Thomas opens insurance office

Jimmy Thomas had plans to open his new Brightway Insurance Agency in Lake Charles last year, but Hurricane Laura changed all that. Like so many in the area, Thomas’ home and office space sustained damage from Hurricanes Laura and Delta. That didn’t stop him from opening his Brightway Insurance Agency, though.

Now, after working from his home for the past year and contributing to the rebuild of Southwest Louisiana region, Thomas is opening his office location at 194 Williamsburg St. in the Heritage Square business complex.

A Louisiana native, Thomas is licensed to sell insurance in Louisiana and Texas. He has more than 18 years of sales experience.

He graduated from McNeese State University in Lake Charles with a bachelor’s degree in general studies. He is a deacon at his church and volunteers as a youth sports coach and mentor.

Allen named manager of year

April Allen of Lake Charles has been named Sport Clips Haircuts Area Manager of the Year.

Sport Clips Haircuts is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas. It was established in 1993 and began franchising in 1995. The sports-themed haircutting franchise specializes in haircuts for men and boys.

Mount named Ellevate chair

METAIRIE — Ellevate Louisiana, a 501c4 non-profit organization that empowers women leaders throughout Louisiana, recently announced the newly elected slate of Ellevate Louisiana Officers and Board members. Among the news officers is chair  Willie Mount, former mayor of Lake Charles and former Louisiana state senator.

Founded in 2020, Ellevate was created as an outlet for women leaders in Louisiana to connect and be educated on the challenges impacting the state. The organization advocates for data-driven, non-partisan solutions to make a better future for Louisiana.