Game Changers is a documentary series profiling some of the world's most influential, determined, hard-working visionaries who are disrupting their industries. John Bel Edwards appointed Wednesday four new members to the LSU Board of Supervisors replacing members selected by former Gov. How did LSU HR hear about Les Miles' harassment accusations? In This Article. By bringing all members of the Bernhard family under one roof, this model enabled the company to enhance service to its clients and provided a foundation for future growth. Nonetheless, Democratic analysts in the region argue Richmond has maintained a strong grassroots base in his district through championing issues in Congress including police violence, investment in housing, infrastructure and education. BCP had fourportfolio companies by June 2016. But his ranking plunged during the campaign season in 2018 to 46% when he missed votes on 15 environment-related bills, nearly half of the 35 votes tracked. Enwave runs the energy systems for LSU Health Sciences in New Orleans. Former LSU tennis star says coach 'betrayed' her after reports of football player's abuse, LSU official might have broken federal law after Drake Davis admitted he hit girlfriend. In the same year, Bernhard opened the first of its integrated offices in Nashville, Tennessee. Bernhard was president, CEO and chairman of the board. The athletes on his payroll opting out for fear of being implicated in . But the police reports make clear that Bernhards wide-reaching influence cast a long shadow over their investigation. Jim Bernhard, the grandson of William Bernhard, and his business partner Jeff Jenkins took this Energy-as-a-Service concept and created a new business opportunity. In the early 1980s, New Orleans saw a spike in construction activity centered around the Worlds Fair. The LSU board did not disclose the price of the deal during the meeting, but LSU officials confirmed it afterward. The next day, the witness who was worried about her safety told police that Davis had continued to abuse Lewis after he bonded out of jail. William, Charlie, and Jimmy Bernhard, 1974, Bank of America Tower in Charlotte, NC built 1992, UALR Unveils Bernhard Student Club HQ in Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Bernhard Announces 25-year Energy Partnership with the University of New Orleans to Improve Campus Infrastructure, Bernhard Promotes Lauren Skeen to Vice President of Marketing and Communications. The company at the time of the sale, he added, "was saddled by a portfolio of money-losing nuclear contracts.". Shaw entered the nuclear power business in 2000 when it acquired Stone & Webster, an engineering, procurement and construction company. Former LSU wide receiver Drake Davis, who had been accused previously of beating his girlfriend, faces additional charges after police found t. Both Mary Hampton and Robert Taylor described their recent interaction with Richmond as another moment they have felt let down by their elected officials. Les Miles reached a secret settlement with an LSU student, sources say. For hi After posing for a quick photograph, where he smiled and placed his hand on Mary Hamptons left shoulder, Richmond began to exit. Since then, the company also isreviewing the water and sewer operations, too. Police documents refer to Bernhard as both a legal guardian and dad to Davis, though a search through Baton Rouge courts records did not turn up official paperwork of an adoption. Founded in 1994 as a small, family-owned, . Jim Bernhardt, a former Texans assistant coach, died Thursday. The second generation of leadership included William Bernhards sons: William Jr., Charlie, and Jimmy. Want to share an anonymous news tip? Jade Lewis' troubles speak to all parents who send their children to LSU, columnist says, Law firm begins probe of LSU's handlings of sexual misconduct; public report expected in February, In Derrius Guice case, LSU ordered to release unredacted police records to the public, In Drake Davis abuse case, SEC and LSU president were warned two years ago about school's inaction, LSU to pay up to $100,000 for law firm's review of past sexual assault cases, LSU Board hears about sexual assault response, LSU sends 60 files to attorneys overseeing investigation into sexual assault on campus, Another woman alleges LSU inaction after she disclosed Drake Davis abuse: report, LSU athletic official resigns from presidential search committee amid controversy, 'A huge emotional toll': Victims detail LSU's weak punishments for sexual misconduct, How an LSU energy contract has spurred licensing complaints, political pressure and more, Both contenders for major LSU energy deal lack contractor's license, board says, LSU under federal investigation for 'safety practices' after sexual assault complaints, Amid LSU sexual assault investigation, law firm invites students to share experiences, LSU board set to approve huge energy deal next week as two companies negotiate to share it, LSU board awards massive energy deal after secretive negotiations without public bid. He had previously settled a civil lawsuit that alleged he sold invalid movie tax credits and used the proceeds for his personal gain. The plant is still operating today, but its construction resulted in a major lawsuit between LSU and Bernhard Mechanical, along with a state Ethics Board scandal. Pin Oak Stud Sold To Bernhard Family. Jenkins is now co-founderof Bernhard Capital Partners, the company interested in LUS. BERNHARD. The process for awarding the contract has been steeped in both secrecy and controversy for several months. There was a problem saving your notification. Deficiencies the Shaw executive listed ranged from the company being unable to separate improperly made parts to incorrectly storing construction materials, Reuters reported. Privacy Policy Disclaimer. Hiswife and his wife's parents are from Lafayette and his father previously lived here. When Jim Bernhardstepped down as CEO of The Shaw Group in the wake of the companys 2013 acquisition by CB&I, many wondered what he was going to do. BCP will create a new utility management company, NextGen, to oversee their new acquisitions. Staff Writer Sam Karlin contributed to this report. The project was designed to greatly reduce operating energy costs and provide LSU an opportunity to upgrade its infrastructure. Bernhard, at a Lafayette Rotary Club presentation Aug. 23, said of the two cities being eyed for Next Gen's headquarters, he prefers Lafayette, where he has personal ties. In 2015, according to records on social media, Richmond hired James M "Tres" Bernhard III, son of Jim Bernhard, the founder of Louisiana's influential Shaw Group and the former chair of the. It was spun out in a 2017 IPO, and its stock has been in the fast lane. Jim Bernhard is a Founder and Partner of Bernhard Capital Partners. Any promise made to LSU is a promise made to our own family., Perhaps the highest-profile ethics case in Louisiana one the former chairman of the state's Ethics Board called the most egregious case he. Liked by Jim Bernhard Outstanding FULL-TIME opportunity for a Lead IT Support Specialist. He was permanently disbarred as a lawyer. Hampton and Taylor have lost numerous relatives to the disease over decades, could almost double the amount of toxic air pollution, and vote for the Keystone XL pipeline in 2015, Cedric Richmond has received $128,000 from chemical firms, Local residents: It was like he was trying to brush us off. When police interviewed her on Aug. 17, 2018, Lewis told them about several times that Davis had attacked her. (Denka is appealing against the EPAs independently peer-reviewed classification of chloroprene as a likely carcinogen.) In the last several years weve been investing in energy services companies, heavily on power and environmental and energy service, Jenkins told The Advertiser. When they asked Joseph if he thought Davis was violent, Joseph called him a softie.. But Bernhard, a major supporter of the governor and political donor to the Democratic Party, turned down the seat without explanation. Its just the nature of politics and where you represent, Lee said. LSU board members billed the agreement as an important cost-savings measure for LSU going forward. Under Blanco's administration in 2004, Louisiana lured a Union Tank Car manufacturing facility away from Texas with a $30 million state subsidy. of abuse and sexual assault cases at the University. In several reports regarding Davis' abuse of Lewis, who spoke out publicly for the first time over social media on Wednesday, witnesses mentioned being intimidated by Bernhard because of his personal relationship with Davis and his standing in Louisiana politics, the Advocate reported. Bernhard was born in Baton Rouge, but. Over the next 25 years, Bernhard Plumbing and Sheet Metal Works, E.P. And Bernhard's companies have done plenty of work for LSU and other state offices in the past. When LSU Police investigated allegations in 2018 that a football player was abusing the tennis player he was dating, multiple witnesses told officers they were afraid of coming forward because In. Lee said the high levels of donations from fossil fuel and chemicals companies are simply a reflection of the industrys importance to the states economy. With the successful combination of engineering, construction, service, and finance, Bernhard continues to create opportunities to serve our clients with the hard work, quality service, and innovative solutions they have come to expect. It has now surfaced. Today, fabrication and manufacturing remain a critical component of Bernhards mechanical and plumbing construction solutions. Mobility remains a distinct advantage of our firm today. LSU will now create a cooperative endeavor agreement including the university, the LSU Real Estate and Facilities Foundation, Enwave and Louisiana Energy Partners over how to modernize aging campus energy systems that heat, cool and power the university. The LSU Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to split an $810 million energy deal between two contractors, Enwave Energy Corp. and a joint venture that includes Baton Rouge businessman Jim Bernhard and the national firm Johnson Controls Inc. Richmonds office confirmed Bernhards employment and declined to comment on his background. All Rights Reserved. Richmond declined to answer whether he supported the Senate bill. It started with a failed quiz, Drake Davis avoids jail time again as judge terminates probation despite second abuse case. Here's each candidate's top donors, 'Put on a mask!' There was a problem saving your notification. Breaux, Bernhard Brothers, and MCC. RELATED: Bernhard says LUS management proposal two weeks away. Ive been working in his district every year that hes been a congressman, and Ive never seen his face or any of his staff members in the communities working on these [industrial pollution] issues. Representative Cedric Richmond is the sole Democrat in Louisianas congressional delegation. Police documents refer to Bernhard as a "legal guardian" and "dad" to Davis, although there is no official documentation of adoption. LSU'S trouble's just beginning thanks to Jim Bernhard! In a time of need, the project provided LSU a location to serve the community and operate as a triage center during Hurricane Katrina. in Construction Management from Louisiana State University. The two had travelled 1,000 miles from Reserve, a town in southern Louisiana where, according to US government science, the risk of cancer is the highest in the country due to airborne toxins emitted by a nearby chemical plant. A charismatic and chisel-jawed politician, he has seen his congressional seat in Washington turn into a Democratic stronghold in the deeply Republican south. If more upgrades and infrastructure are needed in the future, Enwave will have the chance to finance them. The Shaw Group sued, alleging the Bernhard group was trying to capitalize on the Shaw name, The Advocate reported. Westinghouse, a subsidiary of Toshiba, selected The Shaw Group in 2008 to build nuclear reactors in Georgia andSouth Carolina. WEST FRANKFORT - James "Jim" Bernhard, 73, passed away at 11:44 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, at his residence.He was born June 6, 1935, in West Frankfort, to Stephen and Regina (Harr) Bernhard.He marrie Bernhard and Jenkins now are turning their attention to the electric power sector, with plans to invest $15 billion in coming years to purchase or manage utility companies such as LUS throughout the Southeast. As a company with deep roots in Louisiana, we share the Baton Rouge community and its history and future. Since the inception of the company over 70 years ago, the original motto of Most Dependable still rings true today. The Louisiana state environment agency, LDEQ, has moved towards legal action against Denka, the Democratic governor, John Bel Edwards, has commissioned a health study in the area. Jim Bernhard is best known for founding The Shaw Group, which he sold in 2012 after 25 years in operation. Analysis of Richmonds news releases shows he has not mentioned air pollution in his district at any point during his tenure. Reserve, a majority African American working-class neighbourhood, is the centre of a year-long Guardian series, Cancer Town, examining local residents fight for environmental justice in an area where the risk of cancer is 50 times the national average, according to the EPA. He also donated $100,000 to Broomes MoveEBR campaign for new roads, and $100,000 last year to the Louisiana Democratic Party. In 2008, The Shaw Group and Westinghouse, alongside Gov. Residents: Don't give up management of LUS. Since the beginning of the year, the six candidates running for Baton Rouge mayor-president have collectively raised more than $1.1 million, w, Much of Baton Rouge may finally be reopening, but medical, government and business leaders are warning residents: The coronavirus isn't gone, , Ascension Wastewater Treatment, the state's largest private sewer provider, has been acquired by Baton Rouge private equity firm Bernhard Capi, Louisiana is moving toward entering a complex deal with a company controlled partly by Baton Rouge-based Bernhard Energy Solutions that could , Louisiana will enter into a complex agreement that could lead to the widespread privatization of energy systems at state agencies and universi, Hundreds of LSU students marched through campus Friday afternoon, demanding that the university clean house and stop protecting students esp, Last week started with Samantha Brennans image being published in newspapers across the country as she spoke out for the first time, saying L, Over objections from LSU's attorneys, former LSU student Samantha Brennan testified in court Monday that former star football player Derrius G, The parents of former LSU tennis star Jade Lewis said Sunday that they are dismayed by how LSU administrators have responded to reports that L, The tough challenge to LSU and its vaunted athletic department, so important to Louisiana and the university, is about more than whether rules. Bernhard departed the companywith more than $20 million in cash,$15 million in equity, more than $18 million from a senior executive retirement plan and, according to several sources, use of a private plane for 10 years. When LSU Police investigated allegations in 2018 that a football player was abusing the tennis player he was dating, multiple witnesses told o. Between 2014 and 2015, Jim Bernhard and Bernhard Capital Partners strategically purchased Bernhard Mechanical, TME, E.P. It is through this work that we will achieve our vision and become the leading Energy-as-a-Service provider in North America. The cogeneration plant led to a major lawsuit between LSU and Bernhard Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Brentwood, TN 37027, 2023 Bernhard Capital Partners. Bernhard did not explain his reasons for turning down the seat, though LSU has been in discussions with Bernhard Capital about privatizing the school's energy systems. The firm, Bracewell LLP, began lobbying for Denka in March 2017. The consultants said they had already reached out to several companies that expressed interest in bidding on the project. As the region was experiencing an economic downturn, the company sought new opportunities for growth. Mr. However, the contractor's license issue did not end up sidelining either candidate from receiving the LSU deal. Our Views: LSU scandal is about more than legal or policy violations. An examination of congressional records, suggests he has not spoken about the issue in Congress. Davis was arrested in August 2018 due to his abuse of Lewis. With the FBI, Treasury Dept and the NCAA sniffing through his financial dealings and ties to the University, is it any wonder LSU is in such a quandary? Baton Rouge businessman Jim Bernhard accused of intimidating witnesses in LSU abuse case, "I have not seen the police reports and do not know the identity of the witnesses to whom you refer," Bernhard wrote in an email. The company will also provide financing for initial improvements to LSU's energy plant and distribution systems, which LSU will pay back later on. Jim Bernhard Jr. may not be a household name in Lafayette, but lots of people in Baton Rouge and around the globe know his former company, The Shaw Group, which he founded and grew into a Fortune 500 company. Founded as a traditional MEP consulting engineering company, the firm quickly added energy service offerings focused on helping clients reduce costs and conserve energy. The founder of the Shaw Group, Jim Bernhard, owed about $45,846 for his Highland Road estate. He was among roughly two dozen Democrats to side with Republicans and vote for the Keystone XL pipeline in 2015. The remaining 13 newcomersranging in age from 43 to 84made their. Find your friends on Facebook. Bernhards influence in Louisiana is undeniable. With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of James ("Jim") Nicholas Bernhard on February 20, 2023 at the age of 78. Consultants from the firm KPMG, hired by LSU, warned the board in September that LSU was unlikely to get the best possible deal or the best expertise on building and maintaining energy systems without inviting public bids. She told them Davis threw Lewis against a wall. An LSU board of supervisors member asked Friday whether the university could explore severing its relationship with Rouses Supermarkets over c, Its been nine years since the Louisiana Ethics Board first took up what its former chairman called the most egregious case to ever come bef, While LSU poured untold resources into the pursuit of national football championships, campus leaders for years ignored warnings that LSU did , Michael Martin has been in charge of universities across the country, but he says hes only worked in one state where the governor has called . In 2018, Bernhards innovative work saved clients more than $14 million in energy costs. The NRC requested an internal review of the Lake Charles facility just seven months after it began producing components for the nuclear plants, Reuters reported. Reached by The Advocate, Bernhard denied that he ever threatened Lewis. Ms. JAMES BERNHARD OBITUARY. His full brother Air Force Blue was a superstar juvenile overseas, wining the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (G1), Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes (G1), and Dubai Dewhurst Stakes (G1). Jimmy was born on December 4, 1925 in Baton Rouge, LA, to William and Christabell Bernhard. Jim is regarded as an expert in the energy services industry and has testified before the U.S. Senates Energy Subcommittee to discuss pending energy issues in the United States and across the globe. Components would be shipped and assembled at the nuclear plant site. When LSU Police investigated allegations in 2018 that a football player was abusing the tennis player he was dating, multiple witnesses told officers they were afraid of coming forward because they feared repercussions from influential Baton Rouge businessman and Democratic political donor Jim Bernhard. Got a question? Bernhard is mentioned by name in seven separate instances in police reports about former LSU wide receiver Drake Davis abuse of LSU tennis player Jade Lewis, who has recently spoken out publicly for the first time. During the 2003Louisiana gubernatorial race, Bernhard supported Louisiana Attorney General Richard Ieyoub. Madison, Wisconsin USA. Judge hears arguments, LSU tennis star's parents 'astonished' by inaction after reports of football player's abuse. Davis told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune in 2015 that he moved into the Bernhard home in sixth grade and that Jim Bernhard and his wife, Dana, became his permanent guardians. The company took one of its companies, Charah Solutions, public on the New York Stock Exchange in June. Louisiana Energy Partners will design and build LSU's energy plant and distribution systems. After that, Bernhard, Jeff Jenkins and a handful of other top executives from The Shaw Group founded BCP, a private equity firm that promised to invest in companies that operate in the energy services industry. Jim was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and then retired as a lineman for Verizon after 35 years of service. The. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota on May 5th, 1940 (Cinco de Mayo), he spent his days enjoying his life and friend Jim received his B.A. He later pleaded guilty to two counts of battery and one count of violation of a protective order. When LSU Police interviewed Senior Associate Athletic Director Miriam Segar, who reported Lewis abuse in police and Title IX reports, Bernhards name came up again. LSU has commissioned the Husch Blackwell to investigate past handlings of abuse and sexual assaultallegations on campus. ", Police wrote that Davis reportedly told his girlfriend he would "take [her] to court because in Louisiana [she'll] never win and in any other state [she] will.". The sale was finalized in February 2013. As a result, Shaw a minority owner of Westinghouse won all of Westinghouse's contracts. He attended Edgar Martin Middle School andgraduated from Cathedral Carmel High School. Looking at his face, it didnt really seem like he was interested, Hampton recalled. Richmond declined to comment on why he missed those votes. He has won successive elections here campaigning on healthcare expansion, voting rights and criminal justice reform. Our teams continue to design and create hospitals, classrooms, offices, hotels, and more. BERNHARD was also ordered to pay a fine of $10,000. He was accompanied by an executive of Shintech, which was planning a $1 billion PVC plant in Louisiana, a construction contract Shaw was interested in winning. Bernhard said the company exited the nuclear field after the Fukushima, Japan, disaster in March 2011. Their solid relationships and dedication to their customers helped the firm grow quickly. But he voted to block them from drilling on the outer continental shelf of Florida. He also declined to answer a list of detailed questions despite multiple requested deadline extensions. Though buildings, communities, and cities change around us, one thing remains constant: Bernhard is a trusted partner, working together to build our future. Michot also served on Robideaux's transition team. In January 2005, Bernhard was elected chairman of the Louisiana Democratic State Central Committeewith Blanco's support. In 2015, he founded Bernhard Capital Partners, a private equity firm that acquires. J. M. Bernhard is Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Shaw Group Inc. Today, Bernhards mission is to deliver innovative engineering, construction, and energy solutions that empower our clients and promote a sustainable future. The firms grew and expanded as the needs of Louisiana grew and expanded. Leveraging this newly combined expertise, the firm quickly began to implement its Energy-as-a-Service vision with projects at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans; AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas; the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock; and beyond. Its simply not on their radar. said Anne Rolfes, executive director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, a not-for-profit environmental justice organization.