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Regular Session, 2013
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 221
BY REPRESENTATIVES MILLER, WILLMOTT, SCHEXNAYDER, AND GAINES
A RESOLUTION
To commend the Honorable Joel T. Chaisson upon his selection as the recipient of the 2013
C. Alvin Bertel Award.
WHEREAS, the 2013 C. Alvin Bertel Award will be presented by the World Trade
Center of New Orleans to the Honorable Joel T. Chaisson, executive director of the Port of
South Louisiana, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the advancement of the
greater New Orleans port area, and it is appropriate to commend Mr. Chaisson for his many
contributions to the ports of greater New Orleans, the River Parishes, and the state of
Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, Judge Chaisson is a public servant whose excellence as a state leader
and policymaker was proven in his service in the Louisiana House of Representatives, to
which he was twice elected to represent the River Parishes, and during which time he used
every opportunity to serve the citizens of his district and the state in an honorable and
dedicated manner; and
WHEREAS, from 1964 to 1968 and from 1980 to 1982, Representative Chaisson
served with great distinction as a member of the commerce, conservation, judiciary, and
public health and welfare committees, bringing his unique talents and exuberant personality
to the position as a highly effective and productive leader; and
WHEREAS, during his time in the House of Representatives, Judge Chaisson worked
on and supported many important pieces of legislation, including legislation related to
making the River Parishes and the greater New Orleans port area major centers of business
and commerce for the state and legislation related to coastal protection and restoration; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his service in the House of Representatives, Judge
Chaisson had a long and productive career serving the River Parishes and the greater New
Orleans area as a special prosecutor and assistant district attorney for the Twenty-Ninth ENROLLEDHR NO. 221
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Judicial District Court from 1972 to 1975, as a judge in the Twenty-Ninth Judicial District
Court from January 1982 through December 1996, as legal counsel to the Port of South
Louisiana from April 2000 to April 2005 and as executive director of the Port of South
Louisiana from April 2005 to July 2013; and
WHEREAS, Judge Chaisson is married to the former Bobbie Gulledge and they are
the proud parents of Joel II, Robert, Walter, Paul, Jared, Maria, John, David, and Eve; and
WHEREAS, Judge Chaisson is a member of many professional and civic
organizations including the American Bar Association, Louisiana Bar Association, American
Judges Association, American Judicature Society, Fourth and Fifth Circuit Judges
Association, Twenty-Ninth Judicial District Bar Association, Louisiana State University
Law Alumni Association, Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity, World Trade Center of New
Orleans, Committee of 100, Ports Association of Louisiana, American Association of Port
Authorities, Gulf Ports Association of the Americas, Louisiana River Pilot Review and
Oversight Board, Intermodal Association of North America, Mississippi Valley Trade and
Transport Council, International Freight Forwarders and Custom Brokers Association of
New Orleans, Inland Rivers Ports and Terminals, Red River Valley Association, and the
Louisiana International Board of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, as he prepares to begin the next exciting and productive chapter of his
life, Judge Chaisson merits a sincere measure of commendation for his singular contributions
and the exemplary strides he has taken as an exceptional former member of the Louisiana
House of Representatives, as a prosecutor and judge, and as the executive director of the Port
of South Louisiana.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana hereby commends the Honorable Joel T. Chaisson upon his
selection as the recipient of the 2013 C. Alvin Bertel Award, hereby extends honor and
recognition to him for his outstanding accomplishments, particularly as executive director
of the Port of South Louisiana and during his tenure as a member of the Louisiana House of
Representatives, which was marked by his uncompromising endeavor to improve the welfare
of his constituents in the New Orleans area, the River Parishes, and the citizens of the state
of Louisiana, and hereby pays tribute to him for the generous and effective way in which he ENROLLEDHR NO. 221
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has dedicated his intelligence and energy to the service of his family, friends, community,
the House of Representatives, and the state of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Louisiana House of Representatives hereby
expresses enduring gratitude to Representative Chaisson for his service to the citizens of
Louisiana as evidenced by his superlative achievements as a member of this distinguished
body, and hereby extends to him the best wishes of all of his colleagues for continued
prosperity and success in his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the Honorable Joel T. Chaisson.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES