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

 

Press Release: TEDA Welcomes Melissa Adams to its Board of Directors

Terrebonne Economic Development Authority (TEDA) would like to welcome a new board member, Ms. Melissa Adams. 

 

Melissa Adams is the Corporate Controller and Treasurer at Danos, LLC.  Melissa has been with Danos for 17 years with varying roles and increased responsibilities.  She started with Danos, LLC working on special projects, moved to Billing Manager, then to International Controller and currently as the Corporate Controller. 

 

Melissa holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and an MBA in Finance from Cal Lutheran University.  She holds a current CMA Certified Management Accountant certification.  She also was awarded a gold level badge from the IMA for Leadership.  She held financial positions at both Kinkos Corporate and WellPoint Blue Cross of California. 

 

Melissa served five years in the US Navy as an Air Traffic Controller, becoming fully qualified as a Facility Watch Supervisor being awarded a license with the FAA. 

 

Melissa has lived in Terrebonne Parish since 2013 and has served her community by volunteering as the President for MICS Catholic School and serving on the Board of Directors for Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce.

 

“We welcome Ms. Adams to our board of directors she will bring a fresh perspective to our board, said Cohen B. Guidry, TEDA CEO. “She will keep us apprised of the ever-changing Industrial / Financial world that she works in every day.”

 

Press Release: TEDA Welcomes Robert "Robbie" Naquin, Jr. to its Board of Directors

Terrebonne Economic Development Authority (TEDA) would like to welcome a new board member,  Mr. Robert “Robbie” Naquin Jr.

 Robbie, with B1Bank, brings to us nearly 20 years of financial experience.

Louisiana State University – Masters of Business Administration / Spring 2005

Concentrations in Finance and Internal Auditing.  Served as MBA Association’s Social Chair. 

Louisiana State University – Bachelor of Science / Spring 2003

Graduated from the E.J. Ourso College of Business with a major in Finance.

Board Service

South Central Industrial Association; Restore or Retreat; Ellendale Country Club; Morganza Action Coalition; Fletcher Technical Community College Foundation; Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Finance Council; Nicholls State University College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council.

 

“We welcome Mr. Naquin to our board of directors;  he will bring a fresh perspective to our board” said Cohen B. Guidry, TEDA CEO. “He will keep us apprised of the ever-changing financial world that he works in every day.”

Press Release: TEDA Welcomes Joshua Alford to its Board of Directors

Terrebonne Economic Development Authority (TEDA) would like to welcome a new board member,  Mr. Joshua Alford. 

 

Joshua Alford joined Alford & Associates in January 2017 as an Employee Benefits Consultant. After working in other industries, Josh saw an opportunity to change the insurance industry for the better and a profession where he can advocate on behalf of those going through tough life events.

 

Through his experience as a licensed insurance agent and risk manager, Josh strives to hold insurance carriers to account to make good on the promises made to Alford’s clients. He has a passion to provide quality customer service which is rooted in his deep respect for the resilient communities of south Louisiana. Josh prides himself on providing a high value of customer service – bringing along a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to build upon the company’s already strong foundation.

 

Currently, Josh serves on the Louisiana Healthcare Commission where he was appointed by the Insurance Commissioner and confirmed by the Senate. Additionally, he is a member of the Louisiana Insurance Commissioner’s Agent Advisory Board and has previously served as Secretary of the Houma­-Terrebonne Airport Commission and Secretary of the Louisiana Drone Advisory Board.

 

Josh is a 2012 graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School and a 2016 graduate of The University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Insurance and Risk Management.

 

Cohen B. Guidry, TEDA CEO, said, “We welcome Mr. Alford to our board of directors; he will bring a fresh perspective to our board.   He will keep us apprised of the ever-changing Industrial / Aviation world that he works in every day.”

K&B Industries Invests $12 Million to Create Second Manufacturing Facility Near Houma

Expansion project supports Louisiana’s growing aerospace sector, creates 148 Bayou Region jobs

HOUMA, La. – K&B Machine Works, doing business as K&B Industries, announced it is expanding its advanced manufacturing division by establishing a new production base at a recently acquired facility in Terrebonne Parish. The $12 million investment will allow the company to increase production and better serve the state’s growing aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing equipment markets.

The company expects to create 70 new direct jobs, while retaining 350 current positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 78 indirect jobs, for a total of 148 new jobs in the Bayou Region. 

“This commitment by K&B Industries signals the ongoing economic recovery of the Bayou Region and illustrates the strength and diversity of Louisiana’s manufacturing and aerospace sectors, which I have worked hard this week to strengthen while meeting with companies around the Paris Air Show,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “Manufacturing investments have a powerful ripple effect on the economic health of our rural communities. Thank you to K&B Industries for doubling down on Terrebonne Parish and the area’s skilled and resilient workforce.”

The new location will house surface enhancement equipment and an expanded clean room for assembly and testing, precision cleaning and anodizing of equipment used to manufacture semiconductors. The recently acquired facility on Equity Boulevard near Houma will also include space for additional automated machine solutions to maximize efficiency.

“K&B Industries has always pursued the latest technologies regardless of the markets we serve, and our diversification into the aerospace and semiconductor markets has allowed us to build a skill set that did not exist in the area before,” K&B Industries President Kenny Wood, Jr. said. “Our investment in our people has led us to establish a variety of training programs to help grow from within to meet the complex demands of manufacturing, quality, assembly, test and processing of rigorous aerospace and semiconductor industry standards.”

K&B Industries began operations in the Bayou Region in 1974. Since then, it has grown into a leading supplier of premium threading, manufacturing and engineering services for the aerospace and oil and gas industries.

The company estimates its upgrades to the 118,000 square foot facility will be complete this summer. The installation of a precision chemical cleaning line for semiconductor manufacturing equipment production is expected in September, and full operations are projected to commence before the end of the year. 

“K&B Industries is one of the top-rated companies to work for and an exceptional community partner in Terrebonne Parish,” Terrebonne Economic Development Authority CEO Cohen Guidry said. “The company has been providing superior services to the energy industry for nearly 50 years and this latest expansion will allow them to offer services never befor e available in the state of Louisiana.”

To secure the project, the state of Louisiana offered K&B Industries a competitive incentives package including a performance-based $480,000 retention and modernization tax credit subject to the achievement of payroll and investment targets. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs. 

About K&B Machine Works
K&B Machine Works, LLC was founded by Kenneth Wood, Sr, in 1974. The company's guiding values of service, quality and dedication to its people, the K&B Plus Factor, has driven the company to be a trusted and preferred provider for every major oil company and oilfield service provider in the industry. Dedication to creative solutions and leveraging technology has helped it to expand into the aerospace and semiconductor markets, both of which are technically demanding and have high barriers to entry. The company’s corporate headquarters are in Schriever; it operates additional sites in Houma and Houston, along with a joint venture serving the energy sector in Guyana. Learn more at kb-industries.com. 

About LED
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for strengthening the state’s business environment and creating a more vibrant economy. It is the only state agency in the U.S. accredited by the International Economic Development Council, boasting award-winning programs like LED FastStart, rated the No. 1 customized workforce training program in the U.S. 13 years in a row. In 2022, LED attracted 53 new economic development projects representing 18,137 new direct, indirect and retained jobs and $20.7 billion in new capital investment. Explore how LED cultivates jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and employers of all sizes at OpportunityLouisiana.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

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