BusinessReport.com

Friday, March 12, 2010

Issue: March 11, 2008

Talking shop

Area consumers are spending less on discretionary items, but a steady stream of new retailers is contributing to an optimistic forecast.

Hammering it home

Real estate experts say Baton Rouge boasts one of the most favorable markets in the country.

Chemical reaction

New construction and a weaker dollar make the petrochemical industry one of the area’s vital economic engines.

The buffer zone

The capital city’s thriving public sector provides stability during difficult times.

Banking on Baton Rouge

Area officials say ‘modest, but stable growth’ based on numbers.

What recession?

Storm clouds are swirling around the national economy but Baton Rouge appears to be protected--at least for this year.

Arts benefit economic development

The arts don't just improve our quality of life and enrich the learning experience for school children, they also are a recruitment tool for businesses. Please help the Community Fund for the Arts during their annual campaign drive. Plus: Special session targets business, education; Advocate explains education coverage; citizens make the difference in ethics reform; Moret deserves salary; BRAF tracking progress and Metro Council does a good job with recent appointments.

StartUp

March 11, 2008 issue

To the fore

With a golf course among its many amenities, Santa Maria property values continue to increase at a staggering rate.

Dogfight over B.R.

Airport head chases down other low-fare air carriers even as Frontier prepares for departure.

The reel deal

After some initial glitches, East Feliciana takes another shot at getting a film studio built in the parish.

Staying afloat

Newer, roomier boats could be part of the plan by Hollywood Casino and Belle of Baton Rouge to compete against Pinnacle.

Starting from scratch

Hard-core research was the first step for two long-time friends who wanted to turn their idea into reality.

Billing time

From accountants to lawyers, more companies are toying with fixed price billing, but in some cases hourly billing can’t be replaced.

Dream weaver

Florida native Frank Zondlo dropped out of high school and never planned on making Baton Rouge his home. Now, at 21, he owns a Web firm and has big plans for the future.

Benefits worth renewing

More than 13,400 women and their children sought services from the state’s 20 domestic violence programs last year.

Some like it not

Not everybody is a fan of the country French look, which showcases south Louisiana’s culture and dominates residential design in the Capital Region.

They work hard for the money

Real estate agents gear up for power selling as the Baton Rouge market normalizes from the post-Katrina bump.

Housing hangover

Capital Region home prices remain steady despite a large inventory, real estate insiders say.

Big deals

Here are the five most expensive homes sold in the Capital Region in 2007.

Livin’ the good life

While the national economy is ailing, things are booming in Baton Rouge, thanks to the continued hurricane rebuilding, the booming oil industry and the solid core of government and education jobs. Sometimes the fact that Louisiana does everything different than the rest of the country is a good thing.

Points for perception

Gov. Bobby Jindal and the Legislature deserve credit for passing ethics reform. If the goal of the session was to improve perception and win points nationally, that was accomplished. But the reforms don't mean that big businesses will start flocking to Louisiana.