Whether it has been politically orchestrated, or simply human nature is subject to debate. But it is undeniable that the destruction wrought on South Louisiana by hurricanes Katrina and Rita has been greatly diminished in the minds of the people of most of the country. The responsibility to rebuild, as it has so many times in the past, must fall squarely on the shoulders of the people of this great state. The effort began even before the flood waters receded. Organizations whose purpose in life is to build, shifted to re-build mode overnight. The political system, nearly lifeless during the tragedy, was activated and pressed into motion by individuals and companies prepared to take the lead in both planning and implementation. The private sector had a can-do attitude, and got to work. At the forefront of this effort from the very beginning, has been an organization named Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.

ABC's governmental relations mission is "to promote and protect the merit shop philosophy and the free enterprise system". Its nation-wide membership looks to the organization for guidance on issues affecting their right to conduct business throughout the country. In Louisiana ABC maintains a statewide legislative and legal rights committee comprised of volunteer members from around the state. This committee devotes considerable time and effort to review and recommend positions on legislation pending in Louisiana. It supports legislation making it easier for new businesses to locate here as well as legislation encouraging business to expand.

In the year since these storms The Pelican Chapter of ABC has concentrated its efforts in the direction of training and educating an expanding work force. Pelican Chapter President Al Bargas states, "As the state's premier, private provider of commercial and industrial construction training ABC recognizes its members' continuingly increasing demand for a strong, well-trained workforce. This demand was increased dramatically as a result of Katrina and Rita.."

That commitment raised the question, How best does one address the need for expanded, superior educational instruction'? The answer is to first acquire the best, most proven, successful educators available.You look for people who have a long history of innovative, efficient educational management.You look for individuals who have accomplished these feats in an environment of tremendous growth and great demand. To fill this tall order, ABC naturally looked to Ascension Parish where they found not one but two experienced educators ideally suited for the task, Mr. Robert Clouatre and Mr. Doug Moreau.

"We are extremely excited about the addition of these two gentlemen to our organization," Mr. Bargas added. "In them I believe we have the expertise to raise an already proven and successful operation to new heights and that we will be able to fulfill the needs of our members and the people of the state.If history is an accurate barometer, then the sky is the limit with these two Ascension leaders at the helm." Robert Clouatre attended St. Amant and East Ascension high schools and received his Masters Degree in Education from Southeastern Louisiana University. He began his career as a teacher and assistant football coach at Romeville High School in St. James Parish. When that school closed he moved to Galvez. He worked his way up to principal and then on to the school board where he spent his first four years as the Maintenance and Transportation Superintendent. For the next four years Robert served as the Director of High Schools (the high school principals' immediate supervisor). It was then that he developed a close relationship with Mr. Moreau. In 1999, Mr. Clouatre became the Superintendent of the School Board and it was in this position that he would stamp his mark on the education of Ascension's youth. When he took office, Robert faced mounting fiscal problems. The petro-chemical industry was in great decline resulting in a $6 million shortage in revenue. This caused the loss of 115 positions within the department. Simultaneously, Ascension Parish was experiencing unprecedented growth in its population.In spite of these obstacles, the parish experienced improved test scores every year of Mr. Clouatre's tenure. The parish moved its ranking into the top ten in the state. Today Ascension is the fastest growing parish in the state and the number one reason cited is its school system. A recent audit of 68 systems ranked it number one in the state for fiscal responsibility at the same time as its being the fastest growing school district. These landmarks are a tribute to Robert's management and organizational skills. "I'm very proud of the many hard working people in the system and of the tremendous support from the community. We proved our responsibility and when we asked for their support, the people of Ascension responded." An example of that support is a recent bond issue needed to finance an ambitious plan to build 5 new primary schools and to improve the technology and systems in existing schools. The bond issue passed with an overwhelming affirmative vote of 78%. "I spent 33 years in the education industry and I honestly enjoyed every rewarding day. At this point in my life I am ready for a new challenge and this will be a formidable task. We are confident here that we have the capability, structure, facility, and support to meet the demand placed on us and on our members. That confidence is bolstered immeasurably by the addition of my long time friend and co-worker Doug Moreau. I have observed his work first hand for many years and I know he will be as effective at ABC as he has been at every position in his career."

Effective'’ is a conservative description of Mr. Moreau's accomplishments in the world of education. A native of Marksville, Moreau graduated from LSU. His early successes were in the athletic arena where he was head football coach at Winnfield High School for 6 years. In that time his teams won 4 district championships. His time in Winnfield culminated in a state championship, beating John Curtis High School 23-14. At the time John Curtis was experiencing its own string of 46 consecutive class 2A wins and a three-peat of state championships.

Doug then moved to St. Amant High School where he would remain true to his belief system while he created another state football powerhouse. His attention to detail and studious approach to the game produced an astounding 25 game regular season winning streak at St. Amant. "Beginning with my very first job, and continuing at every stop in my career, I've had an unwavering rule, Put academics first!," Doug said. "Everything was tied to the kids' abilities to perform in the classroom. Football was a vehicle to teach life lessons. Even for me the skill set developed through organizing a successful football program served me well when I shifted my focus to administration."

Mr. Moreau would prove to be a natural at his new venture. After one year as assistant principal, he would serve seven years as Principal of St. Amant High School and the list of his school's achievements is very impressive. Test scores for the school rose every year of his administration and twice they were cited by the state for their Exemplary Academic Growth'. The resulting monetary rewards allowed him to focus on perpetuating the improvement. Like Robert Clouatre, Doug Moreau would show his considerable skill at fiscal responsibility. "I give all the credit for my success to the wonderful people I worked with. The staff and teachers at St. Amant were tremendous. They wowed me every day. The first four years as pricipal at St. Amant were the most exciting of my career because we knew we had a good group of educators... that we would really get things done."

They did get things done, great things. In 2003 St. Amant High School was presented with The Silver Achievement Award by the organization High Schools That Work designating it as the most improved high school in the state. In 2006 the school received The Golden Achievment Award’ ranking it in the top 44 schools in the nation. "Those state championships in football were great and a lot of young men learned some valuable lessons about themselves, but for educators every year was a success because life lessons were taught and young minds were prepared for the future," Doug added.

The daunting task of rebuilding storm torn Louisiana is almost incomprehensible in its complexity and enormity. Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc. has accepted that challenge and has pledged to succeed in its role as the leader in this effort. They will fight the fight' on the political front to protect our citizens' right to do the work. They will train the labor force effectively and prepare them to do the job professionally and safely. ABC realized that to be the best teaching organization, they would need the best educators. In order to fill this need they turned to two of Ascension Parish's longtime best in the industry, Mr. Robert Clouatre and Mr. Doug Moreau. The association of these two men with the prestigious organization that is Associated Builders & Contractors assures us all that the job is in good hands.