Call Center Company in Lafayette, LA

The Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) is thrilled to share that Blueflite, a pioneer in drone logistics, has selected Lafayette, Louisiana, as its new expansion site, reinforcing the city’s rising status as a center for healthcare and technological advancement. Supported by a $250,000 investment from the Ochsner Louisiana Innovation Fund (OLIF)—a $10 million initiative by Ochsner Health, in collaboration with Louisiana Economic Development (LED) through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)—Blueflite’s move highlights Lafayette’s dynamic ecosystem for fostering innovative enterprises.

Blueflite aims to transform medical logistics and emergency response with its cutting-edge drone technology. The decision to establish operations in Lafayette reflects the region’s ability to unite strengths in healthcare, aviation, aerospace, and technology. As healthcare innovation fuels economic progress in Louisiana, Blueflite’s drone solutions align with both state and national goals to enhance medical logistics. This expansion marks a key milestone in Blueflite’s growth, with local leaders anticipating deeper collaborations as the company expands from its Louisiana foundation.

“We’re excited about this investment, which positions Blueflite to transform medical logistics,” said Frank Noppel, CEO of Blueflite. “Our drone technology delivers critical supplies like blood and medications with unmatched speed, precision, and reliability, improving healthcare delivery and saving lives.”

Blueflite will establish a new office at the Opportunity Machine (OM) in Downtown Lafayette, integrating into the area’s vibrant healthcare and technology community. By joining the OM, Blueflite gains access to extensive resources, LEDA’s business development support, and connections with local experts in technology and aerospace.

“Blueflite’s advanced logistics technology will strengthen and contribute to the ongoing growth of our local innovation ecosystem,” said Mandi Mitchell, LEDA’s president and CEO. “We fully embrace pioneering technology companies in Lafayette, and we’re especially excited about Blueflite as their business model crosses multiple of our target industry sectors–logistics, aviation and aerospace, technology, and healthcare.”

Josh Fleig, LED Chief Innovation Officer, added, “By integrating cutting-edge drone technology with critical healthcare logistics, Blueflite’s decision to grow in Lafayette represents exactly the kind of innovation-driven economic development we strive to support across Louisiana. This expansion shows that our whole-of-Louisiana strategy goes far beyond traditional projects and is driving innovation and accelerating impact statewide. We’re proud to support this bold vision through the Ochsner Louisiana Innovation Fund and look forward to the transformative outcomes it will bring to local communities.”

LEDA’s business recruitment team first connected with Blueflite at a robotics and autonomous systems trade show, later partnering with Ochsner Ventures, an Ochsner Health investment group that saw the potential of Blueflite’s technology to advance healthcare innovation.

“At Ochsner, we seek out transformative solutions that improve healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and outcomes,” said Aimee Quirk, Senior Vice President & Chief Corporate Development Officer, Ochsner Health; and CEO, Ochsner Ventures. “Our investment in Blueflite through the Ochsner Louisiana Innovation Fund not only promises to revolutionize medical logistics—delivering life-saving supplies faster and more efficiently—but also stimulates economic development and new jobs in Louisiana. We are proud to support Blueflite’s expansion into Lafayette and the positive impact it will have on patient care and the economy.”

Ochsner Lafayette General’s Level II Trauma Center and its rural hospital network will directly benefit from Blueflite’s innovative drone technology.

“Ensuring rapid access to critical medical supplies is vital for our trauma center and rural hospitals throughout our region,” said Patrick Gandy, CEO of Ochsner Lafayette General. “This investment in drone technology strengthens our ability to deliver life-saving care when and where it’s needed most—whether it’s blood products for emergency surgery, medications for rural communities, expediting lab samples or essential supplies in disaster response situations. We are excited to see this technology take shape in Lafayette.”

In 2023, Blueflite partnered with Acadian Ambulance, and its subsidiary, Darkflite, secured a U.S. Department of Transportation Phase 1 SBIR contract to develop a drone-based blood delivery system. This system aims to improve prehospital care by rapidly delivering blood products and medical tools to emergency responders and crash victims. Acadian Ambulance, a Lafayette-based leader in medical transportation since 1971, provides a range of health, safety, and transportation services.

“Acadian’s collaboration with Blueflite signifies our commitment to embracing technological advancements and delivering exceptional value to our patients and healthcare partners. This innovation can significantly enhance prehospital care and emergency medical response, ultimately saving more lives,” said Blaise Zuschlag, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Acadian Ambulance.

With support from Ochsner Ventures, Acadian Ambulance, LEDA, and the OM, Blueflite is well-positioned to redefine medical logistics through autonomous drone technology, enhancing healthcare access and patient outcomes across Louisiana.

The collaboration between Blueflite, LEDA, OM, Acadian Ambulance, and Ochsner Health underscores Lafayette’s role as a magnet for innovative companies shaping the future of healthcare, technology, and aviation.

Lafayette, LA (May 21, 2025) – A major traffic accident was reported just after noon Tuesday on Kaliste Saloom Rd in Lafayette, prompting a swift response from local emergency services and resulting in at least one injury.

The incident occurred around 12:04 PM on May 20, 2025, in the 2000 block of Kaliste Saloom Rd—a high-traffic corridor known for its mix of commercial and residential access points. Lafayette emergency personnel responded to the scene to assist those involved and to manage traffic in the area. Officials confirmed the collision was classified as a major accident, indicating the likelihood of significant vehicle damage and injuries.

Paramedics provided on-site medical treatment and transported at least one individual to a nearby hospital. As of this report, the identities of the individuals involved and the severity of the injuries have not been made public.

Law enforcement remains on scene conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash, reviewing witness statements, road conditions, and any potential contributing factors such as speeding or driver error.

We extend our best wishes to the injured parties and hope for a full and speedy recovery.

Major Accidents on Kaliste Saloom Rd

Kaliste Saloom Rd is a key route in Lafayette, serving a growing area with numerous retail centers, medical offices, and residential neighborhoods. The midday timing of this crash underscores the traffic risks present even during non-peak hours, particularly in busy zones with frequent merging, turning, and pedestrian crossings.

Major accidents often involve more than just property damage—they may lead to lasting physical injuries, medical expenses, and disruptions to everyday life. For those affected, it is essential to receive prompt medical evaluation and to fully document all aspects of the incident. This includes gathering contact information, taking photos of the crash scene, and requesting official reports from responding officers.

For victims, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Support from healthcare providers, insurance representatives, and legal advisors plays an essential role in restoring financial and personal stability. Local resources in Lafayette are available to help guide victims through this process, from rehabilitation to compensation claims.

If you or a loved one was injured in a crash on Kaliste Saloom Rd or elsewhere in Lafayette Parish, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We provide accurate updates and connect you with the information and resources needed to move forward after a serious collision. Contact us today to begin your recovery journey with clarity and support.

One of Lafayette's most lauded high school band directors is coming out of semi-retirement. Scotty Walker is taking on a new role as band director at St. Thomas More Catholic High School, according to an announcement from the school on Monday.

Walker retired from teaching in 2023 after over 30 years with the Lafayette Parish School System, most of which were spent as the band director at Lafayette High School. In that time, Walker's symphonic and marching bands were honored in numerous state and national competitions, played at Carnegie Hall, and marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2018.

The LHS Mighty Lion Marching Band were the 17-time Grand Champions at the Louisiana Showcase of Marching Bands under Walker, and in 2011, they were named the Class AAA Grand National Champion by Bands of America in Indianapolis.

For his work in music education, Walker was inducted into the Louisiana Music Educators Hall of Fame in 2019. He received the Phi Beta Mu Louisiana Outstanding Bandmaster Award in 2002, 2009 and 2019, and was named the United Way High School Teacher of the Year in 2022.

Following his retirement from Lafayette High, Walker took a position as band teacher at Our Lady of Fatima School, a role that he will continue as STM band director. He is also currently serving as the executive director of the Louisiana Music Educators Association, and is the associate director of the Lafayette Concert Band.

As Lafayette High's band director, Walker said that his goal was to build his students' work ethic and confidence while helping them become excellent performers.

“For all our performances it’s really about the celebration of the work that goes into that performance," Walker said in 2019. "It’s how we get to the end product, and not just the end product. We appreciate [the awards] and we celebrate them, but it’s not what defines our program and our students."

The Lafayette Parish School Board will consider moving the visual and performing arts academy from Comeaux High to Lafayette High.

The request was placed on May's agenda by Superintendent Francis Touchet Jr. and Jennifer Gardner, the assistant superintendent of administration and operations. If approved, the move would go into affect for the upcoming school year.

LPSS did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.

The idea of moving the visual and performing arts academy from Comeaux was brought up last fall. It was just one piece of a proposal from a hired strategic planner. That proposal included closing Comeaux altogether, which failed in a 5-4 vote during a contentious November school board meeting.

During that meeting, the school board rejected many other suggestions for closures and consolidations that were designed to save the district money, something it needed as it faces budget shortfalls caused by declining district enrollment and increased insurance costs. The board ultimately only ended up saving about $100,000 annually.

Comeaux’s enrollment has steadily declined since the 2018-19 school year, decreasing by 500 students in that time, and about 66% of families zoned for the school choose to send their students there.

Comeaux’s enrollment took a huge hit during the 2016-17 school year when about 900 students were rezoned for the newly constructed Southside High.

The Comeaux campus has a high facility investment per student, attributed in part to the construction of a performing arts wing in 2022 after the school board moved the performing arts program from Lafayette High in 2016.

During the strategic planning process last fall, Comeaux's supporters said they felt the school had been neglected while the district invested in other campuses' facilities and leadership.

The regular school board meeting starts at 5 p.m. Thursday at the main district office, 202 Rue Iberville. Anyone attending the meeting will need to adhere to the district's clear-bag policy.

The regular meeting will be after a special finance meeting that starts at 4 p.m.

The school board also will consider several other items including:

Email Ashley White at ashley.white@theadvocate.com.

In a groundbreaking move for medical logistics, Blueflite, a trailblazer in Drone Technology, has chosen Lafayette, Louisiana, as its new expansion hub, backed by a $250,000 investment from the Ochsner Louisiana Innovation Fund (OLIF). This strategic relocation positions Lafayette as a rising epicenter for healthcare and technological innovation, promising faster delivery of critical supplies like blood and medications to trauma centers and rural hospitals.

A New Era for Medical Drone Delivery

Blueflite’s cutting-edge drones are designed to revolutionize how medical supplies reach those in need. Capable of delivering payloads with precision and speed, the technology addresses urgent challenges in emergency response and healthcare logistics. By establishing a new office at the Opportunity Machine (OM) in Downtown Lafayette, Blueflite taps into a vibrant ecosystem of technology, aerospace, and healthcare expertise. “Our drone technology delivers critical supplies with unmatched speed, precision, and reliability, improving healthcare delivery and saving lives,” said Frank Noppel, CEO of Blueflite.

The expansion aligns with Louisiana’s push for healthcare innovation, supported by the $10 million OLIF, a collaboration between Ochsner Health and Louisiana Economic Development (LED). Blueflite’s drones will directly enhance operations at Ochsner Lafayette General’s Level II Trauma Center and its rural hospital network, ensuring rapid access to life-saving resources. “This investment strengthens our ability to deliver care when and where it’s needed most,” said Patrick Gandy, CEO of Ochsner Lafayette General.

Strategic Partnerships Driving Innovation

Blueflite’s move was sparked by connections made at a robotics trade show, where LEDA’s business recruitment team and Ochsner Ventures recognized the company’s potential. A 2023 partnership with Acadian Ambulance, a Lafayette-based leader in medical transportation, further amplifies Blueflite’s impact. Their joint project, backed by a U.S. Department of Transportation SBIR contract, focuses on a drone-based blood delivery system to improve prehospital care. “This innovation can significantly enhance emergency medical response, ultimately saving more lives,” said Blaise Zuschlag, Executive Vice President of Acadian Ambulance.

The collaboration underscores Lafayette’s appeal as a hub for cross-industry innovation, blending logistics, aviation, and healthcare. “Blueflite’s decision to grow in Lafayette represents the kind of innovation-driven economic development we strive to support,” said Josh Fleig, LED Chief Innovation Officer.

Economic and Community Impact

Blueflite’s expansion is more than a tech win—it’s a boost for Lafayette’s economy. The company’s presence at the OM will create jobs and foster local collaborations, strengthening the region’s reputation as a magnet for forward-thinking businesses. “We fully embrace pioneering technology companies in Lafayette,” said Mandi Mitchell, LEDA’s president and CEO. With OLIF’s support, Blueflite is poised to scale its operations, potentially transforming medical logistics nationwide.

DroneXL’s Take

Blueflite’s arrival in Lafayette is a game-changer, blending drone innovation with real-world impact. Picture a drone zipping through Louisiana’s skies, delivering blood to a rural hospital in minutes—saving lives when every second counts. This isn’t just tech for tech’s sake; it’s a lifeline for communities. By rooting itself in Lafayette’s collaborative spirit, Blueflite shows how drones can bridge gaps in healthcare access, making emergencies less daunting. DroneXL sees this as a bold step toward a future where drones aren’t just tools but trusted partners in saving lives.