Biz Talks

That’s the name of the new report just released by independent local research organization   Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR). President and CEO Rebecca Mowbray shares the shocking things not required to be included in the budget, why we need to include them, and why now is the perfect time to get it done right.  Link to BGR Candidate Q&A https://www.bgr.org/report-index/candidate-qa-repo...

Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, is coming to town to speak at the New Orleans chapter’s first-ever housing innovation forum, Still Rising, which will be held Thursday, Sept. 18, at Nieux Society. In this week’s episode, he shares his unique global view on the status of affordable housing, how the organization is getting creative to meet them, and the top things New Or...

This week we talk to a member of the famed musical family the Batistes, Ryan Batiste, about how and why he founded L.O.C.A.L.S. Fest — a festival designed to support the local economy and cultural landscape. The free festival returns for its sixth year at Armstrong Park this Saturday, September 13, from 11 a.m. To 7 p.m. 

Formed following Hurricane Katrina with the goal of replacing the 100,000 trees lost in New Orleans, NOLA Tree Project has planted more than 86,000 trees across the city with the help of more than 125,000 volunteers. As the weather cools, Executive Director Connie Uddo explains how local businesses and individuals can join in making a tangible difference in the health and beauty of the city in jus...

Just two years ago, Kevin Pedeaux went from being a vendor at St. Roch Market — one of only two historic city-owned public markets left in the city — to running the market. In this week’s Biz Talks, he shares some surprising insights about the market and details on a big event coming in September.

Locals and tourists looking to escape the heat and immersive themselves in a world that celebrates the wonder and cultural richness of the city need only travel to 940 Frenchmen St. where JAMNOLA — NOLA’s first experiential pop-up museum — just opened a permanent location in June. This fantastical wonderland showcases the work of more than 100 local artists, but that’s just the beginning, explains...

Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) President and CEO Stan Harris joins us on this week’s Biz Talks to share what’s up with the closings we’ve been seeing, what the big issues are right now, what the LRA is doing to help, and why right now is the perfect time to help our favorite spots.

Marking 70 years this year, Louisiana’s only freestanding, comprehensive children’s hospital has been celebrating through service. Along with the latest on two of the hospital’s big initiatives, President and CEO Lou Fragoso shares his thoughts on Ochsner’s Children’s Hospital breaking ground while he prepares to take on a big personal adventure on behalf of the kids he serves.

Did you know Louisiana is the top oyster-producing state in America? The big news in oysters is that our state is now home to a new kind of oyster farming that’s resulting in all new flavor profiles — and JEDCO is helping to spread the word about these Grand Isle Jewels. This week on BizTalks, JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna explains why working with oyster farmers in Grand Isle has been one...

On Aug. 4, local hotel industry veteran Jim Cook will officially step in as the new president and CEO of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Cook shares his plans to lead the sixth largest convention center in the country as it looks to break ground on a headquarters hotel next year and finish up the first phase of a $557 million capital improvement plan.

Having trouble getting your dog to and from doggie daycare? Does your pooch need a ride to the groomer, but you’ve got a conflict? Now there’s an app for that. Native New Orleanian Troy Bergeron has parlayed his background in logistics and transportation into a new venture — Doggie Bus . After just over a year in business, the company is already expanding nationally. How does it all work? Bergeron...

After a little more than 10 years in business, Haptech, Inc. has found its stride — earning millions in military contracts. Founder and CEO Kyle Monti explains his innovative technology, how the video game industry helped get the company where it needed to be, as well as what’s up next and how locals can join his team.

Celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, Lakeside Shopping Center is working hard to stay young — welcoming two new stores, with another on the way. Lakeside’s General Manager Lisa Manzella, and Marketing Director Erin Graham share all the latest news (including what went into hosting 2,000 people for Jefferson Parish’s Bicentennial Ball) and discuss the surprising lessons the mall learned from...

On June 9, the announcement went out that Gov. Landry had signed SB 232 into law, officially establishing Act 44 — a major update to the state’s film incentive program. What exactly does this act do and why is the industry excited? Jason Waggenspack, co-founder and CEO of The Ranch Film Studios and president of Film Louisiana, shares his insight.

Flynn Zaiger is the CEO of Online Optimism, a digital marketing agency that has been aiding small businesses in the region for 13 years. In this week’s episode, he shares how his company uses AI, the biggest misunderstandings people have about AI, and his top tips and suggestions for easily using this new technology to enhance your business.

A new “Top 250” study found that 88% of the top 250 conventions in the country will meet in only 20 cities and New Orleans tops the list at number three, behind only San Diego and Orlando. Stephanie Turner, SVP of convention sales and strategies for New Orleans & Co. explains how this industry works, how competition has changed post-Covid and how New Orleans is positioned for the future.

Almost 100,000 people in the Greater New Orleans region suddenly lost power on a perfectly sunny day on Sunday, May 25.  Logan Atkinson Burke, executive director of the Alliance for Affordable energy, explains why this shouldn’t have happened, what questions still need to be answered and what changes we all should be pushing for now.

There are a lot of things on the chopping block with President Trump’s big bill, not the least of which is funding for women’s business centers throughout the country. Klassi Duncan, VP of entrepreneurship and innovation at the Urban League of Louisiana — which operates two women’s business centers in the region – explains what this loss would mean to Louisiana and shares the 30-second act you can...

Today, Tuesday, May 20, is Early Care and Education Day at the Capitol, and among those organizations in Baton Rouge today fighting for the importance of funding for this need is the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, which just released some sobering new data on single mothers in the region. UWSELA President and CEO Michael Williamson joins us again on the podcast to share the latest findings, as...

The opioid epidemic is not just exacerbating our issues with crime, homelessness and public health, it’s also harming our next generation — a warning that local entrepreneur Cammy Livingston is trying to spread by cofounding Generation O: The National Organization for Opioid-Exposed Children, a national nonprofit led by foster/adoptive moms across the U.S. to advocate for kids impacted by the opio...

On April 29, Louisiana Children's Museum (LCM) announced its receipt of a $2.5 million grant – the largest contribution the museum has received outside of a capital campaign in its almost 40-year history. It will be using the money to expand both its programming and exhibit space to a new audience. Who is this audience and what are they doing? LCM CEO Tifferney White shares the news.

After 10 years running her social impact firm, TCG (Thomas Consulting Group) CEO Michelle Thomas was inspired to make some big changes that resulted in phenomenal growth that placed her at No. 15 on the 2025 Inc. list of fastest-growing private companies in the Southeast. She shares her biggest tips for success on this week’s Biz Talks.

Louisiana needs a population and workforce boost — both of which are being addressed by an organization founded last summer called The Boot. CEO Ben Armstrong explains who is involved and how local employers can get in on the action.

Corporate Realty published the latest (and 13th) version of their Greater New Orleans Annual Office Market Report — which looks at rates and movement within the city’s corporate spaces. To share the highlights of the report’s findings and what they mean for the local economy, we’re joined by Austin Lavin, sales and leasing associate with Corporate Realty.

For 100 years, Try-Me Coffee has been operating out of an unassuming building in the Bywater, supplying some of New Orleans’ most iconic restaurants and cafes. In 2023, it was purchased by a local couple (Lauren “Mermaid” McCabe and Abby King) who are determined to spread the word about their unique, roast to order options — so much so that they’ll hand deliver it right to your door!