To be continued: A mediation hearing that began Nov. 2 to negotiate a settlement over how to divide up the estimated $2 million cost to repair the partially built downtown library has been continued for one week, according to Parish Attorney LeAnne Batson, who declines to provide additional details on the hearings that involve multiple parties. If they are unable to reach an agreement, the issue of who is responsible to repair the building, which experienced a structural failure to its cantilever last spring, will likely end up in court.
Not Louisiana’s typical oil refinery: A Japanese company has broken ground for a $70 million vegetable oil plant in the New Orleans area, according to a news release from the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission. Fuji Vegetable Oil Inc. plans to process palm oil, palm kernel oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil at the plant. The complex will also include storage and distribution facilities. The project is expected to create 39 jobs with an average annual salary of $77,000. Fuji expects to begin hiring in late 2019, and the plant is expected to be complete in June 2020. Read the full story.
Two scores in jewelry: Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry marked a major milestone last month, celebrating its 40th year in business. Originally from Texas, Lee Michael Berg, founder and CEO, and his wife Brenda chose Baton Rouge to launch their business. The first Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store has grown into one of the largest family owned and operated jewelry retailers in the U.S., employing more than 150 people and posting revenues of more than $56 million. Read the company’s full announcement.
