At the helm: The Ascension Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has tapped Barker Dirmann to be the chamber’s new president and CEO after a nationwide search. Dirmann will begin his work on March 12. Dirmann previously served as manager of governmental affairs and special projects for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and for the Governor’s Office.
Standing by: While more than a dozen major U.S. companies have ended business partnerships with the National Rifle Association after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, FedEx says it’s sticking with the group and has not asked to be removed from the NRA website where members are offered corporate discounts. The Memphis, Tennessee, delivery company says it differs with the NRA and believes weapons like the AR-15 assault-style rifle that was used to kill 17 people in Florida shouldn’t be owned by civilians. But it said this week that it’s a common carrier, and will not deny service based on political views or policy positions.
New products: Apple is preparing to release a trio of new smartphones later this year, Bloomberg reports. The trio includes the largest iPhone ever, an upgraded handset the same size as the current iPhone X and a less expensive model with some of the flagship phone’s key features. With the new lineup, Apple wants to appeal to the growing number of consumers who crave the multitasking attributes of so-called phablets while also catering to those looking for a more affordable version of the iPhone X. Read more.
