Local attendees included: Representatives Simone Champagne and Bob Hensgens, Mayor Kirk Champagne, of Kaplan, Mayor Wayne Theriot, of Maurice, Clerk of Court Diane M. Broussard and husband, Jim, Melinda Frith, Legislative Assistant to Sen. Jonathan Perry, Alison Miller with the Vermilion Parish Tourist Commission, Kathy Richard, and Eric Robicheaux.
The event was organized primarily by Abbeville’s Rebecca Shirley, Director of the Acadiana Economic Development Council (AEDC).
Attendees included close to 200 representatives of the eight core Acadiana Parishes.
These local business-leaders, Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Organizations, and numerous Governmental Agencies - many of whom dressed in festive red and white - provided a united front to state Legislators.
Participants met in the Capitol Rotunda where tourist bureaus from around Acadiana hosted booths promoting their parishes. It was in this setting, as well as committee meetings, that individuals were able to meet with Legislators to inform them on issues dealing with Acadiana.
Attendees were then treated to a luncheon, catered by Chef Bobby and Dot of Kaplan, with scheduled presentations by Dr. G. Pearson Cross, Chair of the Department of Political Science at UL Lafayette, and Sen. Jonathan Perry, Chairman of the Acadiana Delegation. Sen. Perry could not attend as he was held up in committee.
Sen. Perry is now serving his fifth year as Chairman of the Acadiana Delegations which represents 22 parishes with Vermilion in its core.
“The constituents of all communities in Acadiana both large and small can have confidence that their best interests will always be first as our delegation moves through this very tough session,” said Sen. Perry earlier this year in a press release.
After the luncheon, the group took a commemorative photo on the steps of the capitol before being recognized by the House and Senate Chambers.
The Acadiana Delegation was formed in 1979 and is composed of 36 Representatives and 11 Senators. Other members of the Acadiana Delegation include; Vice-Chair Rep. Nancy Landry, of Lafayette, Secretary-Treasurer Rep. Mickey Guillory, of Eunice, Sen. Page Cortez, of Lafayette, Sen. Fred Mills, of Parks, Rep. Simone Champagne, of Jeanerette, Rep. John Guinn, of Jennings, Rep. Ledricka Johnson Thierry, of Opelousas, and Rep. Stephen Ortego, of Carencro.
If you would like to contact a member of this delegation you can address correspondence to P.O. Box 44500, Baton Rouge, LA, 70804 or by calling 225-342-0349.
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