Stirling Properties Mixes Philanthropy & Fun
Inaugural Stirling Fest raises $60,000 for local nonprofits!
Aloha. Stirling Properties celebrated our inaugural Stirling Fest last Friday, a day of Hawaiian-style fun and philanthropy to raise money for charitable causes throughout the Gulf South region. The event, hosted by the Stirling Stewardship Committee, was a HUGE SUCCESS, raising over $60,000 for local nonprofit organizations!
Representing our motto of #BeTheChange: Helping others is a work of heart, every year, Stirling Properties selects charitable organizations to become the recipients of our annual company-wide fundraising efforts. Nonprofit groups are nominated and then voted on by Team Stirling members. This year, we are proud to have expanded our recipients to four worthy organizations—Special Olympics Louisiana, Camp N.O.R.A., Safe Harbor Northshore and Ronald McDonald House Charities Mobile! Representatives from each organization were in attendance to celebrate with us and receive a check for $15,000.
Celebrating our 7th year, the fundraising event was changed from an Olympics-style to more of a festival with music, games and tons of great prizes. Held at Digs Volleyball Complex in Covington, the Luau-themed day featured delicious food and beverages along with live music by in-house band Craig Marks the Spot and DJ El Camino (aka Michael Hecht of GNO, Inc.). Games and activities were held throughout the day including Beach Volleyball, Simon Says, Hula Hooping and Checkers.
The main event was a 4-team Cajun Huki Pull relay representing each of the designated nonprofits. Congratulations to Team Special Olympics, they took home the trophy for Beach Volleyball and the Huki Pull!
Mahalo. A special thanks to all of our sponsors, supporters, and Team Stirling for your generosity. Major sponsors include BXS Insurance, Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, Brasfield & Gorrie, Fishman Haygood LLP, IBERIABANK, Richard Price Contracting Co., BH Management, Hancock Whitney Bank, Capital One, Duplantis Design Group PC, Rotolo Consultants, Walker & Dunlop, Wells Fargo, Louisiana Landscape, Ogden Painting, Zito∙Russell Architects PC, Acadia Land Surveyor, Baker Donelson, Kent Design, Regal Construction, Robert Refrigeration, Stratum Engineering LLC, Armstrong Property Services, Associated Building Services LLC, Bellingrath Wealth Management, Champion Security, Cleco, Construction South Inc., Donahue Favret, E. Cornell Malone Corp., Eustis Mortgage, First Bank & Trust, First Guaranty, Gallo Mechanical, Greenleaf Lawson Architects, Jimmy Maurin, Jones Walker, Jones Swanson Huddell & Garrison LLC, Lemoine Company, Malone Roofing Services LLC, Metro Mechanical Inc., Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, PGIM Real Estate Finance, Pinnacle Elevators, Precision Metal Inc., Precision Waste Solutions LLC, Real Estate Tax Group, Resource Management LLC, Roger Ogden, SCS Electric Inc., Sun Interiors, Trimark Constructors LLC, VergesRome Architects, Vinson Guard Service Inc., WLS Lighting Solutions and Fidelity Bank.
And a big shout-out to the Stirling Stewardship Committee and the Stirling Fest Committee for all their hard work organizing the event and making it happen!
A hui hou (until we meet again)! #StirlingProud
Thank you to Big Easy Parking Lot Maintenance, Cosmich Simmons & Brown PLLC, Gulf South Electric, River Parish Disposal, Chris’ Paving, Coastal Environmental Services, Connelly Construction Group, Cost Segregation Services, Covington Electric Services Inc., Geiger Heating & Air, ITS Fire Alarm Security LLC, Jefferson Sprinkler, Larry Loyd Construction Co., Moran Construction Consultants LLC, Mullin Landscape Associates, PMAT Real Estate Investments, Premier Service Team LLC, Premium Parking, Professional Maintenance Services, Southeastern Waterproofing, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Upchurch Services, CMC, Moradel Cleaning Services Inc., Angelos Landscaping, B&G Lawn Maintenance LLC, Cook Moore & Associates, Dale’s Paving Inc., NcNeer Electrical Contracting Inc., Unit Design Inc., CertaPro Painters of Lafayette, Delta Flooring, Dixie Office Products, Floor Trader, Huseman & Associates LLC, Mele Printing, Pat Brister, ACA Mechanical/Industrial LLC, Susan Bonnett, T.L. Construction LLC, Grass Unlimited, Acadiana Lighting & Signs, CJ Ladner Insurance Agency Inc., Multitech Office Machines and Sign Lite.
President’s Message: Don’t just paint it on the wall
Company culture has become a catchphrase, often overused and undervalued. Its meaning and relevance in today’s workplace are fading.
However, to me, company culture is not a buzzword. It’s not a byline or a slogan painted on the wall, or merely words printed on a t-shirt. It’s an attitude that is lived and nurtured every day.
A company’s culture is a shared set of values, beliefs, practices and purposes of the organization. It’s who you are, what you stand for, what you won’t stand for, and why people want to be associated with you. You can’t see or touch a culture, but you can certainly feel it. It affects every aspect of a business, from its employees to customers to public image, and it is evident in every action.
Stirling Properties’ ethos has been ingrained here throughout the decades. Our culture is the personality of our company and determines how we interact and work together as a team to accomplish our shared goals. These ideals motivate and shape the way we conduct ourselves and our business every day.
We place great emphasis on our team and our bench strength of up-and-coming new talent across all departments and geographical markets, as well as cross-training and expanding individual skillsets. Stirling Properties has hired over 50 new people in the past two years alone, and more than half of our team has joined in the last five years!
Every business evolves. People change, demographics change, beliefs and practices change. That’s precisely why it’s essential to have an entrenched company culture that everyone shares and buys into. Now, that’s not to say that company culture can’t adapt—it can, and it should, but it should never be abandoned.
The Millennial generation is driving significant change in workplace culture. They pursue jobs that offer purpose, meaning and flexibility that aligns with their personal beliefs and lifestyles. Companies that show commitment to social responsibility and professional development are more appealing to this demographic. As the largest cohort in the workforce today, this is especially important to consider.
At Stirling Properties, we’ve been successful in attracting this new generation of talent because I believe we live and breathe our company culture. Our culture was said to be our #1 asset by an outside consultant recently.
One of the hallmarks of our company culture is giving back. With the help of our Stewardship Committee, Stirling Properties provides charitable funding and volunteer support for numerous nonprofit organizations and community groups across our entire footprint that reflect our motto of #BeTheChange: Helping others is a work of heart.
Community spirit and generosity are evident not only on a corporate level but through individual involvement as well. Stirling Properties encourages its people to get involved and volunteer for philanthropic, civic, and cultural endeavors that impact our communities. Many members of our team generously give their time and resources to nonprofit organizations that hold a special place in their hearts.
What amazes me most is not the numbers or dollars of what is given, but rather the pride, enthusiasm, energy and heart that they commit to these causes. Also, I am humbled by their appreciation for the support that our company provides them to do so.
New Orleans Saints great Drew Brees recently said during an award acceptance speech, “Gratitude, humility and respect are the three greatest qualities you can have as a human being.” He went on to say that he works every day to instill those qualities in his children—his team off the field.
I think those same qualities can also be applied to a company and its team as a benchmark for culture. At Stirling Properties, I’m grateful for what we have and what we are able to give back, humbled by the outpouring of generosity and kindness by our team, and respectful of the cultural environment that is deep-rooted here, even amid more than forty-three years of demographic changes.
Company culture has always been an integral part of our business, but it’s more important now than ever. We need to be cognizant of and adapt to the needs of the next generation of people who are shaping our future workforce, while still staying true to the underlying principles and values that define our company.
Company culture is not a buzzword but a compass that will navigate a business towards success or failure. So, paint it on the wall, or print it on a t-shirt, but whatever you do, make it front and center in your company’s day-to-day activities.
President’s Message: Do Something.
Lately, there are days when it is extremely challenging for me not to get discouraged and disgusted by the barrage of tragic news continuously pouring in from around the world, our country, and most recently, our great state of Louisiana. Increasing violence, deafening angry voices, and escalating hatred are sadly becoming the new normal and all too frequent.
But then, there are days when I am reminded about the virtuous things. Days when my faith in humanity is restored and I remember what is truly important.
One of those days came last Friday at our annual Stirling Olympics, a company-wide fundraiser for local nonprofit organizations. Our incredible Stirling Team joined together to enjoy some friendly competition and good-natured rivalry. We competed in ridiculous games, crazy lip-syncing contests and clumsy relay races. But the most amazing moment was witnessing the genuine pride in our team when the funds were presented to the recipients.
This year, we set a lofty goal of raising $45,000 through Stirling Olympics and I am pleased to say that we surpassed that goal, reaching $57,000! Funds raised from the event benefited The ALD Foundation, which strives to raise awareness and supports the research of Adrenoleukodystroply, a genetically determined neurological disorder that affects young boys between the ages of four and ten, as well as the Miracle League of Greater New Orleans, which works with mentally and physically handicapped children so they can participate in everyday sports. What a perfect day!
For those of you that know me, I have an extensive collection of quotations from famous authors, celebrities and business leaders that inspire and motivate me in one way or another.
There is one on my office wall right now by basketball coaching legend, John Wooden, that is particularly meaningful to me and relevant today:
“You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”
Yes, we can have good days when we celebrate our business successes and growth, or even personal accomplishments and material possessions. But in order to achieve living a perfect day, it must include a selfless act for the benefit of someone else.
What if we all devoted a little more time doing something to help someone else, rather than creating divisiveness, turmoil and tearing each other down? Could we accomplish more perfect days?
I am very proud of our Stirling Team for their hard work and generosity last week. They were equally proud to have made a difference in someone else’s life—especially those children from the Miracle League and the families from The ALD Foundation that joined us.
I know that we can’t change the world or solve all of life’s problems, but we can do our part, no matter how large or small. A kind gesture as simple as a smile can bring hope in those days of discouragement and disgust.
So my message today is to please go out and do something. Go out and do something—anything—kind for someone who will never be able to repay you. And let’s just see what happens.
#StirlingProud!
Stirling Properties Supports Lafayettte Foundation on Aging’s Adopt-a-Senior Program
Barbara Meaux and Carolyn Ciarrocchi from our Lafayette office present donation to Larry Baker of the Lafayette Foundation on Aging
Stirling Properties is happy to support the Adopt-a-Senior program of the Lafayette Foundation on Aging. Stirling’s contribution will ensure that a senior will receive a home-delivered meal for a year and it is a good feeling to know how our contribution will directly help someone in our community.
The Lafayette Foundation on Aging works to provide daily home-delivered meals to at risk, homebound senior citizens. Their Adopt-a-Senior program provides a large portion of those meals. Last year, 117,300 meals were delivered to seniors who can no longer cook for themselves.
There are over 450 seniors on their waiting list for meals, so there is still a great need. You too can help the Foundation continue its meal delivering mission through the Adopt-a-Senior program. To make a contribution, send a check to the Lafayette Foundation on Aging, Inc., 160 Industrial Parkway, Lafayette, LA 70508. For more information, contact Larry Baker at 337-262-5990.
Click here to learn more about Stirling’s Charitable Giving.
Stirling Stewardship Supports Crawfishman Triathlon
Last Sunday, May 4th, was the 31st edition of the Crawfishman Triathlon produced and directed by Mark Salvetti, our Director of Project Management. We are proud of Mark for his efforts in organizing such a great event and are so happy to support such a good cause!
The Crawfishman Triathlon consists of a 1,000-yard swim, an 18-mile bike ride and a 4-mile run, with nearly 360 athletes competing in this year’s event. The event takes place in the Grande Hills Estates subdivision north of Covington in Bush, Louisiana. Many people volunteer their time to make the event possible, and several volunteers from Stirling Properties joined the effort this year.
Every year the race proceeds are donated to two main organizations, Have a Heart Thru Art and the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Research Center. Donations this year are expected to be similar to past years when $10,000 or more was raised. Since the inception of the race, over $100,000 in donations have been made to individuals in need as well as many local organizations.
Mark your calendars – next year’s date is Sunday May 3, 2015….the Second Sunday of Jazz Fest.
President’s Message: Forging Ahead in 2014
It hardly seems possible that we are beginning another year. It seems as if I was just emailing about the start of “Lucky 13“!
“Lucky 13” kicked off with our announcement of a joint venture with CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. to develop Fremaux Town Center in Slidell, Louisiana, and in just 2 months, we will have the grand opening of Phase I. The year ended with the successful closing of the land acquisition and development financing for Magnolia Marketplace in New Orleans, a partnership with JCH Development that will break ground this month.
In between those 2013 bookends, we also accomplished:
- Openings of Walgreens on Magazine Street in New Orleans and in Gulfport, MS
- Securing contract for management of Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City
- Grand opening of Mid-City Market in New Orleans
- Opening of our Mobile, AL office
- Expansions of our existing shopping centers – Stirling Bossier, Stirling Lafayette, River Chase (Covington) and MacArthur Village (Alexandria)
- Renovation of Tiger Manor Apartments in Baton Rouge
- Financing of over $174 Million
- Acquisition of United Plaza VIII in Baton Rouge
As proud as I am of our team for all of these accomplishments and more, I am even more proud of the spirit of team and caring for others. Through the leadership of the Stirling Stewardship Committee, the Stirling team significantly contributed money, essential items, and most importantly generously volunteered their personal time for causes such as Habitat for Humanity, food collection drives, breast cancer walks, YMCA Corporate Cup and Volunteers of America’s Christmas Wish Project.
It is because of this talented, dedicated, and motivated team that we are able to achieve so much. I am proud to be part of such a team. Looking ahead to 2014, it will be a very exciting year for Stirling as well as the Gulf South.
