“We’ve seen significant interest across the state in harnessing research to drive economic growth, even as our universities are devastated by ongoing budget cuts. Commercialization efforts have taken root in all Louisiana universities, with local and national resources attracted to the tremendous value in building businesses around our lab discoveries"
—Aaron Miscenich, president of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center, speaking about the status of innovation in the state. The center’s Innovation Louisiana 2016 conference, an educational event November 14 -15, will offer critical networking, education and professional development opportunities in life sciences.
Port of New Orleans to Expand Trade with Cuba
On Oct. 4, Port of New Orleans Chief Operating Officer, Brandy Christian, joined Gov. John Bel Edwards in signing a memorandum of understanding with Manuel Fernandez Perez Guerra, director general of the National Port Administration of Cuba. The agreement was made in Havana during a 50-member Louisiana trade delegation to the country Oct. 3-7. The memorandum pledges to expand trade and commerce opportunities between the two regions, along with joint marketing and information sharing efforts.
How We Rank
Top 10 States for Women Entrepreneurs:
1 Mississippi
2 Georgia
3 Virginia
4 Kentucky
5 Tennessee
6 Alabama
7 Louisiana
8 Missouri
9 Michigan
10 Utah
Source: Thumbtack.com
Louisiana Ranked:
# 5 – Top States for Doing Business
# 2 – Business Incentive Programs
# 2 – Leading Workforce Development Programs
# 3 – Cooperative and Responsive State Government
# 5 – Favorable Regulatory Environment
# 7 – Speed of Permitting
* this year’s ranking is the highest ever for the state.
Last year Louisiana was No. 8.
Source: Area Development Magazine
Most in Need of Improvement
Louisiana ranked 47th in the U.S. for energy efficiency in the 10th edition of the 2016 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard published by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).
Recent Openings
Ochsner Emergency Room — Marrero
Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic healthcare system, Ochsner Health System, opened Ochsner Emergency Room — Marrero, on Oct. 12. Located at 4837 Lapalco Blvd., the 24-hour facility will provide expanded access to more emergency care services to the West Bank.
The Market Magazine & Sixth
A new concept store called The Market Magazine & Sixth opened Oct. 15 at 2855 Magazine Street. Created by local sisters Amy Radle (left) and Catherine Radle McKearn, the store features a collection of established, independent merchants and artists, many of which are from Baton Rouge.
Rent-a-Nerd
Due to continued company expansion, computer repair, sales and service provider Rent-a-Nerd celebrated the opening of their new office at 2200 Tulane Ave. on Oct. 5. Since 1997, the company has provided IT services to companies throughout the Greater New Orleans area.
Dyno Nobel
Global chemical company Dyno Nobel America unveiled their new $850 million ammonia production facility at the Cornerstone Chemical Company’s Fortier Manufacturing Complex in Waggaman Sept. 29. The partnership between the two companies will create a combined investment of more than $1 billion and create 65 new jobs with an average salary of $80,000.
GLO Airlines
GLO Airlines began non-stop air service to Huntsville, Alabama’s International Airport on Sept. 30. The flight invites travelers to trade a six-hour drive for the 1 hour and 45 minute flight. This is the sixth route operated by the Mid-South and Gulf regional air service provider.
Coming Soon
Delgado River City Campus
Governor John Bel Edwards has authorized the state to move forward with the construction of Delgado Community College’s new $27 million River City Campus in Avondale. The 10.5-acre facility will be focused on training skilled workforce for water-related trades and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2018.
Launch Pad
A leading network of co-working spaces across the southeast, Launch Pad has announced it is constructing a new co-working space for its flagship location in New Orleans. The completion date for the new 22,500-square-foot facility at 400 Poydras St. in downtown New Orleans is set for February 2017. Membership options exist for every stage of a business lifecycle — from affordable co-working to private office suites with views of the Crescent City connection.
We’d love to include your business-related news in next month’s Biz Bits.
Please email details to Editorial@BizNewOrleans.com.
