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Former Port Fourchon director and current business consultant Ted Falgout has been named president of the South Central Industrial Association for 2012-2013.
Taking the gavel from outgoing president Kirk Meche, during the organization’s 15th annual banquet, Falgout said his passion lies with the sustainability of coastal Louisiana and accordingly fits the SCIA mission.
“Whether that be coastal restoration and protection, infrastructure upgrades, or trying to keep the vitality of our economy going, I look forward [to that being part of my service] for the year ahead,” Falgout said.
“I’m truly honored,” the organization’s new president added. “I’m not going to make any bold presidential statements like, ‘If I don’t fix the economy I’ll be a one-term president.’”
As the new SCIA president, Falgout listed several people he appreciated for the opportunities he has experienced during his career.
“I [also] want to acknowledge the success of this organization,” Falgout said. “That’s partly due to the leadership it has had over the years that have served before me. I’ll try to uphold this long-standing trait of commitment and dedication to this office.”
Additional officers for 2012-2013 include Lori Davis of Rig Chem as executive vice president, Lynn Falgout of Bollinger Shipyards as vice president, Robert Clemons of Seacor Marine as secretary and CPA Charles Theriot as treasurer.
The new SCIA Board of Directors includes Kirk Meche of Gulf Island Fabricators, Tony Alford of ASLR/Flack Alford, O’Neil Malbrough of Shaw, CPA Edward Boutherie, and Travis David of RAMCO.
During the banquet, several members, led by master of ceremonies Bobby Barthel, offered tributes to the organization’s past leaders, setting the evening’s tone of honoring public service.
Three specific service awards were presented as part of the program.
The SCIA President’s Award was given to K&B Machine founder Kenny Wood Sr.
Wood is a 1959 graduate of St. James High School. He served in the Louisiana National Guard then obtained a degree in machine tool technology from Delgado Junior College in New Orleans.
After working for multiple companies, Wood established K&B Machine in 1974 at the age of 34.
During the past 38 years, K&B has grown to include five locations in three states and has advanced from having four employees to 400. The company also received awards from the state of Louisiana.
Wood was noted for his involvement with the Fletcher Technical Community College Foundation and has been instrumental in the school’s advancement of technical machine tool training.
Wood is also co-owner of Blackhawk Plantation, a white tail deer reserve featuring guided hunting.
“This recognition by my peers means a great deal to me and I am totally honored to be given this award,” Wood said. “We all need to be appreciated. I appreciate every one of you. We are stronger as a group than acting alone.”
“The award is given as recognition for being a successful industrialist, entrepreneur and community supporter,” Meche said. “I’ve known [Wood] my entire life and consider him a father figure, friend and part of my family.”
A second award winner for the year was Stephanie Hebert, who received the Tillman Esteve Outstanding Member Award.
Hebert was recognized for her participation not only with SCIA, but with the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce, and the Kiwanis Club. She is also associated with the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, Special Olympics, and organizations associated with law enforcement and firefighters.
“This award winner is chosen by the SCIA board of directors based on service to the community,” SCIA Executive Director Jane Arnette said.
“This is a pleasure,” Hebert said upon being recognized.
Founding member and former SCIA President Tony Boudreaux was offered an award of appreciation as part of the organization’s program.
The banquet’s keynote speaker was Vietnam War fighter pilot, “My Enemy, My Friend” author, motivational speaker and Aviation Heritage Park Executive Vice President Dan Cherry.
As a retired Air Force brigadier general, Cherry relayed stories of his military service and its connection to his establishing a lasting friendship with former North Vietnam fighter pilot Nguyen Hong My.
The point of his message, Cherry said, was one of finding common ground where it is least expected and moving beyond the past.
“We hope this story will help veterans bring closure to their wartime experiences,” Cherry said. “The current message is that holding grudges is very futile. It is a good thing to reconcile differences, move on from the past, and that the power of friendship cannot be overstated.”
Offering his president’s report to the assembly, Meche referred to his year as president as being amazing.
He noted a list of speakers during SCIA membership meetings that included Gov. Bobby Jindal, former presidential candidate and Business First Bank founder Buddy Roemer, multiple congressmen and business leaders.
“This year we were able to give away more than $10,000 in scholarships to our members’ children,” Meche said regarding SCIA’s focus on industrial education. “We donated $5,000 to Nicholls State University for the development of a professorship and are helping to develop a maritime management curriculum at Nicholls, in the college of business, so we can attempt to keep our children here in Terrebonne and Lafourche [parishes].”
Meche said that legislative luncheons offered connections between SCIA and government decision makers. Meche added that SCIA also received financial support from the Greater Louisiana Foundation and BP during the past year.
SCIA members profess strength through unity as a vital trait in managing complexities of modern business. During the past 15 years of existence, the organization has evolved into being an influential voice for local industry and a proactive force, representing issues facing its membership and the industries they represent.
Keynote speaker and retired Brig. Gen. Dan Cherry receives direction from South Central Industrial Association Executive Director Jane Arnette during the SCIA Banquet.
