NEWSLETTERS

The Bayou Chapter was thrilled to host this year's ABC Louisiana State Convention, "One Great State," on July 29 - August 1, 2009 in San Destin, and to be a part of the networking & comraderie shared by over 350 ABC member company representatives and their family & friends.

The three days of programming kicked-off with the "Red, White & Brew" Opening Reception on Wednesday evening, followed by the Jazz Brunch on Thursday morning featuring music by the New Orleans Downbeat Jazz Trio, a special introduction by Louisiana Senator Jack Donahue, and the moving words of Governor Bobby Jindal as the keynote speaker . . . we are proud to report this was the first time in the 32-year history of the State Convention that a Louisiana governor joined in the festivities (note: you can find the video of Governor Jindal's address on this website by returning to the homepage for instructions). 

While the Governor was speaking, the 50+ children attending this year feasted at the "Daylight in the Swamp" Kid's Breakfast.  Following the brunch, the "Live & Learn" Seminar was conducted by Sonny Shields & Dan Lund of member company, Shields Mott Lund.  Later in the day, adults and kids alike found fun in the sun at the "Back to the Beach" activities and "Fais Deaux-Deaux" poolside dinner buffet, which included a dynamite fireworks display with a simultaneous tribute of rock music classics to close out the night honoring our great country.

Also for the first time this year, a "Shop-a-Holics" outing was organized on Friday morning for those wanting to get a head start on school shopping at the nearby outlet mall.  But even these dedicated shoppers were no match for the one's who chose to be the really early birds by heading off to the greens for the 2009 State Convention Golf Tournament.  Tournament winners this year included 1st Place players Todd Grigsby, Casey Crawford, Trey Crawford, & Murphy Foster; 2nd Place players Chris Roussell, Reagan Roussell, Reggie Daigle, & Sean Hebert; and 3rd Place players Vincent Giardina, John Donahue, Tim Blanchard, & Mark Haley.

Once the two groups were back on Hilton Resort property, "Cha-Cha's Salsa" dance class was held for the really adventurous; and the treat for being the boldest of the Convention bunch -- frozen margueritas to keep everyone on their dancing toes (and the younger dancers in the crowd found refreshment with the non-alcoholic strawberry version as well)!

Finally, Friday evening ended for Convention goers with a "Bad Moon Rising" -- Cocktail Reception and Dinner-Dance that is; complete with a true Bayou shack, built by Bayou Chapter member Dwayne Mayeux of Mayeux's AC & Heating, and all the swamp-chic' accoutrements the ABC staff could find to decorate for the celebration!  Guests were treated to a fabulous meal of filet mignon and grouper with crabmeat, and the award-winning Chocolate Cappuchino Delight was served for dessert.  While dining, and then later as everyone was kicking up their heels, DJ Craig of CD Sound filled the night with music until it was time for the parents shaking a leg had to go retrieve their little ones from the Children's "ZooVenture" Pajama Dinner Party.

It was a little sad to rise on Saturday morning for the "Farewell Breakfast," but seeing the exhausted, but happy faces of the other attendees reminded us that we definitely needed the rest from all the fun of the 2009 State Convention so that we can do it all again next year!  Until then, please go to our online Photo Album for a glipse of the excitement.