Russo Ad Group was awarded two W³ awards for its outstanding work in Web design. The W³ awards have established itself as the first major Web competition accessible to firms of all sizes. With more than 150 categories, Russo took silver in the categories of Religion and Spirituality, and Music ' for Crossroads Church and singer/songwriter Rex Moroux, respectively. In the past, both sites have won numerous awards, including a Webby, a Horizon award, and a Silver Mic. Also at Russo Ad Group, Gary LoBue Jr. has joined as art director. Former owner and senior partner of Prejean LoBue Creative Works, LoBue is known in the industry for crafting strong corporate identities. In addition to owning his own design studio, he spent 14 years as senior designer and interim creative director at David Carter Graphic Design Associates in Dallas. He has also worked with a variety of national and international clients, including the Walt Disney Company, Hilton Hotels Corp., and Hyatt Hotels. His work has appeared in Communication Arts, Graphis, HOW Magazine, Print Magazine, Graphic Design USA (the AIGA annuals), the Art Directors Club of Los Angeles, the New York Art Directors Club, the Dallas Society of Visual Communications, and the American Corporate Identity Annual. LoBue received a bachelor of fine arts degree in design communications from UL Lafayette.

Five members of the Lafayette Parish Bar Association were named among the Top 50 attorneys in the state of Louisiana in the inaugural issue of Louisiana Super Lawyers Magazine. They include James P. Roy of Domengeaux, Wright, Roy & Edwards, Frank X. Neuner Jr. of Laborde & Neuner, Richard C. Broussard of Broussard & David, Patrick A. Juneau of Juneau Law Firm, and Lawrence K. Burleigh of Lawrence K. Burleigh Ltd.. Additionally, Susan L. Theall of The Theall Firm LLC is the only woman attorney from Lafayette named a Super Lawyer and the only Lafayette attorney listed in the Family Law area of practice. The ranking in Louisiana Super Lawyers Magazine is based on peer surveying of more than 16,000 lawyers across the state, who were asked to nominate the best attorneys they have personally observed in action. Also, an independent research firm, Law & Politics, was hired to review national and local periodicals as well as legal trade journals.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce with 4-Star accreditation for its effective organizational procedures and outstanding contribution to positive change in the community. Lafayette was one of 10 chambers nationwide to receive this award, and three chambers were accredited with the 5-Star rating, bringing the total number of chambers in the country with a 5-star rating to 27. Accreditation is one of the highest honors bestowed on local chambers fighting for pro-growth and jobs policies at the federal, state and local level. To achieve accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in its operations and programs, including governance, government affairs and technology. For local chambers, the final rating ' three stars, four stars, or five stars ' depends on the chamber's ability to successfully meet additional criteria, including accountability, financial transparency, employee involvement, political advocacy and community involvement.

The Lafayette Economic Development Authority's marketing efforts for Lafayette Parish were recognized at the Southern Economic Development Council's Annual Conference with a Merit award and an Excellent award. LEDA's Web site, www.lafayette.org, received the Excellent award in its division. LEDA uses its Web site to provide demographic and statistical data, as well as demonstrate Lafayette's unique way of life to individuals or businesses looking to relocate, expand or start up in the area. The site hosts a downloadable list of businesses located in Lafayette Parish, a library of demographic reports, newsletters published by LEDA, and a variety of information about LEDA and the area it services. The site is maintained internally by the LEDA staff. The Lafayette Works for Me campaign received the Merit award for Direct Mail Campaign. Launched in 2004, the campaign targets regional business leaders and out-of-state site selection consultants through a series of direct mail pieces. Each of the mailers in the series features a Lafayette business person and conveys the message of how Lafayette "worked" for them. Featured business leaders include Tom Cox, Nancy Van Eaton Broussard, Gail Romero, Chuck Vincent and Matt Stuller.

Love INC of Lafayette, the local chapter of a national organization that mobilizes churches to transform lives and communities in the name of Christ, has announced its board of directors: Michele Broussard, Ewing Brown, Dan Hughes, Gary Stahlhuth, William T. Thomas, and the Rev. Deborah Young. Love INC (Love In the Name of Christ) is a nonprofit supported financially by donations from churches, businesses and individuals. Located at 1915 Dulles Drive, the organization is currently raising money to operate, recruit and train volunteers and is increasing community awareness of its mission to assist its partner churches in identifying and implementing new programs that address community needs. For more information on how to get involved or to make a donation, contact Executive Director Lisa Trahan at 981-6775.

In partnership with the Lafayette Council on Aging, Cox Communications is offering senior citizens in six Acadiana parishes a 10 percent discount on the cost of their basic cable television service. The program is available to people 60 and older with an annual household income of less than $24,000. The monthly cost of Cox basic cable television service is $12.97. The discount applies every month for qualified Cox customers and equals one free month of Cox basic cable television service per year. Seniors in the Cox service areas of Acadia, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermilion parishes are encouraged to apply.