The Chamber established the Acadiana Innovation Awards to help build upon its long-term goal of perpetuating a "Community of Innovators." One attribute in the Lafayette Chamber attaining the 2011 National Chamber of the Year honor is its emphasis on innovation. The award is designed to educate, celebrate and inspire the people of Acadiana to create the transformational changes found in an economically and culturally thriving community.

Chamber President & CEO, Rob Guidry commented, "This type of community outreach and participation is essential to fostering an eco-system to support creativity."

In 2010, the awards committee selected six finalists, two from the public sector and four from the private sector. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette was selected for the Public Sector Innovation Award for the National Incident Management Systems and Advanced Technologies Institute. Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc. was chosen for the Private Sector Innovation award for their innovative, 1250 Ton Drill Pipe Spider and Elevator.

Criteria for the award is established by an Innovation Committee Task Force. Applicants must reside or work in the Acadiana area; chamber membership is not required. Judges will focus on results and creativity of the innovation. Applicants should include any relevant pictures, videos, etc. to be reviewed by the Judging Committee.

Completed applications must be received by November 17, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. to the Chamber's Marketing Relations Specialist, Carley Ste. Marie, by email at carley@lafchamber.org, by fax at 337-234-8671 or by mail at P. O. Box 51307, Lafayette, LA 70505-1307. Please call Carley at 337-408-3655 with any questions about the award.