Occupy Baton Rouge: Visit Baton Rouge reports the $260,036 collected in occupancy taxes in January represents a 3.15% increase over January 2011 collections, and a 3.17% increase over what the agency had budgeted for. The figures were reported at Visit Baton Rouge’s monthly meeting Thursday, at which its board of directors also OK’d a resolution supporting a proposed property tax increase on the April 21 ballot that would serve as a dedicated funding source for the Capital Area Transit System.
Climbing the ladder: Ferrara Fire Apparatus says the Houston Fire Department has awarded the Holden-based company another large contract for six custom trucks. The HFD currently uses about 70 Ferrara trucks in its fleet, and has been a Ferrara customer for the past seven years. “While the base of our business will always be suburban and rural fire departments, much of the image and perception of our company is based upon our ability to maintain long-term relationships with major metropolitan fire departments,” says President/CEO Chris Ferrara.
Picked off: The Denver Broncos have agreed to terms with free-agent cornerback Tracy Porter, who picked off one of Peyton Manning’s passes in the New Orleans Saints’ win over the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl three years ago. Now, both will try to win a second Super Bowl together in Denver. Porter spent his first four seasons in New Orleans, collecting seven interceptions, 37 pass deflections, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He also started in six playoff games. But without question, the highlight of his career thus far was a play Saints fans will likely never forget: a 74-yard interception return for a TD in the Super Bowl that denied Manning his second championship and sealed New Orleans’ first. The Broncos have also signed free-agent receiver Andre Caldwell since picking up Manning.
