Tag: Bayou Region

Bayou Regional Arts Festival Creates Cultural Display

The Bayou Regional Arts Festival brought vibrant music and diverse cultural displays to the streets of Houma on Friday, October 11, and Saturday, October 12. Featuring over 14 musical acts and a variety of cultural performances, the event marked a significant step forward for the local arts scene, as per this article from Houma Today. With free admission, the festival attracted attendees from across the region, offering a lively mix of entertainment, food, and artistic expression. One of the key highlights of the event was a performance by renowned blues musician Tab Benoit, who took to the stage from 9:30 to 11 p.m. on the second night of the festival.

Tab Benoit, a native of Louisiana and a beloved figure in the blues world, has been on tour promoting his latest album,I Hear Thunder. Released after a 13-year hiatus from the recording studio, this album quickly climbed the ranks to top the Billboard Blues Album Chart. Benoit’s performance at the Bayou Regional Arts Festival was eagerly anticipated, and he did not disappoint the crowd with his soulful guitar playing and powerful vocals. His set, which closed out the festival’s second night, was a memorable moment for attendees.

In addition to Benoit’s performance, festival-goers enjoyed sets from other local and regional acts, such as Nonc Nu and da Wild Matous, Tyron Benoit, Randy Jackson, and the Josh Garrett Band. These artists contributed to the eclectic mix of sounds that filled the air, representing genres ranging from zydeco and blues to country and rock. The festival’s musical diversity was a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of the Bayou region, with each act offering a glimpse into the area’s unique musical traditions.

The 2024 edition of the Bayou Regional Arts Festival showcased its growth, not only in size but in the scope of its offerings. This year, the festival expanded to include three stages: the Bayou Arts Main Stage, the White Boot Stroll Stage, and the Cultural Collective Stage. The main stage, located at the intersection of Barrow and Main Street, was the primary venue for headline performances, including Tab Benoit’s set. The White Boot Stroll Stage, situated in Courthouse Square, hosted a variety of more intimate performances, while the Cultural Collective Stage, located at the intersection of Lafayette and Main Street, provided a platform for artists and performers from diverse backgrounds to share their cultural traditions.

One of the standout features of this year’s festival was the increased focus on cultural diversity. The Bayou Regional Arts Council, which organized the event, made an intentional effort to invite a wide range of cultural groups to participate. According to the festival’s Executive Director, Genie Ardoin, the council aimed to give each group the freedom to showcase their culture in the way they felt was most authentic. “We invited any culture that wanted to come represent their culture in the way they thought their culture was best represented,” Ardoin explained. She emphasized that the council allowed participants to define for themselves what was most important about their culture.

The Bayou Regional Arts Festival has clearly grown since its inception, with organizers reporting a significant increase in attendance compared to previous years. According to data provided by Explore Houma, which tracks festival attendance using cell phone and credit card information, last year’s event attracted around 15,000 people. This year, festival organizers anticipated an even larger crowd, thanks to the expanded lineup and broader cultural representation. The Bayou Regional Arts Festival, with its combination of musical talent, cultural performances, and community support, has become a cornerstone event for the Houma area. It not only celebrates the arts but also gives back to the community in meaningful ways.

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Bayou Region Incubator Empowering Entrepreneurs

The Atchafalaya Intracoastal Coalition (AIC) demonstrated its commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship by donating $6,300 to the Nicholls State University Bayou Region Incubator (BRI). This generous donation facilitated the sponsorship of a St. Mary Parish business with a small office space and a one-year membership, underscoring the coalition’s dedication to economic development within the region, as per this news release from Nicholls State University.

Lisa Kliebert, the Director of the Bayou Region Incubator, expressed profound gratitude for the donation, emphasizing the importance of the relationship it established. She noted that the AIC’s contribution had been instrumental in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses within St. Mary Parish. Kliebert conveyed optimism about the future, anticipating not only the benefits of the sponsorship but also a continued partnership between the AIC and St. Mary Parish. She highlighted the potential for collaborative efforts to foster small business growth and economic development throughout the Bayou Region.

The Bayou Region Incubator was established with a clear mission: to provide comprehensive support to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses. This support encompasses training, services, mentorship, networking, and other essential resources. The incubator’s objectives are multifaceted, with a strong focus on enhancing resiliency in a post-COVID-19 environment. By diversifying the local economy, the incubator aims to equip businesses with strategies to adapt and respond to new economic trends and unforeseen challenges. More information about their initiatives can be found on their website, bayouregionincubator.org.

The Atchafalaya Intracoastal Coalition, a nonprofit organization, strives to promote economic development within St. Mary Parish. Their mission is centered on the advancement of initiatives that contribute to the civic betterment of the community. By supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth, the AIC plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for residents in and around St. Mary Parish.

The Bayou Region Incubator’s mission aligns closely with that of the AIC. It aims to motivate, grow, and support a diverse, sustainable, and inclusive economy in South Louisiana’s Bayou Region. This mission is pursued through intentional investments in entrepreneurship and small business development. The BRI places a particular emphasis on developing industries that address Louisiana’s coastal crisis and on strengthening economic vitality in the wake of the adverse effects of COVID-19 and ongoing environmental threats.

At the core of the Bayou Region Incubator’s efforts is the provision of training, services, mentorship, networking, and other forms of support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. This support is particularly focused on those operating within the Bayou Region. The incubator aims to foster new business development, thereby impacting economic development in response to, and proactively against, the pandemic and other economic risks. The BRI remains committed to addressing the ever-evolving threats to the coast, community health, and economy through continuous adaptation and development.

The vision of the Bayou Region Incubator is to economically fortify and contribute to an inclusive community by operating at the forefront of innovation in Louisiana’s coastal and water crisis. This vision entails creating an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, jobs are generated, and businesses flourish. By addressing the unique challenges posed by coastal erosion and climate change, the incubator seeks to develop sustainable business practices that not only benefit the local economy but also protect the region’s natural resources. Through strategic initiatives and targeted support, the BRI aims to be a catalyst for economic transformation, promoting resilience and adaptability in the face of ongoing environmental and economic threats.

The ultimate goal is to build a vibrant and inclusive economy where all community members have the opportunity to prosper, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared equitably across the region. Through these concerted efforts, the Bayou Region Incubator aspires to be a cornerstone of economic strength and inclusivity, driving sustainable development and long-term prosperity for South Louisiana.

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From Vision to Reality: Bayou Region Incubator Welcomes Generous Support at Grand Opening

The Bayou Region Incubator and the Student Entrepreneur and Innovation Center celebrated a momentous occasion at their grand opening event, as they were presented with over $110,000 in generous support from various sponsors, as per this news release from Nicholls State University.

Among them, Chevron’s contribution of $50,000 played a pivotal role in furnishing the common areas and offices, ensuring that the space is equipped with essential furniture, office equipment, internet services, and mentoring platforms. Lisa Kliebert, the Executive Director of the Bayou Region Incubator, expressed immense gratitude, noting that without Chevron’s contribution, furnishing the space would have been a significant challenge.

In addition to Chevron’s support, Mosaic also stepped up with a substantial contribution of $50,000. This contribution focused on promoting diversity and inclusion within the incubator community. It encompassed crucial aspects such as diversity and inclusion training, roundtable cohorts, and sponsorship for the BRI to become a member of the River Region Chamber of Commerce. This sponsorship enables businesses associated with the incubator to attend River Chamber events as guests, fostering networking and collaboration opportunities. Kliebert emphasized the transformative impact of Mosaic’s contribution, highlighting its potential to benefit up to 17 businesses through various membership offerings, ranging from private office space to virtual memberships.

Premier Food Group’s donation of $7,500 was directed towards the creation of essential areas within the incubator, such as the kitchen and break room. These spaces are integral for fostering a conducive work environment, where members can recharge and enhance their productivity without having to leave the premises. Moreover, Premier Food Group has pledged to volunteer their time and expertise to conduct multiple training sessions at the BRI, further enriching the support ecosystem provided by the incubator.

Furthermore, Susanna Lamers, CEO of BioInfoExperts, contributed $3,300 to sponsor a Dedicated Desk membershipfor a full year. This sponsorship underscores the community’s commitment to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs on their journey towards success. To ensure transparency and accessibility, applications for all sponsored memberships or vouchers will be made available on the BRI website and social media platforms.

Reflecting on the significance of these contributions, Lisa Kliebert remarked, “The grand opening of this business incubator signifies the beginning of a powerful regional resource, fueled by the unwavering support of our sponsors. Chevron, Mosaic, Premier, and BioInfoExperts have fueled the Bayou Region Incubator to ignite movement – a movement dedicated to fostering innovation, launching dreams, and propelling the economic engine of our entire region.”

Looking ahead, the Bayou Region Incubator is poised to become a vital hub for entrepreneurial activity in the region. With plans to accommodate approximately 40 to 50 startups and small businesses, the incubator will offer a wide range of amenities and resources. From collaborative workspaces and meeting areas to private offices and multifunctional conference rooms, the incubator is designed to meet the diverse needs of its members at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Moreover, the incubator will serve as a platform for learning and growth, offering access to trainings, guest speakers, networking opportunities, mentoring, workshops, pitch competitions, and professional development initiatives.

Central to the mission of the Bayou Region Incubator is the promotion of a diverse, sustainable, and inclusive economy in Louisiana’s coastal community. By investing in entrepreneurship and small business development, the incubator aims to address the challenges posed by the coastal crisis and contribute to economic vitality in the aftermath of the pandemic and ongoing environmental threats.

In conclusion, the grand opening of the Bayou Region Incubator marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for entrepreneurship in the region. With unwavering support from sponsors like Chevron, Mosaic, Premier Food Group, and BioInfoExperts, the incubator is poised to become a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and economic growth in Louisiana’s coastal community.

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Nicholls Awarded Grant to Install Bayou Region Incubator

Thanks to a recently-announced $3.5 million grant, Nicholls State University will soon be the home to the Bayou Region Incubator according to a press release from the school.

This multimillion-dollar grant comes from the Louisiana Office of Community Development, as it is a part of their Block Grant CARES Act Program (CDBG-CV). The awarded funds will be put towards a Bayou Region Incubator that will give local entrepreneurs access to business consultations, various training opportunities, technical assistance, and funding opportunities. The incubator will also bring in multiple guest speakers to Nicholls’ campus, organize entrepreneurial pitch competitions, provide professional development opportunities, and host a variety of entrepreneurial workshops.

Executive director of the Bayou Region Incubator, Kevin Pitts, commented on the vital need for such an establishment for growing businesses, saying “as these businesses grow, they will create more jobs and contribute their fair share of taxes. All of this will help the local economy. While some businesses will focus on coastal dynamics, we will work with a diverse variety of businesses. These will be businesses that the Bayou Region can be proud of.”

The incubator identifies some of its primary objectives as enhancing a sense of resilience for entrepreneurs in a post-COVID-19 landscape by diversifying the surrounding, local economy and developing multiple strategies for businesses to adapt to. Some of these strategies will be used to respond to new economic trends that may emerge and other imaginable, unexpected challenges. In addition to these pragmatic objectives, the incubator also plans to organize several programs for minority-owned and women-owned businesses and to generally support business development and the creation of jobs in communities with low and moderate levels of income.

When the funding for the project was initially announced, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards emphasized the focus on economic recovery in the wake of a worldwide pandemic as a reason as to why the state is supporting such an initiative. Out of the total $3.5 million, $2.6 million will be used to construct the nearly 8,000 square foot facility this fall, and the remaining $900,000 will contribute to operating expenses.

Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune said of the grant, “this grant will cement Nicholls State University as the economic heart of the Bayou Region. We expect the Bayou Region Incubator will produce everything from coastal solutions to innovative ideas in technology, healthcare, and more. Rebuilding our coast is more than physical land. It’s rebuilding the quality of life. And the Bayou Region Incubator will sprout businesses and generate jobs that will only augment the unique character of South Louisiana.”

The building, which will be located on the same “footprint” as Nicholls’ future Coastal Center on the corner of Acadia and Ardoyne Drive, will house collaborative workspaces, private offices, and a multifunctional conference room. All of the facilities within the incubator will be accessible by participating small businesses. At the conclusion of this 2-year grant, the Bayou Region Incubator will transition into a self-managed nonprofit.

The dean of Nicholls’ College of Business Administration, Dr. Marilyn Macik-Frey, said of the future facility, “this facility will be a place for entrepreneurs to access training, mentoring and space to make their dreams of a successful business come true. Helping ideas grow into viable businesses benefits the entire region through economic diversification and job creation. We are especially excited that the incubator will be on the campus. Students and faculty will have a resource in their backyard that allows them to transition research and creative ideas into viable businesses.”

With this new Incubator being housed on the campus of Nicholls, small businesses in the Bayou Region will be set up with the facilities, resources, and expertise needed to be successful and innovative in the competitive entrepreneurial landscape of not just South Louisiana, but the world at large.

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Nicholls Professor Awarded Grant to Improve Science Education

Students in the Bayou Region will soon be able to learn first-hand about DNA and molecular structures thanks to a grant awarded to a Nicholls professor, according to a press release from the school.

The Louisiana Board of Regents, the state agency that coordinates all public higher learning institutions in the state, has recently awarded Nicholls assistant professor of teacher education, Dr. Aimee Hollander, $69,056 for a project that will serve to educate local students and faculty about molecular structures through the creation and displaying of models.

In addition to being a Nicholls assistant professor, Dr. Hollander serves as the program director for the Center for Teaching Excellence and science secondary education, making her the perfect liaison to bring this valuable resource to Nicholls’ campus for both university and high school students and faculty to benefit from.

Now that it’s funded, the project aims to house an impressive collection of magnetic 3D molecular models at Nicholls’ Ellender Memorial Library so that it can be used by local biology and chemistry faculty for their courses. The models will be available for checkout to faculty at Nicholls as well as local schools, potentially impacting thousands of students. In addition to the models, the grant is also set to fund professional development for faculty so that the models can be used as effectively as possible.

The professional development will ensure that teachers know the full functionality and set of uses for the models, with the development being aligned to the Louisiana Science Standards. The State Standards require Louisiana educators to incorporate “the developing and use of models” to teach matter structure, chemical reactions, and information processing, so not only will the models available at Nicholls be useful but the professional development will be as well.

When it comes to certain subject matter in Chemistry, many students struggle with imagining abstract subject matter like DNA, due to its minuscule size. The conceptualization can often be a roadblock or a deal-breaker for students majoring in the sciences or those simply taking science courses as part of a general education degree plan. This can often lead to students seeking out videos of digital molecular models on Youtube, which can be helpful for some, but students that identify as tactile learners will have a lot more success with the physical 3D magnetic molecular models soon to be found at Ellender Memorial Library.

Housing the 3D models in the University library follows the long-standing collegiate tradition of the library being the centerpiece of all facets of research, information gathering, and in more recent years: educational resources. The internet is widely known to be a source of information, but with Youtube offering resources as well as uncertified curricula on its platform, many science majors might be tempted to take the “easy way out” and learn about Chemistry concepts from a content creator instead of their professor, which can have systemic problems and detrimental consequences down the line.

Ellender Memorial Library offers a maker space that will be able to be used in conjunction with the models to advance learning and modeling, which might lead to future 3D modeling competitions being brought to the Bayou Region some years in the future. These events are a unique blend of hybrid education and competitive spirit that students with interests in both the sciences and engineering can benefit from.

When asked about the impact of this grant in the coming years, Nicholls professor, Dr. Hollander said, “I have always wanted to provide my students with a more hands-on experience when learning biology and chemistry. These models will be accessible to regional teachers for use anytime during the semester and provide an experience that cannot be provided otherwise.”

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