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Lafayette marketing agency turns 25 | Business Buzz
William Taylor Potter, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
5 min read
Each week, we’ll offer insights into new businesses, developments and closings in the area. And we’ll answer your questions about what’s happening in a vacant store or empty lot. Email us at wpotter@theadvertiser.com.
Lafayette marketing agency BBR Creative celebrated 25 years in operation last week, and the agency dedicated its anniversary to the groups that have helped shape the business since its inception.
To celebrate its anniversary, BBR Creative is doing 25 activities to show its appreciation for its clients, workers and the community. The group kicked off its "25 Do-Good Days" by making a banner and cards for healthcare workers at Ochsner Lafayette General.
“This anniversary is the celebration of the BBR spirit – and that spirit is powered by the commitment to doing good,” said owner and CEO Cherie Hebert in a press release. “If BBR is to leave a legacy, I want to be known for our generous spirit and care for our client’s business, the people we employ and the communities in which we serve. The 25th anniversary is quite a milestone, and it doesn’t seem right to only celebrate the company and not also celebrate everyone who has helped along the way.”
The other activities BBR Creative is undertaking include partnering with Festival Acadiens et Creoles, the Hygiene for Humanity drive, public art murals, a community fridge, working with local universities to help students and installing a little free library.
Since opening, BBR Creative has worked with more than 650 brands locally, regionally and nationally.
“We believe businesses, no matter the size, have a responsibility to enrich the lives of their people, their clients and their communities," Hebert said. "This was a belief we started in 1997, and it still rings true today. We strive for positive growth and change. We strive to do-good for all, and we challenge other businesses and organizations to do their own version of do-good."
LEDA job fair results in 76 job offers, hundreds of follow up interviews
The Lafayette Economic Development Authority hosted its annual job fair last week, which is usually the largest job recruitment event in the Acadiana region.
The event, in its 27th year, drew around 110 employers who were looking to fill positions. Around 700 job seekers attended the event, according to LEDA, and employers reported making 76 job offers at the event. Employers made plans to have follow up interviews with 456 job seekers.
Club Pilates celebrates two-year anniversary
Club Pilates, the country's largest premium Pilates franchise, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week to celebrate the two-year anniversary of its Lafayette location. The ceremony was originally planned when the business opened in 2020, but it was delayed due to COVID-19.
Located at 500 Settlers Trace Boulevard in Suite 9, the studio offers total body workouts to help with posture, flexibility and strength.
At the studio, members can choose from dozens of classes that use a variety of equipment, including reformers, EXO chairs, TRX, springboard and Barre. The location is owned by Kayla and Cole O'Neal and Kendra and Justin Williams.
The studio currently has 10 employees with room for growth. There are long-term plans for a second location in Lafayette Parish.
“As a Lafayette native, I knew Club Pilates was needed in the heart of Acadiana," Kayla O'Neal said in a press release. "Lafayette’s passion for fitness has been proven throughout the years and I continue to see the passion within our Club Pilates community of over 400 members.”
Bayou Church breaks ground on expansion
The Bayou Church broke ground on its $12-million expansion project on Sunday, making the beginning of the 12-month project.
The expansion will add 32,485 square feet to the current 40,000-square-foot building. The new space includes a central lobby, a new space for children, a 250-seat multi-purpose worship venue, a coffee ship and multiple new restrooms.
"This is not about a building for us," Senior Pastor Sean Walker said in a release. "This is about helping people know God, find community, and make a difference with their lives. We believe that what appeared to be a setback [hurricane damage] was actually a setup from God for us to do something new. Decades ago, families sacrificed to build this church on a two-lane road. We believe it’s our turn to plant a seed for those who aren’t here yet. It’s our turn to invest in the future, and I am so proud of our church family for stepping out in faith to make this possible.”
Waitr reports $77-million loss in first quarter
Lafayette-based food delivery company Waitr reported a loss of $77 million during the first quarter of 2022, citing "goodwill impairment" and a lack of stimulus payments as factors in the loss, the company said in a release.
The company's revenue was around $35 million in the first quarter, down from around $38.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 and $50.9 million in the first quarter of 2021, according to its filings to the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission.
The first quarter results were reported as Waitr faces potentially being dumped from the NASDAQ in July if its share price does not get back above $1. The company is currently looking at doing a reverse stock split, which would combine existing shares and raise face value.
