Business

Federal regulations could change the way pecan growers do business

Kate Archer Kent — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:59:00 +0000

Dozens of pecan growers across Louisiana met at the LSU AgCenter Pecan Research Station in Shreveport earlier this month to discuss how proposed federal regulations could impact their operations. State pecan specialist Charlie Graham said the Food Safety Modernization Act will bring about more stringent guidelines that will be harder for small farmers to implement and adhere to. Under the proposed regulations, Graham said, pecan growers may not be able to run cattle in their orchards.

Carthage, Texas, landman works doggedly to be debt free

Kate Archer Kent — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:38:45 +0000

A 26-year-old independent petroleum landman in Carthage, Texas, has held 17 jobs in his life. LSU alumnus James Carroll was recently featured in a CNNMoney article about job-hunting millennials. It profiled 20-somethings from across the country who’ve held numerous jobs over relatively short periods in search of the ideal job. Carroll thinks he’s found his calling as a landman.

“I really enjoy it. It’s really challenging and dynamic. Every situation is different. We’re reviewing titles and deeds and determining ownership," Carroll said.

Louisiana's 4-H camp gets $1.8 million upgrade

Kate Archer Kent — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:37:34 +0000

The Louisiana 4-H Foundation is preparing to make a $1.8 million investment in its Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center near Pollock, La. More than 12,000 youth stay at the camp each year, and they come from across the state. Foundation executive director Jeff Bush said the new multipurpose facility will convert from an open-air pavilion into an enclosed building with fold-down walls in later phases of the project. He said he’ll begin accepting construction bids next month.

Shreveport software firm aims to rally local investors around high-tech

Kate Archer Kent — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:08:36 +0000

A Shreveport software engineering firm aims to leverage local angel investment dollars and sink seed capital into new technology ideas. The CEO of BlueArx, Ryan Wooley, has six employees clustered in a downtown office suite. His new startup firm will provide all the tools necessary to take a novel technology to market – from startup cash to programming and marketing to launch and business development. Wooley said he’ll earn the trust of local investors and steer them toward the most promising high-tech ventures.

Shreveport nonprofit grows business enterprise around mentally disabled

Kate Archer Kent — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:31:14 +0000

A Shreveport nonprofit that cares for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has opened two new facets to its campus that will employ dozens of its 184 residents. Holy Angels dedicated its new horticulture center and gift shop yesterday in the name of two donors who made one-time gifts: AdvoCare, a nutrition supplement company, and the David Toms Foundation.

Adam Young, executive director of the David Toms Foundation, told the audience that many grant proposals cross his desk, but this one was business savvy.