Community awards presented at Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce banquet
Published-Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified- Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 12:16 a.m
By Sean Ellis
Staff Writer
The Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce announced its community awards at its 87th annual banquet Wednesday night at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center.
Recipients were:
Mary Lynn Bisland of Terrebonne ARC won the award that “recognized an employee, manager or owner of a Chamber-member business or organization who exceeds expectations with regard to customer service, leadership and volunteer community involvement.”
Under Bisland, TARC has created employment opportunities for its clients, opened a thrift store, the Cedar Chest Boutique, that has opened two stores and a farmers’ market that sells produce from TARC clients.
Photo provided by Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce
Terrebonne General Medical Center Sports Institute was honored for its dedication to the community. The award recognized the contribution of chamber member companies whose care for the community is demonstrated in their support of local nonprofit organizations.
The TGMC Sports Institute has provided care to some 20,000 student-athletes in the area and has provided baseline concussion testing, physicals and other types of services to area sports teams and schools.
Vandebilt Catholic High School senior William Laughlin Grace was recognized by the American Legion’s Houma Post for his involvement within his school and community.
Grace, who was awarded a $1,000 scholarship in addition to the award, intends to attend Tulane University in New Orleans to major in political science with a concentration in political affairs.
Peter Bourgeois Jr., a World War II veteran, who served in Okinawa and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star, was honored for his service.
Following his military service, Bourgeois had a lengthy career as a public servant with stints on the Houma Board of Eldermen, the Terrebonne Parish Police Jury and the Library Board of Control.
Kimi Walker of Chauvin Brothers Inc. was honored for her leadership capabilities and desire to go “above and beyond the call of duty.”
Walker was said to have a constant presence around the community at groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, attending committee meetings, recruiting new members to the chamber and promoting the chamber in the community.