Business Report-February 2021

GETTING COVID SERIOUS INDUSTRY BRACING FOR BIDEN FACING ANOTHER CONSENT DECREE?

FEBRUARY 2021 • BUSINESSREPORT.COM

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Borrow the Books, Keep the Ideas Your digital library is always open.

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Acquire a new skill or broaden your knowledge with a variety of learning tools and platforms.

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CONTENTS

Publisher: Rolfe H. McCollister Jr.

EDITORIAL

Editorial director: Penny Font Executive editor: JR Ball Editor: Stephanie Riegel Assistant editor: Allan Schilling Online news editor: Deanna B. Narveson Staff writers: Caitie Burkes, Holly Duchmann Digital content editor: Mark Clements Contributing writers: Sam Barnes, Tom Cook, Maggie Heyn Richardson Contributing photographers: Brian Baiamonte, Marie Constantin, Don Kadair, Tim Mueller, Collin Richie

ADVERTISING

Sales director: Kerrie Richmond Senior account executives: Marielle Land-Howard, Kelly Lewis Account executives: Mary Katherine Bernard, Mandi Bryant, Taylor Fountain Advertising coordinator: Brittany Nieto

e v i s n e p x 10 Most E 0 2 0 f 2 o s e l Home Sa E’S BATON ROUG

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CORPORATE MEDIA

Editor: Lisa Tramontana Content strategist: Allyson Guay Multimedia Strategy Manager: Tim Coles Account executives: Judith LaDousa Client Experience Coordinator, Studio E: Nicole Prunty

OF TH E YEAR

CUSTOM PUBLISHING

Sales director: Erin Palmintier-Pou

MARKETING

Chief marketing officer: Elizabeth McCollister Hebert Marketing & events assistant: Taylor Floyd Events: Abby Hamilton Community liaison: Jeanne McCollister McNeil

ADMINISTRATION

Assistant business manager: Tiffany Durocher Business associate: Kirsten Milano Office coordinator: Tara Lane Receptionist: Cathy Varnado Brown

PRODUCTION/DESIGN

COVER STORY - PAGE 24

DON KADAIR

Production director: Melanie Samaha Art director: Hoa Vu Graphic designers: Melinda Gonzalez, Emily Witt

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

PUBLISHER’S VIEW

FOCUS: INDUSTRY

YOUR BUSINESS

6 Collis Temple’s comments reflect poorly on LSU

44 Regulatory whiplash Biden’s Cabinet picks—and early regulatory actions— aren’t being well-received by industry, but the outlook is far from dire.

50 Company News

STARTUP 8 Big Story: Baton Rouge’s COVID-19 quandary 9 Data Bank: Numbers tell the story 11 3 Things to Know: Dr. Stephanie Mills 13 Entrepreneur: Conrad Freeman 15 Design: Pelican State Credit Union

6 Good as being there 4 ExxonMobil turns to realistic VR modules to assist with both plant construction and on-site operations.

16 Tom Cook

VIEWPOINT

17 Bottom Line: Economic indicators

48 The Big Picture

19 Business Lunch: Portobello’s Grill

49 Random Thoughts

52 Moving Up 56 Flashback: 1993 58 Passion: Brian Andrews, cover band

19

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Circulation/Reprints 225-928-1700 email: circulation@businessreport.com

Volume 39 - Number 8 ©Copyright 2021 by Louisiana Business Incorporated. All rights reserved by LBI. The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report (USPS 721-890 ISSN 0747-4652) is published monthly by Louisiana Business Inc. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

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BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021 | BusinessReport.com

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Six feet apart or six feet together—it’s all in how you see it. What we see is Louisiana.

Whether it’s familiar faces working together in person or our free ePerks that make life simpler anywhere, any time, we’re always working for Louisiana.

redriverbank.net 225-923-0232 Alexandria • Baton Rouge • Lake Charles • Northshore • Shreveport

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PUBLISHER’S VIEW

Collis Temple’s comments reflect poorly on LSU

ROLFE MCCOLLISTER JR. AT THE CONCLUSION of the January LSU Board of Supervisors meeting, Collis Temple Jr., a Black board member and former LSU basketball star, asked his fellow board members to consider the implications of Donald Rouse Sr.’s actions in light of the grocery chain’s role as both the “official supermarket of LSU Athletics” as well as the presenting sponsor of The Oaks at Patrick F. Taylor Hall.

What had Temple so concerned was the retired supermarket co-owner’s participation in the Jan. 6 protest rally on Capitol Hill—made public through a widely shared Facebook photo—and how that might adversely impact the reputation of LSU. He went on to suggest the university should consider ending its business relationship with Rouses.

Mounting his ivory tower to criticize Rouse, Temple gave a quick nod to protecting free speech before declaring that “LSU does not support rioting and insurrection against our U.S. government and should not have that image reflected upon it by its sponsors.”

Both Rouse and his son Donny Rouse, the current CEO, have made clear that they, too, don’t support the rioting that took place at the Capitol. And in an important detail, Rouse says that while he attended the rally in Washington, D.C., he was back at his hotel before any violence erupted. I am quite sure members of the LSU board have participated in political rallies and protests in the past. That is their right—and not a crime—despite the politician or cause.

I also condemn the insurrection and violence. It was a sad day in 6

American history and the now former President Trump must accept responsibility for inciting those in the crowd who resorted to violence.

The ones who were guilty should be prosecuted. But this is still a free country and if someone wants to protest peacefully in the public square—for the president or Black Lives Matter—so be it.

Moreover, customers absolutely have the right to decide where and where not to spend their money.

But it is wrong for a public institution like LSU to threaten to wield its power and punish a sponsor based on someone’s support for president or its distaste for another’s political free speech.

Having served on the LSU board for 12 years, I am well versed in the knowledge that board members are not to use their position as a bully pulpit. Each member is simply one part of the collective whole. One member does not represent the views of LSU. Temple abused his position and got headlines (maybe his aim) that hurt LSU’s image. You may disagree. It’s still a free country, I think.

It’s ironic that any member on the governing board of a university—where tenure protects faculty for expressing all views—would be the one wanting to silence and punish an opposing view, producing a chilling effect.

As troubling as Temple’s belief that free speech extends only to views in which he’s in agreement, is his hypocrisy. Does anyone recall Temple uttering a single word of concern about the sexual assault scandal at LSU and its athletic department? Has he raised any worries about LSU possibly going into business with the CEO of a Baton Rouge-based company who allegedly interfered in one of the sexual assault cases?

Does Temple not think those USA Today headlines reflect poorly on LSU? How about the national cable documentary that included damning words and actions by basketball coach Will Wade? How can Temple and this board continue to stand behind a coach who has brought national shame to the university?

Temple says, “Silence is generally

consent.” If so, we can only surmise Temple has no issue with any of the troubling allegations.

Will Temple and the board move next to establish the image police and begin monitoring the words, activities, and social posts of employees and all sponsors and business partners that are affiliated with the university that might reflect poorly on LSU? What are the criteria for being banned: ethics issues, political views, drug abuse, DWI, domestic abuse, sexual assault … what?

Do they start with fraternities, athletics or the board? The ongoing political theater by the LSU board over the energy contract is embarrassing and reflects good ol’ boy Louisiana politics at its worst. And guess who’s right in the middle of it? That’s right: Temple.

The actions of the retired Rouse created controversy and cost the grocery store, and the social post was a dumb idea by his friend. But while some may be offended, it is not a crime to be a Trump supporter. Temple seems to want to set a bar that few can meet.

In response to Temple, CEO Donny Rouse said, “We appreciate that people are engaged enough to speak out and we are listening.”

For what it’s worth, Rouse Sr. has since apologized for his role in this whole affair. It was an apology he did not need to make. What we’re still waiting for is Temple’s apology.

CARTER WAS A CHAMPION Rep. Steve Carter was another victim of COVID-19. Carter was a good friend and a good man who accomplished much in his life of service. He served his country (Air Force), his state and city (state House) as well as the university (LSU) he loved.

Carter was a gentle spirit who got along with everyone and was a true public servant. He was a champion for children and improved education while serving in the Legislature as chairman of the House Education Committee.

Carter not only loved his wife, Gloria, two children and four grandchildren but also LSU and his home of Baton Rouge. And we loved him back. My prayers are

with his family and many friends.

GRAVES LEFT HIS MARK COVID-19 claimed another good man too early in the life of John Graves, CEO of Evans-Graves Engineers. I had just visited with him in his office weeks before talking about many projects he had for 2021. And then he was gone.

As his obituary said, “At 79, John worked at a pace of many half his age.” After LSU, he joined Ed Evans and they built one of the premier engineering firms in the state, along the way becoming a launching pad for many others.

You can see his work all around town including the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Country Club of Louisiana, John James Audubon Bridge and Cortana Mall.

“Of all of his projects, John’s greatest achievement was the levee rebuild following Hurricane Katrina, the largest Civil Works Program in U.S. history, his scope that was completed on time and under budget under John’s direction,” according to his obituary.

Graves served on the boards of b1Bank, Pennington Biomedical, St. Joseph Academy and the LSU Civil and Environmental Engineering Department.

But John Graves’ legacy will live on in his family: wife Cynthia, five children and spouses, and nine grandchildren—and he was proud of them all. They are in our prayers.

John will be missed.

HERO AWARD FOR 2020 I think this would be a unanimous choice by those in our community, state and nation—even around the world. And the award goes to our “front-line workers” who care daily for those with COVID-19. Like soldiers on the battlefield, they put their lives at risk (and their families) while fighting to protect the lives of others. It is heroic—and, as in battle, many have died in the line of duty. We should all be forever grateful for their service and sacrifice. And the battle isn’t over. Let’s not get complacent and overlook what these front-line heroes are still doing every day to save loved ones and neighbors.

BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021 | BusinessReport.com

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CONTAINERS READY TO GEAUX!

Storage capacity has nearly doubled to accommodate up to 2,000 containers.

The successful public/private partnership between the Port of Greater Baton Rouge and SEACOR AMH has produced steady increases in the number of containers handled at the Port’s barge terminal.

As a result, a project to create nearly 4 acres of additional paved container storage capacity has been successfully completed. The yard is now capable of handling approximately 2,000 containers including containers measuring 40 feet, versus 20 feet.

Port Executive Director Jay Hardman said that the response from local industry has been very positive. “We have been able to build in more efficiency in our COB service, which translates to a smoother, more fluid operation, lowers costs, and keeps the service competitive,” says Hardman.

“As the service continues to grow, it’s catching the attention of more and more potential customers.”

For more information, contact Greg Johnson at 225-342-1660.

2425 Ernest Wilson Drive • P.O. Box 380 • Port Allen, LA 70767-0380

PH: (225) 342.1660 • FAX: (225) 342.1666 • www.portgbr.com

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021

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STARTUP

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ALL FOR ONE: While many area restaurants and bars are following rules aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19, numerous others are not, prompting Mayor Sharon Weston Broome to threaten tighter restrictions.

TH E B IG STORY

Baton Rouge’s COVID-19 quandary 1 BIG THING: Numerous local businesses—especially bars and restaurants—are turning a blind eye to COVID-19 restrictions, with some going so far as to host large, maskless events that were posted on social media. It has raised the ire of Mayor Sharon Weston Broome, who has already threatened to bring Baton Rouge back to phase one rules if the community’s behavior doesn’t improve.

WHY IT MATTERS: East Baton Rouge Parish is currently experiencing a dangerous post-holiday season spike, averaging 156 new cases daily. In an effort to slow the spread of the virus, state and local officials have implored businesses to follow existing guidelines, but have found little success in doing so.

What’s clear from social media is that, while some businesses are following the restrictions, other bars and restaurants are either ignoring them or aren’t willing to demand that customers abide by 8

them. Moreover, it seems they aren’t facing any real consequences for their actions.

• Since the pandemic began, the Baton Rouge Police Department has responded to 8,000 phone calls about noncompliant businesses.

• However, the Louisiana state fire marshal and the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, which have conducted hundreds of “compliance visits” in recent months, found that only 10% to 11% of their visits yield compliance recommendations.

• In response to a recent series of venues hosting large gatherings and violating coronavirus restrictions, Broome wrote a social media post saying, “I’m disappointed any business would put the lives of their patrons, staff and community in such danger.”

At the same time, local businesses that are following the current phase two rules—especially those that have seen their

noncompliant competitors get away with breaking the rules— are growing increasingly frustrated with the way they’ve been treated by the city throughout the pandemic. Now, facing the possibility of going back a phase, some are weighing whether to let larger parties inside or enforce mask-wearing among willing patrons.

THE BIG QUESTION: Given the amount of noncompliance throughout the city, at what point does Broome actually return to some modified level of phase one guidelines?

WHAT’S NEXT: The mayor is continuing to work with the ATC, the state fire marshal and BRPD to enforce compliance among Baton Rouge businesses, but declines to suggest a timeline or threshold for if and when she might revert to phase one.

“As I stated in mid-January, we are taking compliance very seriously and I will tighten

restrictions if our trajectory does not change,” Broome says in a prepared statement. “With that being said, we will continue our intensified enforcement efforts, monitor the data, consult our medical community, work to secure increased vaccine supply and encourage immunizations before returning Baton Rouge to some modified form of Phase I.” THE BIG PICTURE: Broome is walking a delicate tightrope, as the move would almost certainly have a devastating impact on already struggling businesses.

• Bars and restaurants have been among the hardest-hit by the pandemic, and a strict enforcement of the phase one rules—which include 25% capacity limits indoors—could lead many to close their doors for good, crippling the local economy.

• Further complicating matters is the politicization of the pandemic within the business community, despite the recent COVID-related deaths of community figures like John Graves and former state Rep. Steve Carter.

• The cost of not going back to phase one, however, could mean more cases, hospitalizations and lives lost to a virus that’s already responsible for the deaths of more than 650 East Baton Rouge residents.

BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021 | BusinessReport.com

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Issue Date: Feb 2021 Ad proof #1

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• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

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LEANING INTO DISCOMFORT:

How inclusion fosters employee productivity

C

reating a culture where people are respected and appreciated requires effort. In today’s globalized business environment, the benefits of diversity in the workplace are compelling. Whether you’re working at a small start-up or are part of a large multinational corporation, it’s a major investment to bring talent into your organization. So why bring them in if they’re not happy when they get here? There are strategies you can implement straight away to promote inclusion in your workplace.

Diversity and inclusion go hand in hand. Just talking about diversity can ruffle feathers as our culture is still evolving to one that is more tolerant of our differences.

Diversity can take many forms, from culture and nationality to gender, race, sexuality, educational background, and more. If you can get the inclusion part right, the company benefits from fresh ideas, unique skills and higher employee engagement and productivity. Most often, the retention rate improves as a result of the environment you create—one where employees are allowed to flourish.

To some, inclusion is about respecting identities, along with people’s unique experiences and ideas, while others view diversity as a box to check, just meeting a quota for demographic representation. Think about the culture you want and how you can create one that is authentic to your brand and meets the needs of your employees.

It’s great to hire people from different backgrounds, but even better when you leverage their strengths and build a truly cohesive team.

GET IN ON THE ACTION • One Book One Community is back with The Yellow House as its Spring 2021 title. Programs will begin late February, and will feature a visit from the author, Sarah M. Broom. Find out more at ebrpl.libguides.com/theyellowhouse.

• “Black Baton Rouge Yesterday & Today: Looking Back to Effectively Move Forward” A Zoom panel discussing the history of Baton Rouge Through an African American Lens on Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. with Dr. Lori Martin and Dr. Chris Tyson, moderated by Reverend Raymond Jetson; register at the online calendar at www.ebrpl.com or call 231-3750 for assistance.

10

Where to begin?

The best way to promote diversity in your workplace is by embracing it and working to build an understanding. Educate yourself and train your team with free help from the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. Learn to find common ground, deepen your appreciation of differences, and promote an inclusive and welcoming work environment with free Library resources of all kinds. Here are some places for you to begin, both in the Digital Library and beyond:

Udemy: • Cross-Cultural Communication • Master Cognitive Biases • Digital Diversity • Navigate Diversity • Solid Foundations in Intercultural Communication • Manage Diversity • Unconscious Bias: Fuel Diversity • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: A Beginner’s Guide • Ally Up: Using Allyship to Advance Diversity & Inclusion • A Diversity Deep-Dive, Leadership Insights and Lessons • Navigate & Respect Age, Ethnic & Racial Differences

Free courses from Lynda.com: • Confronting Racism • Developing a Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Program • Skills for Inclusive Conversations • Inclusive Leadership • Managing a Diverse Team • Cultivating Cultural Competence and Inclusion • Out and Proud: Approaching LGBT Issues in the Workplace

Gale eBooks: • Black Lives Matter: From a Moment to a Movement • Confronting Racism • Inclusive Education • Embrace Differences

Accel-5 has videos and summaries on: • Cross-Cultural Leadership • Diversity • Inclusive Leadership

Antiracism Booklist selections: • How to be an Antiracist • White Fragility • So You Want to Talk About Race • The Color of Law • The Fire This Time

EBRPL Anti-Racism Infoguide: This guide was created in response to so many people within the Baton Rouge community asking what they can do to not only condemn racism, but how to be anti-racist. Understanding the uncomfortable feelings the subject can stir up, the guide aims to foster the desire and willingness to cultivate a better society as well as give readers the courage and motivation to learn.

BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021 | BusinessReport.com

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STARTUP

EXECUTIVE BRIEFING

3 THINGS TO KNOW:

DR. STEPHANIE MILLS Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana

1

She’s been a pediatrician, a hospital administrator and an entrepreneur. The most rewarding of these experiences, she says, has been launching InHealth Strategies, a boutique consulting company. “I was focusing on population health, and I had to build new skills, from marketing and sales to working with clients.”

2

Since Mills stepped into her new role with Blue Cross and Blue Shield in November, her top priority has been supporting local health care providers in the trenches and promoting COVID-19 prevention and vaccination. In the future, she’d like to focus on improving access to health care, developing transformative care models to ensure high-value care, and addressing some of the drivers of poor health outcomes in Louisiana.

3

DON KADAIR

Her academic resume is impressive, to say the least. After graduating from LSU, Mills attended medical school at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and did her residency at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Then, following years working as medical director of Our Lady of the Lake’s pediatric emergency department, she earned a master’s degree from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Running a farm “Not many people know that we have a farm between Lafayette and Opelousas. We train English hunter jumper horses and ponies, and we have chickens, barn cats and a big garden.”

Rocca Pizzeria “It’s fun and easy. Our family’s order: One margherita pizza and one pepperoni pizza with Brussels sprouts and the seasonal salad.”

Short meetings “It’s great to limit meetings, whenever possible, to 30 minutes.

I try to have clear objectives and a defined agenda.”

EDDIE WEEKS

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COLLIN RICHIE

FAVORITE THINGS:

See You in a Hundred Years (book) “It’s about how, in 2000, a New York reporter, his wife and son sold everything and moved to rural Virginia to live as if it were the year 1900. It’s a good reminder for us all to slow down and focus on the simpler things in life.”

Her backyard “We live on the LSU lakes, so being able to walk and bike around them or just see them from the patio is my happy spot.”

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021

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WE’RE HERE TO HOST AND FACILITATE MEETINGS THAT MATTER, SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON DOING WHAT YOU DO BEST. The Alliance Emerging Technologies Center (ETC) provides an environment conducive to design thinking, as well as space for business and industry to come together – safely – to ensure they’re able to respond to the changing needs of their workforce.

Within the ETC, there is an area dedicated to Design Thinking, which helps companies uncover the root causes of issues. Design Thinking workshops utilize a company’s most valued resources – its employees – to discover the best possible solutions. This process empowers companies to innovate, evolve and align at speed.

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE ETC AT DESIGNTHINKINGNOW.ORG DESIGN THINKING IS A STRATEGIC, HUMANCENTERED PROCESS THAT ENCOURAGES QUICKLY MOVING FROM AN IDEA TO A SOLUTION.

Get further, faster.

Call 225-228-4308 or email etc@alliancesafetycouncil.org

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BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021 | BusinessReport.com

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STARTUP

ENTREPRENEUR

Conrad Freeman Founder, Freeman Handcrafted

WHAT THEY DO:

Furniture design studio

ADDRESS:

568 Tuscaloosa Ave., Baton Rouge

NEXT GOALS:

Increase marketing and planning

BLUEPRINT Born and raised in Mandeville, Conrad Freeman comes from a family of artists and engineers. He moved to Baton Rouge to study sculpture at LSU and saw an opportunity to live creatively in the Capital Region, borrowing styles and concepts from the Pacific Northwest. As he progressed through school he returned to his art roots and began pursuing work with wood and metals, placing an emphasis on detail and craftsmanship. After graduation, Freeman worked two years for a custom fine furniture company in Downtown East, where he sharpened his talents and began to think about opening his own furniture design business. Then, in 2018, after being laid off from a cabinet shop, he called his wife saying it was time to pursue his business full time, and Freeman Handcrafted was founded.

HANDYMAN

“My favorite thing about being an entrepreneur is the freedom, the ability to dictate every part of what I’m doing, which can be daunting, scary and stressful, but it’s really life giving. It allows me to fulfill my own dreams and ideas.”

Freeman worked in his carport for the first three months before finding a cheap shop in an abandoned building on North Foster Drive to operate his business from. In April, Freeman will celebrate two years in his current Mid City studio off North Street. “I see my business as a marriage between the mechanical part of myself and the creative parts. I’ve been leaning more toward the design world because I also see design as a mesh of those two things.

My pieces need to be functional, attractive, useful, but also beautiful.” Over the last few years, he’s invested in machines to increase his capabilities and precision, as well as invested time into sharing his work online and on social media. He’s worked with local interior designers Colleen Waguespack and Kenneth Brown, and distinguishes himself with modern-style designs and high-quality workmanship.

DETAILING As his business has grown, so has his vision for the future. This year, he’s putting a larger emphasis in marketing and planning, and has been researching historic design trends to widen his skill set. Though Freeman’s vision for the business has always been to operate as a furniture design studio, he dreams of one day opening a storefront with collections of furniture he designed. He plans to continue working with local architects and interior designers, which he says allows him to keep his shop small enough that he can continue to create handmade pieces and pay attention to quality and craftsmanship. “I want to do the business right, and if I’m going to be a person of integrity, I’ve got to do the best I can. I’ve always been artistically driven, but it’s my increasing technical skills that have driven me to design.”

—By Holly Duchmann • Photography by Brian Baiamonte

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021

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PRODUCTS MADE FROM OIL

FAR MORE THAN JUST GASOLINE IS MADE FROM OIL

While approximately 40% of a barrel of oil is used to produce gasoline, the rest is used to produce a host of other products.

MEDICINE

COSMETICS

PLASTICS

Most over-thecounter medications, homeopathic products and vitamins are derived from benzine, a petroleum product.

Makeup and shampoo that has oils, perfumes, waxes and color all produced with the help of petrochemicals.

Almost all plastics are made from petrochemicals. from your iPhone to that bottle of water. It is 4-5% of the total petroleum consumption.

SYNTHETIC RUBBER

Thousands of products rely on rubber such as shoes, tires, wet suits, breast implants, gloves, etc.

CLEANING PRODUCTS

All those ingredients you can’t pronounce in the ingredients list of cleaning products being used to keep us safe from COVID-19.

ASPHALT There are over 11 million miles of paved road in the world. Asphalt is the glue that binds the minerals together.

RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTS

Oil is necessary to produce components used to create renewable energy, from wind turbine parts and solar panels to batteries for electric cars.

OTHER PRODUCTS MADE FROM OIL

Clothing, Ink, Heart Valves, Crayons, Parachutes, Telephones, Antiseptics, Deodorant, Pantyhose, Rubbing Alcohol, Carpets, Hearing Aids, Motorcycle Helmets, Pillows, Shoes, Electrical Tape, Safety Glass, Nylon Rope, Fertilizers, Hair Coloring, Toilet Seats, Candles, Credit Cards, Aspirin, Golf Balls, Detergents, Sunglasses, Glue, Fishing Rods, Linoleum, Soft Contact Lenses, Trash Bags, Hand Lotion, Shampoo, Shaving Cream, Footballs, Paint Brushes, Balloons, Fan Belts, Umbrellas, Luggage, Antifreeze, Tires, Dishwashing Liquids, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Combs, Tents, Lipstick, Tennis Rackets, House Paint, Guitar Strings, Ammonia, Eyeglasses, Ice Chests, Life Jackets, Cameras, Artificial Turf, Artificial Limbs, Bandages, Dentures, Ballpoint Pens, Nail Polish, Caulking, Skis, Fishing Lures, Perfumes, Shoe Polish, Antihistamines, Cortisone, Dyes, Roofing, Jet Fuel, Heating Oil, etc.

Environmental Coatings Services

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SOURCES: HUFFINGTONPOST.COM, OILANDGASINFO.CA, RANKEN-ENERGY.COM, EARTHSCIWEEK.ORG, LISTVERSE.COM, WIKIPEDIA.ORG, ENERGY.GOV, CONOCOPHILLIPS.COM, OILFIELDPULSE.COM

14

BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021 | BusinessReport.com

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STARTUP

REAL ESTATE

DESIGN

PELICAN STATE CREDIT UNION 2675 O’Neal Lane, Baton Rouge

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM MUELLER

Owner: Pelican State Credit Union Architect: Labarre Architects Contractor: Labarre Architects Cost: $16 million Completed: July 2020 Use: Bank branch FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION: “We created this building with our employees’ experience in mind. We wanted a place where they would be happy to come to work; a place where they feel valued. With this building we are hoping to see the start of a trend, making Baton Rouge a better place to live and work together.”

—Jeffrey K. Conrad, CEO, Pelican State Credit Union

1. The three-story, 55,000-square-foot Pelican State Credit Union off O’Neal Lane, near the South Harrells Ferry Road intersection, opened in October 2020. The building, which serves as both a corporate office and a full-service bank branch, is Louisiana’s first WELL-registered project, which is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying and monitoring building features that impact human health and well-being.

2. The Perch is the main break room, serving as a gathering place for company celebrations and events. Fresh fruit is provided each week, surfaces are antimicrobial and the vending machine holds healthy choice items as part of the WELL building standard certification. Smaller break rooms are also located throughout the three-story building.

3. The third floor features a fitness center, which is open to employees and includes showers and a locker room. Outside the building is a 5-foot-wide walking path around the campus grounds.

4. The Rougarou Conference Room is on the first floor, though other meeting spaces are available throughout the building. All have mini refrigerators, TVs, conference phone, white boards and real-time scheduling displays.

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021

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STARTUP

REAL ESTATE

Property in Central sold for office use development. The site comprises some 30,710 square feet. The price per square foot works out to about $10.25, not including the demolition cost. The site was zoned LC-1, or light commercial, which should allow the office to be built without much opposition.

Kelly McKnight represented GDC Properties, and Kim Ellis with Exit Realty served as real estate agent.

TOM COOK GDC PROPERTIES LLC has purchased a single-family residence at 9718 Sullivan Road that will be torn down and replaced with an office for Central Title & Closing Company. Bi Jiang Liu and Hou Ying Wu were the sellers. Matthew Laborde with Elifin Realty had listed the property for $360,000, before selling it for $315,000.

The property is across from Shoe Creek, just south of Walmart and surrounding retail

ACREAGE ON STARING LANE SELLS Robbie Durham with Durham Real Estate had listed a 5-acre tract at 915 Staring Lane, next to South Baton Rouge Presbyterian Church, for $399,000. The owners were Emma Mississippi Properties, whose manager was Mary Kathleen Kenyon, and the estate of Leon C. Kenyon, also represented by Kenyon. Several parties were interested and submitted offers. Local developer Nick FaKouri outbid the competition

and put the property under contract for $425,000.

“It was a pretty tight deal, there are wetlands involved, and there was pushback from the residents that were going to make it difficult to do a townhouse development there, FaKouri says.

During the due diligence period the owner came back to FaKouri and offered a settlement to get out of the contract so that it could be sold to an adjoining property owner. FaKouri opted out and the property sold Jan. 19 to JoAnn Welsh for $425,000, the same price offered by FaKouri. The purchaser owns a house on Castle Kirk that backs up to the acreage. Neither the purchaser nor the purchaser’s agent could be reached for comment.

CORNER OF FLORIDA AND ACADIAN THRUWAY SELLS In April 2019, Clean Ride LLC, represented by Robert Daigrepont, purchased a retail property at

the northeast corner of Florida Boulevard and Acadian Thruway for $425,000. Clean Ride LLC has now resold it to Ben Bark II, represented by Collis B. Temple III, for $625,000. The property was brokered by Cade Bogan with Beau Box Commercial Real Estate.

“We had the property listed for sale for $850,000 and did not get a lot of activity, but Collis wanted it because he owns the adjoining property and is trying to acquire the entire block just to control it,” Bogan says. “The property was damaged by fire and had been gutted. The roof had been replaced and the interior was just a gray box shell with no HVAC ....

“The sale price at $625,000 works out to about $58 per square foot, based upon 10,800 square feet of buildings,” Bogan says.

Tom Cook of Cook Moore and Associates has been an independent real estate appraiser for more than 20 years.

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16

BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021 | BusinessReport.com

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ECONOMY

The bottom line

$15 MILLION

Sales tax collections in East Baton Rouge Parish for November 2020

17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

UNEMPLOYMENT TRACKER

$223,000

Median home sale price for East Baton Rouge Parish for December 2020

238 235 232 229 226 223 220 217 214 211 208 205 202 199 196 193

REAL ESTATE TRACKER

D

J

2019

N D J F M A M J J A S O N 2020 2019

SALES TAX TRACKER N D J F M A M J J A S O N 2020 2019

56 54 52 50 48 46 44 42 40 38 36 34 32 30 28 26

47

Rigs operating inland and offshore Louisiana (as of Jan. 22) RIG TRACKER

F

M

A

M

J J A S 2020 13-month comparison

O

N

D

$17.2 MILLION 24 23 Collective revenue (millions)

East Baton Rouge Parish unemployment rate in November 2020

13.0 12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.8 4.6 4.4 4.2 4.0 3.8 3.6 3.4 3.2 3.0 2.8 2.6

Tax dollars (millions)

7.5%

Unemployment percentage

The latest indicators giving insight on how well Baton Rouge’s economy is performing. BY HOLLY DUCHMANN

Sales price (thousands)

STARTUP

Total revenue earned by Baton Rouge’s three riverboat casinos in December 2020

22

CASINO REVENUE TRACKER

21 20 19 18 17 16 15 10 0

D J F M A M J J A S O N D 2020 2019 13-month comparison J F M A M J J A S O N D J 2020 2021

SOURCES: U.S. Department of Labor, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, East Baton Rouge Parish Finance Department, Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors, Louisiana Workforce Commission, Louisiana Gaming Control Board.

WE CARRY EACH OTHER It’s how we do things in Louisiana during times of challenge. We’re stronger together and we know our strength lies in the helping hands of our neighbors.

So let’s wear a mask and protect one another. And protect the life we love.

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Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021

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1/28/21 1/12/21 11:03 10:20 AM AM

STARTUP

TASTE

1

PORTOBELLO’S GRILL

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON • PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLLIN RICHIE

LONGSTANDING BATON ROUGE eatery Portobello’s Grill has rolled out a menu update and brand refresh, part of an overhaul deployed by new partner Peter Sclafani and Portobello’s founder Kiva Guidroz.

Sclafani, who consulted with Portobello’s in 2019 before buying into the concept last year, says the restaurant’s three locations were updated one by one in 2020, with the 24-year-old Bocage location getting the most attention. Portobello’s new menu includes longstanding favorites as well as new dishes that use local ingredients and reflect Sclafani’s Louisiana-Italian style, which he further describes as “craveable with a twist.”

Lunch diners can order from the full menu as well as a list of specials not confined to days of the week.

“We found people asking for hamburger steak or shrimp scampi on days when they weren’t offered, so we made them available daily,” Sclafani says. “We don’t like to tell anyone ‘no.’”

Sandwiches are pairable with soups and salads, and one of Sclafani’s personal favorites is the French dip. The kitchen slow roasts ribeye steak in an AltoShaam cook-and-hold oven, serving tender slices on Leidenheimer French bread with au jus. The Sclafani Salad, a wink at the chef’s New Orleans restaurateur grandfather, combines boiled Gulf shrimp, olives, onions, boiled egg, tomatoes, and Romano cheese over romaine lettuce. It’s tossed with a combination of homemade Caesar dressing and remoulade sauce.

Sclafani, the former chef-partner at Ruffino’s, started a restaurant consulting business in 2017.

In addition to Portobello’s, he also has interests in P-Beau’s in Denham Springs, Phil’s Oyster Bar and a forthcoming concept in the former Rum House location on Perkins Road.

2

3

One of Peter Sclafani’s personal favorites is the French dip sandwich, featuring ribeye steak prepared in an Alto-Shaam cook-andhold oven and served on Leidenheimer French bread with au jus.

The Sclafani Salad blends boiled Gulf shrimp, olives, onions, boiled egg, tomatoes and Romano cheese over romaine lettuce.

It’s tossed with a combination of homemade Caesar dressing and remoulade sauce.

While all three Portobello’s locations have been updated, the most extensive renovations took place at the 24-year-old Bocage location.

Address: 7622 Old Hammond Highway; 15440 George O’Neal Road; 25420 Highway 1, Plaquemine Website: www.portobellos.net Cuisine: Louisiana-inspired Italian cuisine Proprietors: Peter Sclafani and Kiva Guidroz Scene: Recently refreshed neighborhood grill offering lunch, dinner and brunch, happy hour and wine tastings.

Pricing: $$-$$$

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021

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Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

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BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021 | BusinessReport.com

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STARTUP

GOOD LIFE

FIRST CLASS TRAVELS:

Amsterdam

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Known for its sprawling canals and historic architecture, Amsterdam is home to some of the world’s most renown museums. Ann Edelman, vice president of public relations and media for Zehnder, tells Business Report how to make the most of this photo-friendly destination. “The blend of the architecture in the old city with the canals is spectacular.

Every place you go is picturesque and fascinating.”

WHERE TO STAY

WHAT TO EAT

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

WHAT TO DO

NOT TO BE MISSED

HOUSEBOAT

RIJSTTAFEL

CORNER PUB OR RESTAURANT

PATHÉ TUSCHINSKI

ANNE FRANK HOUSE

Edelman stayed on an Amstel River houseboat, which she booked through Airbnb. “It was a wonderful way to look at Amsterdam since the water is so integral.”

This restaurant, whose name translates to “rice table,” offers an overwhelming sampling of sticky-and-spicy Indonesian dishes. Indonesian food is popular in the Netherlands because of the nations’ colonial ties.

“You can stop into any pub, any little corner neighborhood restaurant and you’ll be shocked at how good it is. The worst meal you’ll get is fresh-baked bread and cheese. They show you that the simplest meal can be divine.”

Built in the heart of the city and opened in 1921, this movie theater features an incredible art deco facade with a lobby designed to resemble an illusion.

“The house is now a wonderful, small museum. There’s a lot with the experience along with touring the actual secret attic. It can be a meaningful experience whether you’ve read the book or not.”

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021

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1/28/21 11:05 AM

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

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20-21 SU First Class Travels.indd 22

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20-21 SU First Class Travels.indd 23

1/28/21 11:21 AM

COVERSTORY

e v i s n e p x E t s o M 10 0 2 0 f 2 o s e l a S e Hom E’S BATON ROUG

OTO G RAPH R IEG EL • PH STEP HAN IE

DAI R Y BY D ON KA

y global econom e th f o s rt a p c on wreaked havo n Rouge’s priciest homes. ic m e d n a p 9 The COVID-1 ampen the market for Bato but it didn’t d STORY BY

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REAL ESTATE AGENTS who specialize in the high-end segment of the local residential real estate market had every reason to fear the worst when the economy shut down last March with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quita Cutrer, who typically handles several of the priciest home sales each year in Baton Rouge, was prepared to hunker down, ride out what was expected to be a slow season for at least a few months, and catch up on some work around her own house.

Instead, 2020 turned out to be as busy as ever, with dozens of homes selling for $1 million or more and several topping the $2 million mark.

“We never stopped all year,” she says. “I was shocked. I was writing a purchase agreement on Christmas Eve.” Experts attribute the activity in part to the record-low interest rates—2.5% or so—which helped fuel activity in all segments of the housing market, not just the subsector of homes priced at $1 million or more.

“Low interest rates always have an impact on home sales,” says Mary Kay Burns of Latter & Blum, who sold the most expensive home in East Baton Rouge Parish in 2020—a nearly 7,000-square-foot mansion on three lots in Oak Hills Place that went for $3.6 million.

But cheap money alone didn’t fuel the activity, according to Jerry Del Rio, who sold the Claitor family’s former home on Highland Road last summer for $2 million, making it the thirdmost expensive home on the list. (It has since been demolished, not incidentally, perhaps setting a record for most expensive teardown in the market.)

Despite the economic mayhem the pandemic caused for those on the lower end of the economic spectrum, the wealthy weathered the crisis just fine for the most part, which was reflected in the fact that some of the

priciest home sales in 2020 were allcash transactions.

“The interest rate is no big deal to some of the people who are shopping and buying homes in this segment of the market,” Del Rio says.

As in recent years, 2020 was more of a buyer’s market than a seller’s, likely because of the large inventory of homes priced at $1 million or more. As a result, there were a lot of bargains in the market, with a considerable differential, in some cases, between what sellers were asking and what they ended up getting.

The Oak Hills home that sold for $3.6 million was listed at $4.1 million—a $500,000, or nearly 12%, differential.

A LS O :

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The 10th-most expensive home on the list, an A. Hays Town house on Rue Concord in Silver Lining, sold for $1.52 million. That was more than 30% below its nearly $2.3 million asking price, a $775,000 discount, despite its more than 4-acre lot.

A mid-century modern home on E. Lakeshore Drive with stunning views of the LSU lakes, and No. 8 on the list, went for $500,000 less than its $2 million asking price.

“Sellers were not getting what they wanted for their properties,” Cutrer says. “All the buyers were all happy.

Not all the sellers were happy.”

The problem, to the extent that it is one, is that there’s a growing number of neighborhoods with high-end homes, which not only means more inventory but more new inventory.

Not so long ago, the majority of Baton Rouge’s most expensive home sales were clustered predominantly in the Country Club of Louisiana and Jefferson Place/Bocage, with a few others scattered around the LSU lakes or a one-off neighborhood.

This year, no two homes on the Top 10 list were located in the same neighborhood. Homes in newer developments like Adelia at Old Goodwood and The Settlement at Willow Grove outpriced homes in CCL, where just one of the 10 most expensive homes sold in 2020 was located.

Several CCL homes nearly made the Top 10 list, however, with sales prices in the $1.3 million-$1.5 million range, just shy of this year’s $1.52 million cutoff.

Cutrer, who sold several of those homes, says because some CCL homes are 30 years old or more, they’re selling for slightly less than some newer properties.

“But remember, those buyers are picking up a steal for $1.5 million and then putting another $500,000 or $600,000 into them,” she says. “So it’s a little misleading to leave them off the list.”

As in previous years, there were several homes that might have made the list, however their buyers or sellers tried to shield their sale price from public view, recording the price as $100 “and other valuable considerations.”

And just like last year, the most expensive home of the year was purchased by a son of Collis Temple Jr. In 2019, Collis Temple III bought the most expensive home, paying $3.5 million for an 18,000-square-foot mansion in Zachary.

In 2020, younger brother Garrett Temple, who plays for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls after starring at LSU, carried on the tradition, paying $3.6 million for Richard and Susan Lipsey’s nearly 7,000-square-foot home in Oak Hills Place.

Editor’s Note: The homes listed represent the 10 most expensive homes that were recorded in the public record. Business Report accessed the date from a combination of sources, including the Multiple Listing Service, the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court and online listings.

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021

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COVERSTORY

n o i l l i M 6 .

3 $ 1 LAKEWOOD

POINT DR IVE

4.17 million List price: $ 0 lue*: $938,50 Assessed va Place sion: Oak Hills Subdivi feet 6,980 square Living space:

oms: 4 Bedro rtial ms: 5 full, 2 pa Bathroo 95 (est.)

Year built: 19

A. Lipsey and ler: Richard ey Sel ps Li .

Susan H

. Temple er: Garrett B Buy tter & Blum y Kay Brown, La ar M

t: en ag Listing ssic Realty oi Temple, Cla Ay

t: en ag ’s Buyer ate: Nov. 20 Closing D

26

’s office.

m Assessor Brian Wilson

ent property tax data fro

*—According to most rec

BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021 | BusinessReport.com

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n o i l l i M 2 . $2

Y DR IVE

3068 M U R PH

2.2 million List price: $ 0 lue: $691,00 Assessed va Place on: Jefferson Subdivisi re feet e: 6,782 squa Living spac s: 6 Bedroom rtial ms: 4 full, 1 pa Bathroo 955 (est.)

Year built: 1

ne LLC ler: Bocage O r) Sel Keller, membe e nn ea (DeJ

ten M. Spring pring and Kris er: Mark B. S uy B

ey, Burns & Co. t: Leslie Gladn en ag g in st Li & Co. ladney, Burns ent: Leslie G ag ’s er uy B

ate: June 15 Closing D

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021

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Tell Your Story

2021

ANNUAL REPORT for the Capital Region

COMING THIS APRIL “In a world where people have a lot of choices, the story may be the deciding factor.*” *DR. NICK MORGAN,

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COURTESY JERRY DEL RIO

COVERSTORY

n o i l l i M 2 $

N D ROAD

5925 H IG H LA

2.195 million List price: $ ardown) 80,000 after te $594,000 ($ e: lu va d se Asses Acres on: University Subdivisi re feet e: 3,575 squa Living spac s: 4 Bedroom ms: 2 Bathroo 945 (est.)

Sr. Year built: 1

ert G. Claitor cession of Rob uc r S ito la he C T . r: M le ssion of Nancy Sel and The Succe

stments eal Estate Inve er: Roberts R uy B Real Estate

, Jerry Del Rio io R el D ry er J ent: Listing ag s, Land Hawk t: Malyn Denni en ag ’s er uy B Real Estate Commercial

ate: Closing D

June 15

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021

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COVERSTORY

n o i l l i M 5 $1.7

A B LVD. 154 VALHALL

89 million List price: $1. illion lue: $1.41 m Assessed va on: Valhalla Subdivisi re feet e: 6,696 squa Living spac Bedrooms: 5

rtial ms: 5 full, 2 pa Bathroo 018 Year built: 2

M. Croft and Seller: Scott Croft

ney L. Snyder Rom cDonald and er: John W. M uy B ald

ecca A. McDon Reb o. ak, Burns & C ent: Libby Pe Listing ag ne, Re/ MAX ent: Jill Lemoi Buyer’s ag ate: Nov. 12 Closing D

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n o i l l i M 7 $1.6

LAN E 7232 ADE LIA

7 million List price: $1.

0 lue: $330,80 Assessed va on: Adelia Subdivisi re feet e: 4,291 squa Living spac Bedrooms: 5

rtial ms: 4 full, 1 pa Bathroo 020 Year built: 2

up LLC Consulting Gro ler: Centanni el ager) S an m III,

cent Centanni (Vin e A. Newbill Buyer: Georg

t R. Newbill ne Ja and

i, Burns & Co. Jewel Centann t: en ag g in lum List fey, Latter & B Merilee Mahaf t: en ag ’s er Buy ate: Dec. 1 Closing D

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Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021

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COVERSTORY

n o i l l i M 7 6 .

1 $ 2 OAK ALLEY

89 million List price: $1. illion lue: $2.35 m Assessed va on: Oak Alley Subdivisi re feet e: 6,321 squa Living spac s: 5 Bedroom rtial ms: 5 full, 2 pa Bathroo 985 (est.)

Year built: 1

Eidson ler: Joyce M. Sel d es Bennett an er: Byron Jam uy B nett

phanie E. Ben Ste o. ns rer, Bur & C ent: Quita Cut ag g in st Li

Kirkpatrick, ent: Heather Buyer’s ag s Keller William ate: July, 24 Closing D

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n o i l l i M 4 6 . $1 7433 LAN E S

END

64 million List price: $1. (lot only) lue: $180,000 Assessed va illow Grove ettlement at W S

: on si vi di Sub re feet e: 5,621 squa Living spac Bedrooms: 5

6 Bathrooms:

0 Year built: 202

er Inc. hardson Build ler: David Ric el S

d . Harrison IV an er: George W uy B on

beth S. Harris Eliza hardson, ent: David Ric Listing ag rdson Builder David Richa m ts, Latter & Blu t: Missy Rober en ag ’s er uy B ate: Nov. 18 Closing D

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“

Easy to work with and made everything effortless and easy. They are always prompt and kept every promise. Cypress Roofing is honest, extremely reliable, and friendly.

— Patrick M. from Baton Rouge

SERVICING THESE AREAS ALL ACROSS SOUTH LOUISIANA: Baton Rouge • Denham Springs • French Settlement • Sorrento Walker • Saint Amant • Geismar • Gonzales • Donaldsonville Livingston • Darrow • Prairieville • + many more

225.450.5507 | cypressroofingla.com

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COVERSTORY

n o i l l i M 7 $1.5 S 2757 E. LAKE

HOR E DR IVE

2 million List price: $ (age 65 freeze) e: $282,500 lu va d se es Ass te on: Belle Poin Subdivisi re feet e: 5,600 squa Living spac s: 3 Bedroom ms: 4 Bathroo 960 (est.)

Year built: 1

Li Vignes, Men and Juan Vignes ler: Wu Li Xiao el S Jo tate of hn T.

ecutor of the es ex

tin er Roy O. Mar er: Christoph uy B tin ar A. M

and Elizabeth

ller Williams leen Crain, Ke ol C t: en ag k Listing Realty Red Stic

neval, ent: Tigue Bon ociates Buyer’s ag eal Estate Ass R on Audub

Issue Date: BRBR OCT 2020 AD proof #1

ate: Closing D

Dec. 23

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Offering a variety of services to partner with the business community Work Experience | Customized Training Hiring Events | On-The-Job training

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n o i l l i M 2 $1.5

E

IV AG E WAY DR

18319 E. VILL

1.65 million List price: $ illion lue: $1.14 m Assessed va ana Club of Louisi on: Country Subdivisi re feet e: 8,359 squa Living spac s: 5 Bedroom rtial ms: 6 full, 1 pa Bathroo 00 (est.)

Year built: 20

Roberts ler: David E. Sel d H. Peltier Jr. an Buyer: James er lti Pe

.

M nn andi Ly R ie Gill, ent: Stephan Listing ag Professional X A /M R E Rathmann, ent: Summer up Buyer’s ag eal Estate Gro Re/ MAX R

ug. 18 e: A2021 ng DatFeb ClosiDate: Issue

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custom-built cabinets to fit any home “Friends have often asked why I would have a cabinet maker in Louisiana make cabinets for my kitchen in Florida. Don’t we have good cabinet shops in Florida? My answer is always Yes, but . . . the truth is, I wanted something really special, and the design team at RTE created a kitchen that fit my home, my lifestyle, and my budget. From the arched windows and doors, to the warm and rustic old cypress cabinetry, RTE took my vague ideas and rough sketches and turned them into art.”

—Morgan Pevonka, Micanopy, FL

5075 Adams Avenue Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 225.753.0054 rte@rtemillworks.com

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021

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COVERSTORY

n o i l l i M 2 $1.5 11468 R U E C

ONCOR D

29 million List price: $2.

0 lue: $569,30 Assessed va ng on: Silver Lini Subdivisi re feet e: 6,195 squa Living spac s: 4 Bedroom ms: 4 Bathroo 975 (est.)

Year built: 1

hmstede Jr. ler: Gene E. O Sel tom Homes er: Telich Cus Buy r, Burns & Co. t: Quita Cutre en ag g in st Li ofessional lich, Re/ Max Pr Te i or K t: en Buyer’s ag ate: Oct. 15 Closing D

COURTESY QUITA CUTRER/BURNS & CO.

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“As a community bank we are working to be our clients’ partners as well as their facilitators. We put emphasis on the personal relationship with the people behind the transaction.

We feel that’s what community banking is all about.”

Douglas Dupont, Market President–Baton Rouge

Rooted in Relationship 225.635.6397 • www.BSF.net

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Your direct pipeline to REACH industrial DECISION MAKERS NEW ISSUE COMING IN APRIL

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d e i r t t a h t Two to fool us D E L I A F d An OTO G RAPH R IEG EL • PH STEP HAN IE

DAI R Y BY D ON KA

ublic to hide from p . g in y tr f o d n e d home ue the tr Buyers contin l sales price of their high-en view the actua BY

AS IN PREVIOUS years, a growing number of buyers in the high-end segment of the local residential market in 2020 opted not to disclose the actual sale price of their home with the parish clerk of court.

Instead, they recorded just a nominal sale price of $100 or less “and other valuable considerations” on conveyance documents.

It’s a way to keep the actual sale price out of the public record and it’s perfectly legal, according to local real estate attorneys, who say Louisiana law does not affirmatively state that an accurate sale price must be listed in publicly recorded sale documents.

It’s a major annoyance to appraisers and brokers, however, who complain that keeping the sale price out of the public record robs the market of precious data—the sale prices of comparable nearby properties, or “comps,” which are used by professionals, buyers and sellers to determine value.

In an effort to stem the practice, the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors late last fall enacted a new rule, requiring brokers to record the actual sale price of property transactions in the Multiple Listing Service.

The rule change states that the sale price of a property must be recorded as “the amount of money or consideration paid and/ or given at closing in exchange for the transfer of ownership of a property,” according to the GBRAR website. “In the event the recorded sales price differs from the actual sales price, the actual sales price

shall be reported to the service.”

The GBRAR rules only apply to what is recorded in the MLS and does not affect state law, which continues to allow property sale prices to remain secret. But it ensures that if the buyer or seller uses a licensed broker to represent them in the deal, the actual sale price will be recorded in the MLS. “Under no circumstance shall the recorded sales price replace, supersede and/or substitute the actual sales price (in the MLS),” the rule says.

Local appraiser Wesley Moore, who has been a frequent critic of keeping actual sale prices out of the public record, says he is glad to see the rule change, though he cautions that it could motivate more buyers and sellers to keep their properties off the MLS altogether.

“I applaud the move,” he says.

“My only concern would be that brokers with clients that want to keep transaction prices confidential might choose to discontinue participation or membership in GBRAR and MLS to no longer have to comply with that requirement.”

Only time will tell how effective the new regulation will be in forcing buyers and sellers to be more transparent about their transactions. In the meantime, Business Report found several high-end homes that were listed for more than $1 million but their sale prices were recorded as $100 and OVC or less.

Below are two examples that, given their list price, would almost certainly have made the Top 10 list for 2020.

BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021 | BusinessReport.com

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n o i l l i M 7 9 . $1 16830 CH E R

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IV RY BAR K DR

0 le price: $10 Recorded sa 0 lue: $850,50 Assessed va

ssing Highland Cro Subdivision:

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l K. LaVie Buyer: Danie W. LaVie

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ton Thorning, ’s agent: Leigh er uy B essional

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Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021

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COVERSTORY

l a i c r e m m o C p o 10 T 0 2 0 f 2 o Deals E’S BATON ROUG

AF F PHOTOS UCH MAN • ST

BY HOLLY D

THE MOST EXPENSIVE commercial property deals in the Capital Region for 2020 once again involved multifamily developments. Four out of the year’s top 5 most expensive transactions were apartment complex sales.

The buyers were mostly out-of-state real estate investors, which has been typical the last few years and suggests the Capital Region market remains attractive to investors.

Still, like many other sectors and industries, the commercial real estate market was not immune to the pandemic’s

$47.5Million

40

impacts. Half of 2020’s list would not have made 2019’s list and it was the second-consecutive year that no office building deals made the top 10 list. In an attempt to gather as many recorded deals priced more than $10 million, Business Report this year expanded the list’s coverage area to include West Baton Rouge, Livingston and Ascension parishes. The year 2020 was not conducive for big transactions, says Wesley Moore, an appraiser with Cook, Moore, Davenport and Associates.

n $46.4 Millio

Citiscape at Essen Apartments

Indigo Park

The most expensive commercial real estate transaction of 2019 with a publicly recorded sales price was the Christmas week sale of Citiscape at Essen Apartments on Mancuso Lane in Baton Rouge for $47.5 million.

Texas-based The Medve Group bought the property from Citiscape 5010 LLC, also based in Texas. The Medve Group planned to finance the deal through a $34 million mortgage loan from Berkeley Point Capital/Newmark Knight Frank, according to sales documents. The complex features 299 units. The $47.5 million sale price is less than that for the No. 1 deal on last year’s Business Report list of top commercial deals.

In October, Indigo Park apartments, off Nicholson Drive and Gardere Lane, sold for $46.4 million. Los Angeles-based JRK Property Holdings bought the property from Cortland Partners. Built in 2009, the 330-unit property stretches over 20 acres. At the time of the sale, Indigo Park was 95% occupied.

BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021 | BusinessReport.com

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$16.5 Million

$23 Million

Afton Oaks Apartments

IDEA Innovation Charter School

A Colorado real estate management company bought the Afton Oaks Apartments, off Sherwood Forest Boulevard, in early December for $23 million. Monarch Investment and Management Group of Boulder scooped up the property from A. OK Limited Partnership, represented by Baton Rouge developer Mike Wampold. Afton Oaks Apartments is a gated complex featuring 284 units and includes a fitness center and swimming pool. Monarch is no stranger to the Baton Rouge market or to Business Report’s annual top commercial deals list. The firm was involved in three of the deals on last year’s list.

In November, the Texas-founded IDEA Public Schools bought its school property in Baton Rouge, on Innovation Park Drive, for $16.5 million. The organization bought the property from the local nonprofit New Schools of Baton Rouge. In the deal, the company was represented by Carlo Hershberger, senior vice president of finance for IDEA Public Schools, while New Schools for Baton Rouge was represented by founder and CEO Chris Meyer.

Founded in 2018, the school currently serves nearly 800 students in grades K-9.

$11.6 Million

$8.15 Million

The Embassy Apartments / Tiger Pointe

63 acres in Port Allen / Amazon Sorting Facility

The Embassy Apartments, off Burbank Drive by LSU, was bought by a New York investor in February for $11.6 million. Tiger Pointe LLC bought the four-building complex from Embassy Apartments LLC. Since being acquired, the 150-unit complex has been rebranded to Tiger Pointe. The apartments were 95% occupied at the time of the sale.

Atlanta-based Seefried Industrial Properties bought 63 acres in Port Allen to be developed into a new sorting facility for online retailer Amazon. The property, located at La. 415 and Court Street, was acquired through GPF-Seefried Port Allen LLC for $8.15 million. Once built and operational, the facility is expected to bring up to 300 new permanent jobs to the area.

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021

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COVERSTORY

$7.1 Million

42

$6.3 Million

Former Champion Medical Center

Southern Cold Storage

In February, a Texas developer purchased the former Greater Baton Rouge Surgical Hospital on Howell Road in north Baton Rouge for nearly $7.2 million. Doing business as NEC Baton Rouge LP, New Era Companies, an integrated commercial development firm, bought the property from Florida-based LNR Partners. LNR Partners sold the nearly 9-acre property through COMM 2006-C8 Howell Boulevard LLC. Located in Howell Place Business Park, the building was developed in the mid-2000s as a 10-bed surgical hospital with an adjoining 50,000-square-foot medical office building. The hospital closed in 2012 after seven years in operation due to a lack of patients. In 2014, the property reopened as Champion Medical Center, a new specialized surgical hospital, but that, too, closed after roughly four years.

A Michigan-based company bought an 85,000-squarefoot cold storage facility on Choctaw Drive for $6.3 million.

Lineage Logistics bought the property from Southern Cold Storage in August. The Choctaw Drive facility, built in the ‘90s, includes a 75,000-square-foot freezer and a 4,000-squarefoot refrigerated dock with 10 dock stations. Lineage Logistics began as one warehouse in Michigan and has been aggressively expanding its portfolio since 2012.

$6.2 Million

$6 Million

Walgreens, Denham Springs

Land off Nicholson Drive

Located at the corner of South Range Avenue and Vincent Road, this Walgreens property in Denham Springs traded hands for $6.2 million in August. Stirling SST CON1 LLC, represented by Grady K. Brame, sold the property to Denham Springs LA WG LLC, represented by John S. Fabacher Jr. Walgreens has a 25-year lease for the building, with 15 years remaining.

In May, Water’s Edge LLC bought 41 acres off Nicholson Drive from Lexington Land Development for $6 million.

The property, located at the rear of the Lexington Estates subdivision, was purchased to be built into an additional filing of Lexington Estates—The Waters Edge at Lexington Estates. The site will be developed into nearly 170 lots. The Planning Commission approved the subdivision’s plans in August 2019.

BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021 | BusinessReport.com

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FOCUS INDUSTRY

Regulatory whiplash Biden’s Cabinet picks—and early regulatory actions—aren’t being well-received by industry, but the outlook is far from dire. BY SAM BARNES

44

OBAMA 2.0: President Joe Biden is not only expected to reinstate industry regulations removed under the Trump administration, but his wide-ranging moratorium on new oil and gas leasing on U.S. lands is not popular with industry officials.

AP PHOTO/EVAN VUCCI

AS PRESIDENT BIDEN’S slate of Cabinet picks began to crystallize over the past several weeks, it became clear that climate initiatives are near the top of his agenda, eclipsed only perhaps by the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, Biden appears to be planning a whole-of-government environmental push that extends well beyond the Environmental Protection Agency as well as the Interior and Energy departments.

Many of Biden’s choices who are expected to have the biggest impact on industry—Jennifer Granholm, Department of Energy; Michael Regan, Environmental Protection Agency; Deb Haaland, Department of the Interior; and Gina McCarthy, national climate adviser—have significant experience in the areas in which they’ve been chosen to serve.

That in itself could be problematic, says David Dismukes, executive director of LSU’s Center for Energy Studies. “The Biden administration will probably be more like Obama 2.0,” Dismukes says. “Under Obama, you’d be hard pressed to find a more activist period for the EPA—particularly as it relates to energy.”

Not surprisingly, there’s been resistance to some of Biden’s picks.

The Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico, for example, issued a statement strongly opposing the confirmation of Haaland, a New Mexico native, to lead the DOI. “Haaland has repeatedly demonstrated contempt towards our industry, especially regarding the need for a balanced approach to public land management,” says IPANM Executive Director Jim Winchester in the statement.

However, its regulatory inconsistency that presents the bigger problem for Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. “The first order of

business will be putting Humpty Dumpty back together again, winding everything back up that the Trump administration has unwound,” Dismukes says. “That’s going to feel like whiplash for a lot of people. They were going down one road with Obama, then it changed with Trump, and now they’re going back again.”

While this bipolar approach to regulation is unsettling, the larger players should be able to handle it since they’ve already made significant investments. This is particularly true in regard to methane emission reduction goals. By the time the Trump administration had rolled back the Obama rule that mandated a 45 percent reduction by 2025, many were well on their way to compliance.

Tyler Gray, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association in Baton Rouge and a member of Gov. John Bel Edwards’ Climate Initiatives Task Force, says many companies have already made their own decision to reduce CO2 emissions. “If you have forward-looking policies that can be implemented in a timely way and you can have discussions around things that incentivize that

development, there are lots of opportunities,” Gray says.

LMOGA, in fact, signaled its agreement with Biden’s 2050 netzero emissions goal in a Jan. 14 letter to the then-president-elect.

“While CO2 emissions from energy use across the entire economy are at their lowest levels in nearly 25 years, Louisiana energy producers and refiners continue to be at the forefront of emissions reduction innovation and are committed to sustainably producing energy cleaner and more efficiently than ever before,” Gray says. “… The Louisiana energy industry is aggressively prioritizing ways to accelerate removing carbon from their operations. Industry’s ability to innovate and develop new technologies is the key to our energy future, and technology like carbon capture utilization and storage will play an essential role in meeting the increasingly aggressive emission goals being set around the world.”

Tim Harris, site manager at Eastman Taminco’s plant in St. Gabriel, says he’s not particularly concerned about new environmental regulations since his

company already shares Biden’s net-zero emissions goal. “We’re seeing that sustainability goals provide us with a competitive advantage,” Harris says. “We try to hire the best and brightest, then direct that horsepower toward solving climate change problems.

We feel this lines up well with the Biden administration’s agenda.”

Harris, who also serves on the boards of the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance and Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance, says his plant is in the process of reducing energy consumption through regenerative heat exchangers and a modernized control system as part of its current $70 million expansion project.

He expects to switch over to the new system by the end of the first quarter.

Dismukes says momentum across the Gulf Coast is undoubtedly building around the net-zero concept. Other environmental initiatives, in particular the development of renewable energy sources, are also moving forward, irrespective of regulations. “The pandemic has served as a catalyst,” he adds. “Things were changing, but now they’re really changing, and companies are making changes to their entire business model— pipelines, oil and gas, the vertical integrated guys, electric power, etc.

“There aren’t a lot of barriers to renewable energy anymore,” he says. “There are plenty of renewable energy deals getting made, and there’s more interest by the majors. Nobody is forcing them to do that, because it makes good business sense.”

SOURCES OF CONTENTION Of course, some sectors will be squarely in the regulatory crosshairs. Crackdowns on oil and gas fracking, pipeline approval

BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021 | BusinessReport.com

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hurdles and offshore lease moratoriums will be likely sources of contention. “Developing the infrastructure needed to facilitate trade will be one of the hardest-hit sectors,” Dismukes says. “I think you’re going to see a real rapid slowdown in regard to pipeline approvals. It’s going to get a lot worse in the near term.”

That became starkly evident after Biden revoked a permit for the $9 billion Keystone XL pipeline by executive order on his first day in office.

LMOGA’s Gray is also concerned about the pipeline backlog. “For the pipeline industry to continue to build and maintain the critical infrastructure that transports crucial energy resources, the federal permitting processes should be predictable, efficient and provide timely approvals,” Gray says in the LMOGA letter to Biden. “Of paramount importance to the pipeline industry is the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of our systems.

To that end, it is critical that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration continues to receive the resources it needs, to carry out its oversight mission.”

On an optimistic note, Dismukes predicts there could be some tempering of any new regulatory rollouts in the near term, given the financial impact of the pandemic. “It’s probably going to be a little more muted,” he adds.

“I think Biden will recognize how important fracking was to the recovery following the 2008-09 recession, so he will be cautious about that.”

Mike Moncla, interim president of the Louisiana Oil & Gas

Association, warns in a Jan. 6 statement against overregulation.

“Cramming in regulations and pushing poorly crafted legislation like the Green New Deal would likely cause oil production in the U.S. to decrease,” Moncla says.

Still, he says Louisiana’s oil and gas industry had some “great years” during the Clinton and Obama administrations and he “expects to be successful under the Biden administration as well.

We have already seen a $10 a barrel increase in the price of oil since the election.”

UPCOMING ISSUES MARCH 2021 Real Estate Cover Story: Business Awards & Hall of Fame

TRADE OPTIMISM Apart from environmental concerns, there is hope that trade tensions with China could ease a bit during the Biden administration. “For now, however, there’s agreement on both sides of the aisle that we need to continue to put pressure on them, although it might not be as erratic and could be in concert with other trade partners or allies,” Dismukes says. “It will be a slower, steadier approach.”

As for Harris, he hopes for an eventual easing of tensions since it would go a long way toward increasing exports to China from Eastman Taminco’s St. Gabriel plant. “Most of our water treatment chemical exports go to China, so the easing of trade tensions would certainly help,” Harris says.

Since the trade war, the company has sometimes shipped product from Europe instead of the U.S., simply because of shipping costs and tariffs. Harris hopes that dynamic will change.

List: Residential and Commercial Real Estate Firms

APRIL 2021 Wealth Management List: Financial Investment Firms

MAY 2021 Technology Cover Story: Women in Business List: IT Consulting Firms & Telecommunications Companies

JUNE 2021 Real Estate Report

DON KADAIR

List: Residential RE Firms, Homebuilders, RE Title Companies, Mortgage Companies, Commercial Contractors, Commercial RE Firms, Property Management Firms

UNFAZED: Tim Harris, site manager at Eastman Taminco’s plant in St. Gabriel and a board member of both the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance and Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance, says he’s not concerned with many of Biden’s environmental regulations since his company and others anticipated the moves and have already announced plans to meet the new standards.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ADVERTISING IN THESE ISSUES, CONTACT Kerrie Richmond at 421-8154 | krichmond@businessreport.com Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021

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FOCUS

INDUSTRY

Good as being there IT HAS BEEN under development for some time, so chalk up ExxonMobil’s virtual reality training initiative to serendipity. The effort is coming to full maturity in the middle of a pandemic, when remote learning is both necessary and encouraged.

As many as 18 VR-based modules in various stages of development will soon enable ExxonMobil to train workers remotely for its new $500 million polypropylene plant in Baton Rouge. The modules will immerse operators in a computer-generated environment to perform critical tasks, and will simulate a physical presence in a nonphysical world to guide them through various scenarios.

Kenneth Miller, a retired ExxonMobil engineering manager, was asked to help navigate the VR initiative some two years ago. “Of course, we had no idea how important this would become,” Miller says. “During the pandemic, this ability has provided an added value that we didn’t anticipate.”

To get the ball rolling, ExxonMobil tapped into the services of Louisiana Economic Development’s FastStart program, offered by the state as part of a financial incentives package. FastStart, in turn, connected ExxonMobil with eight local tech companies. “It has been a natural fit,” says Paul Helton, FastStart executive director. “We were wanting to get into the VR space, and had tech partners in that space, but we didn’t have a project to pare it with.”

Creating the modules has been a meticulous endeavor, whereby developers collaborate closely with ExxonMobil subject matter experts to develop each component and create a realistic space that precisely mimics reality.

Some 50 to 60 plant personnel have been involved throughout the process.

THE FUTURE OF TRAINING Keitt Wannamaker, PP 46

DON KADAIR

ExxonMobil turns to realistic VR modules to assist with both plant construction and on-site operations. BY SAM BARNES

INDUSTRIAL TECH: Cody Louviere, founder of tech company King Crow Studios in Baton Rouge, demonstrates the virtual reality technology his company helped develop with ExxonMobil to enhance the industrial giant’s training operations.

manufacturing manager at ExxonMobil, says he initially resisted VR but has since learned that workers engaged in an immersive learning environment benefit from a higher rate of retention. Even before completion of the PP facility, employees will be able to wear the VR goggles to train for a task and “it will look just like the built environment,” Wannamaker says. “This is the closest thing to actually doing it in the field that we’ve seen.

It bridges the gap between the classroom training and the field.”

It can also help attract a younger generation of worker.

The plant has hired some 60 new operators, Wannamaker says, “and they’re very excited and comfortable with the idea of using the technology.” VR has even enabled ExxonMobil to tweak procedures and perform tasks more efficiently.

Cody Louviere, founder of tech company King Crow Studios in

Baton Rouge, says VR offers an unprecedented level of immersive learning that allows the user to “go anywhere and do anything.” A small team at King Crow uses various tools and apps to create realistic representations of steel, concrete and other materials within the modules. “It appears exactly as it does in the real world,” Louviere says.

“When they put the headset on, they are immediately in their environment.”

VR incorporates visualization, sound and muscle memory into the training process. By the time a worker is actually performing a task, their body has already experienced it. “It’s like you’ve done it before in a past life,” he adds.

“That’s something that your brain retains.”

Wannamaker agrees. “It’s a crossover between training and experience. You’re actually gaining experience while being trained.”

The cost of VR technology has dropped significantly since tethered headsets first entered the commercial market nearly 10 years ago, and the headsets have become easier to use. Louviere expects that trend to continue. In fact, King Crow must change its platform once a year to respond to the release of a new headset that has greater capabilities.

One significant recent development—headsets are no longer confined to a designated VR-enabled space, but can be used anywhere. That’s because all of the necessary technology is built into the headset itself, “and it knows exactly where I am, how tall I am, etc. It creates the environment wherever I am,” Louviere says.

VR is applicable to a construction setting as well. Pixel Dash Studios of Baton Rouge helped develop a lift plan module for one of the ExxonMobil reactors, even incorporating a crane into the

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working with ExxonMobil’s subject matter experts, we’ve learned from them and they’ve learned from us,” he adds. “It has been an extraordinarily collaborative endeavor for everyone.”

The ExxonMobil project, and the potential of additional growth in the industrial market, has enabled tech company Top Right Corner of Baton Rouge to hire additional workers. “Our artists

REAL WORLD: Virtual reality training was used to prepare the crew prior to the lift of this equipment during construction of an ExxonMobile polypropylene plant.

COURTESY EXXONMOBIL

virtual space. “You can actually sit in the crane cab and perform the lift, which is something you just can’t do with a 3D model on a computer,” Wannamaker says.

Since the actual reactor was being manufactured in Italy, it saved the project significant time. “The contractor actually participated in the creation of the module,” he adds. “They then used it to plan the lift, and VR allowed them to do the lift before actually doing the lift.”

For this and other reasons, Wannamaker sees growing potential for VR. “If you look at a 3D model on the computer, you can only get about 80 to 90 percent there,” he says, “By going into the model virtually, however, you can see how the equipment is configured, or if you have enough space to work, or if a piece of equipment has enough room, etc. If a question comes up, we can actually go into the model to get the answer.”

Looking ahead, King Crow’s Louviere hopes to grow his business in the industrial space by building on what he’s learned. “In

and developers have experience in creating games, escape rooms, etc., and their talents were easily transferable to this space,” says owner Dan Cliftion. “FastStart gave us that opportunity.”

ExxonMobil has also partnered with Baton Rouge Community College to support a VR training lab there, where local students are trained on process technology and industry-related scenarios.

They’re also planning to use the VR modules at other ExxonMobil sites. “Once finished, these modules will be transferable to other polypropylene sites … Singapore, Baytown, etc. … in places where they’re using the same processes.”

The success of the initiative is getting noticed. LED’s Helton says he gets VR inquiries from other companies nearly every day, “but we have to evaluate them to see if this is the correct training methodology for their application. It’s not always a good fit. At ExxonMobil, there are operations that might be dangerous or might not be available for in-person training … so it was absolutely appropriate.”

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VIEWPOINT

THE BIG PICTURE

The cost of Baton Rouge ignoring its problems

STEPHANIE RIEGEL A COVER STORY I wrote last month about the ongoing litter problem in Baton Rouge’s watershed has generated a lot of good feedback. It’s an issue everyone can rally around, even in these partisan times.

But while the story focused primarily on litter in the watershed, one important aspect of the piece has been largely overlooked and merits closer attention: Baton Rouge is in trouble with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality for repeatedly failing to address deficiencies with its Stormwater Management Program. If it doesn’t fix things soon, it could be staring down the barrel of a federal consent decree.

The Stormwater Management Program is not to be confused with the stormwater master plan.

The latter is a high-profile $16 million study, currently underway

by HNTB, to better understand drainage patterns and address flooding in the parish.

The former is a detailed technical plan that all municipalities are required to file with the EPA in order to receive a federal MS4—municipal storm sewer

system—permit, which allows the discharge of stormwater runoff into the watershed.

In Louisiana, DEQ administers the program for the EPA and reviews all SWMPs to ensure they comply with the Clean Water Act on such things as how paints, chemicals, grease from restaurant fryers, oil from quickie lube shops, debris from construction sites and other toxins will be disposed of and monitored as they make their way into the watershed.

The problem with the SWMP is not new. In fact, Baton Rouge has been cited multiple times since 2008 by both federal and state agencies for deficiencies with its program. Four times in recent years, the city-parish has failed its MS4 audit. It is currently trying to negotiate a settlement with the Department of Justice.

Why has nothing been done before now? No one can say and it’s difficult to know how much trouble we’re potentially facing because officials with both the city-parish and the state refuse to discuss the matter, citing ongoing legal negotiations.

But publicly available documents on the DEQ website suggest there’s been a stunning lack of urgency about a problem that has been years in the making.

The most recent spate of issues dates to former Mayor Kip Holden’s administration. In April 2016, DEQ blasted the city-parish in a nine-page letter that listed multiple shortcomings with the SWMP. Among the areas of concern: construction site runoff, illicit discharge detection and elimination, commercial and industrial high-risk runoff, structural controls, municipal pollution

REFLECTIONS

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prevention, and stormwater management plan development.

More specifically, the letter noted that the plan on the books was riddled with errors and inaccuracies, lacked critical details about controlling the discharge of pollutants into “already impaired” waters such as the Amite and Comite rivers, and failed to include the results of requisite water quality samples.

DEQ gave the city-parish until October 2017—more than a year— to address the issues and submit a new SWMP. But that deadline was extended at the city’s request, documents show.

When the city-parish finally submitted a new plan, nearly three years later, many of the problems cited in the 2016 letter remained unresolved.

In March 2020, DEQ sent another letter to the city-parish, saying Baton Rouge was still out of MS4 compliance. The letter went on to detail a complaint DEQ had investigated on Terrace Street near the Water Campus, where the improper disposal of construction debris was “allowing sediment to enter the municipal water system.”

Though the city-parish was not at fault for creating the problem, DEQ’s report said, it had failed to enforce the rules on the books.

The report also noted, not incidentally, that the parish MS4 was under review by the DOJ “for violations discovered during an audit conducted by the EPA.” Enforcement is a big part of the problem, according to environmental consultants, who are familiar with the situation and say Baton Rouge’s MS4 woes are one of the worst-kept secrets in their industry.

LASTING CHANGE STARTS from the inside and moves outward and is called transformation. Transformation means “a profound change in form, from one stage to the next.” Resolutions are not bad, but come from an outward effort to change the inside. Most of the time, the changes are not lasting or fulfilling. Notice what 2 Corinthians 3:18 says about transformation: “But we all with unveiled face (veil removed in Christ-2, Corinthians 3:14), beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Spirit.” As a person beholds the glory of the Lord, which is the full weight of the person of the Father,

“The systems don’t work because there is no enforcement or compliance,” one local consultant told me.

Why no compliance? Why no enforcement? Why so many deficiencies in the plan and so little effort to address them?

Again, the city-parish cannot say, citing ongoing legal talks.

But if the feds force a consent decree on the city-parish, things will change. They’ll have to.

It wouldn’t be the first time.

There’s a long history of federal intervention in Baton Rouge, when local government is unwilling or unable to do the right thing on its own.

For nearly 40 years, the police and fire departments labored under a consent decree to remedy discriminatory hiring and promotion policies.

For nearly 60 years, the school system tangled with the courts and DOJ in a school desegregation case that resulted in a consent decree.

And for the past 20 years, ratepayers have been footing the bill for the BTRSSO Program, a now whopping $1.3 billion sewer system overhaul that resulted from a consent decree.

Federal intervention, as a rule, may be necessary and it usually can fix the problem, at least on the surface. But it often has unintended consequences and almost always has a higher price tag.

What will come of Baton Rouge’s current MS4 troubles remains to be seen. What’s maddening is that whatever the result, it’s bound to cost more than it would have if the city-parish had done things right on the front end and tended to the problem years ago.

Son, and Spirit; they cannot help but be progressively transformed, or changed. When we see God as He truly is, it changes our hearts to want to be more like His image from glory to glory. Notice the person of the Spirit’s role in transformation: “as from the Lord, the Spirit.” He is the source and power for real and lasting change.

So personal transformation happens by beholding the Fathers Glory, and by the power of the Spirit, we are transformed into that same image, from glory to glory. May 2021 be a year of lasting transformation for us all.

—COL Jeff Mitchell, retired Army State Chaplain.

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VIEWPOINT

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Steve Carter: A life well lived

JR BALL WHAT DO YOU say when one of the kindest, funniest, most compassionate and incredibly generous humans to ever grace your life is suddenly gone?

It’s a question I’ve been struggling with since the early evening hours of Jan. 26 when a private text chain of some 20 people bound by a love for a husband, father, family member and friend shared the news none of us wanted to hear: Steve Carter now belongs to the angels.

Steve hadn’t been well for weeks and fought like hell in his final days to rally, but COVID-19 doesn’t care how many people you’ve impacted, how selflessly you’ve lived or how much joy you’ve spread. It cares even less about how much you’ll be missed. At its worst, this virus is an indiscriminate killer.

What bothers me as much as anything is the coronavirus reality of Steve spending so many of his final days in ICU isolation.

This was not a man of solitude.

He was at his best surrounded by an always-growing table of friends discussing life, pondering ways to make life better for Baton Rouge and Louisiana, planning the next low-cost spring training trip to Florida or to New York for the U.S. Open, or simply doing his damnedest to elicit a laugh.

Then again, there’s nothing fair about COVID-19 where the only thing that’s certain is the nightmare that was 2020 isn’t ending just because of a calendar change.

Thank goodness that his fantastic wife, Gloria, his beautiful children, Amelia and Solomon,

and family members—especially Jim and Gladys Brown—as well as the great Dr. Carl Luikart, the wonderfully nice Bridger Eglin, an armada of heroic doctors and nurses and the dulcet tones of Neil Diamond were able to be with him in his final days.

The most important people in his life were there in the end.

There’s comfort in that.

The history books will read that Steve Carter, before dying at the age of 77, was a three-term state representative, who chaired the Capital Region legislative delegation and worked hard to improve and reform education before running unsuccessful campaigns for state Senate and last year for mayor-president. The Baton Rouge native, Air Force veteran, LSU graduate and 1965 student body president, was a two-time captain of the Tigers’ tennis team and went on to coach the men’s team to the 1976 SEC title and the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1978. He later became an athletic administrator at LSU, rising as high as an associate athletic director before leaving the university in 1995.

Generations of children— many who are now leaders in our community—know Steve from the tennis camp he ran for years at LSU and then later at Southeastern Louisiana University.

That’s a lot of achievement and impact for a man who not only left us too early but was still searching for ways to make a difference before COVID-19 got the best of him.

But those decades of achievement hardly tell the story of Steve Carter.

This gracious man with mesmerizing blue eyes, a cherubic face, that devilish grin and a personality that could fill Tiger Stadium was a Pied Piper of living large, laughing through life in a minivan and collecting friends along the way.

His laugh—more of a cackle, really, that seemed to escalate in pitch the longer it went on—was infectious and warming.

He attracted an eclectic cast of characters that included bookies,

Fortune 500 CEOs, world-class surgeons, bar owners, bank presidents, doctors, school administrators, tennis pros, golf hustlers, professional athletes, politicians, business owners, car dealers, lawyers, real estate agents, barbers, baristas, shoe salesmen and—to borrow one of his favorite phrases—“lip heads.”

Steve was a superior man who came off as an everyman. A man of wealth who lived a life of … well … cheapness. Who else would take pride in being able to take trips on less than $100 a day and demand one of this town’s most prominent executives sleep on the floor of a $35-a-night rural Tennessee motel because “it was stupid to spend $70 to sleep for three hours?”

Yet he was generous to a fault with his money, quietly opening his heart and his wallet to so many in need.

What made Steve so special was his capacity to see the best in people—and a willingness to forgive, no matter how deep the cut.

He would ask endless questions, seek consensus and go out of his way to avoid conflict, but one would be wrong— so wrong—to simply dismiss him as a lovable court jester. He was a tenacious competitor—ask anyone who played him in golf or tennis— with a titanium character and a burning desire to make life better for the Baton Rouge he loved so much.

I first met Steve when he was an LSU assistant athletic director in 1987. We became friends and briefly worked together running the Baton Rouge Bombers indoor soccer team in the late ‘90s.

Yet it was over coffee where our relationship deepened—first at Coffee Call (while Gloria, her gracious twin Gladys and a cohort of friends, including the fabulous Janice Thomas, sat at a nearby table doing the morning Jumble

in the newspaper), then later at CC’s Coffee House on Jefferson Highway. A coffee group that began as a duo at CC’s grew into a full orchestra of reprobates and VIPs, with Steve conducting it all six days a week.

The more meaningful and serious conversations took place over lunch, often at Phil’s Oyster Bar, Semolina’s, Albasha or most often Jay’s Bar-B-Q on Government Street. Usually with childhood friends Bridger Eglin and Richard Gill by his side, the four of us— and anyone else Steve knew who happened by—would discuss solutions to this community’s problems while dining on a “Turkey rich girl,” a bag of chips and an iced tea.

Some of the best people I know—and some of my dearest friends—came into my life through Steve and his family. The house on Longwood Drive where my children were born was the home built by his father and the one in which Steve spent much of his youth. Later when life got a bit more tumultuous, Steve and Gloria let me live for a short time in one of their homes in Jefferson Place rent free. They didn’t do it because of me, they did it because that’s just the type of people Gloria is … and, sadly, Steve was.

Every year at Steve’s tennis camp he would tell what he called “The Blob Story.”

In short, he would ask the campers if their goal was to be content going through life as little more than a nameless, faceless blob or were they going to be in that small percentage of the population who fights like hell to impact the world and make a difference?

Steve Carter was no blob. He more than made a wonderfully positive difference in this world, and those of us fortunate enough to call him family or friend are living a life so much better for it.

Thank you for being my friend.

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YOUR BUSINESS

COMPANY NEWS

COMPANY NEWS Cajun Ready Mix Concrete has announced a merger with Heck Industries. Partners Steven Cheatham, Ryan Heck and Jason Lyngass founded Cajun Ready Mix Concrete in 2014. The company currently has seven plants and 60 mixer trucks in the Baton Rouge area. Founded by Wallace Heck Sr., Heck Industries has provided ready mixed concrete in south Louisiana since 1957. With the merger, Wallace Heck Jr. will act as a senior adviser for Cajun. Wallace Heck III will also serve an integral management role within the combined organization.

Real estate company Unlock’d is evolving into a new brand, Falaya. The new name stems from a word familiar to many in south Louisiana—Atchafalaya, which is Choctaw for “long river.”

Founder Barret Blondeau’s son is also named Rivers.

ASSE International in Legionella water safety and management. He is a licensed water treatment operator in Hatcher Louisiana and works in the areas of potable and utility water in the commercial and health care industries. Hatcher is a certified water technologist with the Association of Water Technologies.

APPOINTMENTS MEMBERSHIPS The following members make up the 2021 Baton Rouge Area Chamber Leadership Baton Rouge class: Karen Austin, Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services; NeShana Bilbrew, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System; Aneatra Boykin, BREC; Kimberly Brown, Ochsner Health; Tristi Charpentier, Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation; Helen Frink, Office of MayorCERTIFICATION President Sharon Weston Broome; ACCREDITATION Issue Date: FEB 2021 Ad proof #2 David Hatcher Marlin Glenn, Hollingsworth • Please respond by e-mailof or Thornton, fax with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL& RUN AS IS unless Inc. approval or final Musso Bellemin has be-revisions Richards Ford; Lauren Hebert are received by the close of business today. come a certified specialist Henderson, The Mayors Healthy • Additional revisions must be requestedwith and may be subject to production fees.

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City Initiative; Johnathan Hill, Franklin Associates; Rebecca Hinton, Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips; Carlton Jones, Southern University Alumni Federation; Matthew Jones, Milton J. Womack Inc.; Emily LeBeau, New Schools for Baton Rouge; Benjamin Leger, 225 magazine; Tara McLin, Unitas Consulting; Cydney Morris, St. Joseph’s Academy; Jayson Newell, Baton Rouge Area Chamber; Haley Norton, LSU; Nathan Rust, Prestigious Painting; Seth Schilling, Entergy; Amey Shortess Crousillac, Capital Area United Way; Chelsea Smith, Turner Industries Group; Sophia Solomon, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center; Jamee Steele, The Tatman Group; Edgardo Tenreiro, Baton Rouge General Medical Center; Michael Victorian, Phelps Dunbar; Therese Walker, Emergent Method; Brandy Williams, East Baton Rouge Parish School System; and Dishili Young, NeelSchaffer Inc. February 2021 Ad Issue Date:

of its board of trustees: Rick Bond, Dr. Brad Gaspard and Jason MacMorran. Bond, who is also the incoming chairman of the BRG Foundation Board of Governors, will serve as an ex officio member. He is co-owner of Bond Construction Co., and also operates Clear Net Worth and Clear Properties. Gaspard is medical director of Baton Rouge General Physicians. MacMorran is a director with Postlethwaite & Netterville’s Consulting Services Group and leads the firm’s litigation niche.

Recently announced board of directors for 2021 for the Christian Outreach Center of Baton Rouge are: the Rev. Gerrit Dawson, Nick Cagley, Richard Wright, Deborah Todd, Greg Cotter, Billy Rimes, Michael Moss and Ann Felice Fourrier.

The Rev. Brian Sleeth is executive director.

Bill#2 Hines has been reelected proof

for his fourth consecutive five• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions.

•Baton AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions year term as managing partner of Rouge General recently are received by the close of business today. announced three new members Miriam Wogan Jones Walker, and • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

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HELPING MAKE YOUR DREAM HOME

a reality

Catherine S. Giering, Partner Prior to joining Keogh Cox in 2020, Cathy served as Court Attorney for the US District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. Previously, she was a litigator and successfully represented clients in jury and bench trials in Louisiana state and federal courts for over 20 years.

Tiffany T. Kopfinger, Partner Tiffany has represented multi-million dollar international companies, local businesses and mid-range firms. She acted as Corporate Counsel for one of the largest electrical contractors in the US for 8 years, and rejoined Keogh Cox last January having been with the firm for 7 years, previously.

Laura Marcantel, Associate Originally from Baton Rouge, Laura earned her J.D. and Diploma in Comparative Law from Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center and joined the firm in 2020.

Darlene H. Reese, Broker

Keogh, Cox & Wilson, Ltd. • 701 Main Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 • 225.383.3796

keoghcox.com Andrew Blanchfield, Managing Partner

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Henry and Josh Norris have been reelected to the firm’s board of directors for four-year terms. The firm also announced the election of two new partners from Baton Rouge: Justin Marocco and Thomas McCall.

Brandon Ivey is chair of the board of directors for the Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge for 2021. Ivey is the owner of Ivey Construction in Central. A Baton Rouge native, Ivey brings 16 years of construction and reconstruction experience throughout Baton Rouge and North Carolina. He also holds a commercial contractor license and is the owner/operator of the Central Pit in Greenwell Springs, which provides aggregates and fill material for East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding areas.

architect, Cole Hil, Douglasville, Georgia, has been named LSU Young Alumna of the Year. They will be inducted into the 2021 LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction along with Mark Grant, TV director, CBS Sports and CBS Sports Network; Gregory Hamer Sr., CEO, B&G Food Enterprises; Dr. Henry Gremillion (posthumous), dean,

LSU Health School of Dentistry; and Todd Schexnayder, senior vice president, Fidelity Bank.

Details on the date and location for the Hall of Distinction Gala will be announced later.

MMR was recently recognized by the Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. for its work on

several projects. MMR received two Excellence in Construction awards, the highest honor, and one Merit award, the second highest honor. Excellence awards were given for the Gray Wolf Compressor Station Project and the GSU 1, 2 & 3 Bus Duct Replacement Project, while a Merit award was given for Project Eddie.

MMR

AWARDS HONORS Dr. Louis Minsky, partner, Minksy & Carver Medical Center for Personal Wellness, has been named the 2021 LSU Alumnus of the Year, and Nicole Hilton, founding partner/design

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YOUR BUSINESS

MOVING UP

BANKING & FINANCE Clint Gautreau has been named partner at Horizon.

Besides leading the overall investment management of the firm, Gautreau, a certified financial planner, also manages complex financial planning matters for inCLINT GAUTREAU dividuals and business clients. He Horizon

has worked for Horizon for eight years.

Two people have been proTrinity Business Group. Davis moted to executive leadership joined the company in 2016 and positions within Trinity Business was responsible for data analysis, Group. Alan Tuttle has been financial reporting and strategic named chief financial officer of accounting at the corporate level.

Trinity Business Group. Tuttle, a In addition, Davis served as an CPA with more than 15 years of adviser for Trinity’s student housexperience in finance, accounting investments for the University ing, tax assessment, risk manof Mississippi. agement and human resources, John Zollinger IV has been projoined Trinity in 2017. Since moted by Home Bank to the role then, Tuttle has been responsible of senior vice president and difor the accounting of multimilrector of commercial banking. lion-dollar businesses. Formerly Zollinger joined Home Bank in holding accounting and inter2010 and has been a banker for nal audit leadership roles with 30 years. During his time at Home Community Coffee Company and Bank, he has overseen regional IBM, Tuttle contributed greatly commercial banking as market to Trinity’s success in 2020.

Katie Issue Date: January 2021 Ad2 proof #2 president Long has been • PleaseDavis respond by e-mail or faxpromoted with your approval or minor revisions. for both the Northshore • ADthe WILLposition RUN AS IS unless revision requests within 24 and, hours. more recently, the to of controller forare receivedregion • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

ALAN TUTTLE Trinity Business Group

KATIE DAVIS Trinity Business Group

New Orleans region. In his new role, Zollinger will be responsible for the commercial banking line of business at Home Bank covering six Louisiana and Mississippi areas: Acadiana, southwest, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Northshore, Natchez and Vicksburg.

HEALTH CARE Katrice Albert, a national expert in helping organizations overcome barriers in diversity, equity and inclusion, has been hired by Woman’s Hospital. She is tasked with providing guidance as Woman’s updates organizational policies and develops programs that foster a greater culture of inclusion. In the coming

JOHN ZOLLINGER IV Home Bank

months, Albert will continue to work alongside Woman’s leadership to build a DE&I committee and develop strategic objectives for impactful organizational change. In her career, Albert has served as LSU’s chief diversity officer as well as the executive vice president of inclusion and human resources at the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Currently, she is the managing member of Third Eye Consulting Group, a diversity management consulting firm headquartered in Indianapolis.

John Hiltibidal has been named executive director of Perioperative Services at Woman’s Hospital. As the lead on all

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KATRICE ALBERT Woman’s Hospital

surgical programs and initiatives at the hospital, he is responsible for enhancing services related to surgery and ensuring Woman’s remains on the leading edge of surgical technology and processes. Hiltibidal has a nearly 40-year career in nursing, with more than 20 years of experience in perioperative leadership.

Most recently, he served as director of Perioperative Services at Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital in Stuart, Florida. He also has a military background, with previous service in the Navy and Marine Corps.

NONPROFITS Andre Greene has been named

JOHN HILTIBIDAL Woman’s Hospital

ANDRE GREENE Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation

vice president of finance for the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising arm of Pennington Biomedical Research Center. He was controller at LSU Foundation, where he managed accounting and financial reporting. He previously served as controller at The Water Institute of the Gulf and also held positions with CB&I and The Shaw Group.

Darlene Adams Rowland has been named executive director of BREADA. Rowland has been employed with BREADA for the last 13 years, following a successful career in the private sector.

She brings a wealth of experience in communications, fund

DARLENE ROWLAND BREADA

development, program management, event planning and public relations. Rowland is an active member of the Baton Rouge community, serving on the board of directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals and as a current member of the LSU Agricultural Leadership Development Program Class XVII.

MOVING UP Moving Up highlights executive-level promotions and new hires in the Capital Region. Announcements should include the name and title of the professional being hired or promoted, and brief summaries of his or her responsibilities and experience.

Accompanying photos should be high resolution: 300 dpi or higher.

COMPANY NEWS Company News features announcements about developments at Capital Region companies: new locations, acquisitions, name or branding changes and so forth.

We also spotlight professionals who receive business-related awards or honors, accreditations, certifications, appointments and memberships, as well as corporate grants and philanthropy. Accompanying photos should be high resolution: 300 dpi or higher.

NEWS TIPS Business Report welcomes suggestions and ideas for news stories as well as recommendations for people of interest to feature.

GET IN TOUCH Email us: editor@businessreport.com Call us: 225-928-1700 Fax us: 225-928-5019 Mail it to us: Executive Editor, Business Report, 9029 Jefferson Hwy., Ste. 300, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

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PHOTOS BY MONTANA ANKNER WITH JCW

YOUR BUSINESS

Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week NOW IN ITS 10TH YEAR, BREW 10 celebrated Louisiana’s entrepreneurs and their innovations. The virtual and live event, produced by Nexus Louisiana, drew more than 500 entrepreneurs and attendees over the course of three days of events, signaling Baton Rouge’s continued desire for entrepreneurship-focused programming, and its growing viability as a market for new businesses and innovations. Events were held January 19-21 and connected entrepreneurs through tailored events.

Each day offered a full day of panels and keynote speeches from a variety of successful entrepreneurs, investors, artists, and other local figures.

For many, the highlight was the HighStakes Pitch Competition, a live pitch event featuring three companies vying for a $50,000 investment prize pledged by a pool of local accredited investors. Key speakers included Patrick B. Comer, founder and CEO of Lucid; Philip Rosedale, founder and CEO of High Fidelity and Linden Labs / Second Life; Sevetri Wilson, founder and CEO of Resilia and SGI. 54

Master of ceremonies for the HighStakes Pitch was Franz Borghardt, owner of Borghardt Law Firm and Geaux Rouge alongside Raina Vallot and Sherin Dawud, founders of Power Pump Girls, Inc. Key panels included: BREW 10th Anniversary Special Session: A Decade of Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship; Honest, Equitable, and Accessible: Investing in Tomorrow; On the Precipice of Greatness: The Future of Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship. A full list of speakers and panelists, including panel topics and descriptions, can be found on the BREW website, celebratebrew.com. BREW is produced

by Nexus Louisiana and supported

by Lucid, High Fidelity, Resilia, Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann, LSU Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship & Information Systems, Venyu, Greater Baton Rouge Business Report, 225 Magazine, JCW Creative Agency, RepCap, Power Pump Girls, Inc., Geaux Rouge, Printing Source, Theatre Baton Rouge, and the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.

1. (L to R) Genevieve Silverman, President and CEO of Nexus Louisiana, greets Rick Mekdessie, Project Manager, The CLA; Ben Marcel, CEO of Torapath Technologies; and Vishal Vasanji, CEO and Founder of Relief.

2. Nexus Louisiana staff and judges Timothy English, Jane Cooper and B. Anthony Kimble virtually participate in the semi-final pitch round of High Stakes Pitch on January 7, 2021.

3. Sherin Dawud and Raina Vallot, co-founders of the Power Pump Girls, Inc., engage the livestream audience as virtual hosts for BREW 10 High Stakes Pitch.

4. (L to R) Kristen Rushing, Owner and Account Director of Red Six Media; Paul Dietzel, Founder and CEO of Anedot; Trevor Reeves, Head of Growth at Canix; Nenette Gray, CEO of Lemonade Creative Marketing; Mary Ellen Slayter, CEO of RepCap, participate in BREW 10th Anniversary Special Session: A Decade of Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship panel.

5. Courtney Scott, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer at City/Parish of Baton Rouge, presents her vision for making Baton Rouge a community of peace, prosperity and progress, for the BREW 10 Lightning Talks series.

6. Vishal Vasanji, CEO and Founder of Relief, pitches during the High Stakes Pitch semi-final round.

7. (L to R) Jennie Eplett Reilly, co-founder of City Year, Inc.; Chris Jordan, CEO and Founder of Omnidek; Scott T Whittaker, Member at Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann; Will Eglin, CFO of GMFS Mortgage, pose after Chris Jordan won BREW 10 High Stakes Pitch.

8. Jane Cooper, owner of Grande Krewe Fine Wine and Spirits, provides feedback to High Stakes Pitch semi-finalists.

BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021 | BusinessReport.com

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Issue Date: FEB 2021 Ad proof #3

• Please respond by e-mail or fax with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received by the close of business today.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS

YOUR BUSINESS

FLASHBACK

This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329

THE YEAR: 1993

OFFICE FURNITURE WORLD, INC.

Before the pandemic brought staycations into fashion, the South was the cool vacation destination of the mid-’90s. The growth was reportedly tied to Americans taking shorter, less expensive vacations. Southerners Bill Clinton, Al Gore and the Bushes in the White House were also cited as tourism boosters for the South. In this 1993 cover package, Business Report takes a look at the tourism industry in Baton Rouge in the context of three major events being hosted in the city that summer. As Baton Rouge prepped to host some 108,000 summertime visitors—expected to pump some $70 million into the economy by eating 418,000 meals, renting 4,000 cars and booking 60,000 hotel nights—the big question loomed: Is the city ready?

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Office Furniture World, INC. has one of the largest selections of quality HOME and BUSINESS office furniture in Louisiana. We are committed to good customer service and quick professional delivery. We guarantee to every customer quality product and great service.

WE BUILD AND DELIVER! Come see us today and let us make your office look new!

Open Monday-Friday, 9AM-3PM 225.751.4024 • 12944 Coursey Blvd. • ofwbr.com 56

“TOURISM IN BATON ROUGE is a $300 million a year industry employing 4,000 people. City and tourism officials readily agree that the upcoming events will be a real test for the city. ‘The key to being the sport capital of the South and the key to bringing millions of dollars into Baton Rouge will depend on the way Baton Rouge receives these people the first time,’ says Greg Brown, event coordinator for the National Junior Olympics (the third event of the summer for Baton Rouge) and president of the KY Track Club. The economic benefits of the three events are already evident. Ms. (Claire) Major, who is also general manager of the Residence Inn, says, “We have exceeded 38,000 room nights—a room night equals a one night stay. In dollars, that is over $2 million. And the average number of people in a room is three.”

—From the March 23, 1993, issue of Business Report

+ ALSO FROM THAT ISSUE ...

FILL ‘ER UP: Gerry Lane Enterprises plans to open a new compressed natural gas refueling station in Baton Rouge.

CHARITABLE GIVING: The Bailey Family donates land for a new major golf course for LSU, with plenty of land around it for a new development.

BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021 | BusinessReport.com

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BUSINESS REPORT & JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT PRESENT

Business wards A B AT O N

R O U G E

& Hall of Fame

JOIN US VIRTUALLY AS WE RECOGNIZE THE SUCCESS OF OUR 2021 HONOREES. Tues, March 30 • 7:30pm

Honorees

The awards presentation will be live streamed on YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn.

BUSINESS HALL OF FAME LAUREATES John Folse Homer Knost

PRESENTING SPONSORS:

BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR Brandon Landry

YOUNG BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR Nick Speyrer

COMPANIES OF THE YEAR Lipsey’s City Group Hospitality

For more info and free registration, visit businessreport.com/events

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PASSION

PLAYING IN COVER BAND

Brian Andrews

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LSU REAL ESTATE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, E.J. OURSO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Y B

T is d

“I’m lead guitarist for The V-Tones, and we cover popular soft-rock music.

There’s plenty of people who play for the music, but for me it’s about performing to an audience. I’m already on stage with a group of five talented guys who I truly love, so then being in front of a crowd that’s appreciating what we’re doing is really great. Because we feel so fortunate, we’ve supported many medical causes and other things to benefit the community. None of us is doing this for a living, so I’ve coined our motto: ‘Who gets to do this?’ We are the luckiest people on the planet.”

W t

S p h

PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLLIN RICHIE

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BUSINESS REPORT, February 2021 | BusinessReport.com

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You can ignore his bad jokes.

But don’t ignore his heart.

The bad news is: your husband has an unrivaled repertoire of the world’s worst jokes. The good news is: you can ignore them. But there’s one thing you can’t ignore: your husband’s heart health, especially during this time of COVID-19. We can help.

We’re Our Lady of the Lake Heart & Vascular Institute. We offer the most advanced heart care program in the region, with a full spectrum of specialists performing innovative, life-saving procedures.

So, this American Heart Month, encourage your husband to schedule a heart health checkup with a primary care doctor at Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group. That way, he’s easily connected to expert heart care if needed. Then he can get back to stand-up comedy, and you can get back to the other room.

ololrmc.com/heart 58-60 Passion.indd 59

Our Lady of the Lake is a proud Life is Why ® supporter for the American Heart Association

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