Lafourche chamber honors its top members

The Chamber of Lafourche and the Bayou Region held its 14th annual Awards Banquet on Nov. 15 at the Cut Off Youth Center.

Scott Angelle, secretary of the state Department of Natural Resources, as keynote speaker, talked about coastal restoration and hurricane protection.

He presented a check from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for $18 million to the South Lafourche Levee District.

At the event, the chamber recognized five people and one business for their exceptional service.

Susan Wolverton, of “Rajun Cajun” KLRZ FM, was named Ambassador (or volunteer) of the Year. The Ambassador helps the chamber staff with planning events.

Annie and Marion Waguespack, who are sisters, were honored as Community Heroes for their 70 years of service to the American Red Cross. The sisters became certified Red Cross first-aid instructors in 1937, and in 1990 they received the Clara Barton Award, named for the founder of the American Red Cross.

Dana Gros of South Lafourche High School was given the Educator of the Year Award.

The honor recognizes teachers from both public and private schools.

The Businessperson of the Year was David Lebouef, president of Frank’s Super Valu.

The business has acquired several other grocery outlets since its founding in 1978, including the National Food Store in Larose in 1989, Baudain’s Supermarket in Lockport in 1994 and Adams Piggly Wiggly in Golden Meadow in 2004. Lebouef became president in 1997.

Finally, the Business and Industry Award was presented to Callais Office and Furniture Supplies in Cut Off.

Also at the banquet, Thibodaux lawyer Woody Falgoux discussed his most recent book, “Rise of the Cajun Mariners.” The book is a chronicle of the oilfield boat business, which Falgoux says was conceived in the bayou country of Louisiana and started by Cajuns. “Mariners” is an account of the lives of four of those pioneering men.

The Chamber of Lafourche and the Bayou Region was formed in 1994 following the merger of the Central Lafourche and South Lafourche Chambers.