Seasoned Businesses Support Lafayette, LA’s Economy
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Lafayette, LA, readily extended a hand to more than 18,000 evacuees from New Orleans – a true demonstration of Cajun hospitality. This deep-rooted culture of community isn’t siloed to its residents. It’s found in Lafayette, LA’s organizations, education institutions and businesses. In fact, many of Lafayette’s seasoned businesses work hard to better their region, providing jobs, investing in employees, strengthening the area’s economy and preparing the next generation for local jobs.
Ahead, learn about four business mainstays that portray the symbiotic relationship that exists between local companies and area residents, and how they support Lafayette, LA’s community as a whole.
In This Article
Oil Center Research
For a company that started out manufacturing and distributing polymers for the petroleum and nuclear industries, it may come as a surprise to learn that Oil Center Research (OCR) was once at the forefront of one of the most remarkable success stories in the toy industry. “Super Stuff” – a byproduct of one of OCR’s existing products – saw sales of more than $20 million within 90 days of its introduction to the public.
The wildly popular version of what kids today know as slime was invented by one of the company’s earliest employees, Mr. A. He.
“OCR would not be here today without my father, Mr. A,” says Brenda Stelly, president of OCR. “The invention of the product greatly contributed to the future success and stability of the company.”
Stelly says that at age 91, her father is still active within the company, alongside her and her two brothers.
OCR continues to expand its product lines to serve a growing number of industries, including government agencies such as NASA, which has taken OCR products into space.
On the ground, Stelly says OCR remains focused on product innovation and creating job opportunities within a company that values and supports its employees, and the community through philanthropy, diversity and sustainability.
LHC Group
LHC Group, a business headquartered in Lafayette, LA, prioritizes care and family, bringing in-home health care to members of the area (and nation) so patients can be surrounded by loved ones.
Keith Myers, LHC’s co-founder, chairman and CEO emeritus, says the success of the company – and community – can be greatly attributed to residents of Acadiana.
“We firmly believe that LHC Group’s growth and success over her first three decades of service is a result of constancy of purpose, our people-centered culture and industry-leading quality, patient satisfaction scores and operational efficiency,” he says. “Our leadership team and support staff in each of our functional support departments at our home office are heavily weighted with lifelong residents of Acadiana.”
Now affiliated with UnitedHealth Group – a Fortune 500 company – LHC continues to expand its services and grow its employee base. These expansions allow LHC to continue providing employees with a competitive benefits package and partnering with local universities and colleges to support workforce development initiatives.
Noble Plastics
Many Lafayette, LA, businesses (and residents) are known for their strong ingenuity and tenacity – especially Noble Plastics, a leading plastic injection molding manufacturer and automation company.
“Nobody around here does robots, and we’re trying to do highly robust precision manufacturing. By God almighty, I guess we’re going to learn how to program robots,” says Missy Rogers, president of Noble Plastics, while reflecting on the company’s determination to grow since its inception in 2000.
Rogers says it’s a kind of determination that helps the team get things done. Plus, it helps attract emerging talent, as many local and nonlocal students find the quality attractive.
“We speak the same kind of language that so many of our young professionals have in them innately,” Rogers says.
Speaking of students, the company prioritizes fostering the next generation of engineers by sponsoring engineering and technology initiatives at the K-12 and college levels, including sitting on various advisory boards, sponsoring competitions, providing internship opportunities, hosting robotics and STEM clubs, and creating opportunities for kids to interface with robots.
Acadian Companies
Acadian Companies grew from a small group of co-founders who wore multiple hats in 1971 to a multidivisional company serving the health, safety and transportation industries that now employs over 5,000 team members. Despite its growth, community remains at the center of its business model and vision for the future.
“Roughly 82% of the company is owned by employees,” says Blaise Zuschlag, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Acadian Companies. “Implementing the ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) is one of my father’s proudest accomplishments because our employees work really hard for a long career, then they’re able to retire with what I’d say is probably 40% their 401(k) and 60% stock cashed out when they leave, so it’s a pretty powerful benefit.”
In addition to investing in its employees, the Lafayette, LA, business partners with local K-12 and higher education institutions on workforce development programs to help give students a head start on career paths in health care. Initiatives like these are just part of a larger vision for the community’s future that Zuschlag says Acadian Companies is collaborating on with local government, businesses and organizations.
This article is sponsored by the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, Lafayette Economic Development Authority and One Acadiana.