I’ve found that August is a good time to get things in order. The weather is so incredibly hot that life seems to slow down a bit and personally, I tend to hunker down at home in what is the South’s winter.
Maybe it’s the anxiety of being in prime hurricane season, maybe it’s the new schedule brought on by the return of school for my daughter, but I am drawn toward organizing in August. There’s still plenty to be done in our relatively new home — too many cabinets still chaotic — but this year I’m focusing on getting our finances in order, inspired by this, our first-ever financial issue.
With the global pandemic, followed by supply chain price increases and inflation, I don’t know anyone who’s not feeling the pinch these days. This — combined with the fact another bill to raise the minimum wage just failed again at the Louisiana Legislature — made it feel like the perfect time to address this hot button issue. Writer Carrie Crockett spoke to numerous state representatives, business people and scholars about the issue in one of this month’s two big features.
For our cover feature, we’re excited to pick the brain of a local professional whose job is to help businesses prosper. I invite you to check out Natalie Barranco’s top tips for success — including her single most important advice for businesses in this constantly changing marketplace.
Hurricane season has also inspired a few other pieces you’ll find in this issue dealing with climate change — including a perspective piece on the opportunities for New Orleans in green infrastructure and a contributed piece by GNO, Inc., President and CEO Michael Hecht that shares the organization’s focus on making the region a leader in clean energy.
Of course, you know what they say about all work and no play, so we’ve also included some fun businesses to check out, including a booming new cosmetics company, a unique concept for coffee lovers, and an homage to the rich legacy of a local snoball stand.
Stay cool out there however you can, and thanks for reading.
Kimberley Singletary
Editor
Kimberley@BizNewOrleans.com
