It won’t be like days of old, but Nelson, Sunseri and Voisin will once again unite for the yearly Washington, D.C. “Walk the Hill”; only this time it will be Sarah Voisin, not her late husband Mike. Photo: Ed Lallo/Newsroom Ink
by Ed Lallo/Newsroom Ink
A gold banned placard displayed in the office of Senator David Vitter from Louisiana marked the passing of Mike Voisin. Photo: Ed Lallo/Newsroom Ink
It won’t be like days of old, but Nelson, Sunseri and Voisin will once again unite for the yearly Washington, D.C. “Walk the Hill”; only this time it will be Sarah Voisin, not her late husband Mike.
“The Gulf Oyster Industry Council Walk on the Hill” and “D.C. Oyster Week” events were founded 20-years ago by the Gulf Oyster Industry Council (GOIC). The 2014 events take place the week of February 16th-21st, climaxing with the annual D.C. Mardi Gras.
“The GOIC sponsored events promote oysters from the Gulf’s expansive oyster growing regions, as well as celebrate the chefs that use the oysters to create their wonderful dishes,” said Al Sunseri, owner of New Orleans’s P & J Oyster and a GOIC board member.
The Three Amigos
“Chris Nelson and Al Sunseri and Mike Voisin were the three amigos of D.C. every year,” said Sarah Voisin about taking her husbands place a year after his unexpected death. “Mike will be sorely missed by all, especially me.”
Mike Voisin (center) was always surrounded by those interested in a strong voice for Gulf Seafood. Chris Nelson (back left), Harlon Pearce (front left) and Stan Harris of the Louisiana Restaurant Association during a “Walk the Hill” meeting. Photo: Ewell Smith
Mike Voisin, of Motivatit Seafoods, fell gravely ill the day before the start of last years walk. He passed away on Feb. 2nd. Congressional office after congressional office paid homage to the seafood leader with gold ribbon – to signify Mike’s Gold Band Oysters – wrapped around a Louisiana seafood placard.
Voisin, the Louisiana Oyster Task Force (LOTF) representative on the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board will be joining Gulf seafood leaders in the D.C Oyster Week events after recent board approval.
Historically funding for the annual event’s growth and success has been provided by the LOTF of which Mike Voisin and and Al Sunseri have been long-time members and past chairmen.
“Each for Mardi Gras Week in Washington D.C., key oyster representatives share the challenges of the industry while meeting with key congressional delegates and agencies,” said Louisiana Seafood Board member Sal Sunseri, Al Suseri’s brother and business partner. “Most importantly we work to generate solutions that make sense for oystermen, as well as regulatory agencies and consumers alike. Sarah Voisin’s voice will be an important addition to this influential group.”
The owner of one of Louisiana’s oldest and best known oyster-processing companies, Mike Voisin was instrumental in founding the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board in 1984, as well as the Oyster Walk. He was an outspoken voice, supporting both the quality of Gulf seafood, as well as the culture of its community.
“Mike realized very early in his career that having a working relationship with state and federal legislators was key to the survival of the seafood industry,” said Al Sunseri of New Orleans’s P&J Oyster. Photo: Louisiana Seafood News
Before the official event was conceived, Nelson, Sunseri and her husband were no strangers on the Hill. “I went into labor with our youngest child while Mike was in D.C. on one of his early trips,” said the widow.
“Mike realized very early in his career that having a working relationship with state and federal legislators was key to the survival of the seafood industry,” said Al Sunseri. “These relationships proved to be especially important in times of adversity.”
Voisin, Nelson and Sunseri had been inseparable for a major portion of their careers. They called themselves the ‘The Three Amigos’.
Admiration of Congress
“Mike had the respected and admiration of our Members of Congress,” said Chris Nelson, vice president of Alabama’s Bon Secour Fisheries, and GOIC board member. “He was loved and trusted as a voice of reason and integrity.”
“Mike had the respected and admiration of our Members of Congress,” said Chris Nelson (right), who led the walk last year in Mike’s absence. Photo: Ed Lallo/Newsroom Ink
According to Voisin, legislators have told her that Mike’s shoes have yet to be filled. They knew he was on top of the facts. “Mike always gave the story straight, with all facts verified. Nothing was ever exaggerated,” she said.
The Gulf Oyster industry is suffering. Scientists have not yet determined the cause of severe shortages of oysters from Florida to Texas.
“I think its important there is a Voisin walking the Hill this year,” said the southern Louisiana native. “Legislators are familiar with the Voisin name, and have sent numerous honors and mementos in memory of Mike and his work. It is my intention to continue the good work my wonderful husband started.”
“We will keep his legacy of hard work, cooperation, and integrity alive as we continue to work with legislators as we always have,” said Sarah Voisn. “I know Mike would be pleased to know THE WALK IS ON, and that there will once again be a Voisin returning to the Hill.”
Ed, this is an excellent article about Mike and I know that Sarah will do a great job representing the oyster industry. She is extremely smart and Mike always discussed everything with her. She knows what is going on.
Great article about a wonderful lady who means so much to many of us. I miss Mike very, very much. He was a staunch member of SFA for over 30 years.