have been joyful...
The Fire Still Burns After 20 Years My first meal at Charley G's was a business lunch with Harold Abdalla in August 1985. Steve and I had just moved back to Lafayette, having spent two years in...
Local manufacturer serves up a weekly luncheon tour of his facility. Each Friday morning during Blues Box on KRVS, Begneaud Manufacturing owner Don Begneaud underwrites the program and broadcasts an...
Say Hello to Chase Crews have been busy installing new signs at all 17 Bank One locations around Acadiana, each covered with a vinyl shroud sporting the current logo. But the veils will be dropped...
Local events benefit The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Louisiana. What was physical therapist Mike Sasser doing in the bucket of a lift truck high above The Cajun Heartland State Fair on closing...
Local restaurants support not only Acadiana's economy, but also local philanthropy. No wonder Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu was fired up about selling the Louisiana brand to the national travel market when...
Hawk's: 'In the Middle of Nowhere and Worth the Drive'
The publisher on small business, big ideas and a community on the move. Several years ago former CBS News business editor Ray Brady came to south Louisiana at our invitation to speak at our business...
The publisher on small business, big ideas and a community on the move. As the saying goes, "I love it when a plan comes together." It's especially nice when the results exceed...
The publisher on small business, big ideas and a community on the move When Richard Zuschlag had open heart surgery more than four years ago, there was no question but that the procedure would take...
Landrieu and Michot urge Louisiana to invest creative economy Bring up a topic like 'cultural economy' at The Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Building Community Conference and what might you...
It's a good thing local McDonald's franchisee Ed Krampe has added wireless Internet access (WiFi) to some of his restaurants. At the pace he's growing, he'll need it to keep track. A few weeks ago...
A New Generation Leads the Fight for the Cure The Acadiana business community is comprised of many blue-chip, family-owned enterprises that have survived and flourished over several generations....