Mantis Cranes recognizes Scott as 'top dealer'

Scott Powerline & Utility Equipment of Monroe has been recognized by Mantis Cranes as its "top dealer in the United States," according to a company news release.

The award is the fourth consecutive year that Scott Powerline & Utility Equipment has led the U.S. in sales of Mantis Cranes.

Bill Mitchell, CEO and president of Spandeck Inc., makers of Mantis Cranes, recently presented an award to Tom Scott Jr., president of Scott Powerline & Utility Equipment, during a company celebration in Monroe.

An additional award went to Scott Powerline for their input and market penetration of the WP750 Work Platform, which fits all Mantis Cranes.

AGC hosts charity golf tourney, presents $19,000 to JDRF

The Louisiana Associated General Contractors Lafayette District held its 15th Annual Charity Golf Tournament in August at Spanish Trail Golf Club in Cade.

Thanks to sponsors and supporters, Louisiana AGC was able to donate $19,000 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. JDRF's mission is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.

Louisiana AGC is a professional construction trade association that represents more than 700 commercial building, highway and municipal utilities contractors throughout Louisiana.

In an effort to give back to the community, the Louisiana AGC Lafayette District has raised more than $260,000 in the past 14 years for various local charities.

JDRF, the leading charitable funder and advocate of juvenile (type 1) diabetes research worldwide, was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with juvenile diabetes. Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $800 million in direct funding to diabetes research.

More than 80 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education.

Hampton Automotive Group, Inc. donated a 2004 Mitsubishi Gallant for a "Hole in One" contest. Additional sponsors include Acadiana Bottling Company and Schilling Distributors.

Bradberry announces $20 million in TIMED savings

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development recently announced that it would finish three major bridge projects two years ahead of schedule, spurring future economic development in south Louisiana and saving the state at least $20 million.

DOTD Secretary Johnny Bradberry said the major change in the TIMED program would involve three projects - construction of the St. Francisville and Florida Avenue bridges and the widening of the Huey P. Long Bridge. The three projects are to be completed by 2010, two years ahead of schedule.

"By completing these projects early, we also are prompting economic growth," Bradberry said. "Gov. Blanco has made economic development her top priority and this administration is not only tearing down barriers to development, we literally are building bridges to opportunity."

By finishing the projects early, the state can realize about $20 million in savings by avoiding two years of inflationary construction and interest costs. The state can expect additional financial benefits through increased development, said David Kane, director of Logistics/Transportation Cluster Development with Louisiana Economic Development.

"Economic Development happens along highways," Kane said, noting that the Federal Highway Administration estimates that for every $1 billion spent on highways, about 42,000 jobs are created.

Louisiana coastal area ecosystem restoration study nears completion

The Louisiana Coastal Area Ecosystem Restoration Study, designed to map out a strategy for restoring Louisiana's nationally significant coastal wetlands, is nearing completion.

"The efforts of all parties involved in bringing this study to fruition are commendable," said Brig. Gen. Robert Crear, Commander, Mississippi Valley Division and president-designee of the Mississippi River Commission. "With the coast of Louisiana losing the equivalent of a football field every 24 hours, this national treasure must be restored, protected and preserved."

The study area, which includes the Louisiana coastal area from Mississippi to Texas, is influenced by the Mississippi River. The river's resources are available to contribute to the restoration of the coastal ecosystem. The federal government and state of Louisiana have been conducting ecosystem restoration efforts for the past 14 years under the Breaux Act.

In addition, the scientific community in Louisiana is recognized internationally for its expertise in climate and wetland research.

"This study represents the culmination of a lot of effort on the part of engineers, scientists, and many others from academia, the state and other federal agencies," said Kevin Wagner, LCA senior project manager in the New Orleans District. "It will serve as the blueprint for coastal restoration work during the next 10 years."

The lessons learned and extensive experience gained from past restoration and research efforts have been applied in the LCA Study and can continue to be applied in a systematic way to develop and implement a coast wide plan for addressing the land loss problem and critical needs facing the coastal area.

Texas, Louisiana financial institutions benefit from alliance

NewGround and McCleary/German Architects (MGA) have announced a strategic alliance that allows them to offer a full spectrum of design/build and branding services to financial institutions in Texas and Louisiana.

The partnership with MGA will provide NewGround clients in Texas and Louisiana local access to MGA.

MGA clients will benefit from NewGround's expertise in branding, merchandising, employee development/culture training and construction management.

"MGA's excellent financial institution design reputation in the region will augment our presence in Texas and Louisiana," said Kevin Blair, president of NewGround.

With three decades of specialization in financial institutions, MGA is one of the only architectural firms in Texas endorsed by the Independent Bankers Association of Texas. MGA is licensed in 10 states with more than 700 financial institution projects completed.

"By retaining the NewGround/MGA team, clients afford themselves the most comprehensive expertise available in the marketplace," said Dale McCleary, president of MGA.

NewGround represents the convergence of six specialized units offering more than 179 years of experience in the planning, design, building and implementation of branded retail and operations environments for financial institutions.