TEDA elects officers; promises assertiveness for 2012

With eight of its 14 members present, the Terrebonne Economic Development Authority Board of Commissioners offered a vote of approval for current Chairman Don Hingle to continue serving in that capacity during 2012.

“We’ve had a tough year [in 2011],” Hingle said after being selected without competition on opposition. “We couldn’t have gotten where we need to be without everyone’s help.”

TEDA spent nearly half the year in search of a new CEO after the firing of Mike Ferdinand in December 2010. Procedure and the search process challenged the board. On Aug. 8, Steve Vassallo began working as CEO and has taken an aggressive role in moving the primary economic machine for Terrebonne Parish to a new level.

“It is nice to be back on track,” Hingle said. “I believe 2012 will be a pivotal year for TEDA.”

Hingle is regional president for Business First Bank. He also served on the board of commissioners for the Terrebonne Port Authority and is a member of the South Central Industrial Association.

Independent financial consultant Clarence Williams will shift from his role as TEDA treasurer in 2011 to become the organization’s vice chairman of the board in 2012. Williams is active in multiple civic and political organizations.

Stephen Smith is new to the TEDA board and was selected by present members to serve as treasurer in 2012. Smith is vice president of All South Consulting Engineers and has worked closely with the Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District.

Rig Chem. President Lori Davis served as TEDA secretary in 2011, but declined to take on the role in 2012. “This organization has grown up in the past year,” she said. “It is for no other reason than my plate is completely full that I decline [serving in 2012].”

In turn, new TEDA board member Chris Lapeyre was named to serve as secretary for the organization. Lapeyre is a partner of Alford Staples Insurance. Community involvement for Lapeyre includes membership with the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce, SCIA and the Bayou Industrial Group.

Among standard business discussed during the board’s regular meeting last Tuesday, Vassallo addressed the need for TEDA to become more assertive during 2012 and better known among the general public, while not duplicating efforts or practices already performed by SCIA, SLEC or other business-related organizations of the region.

“Reorganization is essential if we want TEDA to be the leading economic development authority in Louisiana,” Vassallo said. “We need to move in a new direction that will insure maximum productivity, embracing the newest technologies, and providing us a global forum.”

Vassallo said that for TEDA to realize its fullest potential it must realign its responsibilities, work in conjunction with allied organizations, become creative in initiatives and activities, foster a team spirit, endorse a work ethic that will not settle for anything less than the best, work smarter, be proactive rather than reactive, involve the wider community more frequently so as to make the public aware of goals, expand relationships with Nicholls State University and Fletcher Technical Community College, and become results oriented.

“Next year has the potential of being a banner year for TEDA,” Vassallo said. “We cannot limit or restrict ourselves by self-imposed barriers. … Even the most outstanding fine-tuning and are open minded as to constructive improvements. TEDA should do likewise in evaluating itself annually if not more frequently.”

Board members agreed that they would undergo specific training during a January meeting, which includes explanation of legal responsibilities and restrictions.