News | January 2022

Communities like Erath, LA are working hard to improve the quality of life for residents of all ages.

In partnership with AARP, local leaders have been able to turn that idea into a reality. As part of that effort, AARP created its Community Challenge program. These quick-action grants are designed to fund innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as transportation, public spaces, housing, diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, coronavirus response and more.

Charles Fenstermaker with Fenstermaker has been named chair of One Acadiana for 2022.

The economic development organization and chamber of commerce announced its offers earlier this week after Steven Hebert with Billeaud Companies ended his term as chair and will focus on business development, policy, and membership initiatives in the new year.

Read more at The Advocate...

University of Louisiana at Lafayette educators and community business leaders are coordinating the Accelerate Vermilion program to help spur entrepreneurial and economic development efforts in Vermilion Parish.

UL Lafayette’s Louisiana Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Center, the Vermilion Economic Development Alliance, and Nehemiah Projects of Acadiana will lead the 3-week initiative.

Lafayette, LA – One Acadiana (1A)’s leadership has announced new appointments to the board. The Board of Directors of the economic development organization and chamber of commerce will focus in 2022 on business development, policy, and membership initiatives.

The region’s business leaders invested in 1A have elected 2022 Officers:

1. Give us a brief history of your organization. 

Gulf Coast Teaching Family Services, Inc. d/b/a Gulf Coast Social Services – the Agency is a private, nonprofit corporation founded in Louisiana in 1983 to provide human service programs for Louisiana citizens.

2. What would you tell the rest of Acadiana makes you special?

1. Give us a brief history of your organization. 

J&S TAX PROS was founded in Jan. of 2012 By Jason Jones and the late Sherressa Faulk [August 2021]. We started in 2012 with one office with divided cubicles and served 122 tax clients. 10 years later J&S TAX PROS now serves nearly 2,000 tax clients and has employed over 20 tax preparers. J&S TAX PROS now has 3 locations [Lafayette, New Iberia, and Houston].

2. What would you tell the rest of Acadiana makes you special?

JENNINGS, La. – JD Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Andre Higginbotham to our Commercial Lending Team. Higginbotham will serve as VP Commercial Lender in our Lafayette market and will be located at our 300 Verot School Road location. “Andre is an experienced lender who is well versed in the markets served by JD Bank. His knowledge of the specific needs of our customers in Lafayette and Lake Charles make him a dynamic addition to our talented lending team,” said Jimmy LeBlanc, EVP Chief Commercial Banking Officer.  

One Acadiana and partners are excited to continue our work with revitalization expert Quint Studer, who is helping us take the strategy that got Pensacola, Florida on the road to vibrancy and customize it for Acadiana. Following recent visits to Lafayette, Quint said he could feel the energy and momentum building, with our commitment to next steps and an engaged group of citizens who want to elevate Lafayette and the Acadiana region from good to great.

Villas of Lafayette Senior Living Community is in its final stages of construction with occupancy starting March 1st. The property consists of spacious 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments for those ages 55 and older, reserving some homes for veterans. It is located behind the Acadiana Mall at 104 Global Circle. Amenities include a library, fitness center, business center, as well as an onsite walking trail. Rental information can be found at www.villasoflafayette.com or by calling 337-281-1909.