South Central Industrial Association News

Cenac Marine Services and its dynamic, third generation leader, Arlen “Benny” Cenac Jr., continue to flourish, in good times and bad. Through it all, leadership, philanthropy and investments that extend far beyond the company’s gates have made all the difference.As this year quickly churns to its inevitable close, Cenac Marine Services isn’t the nation’s biggest towboat operation, but its profound impact on the people and environment of the U.S. Gulf Coast and beyond is unquestionable. At a time when most operators are happy to simply strive for an environmentally correct and regulatory compliant business signature, Arlen “Benny” Cenac Jr.

Arlen “Benny” Cenac Jr. is a third-generation owner of Cenac Towing Company. The firm, originally founded in 1927 by his grandfather, now does business as Cenac Marine Services. Benny has led the company since 1981 through several industry downturns by focusing on customer service, efficiency, quality and safety in its marine transportation services. Cenac Towing has clients across the country and maintains a focus on transporting liquid petroleum barges. Cenac is guided by the values and principles established by Benny’s grandfather over 85 years ago: a commitment to employee satisfaction and great company morale. As a leader in the community…

According to reports, Gary Chouest was honored with the South Central Industrial Association’s award Thursday night. As president and CEO of Edison Chouest Offshore, Gary Chouest’s leadership has grown the two-vessel shrimping operation founded in 1960 by his father into a worldwide company whose more than 130 vessels are well recognized, SCIA President Chet Morrison told the crowd of about 400 gathered at Cypress Columns Wednesday night. The vessels, all built and owned by Edison Chouest Offshore, are designed for its client-companies’ needs. Most are built at its North American Shipbuilding facility in Larose, but also at North American Fabricators in Houma.