Chamber honors St. Mary Parish citizens, business

Hundreds of people attended the annual St. Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet Thursday night at Cypress Bayou Casino and Hotel to recognize those in the parish that have made a positive difference in the community.
Awards were given out for Business of the Year, Non-profit of the Year, the President’s Award, the Ambassador’s Award and Citizen of the Year amongst others.
The Citizen of the Year Award went to an individual who has devoted more than two decades to improving the quality of life in St. Mary Parish.
Citizen of the Year
A.J. Dohmann, a native Louisianan who hails from Opelousas, came to the Morgan City area 25 years ago as owner and CEO of A.J. Dohmann Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram Inc. located in Berwick.
After completing his education at the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, served four and a half years in the United States Air Force in the Strategic Airforce Command.
Dohmann’s many civic activities include National Heart Campaign chairman, Opelousas Jaycees, Church Point Chamber of Commerce board of directors, American Petroleum Institute, Ducks Unlimited, Rotary Club and an officer of the St. Mary Industrial Group board of directors.
His industry honors include member of the National Chevrolet Dealership Council, Legion of Leaders, Society of Sales Executives, Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association, National Automobile Dealers Association, Acadiana Chevy Dealers Ad Association and a member of the Greater Baton Rouge Super Chevy Dealers.
In 1998 he was chosen as King of Hephaestus XXXVII and served as captain of the krewe in 2004. In 2008 he served as King of Galatea XXVIII and each year opens his doors to bring together all krewes to toast each other.
Both of Dohmann’s businesses provide support to the local community as major contributors to many local charitable enterprises and by sponsoring youth basketball and soccer sports teams in Morgan City, Berwick, Amelia, Bayou Vista and Patterson over the past 25 years. Many local entities enjoy his “Hole in One” sponsorships and his tents for area golf tournaments. His hobbies include golfing, hunting, fishing and he is an avid football, baseball and basketball sports fan.
He is married to Sonda Hogue Dohmann and they are the proud parents of two daughters, two sons and grandparents of 19 grandchildren.
Business of the Year
Built in the fields along Bayou Teche by the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel is a main economic driver for South Louisiana.
Serving as one of the largest employers for St. Mary Parish, Cypress Bayou has quickly become South Louisiana’s premier entertainment, gaming and fine dining destination.
A respected community partner, Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel is also committed to charities and helping the less fortunate in parishes throughout Acadiana. With a $20 million dollar renovation expected to be completed in the near future, Cypress Bayou is poised to remain a strong economic partner for decades to come.
Non-profit of the Year
After planning and fundraising for 14 years, the Bayou Country Children’s Museum opened its doors in the fall of 2013.
Children learn as they play on a full-size sugarcane harvester, spot waterfowl from a duck blind, toss beads from a Mardi Gras float, climb aboard a shrimp boat and a two-story oil platform and even experience a severe weather simulation and fire simulation in Safety- ville and much more.
Since opening, the facility has welcomed over 80,000 visitors from 38 different states to play on the exhibits, attending birthday parties, and attend special programs offered at the museum.
The BCCM is a non-profit 501(c)3, hands-on children’s museum in Thibodaux designed to provide children ages 2-10 years with a unique learning environment with its Cajun-themed exhibits. Most exhibits correspond with established Grade Level Expectations/Core Curriculum that enhances the classroom experience.
Virginia Tyler Guillotte Award
Vincent St. Blanc III is a resident of Franklin and is a manager for Steward Building Materials.
He previously served as interim mayor of the City of Franklin in 2004, and was the owner and president of St. Mary Hardware & Gifts in Franklin.
St. Blanc was an agriculture teacher at Centerville High School for 10 years and built the largest ag department in the state at the time. He belongs to several community organizations and numerous public service boards. He was instrumental in building the Franklin campus of the SLCC education system and new facilities at Young Memorial in Morgan City.
He has extensive technical education knowledge and serves on the SLCC board.
St. Blanc is a graduate of Hanson Memorial High School and USL in Lafayette where he obtained his bachelor degree in vocational agricultural education. He also holds a teaching certificate for Louisiana.
He has served on the SLCC board since 2005.
Cajun Coast Hospitality Employee Award
Brittany Landry was the recipient of the Cajun Coast Hospitality Employee of the Year award.
She is a waitress at the Yellow Bowl Restaurant near Adeline. According to one of the guests that nominated her, Brittany is friendly to everyone, from regular customers to tourists and has watched her promote St. Mary Parish to in-state and out-of-state visitors at the restaurant.
Chamber President Donna Meyer presented her President’s Award to Bonnie Glynn.
David Bourdier presented the Ambassador Award to Ruby Haydel.