Changing minds about government consolidation

The Lafayette City-Parish Council is expected to vote on a resolution next week that would allow voters to decide whether they want to keep their home rule charter on the books. In other words, they’ll decide the fate of consolidated government in southwest Louisiana. Council Clerk Norma Dugas told 1012 Weekly this week that the provision has been placed on the March 9 agenda and council members are expected to weigh in on the matter. It’s unclear whether the votes are there to carry the motion all the way through, but proponents shouldn’t fret too much. That's because City-Parish Attorney Pat Ottinger told the council last month that a petition can be circulated in surrounding communities to put the concept on the ballot – the only thing that’s needed is 20% of Lafayette Parish’s registered voters, or about 25,000 names. In 1992, Lafayette voters first approved their home rule charter, which went into effect in 1996. At the time, it became the third area of the state to make the leap to this president-council variety of governing, where the legislative and executive branches are separated, and the main municipality incorporated. Before that, the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government was formed by voters down the bayou in 1984. That initiative was based on the model that East Baton Rouge Parish pioneered back in its 1947 charter. [The Louisiana Police Jury Association classifies New Orleans has having a "city-parish home rule charter" as opposed to a "consolidated home rule charter."] While things seem pretty sturdy in Terrebonne, there have been rumblings recently that suggest EBR could be hot on the trail of Lafayette Parish. In a recent issue of our sister publication, Baton Rouge Business Report, reporter Emma James tries to answer the big-picture question: “Should EBR abolish its metropolitan government?” To check it out, click here. - Jeremy Alford

KODA gets $1.5 million in angel funding

KODA, an online community for employers to recruit young professionals, has gotten a $1.5 million infusion in private angel funding. The funds will support the company’s growing user base and continued community expansion. KODA’s new financial investment underscores the significant business opportunity involved in using social networking tools to transform the online recruiting space. KODA challenges traditional resources like classifieds and job boards by getting back to the basics: allowing principal parties direct and frequent contact in a fresh, professional environment. Born out of the founder’s own job search frustrations as a recent Tulane graduate in a post-Katrina New Orleans, KODA was designed to fill the gap left by social and professional networks and job boards. "We are committed to challenging a recruitment industry that doesn’t work for today’s young job seekers. I know, because I was one of them," says KODA CEO and co-founder Jeff Berger. "This latest investment underscores the belief that we are creating a lasting solution with KODA. We plan to use the funds to expand our community solutions for both job seekers and employers." Since launching in mid-2009, KODA’s employer network has grown to more than 450 organizations including Fortune 500 companies. KODA currently has thousands of young job candidates who have created profiles that allow employers to learn about their unique attributes – the characteristics that typically aren't revealed until the interview process begins. In turn, employers can provide a complete picture of their organization, culture and strategic differences on their own profile pages. KODA recently announced the hiring of Michelle Slagle, the former chief financial officer for both JobFox and CareerBuilder, as the company's chief operating officer. The firm plans to use the $1.5 million for operations and product development to enhance the seeker experience and to make the KODA community more interactive. To read more about KODA in 10/12 magazine, click here.

Entrepreneur Week takes over New Orleans

It isn't often that the lineup for a business gathering gets an unveiling worthy of Jazz Fest or a movie premier, but New Orleans Entrepreneur Week apparently is the exception. The Idea Village on Friday afternoon will reveal the activities planned for the event from March 20-27 that marks the culmination of the organization's year round program that identifies, supports and retains entrepreneurial talent in New Orleans. For one week, some of the nation’s most entrepreneurial minds are expected to congregate in New Orleans to provide strategic resources to local start-ups, celebrate the city’s progress, and further establish New Orleans as a nationally significant center for innovation and entrepreneurship. Billed as the "Jazz Fest of Entrepreneurship," activities will include investor presentations, business workshops, networking events, national speakers, and a media panel. The participating corporations, MBA schools, and national business leaders will be made available to the public. The unveiling is set for 3 p.m. at the IP Building, 515 Girod St. For more information, call Abhi Bhansali at 504-897-0462.

Louisiana education makes top of national list

Louisiana's progress in linking high school standards, resources and practices to the expectations of colleges and employers is recognized in a newly released national report. In the annual "Closing the Expectations Gap" report, published by the non-profit education organization Achieve, Louisiana meets three of the five critical college and career ready benchmarks. That puts Louisiana among only eleven states that meet three or more of the measured criteria. This is the fifth year Achieve has issued the report, which is published in conjunction with the organization's American Diploma Project (ADP) Network. Louisiana is among 31 states that have developed and adopted high school academic content standards for English and mathematics that are aligned to college and career-ready expectations. Furthermore, Louisiana is one of only four states highlighted in the report for its Emerging Best Practices in Accountability. The report points to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education's adoption of statewide goals to measure and provide incentives for college and career readiness. "The value of high school for our students is directly related to how well their experience prepares them for success in their future academic and career pursuits," State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek says. "It is not enough for our students to graduate from high school. They need to graduate equipped with the knowledge and skills it takes to succeed in the global economy, and this report reaffirms Louisiana's continued commitment to college- and career-ready standards. It also serves as a guide by which we can gauge our progress in meeting the benchmarks that are so essential to our students' success after high-school."

Perez named president of AT&T Louisiana

Sonia Perez

Sonia Perez has been named president of AT&T Louisiana. Perez most recently served as Vice President for AT&T Texas. "We know that Sonia will do a great job in Louisiana," says David Condit, AT&T president of state legislative and regulatory affairs. "Her community involvement as well as her role in bringing innovative new technology to our customers will be an asset as we move ahead in Louisiana." As president of AT&T Louisiana, Perez will work closely with community leaders, elected officials, stakeholders and others at AT&T on bringing U-verse video service to Louisiana. In addition to her responsibilities in the company, Perez has also been very involved in community and charitable activities. Her community board involvement includes serving on the executive committees of the Greater Houston Partnership and the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on the boards of the Texas Senate Hispanic Research Council and the Memorial Hermann Hospital System. Ms. Perez has held various leadership positions including serving as President of the Board of the Texas Exes, the alumni association of The University of Texas at Austin; and as a member of the Executive Committee of The University's Commission of 125. She currently serves on the advisory board of the Center for Politics and Governance at the LBJ School of Public Affairs.

Conservationists converge on Baton Rouge

Hundreds of conservationists are expected to meet this weekend in Baton Rouge for the annual convention of Louisiana's largest marine conservation association. Gov. Bobby Jindal, U.S. Sen. David Vitter, U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy and numerous other public officials will speak during the Coastal Conservation Association’s annual State Convention. The governor will keynote the CCA awards banquet and dinner on Friday. "The Convention will be a great event," says Rad Trascher, director of development for CCA Louisiana. Participants will enjoy a tour of LSU Tiger Stadium on Friday afternoon and the much-anticipated Chapter Cook-Off and Tailgate Party on Saturday night. Registration is $100 per person or $150 per couple, which includes admission, meals and drinks for both the Friday and Saturday events. Separate banquet tickets for Friday night are available for $75 per person and Cook-Off tickets for Saturday night are $50 a person. For registration, hotel information and a complete schedule of events, click here, or contact Rad Trascher at 225-952-9200.

Places to be on the corridor

:: March 9: Greater New Orleans Inc. hosts "GNO 2.0: The Economic Evolution" at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel Napoleon Ballroom, 500 Canal St. in New Orleans. Networking begins at 11:15 a.m.; the luncheon and program begins at 11:45 a.m. Keynote speaker is John Fernandez of the Federal Economic Development Administration. Cost is $50 per person. To register, click here. For more information, call Rachel Shields at 504-527-6939.

:: March 22: Louisiana Committee of 100 for Economic Development CEO Michael Olivier is the keynote speaker for the St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation's annual luncheon at Benedict's Plantation, 1122 N. Causeway Blvd. in Mandeville. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.; the program begins at 12 p.m. Cost is $30 per person. Reservations are required by March 17. To RSVP, call 985-809-7874.

:: March 24: Top CEOs will discuss how they are meeting current economic challenges - and prospering - at the Louisiana CEO Forum, hosted by 10/12 magazine at the Crowne Plaza, 2829 Williams Boulevard in Kenner. Doors open at 7 a.m.; program begins at 7:30 a.m. Speakers include Laitram President Jay Lapeyre, Stirling Properties CEO Marty Mayer, Liberty Bank & Trust President & CEO Alden McDonald Jr., Stine Lumber CEO Dennis Stine and Our Lady of the Lake CEO Scott Wester. Tickets are $20 and include a continental breakfast. To purchase tickets online, click here. For more information, call Valerie Huntley at 225-928-1700.

Poll: Jindal must be running for president

Bobby Jindal

Is Gov. Bobby Jindal's new book a sign he's running for president in 2012? Absolutely, say a majority of 10/12 poll respondents. "On Solid Ground: Returning to America's Core Values" Jindal's co-authored autobiography and political treatise, has already gone on sale for advance copies with a working title and an ambitious promise to provide a "bold vision for renewing the GOP and our nation." It is being written by Jindal and Hoover Institution research fellow Peter Schweizer, and is scheduled for release on July 12. Some 62% of poll respondents say the book's publication indicates the governor is intent on entering the race. However, 25% say it proves nothing. The remaining 12% don't know. The 10/12 poll is not a scientific survey. It reflects the responses of the people who choose to participate. This week's question: Do you think South Louisiana is out of the recession?

Viewpoint: Drawing lines before counting voters

Census workers begin fanning out this week across the New Orleans area for an early start to the decennial count that begins next month for the rest of the state and nation, writes LaPolitics columnist John Maginnis. Official figures won't be released until early 2011, and the Legislature will meet to draw new district lines about a year from now. Yet legislative committees already have circled the state to hold reapportionment briefings and one public official and an organization have even presented plans for redrawing congressional and state Senate districts. In getting around the state, I have noticed a greater-than-usual interest among citizens in reapportionment this year. That's partly because the state's relatively flat population growth all but ensures Louisiana will drop from seven U.S. representatives to six, and voters and local officials are curious, even nervous, about in whose district they will land. Also, once the Census solves the mystery of how many people actually live in post-Katrina New Orleans, that will give a better idea of how many legislative seats that region will lose--that's when the real fight begins. To read the full column, click here.