Our teams continue to design and create hospitals, classrooms, offices, hotels, and more. Shaw continued to grow through the 2000s, entering joint ventures with construction companies in Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Its simply not on their radar. said Anne Rolfes, executive director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, a not-for-profit environmental justice organization. Ms (redacted) expressed to Ms. Segar fear over retaliation because Mr. Davis has told her that his legal guardian, Jim Bernhard, would have her deported from the country and kicked out of LSU if she revealed their violent relationship, police recorded from their interview with Segar. BERNHARD. It was spun out in a 2017 IPO, and its stock has been in the fast lane. In 1932, Bernhard was awarded the Louisiana Capitol building. (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. While BCP does not manage any city-owned electric systems, itsmanagement team is experienced in the regulated utility sector, including Cleco and Exelon, Jenkinssaid. 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. Instead, multiple witnesses told police they were worried about their identities becoming known because of Bernhards broad influence. James Bernhard. James Thomas Bernhard WRIGHTSTOWN - James Thomas Bernhard, 61, of Wrightstown, passed away Monday in Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Hamilton. Former LSU football player Drake Davis, who recently pleaded guilty to a series of domestic violence charges, was arrested early Sunday after . An examination of congressional records, suggests he has not spoken about the issue in Congress. (Denka is appealing against the EPAs independently peer-reviewed classification of chloroprene as a likely carcinogen.) In August and September of 2005, tragedy struck Louisiana in the form of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Among the most violent outbursts: in June, she told them that he entered her home one night, punched her in the stomach, wrapped his hands around her neck to strangle her and ripped out one of her earrings. When news leaked in July about the possible sale or management of LUS, it caused a stir in the city and among City-Parish Council members, who were left out of the conversation. As a company with deep roots in Louisiana, we share the Baton Rouge community and its history and future. Bernhard Capital Announces Acquisition of Three Leading Project Born in Trenton, Jim resided in Yardville for most of his life. BCP had fourportfolio companies by June 2016. This innovative type of project delivery is what the industry now calls Design-Build. All parties denied Blanco influenced the selection of Shaw, according to published reports. Sitting on the LSU board would have prohibited him from doing business directly with the university. For hi When Jim Bernhard retired from The Shaw Group in the wake of his company's 2013 acquisition by CB&I, some speculated he would run for office. Seven of the 10 most air-polluted census tracts in America sit in his district, according to EPA data. During an LSU investigation in 2018 regarding football player Drake Davis' abuse of his then-girlfriend, tennis player Jade Lewis, multiple witnesses informed officers they were afraid of coming forward because of potential repercussions from Baton Rouge businessman Jim Bernhard, according to the Advocate. Robert Taylor, Mary Hampton and Cedric Richmond in Washington DC. Still, the financial weight of major polluters in Louisiana politics is substantial. Bernhard was appointed to the Board of Supervisors over the summer by Gov. Continuing its expansion, MCC opened mechanical construction offices in Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina. However, the contractor's license issue did not end up sidelining either candidate from receiving the LSU deal. Bernhard Capital Partners Makes Significant Investment in The Gray While KPMG consultants have been deeply involved in the process, none spoke or made a public recommendation for the deal on Tuesday. If my teammates and my coaches knew I'm giving y'all this information, it's not going to be very good," police recorded him saying. In 1993,the company's common stock was first listed on the NASDAQ national market. The company took one of its companies, Charah Solutions, public on the New York Stock Exchange in June. 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. 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Baton Rouge businessman donates $60,000 to pay for home internet for "Notwithstanding what the police reports indicate these, may have said, I did not discourage Jade Lewis from reporting nor threaten retaliation against anyone. But he voted to block them from drilling on the outer continental shelf of Florida. After posing for a quick photograph, where he smiled and placed his hand on Mary Hamptons left shoulder, Richmond began to exit. Bernhard stepped down as CEO of The Shaw Group in the wake of that companys 2013 acquisition by CB&I. Email Andrea Gallo at agallo@theadvocate.com. 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 . In the early years, the company focused on plumbing and custom sheet metal fabrication. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. And Bernhard's companies have done plenty of work for LSU and other state offices in the past. You have permission to edit this article. The. 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. Westinghouse, a subsidiary of Toshiba, selected The Shaw Group in 2008 to build nuclear reactors in Georgia andSouth Carolina. James Casper "Jim" BERNHARD Jr. - Legacy.com A spokeswoman for the EPA said the agency had also received no correspondence from Richmonds office on the issue. In 1919, William Bernhard founded Bernhard Plumbing and Sheet Metal Works in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 1958, 60 miles to the southeast of Baton Rouge in Metairie, Louisiana, a similar company operating as Mechanical Construction Company (MCC) of New Orleans formed. Our Campaigns - Candidate - J.M. "Jim" Bernhard Jr. His record stands in contrast to the growing call among Democrats in Washington to address environmental justice issues in Richmonds district. Ballard said that the $27 million annual payments to Enwave position LSU to save $3 million annually over 30 years or a $90 million cost savings total. He later pleaded guilty to two counts of battery and one count of violation of a protective order. 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. Bernhard stepped down as CEO of The Shaw Group in the wake of that companys 2013 acquisition by CB&I. It has now surfaced. . Find your friends on Facebook. The project was designed to greatly reduce operating energy costs and provide LSU an opportunity to upgrade its infrastructure. However, in the fog of grief, sleep deprivation and illnes "We're not in the utility business," Bernhard said. The driving force behind Shaw Group becoming a Fortune 500 company and the guy launching another upper deck financial grand slam with Bernar 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. 400 Convention Street, 10th Floor When The Advocate sent excerpts of the police reports about Bernhard to Lewis the woman who Davis abused she said she did not want to comment on them. Acquiring Stone & Webster gave The Shaw Group the credibility it lacked in the nuclear power construction business. 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. Madison, Wisconsin USA. Two months before LSU started negotiating with Bernhard and Enwave, Gov. At the time, The Shaw Group employed as a lobbyist Joe Albaugh, a former FEMA director and former national campaign manager for the 2000 Bush-Cheney campaign, according toThe Washington Post and Newsweek. 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. Under his stewardship, Shaw became one of the fastest growing companies in the Fortune 500, offering a broad range of engineering, construction, equipment, environmental and manufacturing services across the energy spectrum. On a crisp autumn day in Washington last month, Mary Hampton and Robert Taylor entered Cedric Richmonds office hoping their federal representative would take the time to listen. Were not making it up. With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of James ("Jim") Nicholas Bernhard on February 20, 2023 at the age of 78. Bernhard said the company exited the nuclear field after the Fukushima, Japan, disaster in March 2011. Founded as a traditional MEP consulting engineering company, the firm quickly added energy service offerings focused on helping clients reduce costs and conserve energy. Bernhard Mechanical LLC, then run by Jim Bernhard's brother, Kenneth, contracted with LSU in 2003 to build a cogeneration plant on campus. But the board rejected the advice. Jim Bernhard is a Founder and Partner of Bernhard Capital Partners. Receive the latest news and updates from Bernhard, directly to your inbox. 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. Though buildings, communities, and cities change around us, one thing remains constant: Bernhard is a trusted partner, working together to build our future. Jim has served on numerous boards of trade and civic organizations and is very active in his community. 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. If more upgrades and infrastructure are needed in the future, Enwave will have the chance to finance them. Born to German immigrant parents in New Orleans, William Bernhard was a self-made man. 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. goes through early next year as planned. He said the project will not affect tuition and student fees. Drake Davis, already jailed for domestic abuse and thrown off LSU football team, arrested again, Jim Bernhard one of four new appointees to LSU's board of supervisors by John Bel Edwards, Baton Rouge businessman donates $60,000 to pay for home internet for 1,000 families in town, Videos of nude children found on Drake Davis' cell phone; ex-LSU WR faces more charges, LSU mishandled sexual misconduct complaints against athletes, students, USA Today reports, Who's funding the Baton Rouge mayor-president race? He has won successive elections here campaigning on healthcare expansion, voting rights and criminal justice reform. Together, they formed Bernhard, bringing the Energy-as-a-Service vision to light for clients across the nation. Jim Bernhard the King of Baton Rouge & LSU'S nightmare! As he was leaving, the congressman was asked: How about writing them [Denka] a letter?. For over 25 years, Jim led the growth of The Shaw Group as the CEO, President and Chairman of the Board. 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.. Bernhard Capital once again makes list of top private equity firms, see 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. 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. Lynnhaven Racing Goes to $1 Million for War Front Colt 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. 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. 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. LSU board members billed the agreement as an important cost-savings measure for LSU going forward. Ive never watched LSU tennis Im not sure where on campus the team plays and I have barely passed through Tiger Stadiums gates. Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. Earlier this year, Bernhard Capital Partners acquired electrical contractor W.A. 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. Bernhard said BCP is the largest builder of power plants in the world andis the largest maintenance contractor from nuclear to coal plants in the United States. 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. Witnesses said they worried about losing their anonymity because of Bernhard's influence and facing consequence for reporting Davis' actions, which included seriously injuring Lewis. James Bernhard Jr.'s Shaw Group Branches Out Pin Oak Stud Sold To Bernhard Family. Who is Jim Bernhard and why does his company want LUS? 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. She denied that Bernhard had threatened her, and said her contact with him had been minimal. Components would be shipped and assembled at the nuclear plant site. That may not be until September or later. Shawcashed in. (2011), A DURABLE FIRE . Jim Bernhard. Because of these principles, the company grew through hard times. World's Top Billionaires - Louisiana's Only One, Tom Benson, is #1006 John Bel Edwards but declined the appointment for reasons not yet available. He also declined to answer a list of detailed questions despite multiple requested deadline extensions. Jim Bernhard, Bernhard Capital Partners: Profile and Biography Bernhard became vice president and general manager of Sunland Services, a pipe fabrication and industrial construction company. When police interviewed her on Aug. 17, 2018, Lewis told them about several times that Davis had attacked her. But he has also kept the states Democratic establishment firmly onside. J. M. Bernhard is Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Shaw Group Inc. The firm, Bracewell LLP, began lobbying for Denka in March 2017. Ms. Jim Bernhard, Chief Executive Officer of Bernhard Capital Partners, talks in his office in downtown Baton Rouge,Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018. 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. Shaw entered the nuclear power business in 2000 when it acquired Stone & Webster, an engineering, procurement and construction company. Silas Lee, a Democratic pollster in Louisiana also working with the Biden campaign, argued that the fact that Richmond has been re-elected over five cycles is indicative of delivering for his constituents and responding to the needs of the congressional district. LSU board awards massive energy deal after secretive negotiations without public bid. 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. In January 2005, Bernhard was elected chairman of the Louisiana Democratic State Central Committeewith Blanco's support. Three years after leaving The Shaw Group, Jim Bernhard has created a private equity firm that could outgrow the company he sold for $3 billion By Stephanie Riegel - June 8, 2016 Jim. The congressman has partly kept hold of power due to his ability to vastly outspend his rivals, thanks in large part to corporate donations. 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 cogeneration plant led to a major lawsuit between LSU and Bernhard Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Baton Rouge, LA 70802, 5511 Virginia Way, Unit 310 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 Bernhard players agreed not to use the Shaw name. Jim Bernhard is a Founder and Partner of Bernhard Capital Partners. Robideaux, in a November 2015 news release announcing his transition team, said neither Michot nor The Picard Group would be awarded any contracts with Lafayette Consolidated Government. 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. In LSU's Drake Davis case, witnesses said they feared wealthy 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 The firm completed their first project in North Carolina in 1985, worked on a large-scale gaming expansion in Mississippi in 1990, and constructed the Orlando Airport in 1991. by Paulick Report Staff | 11.08.2022 . In 1945, Ernest P. Breaux, Bernhards electrical construction division, was founded in New Iberia, Louisiana. MCCs innovative approach aligned with Freds vision of not necessarily being the biggest, but being the best.. 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. The agreement calls for Enwave to operate and maintain LSU's energy plants for the next 30 years. "Notwithstanding what the police reports indicate thesewitnessesmay have said, I did not discourage Jade Lewis from reporting nor threaten retaliation against anyone. A final proposal with more detail is expected to be presented to Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux in about two weeks. 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. The two entities vying for a lucrative, long-term contract to power LSUs energy systems both lack a contractor's license, the Louisiana State. In September 2011, Shaw announced it would sell its 20 percent share in Westinghouse back to Toshiba. 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). In the early 1980s, New Orleans saw a spike in construction activity centered around the Worlds Fair. They haven't attended a council meeting, where they would have to answer questions in public, and Robideaux said last week it was decided it would be best to present to the council when the final proposal is complete. LSU'S trouble's just beginning thanks to Jim Bernhard! James. Notwithstanding what the police reports indicate these witnesses may have said, I did not discourage Jade Lewis from reporting nor threaten retaliation against anyone.. 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 was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and then retired as a lineman for Verizon after 35 years of service. All Rights Reserved. Three years after leaving The Shaw Group, Jim Bernhard has created a private equity firm that could outgrow the company he sold for $3 billion Jun 8, 2016 | Uncategorized When Jim Bernhard stepped down as CEO of The Shaw Group in the wake of the company's 2013 acquisition by CB&I, many wondered what he was going to do. The three are working together under the name Louisiana Energy Partners. It was like he was trying to brush us off.. Mr. James Michell "Jimmy" Bernhard, age 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, 2020, at his home in Lafayette, Louisiana. In the early 2000s, Bernhard Mechanical, under the leadership of Kenny Bernhard, E.P. 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. Bernhard Capital Partners is a service and infrastructure-focused private equity management firm established in 2013 by Jim Bernhard, Jeff Jenkins and . Looking at his face, it didnt really seem like he was interested, Hampton recalled.