Rodier Promoted St. Landry
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
Local economic leaders are saluting the efforts of Bill Rodier, the former executive director and CEO of the St. Landry Parish Economic Development District, who died last week following a long battle with cancer.
A statement regarding the death of Rodier was published Saturday morning on the economic district social media page.
Rodier, who became the economic development director in May, 2013, was instrumental in promoting and helping finalize projects that connected the Interstate 49 growth of Opelousas with other statewide areas.
During his tenure as economic development director, several vehicle dealerships located between Creswell Lane and Guilbeau Road, along with two taxing districts, whose proceeds are being used to fund projects in the Opelousas area.
Rodier also assisted with the creation of water and sewer treatment expansion for businesses and residential developments that have begun on the south side of Opelousas.
What Others Are Saying
In April Rodier was praised for his efforts in promoting parish economic development during an emotional afternoon testimonial event held at the economic development office on I-49.
Buddy Helton, chairman of the Central Southwest St. Landry Economic Development District, explained that Rodier was instrumental in gathering support for the Louisiana Equine and Sales Event Center on Guilbeau Road.
Helton recalled that Rodier also helped convince state officials to provide grant funding for a south Opelousas waste water treatment plant.
“I had no idea about economic development, but it was through (Rodier’s) leadership, vision and love for St. Landry Parish that we are enjoying many of the improvements we are seeing now. He has always been a dynamic and true friend,” Helton said.
Longtime Opelousas attorney Leslie Schiff said Rodier created the appropriate direction the parish needed to take with regards to economic development.
“We had failed as an economic board over and over again, but I was told about this new guy who was coming in to help us with economic development. Immediately I knew (Rodier) was the person who was going to tell us about what needed to be done,” Schiff said.
Candance Papillion reminded Rodier that he was also an economic teacher whose instruction served as a guide for members of the SLED board.
“I was able to learn so much from you and from that I have come to think so highly of you,” said Papillion.
LSU-Eunice chancellor Nancee Sorenson said the leadership Rodier provided was an inspiration to all the parish communities.
“(Rodier) had a plan that included all of St. Landry Parish. Now we (the Eunice area) feel a part of the parish. All along (Rodier) has been a champion of LSUE and all of St. Landry. He was able to get businesses to come to St. Landry and people to live and do business in St. Landry.
“He has been a believer in the educational process and with collaboration throughout the parish,” Sorenson added.
Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor said looking at the expansion of I-49 outside of Opelousas is a picture that speaks for itself.
“Where we were before and where we are today in St. Landry. All of that credit goes to you, Bill. Thank you for all of the advice and the assistance that has provided growth along the corridor,” said Alsandor.
Words From Rodier
Rodier, who attended the meeting remotely, said economic development has always been his passion.
His efforts in St. Landry, Rodier said, are the result of assistance from “a lot of people.”
The parish, Rodier said, is what he described as “a good point right now, but there are still opportunities out there for growth in many ways.”
