By Paige Nash
The Greater Minden Chamber held their annual event Tuesday where they honored the 15 Under 40 recipients and awarded Brandi Cade the Top Young Professional of the Year. Cade currently serves as the Executive Director of the Farm of Cultural Crossroads in Minden.
Cade and her husband, Ben, have been together for 16 years and have been married for 11 of those years. They share two children, Isla and Leland.
Through owning her own photography business, Brandi Cade Photography, she has been able to happily provide many free sessions to worthy causes throughout the years. Cade has played a significant role in the progress Cultural Crossroads has made in recent years. Her biggest accomplishment thus far is the program that was made possible with the partnership of Webster and Desoto Ready Start Networks that has allowed her to produce 8,774 art kits, servicing 1,305 preschool-age children over the last two years.
“I am stunned and surprised by receiving this honor. It could have easily been given to each and every Honoree, as all of them are exceptional and so deserving,” said Cade. “I never thought that I could be on the receiving end of recognition on this scale, so when the details of my life were being spoken during the announcement; the tears instantly started flowing. A deep feeling of gratitude washed over me. I wake up every day just wanting to make my family proud, be an example for my children and do what I can to help others. I sincerely appreciate the Greater Minden Chamber and the judging committee for recognizing my efforts.”
Greg Lee and Mandi Hart emceed the event and GMC Chairman, Logan McConathy presented plaques to the other 15 under 40 honorees which included:
Steven Burdeaux- City of Minden
Travis Chapman- Energy Transfer
Jordan Colvin- b1Bank
Dustin Divelbiss- All Hours Fitness
Lauren Gros – Webster Parish Schools
Bailee Hurley- Muddy Bottoms ATV & Recreation Park
Nathan Jones – Webster Parish Tax Assessor’s Office
Savannah Jones- Webster Parish Library
Brian Meeker – Edward Jones Investments
Carlton “Buddy” Myles Jr. – Seafood Empire
Nathan Richardson – Claiborne Parish Schools
Phillip Smart- City of Ruston
Dr. Danielle Thomas – Main Street Medical
Chris Winget – Webster Parish Clerk of Court’s Office
Guests enjoyed a catered meal by Hugh Wood Catering and Specialty Meats with desserts provided by Jodie Waller-Martin with Geaux Fresh.
McConathy closed out the event with a tearful tribute to the late Terry Gardner, who played a tremendous role in this event every year. TG Companies, LLC has been the presenting sponsor for the last 11 years. His wife, Debbie and close friends, Donnie Irby and Jeremy Holley were bestowed a plaque in his honor.
McConathy announced the Top Young Professional Award will now be named the “Terry Gardner Young Professional of the Year Award” in the years to come.
“TG was instrumental in the foundation of the 15 under 40 event, and we thought it was only fitting to keep him and his legacy as a part of the event,” said McConathy. “He always joked about not getting the award so now he will be a part of the award every year.”
