2012 Chamber of Commerce Banquet held
Last Wednesday evening, Donaldsonville Chamber of Commerce filled Palazzo Bernardo’s Catering Hall for the annual Chamber banquet.
Senator Jonathan Perry was the guest speaker.
Senator Perry is an attorney where he is the founding partner of Perry Law Firm, LLC in addition to previously serving as an Assistant District Attorney for the 15th Judicial District Court.
Senator Perry began his public service when he joined his hometown (Kaplan) police department at the age of 25 where he obtained the rank of Sergeant. Senator Perry began his political career at the ripe age of 28 when he was elected as the youngest city councilman (2002-2006) in his hometown’s history. He served as chairman of the Finance and recreation committee while serving on the council.
In addition, Senator Perry is a professional comedian and one of the most sought after Cajun entertainers in the country. Senator Perry is the past King of the International Cajun Joke telling contest and is known as “The Cajun Ambassador,” he has been featured on Television and in newspapers throughout the United States, in addition to having performed at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and Washington D.C.,
Senator Perry is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe (formerly Northeast Louisiana University) in Criminal Justice with a minor in sociology and received a law degree from Southern University Law Center.
2011 Chamber President Marvin Gros gave his final remarks as President as he passed the gavel to 2012 President, Allison B. Hudson.
Hudson created a theme for the Chamber, “Interact and Collaborate.” She also placed strong emphasis on the acronym PLACE, which stands for Professional growth, Leadership, Advocacy, Connection-building, and Economic development for the Donaldsonville community.
“I plan to include more events for the Chamber and encourage each member to become involved throughout the year,” said Hudson.
Hudson, 26, plans to bring fresh new ideas to the Chamber by adding quarterly themes and focusing on one at a time. The first quarter will focus on a place for growth, the second quarter will focus on building connections, the third quarter will focus on education, and the fourth quarter will focus on value.
The Chamber also awarded Dville Glass and Body as 2011 Business of the Year. Dville Glass and Body has over 30 years experience, Donaldsonville Glass and Body Works goes beyond just service to your vehicle.
Offering all types of glass and windshield replacement, the business also does auto bodywork and painting.
A 24-hour wrecker service accompanies oil changes, tires, accessories and alignments.
Owned by Kenny Frederic since 1977, Donaldsonville Glass and Body Work's wide variety of services provided make the business unique.
Just this past year, Frederic opened up a quick stop shop on the corner of Division St. and Marchand Highway. Frederic turned the old Randazzo's building into what once was an eyesore to another business to add to Donaldsonville.
Citizen of the Year award went to Tammy Dale. She has been vital in the community by taking pride and picking up trash. She has been the driving force behind the trash bashes in Donaldsonville. Tammy's kind and loving heart touched over 300 volunteers in the area to become involved in her trash bashes.
2011 Teenager of the Year award was awarded to Cadet Chelsie Kreamer. She is the Cadet Commander for over 100 cadets and a four-year cadet in the Donaldsonville High School Air Force Junior ROTC Program.
“Chelsie is totally dedicated to the cadet program, her school and community. With her example of “Integrity First”, “Service Before Self”, and “Excellence In All You Do”, she promotes a sense of pride within the program and school,” said Major Donald Bailey.
Kreamer amassed over 400 hours of community service and countless hours as a leader of cadet activities, educational trips, school projects, and squadron staff functions.
The Chamber would like to thank all of its members for attending and its cornerstone members and chamber partners. Special thanks to the banquet sponsors: Richard Oil, Graugnard’s, Bourg Insurance, Cliff Ourso State Farm Insurance, Dugas Leblanc and Mire, Southern Eye Clinic, Law Offices of Marvin Gros, Raymond and Fran Aucoin, Capital One Bank, First American Bank, and Whitney Bank.
