The 2017 ABiz Top 50 Luncheon, slated for Wednesday, Aug. 16, at the Cajundome Convention Center at noon, will be, in part, a benefit for Moncus Park. Each year the luncheon honors the region’s top companies, ranking them by annual revenues based on the magazine’s research. This year half the ticket proceeds for the magazine’s largest branded event will be donated to the nonprofit organization responsible for developing the public space. The donation will be matched dollar for dollar by the Schumacher Family Foundation, doubling the impact of the event.
Respected political pollster, analyst and blogger Dr. Ron Fauchaux will be keynote speaker. The former Louisiana state legislator and Georgetown lecturer will offer his observations on political trends in the state at a challenging time in its history.
“This event was launched in 2009, and we’ve been a proud sponsor from the very first year,” says Clay Allen, managing partner for legacy Top 50 sponsor Allen & Gooch law firm. “We know that the list, the analysis of key players and the luncheon programs have all served to educate and inspire Acadiana’s business community for more than a decade, and we’re pleased that this year’s event can be used to benefit a major community initiative like the park.”
Joining Allen & Gooch again this year as presenting co-sponsor is Whitney Bank.
“On behalf of Whitney Bank, I would like to congratulate this year’s Top 50 Private Companies and thank each one for all they do to provide employment and drive the economic engine in Acadiana,” says Bill Hendrix, Whitney’s Southwest regional president. “I have always had the utmost respect for the entrepreneurial men and women in our region who have confidence in their ability and lay it all on the line to start their own businesses,” he continues. “Success is never a straight line, rather, many years of highs and lows that test one’s true resolve. Again, to this year’s Top 50, thank you for your courage, commitment and perseverance to become one of the leading businesses in Acadiana.”
Additional sponsor support comes from LHC Group, headquartered in Lafayette and providing home health, hospice and long-term acute care in 26 states; Moss Motors, Acadiana’s premier Mercedes Benz, BMW and Honda dealer; and the Event Solutions group of companies, including Party Central and Deep South Containers, providers of short- and long-term services for special events, construction projects and disaster relief. The Pinnacle Group, which offers insurance and financial services, returns as the VIP parking sponsor, and Vidox Motion Imagery, celebrating 35 years as one of the region’s leading video producers, is the digital media partner again for 2017. One Acadiana is also a community partner.
The future of the event is uncertain. Last month, ABiz parent company IND Media announced that it is suspending current operations and researching new models to fund the in-depth business reporting and investigative journalism that are its stock-in-trade. The media group will suspend printing ABiz after this issue.
Individual tickets are $50 each. Reserved tables for eight are available for $495. For tickets or additional information, contact Jenna King via email at [email protected] or by phone: (337) 769- 8602. Deadline is Wednesday, Aug. 9.
