Chamber officers installed, awards presented

NEW CHAMBER BOARD AND OFFICERS - Installed as the 2010 Board and officers of the Rayne Chamber of Commerce during the annual Membership Banquet were, seated from left, president Angie Broussard, vice president Nikki Link, secretary-treasurer Lisa Soileaux, and member-at-large Larry Habetz; standing, Chamber Director Miles Boudreaux, Board members Donnie Venable, Byron Foote, Todd Hanks and Kevin Prejean. (Acadian-Tribune Photo)

Josie Henry

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Lisa Soileaux ~ Assistant Editor

A new slate of officers were installed and a number of awards were presented during the 2010 Membership Banquet of the Rayne Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture.
The banquet was held Thursday, January 28, at Chef Roy’s Frog City Café in Rayne.
Cocktails were served at 6 p.m. with a cash bar, followed by the banquet at 7 p.m.
Awards were presented to the Business Person of the Year, Employee of the Year, and Business of the Quarter.
Of the nominees for Business Person of the Year were Jimmy Prevost of C.J. Prevost Insurance Company/Rayne Realty and Pesh Patel of Best Western Rayne Inn.
Joined by his family and staff, Prevost was named Business Person of the Year during the banquet. He was nominated by members of his staff.
Employee of the Year nominees were Kristina R. Lavergne of Rayne Catholic Elementary, Marcella Gary of Rayne Building and Loan, Brenda Hooper of Bank of Commerce, and Jim White of the United States Post Office, Rayne location.
White was named Employee of the Year and presented his award by Chamber President Angie Broussard and Chamber Director Miles Boudreaux.
In addition to the annual honors, the Chamber’s Business of the Quarter was awarded to Candyland Cottage as nominated by Lisa Soileaux. Dupont Heating and Air Conditioning was also nominated.
Mistress of ceremonies was Rayne Cultural Director Cheryl R. McCarty, outgoing Chamber vice president.
Head table dignitaries were Mayor and Mrs. Jim Petitjean, Deacon and Mrs. Daniel Besse, Chamber president Angie Broussard and her husband Stuart, Chamber Director Miles Boudreaux, and Judge Jim Cunningham.
Guests were welcomed by Chamber President Angie Borussard, who introduced Mayor Jim Petitjean. He discussed the partnership between the City and Chamber for the advancement of the Rayne business community.
The new 2010 slate of Chamber officers were installed by Judge Jim Cunningham as follows: president Angie Borussard, vice president Nikki Link, secretary-treasurer Lisa Soileaux, member-at-large Larry Habetz, and Board members Byron Foote, Todd Hanks, Kevin Prejean and Donnie Venable.
Outgoing Board members honored with special plaques were Cheryl McCarty and Paul Dupont.
Following a delicious meal, a power point highlights presentation was shown of the past year of Chamber events.