| Betsie's Best |
| The Groundhog’s prediction may influence productivity |
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| Betsie Gambel, founder of Gambel Communications, ponders the influence of weather in the workplace, and how managers can best adjust with the seasons. |
For many areas, frigid weather may lie ahead, research shows that lousy weather is actually good for business; a decrease in sunny skies directly correlates to workforce productivity.
The reason? Rainy days do not distract employees the way sunny days do.
Employees are tempted by the possibilities of sunshine – a bike ride, a day at the beach – compared to downpour days when they may as well be inside working. In fact, employees work more efficiently with inclement weather.
What’s a manager to do? While we cannot predict the weather, consider clerical work under gray skies and more flexibility under blue skies. |
– Betsie Gambel,
Founder,
Gambel Communications |
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| Holidays |
| Beat the Mardi Gras blues with Irish flair |
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| View a gallery of St. Patrick's Day flair and accessories courtesy of Plush Appeal. |
Lamenting the passing of Mardi Gras? Luck would have another favorite celebration just around the corner. Party supply expert Alyssa Fletchinger Higgins expects a St. Patrick’s Day marked by fair weather, green beer and all that glitters emerald at the end of the rainbow.
“St. Patrick’s Day is always a favorite celebration,” said Fletchinger, who owns Plush Appeal in New Orleans. “And you don’t need a surname of Kelly, Bryan or Murphy to get in on the action.”
Irish flair including “Kiss Me I’m Irish” earrings and shamrock apparel are perfect for the parade route or celebrating at Celtic bars. |
– Sharon Truxillo and Everton Carvalho for
Plush Appeal – The Mardi Gras Spot |
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| Television |
| WWL-TV and Chick-fil-A New Orleans honor local educators with Best in Class Award |
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| Great Day Louisiana Host Malik Mingo spotlights local teachers making a positive difference in our community. |
WWL-TV believes it's important to recognize local teachers who are going the extra mile to educate and support our children. That's why the station has teamed up with Chick-fil-A New Orleans to honor these incredible difference-makers with the Best in Class Award.
The award aims to give parents, students, supporters and fellow teachers a public platform to recognize an outstanding teacher who has made a positive impact inside and outside of the classroom.
Each month, selected honorees are featured in a Great Day Louisiana segment and presented with a $1,000 check courtesy of Chick-fil-A New Orleans.
Nominate a teacher today. |
– Ashley Wethey Counce,
WWL-TV |
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| Business News |
| The HEART of the Jefferson Parish economy |
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| Broadening the scope of JEDCO's economic development services department, the newly rebranded HEART program is committed to bettering Jefferson Parish businesses. |
HEART, JEDCO’s economic development services program, was designed to pump resources and opportunities into the economy. Here’s how it works:
• Expansion: JEDCO can help businesses secure a larger space, access capital or seek tax incentives to encourage growth.
• Attraction: Showcasing Jefferson’s business-focused assets and strong quality of life bring new businesses to the area, creating jobs and investment.
• Retention: Heart-to-heart meetings help JEDCO take the pulse of local business and provide support where needed.
• Talent: Creating a pipeline of skilled workers to meet the needs of local industries is a key component of JEDCO ’s overall economic strategy. |
– Kelsey Scram,
JEDCO |
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| Business News |
| Gulf Star partners fund critical projects to benefit coastal communities |
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| Partners of the Gulf Star program are the supporting members of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance’s network of partnerships in a coordinated effort to address the most important issues facing the Gulf region. (Photo courtesy of Gulf of Mexico Alliance) |
We live, work and play along the Gulf of Mexico. It’s only natural to want to give back.
If your business wants to support healthy beaches, clean waters and thriving coastal communities, the Gulf of Mexico Alliance’s Gulf Star Program can help.
This public-private partnership leverages contributions from businesses to make good things happen in Gulf Coast communities. Gulf Star-funded projects include youth marine debris education, volunteer marsh planting, research and outreach to help vulnerable beach nesting birds, improving community resilience, internships for undergraduates from diverse backgrounds and more.
Become a partner and visit our Gulf Star page for details. |
– Amanda Nalley,
Gulf of Mexico Alliance |
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| Events |
| It’s time to Shell-A-Brate |
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| Join the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) March 31 at the Cajun Ballroom at the Audubon Zoo for a night of live music by Sweet Crude, fresh oysters, door prizes and more to celebrate the success of its Oyster Shell Recycling Program. |
Shell-A-Bration is a community event that celebrates CRCL’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program.
Launched in 2014, the program collects shells from New Orleans-area restaurants to restore oyster reefs and shoreline habitat in coastal Louisiana.
To date, CRCL has collected more than 12.5 million pounds of shell from local restaurants to build five oyster reefs. It's the only program of its kind in the state and one of the largest shell recycling programs in the nation.
Shell-A-Bration brings together restaurant partners, sponsors, community members and oyster lovers March 31 for a night of live music, food, door prizes and a silent auction. |
– Alicia Vial,
Senior Director of Strategy,
Gambel Communications |
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| Business Tips |
| And the most productive work day of the week is… |
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| Only 14 percent of those surveyed feel the most work gets accomplished on Wednesday, with Thursday and Friday tied for the least productive days. |
Ask any HR manager which day of the week is most productive for employees – the answer is: Tuesday.
A survey from Accountemps also says Thursday and Friday are the least productive days. Max Messner, chair of Accountemps says, “The goal should be to maintain the positive momentum established on Tuesday throughout the week.”
Here are five tips to make that happen:
1. Axe the excess – create a to-do list, then cut it in half.
2. Aim for quality not quantity.
3. Know your prime time.
4. Dodge the derailers – turn off mobile devices.
5. Explore apps – digital calendars, task management apps, and other time-saving programs. |
– Vikki Locke,
C2 Communications,
The Southwest Florida 100 |
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| Business News |
| Save the date: 2023 Town Hall Roundtable & Luncheon April 11 |
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| This signature annual event hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana (HCCL) will host discussions that focus on maximizing procurement opportunities for Louisiana businesses and the continued recovery of the state’s economy. |
Registration is now open to attend the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana's annual Town Hall Roundtable and Luncheon.
Taking place Tuesday, April 11 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, the event is a collaboration with the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and will feature its President and CEO Ramiro Cavazos as guest speaker.
Starting at 9 a.m., the roundtable offers a forum for minority-owned small businesses, community and corporate leaders to network and discuss important issues. A luncheon follows at 11:30 a.m., with guest speakers and networking opportunities to connect with a community of Hispanic businesses. |
– Mayra E. Pineda,
President and CEO,
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana |
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| Social Media |
| Old fashioned tactics to finding influencers |
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| Finding the best influencers for your brand takes good old fashioned research so hop on your phone and start scanning social media. |
When brands are looking for an “influencer” – most of us think about celebrities and pro athletes, but the rise in content creators on newer platforms like TikTok has changed the marketplace.
It seems like anyone can be an “influencer” – which is somewhat true, but how do you find and vet trusted influencers for your campaign?
Roll up your sleeves and get down to “good, old research.” Get on social platforms and search for content on your topic using hashtags. The algorithm will provide a list of creators who are posting on your topic who you research further for collaborating with. |
– April Catarella,
Director of Client Services,
Gambel Communications |
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| Real Estate |
| Hidden oasis on Pauger Street |
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| Engel & Völkers New Orleans spotlights a spectacular single-family home on the market in Marigny Triangle. |
Prospective homebuyers will be in awe when they enter this private oasis tucked away in the Maringy Triangle that's truly one of a kind.
Located at 1527 Pauger Street, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,829-square-foot home is secluded luxury at its finest. The property features two separate structures, a beautiful outdoor courtyard and grill space with a pool that will leave you speechless.
Rooms feature high ceilings and exquisite floors, and the house boasts a steam shower, exposed brick working fireplaces and gated off-street parking.
Convenient to restaurants, downtown and Crescent Park, this is picturesque New Orleans living. Schedule a showing today. |
– Marty Brantley,
Engel & Völkers New Orleans |
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| Technology |
| Auto refinancing app revolutionizes car loans |
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| More than 80% of all auto loans originate at the dealership – a statistic that has more than half of all vehicle owners overpaying on their interest rates. Gaya’s technology solution is geared toward putting more consumers in the driver’s seat and helping them to save money – on average $100 per month – by refinancing. |
Keen on reducing pricey auto loan payments in these inflationary times? Enter Gaya – designed to put consumers in the driver’s seat when it comes to their finances.
Co-founders Carl Ziade and Jean-Pierre Vertil were pursuing MBAs at Stanford when they encountered a troubling statistic: 50% of all auto loans are overpriced. Still, the average consumer is quick to hit the brakes when it comes to refinancing.
Created to expand the financial reach of insurance companies like RIGHTSURE, Gaya helps agents to go the extra mile by reducing both interest rates and monthly payments.
Why wait? Refinance the easy way, today. |
– Jeff Arnold,
The Arizona 100 |
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