At the helm: Anthony Pope will take the reins as Cox Communications senior vice president and Southeast region manager, effective Monday, Cox announced today. Pope, an Alcorn State University graduate, will succeeds Jacqui Vines, who retired at the end of last year. Pope is a 20-year cable industry veteran. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading 1,900 employees and the day-to-day operations of six markets located throughout Louisiana, Florida and Georgia. Cox Southeast region markets include Baton Rouge, Lafayette and New Orleans, as well as Gainesville, Florida; Macon, Georgia; and Pensacola, Florida.
Up and down: The number of active oil and gas rigs in Louisiana trended toward the positive this week as the state gained three, bringing the number of active rigs up to 49 from 46 a week ago. According to Houston-Texas based oilfield service provider Baker Hughes, the state had 17 active oil and gas rigs in north Louisiana, three inland on water in south Louisiana, five just on land in south Louisiana and 24 offshore. Meanwhile, Baker Hughes reports the U.S. rig count dropped nine this week to 480— a record low and another sign of continuing price woes in the oil and gas industry. Of those rigs, 386 sought oil and 94 explored for natural gas. A year ago, 1,125 rigs were active.
Worthy cause: The East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority announced today it has received a $157,742 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grant is through HUD’s Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency—Service Coordinators Program and goes toward either hiring or retaining service coordinators that help residents. Monroe received a similar grant, $461,799. “Today, we make an affirmative investment in families living in public housing to help them build a brighter future for themselves and their children,” says HUD Secretary Julián Castro in a statement. “This funding allows our local partners to support residents’ goals and put them on the path toward self-sufficiency.”
