FOCUS I YOUR MARCH GUDIE TO COMMUNITY NEWS 

APPLAUSE

The Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA) announced in January that it has expanded its programming for their individual artist grant program, ArtSpark, with increased funding from the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) plus a new partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The additional funding will contribute to an increased total grant amount plus added outreach efforts with increased office hours around Acadiana’s eight parish region, ambassadors to aid with identifying and assisting applicants from minority communities and translation of materials into the Spanish language; the fastest growing minority community in Lafayette Parish. ArtSpark is a program that supports artists, musicians and other creative entrepreneurs in the advancement of their careers via project based or professional development opportunities.

South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) emerged from 2023 as a shining example of educational excellence, innovation and community impact. SLCC clinched the title of Louisiana’s Best Community College according to Intelligent.com for 2023 and now once again in 2024. Responding to the surging demand for skilled workers in Acadiana’s manufacturing sector, SLCC expanded its Manufacturing Technology program. SLCC students demonstrated their prowess at the SkillsUSA competition, securing gold in three categories: Practical Nursing, Health Occupations Portfolio, and First Aid and CPR. In a move to facilitate academic success and career advancement, SLCC entered into two new 2+2 agreements with the University of Holy Cross and McNeese State University.

After receiving an $8,000 Healthy Communities Grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), Parish Proud announced in January that it has used the funding to create Troop Buckets, which will be distributed by One Acadiana through the KLB Clean Biz Program. The Troop Buckets will include essential items such as Litter Grabbers, Reflective Vests, Trash Bags and gloves. KLB’s Clean Biz Program helps businesses showcase their environmental responsibility. By taking the pledge through One Acadiana, volunteers will get a Troop Bucket, a KLB Window Cling and recognition across all three organizations’ marketing channels. For more details on taking the pledge and getting a bucket, contact SarahMary@ParishProud.org.

In January, author Kimberly Willis Holt began her tour of Louisiana schools in honor of the 25th anniversary of the publication of her first book “My Louisiana Sky.” Holt had posted on Instagram offering free school visits to Louisiana schools. Margaret Simon, teacher of gifted at Jefferson Island Road and Coteau Elementary Schools, responded to the post. Holt’s book has been part of the 4th grade English Language Arts curriculum, so many of the students were familiar with the story. After sharing her journey to publication, Holt led the students to write their own stories. Every student has a story inside of them waiting to be written and Holt left them all feeling like they could be authors, too.

JUST IN

In January, the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Miller Management, at 523 N. Lewis Street in New Iberia.

In January, the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce announced it was accepting 2023 Award Nominations for its 2024 Annual Banquet. Every year, the Chamber recognizes one individual and two local businesses for their contributions to Iberia Parish, with the Outstanding Civic Service Award and Business Impact Awards. The Outstanding Civic Service Award is given to a member of our community who has shown exemplary service by volunteering their time and energy to Iberia Parish. Similarly, the Business Impact Awards are given to two different businesses for their recent development, growth, expansion or diversification. The recipients of these awards will be recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet, scheduled for April 18 at 6 p.m. Find the nomination forms at IberiaChamber.org/AnnualBanquet.

In January, First Solar, the largest manufacturer of solar panels in the Western Hemisphere, announced plans to construct a major manufacturing facility in Iberia Parish. The Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce is working with First Solar to compile a database of local and regional providers that could potentially supply products and/or services to First Solar or its existing suppliers and vendors. This database will be used as the Chamber plans “Supplier Days” and other events that could potentially lead to doing business with First Solar.

In January, Brand State U (BSU), the hub of business growth and professional development, announced significant updates. They introduced dynamic and innovative newly appointed key trainers who will usher in the next era of possibilities. Positioned as a go-to resource for local businesses aiming to enhance their skills, BSU is set to redefine professional development with a focus on customer service, business acumen, and leadership essentials. The Growth Experts: BSU New Trainers, are Dr. Mechelle Roberthon – Talent Development Practitioner, Doctor of Education, Facilitator, Coach, Consultant; Melissa Bowen – Empowerment Coach, Professional Counselor, Facilitator; Keesha B. Buteau – Founder of Beacon of Light; Rob Kirkpatrick – Head of Brand and Communications at Airspace; Jaci Russo – Lead Brand Strategist, CEO & Founder of brandRUSSO.

This year, Downtown Lafayette Unlimited (DLU) introduces “First Friday” Downtown Alive! for the 2024 calendar year presented by longstanding downtown supporter, Evangeline Maid. LVVRS will kick-off this year’s first Downtown Alive! on March 1. Other notable performances throughout the year will include Corey Ledet Zydeco Fans, Dustin Sonnier, The Debtors, Terry & The Zydeco Bad Boys and the return of the Special Edition Ragin’ Cajuns DTA! featuring The Good Dudes, in partnership with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on Sept. 6. First Friday Downtown Alive! will be held from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Parc Sans Souci. For more details, visit DowntownLafayette.org.

In February, the Acadiana Center for the Arts announced its next main gallery exhibition IN MEDIAS RES: How One Story Becomes Another—a group exhibition featuring artworks from local and regional artists in dialogue with the poetry of former Louisiana poet laureate Darrell Bourque. In this exhibition, viewers will encounter artworks of which Bourque has engaged during his daily writing processes and in his significant body of publications. Throughout his five-decade career in writing, Bourque has drawn inspiration from artists and artworks, which he explores through his poetry. The exhibition features artworks paired with Bourque’s writing. Visitors will be invited to engage and respond with varying prompts of their own, reflecting Bourque’s creative practice. The exhibit will be on display at the AcA through May 11.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Financial Advisor Raymond Romero of the financial services firm Edward Jones in New Iberia has received the Certified Financial Planner, or CFP, certification that was granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board). Becoming a CFP professional expands a financial advisor’s knowledge base in the following areas: Financial management; Tax−sensitive investment strategies; Retirement savings; Insurance planning; Education planning; and Estate considerations. In addition to the education and examination components of certification, Romero also has committed to abiding by the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct. Edward Jones is a leading financial services firm in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada.

In January, the Iberia Medical Center and the IMC Physician Network welcomed New Iberia native Alisa M. Butler, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, to the medical community. Butler is now accepting patients at the family practice of Dr. Keidra Welch-Spencer. The clinic is located at the Iberia Medical Center North Campus: 520 North Lewis Street, Suite 204. Butler graduated from Southern University A&M College – Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she earned her Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner. She is a member for Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Butler, FNP-C offers same-day appointments and is now taking new patients. For appointments, call 337-364-7700.