21 minute read
Random Thoughts Extracting knowledge and research
Extracting knowledge and research
JR BALL
CLEARLY WILLIAM F. Tate IV, the semi-new president of LSU, is not from here.
We know this because Tate, in the 10 months since arriving at the flagship campus, keeps saying stuff that makes way too much sense.
What he’s saying—imploring, really—is for Louisiana to be more like Apple and think different. His assertion is this state’s economic future is inextricably linked to our commitment to knowledge, research and technology.
For the remedial among us, knowledge leads to research. Research leads to discovery. Discovery leads to new technologies. New technologies lead to new businesses. All that leads to more knowledge and … well, the circle starts over again but on a higher plane.
It’s a circle of economic life song that Tate keeps singing whenever he’s outside those inspiring stucco halls shaded by stately oaks and broad magnolias.
And he’s right.
Here’s the problem—and it’s a big one: The Tiger king is preaching aspiration in a state that embraces a more “Hakuna Matata” way of life.
“Why do today what can be put off until tomorrow,” is our siren song.
Life is good if there’s a pickup truck, two shotguns, a sack of crawfish, a winning football team and a profanity-filled Mardi Gras parade. Everything else—except the case of cold ones—is lagniappe.
And the only discovery we’re looking to make is why in the hell did that recruit in the cringe-worthy Brian Kelly dance video sign with Ala-freakin’-bama?
Such is life in a banana republic suffering from the natural resource curse.
Louisiana’s economy has been rooted in extraction since becoming a state in 1812. Agriculture, timber and seafood were our calling cards until the early 1900s when this state sold its soul to the greatest extraction resource of all—oil and gas.
Sucking oil and gas out of the ground and then refining it isn’t the cause of the curse. Those things, and the tremendous wealth it produces, merely facilitate the actual problem—the hubris and corruption of government leaders and an absolute lack of vision.
It’s why this state has never given a damn about education. Who needs top-shelf knowledge when there’s plenty to go around living large off Mother Earth? Why cure cancer when there’s billions to be made facilitating it? Diversify the economy? What’s up with that?
Laissez les bons temps rouler.
Yet while the good times and low taxes were rolling, few bothered to give a damn as shakedowns, bad schools and a disastrous state fiscal policy caused most of the oil and gas companies to flee New Orleans for Houston, taking a big chunk of the revenue produced in this state and most of the high-paying executive jobs with them.
It didn’t have to be this way.
Louisiana could have been more like Texas, investing money made from its abundant resources on schools, public health and economic diversification. Louisiana clung to state government centralization. Texas decentralized, giving power to local governments.
That’s why Texas is Texas and Louisiana is … well … a state that relies on federal government handouts for survival.
If that’s not depressing enough, a changing climate and evolving global views on energy production casts a shadow on the long-term future of oil and gas extraction.
Given this reality, it would be wise for all of us to give Tate a listen.
LSU’s president is calling for Louisiana to get serious about diversification by taking advantage of its long-ignored academic and research institutions. This isn’t some plea for a boost in general fund spending, but targeted investments in research that leads to economic growth.
Tate, during a panel discussion hosted by The Advocate, said higher education research has a $600 billion impact on the national economy. LSU’s annual impact from research is roughly $6 billion. That sounds great but dig a little deeper and it turns out LSU is falling behind most of its SEC brethren in research investments. Tate suggests there are five areas for targeted spending: agriculture and biotechnology, cybersecurity, ocean and coastal science, carbon capture technology and cancer research.
It’s an attainable vision. The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is already doing cutting-edge research while attracting some of this country’s brightest medical minds. If leaders were to treat it with the same reverence as a chemical plant, then its economic impact in a world driven by research and technology could be huge. Not only by what Pennington might achieve, but also by the spinoff facilities it undoubtedly would spawn as well as the companies that would certainly relocate here to commercialize its discoveries more efficiently.
Similar possibilities exist, though perhaps not on the same scale in the short term, in cybersecurity where groundbreaking national security work is already taking place at Stephenson Technologies Corporation at the Water Campus.
This isn’t about chasing after some fantasy like this state did with Silicon Bayou in the late 1990s. These are entities that are already here and doing work that’s attracting international attention. These are the types of facilities that attract the young, educated workers we’re so desperate to land.
Louisiana’s economy is struggling. Wonks can spin the numbers however they want, but there’s no denying reality. The sun is setting on our extraction economy. No doubt, oil and gas—as well as timber and agriculture— will remain critical for decades to come, but if this state doesn’t get into the knowledge and research sectors then we’ll forever remain as one of this nation’s worst state economies.
We can’t repeat the GSRI mistake. That was to be our Research Triangle some 50 years ago. The Raleigh-Durham campus even sent scores of its brightest minds here to get the complex up and running.
So, what happened?
Politicians got involved. They whined about funding. Complained it was concentrated in Baton Rouge. Demanded it be spread across the state. In short, they killed it before it even had a chance. All that remains is an old GSRI street sign, stolen before it could be converted to a renamed Innovation Drive.
We screwed up that golden opportunity. Will we do it again?
RESOURCES in REAL ESTATE
The real estate industry is constantly evolving. These professionals will help you navigate the ins and outs of the Real Estate Industry.
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BRETT BAJON
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY MFB FIRM, MFB TITLE SOLUTIONS BRETT IS a member of the American Bar Association, Louisiana Bar Association, and Baton Rouge Bar Association. He was voted rising star in 2019 by the American Institute of Legal Advocates. He is a member of the City Club and an affiliate of the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors. He started with Mayhall Fondren Blaize, MFB Title Solutions in March of 2021. When Brett closes a deal, he provides reliable services and transparent communications throughout the entire closing experience, give him a call! Issue Date: MARCH 2022 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.
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This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329 CHARLES BLAIZE MANAGING PARTNER, CLOSING ATTORNEY MFB FIRM, MFB TITLE SOLUTIONS CHARLES BLAIZE has a heart for the Baton Rouge community and brings his background in mineral rights and many years’ experience in oil and gas leasing to the title industry. Charles is an affiliate of the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors, Home Builders Association affiliate and a Preferred Partner of Baton Rouge Real Producers. Charles has built his real estate practice one closing at a time and expects another year of growth. MFB Title Solutions is a title company, backed by a full-service law firm. Issue Date: MARCH 2022 Ad proof #1 • 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.
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This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329 Corinne Schwartzberg Title Attorney Gulf Coast Title, Inc. CORINNE HAS helped countless homebuyers purchase the home of their dreams. She is a Louisiana native and has enjoyed being involved in our community for the past 10 years. Corinne is an affiliate member of the GBRAR, BR Real Producers, Women’s Council of Realtors, and The BR City Club. At Gulf Coast Title, Corinne and her team go above and beyond to ensure everything is in order for the best closing experience possible. Come close with Corinne! Call her at 225-295-8222. Issue Date: March 2022 Ad proof #1 • 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 within 24 hours from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.
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Katherine Coghlan
Realtor, GRI, ABR, SRS SFR
Burns & Co., Inc. WORKING WITH Burns & Co for 13 years, Katherine has consistently been a top producer in the Baton Rouge area. Her passion for real estate is exemplified by the dedication, service and results she provides to her clients. She’s known for a calming patience that helps build long lasting client relationships combined with a tenacious work ethic. In a complex, changing market, it’s critical to have a realtor like Katherine, who is both knowledgeable and attentive, on your side. (225) 610-6069 katherinecoghlan@burnsandco.com
RESOURCES IN REAL ESTATE
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Joy Russell
Realtor Consultant Keller Williams Realty First Choice JOY RUSSELL has been the #1 Individual Realtor for her market center for the past 7 years. She has been recognized for highest Gross Closed Income, Sales Volume, and most units closed. Licensed for over 17 years, Joy is currently in the top 1/2 of 1% of all Realtors in the USA. Joy also represented Baton Rouge on HGTV’s “House Hunters” twice. Joy has a passion for helping individuals realize their dreams and will work hard on their behalf no matter what. When it Comes to Real Estate...”Bring Joy to Your World!” Connect with Joy at 225-603-3559. Issue Date: March 2022 Ad proof #2 • 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.
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This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329 Issue Date: MARCH 2021 Ad proof #2 • 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.Darlene H. Reese Broker/CEO Ambassador Mortgage, LLC AS CEO of Ambassador Mortgage, Darlene Reese endeavors to educate homebuyers about all of the options and programs available to them through the homebuying process. Closing deals is important but she finds the most fullfilment in knowing that her clients are well educated and positioned to make informed decisions as it relates to lending. “For me this isn’t a career or a job…its a calling, its ministry…it feels great to help others! She exclaims. Ambassador mortgage is celebrating 10 years of success in 2022! Currently licenced in LA, GA, TX, AL and TN, Contact 225-341-3551
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This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329
Sharon Vennen
Realtor Pennant Real Estate I TRULY love what I do and love helping people. It gives me great pleasure to complete a transaction with the highest integrity while delivering exceptional customer service to earn your trust for many years to come. My attention to detail is second to none and my personality allows me to easily connect with clients making the buying/selling process as stress-free as possible. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or are selling your property, I have the resources, equipment, knowledge, and experience to assist you with all your real estate needs. Connect with me at 225202-0084 vennenrealestate@gmail.com. Issue Date: MARCH 2022 Ad proof #2 • 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.
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Brett A. Sanchez
Associate – Multifamily Sales
Elifin Realty BRETT SANCHEZ is an up and coming commercial real estate agent with Elifin Realty. Brett specializes in sales of multifamily properties in Orleans Parish. Beginning in June 2021, Brett has trained directly under Mathew Laborde and Mark Segalla. He has since acquired an abundance of knowledge about multifamily properties. Upon graduating from LSU in December 2021, Brett became a full time agent with Elifin, and has demonstrated his value quickly. He believes his warm personality and his determination will carry him far in this field.
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Carolyn Spicer
Realtor Latter & Blum Lake Sherwood CAROLYN BELIEVES every buyer and seller is unique and deserves a reliable, ethical, and knowledgeable agent that will work for their best interest. Buyers and sellers need all the resources available to eliminate as much anxiety as possible and maximize the time and effort in making this major commitment whether moving across the street or across the United States. Latter & Blum is #19 in sales volume for 2021 in the United States. CSpicer@LatterBlum.com. Issue Date: March 2021 Ad proof #4 • 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.
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Jodie B. Strain
Realtor Latter & Blum JODIE IS a professional real estate consultant. Born and raised in the Baton Rouge area, she has been a Realtor since 2005, received the Rookie of the Year Award in 2006 and has been a Top-Producer since. Determination and attention to detail help Jodie provide first-class service with the utmost integrity. She is committed to putting her clients’ satisfaction above all else. While she is a relocation specialist, she has expertise in new construction as well. 225.769.1500, 7414 Perkins Rd., #200, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. Please contact Jodie at (225) 975-1838. Issue Date: March 2022 Ad proof #4 • 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 within 24 hours from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.
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This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2022. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329 Ashley LaBorde Vuci Realtor, CRS Latter & Blum ASHLEY IS a consistent Top Producer celebrating her 15th year as a Realtor. She prides herself in her attention to detail to get her clients great Results! Providing excellent service is her top priority. She has experience with all price ranges and types of homes. She excels as a negotiator and marketer and has a passion for helping her clients envision how to make a property meet their dreams. Ashley is also an elected director for the GBR Assn of REALTORS® and serves on the RIsk Management committee. She is a Baton Rouge native, Episcopal and LSU graduate and a second generation Realtor. 225-324-3661 Issue Date: MARCH 2022 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.
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Clonise Stewart
Realtor
Keller Williams Red Stick Partners MAKING BOSS MOVES is what she does! An expert at helping buyers and sellers with smooth, quick closing transactions, Clonise leads the local real estate industry as a multi-million producer ranking in the top 1% of the GBR Association of Realtors, and as a Keller Williams Red Stick Partners top agent. She’s a proud Certified Residential Specialist serving clients with honesty and integrity. She goes above and beyond for clients, puts her heart into everything she does, and lives up to her slogan for the past 22 years, “Everything I Touch Turns To SOLD!!!” clonisestewart@kw.com 225-776-3166.
RESOURCES IN REAL ESTATE
This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329
Happi Hoffer
Realtor Re/Max Professional HAPPI HOFFER has been helping Buyers and Sellers in the Greater Baton Rouge Area for over 16 years. She serves each of her clients in the utmost professional and personable manner. As a wife, mother of three daughters and successful businesswoman, Happi brings both her expertise and understanding to the table. With valuable market knowledge, clear communication, and sharp negotiation skills, she strives to attain only the best for her clients. Call Happi today! 225.921.0094 happihoffer@ remax.net Issue Date: March 2022 Ad proof #2 • 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.
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Ryn Jones
Issue Date: MARCH 2022 Ad proof #1 • 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.Real Estate Agent RE/MAX Professional RYN’S BACKGROUND as a business owner and in TV & pharmaceutical sales provides skills/experiences benefitting her clients. She has received the RE/MAX Louisiana Platinum Club Award for the past 3 years, was named in the RE/MAX Hall of Fame & received the 2019 GBRAR Most Cooperative REALTOR award. Each opportunity is a blessing & partnership. She goes the extra mile to help clients accomplish their goals....there is often pine straw or staging items in her car! Ryn is auto corrected to “Run” & that’s pretty accurate! (225) 936-4906 Ryn.R.Jones@gmail.com
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This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329
Marcy Maurer
REALTOR RE/MAX Professional MARCY IS a Baton Rouge native, a SJA & LSU grad with a passion for helping people. Besides being involved with numerous community organizations, she has built a strong following of loyal repeat clientele. Her attention to detail, market knowledge, professionalism and a sincere love for those she works for is what makes her stand out to her clients. Always doing what is best for them, her record speaks for itself! Give her a call today! 225.439.4139 Marcy.Maurer@remax.net Issue Date: MARCH 2022 Ad proof #1 • 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.
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Joanie Montelaro
Realtor, PSA
Re/Max Professional EARNING THE GBRAR Kyle M. Jackson Rising Star of the Year Award, a top 6% ranking among BR area realtors, and Business Report’s Influential Women in Business Award, Joanie leverages 25+ years of banking experience to go above and beyond in serving clients. Keen negotiation and communication skills and extensive market knowledge ensure a positive experience. A Baton Rouge native, she specializes in many areas of real estate, handling first time homebuyers, newcomers to the community and luxury properties. Contact joaniemontelaro@gmail.com or (225) 588-5925.
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Patricia Odom
Realtor Re/Max Professional SINCE BUYING or selling a home is a major life decision, it’s important to me to help someone find a home that is truly the right fit. Using my expertise of the local market since 1997, I strive to give my clients the best possible experience from start to finish. The Greater Baton Rouge area is still experiencing growth and sales continue to climb. It’s an exciting time in real estate and I consider myself fortunate to be able to practice a profession that makes such a difference in my clients’ lives. Connect with Patricia at Podom@remax.net. Issue Date: March 202 Ad proof #1 • 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.
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This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329 Donna W. Wolff Broker Associate Re/Max Professional DONNA BRINGS over 20 years of experience to every real estate transaction; whether working with a first time homebuyer or experienced client. She enjoys every aspect of the business and handles each client as if they were her only one, spending as much time as each one needs, guiding them through the process. In her spare time, she enjoys spending it with her three perfect grandchildren, traveling with her husband and meeting new interesting people. 225-281-8428 or donnawolff@ cox.net Issue Date: March 2021 Ad proof #2 • 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.
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This ad design © Louisiana Business, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700 • Fax 225-926-1329 Cheri Smith-Harrison Owner/Broker Regency Real Estate, L.L.C. LOCALLY OWNED and operated, Regency Real Estate, L.L.C. serves the Baton Rouge and surrounding areas with pride. Highly proficient in both commercial and residential real estate, Regency is synonymous with efficiency and professionalism. We offer extensive experience and expertise of current market trends and dynamics. We work hard for our clients’ interests by providing the highest level of ethical representation. Please contact us for all of your real estate needs at (225) 761-5164, Cheri@regencyrealestatellc.com. Issue Date: March 2022 Ad proof #1 • 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 within 24 hours from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines. • Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees. Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS
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Robyn Holifield Eunice
REALTOR
SUPREME-REALTORS PUTTING MY clients first means being accessible, a good listener, and an effective communicator. My approach requires me to continually improve my skills and business methods. As a professional, I employ integrity, indepth community and a plethora of market knowledge. My professional network partnered with my negotiating skills are an asset! I am honored to serve on both the GBRAR and Louisiana Realtors Board to assist in maintaining high standards in my profession. Please contact Robyn at Robyn@SupremeRealtors.com, C: 225-413-5381, or O: 225-267-7447.
