Second Annual Upper Lafayette Success Stories Event Honors McDonald's of Acadiana and Prejean's Restaurant!
Our Second Annual Upper Lafayette Success Stories event, held on January 18, 2012, attracted 150 attendees at the Holiday Inn, 2032 NE Evangeline Thruway. Staying true to our mission of being a catalyst for positive growth and change, we were thrilled to welcome Darla Montgomery of TV 10 and Mike Mitchell of Fox 15 News who covered the outstanding success stories of our honorees, McDonald’s of Acadiana and Prejean’s Restaurant! The food, guests, ambience and service by the Holiday Inn staff were all exceptional. The generosity of our sponsor, The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco Free Living, ensured a wonderful event! Special thanks to Donna Landry, Our Lady of Lourdes, for leading our opening prayer, and Sean Trcalek of Delta Media for his moving rendition of the National Anthem.
Exciting news of new business development energized the crowd. Examples such as Houston Platings & Coatings announcing a $9 million dollar investment in Scott, Halliburton’s $65 million dollar expansion on Pont Des Mouton Road, and Hub City Ford’s recent investment of approximately $10 million in its gorgeous, redesigned facility were highlighted as examples of the true story of Upper Lafayette.
All four Upper Lafayette mayors were in attendance: Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel, City of Carencro Mayor Glenn Brasseux, City of Duson Mayor Johnny Thibodeaux, and City of Scott Purvis Morrison mingled in the crowd to the delight of our guests. We welcomed Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court Louis Perret who administered the Oath of Office to our outstanding 2012 Board of Directors, and also were joined by State Representative Vincent Pierre and State Senator Elbert Guillory. Chad Leger and Carlos Stout, Chiefs of Police of Scott and Carencro, respectively, were also in the crowd. The Holiday Inn was definitely the place to be!
Gregg Gothreaux, CEO and President of LEDA, was our emcee for the second year in a row and did a great job of presenting the compelling stories of McDonald’s of Acadiana and Prejean’s. Thanks to Gregg for shining the light on the continuing opportunities for success in Upper Lafayette!
It was so easy to select this year’s Success Awards recipients.
Prejean’s Restaurant is a true destination for travelers from around the country. When visitors come to Acadiana, the trip is not complete without having seen firsthand the excitement of a true Cajun experience….the fun, the dancing, and delicious food served up consistently by Bob Guilbeau and his talented staff.
Guilbeau offers an inspiring example of a man who follows his heart. Back in the late 1970’s, he realized that no one had ever truly captured the authentic Cajun tradition in a restaurant setting, the “joie de vivre” that we are all familiar with. Bob’s travels into Mexico while working in California allowed him to experience the combination of dancing, music, great food and festivities. It took a move from home to realize how much he loved his Cajun roots. In April 1980, Bob opened Prejean’s, the first Cajun restaurant, and a truly great place to relax, be entertained and enjoy seafood and drinks in an air-conditioned environment. Incredibly, no such place had ever existed!
As for Ed Krampe with McDonald’s of Acadiana, words cannot capture the professionalism and drive that he exudes. Ed is a founding board member of Upper Lafayette, and we are truly grateful for his commitment, dedication and belief in our cause. He brings talent, heart, and resources when needed, every time he is asked.
Ed runs his business the same way, as does the entire Krampe family and team members. Quality and winning service are what we have come to expect from McDonald’s of Acadiana and the related companies which have been created since Ed opened his first McDonald’s on the Thruway in 1972. The Krampes have opened 33 McDonald’s restaurants throughout Acadiana, employing over 1,000 area residents. Over the years, more than 70,000 Acadiana residents have been employed by the Krampes at one time or another. Ed Krampe realized early on that it takes great people to build a great organization. Commitment to people is a hallmark of both McDonald’s Corporation and McDonald’s of Acadiana.
Over the years, the Krampes have not only been involved with McDonald’s but with other business ventures and partnerships as well. Starting as far back as 1974, Ed partnered in the formation of a local advertising agency that still exists today. Ed’s first property development project of the 100 acre Versailles Development came next, followed by the partnership with the Southwest Group in Place de Lafayette which focuses on the purchase and development of Downtown Lafayette properties and buildings. The Foreman Oaks Office Park is an ongoing development project and the site of McDonald’s headquarters. The newest Krampe venture is the partnership of Jody Ferguson’s (Ed’s son-in law) and Marc Krampe with Charley Goodson at Charley G’s Restaurant.
Congratulations to both 2012 Upper Lafayette Success Award recipients! This award ceremony will be held in January of each New Year as a celebration of the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses in Upper Lafayette.
