New Orleans City Business

N.O.'S Federal City Negotiations Move Slowly

Anyone who's ever bought a house knows how complicated and voluminous the paperwork can be. Try buying or leasing land from the Navy.

New Orleans Resident John Goodman Joins Push for 8/29 Commission

Actor John Goodman has added his voice to a series of celebrity public service announcements for nonprofit flood-control advocacy group Levees.Org. Goodman, a New Orleans resident, asks in the spots: "Don't we all deserve levees that work?" The campaign explains levees built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers nationwide could give way to a catastrophic flood like New Orleans experienced during Hurricane Katrina.

Mayor Nagin, Dr. Chan Talks to Highlight Tulane Business Program

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will deliver the closing keynote address at the sixth annual Tulane Family Business Center Wealth Management Seminar at 4:30 p.m. Thursday in the Wyndham New Orleans Canal Place. Nagin will discuss "How Local Government and Family Businesses Can Work Together to Move New Orleans Forward." The "Growing and Maintaining Family Business Assets" seminar will include a closing and opening keynote address and feature six break- out seminars. J.P. Morgan chief economist Dr. Anthon...

New Orleans Marriott Nears Completion On $38m Renovation

The New Orleans Marriott plans to complete $38 million in renovations by late summer. Begun in 2005, it is the largest makeover in the 1,290-room hotel's history, Marriott officials said.

$450,000 Grant to Improve Central City Neighborhood

Baptist Community Ministries, the largest private foundation in Louisiana, has announced a grant of $450,000 over three years to fund a crime-reduction program in Central City. The Weed and Seed Program, managed by the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, will focus on the redevelopment of the Hoffman Triangle, the neighborhood and commercial properties surrounding John W. Hoffman Elementary School.

Jazz Fest Launches Two New Airport Ridership Records

Jazz Fest partiers and a contingent of insurance agents combined to blow away the post-Katrina record for airport passengers this weekend. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport reported 15,868 passengers enplaned Sunday to top the former record of 14,996 set March 27 after the Cardiologist Convention ended.

Louisiana's Bayou Bend Petroleum Deal Appreciates to More Than $27m

Bayou Bend Petroleum Ltd. today closed the acquisition of the Gulf of Mexico assets from Pearl Exploration and Production Ltd. The transaction first announced by CityBusiness Jan. 18 was for 10 million common shares of Bayou Bend with a deemed value of $1.20 per. The price of Bayou Bend shares have since appreciated to about $2.74, giving a current deal value $27.4 million.

Louisiana Port Boards Disdain Consolidation

Hurricane Katrina helped spur consolidation of the state levee boards but don't look for it to do the same for the various port boards. Port officials statewide have discussed the need for Louisiana's 27 operational ports to share ideas for growth, but they stop short of suggesting consolidation.

Expressjet Adds to N.O. Air Options Monday

ExpressJet Airlines will renew, non-stop service from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport at a 10 a.m. ribbon- cutting Monday. Jim Ream, ExpressJet president and CEO will be on hand. The Algiers Brass Band will perform.

Drew Brees to Quarterback Home Rebuilding in Ninth Ward

New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees, along with his teammates and fellow members of Sigma Chi fraternity, plan to rebuild homes in the Upper Ninth Ward with Habitat for Humanity. Brees and teammates will be at 4000 N. Roman St. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday.

New Orleans Police Report 12-Year-Old Girl Missing

The New Orleans Police Department is asking the public to help locate 12-year-old Jerminque Young, a New Orleans resident reported to be missing since Tuesday. Police say Young is a 5-foot-7-inch African-American weighing 130 pounds. She was last seen wearing a blue jean skirt and a black T- shirt.