Daily Report PM debuts

This is the first edition of Daily Report PM, which will be delivered at 3 p.m. each weekday. Our afternoon editions will also include several new features. Monday, there will be a calendar of events for the upcoming week, along with the "Executive Spotlight." Tuesdays will feature John Maginnis' weekly column and highlights from Real Estate Weekly, while Wednesdays will feature a new weekly column from Executive Editor JR Ball and highlights from 10/12 Weekly. Thursday will feature highlights from 225 Select and a roundup of sports news, and Fridays will feature the best from 225. As a promotion tied to the launch of Daily Report AM and PM, headlines from the newsletters will be displayed on Lamar digital billboards along interstates 10 and 12 during the day. We hope you enjoy the new Daily Report. Send comments to editors@businessreport.com.

LED targeting high-growth industries for state

Although the national recession is expected to continue well into 2009, Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret says his department will aggressively focus on expansion strategies that include retaining and assisting existing high-growth companies through tougher economic times. Moret told the Baton Rouge Press Club today that LED will identify and target high-growth industries that Louisiana could realistically lure into the state. Computer system designs and services, scientific research and design services, pharmaceuticals and software publishers are among the industries that may possibly be pursued. "LED will work with the state's higher education community and economic development leaders to develop an innovation agenda for the next few years," Moret says. LED will look into potential opportunities related to the upcoming expansion of the Panama Canal, as well as establish a multi-year plan to make the Louisiana one of the best states to start and grow a small business. To counter a sharp state budget shortfall, Moret says programs will be designed to achieve more with less funding. Plans are under way to launch a national marketing campaign to improve the state's image. By January, LED will launch a new magazine, Louisiana Economic Quarterly, as well as launch its Web site for site selection consultants and Louisiana businesses. "Although the national recession has dramatically reduced the pipeline of new business prospects nationally, LED will begin 2009 in the finals for several exciting business development opportunities," Moret says. "Thanks to Louisiana's recent policy reforms and economic performance, our state's position will improve on several major national rankings in 2009." For a recent Business Report story about LED's achievements in 2008, click here.—Anna Thibodeaux

Business footed bill for Jindal ad

You might have noticed a new cable television commercial featuring Gov. Bobby Jindal with a message to Louisiana citizens to buy local during these dire economic times. But what you won't notice is a paid-for tag at the end of the spot. Three trade and advocacy groups are the backers, including the Louisiana Restaurant Association, Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association and Louisiana Retailers Association. Dawn Johnson, executive director of the retail group, says her association put up $275 to help foot the production costs and that Bob Israel, who heads up the automobile group, spearheaded the effort. The Advocate reported earlier this month that Israel was leading the charge, but it failed to delve further into the financing or why a paid-for label wasn't included on the spot. Johnson says it never occurred to her that the commercial could be political. "We weren't really worried about that," she says. "Our goal was to get a positive message out there." The business groups didn't buy ad time; Cox is running the spots as a public service announcement.

Louisiana Democratic Party Chairman Chris Whittington says the ad should be considered political. "While the message of the ad is admirable and needed in these tough economic times, how it's being aired raises questions," he says. "There is no disclaimer revealing who paid for the ad or any costs associated with it. And if it is being classified as a public service announcement, we look forward to future PSAs with equal airtime on similar issues for Democratic officials."—Jeremy Alford

This article has been updated since it was published

Higher ed growth slow even before cuts

Even before the state budget shortfall forced mid-year cuts in higher education funding, growth in taxpayer funding for Louisiana's public colleges and universities was anemic compared to recent history. It's a trend mirrored in most of the nation as state budgets feel the squeeze of the national recession. State appropriations for higher education in Louisiana grew nearly 20% from 2006-07 to 2007-08, according to an Illinois State University study reported in the Chronicle of Higher Education. From 2007-08 to 2008-09, funding grew by less than 1%. That doesn't take into account $55 million in mid-year budget cuts for higher education, with even bigger cuts possible as the state confronts a $2 billion budget shortfall for next year.—Steve Clark

LSU returns to rankings in early preseason polls

With the momentum from a 38-3 victory over Georgia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, LSU returns to the Top 10 in two early preseason polls. The Tigers rank No. 5 by Rivals.com, behind national champion Florida, Texas, Southern California and Oklahoma. "QB Jordan Jefferson's performance in the Chick-fil-A Bowl provides hope that the offense will be more consistent," Rivals.com says of LSU. ESPN.com college football writer Mark Schlabach ranks the Tigers at No. 9, behind Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, USC, Alabama, Ohio State, Virginia Tech and Boise State. "Freshman quarterback Jordan Jefferson's performance … in the Chick-fil-A Bowl gives the Tigers plenty of hope for 2009," Schlabach says. "Inconsistent quarterback play and a surprisingly porous defense were LSU's biggest deficiencies in 2008. Former Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis should shore up the defense, which must replace its entire defensive line and middle linebacker Darry Beckwith." Sports Illustrated's Stewart Mandel also has the Tigers at No. 9, noting that Jefferson and running back Charles Scott will return. "The defensive front is still loaded with talent, and a year's experience should help a struggling secondary," Mandel says.

Louisiana toughens drilling safety rules

Two permanent rules changes and a new policy which combine to give Louisiana some of the most stringent oil and gas drilling safety rules in the country, according to Commissioner of Conservation James H. Welsh. The two new permanent rules, which were effective as of Dec. 20, track the federal government’s requirements on the drilling it regulates, and, as of Jan. 12, a new office policy bans wells within 1,000 feet of the crossing of Interstate highways over major waterways. The 1,000-foot ban includes such areas as the Interstate 10 crossing of the Sabine River, Calcasieu River, Atchafalaya Basin, Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain and Pearl River; the I-12 crossing of the Amite River; and the I-20 crossing of the Red, Ouachita, Tensas and Mississippi rivers, among others. Most oil- and gas-producing states have no rules addressing distance between drilling operations and roadways, and the few that do require no more than a 100-foot distance.

Business Report weekly planner: LSU health care forum, business workshop set

Tuesday: The 12th annual LSU Health Care Services Division Health Care Effectiveness Forum, "Medical Homes and Academic Health Systems: Fostering Excellence in Health Outcomes in the LSU Health System," will be held at the Baton Rouge Marriott. Dr. Atul Grover, assistant vice president and director of governmental relations of the Association of American Medical Colleges, will be the guest speaker. For more information or to register, click here.

Thursday: LSU Executive Education will host "Business Success in a Down Economy," a one-day workshop, Thursday at the Lod Cook Alumni Center. Speakers include former Gov. Buddy Roemer and LSU economist Loren Scott. Pre-registration is $100 per participant and $115 at the door. To register or for more information, click here.

Friday: Collis Temple Jr. will be the guest speaker at Forum 35's monthly speaker luncheon at Juban's. Temple, founder of the Harmony Center, is a BREC commissioner. The cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. To register, click here.

For a list of more business events going on during the week, click here.

Executive Spotlight: Tammy Jeansonne Cheatham

What might have once seemed like a few paper cups and plastic spoons at Tammy Jeansonne Cheatham's first job at a snowball stand now looks a little more like the lifeblood of her work. Cheatham is vice president of commercial operations at the only facility in Louisiana capable of separating a plethora of recyclable materials—from cardboard boxes to glass bottles and paper—from a single stream down to individual categories mechanically (the system is called a Materials Recovery Facility). And Cheatham's passion for her work shows through. "To have the opportunity to work and laugh with family every day," she says. "Doing something good for the environment at the same time is the cherry on top."

To read the full Q&A with Cheatham, click here. Here is a sample:

Question: What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?

That we will never reach our full potential as a Capital City to attract and retain young professionals, encourage business growth, and offer a first-class public school system.

News roundup: Two million more jobs could be lost in 2009 … Temple running for judicial seat … Threatened retailers listed

Out of work: The U.S. economy could lose 2 million more jobs in 2009, according to the Conference Board Employment Trends Index. The index has fallen nearly 16% over the past year. Total nonfarm employment in the U.S. fell by 2.5 million jobs in 2008. The Employment Trends Index has fallen for 17 consecutive months.

Making a run at the bench: Kelli Terrell Temple, a former East Baton Rouge Parish assistant district attorney, is running for a seat on Baton Rouge City Court. Temple, an attorney who earned an accounting degree from Southern University and graduated from LSU Law School, is a candidate to replace Judge Trudy White, who was elected to District Court. The judicial election is set for April 4.

Going out of business? Standard & Poor's says nine U.S. retail and restaurant chains are in danger of defaulting, the Wall Street Journal reports. The chains with area locations are Claire's, which has boutiques in the Mall of Louisiana, the Mall at Cortana and Tanger Outlet Mall, and Bailey Banks & Biddle, which has a jewelry store in the Mall of Louisiana. Another chain in danger is Circuit City, which recently closed its Airline Highway store and has a location at the Mall of Louisiana. The company announced it risked liquidation if a possible sale or cash infusion doesn't happen.

Sports roundup: Dungy tells Colts he's retiring … Tebow undergoes shoulder surgery

News conference scheduled: The Indianapolis Colts have scheduled a news conference for this afternoon during which Tony Dungy will announce his retirement after seven seasons as coach. Colts cornerback Marlin Jackson told ESPN's SportsCenter that the 53-year-old Dungy met with some players, including Jackson, earlier today to tell them he would be retiring. The Colts have designated associate coach Jim Caldwell as Dungy's eventual replacement. Caldwell has more than 20 years of college coaching experience, including eight seasons as head coach at Wake Forest. He was the quarterbacks coach for the 2001 Tampa Bay Buccaneers under Dungy before joining the Colts in that same capacity in 2002.

QB should be ready for spring: Florida quarterback Tim Tebow had surgery on his right shoulder today and was expected to be ready for spring practice in April. The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner had surgery at Shands Florida Surgical Center to remove a bone spur and hopefully reduce chronic inflammation. He injured his nonthrowing shoulder against Kentucky in October 2007 and re-aggravated it earlier this season. He had painkilling injections before each of the final six games last season. It was unclear whether he received shots this season. Tebow announced Sunday he will return for his senior season.