Industry News

Nonprofit

Emeril Lagasse Foundation grants over $360,000 to 6 Nonprofits

Dedicated to creating opportunities to inspire, mentor and enable youth to reach their fullest potential through culinary, nutrition and arts education, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation is awarding its 2018 community grants (totaling more than $360,000) to the following six nonprofits: Broad Community Connections, Café Hope, Einstein Charter School, Louisiana Restaurant Association’s Education Fund, Second Harvest Food Bank and New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA).

Under Construction

Stirling Properties Redeveloping Old Metairie Village

In mid-June, Stirling Properties began phase one of a $2.5 million renovation and redevelopment of Old Metairie Village shopping center, an 84,400-square-foot, three-story mixed-use development located at the corner of Metairie Road and Focis Street in Metairie. The first phase includes the north and west buildings and upgraded lighting in the parking lot, and is slated for completion in early November 2018. Phase two of the renovation — planned to begin in late December — encompasses the two eastern buildings. Construction will wrap up in early spring of 2019.

Recognition

Jefferson Chamber Awarded 5-Star Accreditation

The United States Chamber of Commerce — the world’s largest business federation, representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations — has awarded the Jefferson Chamber with 5-star accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures and positive impact on the community.

The Jefferson Chamber is only the 116th chamber in the United States to achieve this status (out of 7000 organizations).

Government

Nungesser Accepts New Role

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser was named chair-elect at the annual National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) meeting in New Orleans June 27-29. Montana Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney was elected chair and will serve through July 2019 when Lt. Gov. Nungesser will become chair.

The NLGA Executive Committee is elected annually and meets three times a year to discuss issues to be pursued by those first in the line of gubernatorial succession in each state.

During the meeting, the lieutenant governors discussed issues facing Louisiana and the nation such as building cross-border tourism in regional areas, how seafood, ports, grain and forestry connect all states to Louisiana and emergency and disaster management.

In addition to being selected as chair-elect, Lt. Gov. Nungesser also received the 2017 Public Leadership in Energy and Environmental Stewardship award by General Electric through a partnership with NLGA.

Rankings

Top 10 States with the Happiest Workers in America

Hawaii
Alaska
Wyoming
New Mexico
West Virginia
Maine
Nevada
South Dakota
Louisiana
Montana

Source: 2017 study by career platform Sokanu

“The Green Building Professional Skills Training is just one part of a critical shift that is taking place in our region – a shift toward sustainable thinking, sustainable living, and of course, sustainable construction. The Urban League of Louisiana is proud to be a part of the equation that will yield a more resilient, environmentally sound and economically strong Louisiana – one person, one business, one building and one neighborhood at time.”

Klassi R. Duncan, director, Women’s Business Resource Center and Contractor’s Resource Center, Urban League of Louisiana (ULLA), speaking about the ULLA partnering with the Urban Green Council, the New York City affiliate of the U.S. Green Building Council, to offer the Green Professional Building Skills (GPRO) training program and certificate across the state of Louisiana. The Urban League of Louisiana will offer its first class, Green Professional Building Skills Training: Operations and Maintenance Essentials – 2 Day Training on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 21-22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the AARP Community Resource Center, 3502 S. Carrollton Avenue, Suite C, New Orleans. Registration: ullagpro.eventbrite.com.