Today, U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship (SBC), announced Wetland Resources, LLC of Tickfaw, La. as Small Business of the Week, and will be submitting it into the official Congressional Record.

“Each Louisianian recognizes the importance of preserving and restoring our precious coastline, which play a major role in protecting our communities from storms and flooding,” said Vitter. “A relatively new startup, Wetlands Resources has been planting durable trees with the ability to absorb excess water in vulnerable wetlands in southeast Louisiana. It’s this kind of innovative entrepreneurship that makes it my honor to designate Wetlands Resources of Tickfaw, La. to be Small Business of the Week.”

In 2009, Gary Shaffer and Demetra Kandelepas founded Wetland Resources, LLC. with the goal of developing cost-effective ways to rebuild Louisiana’s deteriorating coastal wetlands. Both professors and researchers in the field of biology, Shaffer and Kandelepas began cultivating and planting “hurricane resistant” plants such as Cypress and Tupelo trees. With their strong resilient root systems, these tree systems would work to create a lasting natural barrier more likely to sustain vulnerable coastal habitats during strong storms.

Today, Wetland Resources, LLC continues their work to rebuild Louisiana’s coast by developing new ways to plant and protect their seeds from the elements and wildlife. In addition to their most recent development - a biodegradable protective casing for their seedlings that has allows Shaffer and Kandelepas to plant up to 4,000 trees a day - Wetland Resources LLC has received numerous awards, including winning the Water Challenge Business Pitch at this year’s New Orleans Entrepreneur Week.

As SBC Chairman, Vitter continues the tradition of honoring America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.

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