Wednesday, March 30
ACE Louisiana Speakers
Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise (LITE)
Ana M. Hands, M.D.
Vice President of International Health and Transplant Services
Ochsner Health
ahands@ochsner.org
Ana is a skilled healthcare professional with over 30 years of experience. Ana joined Ochsner in 2005 and currently serves as Vice President for the International Health Services Department and the Multi-Organ Transplant Institute, known for being one of the top transplant programs in the country. In 2009, Ana received the New Orleans CityBusiness Health Care Hero award for her work on integrating Hispanic immigrants with optimal patient care in post-Katrina New Orleans. She is an active member of the Americas Society/Council of the Americas fostering an understanding of the contemporary political, social, and economic
issues with awareness of the diverse cultural heritage of Latin America. Ana serves as member of the Advisory Committee on Organ Transplantation- ACOT, reporting to the US Secretary of Health. She’s currently Chair of the board of the Organ Donation and Transplantation Alliance, Louisiana representative for the Donate Life America Collaborative and serves on the
board of the Legacy Donor Foundation in New Orleans. Ana was born and raised in Maracaibo, Venezuela, where she earned her Medical Doctor degree from the University of Zulia. She then completed her training in Psychiatry at the Medical College of Georgia and has lived in the United States for almost 30 years. Prior to joining Ochsner, she was a practicing psychiatrist for
over 15 years in Florida and Georgia, where she also held various clinical and administrative leadership roles.
Ochsner would like to offer delegates the opportunity to connect with quaternary clinical services that may not otherwise be available locally or provide an additional benefit to their constituents. More discussion would be needed to assess fit, but this could include access to our award winning transplant programs and Centers of Excellence care. Additionally, we have several
types of global academic opportunities ranging from residency or fellowship training programs to faculty and research exchanges
Ochsner would like to grow our programs and connections globally. This includes seeing new unique patients at our facilities from an increasing geographic footprint. We already have patients coming from many of the countries represented in the delegation, but would like to explore how we can extend our care and serve more patients from these regions. Additionally, we would like to connect to more academic and research centers to explore setting up more academic exchanges and opportunities for global training for our students and faculty.
Dawn Jacob Laney, MS, CGC
Co-Founder
ThinkGenetic, Inc
dawn.laney@emory.edu
Dawn is a leader in the fields of genetics and education as well as a certified genetic counselor with over 20 years of experience. In 2016, she was formally recognized as a leader in the field of rare genetic diseases by the National Organization
for Rare Disorders. Dawn’s academic roles include Assistant Professor of Human Genetics, Director of the Genetic Clinical Trials Center, and Program Leader of the Lysosomal Storage Disease Center (LSDC) Program at Emory University School of
Medicine. As a founder and Chief Genetic Officer of ThinkGenetic, Dawn is instrumental in designing and developing the rich, informative content that ThinkGenetic uses as our knowledge base.
As a co-founder at ThinkGenetic, I an offer partnerships, mentoring, academic/clinical trial advice, and collaboration opportunities.
As a co-founder of a start-up I am very interested in forging new partnerships to further develop the natural language processing, AI, and enterprise focused portion of our business. However, a secondary goal is to provide mentorship and an
example for female entrepreneurs particularly those from underrepresented groups.
Dr. Trivia Frazier
President and CEO
Obatala Sciences, Inc
Trivia.frazier@obatalasciences.com
Dr. Trivia Frazier-Wiltz is a native of New Orleans and an experienced Adult Stem Cell Researcher and Biotech Business Professional with 15+ years of experience in basic science research, and management. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Biomedical Engineering, an MBA with a concentration in Finance, and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Frazier completed her postdoctoral work at Pennington Biomedical Research Center and the Tulane Center for Stem Research and Regenerative Medicine. She has trained and collaborated with national and international key opinion leaders, attended and
presented at international conferences, and worked with clinicians within the areas of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Breast and Bone Oncology, Obesity, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Diabetes. Dr. Frazier-Wiltz is accustomed to breaking barriers and setting precedent. In 2008 she became the first African American student to successfully complete the 3-
2 dual degree program between Dillard and Tulane Universities, while graduating with magna cum laude honors in Physicsand completing a master’s level honor’s thesis in Biomedical Engineering. She previously held tenure-track facultyappointments at Delgado and Dillard Universities, and helped to pilot the first bachelor’s concentration in Medical Physics while serving as the Physics Program Chair at Dillard. She is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Obatala Sciences, Inc, a biotechnology firm focused on promoting diversity in research and representation of multiple demographics, including underrepresented groups in more appropriate human tissue models for improved drug development. Dr. Frazier- Wiltz was recently recognized as a member of gambit’s 40 under 40 class of 2018, Dillard University’s 40 under 40 class of 2019, and awarded a Woman of Distinction award, along with other notable trailblazers including the first female Mayor of New Orleans, the Honorable Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and the legendary Mrs. Leah Chase. Dr. Frazier-Wiltz currently serves as an Advisory Board member for Reopening New Orleans during the Covid-19 pandemic recovery and is a Co-Chairperson for the
Public Health Working Group for the City of New Orleans. Dr. Frazier-Wiltz is also a wife and mother of three intelligent, handsome boys. She is dedicated to growing her firm in the City of New Orleans and contributing to the budding biotechnology ecosystem here, by lifting up the next generation of local talent.
Obatala Sciences is a revenue-generating bioTools company that is revolutionizing drug development within the fields of obesity, diabetes, and regenerative medicine by manufacturing the first-to-market human tissue models of diverse patient populations for drug screening. The company partners with academic and government research laboratories, and other biotechnology firms, to advance their research objectives. Executive team intend to bring and share their expertise and offer network expansion to those areas, if interested.
The company currently sells products to customers all over the globe, including academic and government research laboratories, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies who are developing new therapies. The visiting participants may have ideas for potential research exchange partners and potential global partners for distribution. The company is also actively
fundraising and would welcome the opportunity to interact with potential investment groups in the space.
Cian C. Robinson
President
Robinson Ventures
cianrobinson@robinsonventures.com
Founder and President With 25-years of experience in management, strategy, investment, innovation, and leadership within both large, complex corporations as well as small, entrepreneurial companies, Cian Robinson is a decades long entrepreneur in the healthcare, information technology and management consulting fields. His specialties include implementation of strategies that take concepts from idea to implementation, to goal achievement, and finally organizational impact. An
entrepreneurial leader, he is an expert at building and nurturing teams, partnerships, and coalitions. Most recently Cian was the Vice President and Executive Director of Innovation at McLeod Health, having joined the system in October 2020. Prior to
McLeod, he was the Executive Director of Innovation, Research and Real Estate Investments for Ochsner Lafayette General. Prior to Ochsner Lafayette General, he was a Director of two computer science based research centers at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Cian has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Saint Vincent College (Latrobe, PA) and a Master of Science in Public Policy and Administration (finance concentration) from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College (Pittsburgh, PA). Cian is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He has been recognized for his entrepreneurial and community work with several awards including: Silicon Bayou 100 (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020); Leadership Louisiana (2017), LEAD Virginia (Class of 2008), Amherst N.Y. Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Champion Award (2006), Western New York’s 40 Under 40 Award (2005), Niagara Frontier Industry Education Council’s Pathfinder Award (2004), National Science Foundation’s Entrepreneur Next Wave Award (2003), as well as Leadership Buffalo’s Class of 2000. He and his wife Dr. Natalie Harder reside in Hartsville, SC and have two children, Tucker and Rory.
Mr. Robinson will be presenting on Ochsner Lafayette General’s innovation and investment ecosystem, specifically focusing on the creation of Healthcare Innovation Fund, LLC and Healthcare Innovation Fund II, LLC. He will describe the funds’
investment theses as well as how both fund have returns that are internal (IRR), investment based (ROI), as well as economic development related.
Access to investment and new marketplaces for products and services related to Ochsner Health as well as portfolio companies.
Joseph Spell
CEO
Tides Medical
jspell@tidesmedical.com
Joe Spell, CEO and founder of Tides Medical, has had extensive experience developing several successful businesses in the advanced medical product space. Throughout Spell’s almost 20 years of varied industry participation, he has specialized in spinal implant technologies, orthopedic implants, and hospital sterilization. This background led him to recognize an unmet
need in the field of wound care. Leveraging his understanding of product development, distribution, sales, and customer service, Spell established Tides Medical to deliver high-quality, safe, and effective skin substitute products coupled with a mission to deliver exceptional customer experiences. With its start as a private label birth tissue distributor, Tides’ business has
grown to encompass the entire product and service cycle while maintaining its unwavering dedication to creating patient access. As a result of Spell’s visionary leadership, Tides has become a trusted partner for clinicians who depend on
personalized solutions from expert sales, reimbursement, and customer service teams. Spell is an active supporter of many organizations in his community, including the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana, the American Cancer Society, Junior
Achievement, and LSU’s Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, among others. Through the Tides Medical Foundation and the Spell Family Foundation, Spell and his wife Annie have invested in local non-profits whose missions meet their philanthropic focus areas of education, medical research and community development.
Having transitioned from start-up to scale-up, Tides Medical has the experience to support partners interested in developing, manufacturing and growing biologics enterprises. Tides also has specific experience in: – the specialized regulatory issues relates to donation procurement, manufacturing and distribution/sales – the complicated and evolving reimbursement mechanisms needed to succeed with a new or growing product – developing and maintaining a patients-first company that delivers over-the-top customer service – clinical and research opportunities in amniotic tissue products and wound care specialties.
The Tides Medical growth trajectory is not slowing and as we expand we will be looking for partnerships to: – extend our sales into the Americas and widen our reach throughout the nation – build-out our supply chain to meet the increasing and projected demand for our products – explore private equity partnership opportunities
Laurel Hess
Founder + CEO
hampr
laurel@tryhampr.com
Laurel is the vision behind hampr – an on-demand, peer-to-peer laundry solution. A working mom of 2 young children, Laurel came up with the idea for hampr after coming home from a business trip to be greeted with mountains of laundry – and a full
weekend of sports and birthday party activities. A marketing veteran with more than 15 years of experience in developing and executing comprehensive, integrated marketing plans, Laurel previously ran a successful digital marketing company, Rally Marketing and owned her own marketing firm, ReGROUP Marketing. Prior to Rally, Laurel served as the Sales and Marketing Manager of theMercedes-Benz Superdome, Smoothie King Arena and Champions Square. She has vast experience in coordinating public relations for international companies like Verizon Wireless to American Airlines as well as major sporting events, like Super Bowl and NCAA Men’s Final Four. She was instrumental in New Orleans securing the bid to host Wrestlemania 2014 and developed corporate sales packages and marketing strategies for Champions Square from
construction to completion.
I can offer marketplace business investment opportunities.
I am interested in learning how to expand globally and potentially forge new partnerships to identify new markets.
Mandi D. Mitchell
President & CEO
Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA)
mandi@lafayette.org
In November of 2021, Mandi D. Mitchell was selected to serve as President and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA). In her role at LEDA, Mandi leads the organization’s efforts to attract and retain jobs in Lafayette Parish and to foster a business climate that is conducive to private investment and development and entrepreneurship. A Lafayette, Louisiana native, Mandi received her B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering and her M.B.A. from the University of New Orleans. She also is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and has earned the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council. Before joining LEDA, Mandi served as Assistant Secretary at Louisiana Economic Development (LED) where she oversaw the Small Business, State Economic Competitiveness, and Community Competitiveness teams and directly led LED’s legislative efforts. Prior to her appointment as assistant secretary in 2015, she served as LED’s Director of Governmental Affairs and Federal Programs and as Director of Governmental Affairs. Before joining LED, Mitchell was an independent business owner and consultant, providing governmental affairs, legislative lobbying, business development, and community relations consulting services. She
served as the regional manager of external affairs at AT&T (formerly BellSouth Telecommunications) from 2004 to 2009 and worked in the field of electrical engineering from 1998 through 2004 at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and BellSouth
Telecommunications.
Ms. Mitchell can offer technical assistance, incentives analysis, infrastructure support, governmental liaison services, and
market research for any private entity wishing to locate their operation and create jobs in Lafayette Parish.
The Tides Medical growth trajectory is not slowing and as we expand we will be looking for partnerships to: – extend our sales into the Americas and widen our reach throughout the nation – build-out our supply chain to meet the increasing and projected demand for our products – explore private equity partnership opportunities
ACE Louisiana Speakers
CGI
William R. LaBar
Vice President
CGI
William.Labar@cgifederal.com
William LaBar is a member of CGI, the world’s 5th largest independent IT consulting and business process services company with 78,000 members in 400 offices across 40 countries. Mr. LaBar is the Vice President of CGI’s U.S. Onshore Delivery
Program which has created more than 1,800 jobs across 7 geographies in the US. This program is focused on generating significant economic development and diversification impact through workforce development partnerships with state and local governments, university and local community organizations (including approximately 700 jobs in CGI’s Lafayette Center of
Excellence). Will’s team also leads the US-wide STEM@CGI program. This program is focused on introducing students in demographics that are underrepresented in STEM fields (including students who are female, Black, Latino, Indigenous, have disabilities and/or are economically underserved) to IT related careers and concepts such as software development and data science. As a member of the Lafayette community, Will sits on the Executive Committee of One Acadiana, is the President of Downtown Lafayette Unlimited (a 501 C (6) supporting the revitalization of downtown Lafayette) and has been activelyengaged in supporting CGI’s Corporate Social Responsibility projects across Lafayette.
CGI is prepared to offer insights into best practices, patterns of engagement, and lessons learned on creating sustainable economic development partnerships with state and local entities, as well as insights from our Community Engagement
framework, with an eye towards providing assistance to participants in replicating these patterns either in Louisiana, or in other geographies. While visiting CGI’s site, we will have set up multiple kiosks that will compliment Mr. LaBar’s presentation that will cover topics such as: STEM Education from K-12 years of education, workforce development partnerships with local
universities, apprenticeships and internal training academies, talent acquisition strategies, and employee engagement approaches to support different employee groups such as women in technology, our black members alliance, Pride@CGI, and our veteran support community. Where possible, CGI is offering the opportunity to meet with perspective attendees about their interest in creating a similar partnership to the one found in Lafayette, within their respective communities.
CGI is interested in learning about the best practices and patterns of engagement that participants have seen and adopted in their respective geographies to help attract and accelerate economic development with companies in IT consulting or other related industries. Where possible, CGI is interested in the opportunity to meet with perspective attendees about their interest in creating a similar partnership to the one found in Lafayette, within their respective communities.
ACE Louisiana Speakers
Rock'n'Bowl de Lafayette
Anita Begnaud
CEO
Downtown Development Authority
anita@downtownlafayette.org
As the leader of DDA and DLU, Anita works with Downtown stakeholders, developers, government representatives, and community leaders to create a stronger and more dynamic Downtown for Lafayette. Before joining Downtown Lafayette, Anita worked as the Senior Vice President of Communications and Governmental Affairs with One Acadiana, and she has been actively involved in Lafayette leadership organizations like Leadership Institute of Acadiana and the 705. She currently serves as a board member of South Louisiana Community College Foundation and CASA of SoLA. Anita understands the regional importance of a vibrant urban core and she works to provide a strategic vision for leaders in Lafayette to utilize and grow Downtown as a flagship district for culture and commerce in Acadiana.
To act as a connector for interactions with local investors and business owners in downtown to foster new relationships and investment for local projects that are and may be soon available in downtown Lafayette.
We aim to pitch collaboration with projects in the works or on the horizon. This is an excellent opportunity to expend our regional and global networks through business and investment opportunities due to continue the soaring interest in developing downtown.
Johnny Blancher
CEO
RocknBowl®
jblancher@rocknbowl.com
As CEO/ Chef of Rock’n’Bowl® & Ye Olde College Inn, Johnny Blancher carefully blends new Louisiana cuisine, live music, bowling, tradition & fun with family values. While growing up in New Orleans the food culture influenced Johnny greatly and frequent visits to his family’s Vermilion Parish cattle ranch and farm fused both the creole and cajun food cultures in a unique way. Tradition with a twist best describes his cuisine & business style. Johnny and his family have been featured on multiple local television networks as well as Live with Regis and Kelly, CNBC & even Good Morning America. Johnny has won the New Orleans Po-Boy Festival “Best of Show” honor twice and won the Louisiana Seafood Cook-off (Navy Week) with innovative ideas based on Louisiana staples. As CEO of Ye Olde College Inn & RocknBowl® Johnny has been a leader in Community Involvement & Volunteerism through his businesses. Johnny has helped to support the Notre Dame Seminary and all the young men that are studying for the priesthood. Each Christmas season Johnny helps to erect a life size Creche on the grounds of Notre Dame Seminary. Johnny credits the relationships built at Notre Dame Seminary as being the biggest impact for he and his family in Lafayette. Upon arriving in Acadiana, Johnny found out that for years God had been building a book of contacts across Acadiana through the Diocese of Lafayette and it’s future priests. Johnny believes in improving the areas around you by overwhelming the bad with good. Johnny says, “Change your surroundings by adding more good things than
others can add bad. You’ll wear them out over time.” As a Jesus Project Contributor Johnny aids an After School Literacy Program for young students in an economically depressed part of our state. Give back nights at Ye Olde College Inn are a
major part of Johnny’s philanthropy. Johnny has regularly donated 20% of net sales to many educational causes and Catholic school programs. RocknBowl® has hosted countless youth groups and has helped organize fundraisers to benefit and enhance the leadership of Catholic youth and countless other worthy causes. Johnny is a former Board of Director at YCP. YCP has local Chapters across the Nation promoting witnessing to Christ at work and is focused on bringing together young
professionals for mentoring. A husband and a father, Johnny has three children Piper(20), Blaise(18), and Lola(16) aided by his bride of 23 years, Christine. Member of LSU Baseball National Championship Teams 1996, 1997 Former Board Member YCP New Orleans Founder Neighborhood de Notre Dame Member of Legatus
To provide insight about developing mixed-use projects that bring creative and vibrant entertainment to mid and large size markets. Will also engage in conversations to collaborate on future investment projects in Lafayette, LA.
To be included in the opportunity to partner on future developments with companies and developers in and around Downtown Lafayette to help raise the level of economic growth in the area. I believe that the rising tide raises all ships.
ACE Louisiana Speakers
Opportunity Machine
Destin Ortego
Executive Director
Opportunity Machine
Destin@opportunitymachine.org
Destin serves as Executive Director for the Opportunity Machine which currently serves more than 100 startups and small businesses each year, supporting them from the idea stage to maturity, and hosts several entrepreneurial events such as
Innovate South. He earned his bachelor’s degree in visual arts, with a concentration in graphic design, and his master’s degree, with a concentration in public relations, from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is a recipient of The Daily Advertiser’s Top 20 Under 40 award, one of Silicon Bayou’s 100 most influential people in Louisiana’s startup scene, and was named the Richard Baudoin Jr. “Friend of Business” for the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame. He currently serves as
the Board Chair for Junior Achievement of Acadiana, a board member for Festival International and the Academy of Information Technology, and an advisor for the Academy of Interactive Entertainment Advisory Committee.
Opportunity Machine can provide landing space for high-growth startups to launch, expand, or relocate to Lafayette, LA., support navigating entry into the US market, and collaboration with other similar innovation agencies to grow one another’s
ecosystem.
Opportunity Machine is interested in expanding its national and global networks by identifying potential markets for participating startups to expand into, identifying startups that could benefit from the resources it can provide, and connecting with venture capital investors who are interested in startups stemming from the Louisiana region.
ACE Louisiana Speakers
The Municipal
Edward J. Krampe III 'EJ'
Partner
OFCH, LLC
ejkrampe@mclaff.com
EJ Krampe’s interests are very diversified, each making major contributions to the continued economic success of Lafayette and Acadiana. He is a McDonald’s restaurant owner with over 40 restaurants. Other interests include support for family related restaurant concepts such as Charley G’s, Social, Marcello’s, Pete’s and the Tap Room, each a leading restaurant in their respective categories, and real estate projects that are both preserving and expanding the core of Lafayette. Committed to community revitalization, EJ is partner in OFCH, LLC, a company that owns the Municipal in downtown Lafayette. The Lofts at
the Municipal is the first major residential project in the heart of the city. It is a redevelopment of a 3 building site that sat in disrepair for 20+ years. EJ’s commitment to a better community is expressed in his voluntary service as much as his success as
a business leader. He served as the only 2 time Chairman of LEDA, the Lafayette Economic Development Authority. EJ also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. He is on the Board for One Acadiana and the Lafayette Market Advisory Board for Iberia Bank. EJ is currently the Chairman of the State of Louisiana Small
Business and Entrepreneurship Council. In 2019 he was awarded the Business Person of the Year Award for Acadiana. EJ and his wife Daphne Brunet Krampe, have been married 28 years and have two sons, Grant and Bennett. Grant is a graduate of Notre Dame University with a Masters in Accounting and is a CPA with KPMG in Houston. Bennett is a graduate of LSU with a Management Degree. He is currently working for Mallard Bay, a start up company in Baton Rouge.
The partners of The Municipal are open to discussing partnership opportunities for future redevelopments in Lafayette, LA. Also, willing to share some tips and ideas on how to redevelop real estate by leveraging public-private partnerships and creating economic impact through mixed-use development.
Our partnership is always looking to expand our network of local, regional, national and international contacts. We also are open to seeking more opportunities for real estate investment and business opportunities that will compliment our investment in the Acadiana region.
ACE Louisiana Speakers
Acadiana Center for the Arts
Carol F. Bebelle
Principal Co-Founder
Ashe' Cultural Arts Center
cbebelle@gmail.com
Carol Bebelle is a native New Orleanian. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Loyola University in Sociology and a Master’s Degree from Tulane University in Education Administration. She has a 20 year career in the public sector as an administrator and planner of human service programs. In 1990, Carol established a private consulting firm offering planning, development, and grant writing services to human service programs. Her clients were non-profits, religious programs, entrepreneurs, and artists. Carol is a published poet and essayist. She is a popular panelist and commentator on the transformative power of culture. Her written works can be found in various anthologies, reports, and journals. In 1998, Carol Bebelle and Douglas Redd founded Ashé Cultural Arts Center (Ashé CAC), an organization dedicated to community and human development using culture and art. Ashé CAC became a central player in the rebuilding of New Orleans, particularly the Central City community and the cultural landscape of the city especially for community artists and culture bearers. She ended her term as Executive Director of Ashe’ Cultural Arts Center at the end of 2019. In 2020 Carol established AKUA Productions NOLA, an entrepreneurial practice committed to the production of multimedia projects, consultation and facilitation that pursue, celebrate and advocate equity, justice and healing. Carol is a popular panelist, commentator, and advisor on the foundational and transformative power of culture. She has participated in international, national, and local processes aimed at emerging the resilient and healing powers of culture and art for cultural, social, and equitable change in the world. Carol has an impressive collection of international, national and local awards and acknowledgments. Among these are : 2018 New Orleans Tricentennial acknowledgement of being 1 of the 300 most influential people in New Orleans History -2021 Champion of Culture by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities -2019 Sweet Arts Award/ Contemporary Arts Center -2019 Urban Hero Award/ New Orleans Jazz Orchestra -2018 Flame Award/Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies – 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award/ Xavier University 2013 Top Female Achiever in New Orleans/ New Orleans Magazine -2011 Mr. Goto Award, Tokyo Japan – 2009 Crystal Feather Award/ Marci Gras Indian Hall of Fame -2010 Inspire Award/Essence Magazine – 2010 Trailblazer Award, Data News – 2010 SisterSpeak Award / Ebony Magazine – 2007 National Leadership Award/ V-Day Carol is radically hopeful and dedicated to the healing work that transforms pain to power. Culture is strong medicine in her medicine bag. Carol remains a dedicated servant leader.
Expand the network of influence. Expand network for communications and distributions for current and future products.
Dustin Cravins
Board President
Holy Rosary Redevelopment
dustin@lalouisianne.com
Dustin Cravins is the Board President of Holy Rosary Redevelopment, an organization chartered to redevelop and restore the historic 3-story Holy Rosary Institute building back to its place of prominence in the community. Dustin is also the COO of La Louisiane Consulting LLC. As part of his commitment to support economic development in our region, he also volunteers his time as a board member of the Greater Southwest Louisiana Black Chamber of Commerce.
Dustin Cravins is the Board President of Holy Rosary Redevelopment, an organization chartered to redevelop and restore the historic 3-story Holy Rosary Institute building back to its place of prominence in the community. Dustin is also the COO of La Louisiane Consulting LLC. As part of his commitment to support economic development in our region, he also volunteers his time as a board member of the Greater Southwest Louisiana Black Chamber of Commerce.
We would like to attract funding to further contribute to the site’s redevelopment, technical assistance from knowledgeable
sources familiar with these efforts, and exposure to other possible regional and national resources.
Josh Guillory
Lafayette Mayor-President
Lafayette Consolidated Government
mayorpresidentsoffice@lafayettela.gov
Josh Guillory took the Oath of Office as Lafayette Mayor-President on January 6, 2020.
Guillory was elected on his commitment to bring Lafayette City and Parish closer together. He pledged to do more with less; to focus on core priorities; to grow and diversify the economy; to make the city and parish more business friendly; and to work for greater efficiency and transparency in the use of taxpayer funds. He also pledged to work tirelessly to ensure that all citizens are treated fairly, no matter where they live in Lafayette Parish.
Since taking office, Josh and his Administration have navigated an unprecedented series of challenges — the COVID-19 pandemic; a shutdown of the economy; a collapse in energy prices; multiple weather events; recurring protests; and the first budgeting cycle under the new, Amended Charter. Josh and his staff worked diligently through the shutdown to protect the health and safety of the people of Lafayette Parish, while pioneering safe business practices for the reopening of the economy.
When Guillory took office, Lafayette Consolidated Government was on an unsustainable spending trajectory. It was estimated that the entire General Fund Balance of the City of Lafayette would be exhausted in less than two years. The forecast became even worse with the closing of the economy due to COVID-19.
Guillory responded by immediately making substantial reductions in spending during the 2019-20 budget year. He also proposed and passed a budget for FY 20-21 that is $29 million lower than the prior year.
The FY 20-21 budget enhances spending on core priorities in drainage, roads, and public safety, while protecting the general fund of the city. It initiates development of public-private partnerships to sustain cultural venues and update parks, while empowering the people who use them. Guillory understands that the global, national, and local economic forecast for the next two years is highly uncertain. He is dedicated to implementing sustainable models and doing more with less. It is the only responsible course.
Guillory is working together with municipalities in Lafayette Parish and leaders across Acadiana on the critical issues we are facing. Every major challenge and opportunity calls for a united approach across the parish and region – COVID-19, storm water management, crime and public safety, jobs and economic diversification.
To make the city and parish more business friendly, Guillory intends to make use of every technological, analytical, compliance and motivational tool available. He is actively engaging every department and employee of LCG in this effort.
Learn more: https://lafayettela.gov/mayorpresident/director
Access to LUS Fiber, one of the fastest broadband providers in the country. The ability to consult with LUS Fiber’s leadership on their structure and development. Coordination with partners like the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Opportunity Machine.
Consideration of Lafayette Parish for future innovation and infrastructure partnerships, along with investments in development and expansion.
Laurel Hess
Founder + CEO
hampr
laurel@tryhampr.com
Laurel is the vision behind hampr – an on-demand, peer-to-peer laundry solution. A working mom of 2 young children, Laurel came up with the idea for hampr after coming home from a business trip to be greeted with mountains of laundry – and a full weekend of sports and birthday party activities. A marketing veteran with more than 15 years of experience in developing and executing comprehensive, integrated marketing plans, Laurel previously ran a successful digital marketing company, Rally Marketing and owned her own marketing firm, ReGROUP Marketing. Prior to Rally, Laurel served as the Sales and Marketing Manager of theMercedes-Benz Superdome, Smoothie King Arena and Champions Square. She has vast experience in coordinating public relations for international companies like Verizon Wireless to American Airlines as well as major sporting events, like Super Bowl and NCAA Men’s Final Four. She was instrumental in New Orleans securing the bid to host Wrestlemania 2014 and developed corporate sales packages and marketing strategies for Champions Square from construction to completion.
As a participant of the women in business/female founders panel, I hope to inspire the growth and development of women in leadership roles and as entrepreneurs across the globe. To also urge community leaders to provide more opportunities for equitable access to funding and resources for women entrepreneurs
To offer engagement in investment opportunities and partnership opportunities with consumer facing companies.
Lauren Bercier
Co-Founder & CEO
Something Borrowed Blooms
lauren@sbblooms.com
Lauren Bercier is the Co-Founder & CEO of Something Borrowed Blooms, an innovative company revolutionizing the wedding flower industry. Something Borrowed Blooms (SBBlooms) is changing the way brides plan and pay for wedding flowers with a unique solution to keep wedding flower costs low while still offering elegant arrangements that capture the attention of brides across the country. The company specializes in providing on-trend, premium silk wedding flowers for RENT – offering cost savings, convenience, and sustainability. Since launching, SBBlooms has taken in over 20,000 orders, now serving over 1,000 weddings per month and growing. SBBlooms has received national press from media outlets including Forbes, The New York Post, The Today Show, Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and more. Bercier has led the organization through substantial growth including 2021’s increase of over 85%, even with lingering COVID-19 impact. She oversees business
development by creating, planning, & implementing the strategic direction of the organization from its central office in Lafayette. Lauren is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations and a certification in elementary education. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement and is a past board member of Maddie’s Footprints. Lauren is a VILLAGEx alum and the winner of the 2021 Idea Pitch Competition. She is a graduate of Louisiana Economic Development’s CEO Roundtable and was a past member of FedEx’s Entrepreneurial Advisory Board. Lauren loves the thrill of entrepreneurship and aspires to pave the way for young entrepreneurs, especially women, and the capital that is available to them.
Access to LUS Fiber, one of the fastest broadband providers in the country. The ability to consult with LUS Fiber’s leadership on their structure and development. Coordination with partners like the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Opportunity Machine.
Consideration of Lafayette Parish for future innovation and infrastructure partnerships, along with investments in development and expansion.
Mandi D. Mitchell
President & CEO
Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA)
mandi@lafayette.org
In November of 2021, Mandi D. Mitchell was selected to serve as President and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA). In her role at LEDA, Mandi leads the organization’s efforts to attract and retain jobs in Lafayette Parish and to foster a business climate that is conducive to private investment and development and entrepreneurship. A Lafayette,
Louisiana native, Mandi received her B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering and her M.B.A. from the University of New Orleans. She also is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and has earned the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council. Before joining LEDA, Mandi served as Assistant Secretary at Louisiana Economic Development (LED) where she oversaw the Small Business, State Economic Competitiveness, and Community Competitiveness teams and directly led LED’s legislative efforts. Prior to her appointment as assistant secretary in 2015, she served as LED’s Director of Governmental Affairs and Federal Programs and as Director of Governmental Affairs. Before joining LED, Mitchell was an independent business owner and consultant, providing governmental affairs, legislative lobbying, business development, and community relations consulting services. She
served as the regional manager of external affairs at AT&T (formerly BellSouth Telecommunications) from 2004 to 2009 and worked in the field of electrical engineering from 1998 through 2004 at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and BellSouth
Telecommunications.
Ms. Mitchell can offer technical assistance, incentives analysis, infrastructure support, governmental liaison services, and market research for any private entity wishing to locate their operation and create jobs in Lafayette Parish.
Through participation in ACE Lafayette Day, we are hoping to spark an interest in job creation and capital investments in Lafayette Parish, as well as collaborations that could support access to capital for budding entrepreneurial ventures – including those owned by disadvantaged individuals in the community.
Missy Rogers
President
Noble Plastics
missy@nobleplastics.com
Consider more actionable steps to diversify the manufacturing base and supply chain to accelerate innovation.
Insights into trends in automation, new materials, and Industry 4.o.
Consideration of Lafayette Parish for future innovation and infrastructure partnerships, along with investments in development and expansion.
Robin LeBlanc
President/Owner
Robin LeBlanc, CPA, LLC
info@robinleblanccpa.com
Robin founded Robin T. LeBlanc, CPA, CGMA, LLC, in 2015 in Broussard, LA. It has since grown from sole practitioner to a staff of 8 and counting. The firm’s growth is based on passion connected to innovative technology, education, and bringing
accounting practices into the 21st century. Robin is a dedicated entrepreneur and strong advocate for financial education. Under her leadership, Robin’s team serves hundreds of clients in the US as well as several countries. Both a student and educator at heart, she enjoys helping her clients grow their businesses and financial acumen. Voted as one of the top 3 CPA firms in The Times Best of Acadiana Community Awards 4 years in a row, Robin believes in directly contributing to the communities she services. She is currently the Treasurer for both the Broussard Economic Development Corporation and the Lafayette Women’s Chamber of Commerce, where she is also a founding board member. A past Acadiana 20 Under 40 recipient, Robin most recently was selected one of the 2021 40 Under 40 Black CPA Award recipient and the AICPA/LCPA Women to Watch Emerging Leader for 2021. She is an Advanced Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and was appointed to the national Intuit QuickBooks Accountant Council for the 2021-2022 term. Robin specializes in Start-up Business Advising, accounting automation and QuickBooks Desktop and Online Conversion and Training. Away from all things accounting, she enjoys running, traveling to live concerts, and raging out in the closest mosh pit!
Sharing knowledge in navigating US tax code and credit opportunities.
Seeking interested partners or investors for Team Adventure Games. https://www.adventuregamesinc.com/locations/louisiana-team-building
Scott Feehan
Executive Director
Festival International de Louisiane
scott@festivalinternational.org
Scott Feehan is the Executive Director of the largest international music and arts festival in the United States, Festival International de Louisiane. He served on the organization’s Board of Directors from 2010 -2016, serving as President and interim Director for the final year of his term. After a very successful event in 2016, Scott was hired to continue in his role. Before coming to Festival International, Scott was a serial entrepreneur with a career spanning retail, music education, and IT
consulting. Scott lives in Lafayette, Louisiana, with his wife and two children. They enjoy a robust life and like to spend time biking, boating, and attending music festivals.
We can offer a vehicle for cultural exchanges between our two cities that can be leveraged to form strategic alliances and enhance trade arrangements.
Participants can help us by thinking strategically about how we can form cultural exchanges between our two cities in order to foster economic trade agreements. With music and art as our catalyst, we can begin with mutual celebration and move towards finding common interests in trade. We provide a wide open landscape to build upon locally and would look to find inroads to
external resources to bridge our regions.
Setareh Mirian-Delcambre
Realtor
Latter & Blum
Setareh@LatterBlum.com
Since becoming licensed to sell real estate in Louisiana in 2007, Setareh has established the work value that her client’s success determines hers. Her business is centered around building lasting relationships and in turn, a majority of her business consists of repeat clients and referrals. Previously a co-owner of Mirian Real Estate for nearly 13 years with her Mother, Mary Ann Mirian, the two ladies merged their company with Southern Lifestyle Realty which was owned by the developers of River Ranch in Lafayette, LA and Sugar Mill Pond in Youngsville, LA, among many other developments. Soon after, the company
was bought out by Latter & Blum, a leading real estate company in the Gulf South; Setareh works under both the Latter & Blum – Residential & NAI/Latter & Blum – Commercial, family of companies. Consistently a Top Producer, Setareh proudly holds recognition as one of Latter & Blum’s Top 10 Realtors in Acadiana. A long-term love for historical properties, revitalization and
strong city centers as well as active investments, including bars & restaurants and redevelopment projects with her husband and on behalf of clients, has garnished her as a leading source for all facets of Real Estate, especially in the Downtown Lafayette market. Over the course of selling real estate during a pandemic, notable focuses include the high priority for relocation and the increased demand for luxury properties. Together with her husband, they are raising their 3 kids as ‘Downtowners’ and look forward to seeing how our market continues to flourish, not only for their kid’s future, but also for Lafayette Parish as a whole!
In addition to explaining why our market is fertile for investment and development opportunities, I would like to offer my services to provide detailed market report data, property searches and Broker-to-Broker referral partnerships.
It would be wonderful to be introduced to developers that I could represent on local projects in and around Lafayette, LA as well as Brokers who I could work with for relocation and vacation home referrals.
Susan Cox
President/CEO
LogoJET Inc.
susan@logojet.com
Susan Cox is the President & CEO of LogoJET Inc., a business she founded 17 years ago, currently located in Lafayette, Louisiana and regional offices in Minneapolis, Tampa and Bogota, Colombia. An early pioneer in direct to substrate printing,
LogoJET was named to the Inc. 5000 for the last five years and posted a 4-year growth rate of 168%. LogoJET is also a three-time LED Growth Network Winner. LogoJET’s award winning printers serve a wide range of industries including promotional
products, manufacturing, trophy and awards, signage, home décor, gifting, industrial labeling, packaging and even food products using an edible ink. Susan is an active volunteer member and participant to several printing association organizations including Print United and International Sign Association. Susan is a frequent speaker at industry trade shows and entrepreneurship events. She has served on the APA (Award and Personalization Association) Communications Committee, Tradeshow Committee, and currently serves on their Board of Directors. She is also a writer for the Insights
Magazine sharing some of her business experience in growing successful teams and has a passion for working with other entrepreneurs. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Susan relocated LogoJET to Louisiana 12 years ago.
Salesforce CRM for sales and workflows Marketing lead gen for B2B new partnerships for technological development
Through sharing what we do and how we have been able grow 40% year over year, identify additional new partnerships to help expand into international markets and new technologies.
ACE Louisiana Speakers
Vermillionville
Troy Wayman
President & CEO
One Acadiana
Troy@oneacadiana.org
Troy Wayman serves as president and CEO of One Acadiana (1A), the leading economic development agency for the nine- parish Acadiana region located in South Louisiana. With more than 600 investors, members, and partners, One Acadiana
serves as the voice of the regional business community. The organization is based in the city of Lafayette and serves a region of roughly 700,000 people with a vibrant culture and unique entrepreneurial spirit. Mr. Wayman joined the organization in2018. Under his stewardship, 1A is focused on improving the regional business environment, cultivating diversified economic
development, and building on 1A’s nationally recognized success in implementing programs that spur economic growth and competitiveness. With more than 20 years of experience, and as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Mr. Wayman has earned a reputation as a dynamic and trusted professional. Prior to joining 1A, he served as the vice president of economic
development for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, where under his leadership, the region experienced the creation of more than 8,000 jobs and nearly $3 billion in capital investment. His previous experience also includes roles as the business development director for JESCO Construction, and tourism sales manager and director of economic development for the
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. As a civic leader, Mr. Wayman served as a founding board member of the Montgomery chapter of the First Tee, a youth golfing program that teaches life skills through the game of golf. He is a past
president of the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) and past chairman of the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council (SAWDC). Mr. Wayman also served on the boards of Goodwill Easter Seals and the Warrior Tombigbee Waterway Association while in Alabama. Mr. Wayman is a graduate of Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama and the Economic Development Institute through the department of continuing education at the University of Oklahoma. He was credentialed as a Certified Economic Developer through the American Economic Development Council in
1997.
Troy is happy to be a regional point of contact for any attendees looking to partner on economic development initiatives in the Acadiana Region.
Troy and One Acadiana welcome the business development and partnership opportunities that the delegation can bring to the Acadiana Region.