TEDA adds ins. broker to board

Alford, Staples, Lapeyre and Robichaux insurance brokerage partner Chris Lapeyre received unanimous confirmation from the Terrebonne Parish Council last Wednesday, and was added as a member of the Terrebonne Economic Development Authority Board of Commissioners. He fills a position being vacated as at-large member Matt Armand completes his term.

Lapeyre, 41, was born and raised in Houma. He is a graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School, Nicholls State University and American College. He is professionally designated as a registered health insurance underwriter and has been in the insurance consulting business for 15 years, managing group insurance benefits.

A professional member of the National Health Underwriters and Louisiana Association of Health Underwriters, Lapeyre’s civic interests have him holding memberships with the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce, South Central Industrial Association, Lafourche Chamber of Commerce, Houma Rotary Club, Nicholls State University Foundation, Nicholls State University Alumni Federation, Chambers of Commerce of America, the Krewe of Houmas and Krewe of Terreanians.

“I’m excited about [joining the TEDA board],” Lapeyre said. “I’ve been interested in it for quite some time. I think it is a worthwhile board that serves an important purpose for the parish.”

Lapeyre said he is interested in helping existing businesses as well as attracting new industry to the region. “Right now I would like to do a review of what type of incentives are in place to attract new businesses to this area and how we can improve on that,” he said.

“Even more important is keeping and retaining existing businesses to the parish. We’ve got a lot of good businesses in this parish that employ a lot of people and pay good paying jobs. It would be nice to go to those folks and find out what their needs are.”

“I know Chris pretty well,” TEDA Chairman Don Hingle said. “Chris is a business guy. He has a good head on his shoulders and will make a good addition. I look forward to working with him.”

In addition to Armand, TEDA board members that will complete their terms on Aug. 24 include Brad Doyle, Mike Voisin and Hingle.