Your Resource for Business News and Recovery in Louisiana |
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Despite Hurricane Ida outages, Louisiana governor supports partnership with AT&T
Louisiana’s state government isn’t looking to switch communication providers from AT&T despite the chaos caused when many state workers, including first responders, lost phone service in the hours after Hurricane Ida.
Multiple state lawmakers told AT&T during a legislative hearing last week that they were upset that emergency communications were down “when many of these numbers were needed most.”
Despite the communication outages during Ida, Gov. John Bel Edwards “continues to support” the program, said Shauna Sanford, the governor’s spokeswoman. Find out Why
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Louisiana Mask Mandate Extended
Gov. John Bel Edwards extended Louisiana’s statewide indoor mask mandate for another four weeks, until October 27, as the state’s overall COVID-19 outlook improves following the state’s worst COVID-19 surge of the entire pandemic. The statewide mask mandate includes K-12 schools and college campuses.
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Study: 52% of Small and Medium Businesses Say They Weren’t Impacted by COVID-19 But Only 25% Feel in Control
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52% of 1,385 small business owners across the U.S. and Canada say they were not impacted by COVID according to a study released today by Cargo and their research partner Phase 5. However, the study, which focuses on trends regarding technology devices among small- and medium-businesses (SMBs), found that only 25% of them feel they are in control of their business....more
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City of N.O. Launches Hurricane Ida Insurance Deductible Program to Assist Homeowners
The City of New Orleans today announced the launch of a new program to assist Orleans Parish residents impacted by Hurricane Ida.
Beginning Sept. 30, 2021, the Mayor’s Office of Housing Policy and Community Development will accept applications for the Hurricane Ida Insurance Deductible Program. The City expects to spend up to $2 million in Neighborhood Housing Improvement Funds (NHIF) that will provide financial assistance to households earning up to 140 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), estimated at about $98,140 for a family of four to initiative storm damage repairs.
“Many of our homeowners are facing substantial challenges in initiating storm damage repairs mainly due to high insurance deductibles,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “We are confident that this program will meet the needs of our residents by lightening their financial burdens. It will also ensure access to safe and healthy housing during the hurricane recovery and in our continuous response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The City’s Hurricane Ida Insurance Deductible Program was initiated to prevent housing displacement by allowing homeowners to proceed with private insurance claims and receive approved assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Although FEMA does not provide payment or reimbursement for insurance deductibles, applicants are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance.
Eligible Applicants for the Hurricane Ida Insurance Deductible
Program must meet the following criteria:
- Experienced sustained residential damage to primary residence during Hurricane Ida
- Primary residence is located within Orleans Parish
- Household income is at or below 140 percent AMI
- Must not possess delinquent City taxes
Louisiana has one of the highest hurricane insurance deductibles in the nation, typically ranging between two percent to five percent of the insured value of a property, approximately as much as $10,000 for a $200,000 home. The program will remain active while funding is available and is expected to serve between 250-300 households. Payments will be processed directly to the insurance provider. Interested homeowners can apply starting Sep. 30 by clicking here.
For more information on the program, Orleans Parish Residents should contact Richard Boseman, Director of Asset Management for the Office of Housing Policy and Community Development via email at rnboseman@nola.gov or slharris@nola.gov, or by phone at 504-658-4350.
The application, insurance policy and estimate of repairs can be emailed or dropped off at the 1340 Poydras Street, 10th Floor office.
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DOES YOUR BUSINESSS HAVE A GAMEPLAN FOR DISASTER? |
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Plan to Stay in Business?
Business continuity planning must account for all hazards (both man-made and natural disasters). Plan in advance to manage any emergency situation. Assess the situation, use common sense and available resources to take care of yourself, your co-workers and your business's recovery. Carefully evaluate internal and external operations to determine which staff members, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating.
Talk to Your People
A solid business emergency plan only works if everyone on your team is aware of the plan and the actions they need to take.
- Involve Co-Workers
- Include people from all levels in emergency planning.
Practice the Plan
- Drills and exercises will help you prepare.
Promote Preparedness
- Encourage your employees and their families to: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed.
Crisis Communication Plan
- Detail how you will be in contact with employees, customers and others during and after a disaster.
Employee Health
- People who have experienced a disaster may have special recovery needs.
Protect Your Investment
As well as planning for an emergency, you can also take steps to protect your company and secure your physical assets.
Insurance Coverage
- Policies vary, meet with your provider to review current coverage.
Utility Disruptions
- Prepare for extended outages during and after a disaster.
Facilities, Buildings & Plants
- Take steps to secure physical assets.
- Equipment
- Conduct a room-by-room walk-through to determine what needs to be secured.
Building Air Protection
- Assess the HVAC system to improve indoor air quality.
Cyber Security
- Protect your data and information technology systems.
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Educators, manufacturers and economic development organizations throughout Louisiana continue to celebrate Manufacturing Week 2021 through Oct. 2. The sixth annual event is designed to celebrate the importance of manufacturing to the state and showcase career opportunities to students and residents.
LED FastStart – the nation’s No. 1 state workforce development program for the 12th year in a row – is partnering with economic development organizations and partner companies to facilitate events taking place throughout the state. The objective is to dispel misconceptions about the industry and to encourage students and young adults to consider a future in manufacturing.
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Mandi Mitchell, Assistant Secretary, Louisiana Economic Development
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All vendors wishing to do business with the State of Louisiana must register online. Please use the following link to register as a vendor
During the registration process, select all of the commodities your company is able to provide. You will then receive an email notification each time a bid is posted in one of the commodities for which you've registered.
Vendor Resources Page - Office of State Procurement’s website:
Webinar: Emergency Procurement and How to Register
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
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The SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters located in regions affected by declared disasters. SBA also provides eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations with working capital to help overcome the economic injury of a declared disaster.
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Over 2000+ participated in the #ByBlackConference in 2020 and this year we are bring it back with both LIVE and VIRTUAL attendee opportunities!
The #ByBlackConference is THE verified resource and community providing support for Black Business and Broadcasters of all sizes. Connect, grow, and promote you business at this years #ByBlackConference Oct. 13-15th at the MGM National Harbor! Conference tickets may be purchased for LIVE attendees or VIRTUAL only at byblackconference.com!!
Come see over 100+ speakers, 40+ sessions, and 30+ corporate sponsors and corporations do business with YOU. This is the premier space and event for Black Business Owners and Broadcasters to GROW. If you’re looking for innovative and strategic ways to grow from and through this past pandemic, this is the place to be!
Sessions will be led by American Express, Google, Facebook, Wells Fargo and so much more! Learn more and RSVP today at ByBlackConference.com
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3901 MacArthur Blvd,
Box 6012 New Orleans, LA 70114
Phone Number: 1 504-655-7572
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