A quick look at your business and community news
MOVERS
IberiaBank has announced the appointment of Shannon Babin Phillips, Zach Martin and Stephanie Lenarduzzi as mortgage executives to its Baton Rouge branch.
Judson Wallace has been named vice president of manufacturing operations for Grant Prideco's Tubular Technology and Services Division. Wallace was most recently with Baker Hughes.
Prudential Financial Inc. has hired Dinah Leblanc and Bruce Thompson as financial services associates.
Popular radio personality Cheryl Robichaux has returned to Acadiana and taken the position of co-host of "Bobby Novosad in the Morning" on 94.5 KSMB.
Newpark Environmental Services has appointed Tony A. Vicknair as vice president of sales and marketing.
Hubert L. Sovany has joined MidSouth Bank as assistant vice president and commercial lender. Marcia Angelle, Therese LeJeune, Leslie Olinger and Brian Petry have been promoted to bank officers.
SHAKERS
Lafayette Economic Development Authority recently named Henry Florsheim vice president.
Smith Barney has recognized Nanette Soileau Heggie as leading financial consultant, receiving the title of investment management specialist.
Brooke Brasseaux recently obtained her certification as an insurance agent with The Huval Cos. Vicky Hebert has joined the cost management division of the company as claims manager and Stacey Barras as administrative assistant/processor; Lee Womack has joined the corporate accounts division.
The racetrack portion of Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino opened recently, unveiling a one-mile dirt track and stables for 1,000 horses. The first race at the new track took place Feb. 5.
The Professional Resume Writing and Research Association has reinstated Susan Grey as vice president of public relations.
HONORS
Eight students in Episcopal School of Acadiana's Class of 2005 have been recognized as National Merit semi-finalists or commended students. Andrew Price, Jena Bourgeois, Alex Durio and Aaron Newson qualified as semi-finalists; Luke Ashworth-Sides, Marcy Landry, Danny Osborne and Chris Rinaldi were named commended students. Also in ESA news, faculty and administrators attended the National Association of Gifted Children's annual conference in Salt Lake City to speak about the creation of ESA's new Lower School.
The Lafayette Utilities System Hurricane Handbook earned a 2004 Lantern Award from the Southern Region Public Relations Federation.
The Allstate Foundation awarded Sean Landry the Agency Hands in the Community Award.
The Lafayette Parish Bar Foundation hosted its annual Champions of Justice Breakfast recently, recognizing Lafayette volunteer lawyers and Lafayette Outreach for Civil Justice Campaign donors.
The Planned Giving Council of Acadiana honored Margaret Trahan of United Way of Acadiana, Madlyn Ackal Boustany and Alfred Lamson. United Way was chosen as the outstanding philanthropic organization in Acadiana for 2004; Boustany was honored as outstanding fundraising volunteer and Lamson as outstanding philanthropist.
GOOD DEEDS
KATC-TV3 and the Lafayette Fire Department donated fire safety kits to Lafayette Parish residents and were on hand to answer questions about fire prevention at a December Safe Families event.
Valero Energy Corp. donated $35,000 to Stuller Place Children's Advocacy Center. The amount was a portion of the $4 million raised at the Valero Benefit for Children Golf Classic held earlier this year.
The 2004 Toys for Tots campaign was the most successful to date. The TOW Platoon, 23rd Marines collected more than 50,000 toys, and more than 10,000 kids of Acadiana and surrounding areas received gifts.
Local organizations including Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Home Depot, Credeur's Specialities, The SMART group, United Way of Acadiana and Antique Rose Gardens & Gifts have teamed up to aid the tsunami victims.