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Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business - American Press.Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business Published 9:37 am Sunday, May 31, 2026 Day appointed LSBDC director Dean Day has been named center director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) at McNeese State University.In addition to leading the center, Day specializes in helping small business owners with startups, sales plans, financial projections and insurance compliance.Recently, Day attended the LSBDC Professional Development Meeting in Baton Rouge, where he was honored with the Business Start Award for assisting with the launch of 30 new businesses, the highest number among consultants statewide in 2025.Day was also recognized for facilitating more than $4 million in capital infusion for Southwest Louisiana businesses.The LSBDC at McNeese, located in the Henning SEED Center, provides no-cost, confidential business consulting and affordable training to help entrepreneurs start, grow and strengthen their businesses.Through one-on-one guidance and access to market research, the LSBDC at McNeese supports informed decision-making and long-term success for small businesses in Calcasieu, Cameron, Allen, Jeff Davis and Beauregard parishes.Abell & Son now Blue Chip Dealer Abell & Son, serving the Lake Charles area, has recently become a Blue Diamond Attachments Blue Chip Dealer.This tractor specialist will now carry and support Blue Diamond Brush Cutters — the company’s flagship attachment offering — along with stocking additional attachments.The Blue Chip Dealer Program is exclusively for the highest-level Blue Diamond dealers and provides an increased level of customer service, warranty, marketing, sales and dealer training support.As a Blue Chip Dealer, Abell & Son has access to the full line up of Blue Diamond attachments, parts and accessories for its customers, plus outstanding sales and support staff.Carrere named executive director Lake Charles Memorial Health System is proud to announce the promotion of Dana Carrere, MHA from practice administrator to executive director of physician services.With nearly 30 years of experience in healthcare, and over 10 years of dedicated service to LCMHS, Carrere brings a strong understanding of the organization and a proven ability to lead within the evolving healthcare environment.Since joining the health system, her work has played an integral role in positioning the organization for continued growth, expanding access to care for the community.In her new role, Carrere will lead operational strategy, physician relationship management, and the continued growth of physician practices across Lake Charles Memorial Health System.Barrow named Teacher of Year Sowela Technical Community College instructor Patricia Barrow was recently named the Louisiana Association of Business Educators Postsecondary Teacher of the Year at the organization’s annual conference this spring.The award recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership and student success.Barrow was nominated for her high standards of professionalism, integrity and instructional excellence.Students respect her for her rigorous coursework, as well as her commitment to their academic and professional development.She is meticulous in her approach to planning and curriculum design, which fosters deep engagement and meaningful learning experiences in the classroom.Former students say the communication and critical thinking skills developed in Barrow’s classes have had a lasting impact on their careers.She is student-centered, approachable and committed to helping each student achieve excellence.Barrow teaches business communications and business ethics and has been a member of the SOWELA faculty for more than three years, consistently contributing to student achievement and program growth.Storage Center opens in Sulphur SULPHUR — The Storage Center, a leading, family-owned self-storage provider serving communities across the Southeast, is pleased to announce its newest storage facility opening this month in Sulphur.Located at 320 South Cities Service Highway within one of the region’s most active industrial and retail corridors, the new four-story facility features 679 climate-controlled storage units spanning 80,200 square feet.The facility is positioned to serve the region’s residential, commercial, and industrial communities with premium Class A storage amenities, including enhanced lighting, security features, landscaping and wide range of storage options.With more than 72 facilities nationwide, The Storage Center proudly oversees every aspect of its facilities, from development and construction to ownership and day-to-day operations.The new facility’s storage unit sizes will range from compact 5-by-5 units to spacious 10-by-30 larger units, delivering flexible solutions for household goods, business inventory and equipment.The Storage Center customers can look forward to: To celebrate the opening, The Storage Center is offering first month free on all storage unit sizes for customers who reserve spaces online before June 30.Visit thestoragecenter.com to learn more about services and join the waitlist.