Thibodaux chamber hosts awards occasion

Generally, when people laugh at a politician it is not because of something good. When the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual awards banquet on Thursday, members and guests were kept laughing by state Sen. Jonathan Perry, but this time it was because of his good humor.

A past king of the International Cajun Joke Telling Contest, Perry, a Republican from Kaplan, demonstrated his skills as a masterful storyteller by demonstrating what folks of south Louisiana tend to enjoy almost as much as momma’s gumbo n laughing at ourselves.

This Cajun comedian’s humor targeted in part his own practice as an attorney, a former prosecutor, a former police officer and current membership in the Louisiana State Senate. Perry confirmed his pride of being designated “Legis-Gator” of the Year.

After Perry relaxed the crowd with his presentation, chamber leadership presented awards. Topping the list was the Frank Kennedy Citizen of the Year Award, which was handed to Realtor Ben Harang.

Himself a chamber member and board chairmen for 2012, Harang was recognized for his support of Nicholls State University, local law enforcement as a reserve deputy sheriff and work in fire protection and public education.

“I am very happy to say I’m not a member of the selection committee,” Chamber President Kathy Benoit said of the difficult choice to make among five finalists. “I’ve known Ben for a lot of years. I’ve always known he was involved in a lot of things, but I didn’t realize how extensively he was involved in training sheriff’s deputies and talking to students in the schools about drug awareness.”

Selection for a Frank Kennedy Citizen of the Year Award recipient follows specific criteria including the candidate’s significant contributions to the business community and economic development, contributions improving the quality of life for the citizens of Thibodaux and the surrounding area through works or deeds, being a resident or immediate former resident of the Thibodaux area that exemplifies good citizenship and not currently holding public office.

“I accepted the award with tremendous humility and respect for those that came before me,” Harang said. “Volunteering is something that I can give back to the community that I chose to live, work and raise my children in.”

The Chamber Chairman of the Board Award was offered to 27 recipients that made up the Thibodeauxville planning committee. The Unsung Hero Award went to Ana Lorena Keans. Foret Land and Tree was offered the Business of the Year Award. Entergy was handed the Chamber Member of the Year Award, and the Teenager of the Year plaque was presented to Adam Lefort.

Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman Annette Fontana presents the Frank Kennedy Citizen of the Year Award to Ben Harang during the chamber’s annual awards banquet. COURTESY PHOTO