Industry News

Around town

01/02/2017

"New Orleans is the 9th largest exporting metro and 85 percent of Louisiana exporters are small businesses, so small business is big business for Louisiana…We look forward to convening, collaborating and connecting with both our new and existing membership base and key community partners to both highlight trade and champion key trade-related projects. "

This month Caitlin Cane assumes the role of CEO of the World Trade Center of New Orleans (WTCNO), a non-profit organization of over 1,000 corporate and individual members dedicated to fostering and promoting international business and trade in Louisiana.

Port of Greater Baton Rouge Receives $1.75 Million Grant

U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administrator Paul ‘Chip’ Jaenichen (right) visited with Port of New Orleans President and CEO Gary LaGrange at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge to officially award a MARAD grant of $1.75 million for container on barge service — a joint effort between the two ports. The visit and award ceremony was held at the SEACOR AMH office Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016 at the Port’s Inland Rivers Marine Terminal in Port Allen, Louisiana.

35 Percent Increase in New Business in St. Tammany

The recently-released third quarter 2016 report by the St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation (STEDF) reports that business in the parish rose 35 percent over the third quarter of 2015. New single-family building permits increased 34 percent year-over-year and hotel sales increased 27 percent.

CALL FOR ENTRIES

JLNO Offering Fellowship to Woman Entrepreneur

The Junior League of New Orleans will open the application process for its Women Entrepreneur (WE) Fellowship with an Open Application Night at its headquarters (4319 Carondelet St.) on January 11 at 6:30 p.m. The fellowship includes professional guidance, a $2,500 grant, a technology grant up to $2,500, access to work/meeting space, nonprofit board training and marketing opportunities with JLNO’s membership. The application deadline is February 3 and the winner will be chosen at this year’s New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, March 19-24.

AIA New Orleans Design Awards

The call for entries for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New Orleans 2017 Design Awards is now open. Entry forms and fees are due no later than 5 p.m. on January 17, 2017. Those submitted past the deadline will incur a $35 late fee. Project submissions are due to the AIA New Orleans office (1000 St. Charles Ave.) no later than February 22, 2017.

Tulane Business Model Competition

Entrepreneurs from any college or university are invited to vie for more than $40,000 in cash and prizes through the Tulane Business Model Competition. Hosted by the Albert Lepage Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the contest is open to any team led by at least two students that has demonstrated a market-tested ability to adapt to customers’ needs. To enter, teams must submit a company description and other details by 11:59 p.m. on January 27, 2017 at Tulane2017.StartUpCompete.co/.

Recent Openings

Phyllis M. Taylor Maker Lab at Mount Carmel Academy

On December 12, the Phyllis M. Taylor Maker Lab at Mount Carmel Academy was officially dedicated. A creative, hands-on space, the lab encourages students to collaborate, innovate and create through cross-curricular projects in religion, science, technology, engineering, art and math. Part of the school’s Project Based Learning curriculum, the lab also includes 16 MakerBot Replicator 3D printers and a laser engraver.

Burns & Wilcox

Burns & Wilcox, a leading independent insurance wholesale insurance broker and underwriting manager, opened a new office at 2121 Airline Dr. in Metairie on December 5. Part of the H.W. Kaufman Financial Group network of 1,600 professionals, Burns & Wilcox has been operating in New Orleans for the past 30 years.

In & Out Smart Repair

A smart device repair center boasting same-day service called In & Out Smart Repair opened at 3006 Elysian Fields Ave. in St. Roch on November 15. Key services include smartphone, tablet and computer repairs.

EJGH Kenner

East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH) opened its latest Kenner location on December 9 at 671 W. Esplanade Ave. The primary care facility offers extended hours — with patient appointments available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

Harrah’s New Smoking Courtyard

On December 1, Harrah’s New Orleans celebrated the opening of its new 3,265-square-foot smoking courtyard located outside of the casino’s valet entrance. The courtyard includes more than 60 slot machines ranging from 1 cent to $100 in a climate controlled environment that will be open year-round.