CAPITAL REGION RANKED ONE OF AMERICA'S STRONGEST JOB MARKETS

Bloomberg Businessweek recently identified the Baton Rouge area as one of the strongest job markets in the U.S. The Capital Region came in at the number eleven spot bolstered by its strength in nondurable goods manufacturing and the leisure and hospitality sector.

The rankings, based on data from Manpower, a global workforce solutions firm, cited the region’s low unemployment rate and the percentage of companies anticipating third quarter hiring. At 7.1 percent, the Baton Rouge area boasts an unemployment rate that is 2.4 percentage points below the national average. Additionally, 19 percent of the businesses in the region have plans to augment staff in the third quarter. Economists from Louisiana State University predict the area will lead job creation in the state, adding 4,000 jobs in 2010 and 5,500 new openings in 2011.

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THE NET BENEFIT OF SOCIAL NETWORKS

Social networks are rich sources of consumer data and marketing opportunities. However, many companies often encounter a steep learning curve as they are unaccustomed to the tools and perspectives needed to access information and connect with customers. Click here for a report by Accenture Technology Lab which considers how organizations can leverage social networks to influence buying behavior.

Social media marketing leaders will share their insight on best practices at the Coastal Social Media Conference on September 29. Click here for more details.

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DENHAM SPRINGS APPROVES NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

The city of Denham Springs is creating a new economic development district east of Range Avenue between the Illinois Central Railroad and Edgewood Drive. The Range Couplet Economic Development District will encourage commercial development by offering a five-year property tax abatement for expanding, restoring, or improving existing commercial buildings. The area includes two former grocery stores and a shopping center.

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ST. GABRIEL DEVELOPMENTS TO FEATURE GREEN HOMES

Two new neighborhoods featuring affordable green homes are under construction in St. Gabriel. Ravier Lane Estates will include 112 homes selling for approximately $149,000, and a nearby subdivision will have 70 smaller homes selling for approximately $129,900. All of the homes will be insulated with thick Styrofoam panels to enhance energy efficiency and keep utility bills low.

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BATON ROUGE PROJECTS HONORED WITH PRESERVATION AWARDS

The Foundation for Historical Louisiana recently honored a number of people who were instrumental in local preservation projects with prestigious Preservation Awards. Among those honored were the board and staff of the Downtown Development District for creating the Third Street Historic District, which encompasses 43 downtown properties and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections and a local contractor were also recognized for the restoration of more than 400 cypress windows in the department's facility.

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BRAC WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

We are pleased to welcome Rachel D. Graham as our new director of communications. She joins us after serving as manager, marketing communications, for the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), where she oversaw organization-wide messaging and media relations for one of the largest Accredited Economic Development Organizations (AEDO) in the nation.

In her new role, Rachel will assist in the implementation of the core strategies of The Campaign for a Greater Baton Rouge, BRAC’s five-year initiative designed to deliver a highly-professional and proactive, nationally-competitive regional economic development program for the business and families of the Baton Rouge area. She will also oversee the overall management of the BRAC brand and image, including advertising, communications, public relations, and social media.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

AARP Louisiana

Headquartered in Baton Rouge, AARP Louisiana has chapters around the state and serves more than 500,000 members. With offices across the country, AARP was founded in 1958 by a retired educator from California, and “is dedicated to giving people fifty and over a voice, a sense of community, and a purpose,” explains communications director, Denise Bottcher.

Membership fees are nominal, and there are a myriad of ways for members to participate. “Members are as active as they want to be,” Bottcher says. AARP offers driver safety classes, tax return assistance, and a wealth of valuable information. Some join primarily to receive discounts on an array of products and services, while others are actively engaged in advocacy efforts and volunteer projects. One local member has even taken on the daunting task of disaster planning for elderly residents who may lack the necessary mobility or transportation to leave the area on their own.

“Our members consistently tell us they want to age in place, living with independence, choice, and control. AARP Louisiana is focused on creating Livable Communities where people can age [in place] successfully,” Bottcher states. Louisiana has taken an important step in this effort with the passage of Complete Streets legislation. Under the new legislation, transportation planners will work to enable safe access to streets by all forms of transportation whenever possible.

Locally, AARP Louisiana is working with Southern University’s School of Architecture and residents of Scotlandville to identify, address, and advocate for livability improvements in the community. Livability supported by connectivity to shopping, healthcare, jobs, entertainment, and other essential services, is not just good for seniors, Bottcher stresses, “It’s good for everyone.”

BRAC membership is vital to the organization’s advocacy efforts. “The business community is supportive of our efforts to increase the livability of communities, strengthen Social Security, and promote other retirement savings efforts to help everyone achieve lifetime financial security.”

For more information, please visit www.aarp.org/states/la.

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

• Stupp Corporation

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REGIONAL BUSINESS EVENTS & INFORMATION

Capital Area Transit System Community Meeting

Have you ever wondered what Baton Rouge would be like if transit were different than it is today? For instance, what if you could hop on a bus or light rail system, get to work quickly and efficiently, and know that the service is available when you needed it? Now is the time to have your say on the subject. The Capital Area Transit System wants to hear from you about what you would like to see from your transit service in the years to come.

• Date: Thursday, July 29, 2010
• Location: Delmont Service Center, 3535 Riley Street, Baton Rouge
• Time: 5:00pm—7:00pm
• Cost: Free

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Stand-Up Dads

If there was ever a reason to get a babysitter, this is it! Stand-Up Dads is sure to make audiences laugh about the everyday challenges of parenthood. Comedians Dan St. Paul, Tim Bedore, Kelly McDonald and Milt Abel turn their wit and nutty observations about family life into a show that keeps the audience laughing almost from beginning to end.

Stand-Ups Dads is hosted by the BREC Foundation.

• Date: Friday, July 30, 2010
• Location: BREC's Independent Park Theatre, 7800 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge
• Time: 7:00pm—8:30pm
• Cost: $15 (adults) or $12 (students and seniors)
• Information: Call 225-216-0660 or click here for more information.
• Registration: Register online here »

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FutureBR Meeting

Held by the City of Baton Rouge / Parish of East Baton Rouge, the FutureBR meetings are designed to get more public feedback and provide an update on efforts to overhaul the city-parish’s land use and development code.

• Date: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
• Location: Cortana Mall, 9041 Cortana Place, Baton Rouge
• Time: 4:30pm—6:30pm
• Cost: Free
• Information: Click here for more information.
• Future Meeting Dates: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at Bluebonnet Regional Library; Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at the Delmont Service Center; Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at the Baton Rouge River Center; Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at Jones Creek Regional Library; and Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at River Oaks Elementary School

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LSU's 2010 Fall Career Expo

The 2010 Fall Career Expo is LSU's largest recruiting event, drawing hundreds of recruiters and about 2,000 students and alumni. There are opportunities for students in all fields and at all levels to network with professionals; learn about career options and graduate and professional programs; find out about open jobs; and generally explore their intended career fields.

The Expo is sponsored by Cameron, Chevron, Schlumberger, Kongsberg Maritime, Inc., and InfiniEdge Software, Inc.

• Date: Tuesday, September 14, 2010
• Location: LSU, Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rouge
• Time: 10:30am—3:30pm
• Cost: Free (open to LSU students and alumni)
• Information: Click here for more information.
• Employer Registration: Register online here »

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Coastal Social Media Conference

Coastal Social is a one-day summit for regional social media professionals, enthusiasts and business owners. Come meet the South’s leaders in social media marketing and learn from the best in the business. Anyone who wants to further their professional development, networking and education in social media will benefit from Coastal Social. The conference provides an opportunity to learn from the best in Facebook, Twitter, blogging and more through workshops, roundtable discussions and a keynote address.

Coastal Social is organized by the Baton Rouge Social Media Club, a group founded by social media professionals and bloggers in the Baton Rouge area.

• Date: Wednesday, September 29, 2010
• Location: Baton Rouge River Center, 275 South River Road, Baton Rouge
• Time: 8:00am—5:00pm
• Cost: $149 per participant
• Food: Lunch will be provided.
• Information: Click here for more information.
• Registration: Register online here »