Bertha Walker
January 14, 2008James Akins
January 16, 2008
Following U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu’s talk at the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce’s 41st Annual Awards Banquet Thursday night, the chamber handed out its yearly awards for 2007.
The President’s Award was given to the chamber’s photographer and writer Rick Reso.
Chamber CEO Kathy Benoit received the Chairman of the Board’s Award, presented by outgoing Chairman Matthew Block.
The Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to the Shields family, Harry, Geri, Sara, Kate and Tre. The family has volunteered a great amount of time to Thibodeauxville and the Christmas parade.
Frost Lumber Company in Thibodaux was named the Business of the Year. The company was founded in 1882 and is believed to be the oldest business in Thibodaux operated continuously by the same owners.
The Chamber Member of the Year was the Louisiana Coca-Cola Bottling Company, presented by incoming Chamber Chairman Norman Loeske. Coca-Cola has regularly contributed financially to projects conducted by the Chamber.
The Music’s Unsung Hero Award was given to Billy Joe and Sandra King, who have volunteered their time to the Bayou Dixieland Band and are members of the Thibodaux Music Club. Billy Joe King has taught music for more than 40 years. The award recognizes persons who have contributed to the local culture through volunteering in music.
Katie Benoit, a senior at Thibodaux High School, was named the Teenager of the Year. Benoit maintains a 4.0 grade point average while playing volleyball, soccer and softball and is involved in other school activities. She is the daughter of Kevin and Debbie Benoit.
The final award – the Frank Kennedy Citizen of the Year – was given to Thibodaux Regional Medical Center’s Chairman of the Board Jake Giardina, who is also president of the South Louisiana Economic Council, located at Nicholls State University.
Giardina founded Cane Machinery and Engineering Company [CAMECO] in 1965, which was sold to John Deere in 1998.
He founded the Giardina Family Foundation in 1997 to assist persons with dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other learning disorders. The Foundation established the tuition-free Max Charter School on the Nicholls State campus, named in memory Giardina’s wife.
He said the Medical Center is debt-free and hires people based on qualifications, not for political reasons.
Giardina warned that the area is overly dependent on the oil industry and is in need of better roads and infrastructure, a view repeated by Sen. Landrieu. However, he pointed to business development at the intersection of U.S. Highway 90 and Louisiana Highway 311 as being a sign of a strong local economy in the future.
Harry Shields accepts the Ambassador of the Year award on behalf of his family. The Shields were honored for their local volunteer work. * Photo by MIKE BROSSETTE
