David Vitter

Mr. President, small businesses have the unique ability to seamlessly fill a niche in their local communities. In many cases, this means they offer a service or product that is completely unique to the region. As Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras quickly approach, I would like to honor a small business that is not often associated with the State of Louisiana--a beautiful vineyard and winery. This week's Small Business of the Week is Landry Vineyards and Winery of West Monroe, LA.

In 1999 with the help of their family and close friends, Jeff and Libby Landry decided to pursue their dream of owning and operating a vineyard. The Landry family started their business by planting Blanc Du Bois grapes on their 2 acres in Folsom, LA. Four years later, they were licensed as a Louisiana Native Winery, which allowed their wines to be shipped and sold across the State. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, however, the Landrys moved their enterprise to higher ground in the hill country of West Monroe. Today, the wines produced at Landry Vineyards are available in over 300 stores throughout Louisiana and can be purchased across the country by simply visiting their Web site.

The Landry family has created an experience for locals and out-of- towners that is well worth the trip. Daily tours of the vineyards are available for small groups on golf carts, and tractor drawn wagons are used for the larger groups. The winery also provides free wine tastings in the nearby tasting room, and guests are encouraged to bring picnic lunches to enjoy on the winery grounds. Each year the winery hosts an outdoor music concert series that caters to families with local bands who perform in all genres like Cajun, funk, and country blues. The 20- acre property also serves as a popular destination for public and private events, including weddings.

In the last 15 years, Landry Vineyards has thrived despite any obstacles--whether it is a natural disaster or burdensome regulations-- in its way. As I work to make sure the voices and concerns of small business owners across the country are heard in Washington, the history and success of Landry Vineyards serve as an inspiring reminder of what is worth fighting for. Congratulations to Landry Vineyards and Winery for being selected as this week's Small Business of the Week.

Mr. President, I wish to honor Dr. Norman Francis, president of Xavier University of Louisiana and grand marshall for the 2015 Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club Coronation Ball.

Dr. Francis was born in Lafayette, LA, to the son of a barber and a stay-home mother who valued education and hard work. After Dr. Francis graduated from St. Paul High School in 1948, he was awarded a scholarship to Xavier University, America's only historically black Catholic university, where he excelled academically. In 1953, he enrolled in Loyola University New Orleans from which he earned his juris doctorate in 1955. After this, he spent 2 years in the U.S. Army before returning to New Orleans.

In 1968, Dr. Francis was named president of Xavier University. He was the first African American man to lead Xavier, and he is currently the longest-sitting university president in the United States. As both a student and eventual administrator, Dr. Francis has been at Xavier for more than five decades. He is credited with being the catalyst for nearly every new building constructed on the campus during the past four decades.

Under Dr. Francis' leadership, Xavier continues to rank first nationally in the number of African American students earning undergraduate degrees in the biology and the life sciences, chemistry, physics, and pharmacy. Since 1993, Xavier has also continued to rank first nationally for African American students being accepted into medical schools.

Dr. Francis has received numerous honorary degrees from other universities and prestigious awards in recognition of his leadership in higher education and for unselfish service to New Orleans and to our Nation. In 2006, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush. Dr. Francis served as chairman of the Louisiana Recovery Authority following the devastation from Hurricane Katrina and Rita, and he was a leader in the efforts to rebuild the lives of those affected by the storms. In the aftermath of these storms, one publication called Dr. Francis a ``quiet hero.'' This is a great way to describe a man who has done so much for his university, his community, his State, and his Nation.

I am pleased to join with the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club in honoring grand marshall Dr. Norman Francis.

Mr. President, small businesses across the country have the unique opportunity to put their special stamp on the traditions that mark their communities. In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Loretta Harrison, owner and operator of a successful New Orleans-based praline company. Through the hardships of starting a business to persevering and even expanding through one of the most tragic natural disasters to hit the United States, this small business has gone above and beyond the past 35 years to carry the tradition of this special treat to the people of New Orleans. It is my pleasure to recognize Loretta's Authentic Pralines as this week's Small Business of the Week.

Before she felt the calling to bring her family's special praline recipe to her community, Loretta--who serves as president and CEO-- worked as a medical librarian at Louisiana State University. Pralines are a common Louisiana dessert, with roots that go all the way back to the original French settlers. They are made of ingredients that are plentiful to the region, which include an intricate mix of sugar, butter, cream, and pecans. Through Loretta's hard work and determination, what started as a praline stand at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival has now grown into a storefront in both the Marigny and the French Market. Not only does Loretta's Pralines serve a wide variety of signature pralines, but it has expanded the menu to include other delicious desserts, such as king cakes, coconut macaroons, fudge, and oatmeal raisin cookies. The store in the Marigny also doubles as a cafe for breakfast and lunch, serving sweet and savory favorites like sweet potato pancakes and shrimp and grits.

Apart from the legacy of being some of the best pralines in New Orleans, which is no easy feat, Loretta's Pralines is known for its strength and support during the rebuilding of the city after Hurricane Katrina. With the blessing of minimal damage to her store, Loretta recognized that there was an important void in her community that she immediately stepped in to fill. By temporarily changing the business model from a sweet shop to a restaurant, Loretta was able to feed the volunteers, workers, and reporters who were helping to rebuild the city she knew and loved. Loretta's Pralines also became a sort of haven for those whose lives had changed dramatically, a familiar meeting place as part of a larger community during the recovery. This act of benevolence in the midst of the hardship cemented Loretta's Pralines as a New Orleans institution.

Small business owners like Loretta Harrison are what make our State truly unique--indeed, we would not be the same without their examples of courage and kindness. I am honored to recognize a small business that has shown compassion during the devastating times, as well as ingenuity and success in expanding their business across the city. Congratulations again to Loretta's Authentic Pralines. I wish you all the best and more in the future.