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The article reports that shipping companies based in New Orleans, Louisiana are diversifying their operations in other cities. Companies such as Intermarine LLC and World Ship Supply Inc., which supply trucks to cargo ships moved their many operations to Houston. New Orleans lacks three assets which shipping companies want: experienced workers, proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and adequate port facilities.

The article reports on the ethical issues regarding the dual role of Sean Cummings in New Orleans, Louisiana. Cummings is the chief executive officer of the New Orleans Building Corp., a public benefit corporation in charge of developing city-owned properties. He and his family own at least 33 properties near a 6-mile slice of public riverfront land that the NOBC plans to redevelop. Many considered it as conflict of interest because of Cummings private property ownership.

The article reports on the violations committed by New Orleans city officials to the Public Records Act of Louisiana concerning the policy that requires citizens to make public records request in writing. According to Dave Woolridge, general counsel for the Louisiana Press Association, city officials have violated the state's law when it demanded that every request has to be in writing since there are information citizens are entitled to under the law such as statistics and maps.

The article reports on the decline of sales of some Magazine Street retailers in New Orleans. According to retailers, their revenue decreased after Hurricane Katrina but the low sales did not stop them from setting up shop in Uptown shopping district which is located in the intersection at Sophie Wright Place to Henry Clay Avenue. Some open house for galleries urges other retailers to stay open late as a start of the holiday shopping season.

The article reports on the proposed linear park project for bikes and pedestrians by the New Orleans Office of Recovery Management (ORM) in Louisiana. The project aims to convert a large derelict strip of land into a path and pedestrian walkway from Armstrong Park to the foot of Canal Boulevard. In addition, ORM will use a $2 million fund from the Louisiana Recovery Authority with a $313,000 from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and a grant from the American Institute of Architects.

The article reports on the construction of the Mardi Gras Studios by private developers in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jennifer Day, director of the New Orleans Office of Film and Video, stressed that the film studio will stimulate the economic condition of the city. Other studios such as Robert E. Nims Center at Elmwood, Louisiana Soundstage at LaPlace and the StageWorks of Louisiana were also mentioned.

The article reports on the trend of film making industry in Louisiana. According to the author, there is a 40% increase in the number of films being produced in the state in 2007. He states that most film industry insiders expect this trend to continue. Chris Stelly, director of Louisiana's Office of Entertainment Industry Development, expresses that the increasing number of films being shot in the state shows a growing level of confidence among filmmakers.

The article reports on the boom of the shipbuilding industry in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2007. According to the report conducted by Greater New Orleans Inc., the boom of the industry despite labor shortages and Hurricane Katrina-related facility damages, reflects a national trend of increased defense and commercial shipbuilding. The labor shortage has not stopped New Orleans shipbuilders from grabbing a record number of contracts after Hurricane Katrina struck the city in 2005.

The article reports that International Shipholding Corp. has relocated its headquarters in Mobile, Alabama. According to chief executive officer (CEO) Erik F. Johnsen, they are satisfied with the city's atmosphere and they are the first tenants to occupy the RSA Tower. Johnsen assesses that Alabama's business-like atmosphere has helped soothe a 2005 loss of $8.2 million in income. Meanwhile, some of the company's operations will continue in New Orleans through LCI Shipholdings Inc.

The article reports on the investigation on the East Jefferson Community Health Center's funds in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is stated that state and independent auditors have discovered missing clinic funds and payments to vendors for services not performed. As claimed, former executive director A. J. Gilmore and chief financial officer Carol Robinson were responsible for fiscal improprieties between 2002 and 2004.

The article reports on the economic developments related to the retail trade business in New Orleans, Louisiana. According to the report, Orleans Parish is emerging from a steep decline caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 due to returning businesses opening in 2006. It has noted that the sales tax collections in Orleans Parish made big gains in January and February 2007 compared with the same period in 2006, while revenues for that period declined in Jefferson and St. Tammy parishes.

The article reports on the acquisition and name change of global freight forwarder Agility Project Logistics in New Orleans, Louisiana. Formerly known as TransOceanic, Agility Project acquired WTS Inc. from Houston, Texas. The deal has solidified Agility's logistics operations, specifically in the global energy sector.

The article reports on the condition of the mail service in New Orleans, Louisiana. According to the U.S. Postal Service representatives, the postal assistance is back to normal. However, business owners still sees some flaws in the system. Norris Babin, co-owner of Print All Inc., has received number of complaints from customers due to major mail delivery problems. INSET: Slidell Council wants mail sorting to remain operative….

The article reports on the establishment of the School to Career Program in Louisiana. A nonprofit under the United Way of Greater New Orleans, the school has been specifically instituted to address their needs of qualified personnel to run the city's maritime industry. After the school's construction in 2008, School to Career Initiative director Sue Burge claims that what will follow next is the convention of committees and the naming of chairmen of the subcommittees.

The article reports on the annual total of Louisiana's merchandise exports in 2006. Based on the data from the World Trade Center (WTC) of New Orleans, Louisiana ports registered a record-breaking $23.5 billion in exports from $19.2 billion in 2005. According to Eugene Schreiber, director of New Orleans WTC, Louisiana's increase is largely attributed to increasing agricultural product shipments. A chart that lists the top ten Louisiana exports in 2006 is also presented.

The article reports on the road conditions in New Orleans, Louisiana after the occurrence of Hurricane Katrina. It could be noted that the city is making repairs and negotiating federal funding for reconstruction. Engineers have expressed concerns about subsurface failures resulting from drowned streets. In response to this, the city's Department of Transportation and Development plans to combine maintenance techniques into a comprehensive toolbox.

The article reports on the returned operations of Trinity Yachts LLC in New Orleans, Louisiana. The company, which is a yacht builder in the U.S. has returned to its France Road facility near the Industrial Canal. It has restored local operations completely with a 38-acre purchase agreement with the Port of New Orleans and $4.5 million in improvements. It had 11 yachts under contract in various stages of construction before Katrina.

The article reports on the reopening of the Fair Grounds Race Course on Thanksgiving in New Orleans, Louisiana. The levels of business done from video poker and simulcast wagering or off-track betting was the main reason for the purse increase. Nine of the original 11 off-track betting locations of Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) in the city have also been reopened. CDI was encouraged to come back to the city because of the 100 percent revenue growth at the Fair Grounds.

The article reports on the maintenance issues of the algae filled pool in the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, Louisiana. The issues had been raised after it had been gone unchecked by the zoo officials since Hurricane Katrina's aftermath. According to Ron Forman, Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO, addressing the issue holds the top priority in the organization's development plan program that would include the recruitment of new staff.

The article focuses on the cooperative agreement between Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Gary LaGrange, president and CEO from Port of New Orleans, for the redevelopment of Mississippi River in Louisiana. It include the redevelopment of riverside and construction of RiverSphere museum and research center. The goals is to increase riverfront public access and create a tourist destination.

The article discusses on the recovery of the Canal Street business after being devastated by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana. By summer 2007, the Construction from Downtown Development District's Streetscape Project intends to improve the Canal's aesthetics and tries to combat crime by providing additional police. Each store would take in about $800 to $1,200 a day and will gradually make the business back and off to a great start for fiscal year 2007 with double digit increases.

The article provides information about the New Orleans Cooking Experience (NOCE), a cooking school at the House on Bayou Road Inn in Louisiana. NOCE offers half-day classes, series classes and luxury cooking school vacations that feature traditional Creole recipes from popular New Orleans chefs. Its founder Judy Jurisich handled private class of about 15 student when Hurricane Katrina hit the city.

The article reports on the rise of accidents occurring at the Causeway bridge in New Orleans, Louisiana. According to Robert Lambert, general manager of the Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission, the increase have reached to 15 percent since after the hurricane Katrina occurred. The accident had made cars thrown into Lake Pontchartrain. The vehicles traveling the bridge have increased to 29 percent after the hurricane compelled residents to travel over the bridge going to the North Shore.

The article reports on the financial impact of Hurricane Katrina on advertising and marketing companies in New Orleans, Louisiana. in the sector, firms have realized slight or no increase in profits in 2005 but have set up expansions. Zehnder Communications company, which had a 0.7 percent increase in revenues, is establishing an office in Baton Rouge. Keating Magee & Associates company with 1 percent increase in revenues, made its temporary office in Houston permanent for expansion. INSET: Keeting Magee stays course despite storm.

The article reports on the financial impact of Hurricane Katrina on transportation industry in New Orleans, Louisiana. Despite the hurricane, shipping companies reaped increase in profits because many of their operations are on a regional or international level. Revenues at Intermarine LLC had increased by 27 percent, while Canal Barge Co.'s revenues boosted by 25 percent. On the other hand, World Ship Supply Inc. had a 13 percent slight decrease in revenues. INSET: Transoceanic treasures N.O. roots.

The article reports on the neutrality of the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana regarding the attempted buyout made by the United Arab Emirates. The controversial attempted buyout of London-based Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. by the Dubai Ports World of United Arab Emirates have kept the Port of New Orleans neutral. According to Port president and CEO Gary LaGrange, the Board of Commissioners of the Port do not have control over the company sale of one of their tenants.

The article reports on the problems facing the city of New Orleans, Louisiana in terms of public utilities costs following Hurricane Katrina. Entergy New Orleans Inc. is the sole provider of electricity and gas in the city and local officials are worried about how the company will spread out costs among the residents of the city.

Talks about the labor issues and equipment in the oil industry in Louisiana. Efforts to develop the oil and gas workforce; Effect of surging oil prices on service costs for exploration and production companies; Increase in the demand for drillers and drilling tools.

Focuses on the rates of real estate properties in Alabama and Florida. Average property value in Okaloosa County, Florida; Range in prices for four-bedroom, beachfront house in Destin; Prices for second homes in Alabama's Gulf Coast.

Reports on the enrollment of students to classes about luxury cooking offered by prominent chefs in New Orleans, Louisiana. Total number of students who enrolled for the class; Percentage of increase in the number of enrollees in comparison with the past six months; Indication of an increase in interest for culinary tradition.

The article reports that low costs and efficiency are two reasons businesses are choosing arbitration as an alternative to deciding legal disputes. Mark Wright, vice president of the New Orleans regional office of the American Arbitration Association, said the 490 regional arbitration cases in 2004 were up 17 percent compared with 420 in 2003 and 35 percent more than the 363 cases arbitrated in 2002. According to Dirk Wegmann, a commercial litigation attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana, the rate of arbitration in the city is increasing.

The article reports that Crescent City Connection Division (CCCD) has faced investigation related to its accounting discrepancies in the 2007 legislative audit in New Orleans, Louisiana. State Representative Pat Connick called for the probe of the CCCD officials during the Ethics Special Session. According to Connick, the Division's officials are mismanaging the funds intended for road projects as well as its maintenance.

The article reports on the scrutiny made on Commissioner Jay Blossman's involvement in a sales meeting between transportation operators that are regulated by the Public Service Commission and his friend in Louisiana. According to Rafael Goyeneche, Metropolitan Crime Commission (MCC) president, that the incident involving Blossman has been considered for investigation. However, Blossman responds the accusation through a letter.

The article reports on the expiration of film infrastructure incentives expire at the end of 2008 in Louisiana. According of Office of Entertainment Industry Development (OEID) director Sherri McDonnell, the loss of the 40 percent infrastructure tax credit availability is not as pressing an issue for the OEID as the phased end of the 25% production tax credits. Economic Research Associates determined the state has six soundstages and could support 15 over the next 10 years.

The article focuses on the services and operation of GCR & Associates Inc., a company that takes lead in managing population and airport information in New Orleans, Louisiana. GCR has grown from a small urban planning consulting firm to a major player in the world of data management. Among its products and services include site selection studies, data management in aviation, criminal justice reporting for courts and law enforcement agencies, and software for reporting election results.

The article reports that Port of New Orleans has prioritized the expansion of on-dock rail facilities located at the axis of six chief railroads in Louisiana. The containerized cargo improvements are the main point of the Port of New Orleans' $1 billion 2020 Master Plan, encompassing short- and long-term infrastructure developments to be made in the next 12 years. The officials note that infrastructure upgrades are necessary in handling cargo and to remain competitive.

The article reports on the plan of Saint Tammany Parish President Kevin Davis and District 1 State Senator A. G. Crowe to convert portions of the Katrina-damaged bridges into a recreational fishing pier and park in New Orleans, Louisiana. Crowe and Davis plan to change the project of the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), which demolishes old bridges after building a new Twin Span. DOTD officials set April 4, 2008 as the deadline for interested parties to give proposals.

The article reports on the request for proposals issued by New Orleans Aviation Board to contract with on-demand taxicab service consultants to manage the cab services at the airport in Louisiana. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport officials note that implementing a new management system for airport taxis will ease the disorganization that long has characterized the $30 ride. The costs of the ride to most parts of the city from the airport is discussed.

The article reports on the need for a state law requiring businesses to securely dispose of documents containing personal information in Louisiana. It is stated that Louisiana law does not cover identity theft from stolen documents. According to Attorney General Buddy Caldwell, he acknowledges the gap in identity protection without a state document disposal statute and he will make it a top priority to convince legislators one is needed.

The article reports on the resurgence of the Behrman Sports Complex in Algiers, Louisiana. The $14-million rehabilitation project of the complex will include the refurbishment of the track, reconstruction of the football field and development of a new soccer stadium. According to councilwoman Jackie Bretchel Clarkson, Hurricane Katrina was considered the main cause of the delay of its completion. She added that the complex is part of the $200-million development project of the Federal City.

The article reports on the plans of a $300 million funding for 2008 by the port officials in Louisiana. According to the author, the port officials are planning to influence the legislators and Gov. Bobby Jindal for the 2008 funding. He adds that a special session is planned by Gov. Jindal to discuss the infrastructure projects. Other information related to the funding proposals are also mentioned.

The article focuses on the impact of the consolidation of Northrop Grumman Corp.'s shipbuilding divisions to the jobs in New Orleans, Louisiana. The company officials said that the consolidation could mean fewer jobs for New Orleans shipbuilders. The two former shipbuilding sectors in Virginia and Mississippi merge to become Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding. Eric Smith, former employee of McDermott International, said that the consolidation means merging of management and cutting white-collar jobs.

The article reports on the move of the State Office of Entertainment Industry Development to help bridge the film equipment company gap by offering 40% tax credit in Louisiana. It cites that there is the lack of film equipment companies in the state, forcing various filmmakers to employ companies outside Louisiana. It points out that the Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Foundation has received 34 applications after the move.

The article reports that the proposed redevelopment of Gentilly Shopping Center has been delayed by the property owner Ed Badouh in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is stated that Badouh has tripled his asking price from $5 million to $15 million for the property. Moreover, it is noted that developers are willing to pay the price, but they want financial incentives from the city.

The article reports on developments related to Lincoln Beach project in New Orleans, Louisiana. The $477-million project would include green space, entertainment complex, gathering areas with cultural themes, and commercial areas. The primary developer of the project, Nolatown Inc., received a non-binding letter of intent with the New Orleans Building Corp., and has 180 days to present a comprehensive description of the development and financing details.

The article reports on the move of Audubon Nature Institute's Aquarium of the Americas not to show major films on IMAX's 70-millimeter film format in 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. It relates that the decision was made because the showing of major films do not guarantee enough revenue to sacrifice its educational fare. Meanwhile, IMAX Corp. and AMC Entertainment Inc. joint forces to install IMAX screen at the AMC Elmwood Palace Theatre in Harahan.

The article reports on the move of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) to handle the 7, 000 Road Home buyout properties in Louisiana. It relates that NORA will hold property development meetings to discuss the property transfer from Louisiana Land Trust. In addition, NORA requested developers to submit proposals for the development plans and secure financing before receiving the titles.

The article reports on the move of Ed Blakely to stimulate his consolidated office in the city's recovery by arming him with weapons to fight blight in New Orleans. According to the article, Blakely earned responsibility for the code enforcement and safety and permits departments when the city officials reorganized the Office of Recovery Management into the Office of Recovery and Development Administration. In addition, he pledges to add inspectors and revise city strategy in battling blight.

The article reports on the criticism of the city council concerning the slow progress in the economy set by Ed Blakely, Director of Office of Recovery Management (ORM) in New Orleans, Louisiana. It states that Blakely has now streamlined authority after the ORM reorganization and consolidates the city's former Office of Development and Planning. In addition, the reason why his work is not evident is because he is doing mundane department, and system repairs and rebuilds behind the scenes.

The article reports on the request made by Sheriff Marlin Gusman to increase the per-prisoner cost at Orleans Parish Prison in New Orleans, Louisiana. According to Gusman, the increase is a must, particularly if the city officials continue to claim public safety and crime as their top priorities. Moreover, Gusman has budgeted over $40.5 million for the entire prison personnel. Council Budget Committee Chairwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell said that she was satisfied with Gusman's presentation.