The Year in Review: Memorable quips and quotes from the pages of Business Report in 2014

“That was the toughest conversation I ever had.” —Brandon Landry (with Jack Warner, left), on his discussion with longtime partner Warner about buying him out of Last in Concepts. Landry and another business partner plan to take the sports bar concept national.

“By 2016, the strong will have survived and the weak will have vanished.” —Don Briggs, president, Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, on OPEC’s efforts to manipulate U.S. oil production by driving prices down.

Greg Tramontin, GoAuto president and CEO. (Collin Richie)

“I’m not running for governor as a stepping stone. … I’m not even running to gain a cameo appearance on ‘Duck Dynasty.'” —U.S. Sen. David Vitter, speaking to the Baton Rouge Press Club.

“I am not anti-industry. All I’m asking is that they clean up after themselves and fix what they break.” —Retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, whose so-called green army raised several environmental issues in 2014, including salt dome regulation and industrial use of the water supply.

“One man did Disney. This is just a few streets. We can do this.” —Cheri Smith-Harrison, attorney and Tigerland property owner, on efforts to clean up the iconic neighborhood for LSU students.

“Baton Rouge in the last 10 years has been on a tear.” —John Fregonese, planning guru.

“There are going to be winners and losers in the field of media. We are positioning ourselves to be the winner.” —John Georges, publisher, The Advocate, on his gamble to expand the newspaper in a time when print media is scaling back.

“Even if only a quarter of the announcements ultimately get built, we’re going to see growth like we’ve never seen.” —Danny Montelaro, executive vice president, Regions Bank, on the growth in Louisiana manufacturing.

“It’s not an investment. It’s a subsidy.” —Greg Albrecht, chief economist, Louisiana Legislature, on tax credits for the film industry.

“You need to make sure you come to the market suited up to play. Because it’s going to be competitive, and you better have the equipment to compete.” —Developer Mike Wampold on Baton Rouge’s hotel boom. He acquired the historic LNB Building at 150 N. Third St. and began negotiations with Marriott. Windsor Aughtry of South Carolina instead got the franchise and plans to build a new Courtyard Marriott one block from Wampold’s building. (File photo)

“We never forced Walter to roll up his sleeves and do a detailed business plan.” — John Noland, chairman, East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority board of commissioners, on criticism of former president and CEO Walter Monsour.

“If you listen to [Mayor Kip Holden speak, you would never know that he’s the president of the parish. You would think he’s just mayor of the city.” —Lionel Rainey III, spokesman, St. George incorporation effort.

Metro Councilman John Delgado

“When your family sits around at the dinner table, and you all have conversations in the afternoon, you might talk about the weather or sports. But in ours there was talk about the business—sex toys and lingerie.” —Jason Gagliano, former president, Capital Region-based Slumber Parties, the company his mother, Kim Brecheen of Central, sold for an undisclosed amount to a competitor. In 2007, Inc. magazine ranked it as one of the fastest-growing companies in the nation, with $57.7 million in revenues.

“I don’t think there’s any infrastructure need we’re not having to address. … I don’t know all the answers, but I know that you can’t build a road without money.” —Tommy Martinez, president, Ascension Parish, on the Capital Region’s readiness for industrial growth.

The Year in Review: Memorable quips and quotes from the pages of Business Report in 2014

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