St. Mary Chamber honors locals for public service

FRANKLIN — The St. Mary Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to a man who has been involved with the Port of Morgan City for decades, and to a young woman whose career of service is just beginning.
Port of Morgan City Executive Director Raymond “Mac” Wade was named Citizen of the Year at the St. Mary Chamber’s Annual Banquet and Installation of Officers on Friday at Bayou Bend Health System.
Also among Friday’s award-winners was Yani Paul, named Young Citizen of the Year.
The Chamber installed Holden Murray, Patterson city government’s community and economic development director, as the board’s chairman for 2026. He succeeds Brady Borel, the 2025 chairman.
Gregory Guarisco was named vice chairman for 2026, and Alyssa Cart remains the board’s treasurer.
Wade has led the Port of Morgan City to major achievements in the last few years. Once hampered by silting that reduced the port’s usefulness, the local waterway has recently seen unprecedented levels of conventional dredging through the Army Corps of Engineers, the deployment of an innovative agitation system to deal with sticky fluff mud, and the beginning of a major dock expansion.
“I’m proud of what the port has accomplished,” Wade said in a video accompanying the award presentation. “We have a navigable and reliable channel all the way to the sea buoy. For years we didn’t have that. …
“It takes a team that got me here tonight.”
Borel praised Wade as “someone who stands ready to meet any challenge, improves the quality of life in our parish, and inspires others through their example.”
Young Citizen of the Year Paul is a 17-year-old Patterson High student who is involved in the Student Council, the school’s dance team and talented theater and art.
For the last couple of years, she said, she has also worked on community feedings in the area.
“A lot of people need food,” Paul said by way of video. “Times are hard right now. …
“Just seeing the impact just one meal can have on people makes me grateful for what I have.”
Borel said the Young Citizen of the Year Award, a new category this year, drew more nominations than any other award.
Other award-winners:
•The Cajun Coast Hospitality Award went to chef Willie Gaspard of Cypress Bayou Casino. Working at the casino since 2001, Gaspard has assembled a team that has won more than 100 medals. He was one of 11 chefs chosen to take part in September’s “Taste Louisiana in New York City” event and missed Friday’s banquet to attend the Washington Mardi Gras.
•The Business of the Year Award went to A.J. Dohmann Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. The dealership’s history in St. Mary goes back more than 30 years and includes a long record of community involvement.
•The Small Business of the Year Award went to Wildflower Boutique in Morgan City.
“This business exemplifies true passion, not only for their craft, but for the community they proudly call home,” Borel said.
•The Nonprofit of the Year is the Franklin Merchants Association, which “has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the community over many years, consistently giving their time, energy and resources to make St. Mary Parish a better place to live for everyone,” Borel said.
•The Innovator of the Year Award went to the St. Mary Parish Youth Prevention Coalition. The organization focuses on “uniting youth, families, and community leaders to reduce underage substance use and promote mental health awareness in St. Mary Parish,” according to the organization’s Facebook page.
•The Board Member of the Year is Gregory Guarisco.
The Board of Directors installed by District Judge Anthony Saleme is composed of Anthony Baham, Roxanna Bayne, Scott Berry, Evan Boudreaux, Howard Castay, Dr. Kristal Hebert, Jonathan Henry, Harlan Kappel, Blaze Landry, Danika Long, Laura Meadows, Robert Raheem, Dr. Tammie Wilson, Karla Vappie and Ed “Tiger” Verdin.