Biz New Orleans July 2023

NEW & NOTABLES

9 standouts taking on big roles and conquering big goals over the last year

DR. EMILY SEDGWICK PRESIDENT AND CEO OF UMC HARRISON CRABTREE DIRECTOR OF WORLD TRADE CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS KHERI BILLY CEO OF CAFÉ RECONCILE

BANKING

58

WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?

After less than a year in business, this local plant-based, protein rich granola company has grabbed over $100,000 in prize money and the attention of Amazon.

62 NEIGHBORHOOD GEM

An Algiers favorite, Chubbie’s Chicken is under new ownership, but the restaurant’s four-decadeslong solid reputation isn’t going anywhere.

64 NEW ORLEANS 500 Thomas E. Richards, Managing Member of Richards Clearview

As of this spring, small medical debt will no longer affect your credit. 36 A

Feast of Opportunity

GREAT WORKSPACES

The newly rebranded law firm Duplass APLC makes moves in Jefferson Parish

28

From the return of a pastry powerhouse to the launch of its first taproom, Jefferson Parish is rapidly emerging as a culinary powerhouse.

New and Notables

9 standouts taking on big roles and conquering big goals over the last year

Goooaaaal!

This is one of my favorite issues every year. I love our New & Notables section because I get to talk to and learn about some of the people in our community who have taken on a new challenge or done something really notable in the past year.

I’m a goal-oriented person by nature. It puts me at ease to have a marker to strive for, a task, a plan. It’s the kind of structure I use to cope with uncertainty. Everyone in this year’s group, and every year actually, have the same goal — to make things better in this region. Each are working toward that goal in a way that speaks to them, whether that’s building tiny homes for the homeless, taking on hospitality workforce training, promoting tourism, or leading the future of prominent institutions like Loyola University and the World Trade Center. While many New & Notables are home-grown talent, the ones that have been drawn to New Orleans by a new challenge really speak to me as someone who is also a transplant.

This issue is the only issue of the year with two focuses — it is also our annual Jefferson Parish issue. This year, the big story is food, specifically the explosion of the culinary marketplace that the parish continues to see — from the return of a 102-year-old beloved treat after a long absence, to the expansion

of two Orleans Parish favorites. We’re also excited to have Jerry Bologna — who is celebrating his 10th year as president and CEO of JEDCO — share some of the latest happenings in economic development in the parish.

Continuing the Jefferson theme, in our “In the Lens” section you’ll get a peek into the new, modern and bright Metairie Towers digs of law firm Duplass APLC and learn some fun facts about Thomas Richards, owner of Clearview Shopping Center, which is currently in the midst of a $100 million renovation.

Keep cool out there and thanks for reading,

KIMBERLEY SINGLETARY

Editor

Kimberley@BizNewOrleans.com

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Faith

Last month we celebrated four holy events in our family, and I wish to share this joy with you.

Our grandson, James Todd Schmidt, was baptized at Sacred Heart Church in Coronado, California, in a great celebration with family and friends. All of James’ grandparents — along with great-grandparents, aunts and family friends — made the trip to attend a wonderful mass and sacrament to welcome James into the Catholic church. It was a quick, extended weekend trip, but one we are looking forward to making more and more as he is growing so fast.

Right before we flew to California, Mallary and Ryan celebrated their third anniversary with the beautiful sacrament of marriage at St. Rita Catholic Church in New Orleans. If you are a reader of my publisher’s notes, you may remember that three years ago, during COVID-19, we flew to Austin, Texas, and had a great outdoor destination wedding in Dripping Springs.

Andrea and I started the month off with a pilgrimage. The University of Holy Cross — which was founded in 1916 as Our Lady of Holy Cross College, a Ministry of the Marianites of Holy Cross — hosted a weeklong discovery of the founding of the brothers, priest and sisters of Holy Cross in France. The city of Le Mans is the birthplace of Father Basil Moreau and also where all three orders developed and grew across the globe. Sister Ann Lacour, MSC congregational leader of the Marianites, lead the gathering with Sister Renee Daigle and Father Greg Haake of Notre Dame.

The week was so inspiring and gave us a deep history of Father Moreau, Father Edwin Sorin (founder of Notre Dame) and Leocadie Gascoin, the first woman of leadership for the Marianites with the religious name Mother Mary of Seven Dolors. We cannot thank Sister Ann and the team enough for a life-changing week.

Finally, our fourth event was Andrea and I being reconized and receiving the Order of St. Louis from St. Rita and the Archdiocese of New Orleans. There was a beautiful, full house event for all recipients at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Metairie. We did a family celebratory brunch for the occasion and dinner with St. Rita Pastor Father Patrick Carr. We are so honored to be selected for this prestigious recognition.

During the past few years, there have been many things that can drift you from faith and family. I am humbled by these events in my life, which are treasured as they bring me closer to my faith and family.

I hear the 5 p.m. mass on Sundays at St. Rita’s off Broadway and Lowerline in New Orleans are inspiring. The homilies are direct and to the point. Hope to see you there.

Senior Account Executive (504) 830-7255

JessicaJ@BizNewOrleans.com

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TODD MATHERNE

IN THE BIZ

DINING

A look at the magic of Neal Bodenheimer

16

ENTREPRENUER

This is a missed, but viable, entrepreneurial opportunity

14 SPORTS

As fall sports grow closer, excitement growing on local campuses

AP

POPPY TOOKER has spent her life devoted to the cultural essence that food brings to Louisiana, a topic she explores weekly on her NPR-affiliated radio show, Louisiana Eats! From farmers markets to the homes and restaurants where our culinary traditions are revered and renewed, Poppy lends the voice of an insider to interested readers everywhere.

Tales of the Cure

A look at the magic of Neal Bodenheimer

BY POPPY TOOKER

Within a year, opening bartender Kirk Estopinal became a partner in the business, too.

In a city that never lost its love for Sazeracs and gin fizzes, Bodenheimer set out to educate palates and open minds to what cocktails could really be. Crafting those drinks properly, however, required a serious focus on ingredients and techniques. From ice to glassware, everything at Cure happened by design, and the attention to detail has paid off. In 2019, the bar was recognized by the James Beard Foundation for outstanding bar program in America.

Along the way, Bodenheimer and Estopinal generously shared their knowledge with newcomers to the field, many of whom are business partners today.

“I love to collaborate with talented people who want to grow, who have shared values and enjoy challenges,” said Bodenheimer.

purchased the international cocktail gathering’s trademark, and with Bodenheimer’s combined efforts, established a nonprofit foundation using the platform as a catalyst to educate, advance and support the global spirits industry.

Held annually in July, last year’s Tales is estimated to have contributed over $22 million in economic impact to the city, with 25,000 people in attendance from 47 countries. The conference’s influence has proven to be vast.

“Everything you’ll see happening globally in the cocktail industry begins right here in New Orleans in the heat of the summer,” Bodenheimer stated proudly.

While working as a New York bartender in the late 1990s, Neal Bodenheimer often dreamed of opening his own cocktail bar in New Orleans. These were the nascent days of the craft cocktail culture and Bodenheimer felt “New Orleans deserved a New York-worthy cocktail bar.”

Hurricane Katrina gave him the impetus to pursue that dream.

Urged on by childhood friend and founding partner Matthew Kohnke, Bodenheimer opened Cure on Freret Street in 2009, the first business in what today is one of the hottest parts of the city.

“It was Matt who had the vision for what we could do with a derelict firehouse,” Bodenheimer said. “Freret Street was the perfect neighborhood to plant the seeds of today’s cocktail culture.”

That attitude allowed the original Cure team to expand far beyond Uptown New Orleans. In 2013, the team opened Cane & Table, a tropical bar and restaurant on Decatur Street. When the new Louis Armstrong International Airport opened in 2019, it included an outpost of Cure.

Bodenheimer’s latest venture, Peychaud’s, is situated on Toulouse Street in the French Quarter. The building was originally the home of Antoine Amedee Peychaud, the Creole apothecary whose bitters are an essential ingredient of the Sazerac.

Back Uptown on Freret Street in 2020, Bodenheimer — along with partners Alfredo Nogueira and Turk Dietrich — brought a restaurant called Val’s to life barely a block away from Cure’s flagship location. Featuring the best of Mexico City’s street food, Val’s popularized elote corn while offering some of the best tacos and margaritas in town.

Perhaps Bodenheimer’s greatest achievement, however, is the reinvention of Tales of the Cocktail. In 2018, the Solomon family

Today’s Tales of the Cocktail follows three tracks — business, culture and “Beyond the Bar,” a directive which provides resources and conversations around mental and physical wellness, substance use, sexual harassment, diversity and sustainability in the industry.

“We’re striving to increase professionalism by providing attendees with all the tools they need to succeed,” Bodenheimer reflected.

On this note, his most recent effort is an ultimate manual for any aspiring mixologist. Cure, New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em clearly demystifies every ingredient and technique required for home or professional bartending. The self-described “love letter to New Orleans” also acts as a visitor’s guide, covering over 40 of Bodenheimer’s favorite spots, complete with maps to find them. In a nod to essential cocktail hour nibbles, the book includes recipes from local culinary greats Nina Compton, Frank Brigtsen and Mason Hereford. The 2022 publication was nominated for a James Beard Award in the beverage with recipes category.

Catch Poppy Tooker on her radio show, “Louisiana Eats!” Saturdays at 3 p.m. and Mondays at 8 p.m. on WWNO 89.9 FM.

In all of its incarnations, Cure has elevated New Orleans’ cocktails in an indelibly lasting way. Here’s to Neal Bodenheimer — our drinks are tastier thanks to him! T

Big Meaux

As fall sports grow closer, excitement growing on local campuses

BY CHRIS PRICE

CHRIS PRICE is an award-winning journalist and public relations principal. When he’s not writing, he’s avid about music, the outdoors, and Saints, Ole Miss and Chelsea football.

We’re entering the dog days of summer, and thoughts of fall, cooler weather, and college football are becoming evermore ubiquitous. After surprising seasons in New Orleans and Baton Rouge last year, excitement for the kickoff of the 2023 season is growing by the minute.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly overcame any doubts in his inaugural season, winning 10 games — including Alabama — and claiming

the SEC West title. With the talent the Tigers have on the roster and the addition of highly sought-after new recruits, there is talk that the Bayou Bengals are in line to not only defend their division crown but also contend for a position in the College Football Playoff. ESPN’s first football power index (FPI) college football ranking of the 2023 season had LSU at No. 4 in the country. That’s sure to make any Tiger stand up and roar.

LSU’s offense will again be led by junior quarterback Jayden Daniels, who last year completed 266 of 388 pass attempts (68.6%) for 2,913 yards (7.5 yards per pass), 17 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and a 144.5 quarterback rating. He also had 186 carries for 885 yards (4.8 yards per rush), and 11 TDs. If that wasn’t enough, he caught a 5-yard pass for a touchdown.

Running backs Josh Williams, who missed three games with injuries, and Logan Diggs, who transferred from Notre Dame, will help Daniels in the rushing attack. Williams ran for 532 yards and six TDs last year, while Diggs scrambled for 822 yards and four TDs.

Veteran receivers Malik Nabers (1,017 yards, three TDs) and Brian Thomas Jr. (361 yards, five TDs) and tight end Mason Taylor (414 yards, three TDs in the last five games of last season) are expected to be Daniels’ top targets, along with newcomer Aaron Anderson, a New Orleans native who transferred from Alabama after not seeing action last season.

The skill players should get time and space to shine, as the Tigers return all five of their starting offensive linemen.

On defense, LSU will be led by preseason All-American linebacker Harold Perkins and defensive tackles Maason Smith and Mekhi Wingo. As a freshman, Perkins made LSU football must-see TV. There were times he simply took over games. He finished the season with 72 tackles, including leading the team with 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for a loss. While Smith was lost for the 2022 season in the opener against Florida State, the six-foot, 5-inch, 300-pounder

will be a beast when paired with the 6-foot, 295-pound Mekhi Wingo, who earned a 2022 All-America nod. If there are any question marks on LSU’s squad, it’s in the defensive secondary. The front seven should be able to provide enough pressure to impact opposing offenses, but the back end will have to shore up quickly to make LSU’s championship dreams come true.

Meanwhile, Tulane fans are still reveling in the Green Wave’s 12-win season, American Athletic Conference Championship, and last-minute Cotton Bowl victory over Southern California. Memorable seasons have been few and far between for the Olive & Blue, yet in 2022, everything seemed to come together perfectly.

The question now is how much of the magic does head coach Willie Fritz have left? Early projections look like he has enough to keep the Green Wave atop the ACC. The challenge will be a bit easier with Cincinnati, Central Florida and Houston jumping to the Big 12. The conference is gaining Alabama - Birmingham, Florida Atlantic, North Carolina - Charlotte, North Texas, Rice, and Texas - San Antonio this year.

Quarterback Michael Pratt returns to lead the Green Wave offense. Last season, Pratt completed 215 of his 338 pass attempts (63.6%) for 3,010 yards, 27 TDs, five picks and a 161.8 QB rating. He added 129 carries for 478 yards and 10 TDs. With star running back Tyjae Spears gone to the NFL, Pratt will look to Shaadie Clayton-Johnson and Iverson Celestine to keep Tulane’s ground game moving. The Wave have three of five offensive linemen returning and will have to replace solid receivers.

The defense will be led by its line. There are questions at linebacker and in the secondary, but this team has enough talent and belief to continue its winning ways. A second straight conference title is not out of the question, and a New Year’s Six bowl game might be in reach again, too. T

Adding Value

A missed but viable entrepreneurial opportunity

BY KEITH TWITCHELL

KEITH TWITCHELL spent 16 years running his own business before becoming president of the Committee for a Better New Orleans. He has observed, supported and participated in entrepreneurial ventures at the street, neighborhood, nonprofit, micro- and macro-business levels.

Every day, huge quantities of raw goods and materials come through the Port of New Orleans. Almost without exception, they are simply unloaded from one transit device and loaded onto another. Apart from roasting coffee beans, we do very little to add value to these products while they are here.This is vast, wasted economic and entrepreneurial opportunity.

“We’ve had this issue forever,” sighed Gregory Rusovich, CEO of Trans-Oceanic Development and longtime leader in the maritime industry. “There’s a real lack of capacity here to do valueadded manufacturing.”

Rusovich cited the loss of much of the oil and gas sector in the early 1980s as the final nail in the value-added coffin.

“Losing the big companies led to the loss of the suppliers to those companies, which led to the loss of manufacturing,” he explained.

“It’s a really important and bedeviling question,” concurred Michael Hecht, president and CEO of the regional economic development agency Greater New Orleans Inc. “Historically, New Orleans has gotten its wealth from raw materials, like oil, seafood, cotton, even our culture. We didn’t have to do value-added manufacturing, while other cities had to develop manufacturing processes.”

Other factors compound the loss of industries.

“We don’t have enough population base,” Hecht said of the city and region. “Economically, you want to manufacture your final pieces and parts closer to consumers and other industries.”

Despite these obstacles, New Orleans also has innate advantages that keep the door open for manufacturing entrepreneurs, starting with the many raw goods continuing to flow through the port.

“It makes sense to do manufacturing closer to where the materials come in,” said David Kearney, president of the Kearney Companies, another maritime leader. “We have all the modes of transportation here and low energy costs. These are pretty important factors.”

Among the many items that come through the port, several leap out as particular opportunities, including:

• Rubber, which arrives largely from South America. “Why don’t we have a tire manufacturing facility?” asked Kearney. “That would create a lot of jobs.”

• Plastics and petrochemical products, which are produced just upriver but usually exported in raw form. “We could be manufacturing plastic products instead of just plastic,” Rusovich pointed out. “We can also use byproducts from the petrochemical plants to form resins and pellets for further manufacturing, adding value by creating additional uses.”

• Steel and other metals. “We should be making pipes and parts from all the raw metals that come through Port,” Kearney stated.

• Food processing. “We should be taking our agriculture and aquaculture, some of the finest in the country, and adding value to that,” suggested Hecht.

Many other opportunities exist; Hecht cited two where some initial progress is happening: edible oils, for which there is now a processing plant in Jefferson Parish; and biofuels, starting with a proposed renewable aviation fuel plant. He also encouraged looking to the future of the energy sector.

“We should be going after new industries, like EV battery manufacturing, which uses materials that already come through here. We should be manufacturing windmill blades. We have to get ahead of the curve on these new energy technologies.” Rusovich pointed to a related entrepreneurial opportunity.

“We should be building a white-collar base in the shipping industry, things like freight forwarding, shipping agents and brokers, customs management. They would get to know the local infrastructure, the transportation access, which would lead to more freight shipped through the Port of New Orleans.”

This, of course, would produce even more value-added manufacturing opportunities. And while there are other things that could be done to enhance these prospects, like specific state incentives for value-added manufacturing, the picture is already pretty bright for someone willing to step up. T

PERSPECTIVES

As of this spring, small medical debt will no longer affect your credit.

HEIDI RAINES

CEO

Performance Health Partners

MICHELLE EDELMAN

Owner, CEO and Chief Strategist PETERMAYER

MELISSA HODGSON

Vice President Gambel PR

LCMC and Ochsner are both outstanding networks that will no doubt improve the hospital facilities and services of their acquisition targets. If anti-trust examination assures that competition and costs will be kept reasonable, these two entities can serve as anchors to the care here. As small-box care solutions advance — from digital health products accessible from home to everyday care available at pharmacy and small office locations — the practical needs of the everyday can fill the gaps that the bigger providers can’t afford to service. As consumers, we can adapt to a multiuse medical care environment.

Before Gambel, I led communication strategy for St. Tammany Health System for 17 years...I feel there is value in both consolidation and independence. Large systems have clear advantages in providing subspecialty care, convenient locations, flexible hours and technology that reduces errors, increases compliance and empowers patients to manage their record, appointments and prescriptions. Conversely, independent providers and hospitals may be more nimble without the overarching structure of a large system.

Healthcare consolidation and ultimately loss of physician autonomy was inevitable when the physicians of the 1970s refused to unionize — a regretful decision. The advantage of consolidation is the ubiquity of healthcare services under one roof, making it easier for patient services and decreasing duplicative diagnostic tests. A major setback given our hyper capitalistic society is the ability to create economic incentives that continue to put profits before people – we need healthcare for all NOW.

CHARLIE DAVIS

CEO

Moxey

I hope the consolidation helps. Healthcare is broken everywhere, not just here. Until we empower people to make better decisions by providing transparent pricing before visits or procedures, it won't be possible to have the fundamental reform that we so desperately need.

Consolidation and streamlined efficiencies will be an improvement for both medical workers and patients. Having a local operator with experience running academic medical centers that train future doctors will improve safety and increase medical worker retention. The result will be a high quality of care for everyone.

REBECCA CONWELL

President and CEO

The UNO Research and Technology Foundation and The Beach at UNO

MarkAlain Dery, DO, MPH, FACOI, Infectious Disease Physician at Public Health Leader and Advocate

Do you think the consolidation we're seeing in our healthcare market locally is a good thing or do you have concerns?

I believe New Orleanians will benefit from the recent partnerships in the healthcare market. We can expect increased investment in our region, providing an even stronger healthcare landscape and benefits for patients.

DID YOU KNOW? Formed on December 2, 1970, the EPA has an annual budget of $83.52 billion. Nearly half the budet is allocated to state environmental programs, non-profits and educational institutions.

By Land, Air or Sea

Local professionals share their thoughts on major recent changes in environmental law

BY DREW HAWKINS

have significant consequences for our part of the country,” said Devin A. Lowell, clinical assistant professor of law and supervising attorney at the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic. “Removing areas previously defined as wetlands from federal jurisdiction may accelerate already rapid residential and commercial development in some parts of the state and remove crucial flood storage and ecosystem services.”

Lowell said that while permits for destroying wetlands or discharging into those waters were often granted, the public was also given information about what was going on and what effects it might have.

“When there’s no permit required, we may not have any idea of what’s being done to those ecosystems in terms of backfilling or pollution discharges.”

According to Lowell, industrial developments in South Louisiana, like the petrochemical facilities along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, are often built in areas that may have been wetlands under the previous definition and thus required permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This decision may complicate federal jurisdiction over those projects.

Environmental laws don’t just protect wetlands, either. The EPA added PFAS (perand polyfluoroalkyl substances) as a hazardous and toxic waste and is expected to promulgate a rule for drinking water standards that will require public water suppliers to test drinking water for PFAS contamination and will set minimum contaminant levels for drinking water.

efforts to hold companies accountable for environmental damage. She pointed to the ongoing Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) litigation, which seeks to hold firefighting foam manufacturers and distributors accountable for the costs of cleaning our public drinking water supply and to pay damages to people who developed cancer and other diseases from PFAS exposure.

Other important updates include the Biden Administration and the EPA’s efforts to make several of the regulations of the Clean Air Act more protective of human health. The agency has proposed to lower the annual limit of fine particulate matter that can be ambiently present in the air (what’s called a National Ambient Air Quality Standard, or NAAQS), from the current standard of 12.0 micrograms per cubic meter to 9.0 micrograms per cubic meter.

“Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, is hazardous to human health and can cause serious respiratory and cardiac issues,” said Lowell. “A lower annual limit means less PM2.5 can be in the air at any given time and would lessen those harmful impacts.”

This past May, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Sackett v. EPA with a decision described as “earth-shattering” by some environmental lawyers. The ruling narrowed the jurisdiction of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) such that potentially hundreds of thousands of acres of streams and wetlands across the country are no longer protected.

“Obviously, the prevalence of wetland ecosystems in South Louisiana means this decision will

Ashley M. Liuzza, partner and chief operating officer at Stag Liuzza, said PFAS chemical contamination in our surface and groundwater presents a threat to public health and safety — and the problem is widespread.

“These ‘forever chemicals’ will persist in drinking water because they resist breakdown in the natural environment,” Liuzza said. “This is one of the greatest threats ever posed to public health due to a chemical product because nearly every person in the United States has been impacted.”

Liuzza also said there has been headway in

Lowell said another important proposed regulation is the revising of the air emissions standards that apply to certain chemical manufacturing facilities across the country, approximately 50 of which are located in Louisiana. The new proposed regulations would, among other things, require fenceline monitoring for a group of six hazardous air pollutants — including ethylene oxide, chloroprene and vinyl chloride — and impose new rules regarding processes and maintenance that will reduce the emissions of hazardous air pollutants from the facilities the regulation applies to.

“I know it can be easy to be cynical about the federal government’s role in protecting human health and the environment, but the Clean Air Act and the NAAQS are examples of laws that really have made a huge difference in the quality of our air across the country,” Lowell said. “That being said, we still have a long way to go, particularly in protecting vulnerable communities, and I think strengthening these regulations is a way to further that.” T

PERSPECTIVES

BANKING

A PENNY SAVED

BY DREW HAWKINS

The great statesman, inventor and philosopher Benjamin Franklin once wrote that in this world, “nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Were he alive today, Franklin might look at the country he helped found and add medical debt to his list of certainties.

Life is unpredictable. Accidents happen and people get sick or hurt. The French might say “c’est la vie,” and Forrest Gump might pardon his French and say “s*** happens.” But when you get sick or injured, you need medical treatment. And in this country where health care is extremely expensive, unpredictable and often based on factors out of people’s control, if you can’t pay for it, you can quickly start racking up medical debt.

DID YOU KNOW? In 2019, Americans owed at least $195 billion in medical debt, impacting approximately 41% of adults.

Being charged for medical treatment is different than taking out a loan. You often don’t choose to take on the debt obligation—you don’t tell an emergency doctor to give you some time to think over the terms and conditions and shop around for other options before they set your broken arm. The question is: Should your credit score suffer, and thereby make it more difficult for you to access mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, and, ironically, insurance, because of medical debt?

Medical billing can put people in a vicious cycle that can be difficult to escape from, sometimes propelling them toward bankruptcy. In a survey conducted by the American Journal of Public Health, a majority of people filing for bankruptcy cited medical expenses as contributing to their seeking relief.

As of this spring, small medical debt will no longer affect your credit.

But some help does appear to be on the way. This spring, the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — announced that medical collections with balances of $500 or less would no longer appear on consumer credit reports. So if you’ve paid your medical bill in full and the debt is still sitting on your credit report as a negative mark, that mark will now be removed.

“We understand that medical debt is generally not taken on voluntarily, and we are committed to continuously evolving credit reporting to support greater and responsible access to credit and mainstream financial services,” the chief executives of the credit bureaus said in a joint statement.

Traditionally, paid medical debt would remain on an individual’s credit report even after the debt had been satisfied, continuing to negatively impact their credit score. However, this new change will ensure that paid medical debt no longer appears on credit reports, resulting in a more accurate reflection of an individual’s credit payment history.

Ralph Leopold, financial advisor and managing director of Ralph Leopold & Associates, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, said the decision can help many access better lending rates.

“The benefits of lower costs are clear in their contribution to your future, but the negative effects of higher rates can have a snowball effect on your life,” Leopold said. “Good credit is a key component to an efficient and effective financial life.”

While $500 might seem low, for the millions of Americans that are battling an estimated $88 billion in medical debt, according to a report published by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau last month, it’s a big relief.

“I think this gives potential borrowers a reprieve to know that their credit scores can start reflecting a more accurate credit payment history,” said Danielle Smith, mortgage operations director at Nola Lending Group. “This also allows for lenders to extend their reach to serve more customers and communities that were once adversely affected by reported medical debt.”

The alteration holds substantial benefits for low to moderate-income individuals, who may lack health insurance or the resources to address erroneous medical debt collection items. For these individuals, the removal of such items from their credit reports can have a transformative effect, enabling them to access better financial opportunities. Smith said these changes have the potential to affect a borrow-

er’s ability to afford that home or car that was out of reach for them because their credit scores included those medical collections.

Some credit professionals have been “discounting” medical debt in making loan decisions, but the formal decision makes the policy universal. And credit scores aren’t the only factor that goes into lending decision making.

“While we do rely on credit scores to assist in decision making, we also judgmentally consider factors that disproportionately impact the score, including medical collections,” said Darren Hill, senior vice president and director of credit at Home Bank. Hill said he’s been “discounting” medical debt for “several years,” but he believes the most significant impact of the recent decision will be felt in lines of business where the raw credit score plays a much larger factor in

approval, and in pricing decisions such as mortgage and auto financing.

For many, medical bills can start to pile up because they’re unable to afford the payments, but Hill said others may simply “overlook” them because they assume it’s being paid by a third party.

“Medical billing can be tricky, especially when an insurer or Medicare/Medicaid is involved,” Hill said. “The resulting collection item can significantly reduce the individual’s credit score, which can cause them to be declined for credit or pay a higher interest rate than they otherwise would have.”

Additionally, Hill believes that extending the “grace-period” for these items to appear on the credit report should allow sufficient time, in most instances, to resolve these issues before they are impactful to the individual’s credit score.

Hill said that while no one knows the “secret sauce” relating to how credit scores are calculated, people who have been in the industry for many years can make educated assumptions as to those factors which most affect the score. Removing paid medical debt from credit reports is helpful, but people still need to stay on top of their payments.

“Overuse of revolving debt is probably the second-largest factor impacting an individual’s credit score,” Hill said. “While we are constantly bombarded through television and social media ads with credit monitoring and credit repair type services, people should understand that timely payment of debt is paramount and has the most impact on their credit score.”

It’s also important to understand the gravity of “small-dollar debts” to fully appreciate the significance of the decision to remove them from reports. It’s often not just a single $500 medical bill. People usually receive multiple bills from several different providers, making the process difficult and confusing.

The potential impact is huge, too. The same CFPB report that found that more than $88 billion of outstanding medical bills are in collections found that medical debts constituted 68.9% of accounts reported by debt collection companies that base their fee on how much they collect.

People with low incomes, veterans and older adults are significantly impacted by medical debt. Black and Hispanic consumers are disproportionately more likely to have medical debt. And credit scores are lower in the South largely because of medical debt. The statistics show that 1 in 5 Americans is impacted by medical debt. T

“

” I think this gives potential borrowers a reprieve to know that their credit scores can start reflecting a more accurate credit payment history.

Danielle Smith, mortgage operations director at Nola Lending Group

PERSPECTIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

If You Give a Fisherman a Loan..

JEDCO is driving growth in Jefferson Parish, including with a first-of-its-kind loan program for commercial fishermen.

BY JERRY BOLOGNA

Over the last 36 years, JEDCO has proudly served the Jefferson Parish business community by building a resilient, equitable, diverse and competitive economy. JEDCO has pulled billions of dollars in investment

JERRY BOLOGNA has served as president and CEO of JEDCO since 2013. Learn more about JEDCO at JEDCO.org.

into Jefferson while creating valuable partnerships that deliver game-changing initiatives for the entire region. It is JEDCO’s innovative approach to economic development that has helped Jefferson Parish become a hub for innovation and a destination for national and international business.

JEDCO takes a holistic approach to driving economic growth in the area. Our team takes a global look while also advancing acute initiatives that support quality of life, workforce development and growth in targeted industry clusters. For JEDCO, progress looks like creating jobs, investment and opportunities at every level, from attracting sustainable businesses focused on the future to dedicating resources toward some of the region’s most iconic industries.

FOCUS ON THE FISHERMEN

In Jefferson Parish, commercial fishermen and businesses in the seafood industry are key players in the regional and statewide economy. Despite the economic and cultural significance of the local seafood industry, it remains underserved. A pandemic, hurricanes and the increase in access to imported seafood have all served to adversely impact the local fishing communities, creating significant barriers for businesses that were already experiencing disadvantages in profitability.

In response to these severe challenges and as part of a long-term strategy to preserve the commercial fishing industry in Jefferson Parish, JEDCO launched the Seafood Enterprise Assistance (SEA) Fund. Tailored to meet the specific needs of commercial fishermen and fisheries-related industries, the SEA Fund is one of the only loan programs in existence providing commercial fishermen with access to capital and loan repayment terms that align with their unique seasonality. Since its launch in 2022, JEDCO has financed nine SEA Fund projects for nearly $700,000.

Last year, we secured a $115,000 Technical Assistance Grant from Louisiana Economic Development to further assist seafood businesses through business retention meetings, industry partnerships, business attraction, supply chain development, marketing and events. Since obtaining this infusion of capital, JEDCO has entered into agreements with several consulting groups to connect with local fishermen and explore economic development projects that might create jobs for and add value to the seafood industry. The team has met with dozens of business owners in local fishing communities to assess needs and provide support.

CHURCHILL PARK

Progress continues to be made in Churchill Park, a 480-acre project based on the West Bank. Born out of the first iteration of the Jefferson EDGE, Jefferson Parish’s long-term economic development strategic plan, the park is envisioned to become a vibrant, mixed-use destination that embraces resilient and sustainable design, and will serve as the heart of the surrounding area.

Recently, the JEDCO board approved the Churchill Park Strategic Business Plan, which calls for the construction of a multi-tenant office building, the first of its kind in the area. Companies driving innovation in EV battery technology, culinary products, and R&D have shown extreme interest in the site. That, coupled with expanded educational and workforce development offerings from anchor tenants Delgado River City and Louisiana’s No. 1 ranked public school, Patrick F. Taylor Academy, show that Churchill is primed to become a hub for industry, economic growth and high-paying jobs.

These projects are just a small sampling of the work being done by JEDCO and key community leaders to advance development and success in Jefferson Parish. As the economic engine of the region, Jefferson Parish is poised for long-term progress and prosperity. T

We Can Increase Production While Lowering Emissions

production. But first, we must work together to ensure our elected leaders oppose efforts to prematurely hamper opportunities in our state and in our communities.

Carbon capture and storage

is critical for achieving energy independence.

BY TOMMY FAUCHEUX

Science must guide our future – not politics. The evidence is clear — CCS is the safest, most reliable way to increase energy production and petrochemical manufacturing in Louisiana while lowering emissions. The United States has safely captured and stored CO2 for half a century, and we have utilized pipelines to transport chemicals and fuels for even longer. There are currently over 5,000 miles of pipelines safely distributing CO2 across the country. Pipelines are a proven mode of transportation.

More than 105,000 Louisianians are directly employed by the oil and natural gas industry in Louisiana. The deployment of CCS technology and infrastructure could create even more energy jobs. When we grow the oil and natural gas industry, we support the growth of other small businesses in our communities. In fact, for every job created in the industry, 1.4 more jobs are created elsewhere in the state.

AAs president of Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA), I have been encouraged by the incredible support across Louisiana for our energy industry. Despite facing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Louisiana’s energy industry is coming back stronger than ever and is looking for ways to increase energy production in our state.

The war in Ukraine and global turmoil have shown the U.S. cannot and should not rely on other countries for energy. That’s why we must prioritize producing more energy here at home – starting in Louisiana.

Simultaneously, companies from Apple to Coca-Cola to Sasol and major utilities like Entergy have all made pledges to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. To do this, they are seeking to buy energy with zero carbon emis -

sions to fuel their operations. With nearly 60% of the Fortune 500 making net-zero commitments, the need for zero- and low-carbon fuels is rising quickly.

Demand is skyrocketing for American-made energy and fuels with lower emissions. By utilizing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, Louisiana can deliver.

We can seize this moment and become the nation’s, and the world’s, top supplier of low-carbon energy. We must continue producing natural gas and oil and even increase our production but also capitalize on CCS technology to create carbon-free fuels like hydrogen.

While elected officials are considering measures that would impact CCS, we all must consider how our state can benefit from this process and changing market demands. By implementing CCS technology in South Louisiana before most other states, we can lead the next wave of industrial innovation and energy

The buildout of a CCS network across the Bayou State could generate nearly $14 billion in private investment across many communities as facilities are retrofitted with new equipment and CO2 pipelines are built.

The energy industry is booming. We all feel it and see it across Louisiana. We are once again in a golden age of energy production in America. Louisiana is poised to benefit from this production boom if we adapt to changing energy markets.

As our partners at the local and state level consider the future of our industry and our economy, they should keep in mind that carbon capture is one of the safest, most efficient ways for our industry and the hundreds of thousands of families who rely on it to be formidable for decades to come. To be energy independent and grow the Louisiana economy, we need our elected leaders to support policies this legislative session that best benefit the state, their constituents and the energy industry. T

TOMMY FAUCHEUX is president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association. He may be reached via email at president@lmoga.com.

NEW AND NOTABLES

PORTRAITS BY PROFILES BY

GREG MILES

NOTABLES

CARRIE CROCKETT REBECCA FRIEDMAN KELLY MASSICOT KIM SINGLETARY

RANDY BAKER

Even though he grew up in a family of doctors, Randy Baker has spent the last 30+ years working in the finance industry. After spending seven years in Kansas City and almost taking a job in San Francisco, a chance meeting brought Baker to New Orleans and the city’s mysterious spirit sealed the deal with Fidelity Bank.

“When I was leaving downtown Fidelity after our meeting, there was a lady I’ve never seen before standing in the corner of our main branch,” said Baker. She came up to me and said, ‘Welcome to New Orleans.’ I asked how she knew I wasn’t from here. ‘Just know.’”

When Baker said he was considering a move to New Orleans, the stranger said, “You will love New Orleans. And I think you’d be a great

fit for Fidelity. And you should take this job.”

“I’ve never seen this individual again,” said Baker, who took the woman’s advice as a sign.

For the last year, Baker has made getting to know the community and culture one of his main goals. On the job, his focus lies on workflow analysis efficiencies, increasing technology, coaching and mentoring staff and developing the company’s workforce.

“I can honestly say it is a blast to come to work every day and get to work with such great staff,” he said.

“I have been doing this for almost 35 years and I’ve never had the kind of staff that we have here — the support, so open to change, and the ideology of everything we do and the forward thinking.” By

Kelly Massicot

Christine Cerniglia

If a stunning office space in One Canal Place isn’t enough to tempt people out of their work-from-home existence, what would be?

That’s the question for Christine Cerniglia, who in April became the general manager of the iconic 32-story office tower at One Canal Place, managed by commercial real estate company Corporate Realty. Cerniglia began her real estate-focused journey at Corporate Realty in 2011 as a property accountant. She went on to build a career that has included management responsibilities at office, retail and medical properties across the region, including local institution One Shell Square, and a round-trip move to Houston.

Cerniglia is excited to be back in Downtown New Orleans, particularly at One Canal Place.

“I knew if I was going to go back downtown, it had to be for something that was iconic,” she said. The 630,000-square-foot property is home to a mix of tenants that includes government agencies (like the New Orleans Passport Center), large law firms, small accounting firms and other businesses that represent touchstones of the local economy. For Cerniglia, the meticulously maintained building with its riverfront views, proximity to the Shops at Canal Place and the Westin New Orleans, attached parking, and central location are strong selling points for tenants.

Cerniglia hopes One Canal Place will lead the way in bringing people back to work downtown: “We are rethinking how office space looks and how we can adapt to offer tenants what they want.” By Rebecca

Friedman

GENERAL MANAGER ONE CANAL PLACE

XAVIER COLE

ON JUNE 1, Xavier Cole officially stepped into the role of the second layperson and first person of color to ever be named president in the 111-year history of Loyola University New Orleans.

A Mississippi native who was raised in Biloxi, Cole has dedicated his career to Jesuit education, which, he said, “fits my values and how I interact and want to interact with people — caring for the person first.” His background includes working for over 25 years in the divisions of student affairs and student development at Loyola University Maryland and Marquette University in Michigan.

Being named president of Loyola, Cole said, is both a joyful homecoming for the southern native and the proudest moment of his career.

“It’s meant more to me than I would have expected,” he said. “The language, folkways, attitude, food, music — everything reminds me of my childhood.”

A people person, Cole is passionate about the value of recognition and building relationships.

“My first priority is to get to know this community, its people, its strengths, its ideas,” he said. “I believe we’re an anchor in this community, and I want to really lean in to building that relationship with our city. How do we make it better? How do we as a Catholic, Jesuit institution be part of the solution?

An accomplished trombone and euphonium player, he also plans on auditioning for Loyola’s music program.

“Everywhere I’ve worked I’ve always auditioned for the music program,” he said. “I think it’s important for students to see me as a human being with other interests, to engage with them authentically, so I will go out and try to earn my spot.” BY

KIM SINGLETARY

PRESIDENT LOYOLA UNIVERSITY NEW ORLEANS

DIRECTOR

WORLD TRADE CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS

IN 2022, GNO Inc. formed an operational partnership with the World Trade Center of New Orleans (WTCNO), an organization whose roots go back 80 years to the International House and International Trade Mart. The union’s goal is maximizing resources from each organization to promote international trade and development more effectively for the region. Harrison Crabtree, named director of the WTCNO in January, is leading the charge.

Crabtree’s passion for international business bloomed while studying abroad as an undergraduate, followed by graduate school in Brussels. The New Orleans native returned home to pursue a career fostering trade-focused economic growth and development, spending over six years at GNO Inc., where he tackled policy, marketing, business development and research.

Crabtree’s priorities include strengthening the GNO Inc. partnership and broadening the organization’s focus from primarily promoting exports from Louisiana to also attracting foreign direct investment. Strategies involve hosting delegations from other countries, like French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit, along with trade missions, including last year’s to Israel that created the “Innovation Embassy,” an incubator for startup technologies related to trade and logistics.

According to Crabtree, trade supports over half a million jobs in Louisiana – jobs paying an average of 16% more than those in non-trade dependent industries. He sees opportunities in “nearshoring” as companies move manufacturing facilities closer to the U.S. (and potentially supply chain lines through New Orleans) and foreign companies interested in Louisiana’s expanding offshore wind and hydrogen sectors.

“Building an economy that has strong growth and strong wage jobs…” said Crabtree, “to have that impact at ground level is really something that motivates me.”

BY REBECCA FRIEDMAN

HARRISON CRABTREE

Dr. Emily Sedgwick

To Emily Sedgwick, every patient is equally deserving of high-quality care.

A breast imaging radiologist by training, Sedgwick observed early in her career that physicians and their wives often received expedited treatment, while others waited weeks for follow-up on an abnormal mammogram. “I said, ‘How come we’re not treating everyone like a VIP?’” recalled Sedgwick. That question fueled her journey into quality and operations improvements for greater accessibility and responsiveness, like same-day breast biopsies, that could mean life or death for patients.

Sedgwick worked across several health systems in Houston, treating diverse populations and optimizing systems for patient care while focusing on structure, processes, data and accountability. Sedgwick also realized that while she enjoyed caring for individuals, there was power in caring for populations of patients. She began working toward an MBA and was recruited as chief medical officer over four University of Kentucky hospitals before joining UMCNO in August 2022 as president and CEO.

Today, she is committed to helping make UMCNO the No. 1 academic medical center in Louisiana.

“People here are all for it,” said Sedgwick. “They are so eager to realize this vision.”

By Rebecca Friedman

KHERI BILLY

As a former student of New Orleans’ public schools and universities, Kheri Billy knows the difficulty many young people face when making the transition to adulthood and the workforce. This will serve the lifelong New Orleans native well in her new position as CEO of Reconcile New Orleans.

“Some people aren’t ready to go immediately into college,” Billy said. “I took a gap year because leaving New Orleans public high school wasn’t always easy back then. I worked and had a crazy life at the age the young people we serve are. I think it’s so important to have a place like Reconcile to support and provide guidance.”

Reconcile provides life-skill classes and a paid workforce training program in hospitality to 16-to-24-year-olds impacted by the criminal legal system.

Billy worked as CFO of Reconcile for five years prior to being made CEO in April. She plans to continue the work she began to change the belief system around the organization.

“When I came on board, there was this belief system that we were a restaurant that trained young people. We had to flip that and say, no, we’re a nonprofit that serves young people by training them in that restaurant.”

As CEO, Billy also plans to continue the equity-aligned salary restructuring and retirement program with matching benefits for all employees she introduced as CFO.

“When I joined, 50% of our employees were from hospitality backgrounds with no access to retirement,” Billy said, “and there were still tips in our cafe. We needed everybody to understand that a nonprofit doesn’t have a salary structure that involves tips, and we had to encourage people to invest in their retirement.”

She encourages the community to see the program in action by dining at Cafe Reconcile or by donating to the program.

By Carrie Crockett

PRESIDENT AND CEO UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER NEW ORLEANS

CEO

CAFE RECONCILE NEW ORLEANS

Walter Leger III

Though Walter Leger III became CEO and President of New Orleans & Company in January 2023, he has spent time working with businesses and city leaders for decades as an assistant district attorney and then for 12 years as a state legislator. Leger came to New Orleans & Company at the suggestion of the company’s former CEO Stephen Perry, who, when Leger was term-limited from the Legislature, encouraged him to continue his work advocating for the city and working to promote the businesses and culture to the world.

“When we compete and win for the people of the city and for our members, that brings an amazing sense of satisfaction and community pride,” Leger said. “Our dedicated team feels strongly that being able to represent our city is a tremendous opportunity and a powerful way to support our neighbors, friends and colleagues.”

In addition to advocating for the city locally, Leger sits on the executive committee of the U.S. Travel Association board of directors and is an integral part of national conversations about restoring visitation to the United States.

“Establishing and maintaining New Orleans as the most remarkable, unique and welcoming city in the world is critical to the mission of having a thriving city, a diversified economy and a healthier community for all of our residents,” said Leger. “Being given the opportunity to be a champion for New Orleans every day, to work to bring visitors to our community for the economic, social and community benefit of the city and its people, is an incredible honor and responsibility.”

By Kelly Massicot

LOU ANNE WHITE

Lou Anne White has built a career of service: to families affected by domestic violence, youth in foster care, and people experiencing homelessness. As executive director of Louvis Services, White applies that experience to growing an innovative housing model for homeless people in New Orleans.

White formerly served the homeless in Los Angeles, a population she estimated at around 90,000 during her tenure. By comparison, New Orleans’ homeless number an estimated 1,300. “We should be able to figure out a way to get 1,300 people off the street,” she said.

Her answer? More housing.

“It’s scary to me when I hear people say [about homeless people], ‘They want to be homeless,’ or ‘[they] shouldn’t be under the highway.’ … Where are people supposed to go if we’re not creating housing opportunities?”

Louvis Services is working to build tiny homes for the homeless.

The first home, in the Lower Ninth Ward, was recently completed and stands ready for tenants. White credits organizations like NANO, which provided design and construction-related services, Colmex, Engineers Without Borders, BCBS Louisiana Foundation, and others that helped with design, funding and financing.

Plans are underway to secure lots for four more homes, as White and her all-volunteer team work to establish tenant services like behavioral health, onsite gardening and community involvement to help forge connections with neighbors. Tenants will eventually pay a third of their income toward rent, with the remainder covered by the Louisiana Housing Corporation.

“This is a community where people care,” said White. “If we can get more community involved like we have working with us, this is something that can be solved.”

By Rebecca Friedman

“I have spent my entire career working on behalf of the city of New Orleans.”

CEO AND PRESIDEN T NEW ORLEANS & COMPANY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LOUISIANA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

TIFFERNEY WHITE

Tifferney White has made it her mission to ensure that kids of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to grow, learn and play; and she is bringing that passion to the Louisiana Children’s Museum.

Signing on as CEO in March 2023, after a decade in Las Vegas and time in North Carolina, White has hit the ground running, learning all she can about her new city and the museum that’s been a part of the community for decades.

Focusing on what makes New Orleans such a special place has been one of White’s main goals, during her “listening tour,” as she calls it.

“I know children’s museums, I know science museums,” said White. “But what I don’t know is New Orleans and what the needs of the community are and what we need to prioritize moving forward.”

White noted that the absence of a dedicated science center opens an opportunity of growth for the museum that includes a broader age range.

“One of the things I’ll be working on, as we move forward, is really understanding, is there an opportunity there for us? Should the age range be wider?” said White. “If that’s the case, how do we do that in a way that’s authentic to who we are as a museum and allows the community to take advantage of that.”

One thing White has understood in her short time in the city is how important the culture is to the people and the museum.

“You can’t take these exhibitions out of New Orleans and put them in any other city because they are about the heritage and the culture of the city,” said White. “The families and the children that come here, they’re learning about and exploring our city, and what’s important to us here in Southeast Louisiana.”

BY KELLY MASSICOT

A FEAST OF OPPORTUN

Jefferson Parish is celebrating a recent surge in food and beverage purveyors, distributors and manufacturers opening in the parish or expanding their parish facilities. The result has meant more jobs and revenue, plus more varied dining and drinking choices for residents and visitors.

The Jefferson Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) reports that culinary projects it worked on in recent years have brought nearly $200 million in investments to Jefferson Parish. Among them was US Foods’ major expansion of its Marrero distribution facility, which began in 2019 and was completed in September 2022. Along with nearly tripling the company’s distribution center, the expansion meant not only the retention of 140 jobs but also

was Silver LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. As well, Fuji Vegetable Oil, Inc.’s completion of a $70 million new processing facility in Avondale added 75 new jobs in August 2021.

This past April, Atlanta-based Inland Seafood celebrated the opening of its renovated 14,000-square-foot distribution facility in Elmwood which was completed with the help of a JEDCO tax incentive and financing guidance. The project meant another 50 new jobs for the 100% employee-owned company, as well as the creation of hundreds of other jobs in the commercial fishing industry, ranging from restaurants and grocery stores to manufacturers and businesses

Established and new culinary enterprises that once only considered New

Orleans proper as the ideal location in the region have found that Jefferson Parish’s benefits — including incentives and financing from JEDCO and the state of Louisiana — are good for business.

Culinary products are one of the components of Jefferson EDGE 2025, a program that provides guidelines for promoting sustainability, job growth and investment in Jefferson Parish with the core principles of resiliency, social equity and competitiveness.

Jefferson Edge 2025 takes a holistic approach toward developing the parish’s target industries with talent, workforce and real estate strategies that recognize today’s successful companies need creative people and quality places.

From the return of a pastry powerhouse to the launch of its first taproom, Jefferson Parish is rapidly emerging as a culinary powerhouse.

by JOYCE THORNE photos by CHERYL GERBER

OPPORTUNiTY

HUBIG’S PIES

Like a phoenix literally rising from the ashes, the iconic Hubig’s Pies began a comeback in November of last year, 10 years after a five-alarm fire destroyed its New Orleans factory. Hubig’s owners, the third generation of the Ramsey family, decided to build their new factory in Elmwood at 4925 Jefferson Highway. Eager fans snapped up the long-awaited pies — which have been a local favorite since the company's opening in 1921 — causing some shortages.

Hubig’s was in the national spotlight this past May, when Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager from NBC’s Today Show visited New Orleans and sampled the pies on air, passing some out to a frenzied crowd in Jackson Square. Owner Drew Ramsey said the samples included the company’s first chocolate pies since the fire. “We are back!” he proclaimed.

McCORD BUTCHERY

Sam and Jackie McCord thought Jefferson Parish was a great place to introduce their Metairie European-style butcher shop, McCord Butchery, which opened in March at 210 Veterans Boulevard. The project was largely financed by a Jefferson Growth Fund (JEDgrow) loan, which usually funds small businesses and startups.

“They [JEDCO] make it easy, with open arms; they return calls, emails, give you a road map on how to open a successful business,” said Sam McCord. “They held our hand the whole way.”

The McCords’ experience in food and hospitality allows them to offer quality proteins, many sourced in the area, along with sage advice on the best wine and other accompaniments to enhance dining at home. The butchery serves as one-stop shopping for customers, since the wine, side dishes, fresh local vegetables, seasonings, sauces and even quality charcoal are all available in the store.

“It’s restaurant-style, quality food that you can cook at home,” said Sam McCord, who has worked as a chef at some of the world’s top restaurants, along with local favorites the Royal Sonesta Hotel and House of Blues. Most of the company’s meat is aged on the premises. The butchery also has vegan selections, and wine tastings are featured once a month, with wine discounts available during the tastings.

KINGFISH CIDER

Another beneficiary of a JEDCO loan is Colleen Keogh’s Kingfish Cider

taproom, which opened at 355 Iris Avenue in Jefferson, in May of 2021. Keogh serves up cider, perry (pear cider), cider cocktails, and Louisiana craft beers and spirits. The décor and drink names are an homage to the late Gov. Huey “Kingfish” Long and his circle. Creativity abounds in this industrial-style space that opened its doors two years ago.

“Not only do I have the first and currently only taproom in JP, but it is truly unique from any others you’ll find,” said Keogh. “It is filled with Louisiana historical items and repurposed items from closed local businesses. My tables are made from old bowling lane floors from a bowling alley on the West Bank. The lights hanging over the bar are from a theater.”

Keogh, a longtime resident of the area, said she’s right where she wants to be.

“We are within 15 minutes of the French Quarter. It’s convenient, safe and overall things just run smoother in JP. I’m glad that things are taking off in this area and getting a facelift.”

She said JEDCO was very instrumental to her opening.

“They provide financing, promotion and help all steps of the way. There are some amazing folks that work there and do an incredible job.”

YAKUZA HOUSE

In October 2022, Huy Pham expanded his popular six-seat Japanese restaurant in Metairie from a tiny sushi bar specializing in hand rolls (seaweed wrapped around rice, seafood and

other fillings) to a contemporary restaurant called Yakuza House (2740 Severn Avenue0 with three different areas: dining room, bar/lounge and private event room. He has remained true to his style and principles: only the best quality ingredients done with a lot of artistry.

Pham has seasonal offerings depending on what’s available from his Japanese suppliers. The bar offers favorite drinks including the Japanese Old Fashioned, a wide variety of sakes and Japanese whiskey.

The restaurateur was able to open his first location with the help of a JEDCO loan and, after his success, when he could locate anywhere in the region, has chosen to grow in Jefferson Parish. Although 85% of his customers live

COMiNG SOON

A New Jefferson Parish Food and Beverage Incubator is in the Planning Stages

Uptown or other parts of the city of New Orleans, Pham is loyal to Jefferson.

“JEDCO was the only one who gave me a call, the only one who gave me a chance,” said Pham, explaining that every other bank turned him down. “I really believe in this concept.”

TOAST

After opening two TOAST locations in New Orleans — the first in 2014 — Cara and Evan Benson opted to open the third location of this breakfast staple this past May at 1711 Hancock Street in Gretna using the RTA tax incentive. The incentive provides an up to 10-year abatement of property taxes on renovations and improvements of existing commercial structures located within economic

EDIBLE ENTERPRISES, the only food and beverage incubator in the Greater New Orleans area, sustained significant damage in 2021 during Hurricane Ida and was forced to shut down permanently, leaving dozens of small businesses scrambling to find production space. JEDCO worked closely with the affected companies to find alternative space, creative solutions and partnerships.

Now nearly two years later, JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna emphasizes the importance of opening another incubator in the parish:

development districts, downtown development districts, historic districts and opportunity zones.

“We were looking for an affordable space large enough to have a playground in the back and to be able to bake for all of the Toasts,” said Cara Benson. “The building was a bar with a two-bedroom apartment. We converted the apartment into a kitchen—half is for prep and the other half serves as the bakery.”

Benson cited more advantages: “Gretna is near our home in Algiers Point, so that also made it appealing. The city has been wonderful to work with as well. Gretna is a lovely city with a tight-knit neighborhood, which, fortunately has filled the restaurant with the sense of community we were hoping for. Lots of people know

each other, stop to chat at tables, and kids are so happy when they see their friends on the playground.”

CRAWLINS SEAFOOD

Jimmy Nguyen used JEDCO’s loan program to open his Viet-Cajun restaurant Crawlins Seafood in Terrytown in April 2022. The hairstylist-turned restaurateur dreamed of opening a restaurant and made the bold transition to serve his generous portions of boiled seafood, gumbo, etouffee and po-boys to hungry customers. His eatery brought 15 new jobs to the Jefferson Parish community.

DEBBIE ON THE LEVEE

Since Charlotte McGehee and Charles Mary IV opened Bakery Bar in New Orleans’s Lower Garden District as

the home of Debbie Does Doberge — a purveyor of traditional Doberge cakes — paired with some creative cocktails, the concept has grown to become a full restaurant. Building on the company’s success, the two opened Debbie on the Levee in 2020 in Rivertown, Kenner, using a JEDCO loan: “A spot for sweets, snacks and sips.” They feature cocktails, frozen daiquiris, pastries, breakfasts, sandwiches and their famous Doberge cakes under the “Debbie Does Doberge” banner.

Other well-known and growing brands headquartered in Jefferson Parish include Camellia Brand beans; Big Easy Blends (frozen drinks in pouches sold nationwide); Boscoli Foods Inc. (Italian olive salad and other products); Orleans Coffee (espresso bar and wholesaler); Perrone & Sons

LEFT TO RIGHT Kingfish Cider McCord

(food service distributors, custom spice blends, prepared muffulettas and other sandwiches); Zatarain’s; and Laitram (a global manufacturer of machinery used in culinary products including shrimp peelers and roasters, with 1,300 patented innovations to date).

JEDCO promotes itself as a “Hub for Expansion, Attraction, Retention and Talent” (HEART). Its employees are determined to bring more opportunities to the area, which includes ongoing initiatives designed to support the culinary products ecosystem including cold storage, packing and co-packing facilities along with other necessities.

“Jefferson Parish is a hub for food and beverage businesses, ranging from major manufacturers to successful startup companies,” said JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna. “The community is well-positioned to support the growth of the culinary products food cluster thanks to our ease of accessibility, skilled workforce, strong economic climate and support from elected leaders. As more high-profile businesses in the culinary products industry choose to locate in Jefferson Parish, they better position our community as a global leader for food and beverage companies.

“We continue to invest in this industry cluster to ensure that we’re providing the best opportunity to capture new prospective businesses,” Bologna said, “while aiming to better serve the iconic businesses that are already located here.” T

“We are so often approached by innovative entrepreneurs seeking access to commercial kitchen space,” he said. “A food and beverage incubator that could serve the entire region will solidify Jefferson Parish as a destination for culinary manufacturing, and more importantly, will keep our best and brightest entrepreneurs operating in our community, creating southern Louisiana food and beverage startup success stories that can elevate our brand on a global scale.”

JEDCO has contracted with the Louisiana Small Business Development Center

(LSBDC) and has engaged with other partners to conduct planning and research toward the possible development of the incubator.

A survey was created in coordination with Greater New Orleans Inc., (GNO) to ask companies about their space needs and other supply chain and area needs. JEDCO is currently working with GNO Inc., LSBDC, Xavier University and others about the development and management of the incubator. A $25,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture planning subgrant was obtained via the GNO Development Foundation

to work on a needs assessment for an incubator.

Based on available funding, JEDCO would build an incubator that could provide shared commercial kitchen space to small food and beverage companies and entrepreneurs, as well as technical assistance for successful operation of a company including licensing, equipment training, business plan development, marketing assistance, labeling and packaging, food safety, distribution to retailers, e-commerce, financing and other assistance.

Bakery Yakuza House

FROM THE LENS

58

WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?

After less than a year in business, this local plant-based, protein rich granola company has grabbed over $100,000 in prize money and the attention of Amazon.

62

NEIGHBORHOOD GEM

An Algiers favorite, Chubbie’s Chicken is under new ownership, but the restaurant’s fourdecades-long solid reputation isn’t going anywhere.

64

NEW ORLEANS 500

Thomas E. Richards, Managing Member of Richards Clearview

54 GREAT WORKSPACES

The newly rebranded law firm Duplass APLC makes moves in Jefferson Parish

FAVORABLE RESULTS

BY MELANIE WARNER SPENCER PHOTOS BY SARA ESSEX BRADLEY

FROM THE LENS GREAT WORKSPACES

DUPLASS APLC 433 Metairie Road, Suite 600 // Metairie duplass.com // linkedin.com/company/duplass

In January 2023, law firm Duplass APLC moved from its former, labyrinthine offices in Lakeway Center to a new, 13,400-square-foot space in Metairie Towers. For the interior renovation of the Metairie Towers offices, the company worked with Terri Dreyer, owner and founding partner, and Kelsey Chappuis, designer, with NANO Architecture | Interiors.

The new space needed more natural light and the law firm wanted to place collaboration, as well as privacy, at the heart of the concept. Duplass APLC managing shareholder Michael Pfister and the NANO team recently visited with Biz to discuss the new space.

What were the design team’s goals?

Kelsey Chappuis: The client’s former office, before moving to Metairie Towers, consisted of divided space and maze-like corridors. So, in response, we had to provide a new dynamic office floor plan that was bright, collaborative and modern. The new layout aligns with the firm’s culture, while also seamlessly achieving both privacy and collaboration — a crucial balance for any law firm.

What was the biggest design challenge?  Chappuis: Other than windows in individual offices, there are only two exterior windows in the main public areas. Since our main goal

“The all-glass conference room ‘jewel box’ is a really exceptional space,” said Chappuis. “The custom ash wood ceiling baffle design is both aesthetic and functional in its purpose — it provides visual interest while also softening the acoustics of the open space.”

QUICK LOOK

Years in Operation

36

Square footage

13,400

Person in Charge Michael Pfister, managing shareholder

Architecture

Terri Dreyer, owner and founding partner, and Kelsey Chappuis, designer of NANO Architecture | Interiors

Furnishings and Art Furniture, NANO; Furniture elements, including acoustic felt panels in the conference room and reception area, AOS Interior Environments.

Number of Employees

53

was to design an open, bright, spacious environment, the limited windows immediately posed a daylighting challenge for us. We had to focus on maximizing as much natural light as possible. Through extensive daylighting studies, we strategically designed clerestory windows above the doors to each of the private attorney offices that had their own windows. That way, we were able to let natural light permeate through the central spaces, while still ensuring attorney privacy and staying on budget.

What is the standout feature of the design?

Terri Dreyer: An incredibly unique aspect of this project is how the central spaces form an exceptional sequence. The progression from the reception area, leading to the conference room and then culminating in the library, creates a central axis within the open office plan. Also,

the custom millwork shutter system provides a subtle backdrop of privacy, reminiscent of many of the distinctive architectural elements found throughout New Orleans.

How would you describe Duplass Law Firm and its clientele?

Michael Pfister: Formerly known as Duplass, Zwain, Bourgeois, Pfister, Weinstock & Bogart APLC, the newly branded Duplass APLC is an established litigation defense firm servicing clients throughout the state of Louisiana. Our lawyers are seasoned trial attorneys who understand the importance of prompt communication, accessibility and efficient case management. We represent clients ranging in scope and size from small, local businesses to multinational Fortune 100 and 500 corporations and their insurers.

How do you promote a positive work atmosphere for the staff?

Pfister: Our attorneys and staff are our largest asset and providing them with both a meaningful work-life balance and inclusive, positive work atmosphere is paramount to the firm’s success. Our partnership is comprised of parents and caregivers who understand firsthand the importance of building a family-friendly, positive work environment that keeps our team members happy and engaged in their work. We offer flexible remote work schedules, but also work hard to create an office environment that makes our staff and attorneys excited to come in and collaborate with each other in-person. We have built our new office space with that in mind; we have added more communal areas; a new, robust breakroom; and various seating and coffee stations throughout the office for people to gather. The tenure of so many of our team members is a testament to this commitment — close to half of the firm’s professionals have been a part of Duplass family for over 10 years — nearly twice the national industry average.

What are your biggest challenges?

Pfister: Like so many other employers throughout the nation, we continue to remain focused on recruiting and retaining the best talent amidst a shrinking workforce. We must be diligent about continually self-evaluating and evolving our operations in ways that not only benefit our clients, but our employees.

What goals are you looking to meet in the next 12 months?

Pfister: As it has been for many years now, the theme is diversification — both of our client base and our internal teams. We are always keeping an eye on the business of litigation, looking to expand our work throughout various peripheral industries and practice areas as they expand and contract. Even more critical, however, is that we continue to develop a workforce as diverse as the matters we represent. We have made considerable progress in these efforts over the past year and hope to continue to build upon that foundation going forward. We understand, however, that creating a diverse workplace and expanding our professional reach does not stop with a new hire or the onboarding of a new client; we must also have the right practices, policies, mentorship programs and education in place to promote and support these initiatives. T

Pfister says the team added more communal areas, including a new break room, seating and coffee stations throughout the office to promote a collaborative spirit.

FROM THE LENS

WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?

SPROUTING FAST

After less than a year in business, this plant-based, protein rich granola company has grabbed over $100,000 in prize money and the attention of Amazon

BY ASHLEY MCLELLAN PHOTOS BY EDMUND D. FOUNTAIN

ENJOY CERES 6723 St. Claude Avenue // Arabi experience@enjoyceres.com // EnjoyCeres.com @enjoyceres // facebook.com/enjoyceres

Enjoy Ceres co-founder Rich Simmerman launched the plant-based “power granola” company with his friend, Branson Morgan, in 2022, and quickly gained recognition both as a startup and customer favorite.

In February 2022, local entrepreneurs and friends Rich Simmerman and Branson Morgan launched a plantbased cereal company called Ceres. Just six months later, that company took home the top prize at Startup St. Bernard, which included $100,000 in cash and in-kind services. Six months after that, after less than a year in business, the newly rebranded company, Enjoy Ceres, was named “Top Physical Consumer Product” at the 2022 Amazon Web Services (AWS) University Startup Competition. The company was one of only 13 companies selected from a pool of over 1,000 applicants. The recognition came along with

Enjoy Ceres packs 20 grams of plantbased protein into each vegan, keto and planet-friendly serving, offering an alternative to processed breakfast cereals and sugary snacks.

a prize package of $10,000 cash and up to $10,000 in marketing support from Amazon available for future use.

Simmerman, an MBA student at Tulane University, and Morgan led the team as the first winners representing Louisiana in the competition, and now head a group of six employees and staff.

“We were the first Louisiana-founded startup to compete in the AWS University Startup Competition, let alone win our category,” said Simmerman. “Representing Louisiana and Tulane and learning from the other ventures was exceptional. Since then, Amazon has created exciting opportunities for our brand and allowed us to expand our products to people across North America on their platforms. We’re a small team, with six people doing everything from product development to marketing and shipping.”

Speaking in May, Simmerman said his team has been busy with “an exciting pivot within the last three weeks.”

DID YOU KNOW?

According to a recent report from the Good Food Institute (goodfoodinstitute.org):

The U.S. retail market for plant-based foods is worth $8 billion.

Plant-based foods made up 1.4% of total retail food and beverage dollar sales in 2022.

Six in 10 U.S. households purchased plantbased foods in 2022.

Enjoy Ceres products are currently available in 10 stores in Los Angeles (where the products are made) and in New Orleans (the headquarters of the company) as well as online and through a subscription service. The “Cinnamon Vanilla Crunch” granola ($12.50$19.98 per bag) and “Vanilla Zest Power Protein Powder” ($27.99) are currently available with a brand-new line of “Plantiful Protein Bars” coming soon. The products contain zero to low sugar, are keto friendly and gluten-free and made from 100% plant-based protein.

While the products are manufactured in Los Angeles, the company was founded in and still counts New Orleans as the place of its inception, flavor inspiration and home, with the goal of creating new items in the city in the future.

“We landed on Cinnamon Vanilla due to our initial customer surveys in 2021,” said

“After testing our flagship product with customers since January, we have pivoted to meet their increasing demand for plantbased protein snacks,” he said. “‘Ceres’ is now ‘Enjoy Ceres;’ we have updated our product line. We are no longer selling cereal. Our flagship product is ‘Plant Protein Crunch,’ a 20g protein super granola’ with zero sugar and 4 carbs per serving.”

“We went with this product because we knew there was a gap in this product space,” said Simmerman. “The rise in popularity of plantbased protein snacks is remarkable, but most of our innovations have been in bars and puff-like snacks. We know granola is increasing in popularity, and we learned from surveying potential customers that introducing our first product as a ‘Crunch,’ or ‘Super Granola,’ would make it incredibly versatile. Customers can enjoy 20 grams of clean protein in a crunchy, sweet snack rather than a powder of plant-based meat alternative.”

Simmerman. “The most popular flavor choice was ‘Cinnamon,’ and we saw market trends supporting going with that flavor. We went with it and took inspiration from PJ’s Coffee in New Orleans, adding a bit of Mexican vanilla to the blend to make it taste great and more naturally sweet. My co-founder, Branson, and I moved to California after completing undergrad [from Tulane]. We learned so much about plant-based food and consumer brands, but it wouldn’t be fulfilling to start Enjoy Ceres anywhere other than where our friendship started, and where the problems we hope to solve exist the most. We want to show the world that plant-based, healthy food can be innovated in New Orleans. This is our home, and we love this city.”

Enjoy Ceres was created with the intention of tackling the problem of food insecurity and food deserts right here at home, with Simmerman’s own firsthand experience playing a big role.

“I grew up in a town of about 500 people with one red light and one grocery store — Springfield, Louisiana,” he said. “It’s a beautiful community full of farmers and agricultural activity, yet as a kid, I mostly ate low-quality, boxed goods at our grocery store. As a result of eating the foods available to me as a kid, I grew up with an unhealthy diet and experienced food-related health issues.

After growing up and exploring more of the world and learning to understand that my childhood experiences weren’t ‘normal,’ but unfortunately shared by many people in communities around the world, I decided that this would be a significant interest in my life. I believe that healthy societies and happy lives start with how we fuel our bodies — with what we eat.”

According to an April 2023 report by Market Research Future, Simmerman and Enjoy Ceres are indeed riding a huge wave of popularity, with the potential for growth increasing in the next seven to 10 years.

“The plant-based snacks market industry is projected to grow from USD 49.5 billion in 2023 to USD 77.9 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.85% during the forecast period (2023 - 2030).”

It goes on to note: “From 2022 to 2030, the market for plant-based snack bars, which held the largest market share in 2022, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.7%. This might be as a result of the plant-based snack bars’ many health benefits. The market is growing as a result of growing consumer demand for cookies, meatless snacks, and snack bars made from plants. Demand for snacks made of cereal

is increasing as vegan diets become more and more well-liked. Plant-based snack bars are expected to experience the highest CAGR between 2022 and 2030.”

In short, business is booming for plant-based, healthy snacks, and Enjoy Ceres is determined to make New Orleans a big player.

Simmerman said new markets and new flavors continue to open up, with potential for ideas and outreach growing each month.

“We’re focused on expanding our plant-based protein snacks and making them more accessible by hitting new stores in new regions,” he said. “We’re also in the middle of raising capital to fuel online expansion and break into larger markets, so it’s going to be an exciting year for us. 2022 was challenging, and we learned a lot about our market, so we hope this will be our breakout year. We opened a public vote in early 2023 for our next flavor, and the public voted on blueberry, so that’s our next flavor! It will be blueberry with natural notes of citrus.” T

Enjoy Ceres is available as granola for breakfast or snacking, or as a protein powder that can be added to recipes like energy bites, smoothies and plant-based pie crusts.

Go Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Newell-Davis will be hiring some special-needs people for her staff.

“It takes a little extra time to train them,” she said, “but I am willing to take that time, because people with special needs often work harder.”

The staff at Chubbie’s Chicken is now 11 people, up from seven when Newell-Davis took over. But as is the case for so many restaurants, staffing is the biggest issue right now. She recruits with everything from signs in the window to social media postings, reaching the 7,200 new Facebook followers she has attracted in the past year.

“We get a lot of local businesspeople and even politicians in here,” she said.

Chubbie’s is known for its fried chicken, but also serves seafood plates, gumbo and poor boys. In addition, there are daily lunch specials, all served hot, fresh and with an obvious dose of TLC.

Inside the restaurant is a small, casual dining area. Many customers order food to go, either inside or through the drive-up window. That window was a lifeline for Chubbie’s during COVID-19; before the dining room re-opened, the drive-up line sometimes stretched as far as a block away.

BY KEITH TWITCHELL

For 41 years, most of the customers at Chubbie’s Chicken have been greeted by their names when they walk through the door. Rather than having to place their order, the staff simply confirms it for them.

But according to owner Ursula Newell-Davis, the connection goes even deeper than that.

“A lot of people in the neighborhood worked here in high school,” she said. “For many of them it was their first job.”

Newell-Davis used to eat at Chubbie’s when she was growing up nearby, and when the place came up for sale a little over a year ago, she said the decision to purchase it was a natural. Newell-Davis is a social worker when she is not working at the restaurant, and she sees a direct connection between her two careers in the importance of getting to know people and taking care of them.

Taking this one step further, some of her patients are on the autism spectrum, as well as one of her sons, and beginning this summer,

Since taking ownership of a neighborhood institution, Newell-Davis was not intent on making many changes, but she has tweaked a few things, like opening one more day per week and extending the hours of operation. But mostly, she is simply maintaining what has worked well for over four decades. T

CHUBBIE’S FRIED CHICKEN 4850 General Meyer Ave. New Orleans // (504) 392-2377 // facebook.com/chubbiesnola

An Algiers favorite, Chubbie’s Chicken is under new ownership, but the restaurant’s solid, four-decades-long reputation isn’t going anywhere.

DID YOU KNOW?

Since 2018, Richards has been at the helm of Richards Clearview, which owns, develops, manages and invests in commercial real estate. The company’s flagship (and oldest) asset is the Clearview Shopping Center. Richards is leading a $100 million conversion of the site into a “dynamic and adaptive” mixed-use development with residential, retail and commercial office space. He is also the owner of Covington-based Team Title LLC, a group of attorneys that offer residential and commercial closing services across South Louisiana and South Mississippi.

Education: Loyola University (JD), Louisiana State University (BA)

Hidden Gem: Mo’s Chalet

Advice: There are no excuses. All that matters is if you got it done.

Who Do You Admire? My wife

Go-to Restaurant: Drago’s

Best Fest: Jazz Fest

Hobby/Passion: Time with family

Nonprofit Cause: St. Bernard Project, a nonprofit, disaster relief organization

Thomas E. Richards

Managing Member of Richards Clearview

PHOTO BY MIKE LIRETTE