TOURISM
WWII Museum Sets Visitation Records
In 2017, the National WWII Museum welcomed the most visitors since opening its doors in 2000 — 706,664 people. Just before closing out the year, the museum broke its previous single-day attendance record of 5,553 set in 2016 by welcoming 6,642 guests Dec. 27, 2017. The National WWII Museum has been the No. 1 attraction in New Orleans for five years running.
STATS
Louisiana Among Top 10 States for Outbound Moves
According to Atlas® Van Lines’ 2017 Migration Patterns study, Louisiana ranked 9th in the country for outbound moves. This is the third year in a row that more than 55 percent of moves in the state were outbound.
10 U.S. States with Highest Percentage of Outbound Moves
1. Illinois (62.4%)
2. West Virginia (60.4%)
3. Nebraska (60.3%)
4. South Dakota (59.9%)
5. Hawaii (59.8%)
6. Indiana (59.7%)
7. Delaware (59.6%)
8. New York (59.2%)
9. Louisiana (57.9%)
10. Kansas (57.7%)
“We are now shifting our focus to fundraising, not only so that NOCHI is able to meet its financial obligations, but so the school is adequately funded for long-term growth and success.”
George Brower, one of NOCHI’s founding members and current board co-chair and treasurer, speaking about what’s next after closing on funding for the $32 million New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute and breaking ground on the project at 725 Howard Ave. on Jan. 16.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
The New York Times Celebrates New Orleans
In early January, The New York Times named New Orleans the No. 1 destination to visit in 2018. According to the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (NOCVB), 25 other media outlets have also called out the city as a great destination for 2018, including: Conde Nast Traveler, AARP, Travel + Leisure, Fodor’s, Frommer’s Travel Guides, Essence, Robb Report, Bloomberg, CNN Travel, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, and the UK’s The Globe and Mail and Harper’s Bazaar.
AWARD-WINNING
Robert R. Barkerding Jr. Named Maritime Person of the Year
Chairman of the Commissioners for the Port of New Orleans and President of Admiral Security Services, Robert R. Barkerding, Jr. “Rusty” was named the 59th recipient of the Propeller Club of the U.S. Port of New Orleans on Jan. 11. The award was presented at the 84th Annual Maritime Person of the Year Gala held at the New Orleans Marriott Convention Center. The event was emceed by Propeller Club President, William “Bill” Baraldi. Brandy Christian, president and CEO for the Port of New Orleans introduced Barkerding.
EDUCATION
Online Enrollment Boom at Delgado
Delgado Community College is among the fastest-growing online higher education providers in the nation, according to new data released by the U.S. Department of Education, which ranked Delgado 60th among all American colleges and universities in the number of students enrolled online.
In the fall of 2015, online enrollment reached 4,828 students. In the fall of 2016, it jumped to 11,791. Online students hail from not only Louisiana, but 19 other states representing every region of the country.
School officials attribute the jump to increased course offerings, flexible scheduling and offering courses that can be completed in eight weeks rather than the traditional 16.
Tulane Launches Immersion Program for Biotech Execs and Investors
Biotech executives, venture capitalists, scientists and entrepreneurs visiting New Orleans will now have access to a fully functional, on-the-go workspace at Tulane University School of Medicine. Located in the heart of the city’s medical and biotech corridor, the new In-Residence Immersion Program will provide these visiting professionals with an easy way to learn about the research community in the city.
