Not expected: Mayor Kip Holden isn’t expected to partake in a lieutenant governor candidate forum tonight in Ruston. According to a report by MyArkLaMiss.com, the forum being hosted by the North Central Louisiana TEA Party will include Republican candidates Billy Nungesser, former Plaquemine Parish president, Jefferson Parish President John Young and state Sen. Elbert Guillory. The release says Holden is not expected to attend the forum, which will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ruston Country Club. A spokesperson with Holden’s campaign could not be reached as of this afternoon’s deadline for comment on why Holden was not expected at the forum. Holden is vying to replace Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, who is running for governor. The election is Oct. 24.
Underestimated: Baton Rouge is listed by Investopedia.com among eight U.S. cities as the “top under the radar tech hubs for investing.” The investment news and resources website says “an emerging tech hub” in Baton Rouge “is proving that there is much more to the state” than just Southern hospitality and Cajun cuisine. “Home to the Louisiana Technology Park, Baton Rouge is diligently striving to reinvent itself as a more modern, technologically-savvy city,” the website writes. “The IBM technology center, situated in downtown Baton Rouge, will form the centerpiece of the city’s efforts.” The website also notes, as first reported by Daily Report, that Baton Rouge-based MasteryPrep recently took advantage of the opportunity to make a pitch to venture capitalists in New York City and has also been invited to meet with capitalists in San Francisco. Other cities on the Investopedia list are Stamford, Connecticut, and Wilmington, Delaware. See the full list.
Help wanted: Walmart will hire up to 95 associates to work at the new Walmart Neighborhood Market slated to open near the intersection of Coursey and South Sherwood Forest boulevards this fall, and has opened a temporary hiring center at 14241 Coursey Blvd. According to store manager Joseph Washington, the store will be hiring both full- and part-time associates. The majority of new associates will begin work in August to help prepare the store for its grand opening. Applications will be accepted Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Interested applicants may also apply online. Walmart says it will offer a job to any eligible U.S. veteran honorably discharged from active duty since the Veterans Welcome Home Commitment launched on Memorial Day 2013. Interested veterans can get more information on the program online.
