EastNolabdd.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTs East New Orleans Business Development District Editor Jessica DeBold Art Director Ali Sullivan East NOLA BDD Chairman Sean Bruno East NOLA BDD Communications Committee Cyndi Nguyen, Troy Henry, Marc Leunissen, Larry Johnson, Dwight Barnes, Mtumishi St. Julien
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Contributing Writers Kevin O’Sullivan, Jenny Peterson, Sarah Ravits Contributing Photographers Cheryl Gerber, Mike Lirette Account Executive Tess Jones 504-830-7239 Tess@myneworleans.com Traffic Manager Topher Balfer Production Designers Emily Andras, Demi Schaffer, Molly Tullier
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Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne
Letter From the Chairman
About East New Orleans BDD
4 Executive Committee & Board Members 6 Introducing the 2018 East NOLA BDD 8
12 Coffee Brewing in the East Folgers’ makes a foothold in East New Orleans with jobs and community development 14 Map of the Folgers Plant Living in the East
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East By the Numbers Investors & Acknowledgements Photo Gallery Member Levels & Benefits
Executive Vice President/ Editor in Chief Errol Laborde President Alan Campbell Vice President of Sales Colleen Monaghan
Member Application
Q&A with Community Leaders
COVER STORY
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Spring Lake Lake Tamaron Estates
The EAST New Orleans
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Copyright 2018 The EAST, East New Orleans Business Development and Renaissance Publishing LLC. Postage Paid at New Orleans and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to East NOLA DDB, 7240 Crowder Blvd #301, New Orleans, LA 70127. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine’s managers, owners or publisher. The Jefferson Chamber is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self addressed stamped envelope.
letter from the 2018 chairman
ABOUT East NOLA BDD
T Sean M. Bruno Chairman 2018
A Bright Future Ahead for East New Orleans I would like to start by thanking the residents of East New Orleans and the East New Orleans Business Development District Board members for making our first annual Linen Night such a success. The turnout exceeded my expectations and is an indication of the support that the residents provide for community events and to East New Orleans. The venue, the newly opened Joe Brown Nature Center, was the perfect place for such an event as it illustrates the resiliency of our community. The Joe Brown Nature Center was once shuttered since Hurricane Katrina but is now a vibrant community jewel. Just as the Nature Center has come back to life, so will the rest of East New Orleans. East New Orleans is full of many diamonds in the rough. East New Orleans Business Development District is on a mission to highlight and showcase existing community jewels and to attract new ones to East New Orleans. These special gems of East New Orleans consist of those businesses that remained in the area through adversity — when others did not. They include large employers such as Walmart, NASA, the National Finance Center, Banner Chevrolet, Folgers Coffee Company, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Air Products, the Premier Automotive Group and Crescent Crown Distributing, just to name a few. Also included are small businesses such as Papa John’s Pizza, Universal Printing, Castnet Seafood, Walker’s BBQ, Ace Hardware and Star Physical Therapy. There are so many opportunities here for growing new business through those undeveloped resources such as the old Six Flags property, the former Plaza site, the former site of Lincoln Beach and the vast amount of undeveloped property waiting for projects. East New Orleans has a lot to offer to the City of New Orleans and the region. Any significant development must come through East New Orleans. Our next major initiative is to work with community leaders and our elected officials in developing our East New Orleans Economic Development Plan. The plan must consist of bringing new businesses to East New Orleans, which will then spur a resurgence of retail development. This can only be accomplished if we work together with other East New Orleans Community Organizations, residents, and elected officials. I look forward to reaching out to all stakeholders in getting this accomplished. I would like to thank Councilman James Gray for all of his arduous work over the years for the residents of East New Orleans. Without him working tirelessly for our community, there may not be a Walmart, Nature Center, or New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood here. Councilman Gray is a resident of East New Orleans and has always fought to better our community. Again, thank you, Councilman Gray, for a job well done. I would also like to say congratulations to our Council-elect Cyndi Nguyen. I have had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Nguyen as a board member of East New Orleans Business Development District for the last two years. The energy that she brings to the board makes us all better members. I expect Ms. Nguyen to deliver the same energy to the New Orleans City Council. Ms. Nguyen has worked hard for East New Orleans through her work at a local non-profit organization serving the Michoud Community and through her role in the East New Orleans Business Development District. I expect nothing but extraordinary initiatives from Ms. Nguyen. Last, but certainly not least, I would like to congratulate the City of New Orleans Mayorelect, Latoya Cantrell. I have known Mrs. Cantrell for more than two decades and have always known her to be a hard worker, fighting for the rights of her community. In her position as councilwoman, we have discussed the needs of East New Orleans and how this part of the parish so hugely impacts the City of New Orleans. I trust that as mayor of the City of New Orleans, Mrs. Cantrell will work with our community to improve conditions and increase the quality of life for our residents. Sincerely, Sean Bruno, Chairman
he East New Orleans Business Development District (East NOLA BDD) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 established to foster, coordinate and catalyze initiatives that improve the business climate and quality of life in East NOLA through business development, infrastructure improvements, and image enhancement, in order to grow good jobs, investments and tax revenues in the City of New Orleans. The 13 member Board of East NOLA BDD is comprised of a cross section of credible and respected business and civic leaders with a track record of garnering the support, partnerships and resources to implement a targeted economic revitalization strategy. COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL DEVELOPMENT Catalyze the growth of retail and commercial developments along existing corridors integrated into unique, interesting and pedestrian-oriented centers of neighborhood and destination- based retail, office, residential and entertainment uses.
BLIGHT, BEAUTIFICATION AND QUALITY OF LIFE Improve the attractiveness and marketability of major commercial corridors through the elimination of commercial blight, infrastructure improvements, increased code enforcement and public safety measures. IMAGE ENHANCEMENT AND BRANDING Improve business competitiveness and opportunities in East New Orleans through business education, training and marketing initiatives. Launch a communications campaign that educates key stakeholder groups on the economic assets, successful business investments and market opportunities in East New Orleans (monthly E-News, website, Facebook, Twitter). East NOLA BDD hosts special events (e.g. food festivals, mural art competition, business briefings) that build awareness of the positive developments and market potential of East New Orleans.
EastNolabdd.com
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executive Committee & Board members
Sean M. Bruno Chairperson 2018 Sean M. Bruno CPA
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Brian Egana Vice-Chairperson Circular Consulting
Lynnette White-Colin Secretary New Orleans Business Alliance
J.C. Celestin Treasurer Whitney Bank
Anthony Bridges Board Member Fidelity Bank
Bradley Pipes Board Member Cox Communications
Cyndi Nguyen Board Member VIET
Dwight Barnes Board Member Crescent Crown Distributing
Jerry Cook Board Member Folgers Coffee
Larry Johnson Board Member Franklin Avenue Baptist (Ret.)
Marc Leunissen Board Member Cox Media (Ret.)
Mtumishi St. Julien Board Member The Finance Authority of N.O. (Ret.)
Troy Henry Board Member Henry Consulting, LLC
Wade Verges Board Member Wade T. Verges Construction Co.
The EAST New Orleans
Henry L. Coaxum Board Member Coaxum Enterprises, Inc.
Sheila Glass Board Member Franklin Avenue Baptist Church
Kelly Derbigny Warren Executive Administrative Assistant
Introducing the 2018 East NOLA BDD Get to know each of the East NOLA BDD board members and discover why they’ve decided to get involved Bradley Pipes
“As Director of Sales for Cox Business, I have 29 years of experience in the technology sector with various companies. I am honored to be on the East NOLA BDD board and joined to help bring New Orleans East to its economic potential.”
Jerry Cook
“As a 22-year resident, small business owner (Jumpstart CDC), and Folgers Coffee employee in Eastern New Orleans, it’s important that we be a part of making our community a great place to live, work and play. Business Development in The EAST is critical to our continual growth. Working on the East NOLA BDD Board allows me to contribute to making that happen.”
Larry Johnson
“Before my retirement as Church Administrator from the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, I worked many years in the banking and mortgage lending community. I became a Board member of the East NOLA BDD to represent the church in becoming an active participant in the revitalization of East New Orleans. I lived in the East for 30 years prior to Hurrican Katrina, and the passion I had then, still lives on within me.”
JC Celestin
“I’ve joined because I’m passionate about the East. I am a banker and a real estate investor, and I see the potential in the east. In addition, the people in the east are resilient and wonderful to be around.”
Cyndi Nguyen
“The East is a jewel and has potential growth for opportunities. I joined the organization because we need an organization with a business mindset to serve as a strong voice for positive economic developments and to support current businesses.”
Henry Coaxum
“As president and CEO of Coaxum Enterprises, Inc., I am the owner/ operator of three McDonald’s restaurants in the New Orleans area (two of which are in East New Orleans). I serve as chairman of the New Orleans Business Alliance and as treasurer of the city’s Hospital Service District Board that directed the redevelopment of New Orleans East Hospital. East New Orleans is where I live and work. I joined the East NOLA BDD to contribute to the renaissance that East New Orleans is experiencing. This renaissance is due to the direct fiscal commitment of government and charitable resources combined with the enthusiastic engagement of the residents of East New Orleans.”
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The EAST New Orleans
Mtumishi St. Julien
“I am the recently retired Executive Director of The Finance Authority of New Orleans. Under my leadership, The Finance Authority issued more than $300,000,000 in mortgage revenue bonds providing affordable housing for more than 3200 families. He also oversaw the issuance of $35,000,000 in capital improvement financing for Xavier University, the renovation financing of the 236 unit Willows Apartments and the $12,500,000 financing for the GCHP-MLK mixed-use senior housing and commercial development. As a resident of Eastern New Orleans since 1987, I joined the East NOLA BDD to use his experience in housing and business development to foster more growth in eastern New Orleans.”
Brian Egana
“I wanted to make sure I dedicated myself to volunteer my time, talents and treasury. As a business owner of New Orleans and resident of New Orleans East, I want to be able to contribute back to my community offering my 20 plus years of Government expertise as well as a business owner since 2007.”
Dwight Barnes
“As the Director of Public Relations/Government Affairs and Recruiter for Crescent Crown Distributing, I recognized the value and potential the East NOLA BDD played in recruiting and steering new businesses to New Orleans East which would assist in the development and growth of the community and knew he had to become a member. I touched base with the Executive Director and told him to sign me up.
Lynnette White-Colin
Employed by the New Orleans Business Alliance as the Vice President of Small Business Ecosystem Development (SBED), I am involved in identifying gaps in the small business ecosystem and finding solutions to complex issues that hinder the growth of local small businesses. She has established partnerships with local, neighborhood business groups to assist in business and commercial services development in disinvested commercial districts. Formerly, Ms. White-Colin directed the Small Business and Contractors Centers at the Urban League of LA and led the corridor revitalization strategy on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. New Orleans East is one of our city’s premier communities; I am committed to working with the East NOLA BDD to attract the investment and business resources it deserves for the residents of The East.“
Troy Henry
“As the founding member of the Fast Forward Initiative (FFI), the precursor to the East NOLA BDD, I recognized the need for postKatrina businesses to have a resource to turn to for assistance in getting their businesses re-established. New Orleans East businesses did not feel like they were receiving the proper focus and attention as the recovery and revitalization process commenced. I am a business owner. I have extensive experience as a corporate executive with several major Fortune 500 companies. My business Henry Consulting LLC provides Advisory Services, Business Services and Venture Management Services to external as well as its own businesses. East NOLA BDD is an organization that represents the business community without a political preference. We are committed to ensuring that ENO business needs and positions are being properly addressed and represented.”
Sheila Glass
“I have been a resident of New Orleans East for the past 25 years, and I have a passion for the City of New Orleans. It is my belief and hopes that New Orleans East can and will thrive and the East NOLA BDD will be a catalyst for that endeavor. I am an active member of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, and I am looking forward to the new worship center, for all to attend, in New Orleans East. I am a Certified Public Accountant with a BS in Accounting and MBA both from the University of New Orleans; employed as the Business Manager at Belle Chasse Academy, Inc.”
Marc LeuNissen
“I joined East NOLA BDD as a representative of Cox Communications. As a company, Cox and Cox Business recognized that New Orleans’ economy is equal to the sum of all of its parts. New Orleans East has been and is an integral part of the New Orleans business community. Now retired from Cox I have continued on as a board member. I strongly believe that New Orleans East has not yet reached its full business potential. The East NOLA BDD is proving itself to be an instrument of support to existing businesses and industries as well as functioning as a marketing resource to attract new business to the community.”
Sean Bruno
“I am a 1993 graduate of Morehouse College. I am a Certified Public Accountant and operates my own accounting firm, specializing in audits of Colleges and Universities and nonprofit organizations. In addition to overseeing the operations of the accounting firm, I am also currently serving as the Chief Financial officer of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. My family and I are life-long residents of East New Orleans. My parents, my wife and two kids, three siblings and six nieces and nephews all reside in East New Orleans. I remember the days when East New Orleans was a self-sustained community with every amenity being available to all residents. I want that for not only my family but to all of the current residents, and through the East New Orleans Business Development District, I believe that we can get back to those days.”
Q&A | By Jenny Peterson Community leader
Roland Doucette retired police officer When did you first move to East New Orleans? I built a house in Lake Bullard in 1994, and then I found an available lot in Lake Forest Estates and built another house in 1999. We are one block from Lake Forest Charter School, and you can see the lake from our den. At night, it has a calming effect. Life is good, and I really enjoy being home. When my wife and I first moved out here, it was simple and gorgeous; it was paradise. Everything you could imagine, you could find here.
How do you stay active in the East New Orleans community?
I started an all-male organization five years ago called Community Legion. It started when a group of guys got to thinking that we should encourage other men to take on more civic responsibility. We “adopted” Fannie C. Williams Charter School on Dwyer Road and Bullard Avenue.
Why do you focus your efforts on local schools?
When I was a police officer for Orleans Parish, I had a program which raised funds and rewarded kids for academic achievement. If first graders received an A grade in reading, writing and arithmetic, I gave them a financial stipend. They also received some money if they got perfect attendance and another stipend if they earned a A grade in conduct. Their principal would call me and tell me how many students received an award. We gave them money based on what they achieved — I wanted them to have a true return on their investment in education. It was successful. We saw an increase to 72 percent of parental involvement. I truly believe that to be successful, we have to focus on kids in primary school. I’m very interested in reaching kids from grades Kindergarten through sixth grade. At Fannie C. Williams, we did a dad-daughter donuts day, and we had over 160 family members participate.
What are the biggest selling points of East New Orleans?
For your money, it’s the best bargain as far as real estate. You get way more house for your money. We’re not landlocked, we have big yards — both backyards and front yards, not houses that sit right up on the sidewalks. East New Orleans has lots of land. There’s no comparison. We have people with financial means and considerable disposable income. East New Orleans has everything you want: rail, water, airports and easy access to the interstate. There’s no reason why business can’t do well here. We also have good people here — like-minded people who want East New Orleans to succeed.
What recent developments in East New Orleans give you the most pride?
The high point for us was to get our hospital back. We also have the Joe Brown Park with an indoor pool and a track and baseball teams; it’s really a beautiful park. I know many of the people in the East New Orleans Business Development District (East NOLA BDD). They are very bright people who are diligent and committed to the community and want to attract businesses. I see the East NOLA BDD really having an impact in this area and impacting it quickly. The leaders are pillars of our community and are committed to making East New Orleans better. These people can live wherever they want, and they choose to live in New Orleans east and in this community.
What would a “dream development” in East New Orleans be for you?
I would love to see an IKEA out here or a large Bass Pro Shop. That would attract a lot of business and would have the ability to draw people from Mississippi, Florida, Alabama and beyond.
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The EAST New Orleans
Q&A Community leader
John Bagneris House Representative Did you learn anything about the area that you did not know before running for election? It confirmed my belief that most people who live in this area are hardworking, dedicated citizens who want to see this area experience a resurgence of life and prosperity.
What are your top goals for the area?
A shopping center, more dining facilities and better police protection, which will lead to a better quality of life for our citizens.
What are some ways you are helping to recruit or bring new business to East New Orleans?
I am working on a project to have Dixie Brewery, which is owned by Tom Benson, to utilize space here in the East. We are the final frontier in the greater New Orleans area that is available for large development.
With a background as a transportation manager, how do you feel East New Orleans is well-positioned for business?
When did you first move to East New Orleans and what area did you move to? I moved to East New Orleans in 1969, in the Academy Park Area.
Why do you choose to live in East New Orleans?
East New Orleans offers a good place for families to thrive and enjoy a good quality of life. It is one of the only places for the city to grow and expand since Hurricane Katrina.
How is the sense of community in East New Orleans different from other areas in New Orleans? We blend and mesh well with the old and the new; the diversity that exists among the different cultures represented here in the East only serves to enhance what we have to offer and attract new businesses.
When and why did you decide to run for elected office?
When I realized the area was not coming back as it should have been after Hurricane Katrina, I wanted to see more progress and believed I could make a difference.
We are well-positioned as our interstates, railroads, waterways and the expanded airport are capable of transporting goods of any business that chooses to settle in this district. We are able to accommodate the import and export of trade.
Why do you believe manufacturing companies would thrive in East New Orleans?
We have the railways and waterways for easy access. We import rubber, steel and cocoa beans, which would be prime for manufacturing right here.
What are your favorite places in East New Orleans? What restaurants, parks or neighborhoods are your favorite spots? My favorite restaurants in East New Orleans include New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood, Castnet Restaurant, Two Sisters ‘N Da East and of course, we are proud of our many fast food chains such as Mc Donald’s, Burger King and Popeyes. The Joe Brown Park is one of the fastest-growing recreational facilities in the city, offering swimming, dancing, exercise, football, basketball, track and much more. A few of our fine neighborhoods in East New Orleans include McKendall Estates, Eastover, Lake Carmel, Lake Forest Estates and Spring Lake.
How do you feel about the future of the area?
There is so much potential for economic development in this area. I am very optimistic about the future improvements that will lead us into our next tricentennial.
What would a dream project be for you in the East?
A furniture company. There is a lot of lumber available. I’d like to see a nuts and bolts company and a tire company because we import a great deal of rubber from South America.
What are some unique aspects of East New Orleans?
The abundance of more land for your buck located in some of the finest subdivisions in the metro area.
How is elected office different than you expected?
I am even more optimistic about people wanting to experience a better quality of life and going the extra mile to make the community a better place. There are many positive folks who love their community. Come check us out.
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Q&A | By Jenny Peterson Community leader
Cynthia Willard Lewis Former City Councilwoman Why did you and your husband choose to move to East New Orleans? There were a lot of value-driven considerations, like a great hospital and good schools, lots of amenities and assets and lots of land with big yards. The interstate system is close by and connected to all parts of the area; it’s just 20 minutes from downtown New Orleans. It also has deep rich family connections. My neighbor’s children and mine all grew up together, and now our children’s children are growing up together. The area is very diverse, and the connectivity of the neighborhoods is very strong.
What is your background in government?
My father was a school principal and a local school board member, which was very much like running a city in itself in that it was very action-oriented and solutions-driven. My first work experience was as an aide to former Mayor Dutch Morial. Right out of college, I got a job as an urban planner with city government and gained hands-on experience identifying needs and solutions. I got to see the mayor, legislators and their teams at work during a number of meetings, so I was exposed early in my career to that hands-on accountability to the people.
How did you decide to run for elected office?
There was a void in leadership in the state, and my brother said, “Cynthia, this is an opportunity for a woman to run. You can be that woman.” Diana Bajoie was our trailblazer — she was a cousin on our mother’s side and had been elected into the statehouse. In 1994, there weren’t too many women for me to follow. I am grateful now that there are many women who have joined the ranks. I was elected as State Representative for District 100. I was there until the year 2000, when there was a vacancy on the New Orleans City Council. I ran, and I won.
What did you like most about the City Council?
The City Council is more direct and more hands-on. You can really make a difference for the people, and it was an opportunity to be more impactful. At the state legislature, you are fighting over the entire state’s budget instead of directing resources to your community. With the City Council, you have seven people plus the mayor, rather than over 100 representatives in the statehouse. It was an opportunity to make a more dramatic difference.
What are some of your proudest projects?
I worked on beautification projects for East New Orleans, trying to create a welcoming image for travelers. After Hurricane Katrina, I made sure every city asset was fully funded. Everything was rebuilt to be more resilient, with better safety standards, elevations and storm considerations. One of the roles you play when you are a leader is that you are the collective voice of the people. You articulate their desires, advocate for them and legislate for them.
What is a dream development project for you?
An expansion of the Lakefront Airport to be a regional hub to Central America and South America would be a dream come true. That would create good, sustainable jobs. It could bring eco-tourism because of the nature center that just re-opened, and we could have eco-tourism opportunities to explore the Bayou Sauvage area.
What gives you pride in East New Orleans today?
There’s been a big push to support our local businesses — to buy local and eat local. There is extensive land available all over the East, and many people in our community have money to spend. From gated communities to Bullard Avenue, East New Orleans was ahead of the game with our lakes, which serve as retention ponds with drainage. They are noted assets. New developments like Southshore Harbor and music recording and production studios are wonderful projects that create jobs and revenues.
Describe East New Orleans in a few words. Family-centered. Resilient. Unlimited potential.
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The EAST New Orleans
Cover Story | By Kevin O’Sullivan
» Folgers Coffee Sourcing Manager, Jerry Cook, shares the recent history and future plans of how Folgers is consolidating in New Orleans and what that means for us. From the recent addition of over 200 jobs, to a workforce fleet volunteering in rebuilding efforts, Folgers continues to make an impact.
Folgers® making a foothold in New Orleans means jobs and community development
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The EAST New Orleans
stimulated our economy with good work and a loved product. “We’ve relocated all of our coffee manufacturing to New Orleans,” says Folgers Coffee Sourcing Manager, Jerry Cook. Cook has been working in the New Orleans East Folgers plant for decades and speaks with an air of passion and excitement when explaining the recent evolution of Folgers coffee in New Orleans. “We consolidated our Texas and Missouri manufacturing facilities here. That means new packing lines, new processing
Photo by Cheryl Gerber
We all know the ubiquitous smell that seeps into our cars as we’re driving over the high-rise bridge; that aromatic morning gift from the Folgers coffee plant in New Orleans East. It is one of those New Orleans staples that we take for granted, but that, when mentioned to a neighbor, invites a smile and pleasant conversation. The Folgers coffee roasting plant has been a part of New Orleans East since 1960 when new shipping routes from Central America to New Orleans caused our city to
become one of the largest greencoffee markets in the United States. Since then, New Orleans has adopted Folgers as one of its very own, employing thousands of New Orleanians and expanding operations at two facilities in New Orleans East, and adding two warehouses in metropolitan New Orleans, maintaining operations at a Silo Facility on the Mississippi River and an additional warehouse in Lacombe. Just like a morning cup of coffee stimulates our ability to do good work, Folgers has
Photos by Cheryl Gerber
It’s this community oriented spirit along with the vivacious taste of their home-brew coffee that has made Folgers a household name in New Orleans. Everyone knows their jingle, “The best part of wakin’ up is Folgers in your cup”TM and we revel in it. It’s a part of us. Folgers is New Orleans’ coffee. The Company’s belief system always circles back to serving families. Mark Moore, Plant Manager of The J. M. Smucker Chef Coffee Facility, says it best: “Our company’s purpose is to help bring families together for memorable meals and moments. We think we do that in New Orleans by producing a high
equipment and a whole lot of labor constructing these facilities. “We gained at least 200 new jobs directly, and contracted close to 1,000 people for a two-year period,” Cook continues. “That’s a direct local economic impact.” It’s true, Folgers has made an enormous impact on the local economy of New Orleans, and has been for years. In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina, the Folgers plant was one of the first businesses back in operation within a month after the storm with about 90 percent of the workforce returned. They even provided housing for their employees and fed first-responders, police officers and firefighters for as long as seven months. That means a direct impact for all 450 of their employees plus. Today, Folgers employs roughly 650 employees throughout the New Orleans Metropolitan Area and has never lost their philanthropic spirit. Each year they shut down their plants for several days to provide employee time to give back to the community. “We do five charity events with our employees throughout the year,” says Cook. “For example, we have a yearly basketball tournament held at Milne park. This year it was dedicated to Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. Our employees pay entry fees, we charge for tickets and concessions and in the end, after having a really good time at the event, give all the proceeds to that organization. “In addition, we also do a lot of hands-on work in the community,” adds 29-year Folgers Employee and Associated Human Resources Leader, Helene Jackson. “We’ll shut the plant down for the day and have all of our staff that would otherwise be working, volunteering and participating in local charity events. We do things like Susan G. Komen’s Race for a Cure, Rebuilding Together New Orleans’s October Build, and every December we spend a lot of time volunteering at several residences rebuilding houses that are still in disrepair from the storm. That’s anywhere between 300 to 500 people volunteering to fix flooring, windows, sheetrock and whatever else is needed to get residents back in their homes.”
quality coffee. Folgers provides stability to the families of employees but more than that, we help to provide stability for our community through our donations, our volunteer service and our support of local vendors and suppliers. In short, our vision for the Folgers Chef plant is to serve the perfect cup of coffee, serve our neighbors and serve each other.” So, next time you’re driving over the high-rise, remember that’s not just the sweet scent of coffee roasting in New Orleans East, it is the smell of an economic driver creating more jobs and more family memories for the people of New Orleans.
Continue to page 14 for a birds-eye view of the Folgers plant in East New Orleans...
Established in California in 1850, Folgers Coffee has become a staple in every New Orleans home. Here is a bird’s-eye view of the company’s 160,000-square-foot Chef Building located along Chef Menteur Highway. Folgers’ main facility is 405,000-square-feet and located in Gentilly. Both locations are impressive driving economic forces in the East.
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Living in the East | By Kevin O’Sullivan
» In the heart of East New Orleans
sprawls a quaint neighborhood that was built around a lake in the early 1970s. Spring Lake Subdivision is a squared neighborhood delineated by the Interstate 10 Service Road, Morrison Road, Cove Drive and Neptune Court. The entire neighborhood is made up of about 200 lots, a quarter of which have a backyard facing out onto the beautiful expanse of the Spring Lake.
Room With a View Resident Ron Quintal discusses the Spring Lake Subdivision and The American Dream
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The EAST New Orleans
Photo by Cheryl Gerber
Ron Quintal is lucky enough to live in one of the water-facing homes in the Spring Lake Subdivision. He and his wife have lived in the Spring Lake Subdivision since 1992. “This neighborhood was the embodiment of the American Dream for us,” said Quintal, who is now retired from the Federal Government and spends his time enjoying his neighborhood and New Orleans as a whole. “Everyone would wave and look out for each other. I remember people would bring their boats and paddle boards out onto the lake, and people would be barbecuing and my wife and I would bring them cold drinks. It was just a really great sense of community.” This community of the Spring Lake Subdivision was full of interesting characters, Quintal said. “My neighbor taught ice skating at the old plaza and a Zulu King lived across the street from us. We’d have little parades around the neighborhood together.” For Quintal, life in a tight-knit neighborhood inside of an already intimate city was seductive. The landscape of the Spring Lake Subdivision is something that almost feels timeless. With tall palm trees, the sounds of children doing cannonballs into family swimming pools, it takes a minute to remember that you are in New Orleans. “And my house is actually really nice,” Quintal punctuated with excitement. “There are ducks and turtles on the lake behind our house, and it’s nice to look out on my backyard and see the lake instead of a fence. Especially at night. The moon glistens off of the water at night and then there’s that cool breeze. It’s just really beautiful — like a little oasis.” Of course, there have been additions to the neighborhood that have brought the
Spring Lake Subdivision modern comforts: a Walmart, a Lowes and a myriad of pharmacies and corner stores allow Spring Lake residents the ability shop for their necessities without taking the journey to other parts of New Orleans. With these commercial additions as well as the wonderful reconstruction of Joe W. Brown park, Spring Lake is bringing in younger residents. “It is nice seeing new generations of parents walking down the street with their kids in strollers or riding their bikes around,” Quintal said. The new generation of Spring Lake Subdivision residents are bringing a new life to the neighborhood. A life that Quintal describesd as akin to “Daytona Beach.” There are lively parties on the lake, and people coming in from other neighborhoods to join the events. The lake has become illustrious — endowed with a reinvigorated spirit of community and fun times, an enduring symbol observing as the generations go by around it. Since the 1970s, Spring Lake Subdivision has changed the lives of each incoming generation. For Ron Quintal in the ‘90s, the American Dream manifested itself in neighborhood barbecues and watching his daughter grow up along the static backdrop of a community-galvanizing lake — a lake that invited Zulu Kings and ice skating instructors. Now, new parents push their strollers and teach their children to swim, they bring paddleboats into the lake and invite friends from afar to join barbecue parties. They sit on the banks and experience, maybe for the first time, the moonlight glistening off of the lake and its esoteric spirit communicated through a cool breeze on a summer day.
By Jenny peterson
| Living in the East
Living the Dream
Photo by Cheryl Gerber
Lake Tamaron Estates Edward “Sonny” Davidson III is currently designing and building his dream home in the Lake Tamaron subdivision in East New Orleans. It’s a dream nearly 30 years in the making. In 1988, Davidson purchased a corner lot in the established Tamaron Estates neighborhood in Little Woods. “I had three young daughters at the time, and I envisioned them in the neighborhood; it was quiet, it didn’t have a lot of traffic, the streets were in good condition. I saw them riding their bikes and doing all the things kids do. It was a dream of mine to build a home for myself and my family,” Davidson said. “I really loved the subdivision, the neighbors are all really supportive of each other, and all around it’s a beautiful community.” However, events in Davidson’s life delayed that dream from becoming a reality. That is, until now. Now retired, Davidson is bringing his vision to life. While his own daughters are all grown up, he has new reasons to settle into the neighborhood he invested in nearly 30 years ago. “I have 10 grandkids plus another on the way,” Davidson said. “My family is close by; one daughter lives two miles away.” He made sure the house he’s building would have ample room for kids at play in the close-knit neighborhood. “I’m going to have a beautiful backyard, a beautiful side and front yard,” he said. “I see people walking in the neighborhood in the evenings — I see them walking their dogs, walking with their kids,” Davidson said. “I see a younger father in the neighborhood; he has three young daughters, and he walks with them while they ride their bikes.” The well-defined neighborhood is composed of around 70 spacious single-family homes. It’s small enough so that neighbors know one another by name, and they look out for one another. “A young couple just bought a home in Tamaron, and one of them was a classmate of my daughter and they have a little child,” Davidson said. “We have more young estab-
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The Tamaron subdivision encompasses approximately 70 spacious single-family homes of up to 5,200 square feet, many that have been renovated and several with in-ground pools. The first- class subdivision has a seven-foot-tall brick wall entrance off the I-10 service road and quick access to nearby businesses. The Tamaron subdivision is in Little Woods bounded by the North I-10 Service Road, Morrison Road, Kingswood Subdivision and Gannon Road. The Tamaron Subdivision Improvement District and active Tamaron Homeowner’s Association makes sure the neighborhood has attractive plantings, grass cutting, security and more. Paved sidewalks throughout the neighborhood allow residents to walk easily and safely. lished families in the neighborhood. My neighbor two doors down really watches out for what’s going on in the neighborhood. People in this community know and look out for each other.” The Tamaron Subdivision Improvement District and homeowner’s association includes a beautification committee to make sure the neighborhood has attractive plantings, grass cutting, security and more. “All Tamaron Estates has single-family homes and, including my construction, there are four more homes being renovated or built right now,” Davidson said. “There are lots of opportunities to buy property. In fact, it’s a buyer’s market for people moving to the East before property prices start skyrocketing.” Beyond the actual neighborhood, Davidson said his favorite amenities in East New Orleans include the new Joe Brown Park, just a ten-minute drive away. “I visit the recreational center there a lot. I like playing basketball because I was a basketball player growing up — all the way to my university days,” Davidson said. “The Joe Brown facility is especially nice with the pool and walking track and lots of exercise spots for people who are interested in physical activity.” There are also nearby restaurants, such as the New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood Company and China Moon. Once a week, Davidson meets with a men’s group at McDonald’s near Tamaron Estates. There, they reminisce about growing up in the area, furthering their bond to the East and each other. “At our meetings, we have a large number of alumni from St. Augustine High School, and we always have a lot to talk about and reminisce,” Davidson said. It was the close-knit community that attracted him to the East in the first place, and it’s the same sense of community that has kept his dream alive for 30 years. “I’m very established in the East,” Davidson said. “I don’t see myself going anywhere else. I really love it here. I’m planted here.” EastNolabdd.com
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East New Orleans bY the numbers
If treated like an independent city in Louisiana, East New Orleans would be the 6th largest in the state.
20% 391,495 66% East New Orleans makes up more than 20 percent of Greater New Orleans’ population according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total population of New Orleans (est. 2016)
East New Orleans comprises 66 percent of the city’s land mass, providing distinct opportunities for industrial and other major commercial developments.
83,298
Population of East New Orleans (est. 2010).
58%
1/5
58 percent of the population in East New Orleans are homeowners, a figure comparable to other major Louisiana cities.
Nearly one-fifth of East New Orleans households have an annual income above $75,000.
100,000
$2.5
Billion
investments made in levee, floodwall and floodgate system improvements since 2005 18
The EAST New Orleans
20%
The East New Orleans area is poised for an estimated 20 percent population increase by 2020.
vehicles travel through East New Orleans via the I-10 corridor every day.
453
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open slips and covered slips are available at South Shore Harbor Marina, accomodating vessels up to 100 feet
80
10
Lighted tennis courts at the newly rennovated Joe Brown Park
beds for patients in The East New Orleans Hospital
Investors & acknowleDgements Presidential Circle
THANK YOU! The East NOLA BDD would like to thank the following contributors and partners for their dedication to our mission. • Wade T. Verges
Wade T. Verges Construction Co.
• Air Products • Councilman James Gray’s Office
• GNO, Inc.
EXECUTIVE Circle
• Cliff Robinson • New Orleans Business Alliance • Karen Coaxum • Ron Wright • Robert Packnett - R & P Landscaping
• Loews Home Improvement • Home Depot • Walmart • New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood • Vietnamese Initiatives in Economic Training (VIET)
• New Orleans Lakefront Airport • East New Orleans Economic Development
PARTNERS
• STUDS Club • Sphinx Foundation • Jacoby Jones Foundation
EastNolabdd.com
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Photo Gallery 2017 White Linen Night in the east
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The EAST New Orleans
Photo Gallery The East Magazine Release Party at Joe Brown Park - July 2017
Sean Bruno, ENOBDD Chairperson, Mayor Elect LaToya Cantrell & Cyndi Nguyen, Councilwoman Elect District E EastNolabdd.com
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membershIP levels & benefits
CORPORATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Annual Membership $5,000.00
Benefits of Membership • Co-sponsor of the East New Orleans Business Development District – “State of the District” Breakfast Summit • Co-sponsor, the future New Orleans Snowball Festival (Signature Event – September 2018) • Co-sponsor Linen Night in the East (September 2017) • Eligibility to serve on the Board of Directors • Recognition of Membership in “The EAST” magazine (Summer & Winter Editions) • Co-sponsor of all Networking Events
BOARD COUNCIL
Annual Membership $1,000.00
Benefits of Membership • Eligible to serve on Board of Directors • Recognition of Membership in “The EAST” Magazine (Summer & Winter Editions) • Invitation to all Networking Events
Large Organization
Annual Membership $500.00
( 50 or more employees )
Benefits of Membership • Recognition of Membership in “The EAST” Magazine (Summer & Winter Editions) • Listing in business directory for the Winter Edition • Invitation to all Networking Events
Mid-size organization
Annual Membership $250.00
( less than 50 employees )
Benefits of Membership • Recognition of Membership in “The East” Magazine (Winter Edition) • Invitation to all Networking Events
Individual
Annual Membership $100.00
Benefits of Membership • Listing in business directory for the Winter Edition • Invitation to all Networking Events EastNolabdd.com
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APPLY & UPDATE
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