New Orleans CityBusiness articles from February 2008

New Orleans CityBusiness archives from February 2008

Commentary: Krewes could gain strength by consolidation.
February 1, 2008... Byline: Greg LaRose Mark Carnival 2008 down as a potentially historic event. It could be the year that triggers the downsizing of Mardi Gras, as parades leading up to the final four days of frivolity have involved shrinking krewes and...

New Orleans-based Tidewater profits fall in 3Q.(Financial report)
February 1, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Tidewater Inc. today reported third-quarter profits for the period that ended Dec. 31 of $89.4 million, or $1.66 a share, down from $93.4 million, or $1.67 a share, for the same quarter a year ago....

Commentary: Mardi Gras mixes well with Super Bowl in N.O.
February 1, 2008... Byline: Terry O'Connor Ever notice how often the term "conventional wisdom" is used to illustrate how unwise it is to rely on such alleged wisdom? Case in point: Conventional wisdom had Hillary Rodham Clinton losing New Hampshire but she...

New Orleans sets up temporary clinic for Carnival.
February 1, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report With Mardi Gras four days away, the city today announced the opening of a Mardi Gras Temporary Urgent Care Clinic at 1927 Tulane Ave. near University Hospital. The clinic will be open from noon today until...

Louisiana Economic Development makes staff appointments.
February 1, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret today named three appointments for the department - a deputy secretary, undersecretary, and policy adviser. Steven Grissom, currently executive vice...

Caring krewes: N.O. Carnival groups give more than free trinkets.
February 1, 2008... Byline: Stephen Maloney Free Carnival parades are a main tourist lure, but krewe members also provide charitable contributions to the city, particularly since Hurricane Katrina. Rex members, for example, began a concentrated effort to...

New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul, David West make All-Star team.
February 1, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul and forward David West were named to the 2008 Western Conference All-Star team as reserves, the National Basketball Association said. Paul and West mark the eighth and...

Construction to begin at three N.O. housing developments by mid-2008.
February 1, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report City officials expect construction on the redevelopment of three of New Orleans' largest public housing developments to begin within in the next six months. "I am encouraged to learn that construction will...

French Market Coffee launches two more coffees nationally.
February 1, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report French Market Coffee, the oldest coffee roaster in New Orleans, today said it is adding two lines of coffee in stores nationwide: Restaurant Blend Dark Roast and Decaf Coffee & Chicory. The new coffees...

No late fees for N.O. property taxes.
February 1, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Because of problems with the city's Web site on Thursday, the city will not charge late fees for property taxes paid through today. Property owners may continue to pay their 2008 taxes through midnight...

Hot New Orleans Hornets give NBA's best value.
February 2, 2008... Byline: Terry O'Connor The New Orleans Hornets were the best team value in the wild, wild Western Conference of the National Basketball Association through the first half of the season. The Bees were a bargain for owner George Shinn, who...

Hornets Byron Scott named Western Conference Coach of the Month.
February 2, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Hornets head coach Byron Scott has been named the January Western Coach of the Month the NBA announced Friday. The Hornets finished with a record of 12-2 during the month, including a 5-0 mark on the road,...

N.O. Jazz & Heritage Foundation to screen premiere of Treme documentary.
February 2, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents the premiere screening of the film "Faubourg Treme: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans" as part of its Tom Dent Congo Square Lecture Series. The...

Chertoff: Hazard mitigation money should not go to Louisiana.
February 3, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Friday President Bush should veto the SMART Act written by Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-New Orleans, which allows Louisiana to use $1.17 billion in...

Report: Louisiana governor's hiring freeze 'working'.
February 4, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Commissioner of Administration Angele Davis today released the first report on a state government hiring freeze enacted by Gov. Bobby Jindal on his first full day in office Jan. 15. "This initial report...

Firm awarded $300,000 to design historic Perseverance Hall project in Treme.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Ariella Cohen The opening note has been sounded on the long-awaited renovation of a historic jazz hall in Treme, signaling progress for what is expected to become a major tourist attraction in a part of the city long ignored by...

N.O. CityBusiness Question of the Week results: Majority of people go to four or more parades.
February 4, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Most people will attend four or more parades this Carnival season, according to CityBusiness' online Question of the Week. Out of 315 total votes cast in a week, 139, or 44.13 percent, went to four or more...

President Bush pushes for $5.76B in N.O. storm protection.
February 4, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report President Bush has made an emergency request for $5.761 billion in federal funds for the hurricane and storm damage reduction project in greater New Orleans. The work would include internal drainage, as...

Art is industry to Covington gallery owner.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Ariella Cohen Susan Brunner, Arts Patron of the Year for St. Tammany Parish, wants you to know you may be part of the most glamorous yet unrecognized sector of the economy around: cultural production. "You are part of the cultural...

McMoRan Exploration reports third successful well at Flatrock.
February 4, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report McMoRan Exploration Co. today said it has a third successful well at the Flatrock field at South Marsh Island Block 212 in 10 feet of water. The Flatrock No. 3 delineation well, which commenced...

Galatoire's chef to make 'Today Show' Mardi Gras appearance.
February 4, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Galatoire's chef Brian Landry will join "Today Show" host Al Roker on Mardi Gras morning to prepare some of his restaurant's French Creole dishes. Landry will prepare Galatoire's Trout Meuniere...

Media interest in Mardi Gras as a way to gauge recovery of New Orleans all but disappears.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Richard A. Webster Heavy rain washed out the first day of Carnival Jan. 25 but unlike the previous two years, a massive contingent of national and international media correspondents weren't in New Orleans to witness the downpour....

Hot New Orleans Hornets give NBA's best value.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Terry O'Connor The New Orleans Hornets were the best team value in the wild, wild Western Conference of the National Basketball Association through the first half of the season. The Bees were a bargain for owner George Shinn, who...

Feb. 4-10.
February 4, 2008... Byline: From CityBusiness Staff Reports Feb. 4 Dr. John's Mardi Gras Mambo, 10 p.m. at the House of Blues, 225 Decatur St. Tickets are $33.50 each. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 310-4999 or visit www.hob.com. Feb. 5...

Louisiana Restaurant Association program expected to help fill job openings.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Stephen Maloney "Help wanted" signs were up first on the restaurant recovery menu post-Hurricane Katrina and a Louisiana Restaurant Association program is expected to help fill those job orders now and in the future. The LRA...

New Orleans Hospitality Briefs: February 4, 2008.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Emilie Bahr The National Restaurant Association projects restaurant sales in Louisiana to increase to $4.8 billion, or 3.7 percent, in 2008, from $4.6 billion in 2007. Louisiana's projected volume gain ranks No. 28 nationwide. U.S....

Look Who's Talking: Doug Talbot, owner of Lucky Dog Inc.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Christian Moises Age: 70 Family: wife, Judi; and sons Kirk and Mark Education: attended Southern Mississippi University Hometown: Bay St. Louis, Miss. Doug Talbot started in the food industry in the mid-1960s with an Orange...

Commentary: Mardi Gras means business to N.O.
February 4, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Editorial This year's muted Mardi Gras fits nicely into an otherwise hectic first quarter. A robust Mardi Gras is still crucial to restoring our multibillion-dollar tourism industry. No other events capture the...

Commentary: Mardi Gras mixes well with Super Bowl in N.O.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Terry O'Connor Ever notice how often the term "conventional wisdom" is used to illustrate how unwise it is to rely on such alleged wisdom? Case in point: Conventional wisdom had Hillary Rodham Clinton losing New Hampshire but she...

Commentary: Scalise now dominates race to replace Jindal.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Jeff Crouere For months, political insiders in St. Tammany Parish speculated St. Tammany Parish President Kevin Davis, a Republican, would enter the race for Congress if Bobby Jindal vacated the seat. Jindal was elected governor,...

Louisiana's new AG says doctors and nurses will no longer be criminalized during times of crisis.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Richard A. Webster Louisiana's new Attorney General James "Buddy" Caldwell said doctors and nurses will no longer be criminalized during times of crisis. He said he will not repeat the "mistakes" of his predecessor, Charles Foti,...

Louisiana port officials seek $300M in funding.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Jaime Guillet Louisiana port officials plan to lobby Gov. Bobby Jindal and Louisiana legislators for about $300 million in 2008 funding. Jindal said he plans a second special session, following the ethics reform session starting...

Why Stay? New Orleans Hornets Honeybees manager.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Jaime Guillet Living and working in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans suits Ashley Deaton's personality just fine. Deaton, 31, relishes her job as the New Orleans Hornets Honeybees manager and choreographer. The LaPlace native...

Commentary: Saints set for British invasion in 2008.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Mark Singletary The Saints are going to England. In a grand old tradition started in 2007, the National Football League will hold a regular season game in Europe, specifically England, to enhance and promote its brand worldwide. It...

What others say.
February 4, 2008... Byline: From CityBusiness Staff Reports 'New Orleans' record on rebuilding firehouses: 0-22,' CNN, Jan. 24 New Orleans has yet to rebuild a single fire station more than two years after Katrina destroyed or damaged 22 of the city's 33...

Louisiana's Road Home closings top 60 percent.
February 4, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Reports A total of 2,601 homeowners closed with The Road Home for the week ended Jan. 28 in the busiest week of the young new year. With 95,556 closings in hand, The Road Home has now concluded its business with...

LSU picks site for $98M cancer research center.
February 4, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Reports The Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors has approved the location and design of a proposed $98-million cancer research center at the corner of Tulane and Claiborne avenues. The Louisiana Office...

The New Orleans Recovery Agenda: Barack Obama.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Kelly W. Brown Age: 46 Party: Democrat Family: wife, Michelle Obama; and daughters Malia, 9, and Sasha, 6 Political background: Illinois Senate, 1997-2004; and Senator, 2004-present Education: bachelor's degree, Columbia...

Mardi Gras parade spells trouble for Circle Bar sign in New Orleans.
February 4, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Reports The red neon glow marking the Circle Bar at 1032 St. Charles Ave. went dark Jan. 26 night after a blast of Mardi Gras beads blew out the gas-lit tubes that have brightly spelled out BAR since the watering...

The New Orleans Recovery Agenda: Hillary Rodham Clinton.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Ariella Cohen Age: 61 Party: Democratic Family: husband, Bill Clinton; and one daughter, Chelsea Political background: New York senator 2001-08, first lady 1993-2001 Education: bachelor's degree, Wellesley College; and juris...

N.O. to upgrade tow trucks.
February 4, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Reports City workers have been test driving a new tow truck that Public Works Director Robert Mendoza says will help streamline the removal of illegally parked vehicles. Samson Lift Technologies of Boca Raton,...

Court Watch NOLA critical of hearing continuances.
February 4, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Reports Unnecessary delays in the New Orleans criminal justice system are creating too much time between court dates. These are the top findings from Court Watch NOLA's second quarterly report. The group is...

Patients, doctors join in lawsuit to reopen Charity Hospital in New Orleans.
February 4, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Reports Former patients of Charity Hospital, health care professionals, law enforcement officials and community leaders have filed a class action lawsuit against Louisiana State University for the closure of...

The New Orleans Recovery Agenda: Mitt Romney.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Richard A. Webster Age: 60 Party: Republican Family: wife, Ann Romney; and five children Political background: Massachusetts governor 2003-07 Education: bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University; master's degree in business,...

The New Orleans Recovery Agenda: John Edwards.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Jaime Guillet Age: 54 Party: Democrat Family: wife, Elizabeth Edwards; and children, Catharine, 25, Emma Claire, 9, and Jack, 7 Political background: served in the U.S. Senate from 1998 to 2004 Education: bachelor's degree in...

The New Orleans Recovery Agenda: John McCain.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Stephen Maloney Age: 71 Party: Republican Family: wife, Cindy Hensley McCain; and three children from a previous marriage Political background: Senator since 1986 Education: U.S. Naval Academy, the National War College Religion:...

The New Orleans Recovery Agenda: Mike Huckabee.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Emilie Bahr Age: 51 Party: Republican Family: wife, Janet; and three children Political background: Arkansas governor, 1996-2007; and lieutenant governor, 1993-96 Education: bachelor's degree, Ouachita Baptist University, 1975; and...

Flipping is serious biz for students of realty at New Orleans college.
February 4, 2008... Byline: Ariella Cohen A real estate fad turned reality TV sensation will go academic this month with a no-credit night class at the University of New Orleans Metropolitan College. The three-session course "Is Flipping for You?," which will...

Commentary: La Provence maintains familiar French roots.(Restaurant review)
February 4, 2008... Byline: Tom Fitzmorris La Provence $$$$$ 25020 U.S. Highway 190, Lacombe Reservations recommended (985) 626-7662 Dinner Wednesday through Sunday. Brunch Sunday. La Provence has unique natural appeal. It's been that way since founder...

Correction.(Correction notice)
February 4, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff The Krewe of Rex raised $30,000 in 2007 for the Police and Justice Foundation to help defray police overtime costs (Caring krewes: Carnival groups give more than free trinkets, Jan. 28). An erroneous donation...

'Rob and Bo' sign off New Orleans radio station 99.5 FM.
February 4, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report New Orleans radio station 99.5 FM canceled the "Rob and Bo Show" because it could not work out the time crunch for former mayoral candidate Rob Couhig, who worked with longtime radio personality Bo Walker....

N.O.-area foreclosures lag national rates.
February 4, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Foreclosures last year in the New Orleans area soared past 2006 figures but are still well off the national pace. Data from RealtyTrac, an Irvine, Calif.-based online marketplace for foreclosure properties,...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, N.O. District, awards Cajun Contractors $132M floodwall contract.
February 4, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, awarded a $132-million contract to construct a 8,300-foot floodwall stretching south from Harvey Canal sector gate at Lapalco Boulevard to the S-curve...

Commentary: Mardi Gras means business to N.O.
February 6, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff This year's muted Mardi Gras fits nicely into an otherwise hectic first quarter. A robust Mardi Gras is still crucial to restoring our multibillion-dollar tourism industry. No other events capture the imagination...

Ochsner Medical Center in Kenner begins Lent with free screenings.
February 6, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner and The St. Charles Health Center are offering free health screenings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Ochsner Medical Center-Kenner, 200 W. Esplanade Ave. The event is open...

City Year Louisiana holds open house in N.O.
February 6, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report City Year Louisiana, a nonprofit that enlists young people for a year of full-time community service, will hold its first national open house today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its New Orleans headquarters, 805...

SDT Waste concludes quick Mardi Gras cleanup in New Orleans.
February 6, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report SDT Waste and Debris crews began at midnight removing mounds of trash left behind by crowds on Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. SDT owner Sidney Torres IV followed the New Orleans Police Department as...

Gilmore and Son Construction to handle $11.5M Elmwood road project.
February 6, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Gilmore and Son Construction Corp. this week will remove an abandoned railroad track in the Elmwood area in an $11.5-million project. As a result, a block of Edwards Avenue between Powell Street and...

Senate committee to meet in N.O. to discuss Road Home.
February 6, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report A Louisiana Senate committee will meet at 1 p.m. today in City Council chambers to discuss The Road Home at 1300 Perdido St. State Sen. Derrick Shepherd chairs the Committee on Local and Municipal...

Small businesses feeling lending pinch.
February 6, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report With one-third of U.S. banks surveyed by the Federal Reserve having recently tightened lending standards for loans to small businesses, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., chairman of the Committee on Small Business...

Jefferson Parish plans second inspection sweep.
February 6, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report On Monday, Jefferson Parish's Public Works Department will conduct the second in a series of public property inspections along all major thoroughfares on the East Bank and West Bank. Public Works employees...

Protesters plan rally for N.O. homeless.
February 6, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Protesters will hold a rally at 4 p.m. today in opposition to what they say is Mayor C. Ray Nagin's enforcement of the New Orleans "public habitation" law, which affects the homeless population. The rally...

Analyst: Homeowners should retain most value.
February 6, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Walter Hall, a real estate entrepreneur, today projected existing homes should retain nearly all appreciation from the years from 2002-06. For example, home values appreciated 34 percent on average in...

Banners to increase tourist traffic in N.O.'s Vietnamese community.
February 6, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report To draw more tourists and business to the Vietnamese community in eastern New Orleans, 56 "Viet Village" banners will be placed in Village de l'Est. The Mary Queen of Vietnam Community Development...

Obama to make campaign stop in N.O.
February 6, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Sen. Barack Obama will be in New Orleans for a Thursday morning "community event," according to Obama's 2008 presidential campaign Web site. Obama will appear at Tulane University's Fogelman Arena at...

Little Caesars eyes N.O. area for expansion.
February 6, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Carryout pizza chain Little Caesars said it plans to open 30 locations during the next 10 years in the New Orleans area employing about 900 people. "From its historic French Quarter to the city's jazz...

Louisiana's Bollinger Shipyards wins $3M military design contract.
February 6, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Bollinger Shipyards today announced it has won a $3-million multimillion-dollar design contract with the U.S. military. The contract is for the Phase I design of a high-speed, shallow-draft platform vessel...

New Orleans airport boss promises controversial contract scrutiny.
February 6, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport said it is reviewing contracts it holds with companies involving two federally indicted businessmen. Stanford "Pampy" Barre pleaded guilty in federal court...

Mayor Nagin promise to enforce 'public habitation' rule angers homeless advocates.
February 6, 2008... Byline: Jaime Guillet Public housing advocates and grassroots community groups will strongly oppose Mayor C. Ray Nagin's promise to enforce the "public habitation" ordinance during a homelessness rally scheduled at 4 p.m. today in downtown...

Networking event to pair N.O. businesses with Housing Authority of New Orleans developers.
February 7, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Small, minority- and women-owned businesses can meet with Housing Authority of New Orleans developers during a networking event at 6 p.m. Friday at Ray's Over the River in the World Trade Center, 2 Canal...

Earthquake specialists to share building tips with N.O.
February 7, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Community leaders will talk with visiting earthquake specialists during an event sponsored by the University of New Orleans' Center for Hazards Assessment, Response & Technology at 7 p.m. today at the...

N.O. demolitions inspire panel discussion.(Discussion)
February 7, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report A panel will discuss the demolition of New Orleans 20th century architecture during an event from 3 to 5 p.m. today at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. New York Times architectural critic Nicolai...

Houston's Restaurant makes St. Charles comeback.
February 7, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report On Monday, Houston's Restaurant will return to New Orleans for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. The restaurant, at 1755 St. Charles Ave., which operated as a Houston's prior to Katrina, opened in...

Overweight trucks reduced on I-10 Twin Span.
February 7, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced today a new weigh-in-motion system is keeping overweight vehicles off the hurricane-damaged Interstate 10 Twin Span Bridge. Crews can...

Louisiana ports seek $300M from state.
February 7, 2008... Byline: Jaime Guillet Louisiana port officials plan to lobby Gov. Bobby Jindal and Louisiana legislators for about $300 million in 2008 funding. Jindal said he plans a second special session, following the ethics reform session starting...

Louisiana Assn. for Corporate Growth to hold luncheon meeting Tuesday.
February 7, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report The Louisiana chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth will present a luncheon featuring Nicholas R. Perkin, co-founder and president of The Receivables Exchange, at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at...

Zuppardo's accountant named chairman of Louisiana Retailers Association.
February 7, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report The Louisiana Retailers Association has named Ricky Landry, accountant for Zuppardo's Supermarket in Metairie, chairman of its board of directors for 2008. Dwayne Boudreax, owner of Circle Food Stores in...

N.O. CityBusiness' Health Care Heroes nominations due in three weeks.
February 7, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Nominations for CityBusiness' Health Care Heroes, an event honoring outstanding men and women in the health care industry, are due Feb. 29. In its second year, the program will honor 50 health care...

Mississippi River spotlighted in N.O. exhibit.
February 7, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report The Historic New Orleans Collection at 533 Royal St. has charted the gradual changes in the course of the Mississippi River in an exhibit on view in the collection's Williams Gallery. "Surrounded by...

Environmentalists ask Louisiana PSC to rescind Little Gypsy approval.
February 8, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report Attorneys for environmental groups opposed to Entergy Louisiana's plan to burn coal and pet coke at its Little Gypsy power plant in Montz want the Louisiana Public Service Commission to withdraw project...

Commentary: Stellar Fat Tuesday thrives in Super Tuesday eclipse.
February 8, 2008... Byline: Terry O'Connor Fat Tuesday, while the rest of the nation sweated the 370-point plunge in the Dow and worried about who would come away with Super Tuesday momentum, New Orleans did its own inimitable thing. It always does. The rest...

U of New Orleans Metropolitan College offering class on propert flipping.
February 8, 2008... Byline: Ariella Cohen A real estate fad turned reality TV sensation will go academic this month with a no-credit night class at the University of New Orleans Metropolitan College. The three-session course, "Is Flipping for You?," which...

FEMA's Historic Preservation group offers free workshop.
February 8, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Historic Preservation group will offer a free workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Preservation Resource Center, 923 Tchoupitoulas St., in the Warehouse...

Federal Housing Administration offers affordable solution to mortgage crisis.
February 8, 2008... Byline: CityBusiness Staff Report The federal government this week began mailing letters offering help to homeowners facing higher mortgages as adjustable-rate mortgages reset at higher rates. The Federal Housing Administration is mailing...