News release
Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061
publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive

Contact: Rene Abadie
Date: 5/28/04
 
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LAMP ENVIRONMENTAL RECOGNIZED WITH LANTERN AWARD – Lamp Environmental Industries, Inc., an environmental waste disposal company in Hammond, was recognized recently with a Lantern Award by Louisiana Economic Development (LED) and the Louisiana Industrial Development Executive Association. Pictured are, from left, Tangipahoa Parish President Gordon Burgess; State Sen. Ben Nevers; Governor Kathleen Blanco; Don Hutchinson, LED secretary; Sherry Shilling and Art Shilling of Lamp Environmental; Skip Smart, LED assistant secretary; and Larry Fannaly, Lamp Environmental. 

SMITTY’S SUPPLY RECOGNIZED WITH LANTERN AWARD –  Smitty’s Supply, Inc. of Roseland, an auto parts and lubricant supplier, was recognized recently with a Lantern Award by Louisiana Economic Development (LED) and the Louisiana Industrial Development Executive Association. Pictured are, from left, Tangipahoa Parish President Gordon Burgess; George Ann Smith of Smitty’s; Governor Kathleen Blanco; Don Hutchinson, LED secretary; Ed Smith of Smitty’s; David Kane, LED director of transporation and logistics; and George Smith of Smitty’s. 

TWO TANGI BUSINESSES HONORED WITH LANTERN AWARDS
     HAMMOND --  Two Tangipahoa Parish-based businesses – Smitty’s Supply, Inc. and Lamp Environmental Industries, Inc. – were honored Thursday (May 27) evening with Lantern Awards based on their contributions to the economy of Louisiana.
     Both companies were nominated for the awards by the Tangipahoa Economic Development Foundation (TEDF) and the Southeast Louisiana Business Center, operated by Southeastern Louisiana University. Sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and the Louisiana Industrial Development Executive Association, the awards were presented at ceremonies held at the Governor’s Mansion.
     “This is the first time any area businesses have been cited with this prestigious award, and we are quite proud that two of the 12 awards presented went to Tangipahoa-based businesses,” said TEDF Executive Director Bob Basford. “The Lantern award winners are generally recognized as businesses that help achieve a vibrant and balanced economy and employ a well-educated and trained workforce.”
     Based in Roseland, Smitty’s Supply won the top award in the logistics/transporation category. The company is an auto parts and lubricant supplier and manufactures Super S, SureGuard and other private label lubricants. The company, founded in 1969 by the late Ray Smith and his wife George Ann and now operated by the Smith family, provides products to all 50 states and more than 50 countries. The company employs nearly 200 workers.
     Lamp Environmental Industries, Inc. (LEI) is located in Hammond and won the Lantern Award in the environmental technology category. The company, led by president and owner Art Shilling, is a treatment, storage and disposal facility that provides a full range of environmental services nationwide. Incorporated in 1994, LEI pioneered an economical and effective process of recycling spent mercury lamps, resulting in a reduction of mercury pollution to land and waterways. The company, which employs 30 workers, also manages a variety of other hazardous wastes. Earlier this year the company received two awards recognizing its environmental leadership.
     “Both of these companies represent the best of businesses in our area and certainly reflect that this region is ideal for economic development,” said William Joubert, director of the Southeast Louisiana Business Center. “We have all the ingredients for growth, including a strong transportation infrastructure, considerable land for construction and expansion, and an eager and dedicated workforce.”
     The Southeast Louisiana Business Center opened last year in a building purchased by the university and located adjacent to the campus at 1514 Martens Drive. The center is a one-stop-shop for businesses looking to relocate or expand in the area. Tenants include the university’s Small Business Development Center, the Southeastern Business Research Center, TEDF, Hammond Industrial Development Board and small start-up businesses operating in a business incubator.