COMPANY NEWS
• dezinsInteractive has been selected to redesign the online brands of The Wine Loft and The Loft. A new website featuring an easy-to-use content management system will be released in early 2011. The site will allow staff members to manage content, post to their social networks, monitor traffic and attract a diverse demographic.
• Izzo’s Illegal Burrito has opened a location in the food court at the Mall of Louisiana. Izzo’s now has eight locations in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Covington, Lake Charles and Lafayette.
• The Louisiana Business & Technology Center at LSU’s E.J. Ourso College of Business marked its 22nd anniversary earlier this month with a ceremony at the Lod Cook Alumni Center. LSU’s business incubator has graduated 139 tenants over the years, which have created more than 2,275 jobs.
• Monochrome, a contemporary furniture store, has opened in the Southdowns Village Shopping Center. The store, which is a joint venture between architect Dwayne Carruth, designer Carol LaCour and industrial designer Mitchell Naquin, sells works from local artists and furniture makers along with international lines such as Camerich, Cierre and Magis.
• Our Lady of the Lake College is now offering a master’s of health administration. The online program feaures flexible schedules and professional development coaching.
• PJ’s Coffee has opened its fourth Baton Rouge location, in the former Camille’s Sidewalk Café on Siegen Lane.
APPOINTMENTS/MEMBERSHIPS
• Christie Salvadras, director of policy analysis for Louisiana Companies, has been elected 2011 president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Baton Rouge.
• Jason MacMorran, a Postlethwaite & Netterville director, has been chosen to serve on the Baton Rouge Estate and Business Planning Council, an interdisciplinary organization for estate planning professionals.
• Jeffery W. Tate, private client services account manager for Louisiana Companies, has been elected 2011 president of the Professional Insurance Agents of Baton Rouge.
• Michael Ellerbe, the director of pre-release at Dixon Correctional Institute, has been chosen a 2010 Purpose Prize Fellow by Civic Ventures. The fellowship recognizes a social entrepreneur over 60 who is using his experience and passion to make an extraordinary impact on society’s biggest challenges.
• Paul Arrigo, president/CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, has been appointed as state vice chair on the board of directors for the Southeast Tourism Society. The vice chair serves as a liaison between the organization and its members in Louisiana.
AWARDS/HONORS
• Adams and Reese ranks No. 160 among the nation’s 250 largest law firms, according to The National Law Journal’s 33rd annual NLJ 250. The list is based on attorney census information from Oct. 1, 2009, to Sept. 30, 2010.
• Carey J. Messina of Kean Miller has been selected as the Baton Rouge Tax Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America. The honor recognizes a high level of respect among peers for ability, professionalism and integrity in a high-profile legal specialty.
• CellControl has received the Jeffrey M. Chase Pinnacle Technology Award from the National Traffic Safety Institute. The honor recognizes outstanding technology that advances NTSI’s mission of promoting traffic safety and protecting drivers.
• Darlene Brister, principal of Ryan Elementary School, has received the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership from the U.S. Department of Education. The honor recognizes principals who demonstrate commitment to fostering successful teaching and learning at their schools.
• Jayne Garno, LSU associate professor of chemistry in the College of Science, has received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from the federal government. The honor recognizes the pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology, and a commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education, or community outreach.
• JB Knowledge Technologies, owned by Baton Rouge native James Benham and his father, former Metro Council member Jim Benham, ranks No. 31 on the Aggie 100, a list of the fastest-growing companies in the world that are owned or operated by former Texas A&M University students.
• Jeffery J. King, a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual of Louisiana, has received the 2010 Forum Award. The honor recognizes King’s outstanding year of helping clients throughout the region achieve financial security.
• Peacock Communications has received the Lantern Award from the Southern Public Relations Federation. The honor recognizes Peacock Communication’s creation and implentation of the Dow/St. John Science Careers Boot Camp.
• Steve Babcock, a science teacher at University High School, has been named an education ambassador to the Galapagos Islands through the Toyota International Teacher Program. Babcock is one of 24 teachers who will visit the islands for a two-week study program aimed at enhancing environmental stewardship and international learning.
• Susannah DesRoches, program manager of Baton Rouge Green, and Emel Alexander, executive director of the Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation, have received City Teams scholarships from the Arbor Day Foundation. The scholarship funds their attendance at the Partners in Community Forestry conference in 2010 and 2011.
• Suzanne Howard Carpenter, an Our Lady of the Lake College professor, has been named 2010 Educator of the Year by the National Organization for Associate Degree Nurses. The honor recognizes educators who motivate students to perform at their highest level; function as a role model as a professional nurse; work cooperatively with colleagues; show evidence of involvement in college, professional and community activities; and use innovative teaching strategies that encourage critical thinking.
PHILANTHROPY
• Charles and Carole Lamar have made a $1.2 million gift to the LSU Foundation to establish the Lamar Family Visiting Scholars Endowment in the Manship School of Mass Communication’s Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs. Lamar Scholars will be recent Ph.D. graduates whose research enhances the Reilly Center or professionals who have had distinguished careers in advertising, journalism, public relations or political communication.
