News roundup: New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell fired 911 system director … LDAF launches new certification website … Crocs shutters last two production plants  

You’re Fired: The Orleans Parish Communications District board voted Thursday to terminate Stephen Gordon, director of the city’s 911 system and appointed the system’s interim operations director to replace him. The district is a state entity that handles dispatching for the city’s Emergency Medical Services, police and fire departments. Cantrell spokesman Beau Tidwell says the board’s meeting for the personnel change was called because Cantrell thought it was important to make a quick move during hurricane season. Read the full story.
Certified Louisianian: The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has launched an online portal to help Louisiana businesses apply to the Certified Louisiana logo program. “This is one more way we are making it easier for people to apply for and renew their Certified Louisiana, Certified Cajun, Certified Creole, and Certified Farm to Table logos for their products,” says LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain. While paper applications are still available, this online resource makes it easier and faster for the department to determine whether an agricultural product or agritourism activity is eligible to be labeled with a certified logo. Read the full announcement.
Clogs bogged: Crocs, the shoe manufacturer known for its colorful, comfort-forward resin footwear, is closing the last of its company-owned manufacturing plants and outsourcing all production. The two plants, one located in Mexico and one in Italy, will be closed by the end of the year. Crocs, based in Niwot, Colorado, announced the closures Tuesday as part of its quarterly financial results, describing the move as an effort to “simplify the business and improve profitability.” Read the full story.