[StBernard] The LRA Progress Report - October 29, 2006

[Westley Annis]

The LRA Progress Report - October 29, 2006 


Governor Blanco Brings Louisiana Investment Mission to New York 

Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco led members of the Louisiana Economic Development team and the Committee of 100, a group of Louisiana business leaders, on a three-day trip to New York City this week to meet with members of the investment banking community and national business and trade media to discuss investment opportunities across Louisiana. To learn more about the trip, visit http://gov.state.la.us/ <http://gov.state.la.us/> . 


LA Swift Reaches Milestone Serving 200,000 Riders 

Since its inception last October, LA Swift, the bus service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans for hurricane-displaced job seekers and employees has reached the 200,000- rider mark. The seven-day-a-week service allows displaced residents to get home to work on their damaged property as well as conduct business in the Crescent City. 

More than 900 people per weekday ride LA Swift to get to work or find a job, primarily in the construction and hospitality industries. Riders board buses in Baton Rouge, Sorrento and LaPlace. The rides terminate at the Elks Place and Canal Street in New Orleans. For LA Swift schedules and additional information, visit http://www.laswift.com <http://www.laswift.com> . 


The State Farm Bayou Classic Returns Home to the Dome


Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu, New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin and representatives of State Farm Insurance, Southern University and Grambling State University announced Friday that the legendary State Farm Bayou Classic® will return home to the Louisiana Superdome on Saturday, November 25, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. 

Known as the "Granddaddy" of African American collegiate sporting events, the State Farm Bayou Classic® was relocated to Houston in 2005 after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The event showcases the high standards of achievement embedded in the traditions of the two institutions. 

More than just a football game, the State Farm Bayou Classic® is a unique weekend-long event that includes the fan-favorite McDonald's Battle of the Bands and Greek Step Show, an interactive fan festival, a college fair and a job fair. For tickets and additional information, visit http://www.statefarmbayouclassic.com <http://www.statefarmbayouclassic.com> . 


The Film Factory Breaks Ground in Downtown New Orleans 


Last week, Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco joined New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin, officials with the City and State, members of the Louisiana film community and executives with LIFT Productions to break ground on the largest production studio in the State's history. 

The Film Factory is a 300,000 square-foot world class motion picture production studio that includes four state-of-the-art sound stages, a film training institute and distribution house under one roof. According to a recent study by Tulane University, the project will create 2,253 direct jobs generating $131 million in earnings and 1,517 indirect jobs creating an estimated $116 million in earnings. The project is expected to be completed in Fall 2008. 

Upcoming events: 



Wednesday, November 1, 2006
Event: LRA Education Committee Meeting 
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: First Floor Auditorium in the State Office Building, 150 Third Street, Baton Rouge 

Thursday, November 2, 2006
Event: Joint Meeting of the Health Care Committee and the Infrastructure and Transportation Task Force 
Time: TBD 
Location: TBD 

Thursday, November 2, 2006
Event: LRA Economic & Workforce Development Task Force meeting
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Governor's Press Room, 4th Floor of the State Capitol in Baton Rouge 

Monday, November 6, 2006 
Event: LRA Board of Directors meeting 
Time: 9 a.m. 
Location: Alario Center, 2000 Segnette Blvd, Westwego, La 70094

Tue! sday, December 12, 2006 
Event: LRA Economic & Workforce Development Task Force meeting
Time: 1:30 p.m. 
Location: Governor's Press Room, 4th Floor of the State Capitol in Baton Rouge 

Meeting agendas are posted on the LRA Web site as soon as they are available. All meetings are open to the public.