ABiz Columns
Back to Work
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
While it may be some time before deepwater drilling resumes, the new ‘idle iron’ policy could create 13,000 jobs in the state over the next five years.
The lifting of the federal moratorium on deepwater drilling was a first step in resuming operations in the Gulf of Mexico, but there is still a long road ahead for the industry. Industry experts do not see that the lifting of the moratorium will have an immediate impact on U.S. oil production. Between the proposed tax incentive repeals that have loomed over the industry for a couple of years, to opposition to hydraulic fracturing, to the de facto ban on offshore drilling, it could be some time before Gulf production returns to levels reached prior to the moratorium.
Looking for Signals
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Depending on what happens at the polls next month, a number of regulatory and tax proposals could be removed from consideration — creating the kind of confidence that will get our economy moving again.
Did anyone else notice the irony of news of the deepwater drilling moratorium being lifted and rescue of the trapped Chilean Miners breaking on the same day? What I found ironic was the similarities in these stories, but difference in their reception. Both were seemingly inevitable and greatly anticipated. However, the rescue was received with joy and triumph, but the end of the moratorium — not so much.
An Election Where Everybody Wins
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Will the new school board take our system to the top?
The success of Lafayette’s public schools is important to us all, and hopefully voter turnout will be strong for this Saturday’s school board election. The outcome will affect traditional bottom-line issues like stewardship of the system’s $380 million budget, workforce development, job growth and business recruitment, as well as broader community concerns that also impact business, like crime statistics and the rate of poverty in our parish.
Responsibility and Accountability
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Cleaning up the LHA should be priority No. 1, but the organization’s troubles should never overshadow the urgent need for safe, affordable housing in this community. By Greg Gachassin
The Lafayette Housing Authority has had no shortage of bad press in recent weeks. Amidst a plethora of allegations, the doubt and distrust among the citizens is both deep and warranted. As an affordable housing developer, consultant and former chairman of the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency, I am certain that — at the very least — the recent allegations and suspect audit findings will provide the LHA an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to this community through improved management and operations on an on-going and transparent basis.
Digital Effects
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
With average annual wages of more than $50,000 in 2007, digital jobs in Acadiana are expanding at double the growth rate of the state. By Gregg Gothreaux
In the digital age, you’re never disconnected when your smartphone is in your pocket. It’s almost unthinkable to be unable to email a client or friend from the road. With Skype and FaceTime, you can be at virtually any meeting, anywhere. As the technology we depend on for day-to-day activities evolves, digital media have had a growing impact on people and how we relate with each other.
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