Terrebonne Parish

Project Cynthia Press Release 5-15-25

Cynthia Louisiana’s pilot site aims to revolutionize waterway management of water hyacinth

GIBSON, La., May 15, 2024 – Cynthia Louisiana LLC, a subsidiary of the Belgium-based In-Between-International corporation, announces the opening of its inaugural operational pilot site in Gibson.

This milestone marks a significant step forward in the battle against the water hyacinth, which clogs waterways. The operation is poised to revolutionize waterways management by transforming this invasive species into a game-changing new fiber, offering a sustainable solution to a global environmental challenge. The fiber will serve as raw material to manufacture such items as nursery pots for plants and cat litter.

For decades, water hyacinth has plagued freshwater ecosystems worldwide, ranking among the top 10 most invasive species with seemingly insurmountable eradication challenges. Traditional methods, including herbicide spraying, have yielded limited success, leaving authorities grappling with escalating costs and persistent infestations.

Cynthia Louisiana's innovative treatment unit represents a paradigm shift in weed control, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical interventions. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies, the facility will process water hyacinth into a versatile fiber, mitigating its environmental, and social impact while creating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth.

"We are thrilled to unveil Cynthia Louisiana's first operational site, a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development," remarked Philippe Gustin, CEO of Cynthia Louisiana. "Our mission is not only to reclaim control of our waterways but also to empower communities and revitalize Louisiana's rich ecological heritage."

Cynthia Louisiana partnered with Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries, University of Louisiana Lafayette, and Terrebonne Economic Development Authority to develop and locate this operation in Gibson La. The Barataria Terrebonne National Estuary Program also recently announced its intention to fund research by Cynthia Louisiana to optimize production of biodegradable pots.

Rebeka Bahadorani, founder of the project, who undertook the mission to tackle the problem in 2010, added, "This journey began with a vision to address a pressing environmental challenge. Today, we stand at the forefront of innovation, leading the charge in transforming water hyacinth from a nuisance to a valuable resource."

“It has been a true pleasure working with the project Cynthia team since the inception of this venture,” said TEDA CEO Cohen B. Guidry. “The waterways of Terrebonne parish will benefit greatly from this concept. As we turn toward a more natural way of clearing our waterways of this nuisance, we are helping our environment, creating jobs and benefiting the local economy. We look forward to a long relationship with this company and the expansion of its operations to waterways across the parish and the state.”

With this groundbreaking solution, Cynthia Louisiana is leading the path for the rest of the world toward a successful resolution to the water hyacinth crisis. By showcasing the efficacy of this innovative approach, this project aims to inspire global action and collaboration in the fight against invasive species.

The launch of Cynthia Louisiana's treatment unit signals a new era for Louisiana's water management, promising to restore the region's freshwater ecosystems. Through innovation and collaboration, Cynthia Louisiana aims to turn the tide on invasive species and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

 

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Philippe GUSTIN

Lafayette, Louisiana 

Phone: (1) 337 296 7770

E-mail : pgustin7770@gmail.com

 

TEDA TIME - Events, Tourism & Economy

TEDA Time:  Keith Weisheit is joined by Katherine Gilbert-Theriot - TEDA Director of Business Retention & Expansion, Sondra Corbitt - Houma Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director, Ashlee Barahona - TFAE Executive Director,  and Kevin Champagne - MacDonell Children's Services Executive Director, to talk about events, tourism and economy.

https://www.htv10.tv/clip/15387699/teda-time-04202023-events-tourism-economy

TEDA TIME - La Small Business Development - Business Incubator 11/17/22

TEDA Time:  Keith Weisheit is joined by Cohen Guidry - TEDA Chief Executive Officer, Jimmy Nguyen - Associate Director LSBDC at NSU, and Lisa Kliebert - The Bayou Region Incubator Executive Director, to talk about Louisiana Small Business Development and Business Incubator.

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Bayou Region Business Organizations Launch Housing Initiative

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Houma, LA – A coalition of local business and industry organizations lead by the Terrebonne

Economic Development Foundation launched on Tuesday, November 3, 2021, a privately

funded initiative to provide short -term temporary housing to local residents and workers

displaced by Hurricane Ida.

“With the support of business and industry in our region and charitable investments from

private donors, we are excited to launch this housing initiative for Terrebonne and Lafourche to

get individuals and families into safe and stable housing. We believe that the private sector can

play a critical role providing housing solutions that supplement the public programs for

emergency housing,” said, Dr. Michael Garcia, Chair of Terrebonne Economic Development

Foundation Board.

Other local business groups participating in the housing initiative include Houma-Terrebonne

Chamber of Commerce, Lafourche Chamber of Commerce, Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce,

South Louisiana Economic Council, South Central Industrial Association, and Bayou Industrial

Group. Additionally, the program will enhance the efforts of many community nonprofits which

have been working on the ground to provide housing assistance to impacted residents of

Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes.

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GULF ISLAND TO EXPAND SHIPYARD WORKFORCE NEAR HOUMA

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Shipbuilding project will add 106 new direct jobs in Terrebonne Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. — Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards and Gulf Island Fabrication Inc. President and CEO Richard W. Heo announced the company will expand its Shipyard Division workforce near Houma. The company will create 106 new direct jobs at an average annual salary of $48,000, plus benefits, to accommodate orders for marine vessel construction. Those orders include ferries, university research vessels funded by the National Science Foundation, and towing, salvage and rescue ships for the U.S. Navy.                                                                                                              

Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 123 new indirect jobs, for a total of 229 new jobs for Terrebonne Parish and the Bayou Region. Gulf Island also is retaining 308 existing jobs at its Shipyard Division facility along the Houma Navigation Canal.

“Gulf Island has long been recognized as a leader in the construction and repair of marine vessels,” Gov. Edwards said. “Shipyards have been a pillar of our coastal economy for many years, and this employment expansion at the company’s shipyard facility near Houma is welcome news for Terrebonne Parish and the surrounding area. Gulf Island should find our skilled workforce in the Bayou Region ready and able to take on the shipyard’s increasing workload.”

SKILLSUSA LOUISIANA STATE SKILLSUSA CHAMPIONSHIPS HOLD ANNUAL SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP CONTESTS

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SkillsUSA Louisiana State High School division is holding their annual State skills and leadership contest at Terrebonne Career and Technical High School 3501 Patriot Drive Houma, Louisiana 70363 on April 1-3, 2020 in conjunction with National Career and Technical Education Month. Larry Rabalais State SkillsUSA Director and staff in conjunction with the Terrebonne Parish School officials and chairpersons at Terrebonne Career and Technical High School is hosting the contest. This event is the once a year capstone event in Technical Education here in Louisiana. SkillsUSA is a national organization serving high school and college students and professional members enrolled in training programs in technical, skilled, and service occupations, including health occupations in high schools and college/technical schools. There are many contest to be held in all related fields of Technical and Career areas that are so important to the economy of Louisiana. SkillsUSA Louisiana has more than 1,200 members from across the State. Each State holds its own contest. Louisiana will be hosting 54 contest of skills and leadership contest. High Schools and Career and Technical centers from around Louisiana will be participating. SkillsUSA has more than 344,000 members annually, organized into 13,000 chapters and 54 state and territorial associations (including the State of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands. SkillsUSA prepares America’s high performance workers. It provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills. SkillsUSA is the answer to the Skills GAP in the American Skilled Workforce. It emphasizes total quality at work, high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education and pride in the dignity of work. SkillsUSA also promotes understanding of the free enterprise system and involvement in community service activities. For more information: www.skillsusa.org.


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TEDA SEEKING COMPANIES SEVERELY IMPACTED BY HURRICANE BARRY

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TEDA, in conjunction with Louisiana Economic Development, has begun assessing the impact of Hurricane Barry. These efforts will inform the decisions of any local, state, or federal programs in place to assist businesses with recovery.

Please contact TEDA at 873-6890 or message us with contact information if any of the below issues are affecting your business:

 ·     Commercial or industrial property damage due to rain, wind, or flooding;

·     Continued loss of utility services such as electricity, internet or phone;

·     Long-term interruption of operations; or

·     Unresolved issues with access to workforce related to the storm.

 We wish to help heighten awareness of your company's situation with service providers and potentially help restore your business to full functionality.

Also, please share with us an estimate of the financial damage caused to your company. This information is vitally important for garnering potential business assistance funds that may come available, as well as allowing TEDA to lend its aid at this time.

Emails can be sent to info@tpeda.org or ktheriot@tpeda.org. Staff will follow up with you as soon as possible.

Thank you.

Terrebonne Coastal Day to showcase progress

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Updates on coastal restoration and flood protection projects in Terrebonne Parish will be featured at Wednesday’s Coastal Day in Houma.

Local, state and federal officials as well as industry leaders will congregate at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center to participate in panel discussions about the progress being made in the parish.

“If anyone’s interested in getting an up-close and personal look at our structures, our levees and meet some of the people who helped make it happen, I think it would be a great opportunity to do that,” said Angela Hidalgo, administrative manager for the Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District.

The levee district and parish government are putting on the event. The first interactive showcase in 2017 drew about 750 people, including people from neighboring parishes, said Hidalgo.

“The first time we did it, we had no idea it was going to be such a success,” she said, adding the event may be unique in the state.

While Coastal Day will run from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the first panel discussion taking place around 5 p.m., a few other events are planned earlier in the day.

The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority plans to have its monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the civic center, which is open to the public.

Then, the new $35 million floodgate at Falgout Canal will be dedicated to the late Jimmy Dagate at a public ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Dagate served as the attorney for the Terrebonne Parish Economic Development Authority, Terrebonne Parish Housing Authority and levee district. Gov. John Bel Edwards will speak at the dedication.

The event will include drone video footage recorded in the last two weeks, showcasing the different projects. People will have the chance to look at more in-depth closeups and stand next to a life-size model of a levee.

For information, visit www.tpcg.org.

Staff Writer Halle Parker can be reached at hparker@houmatoday.com or 857-2204. Follow her on Twitter, @_thehalparker.

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