Chamber honors 8 Young Achievers

The Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce honored its inaugural recipients of the Terrebonne Young Achievers Award.

Eight young professionals under the age of 40 were recognized.

The honorees included Norby Chabert, 38, Louisiana Senator and Bar Roussell owner; Mary Downer Ditch, 34, marketing assistant at Chet Morrison Contractors; Travis Gravois, 31, State Farm agent/owner; Jacqueline Marsh, 35, executive chef at TGMC; Tamara Melancon, 38, eighth grade teacher at Montegut Middle School; Werlien Prosperie III, 25, CEO of Diamond Advertising and Gas Pump TV; Angela Rains, 38, administrative manager and executive secretary for the Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District and owner of A&S Bayou Financial Services; and Brian Rushing, 33, owner and publisher of Rushing Media.

“The future of Terrebonne Parish is in good hands thanks in part to this group of talented and enthusiastic young leaders,” said Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet in a release. “We look forward to seeing their contributions to our community for years to come.”

A panel of judges representing the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Terrebonne and Terrebonne Consolidated Government evaluated and scored the nominations based on information on the applications in the categories of reason for nomination, professional career achievements, community involvement and vision and future aspirations for Terrebonne Parish.

Nominees had to be over the age of 21 and under the age of 40 as of Dec. 31, 2014 while also living in Terrebonne Parish.

There were 20 nominees, and the judges are allowed to select no more that 20 honorees per year.

“We had been actively searching for an avenue to encourage more young entrepreneurs and professionals to recognize the need to get involved in improving our community, and we believe this award would be one way to highlight and show appreciation for their efforts,” said Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Don Hingle.