VP Rotary Club welcomes recent guests

September 1, Meeting
Rotarian Mark Suellentrop invited Jason El Koubi with One Acadiana to address the September 1, meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club. El Koubi discussed the formation of One Acadiana and its goals for the area. He said that in 2014, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce transformed into One Acadiana to serve the nine-parish area. The campaign was officially initiated on February 8, with the formation of foundation. El Koubi noted that Evangeline Parish is a big part of Acadiana, which is one, big, deeply connected regional economy, not just a collection of communities. He noted that Acadiana has emerged as a metro area of significance in recent years and is now ranked third behind New Orleans in the state of Louisiana. He added that what happens in one parish can greatly impact the neighboring parishes. Through the One Acadiana organization, the entire region can work together to develop resources and market the area to potential businesses interested in coming to the area. He said that the area has three certified properties, including the Ward One Industrial Park in Evangeline Parish. El Koubi also noted that each parish has unique assets and the local chamber leaders from each parish are now working together to benefit the entire nine-parish area that comprises Acadiana.
September 8, Meeting
Rotarian Wayne Vidrine invited Lloyd Ardoin with the Opelousas Airport to address the September 8, meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club. St Landry Parish Airport-Ahart Field in Opelousas was originally built in 1947 following World War II. Ardoin stated he has been in aviation for 35 years as a pilot, inspector and mechanic and has been working at the airport for many years. He said the location is identified by its call letters KOPL. Ardoin said the location has four 4,500 foot runways and that it is currently at capacity.