"After Fukushima," he said, "we didn't think nuclear would be acceptable to people in the United States.". The Memorial Tower sits on Dalrymple Drive on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017. Their solid relationships and dedication to their customers helped the firm grow quickly. In 2001, Jim was recognized as U.S. According to The Baton Rouge Business Report, the company raised $1.2 billion in less than a year. Based in Baton Rouge, La., Jim Bernhard is the founder and partner of Bernhard Capital Partners, which manages . In 2019, Bernhard achieved a major milestone with the passing of its 100th year in the engineering and contracting business. One Richmond staffer, who is not listed on the congressmans website, was convicted of wire fraud before joining the team. While BCP does not manage any city-owned electric systems, itsmanagement team is experienced in the regulated utility sector, including Cleco and Exelon, Jenkinssaid. "But at the end of five years, we'dbe larger than Entergy.". After building The Shaw Group into a $3 billion company, Bernhard brokered its sale to Chicago Bridge & Iron, a Dutch company. Reached by The Advocate, Bernhard denied that he ever threatened Lewis. Tres Bernhard, who is a senior aide who directs special projects from Baton Rouge, was in 2013 sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for committing wire fraud and diverting nearly $500,000 from his former law firm to himself. In August and September of 2005, tragedy struck Louisiana in the form of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. With an initial vision of helping his family and community, he ultimately started a legacy that would prosper into a new century. Bernhard was born in Baton Rouge, but. The mission of the company was not only to see how things were, but also how things could be. He also donated $100,000 to Broomes MoveEBR campaign for new roads, and $100,000 last year to the Louisiana Democratic Party. He built the company into The Shaw Group largely by acquiring other companies, the first of which was B.F. Shaw, and by moving into the design,construction and operation of plants and energy companies, including nuclear. Shaw Group Inc. Chief Executive Jim Bernhard will walk away with more than $36 million in severance payments if the company's proposed $3 billion sale Chicago Bridge & Iron Co . 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. Representative Cedric Richmond is the sole Democrat in Louisianas congressional delegation. Richmond with Biden in Columbia, South Carolina, in June. 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 projects encountered many problems, including Westinghouse's design, Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations and required design changes, even with the soil at the Georgia site. Privacy Policy Disclaimer. In 2018, Bernhards innovative work saved clients more than $14 million in energy costs. INDEPENDENT Born into a Baton Rouge-area family with a mechanical contracting company now run by his brother, Bernhard, who is known as Jim, graduated with a degree in construction from. Louisiana Energy Partners will design and build LSU's energy plant and distribution systems. All parties denied Blanco influenced the selection of Shaw, according to published reports. This is exactly the way its supposed to work, said Robert Dampf, the LSU board chairman during the meeting. Bobby Jindal, announced plans to build at the Port of Lake Charles a $120 million plant to manufacture prefabricated components for the AP1000 nuclear reactor. He was permanently disbarred as a lawyer. Richmond declined to comment on his campaign funding. JAMES BERNHARD OBITUARY. Want to share an anonymous news tip? He had previously settled a civil lawsuit that alleged he sold invalid movie tax credits and used the proceeds for his personal gain. Jim played a leading role in every major decision of the company from its founding until its sale. Bernhard is mentioned by name in seven separate instances in police reports about Davis' alleged abuse of LSU tennis player Jade Lewis. He also declined to answer a list of detailed questions despite multiple requested deadline extensions. 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. Hampton and Taylor say they were told that Richmond would sit down with them and hear about the years-long fight for clean air in their hometown. We serve customers across the nation, offering in-house expertise and a proven approach backed by more than 100 years of experience. Former LSU wide receiver Drake Davis, who had been accused previously of beating his girlfriend, faces additional charges after police found t. James M. "Tres" Bernhard III pleaded guilty Wednesday in Baton Rouge federal court to one count of wire fraud and admitted that he schemed to divert $453,123 of his former law firm's money to. Bernhard says LUS management proposal two weeks away, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. See Photos. Bernhard Capital Partners ("Bernhard Capital") is a services-focused private equity management firm established in 2013 by Jim Bernhard, Jeff Jenkins and a team of experienced private-equity . However, the contractor's license issue did not end up sidelining either candidate from receiving the LSU deal. LSU's cogeneration power plant at the southeast corner of Tiger Stadium, Tuesday, April 30, 2019, in Baton Rouge, La. Breaux, and MCC helped to grow Louisiana: building the Louisiana Governors Mansion in 1963, opening an office in Lafayette in 1965, and constructing Lafayette General Hospital that same year. LSU board awards massive energy deal after secretive negotiations without public bid. 2001 compensation: $2.94 million. Bernhard also claimed he left the nuclear construction business before problems surfaced at the Georgia and South Carolina companies. Around 1986 or 1987, he and two friends spent $50,000 to take over the assets of a bankrupt pipe fabricatorwhen Louisiana's oilfield was struggling to recover from a major downturn. What we are fighting for is real. The Bernhards live on a sprawling setup behind gates near the Country Club of Louisiana. A football player said something similar in another police interview, telling them he is scared of Jim Bernhards 'power but he has not been threatened by Mr. Bernhard., When police interviewed LSU wide receivers coach Mickey Joseph, they wrote that his phone history showed he had three calls with Bernhard one morning in August. According to Jimmy, the company was founded with the three core beliefs: hard work ethic, passion, and problem solving. Others predicted he would delve into real estate. Alexandra Reyes thought she had an airtight case of sexual misconduct for LSU to investigate. 2600 Citiplace Drive, Suite 500 Prior to founding Bernhard Capital Partners, Jim started The Shaw Group in 1987 with a small personal investment and grew the company into one of the leading global energy services firms with over $6 billion in revenue and 25,000 employees. Acquiring Stone & Webster gave The Shaw Group the credibility it lacked in the nuclear power construction business. For hi Jun 9 - 11, 2023. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Les Miles reached a secret settlement with an LSU student, sources say. What began as a small, family-owned company is now one of the countrys largest mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering, construction and service firms that provides Energy-as-a-Service solutions. He recently turned down a coveted position on the LSU Board of Supervisors, an appointment Gov. Joseph told officers that Bernhard had told him on one of the calls that police had an arrest warrant out for Davis. Although Richmonds district, now 62% African American, has traditionally been associated with centrist Democrats, redistricting in 2014 has made it a Democratic stronghold. It was an untested process in the United States. BCP will create a new utility management company, NextGen, to oversee their new acquisitions. Notwithstanding what the police reports indicate these witnesses may have said, I did not discourage Jade Lewis from reporting nor threaten retaliation against anyone.. Other notable projects included the Louisiana Superdome, the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, Louisianas State Capitol, Hilton New Orleans Riverside, and many high rise office buildings on Poydras Street, including 800 and 400 Poydras. All Rights Reserved. Today, Bernhards mission is to deliver innovative engineering, construction, and energy solutions that empower our clients and promote a sustainable future. She took office in January 2004. The Hoggs of Texas: Letters and Memoirs of an Extraordinary Family, 1887-1906 . His grandfather started Bernhard Mechanical in Lafayette in 1919. You have permission to edit this article. He said the project will not affect tuition and student fees. Both father and son are now members of The Forbes 400. Richmonds office confirmed Bernhards employment and declined to comment on his background. BCP's Energy Services Fund closed its initial equity sale in Spring 2016 having raised more than $750 million in capital commitments, SEC filings show. There was a problem saving your notification. 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. Baton Rouge, LA 70808. Others thought he might get into real estate. The same football playerpleaded with police to keep his identity shielded from public view. ATC Associates isan environmental consulting and engineering firm whose national business headquarters is in Lafayette, Jenkins said. Structural Info Known for movies The Saber 2007 as The Voice The Trust 1993 as Mr. Swenson Source IMDB The remaining 13 newcomersranging in age from 43 to 84made their. BERNHARD, James Casper May 5, 1940 - October 17, 2018 Jim's original obituary included much information and many relatives that survived him. In 2000, Shaw ventured into the utility industry, partnering with Entergy to createEntergyShaw to build power plants. Former state Sen. Mike Michot of Lafayette, a long-time friend of Robideaux who served in the state legislature with the mayor-president, works at The Picard Group. In the early 2000s, Bernhard Mechanical, under the leadership of Kenny Bernhard, E.P. A Shaw executive wrote in response, "The level and effectiveness of management oversight of daily activities was determined to be inadequate based on the quality of work.". Were not making it up. God bless Jim Bernhard for having some serious chutzpah. As a result, Shaw a minority owner of Westinghouse won all of Westinghouse's contracts. in Construction Management from Louisiana State University. Kathleen Blanco's transition team, Bernhardbuilt a pipe fabrication business intoa $3 billioncompany awarded hundreds of millions in Defense Department contracts and no-bid contracts after Hurricane Katrina. Here's each candidate's top donors, 'Put on a mask!' However, in the fog of grief, sleep deprivation and illnes In Ms.(redacted)s own words she described threats from Mr. Davis to her they are as follows: if you come forward we'll never be together and my parents will ruin your life if you do this', the report continued. John Bel Edwards but declined the appointment for reasons not yet available. Born in Trenton, Jim resided in Yardville for most of his life. And after Davis was arrested in August 2018 over his abuse of Lewis to which he later pleaded guilty to two counts of battery and one count of violation of a protective order another witness told police that she was spooked over potential ramifications from Bernhard. Bernhards influence in Louisiana is undeniable. "Notwithstanding what the police reports indicate these, may have said, I did not discourage Jade Lewis from reporting nor threaten retaliation against anyone. The project was designed to greatly reduce operating energy costs and provide LSU an opportunity to upgrade its infrastructure. When they asked Joseph if he thought Davis was violent, Joseph called him a softie.. Looking at his face, it didnt really seem like he was interested, Hampton recalled. James Thomas Bernhard WRIGHTSTOWN - James Thomas Bernhard, 61, of Wrightstown, passed away Monday in Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Hamilton. Bernhard's ties to Robideaux have raised questions about the motive behind entertaining an offer to enter into a long-term at least 20-30 years contract to manage LUS, which is considered the golden goose of city operations. Witnesses have reported that Davis continued to abuse Lewis after he bonded out of jail. Jim received his B.A. One football player, whose name is redacted in the police report, said Lewis told him Bernhard had warned her directly against coming forward. He said board members used their expertise to help negotiate with the two companies and to bring the deal over the finish line. Bernhard Capital Partners is a service and infrastructure-focused private equity management firm established in 2013 by Jim Bernhard, Jeff Jenkins and . Since then, the company also isreviewing the water and sewer operations, too. The company manages several billion dollars, making it the largest private equity firm in Louisiana, Bernhard said. And nearly a year ago, Interim LSU President Tom Galligan noted that "bidding is usually not a bad thing, when he spoke of the energy contract. Email Andrea Gallo at agallo@theadvocate.com. Offering workers . James. Law firm Husch Blackwell will meet with LSU leadership Wednesday to begin its investigation into the school's handlings of sexual and domestic, LSU has been ordered to make public unredacted police records involving a former student's allegation of video voyeurism against former star r, Two years ago, the NCAA, SEC and LSUs president and top legal counsel were all warned that LSUs athletics department had potentially run afo, LSU has agreed to pay Husch Blackwell up to $100,000 for the law firms review of how the university has handled past sexual violence and assa, Nearly two hours passed in the LSU Board Supervisors' meeting Friday before the first mention was made of the sexual assault scandal on the LS, LSU Interim President Tom Galligan said Monday that the university has sent more than 60 files relating to a smaller number of sexual miscondu, LSU officials investigated in 2018 whether employees of the Athletic Department had properly handled a student's earlier complaint that a foot, LSU executive deputy athletic director Verge Ausberry has stepped down from LSU's presidential search committee amid allegations that he did n. In 2008, The Shaw Group and Westinghouse, alongside Gov. Richmond declined to comment on why he missed those votes. by Paulick Report Staff | 11.08.2022 . We are fighting for our lives. At a time when there were limited opportunities in Louisiana, the brothers took a leap of faith to open a mechanical and plumbing business. Entrepreneur of the Year and in 2009, he and his wife, Dana, founded Every Kid a King, a foundation to help children have better opportunities for education and healthcare. The. 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. A spokeswoman for the EPA said the agency had also received no correspondence from Richmonds office on the issue. How much money Enwave makes off the deal will fluctuate annually based on natural gas prices and the price of the energy Enwave produces for LSU, said LSU spokesman Ernie Ballard. Analysis of Richmonds news releases shows he has not mentioned air pollution in his district at any point during his tenure. 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. Jim Bernhard, Chief Executive Officer of Bernhard Capital Partners, talks in his office in downtown Baton Rouge,Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018. Several of Shaw's senior executivesleft with Bernhard. What should we know about LSU's handling of sexual misconduct cases? In addition to declining to comment for this story, Richmonds office refused to share a complete staff list disclosing who works for him in Washington and Louisiana, as well as on his re-election campaign. Davis told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune in 2015 that he moved into the Bernhard household in sixth grade and at that point Bernhard and his wife became his permanent guardians. All Rights Reserved. Staff Writer Sam Karlin contributed to this report. Under Blanco's administration in 2004, Louisiana lured a Union Tank Car manufacturing facility away from Texas with a $30 million state subsidy. Richmond declined to answer whether he supported the Senate bill. It's about morality. During almost a decade in Congress Richmond has taken over $400,000 in campaign donations from the oil and gas industry and chemical manufacturers, according to an analysis conducted by the non-partisan Centre for Responsive Politics at the request of the Guardian. As a company with deep roots in Louisiana, we share the Baton Rouge community and its history and future. Each company brought an expertise and culture that complemented one another. The company continued to expand in the 1990s, acquiring fabrication and pipe companies, including companies in The Netherlands, Venezuela, the U.K. and Australia, and grew into the construction and engineering areas. Bernhard is also the former state Democratic Party chairman, and is a major donor and supporter to an array of Democratic candidates in Louisiana, including Edwards and East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. The licensing board's executive director said last month the joint venture between Bernhard and Johnson Control also lacked a contractor's license "in accordance with its legal entity name.. Instead, multiple witnesses told police they were worried about their identities becoming known because of Bernhards broad influence. Sign Up. The company securedno-bid contractsfrom the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA worth more than $200 million to repair the breached levees that flooded much of New Orleans, pump water out of the city and to help with emergency housing and cleanup. Breaux, and TME came together to work on what would be the firms first Energy-as-a-Service project: the Louisiana State University Cogeneration Plant. Between 2017 and 2018, his company Bernhard LLC donated $130,000 to PACs supporting Edwards. Jim Bernhard is best known for founding The Shaw Group, which he sold in 2012 after 25 years in operation. Although Bernhard lives in Baton Rouge, his parents and siblings call Lafayette home. In 1993,the company's common stock was first listed on the NASDAQ national market. While a proposed massive expansion of a plastics factory in his district could almost double the amount of toxic air pollution in the parish it will be constructed in. Segar showed them pictures of bruises around her neck. Those two outfits were Enwave and Louisiana Energy Partners. And that Mr. Davis will take me to court for ruining his reputation, deport me from the country, my dad is the king of Louisiana, according to Ms.(redacted) he further said., A nonprofit foundation founded by Jim Bernhard and his wife, Dana, is donating $60,000 to pay for home internet for six months for 1,000 stude, Police also wrote that Davis told his girlfriend he would take you to court because in Louisiana you'll never win and in any other state you will.. She told them Davis threw Lewis against a wall. Bernhard said the company exited the nuclear field after the Fukushima, Japan, disaster in March 2011. The Bernhard players agreed not to use the Shaw name. Madison, Wisconsin USA. You have permission to edit this article. When Ieyoub failed to make the run-off, Bernhard and his family donated at least $35,000 to Kathleen Blanco, and the Lafayette Democrat won. 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. During their short interaction, according to Hampton, Taylor and one other present for the meeting, Richmond acknowledged community concerns over emissions from the plant, operated by the Japanese chemicals company Denka, and described them as a worry. Our long-standing relationship with LSU gives our team deep insight into the universitys facilities and their energy systems, said Bernhards CEO, Ed Tinsley, in a news release. After a tumultuous year on LSUs campus, an effort to modernize the energy systems that the university pays $32 million a year to power has be, The two entities vying for a lucrative, long-term contract to power LSUs energy systems both lack a contractor's license, the Louisiana State, LSU is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education over how the university reports and investigates crimes on campus, a probe open, An outside law firm probing LSU's handling of sexual assault and domestic violence cases has invited students to meet with them and to share t, The LSU Board of Supervisors will determine the fate next week of a lucrative energy contract that multiple board members say is likely to be , The LSU Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to split an $810 million energy deal between two contractors, Enwave Energy Corp. and a joint ventu, Former LSU head football coach Les Miles reached a settlement with a former student who accused him of harassment several years ago, and the s, When head football coach Les Miles was the subject of a sexual harassment investigation in 2013 at LSU, the universitys former human resource, Former LSU wide receiver Drake Davis was released from probation Monday morning in a 2018 domestic battery case, receiving a stern warning fro. There was a problem saving your notification. His duties included helping. Since 2015,Bernhard and his new private equity firm, Bernhard Capital Partners, have been gathering investors and acquiring energy-related companies across the country. RELATED: What would Lafayette get for LUS? Born to German immigrant parents in New Orleans, William Bernhard was a self-made man. Peggy was the youngest of four born on Mother's Day on May 12, 1957 to James "Jimmy" and Barbara Bernhard.. LSU commissioned Husch Blackwell law firm to investigate past handlingof abuse and sexual assault cases at the University. In 1984, Bernhard Brothers Mechanical Contractors was established in Baton Rouge, Louisiana by William Bernhard Jr.s sons: Bill, Barry, and Jude. The Shaw Group sued, alleging the Bernhard group was trying to capitalize on the Shaw name, The Advocate reported. According to Mr.(redacted), Ms.(redacted) said that Jim Bernhard had threatened her this past weekend, You won't have a case, the police report reads. LSU board members billed the agreement as an important cost-savings measure for LSU going forward. But Bernhard, a major supporter of the governor and political donor to the Democratic Party, turned down the seat without explanation. 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. Tom Ford Jim Bernhard net worth is $200,000 Jim Bernhard Wiki: Salary, Married, Wedding, Spouse, Family Jim Bernhard is an actor, known for The Saber (2007) and The Trust (1993). Our Views: LSU scandal is about more than legal or policy violations. He serves as Chairman of the Investment Committee, serves on the Portfolio Committee and is involved in all areas of the Firm's investment activities. The centennial celebration offered an avenue to reflect on the principles and values that have enabled the firms success: hard work, passion, and client-focused solutions. (redacted) explained that Mr. Davis' family was quite powerful in Baton Rouge and that Drake's dad is really powerful which makes her feel uneasy, but added that no threats were made to her, police wrote. Jim Bernhard. The company's investorsinclude some of the world's largest pension plans, Harvard Endowment, University of Michigan, Mayo Clinic, United Auto Workers and Electronics International. Jim was born on November 12, 1944 in Humboldt, SK and was predeceased by his parents, Nick and Theresa (nee Cales). "Over the next four years, regulatory and internal inspections at Lake Charles would reveal a slew of problems associated with the effort to construct modular parts to fit the new Westinghouse design," Reuters wrote. It is through this work that we will achieve our vision and become the leading Energy-as-a-Service provider in North America. There was a problem saving your notification. LSU mishandled sexual misconduct complaints against students, including top athletes, according to an investigation by USA Today. 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. John Bel Edwards offered Jim Bernhard an appointment to the LSU Board of Supervisors.