Name: Paul J. Arrigo, CDME
Title: President and CEO
Company: Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Age: 55
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Why do you do what you do?
I like to make a difference in the community. Our industry has a billion dollar impact on the Baton Rouge area...that makes me feel good!
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Establishing a top notch, professional staff that has a passion for what they do.
What was your first job?
Pizza maker
What is the best advice you've ever received?
In the CVB business, you can prosper using public relations, politics or production. My mentor suggested production...and I’ve followed that advice.
Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?
The CVB staff...they are the best.
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
High school civics teacher
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you've overcome?
Keeping up with my keys and wallet--it seems like I have to overcome this every day.
If you started over, what would you do differently?
Nothing
What is your prescription for life?
Don’t stew...have fun!
What book are you currently reading?
After the Hunt by Chef John D. Folse
If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be?
Rachael Ray, the Pope, and JFK’s assassin (to see who it really was).
Who would play you in a movie?
James Gandolfini
What do you do to unwind?
Cook
What is the most expensive purchase you've made for yourself?
My antique rolltop desk.
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Planning the rest of my life while cutting the grass.
What's your theme song?
"Brown-Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison
What's your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
Tiger Stadium, Saturday night...LSU WINS!!!
How do you take your coffee/tea?
Black
What is your favorite movie? TV show? Band?
The Godfather. Boston Legal. The Beatles.
What is your favorite gadget?
Sausage maker
What is something that you can't live without?
My Treo
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
Create more public access to the Mississippi River.
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
That we take advantage of all of our recent positive publicity and parlay it into economic development opportunities for the area.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
Missed opportunities--we have to strike while the iron is hot and capitalize on our successes.
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