LAPLACE – Blaise J. Gravois was appointed to the Port of South Louisiana Board of Commissioners by Gov. Bobby Jindal to fill the unexpired term held by Gregory Gravois, who served on the board from 2000 until his passing in September 2011. He was subsequently elected by the board to serve as treasurer.

Commissioner Gravois’ father, Honora F. Gravois, also served on the commission from January 1989 through May 2000. He held the positions of president, secretary and treasurer during his tenure.

A native of Vacherie, Gravois has more than 35 years of business experience. He has held positions with M&H Builders Inc. and Aegis Construction Inc. and is currently project manager/estimator for BET Construction Inc. He was the proprietor of Gravois Supermarket for 11 years, a family-owned business founded by his grandfather in the 1920s.

Gravois is actively involved in his community as a member of the St. James Parish Economic Development Board, Chairman of the St James Parish Comprehensive Master Plan Committee, Capital Campaign Committee Chairman of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, and Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus Council No. 11857. Gravois also served as president of the Board of Directors for the River Region Chamber of Commerce and on the Vacherie Volunteer Fire Department.

Gravois, married to Patricia Reulet Gravois for 34 years, has three children and three grandchildren.

On being appointed to the board of commissioners, Gravois said, “I am honored to be selected to serve as commissioner for the Port of South Louisiana. I look forward to working with the commissioners and the executive director to make the port strong and continue its growth. I want to see the River Region continue to strengthen economic development and create jobs for our residents.

I believe the Port of South Louisiana has a large share in making these things happen.”