Biz Talks

For our 300th episode, we brought back one of our most popular contributors — in print and on Biz Talks — Frank Rabalais, who has spent years pushing back against New Orleans’ notorious “attitude problem.” Now, as optimism and confidence are taking hold, Frank argues that it’s time to stop simply hoping for growth and start thinking strategically about how to make it happen. His idea: Take advantage of a powerful national trend, combine it with what makes New Orleans uniquely attractive, and turn that opportunity into the population growth the region needs.

Digital content creators wield influential power in the marketplace — power that local businesses, understandably, are looking to harness. But how do you find the right creator? What’s the difference between an influencer and a content creator? And what are some common mistakes and misconceptions to avoid? How much should you expect to pay? Bianca Cook, founder of The Nola Collective shares everything businesses need to know.

The future of THC-infused beverages is again in a precarious position, but this time the threat is coming from the national government. While a federal ban on hemp-derived products is set to take effect on November 12 unless Congress acts, Jacob Landry, co-founder of Urban South Brewery explains why his company is moving forward and has just launched its third THC-infused brand. Landry shares what he is hoping for in the fall and what how much his brewery would be affected if the ban goes through.

Since 2024, the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program has been holding a lottery where lucky winners receive a grant of up to $10,000 to install a Fortified roof on their home — thus qualifying for lower home insurance rates. For those that don’t win the lottery, however, or who received a grant, but it fell short of covering the costs, FHLB Bank of Dallas is offering grants of up to $17,000 per home through its area member banks. Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of community investment at FHLB Dallas, shares more about this little-known opportunity and why interested homeowners should move quickly.

The Alliance for Affordable Energy (AAE) has worked since 1985 to ensure that Louisianans have an equitable, affordable and environmentally responsible energy system. As one of the largest data centers ever to be built heads to Louisiana, the AAE has big concerns, and they are far from alone. Senior Government Affairs and Policy Advisor for AAE Jackson Voss shares his thoughts on last week’s New York Times article, what worries him the most, and why it’s not too late to take action.  For more information on the Alliance for Affordable Energy, visit https://www.all4energy.org/

Orleans Parish public schools — all 66 of them — have been raking in the wins, among the latest being ranking in the 99th percentile nationally for growth in reading and 98th percentile for math growth. This places the district among the fastest-improving large urban districts in the country. This week, we sit down with NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Fateama Fulmore to learn what has been causing this growth and the tough choices that will have to be made to keep it going.

While much attention has been given to a paper by Tulane University published in May that proclaimed New Orleans’ future as being “past the point of no return,” today’s Biz Talks guest sees much more hope. A veteran of the environmental field working in New Orleans for 18 years, Emily Snyder is the Program Manager at Urban Conservancy, a local nonprofit that runs multiple initiatives to strengthen our urban environment and economy.This week, she shares what work is exciting her right now, why she is not losing hope, and what else needs to be done.

One of New Orleans' most recognized luxury brands, Adler’s Jewelry may be closing its retail locations following Coleman Adler II's retirement, but this is not the end of the story. Tiffany Adler is continuing her family legacy with the launch of two new businesses. She shares all the details, along with what it was like growing up an Adler, in this week’s Biz Talks.

From July 20-22, more than 1,000 chamber of commerce leaders from around the U.S. and Canada will be in Downtown New Orleans for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) annual conference. Our own New Orleans Chamber is playing host to this gathering of influential economic executives and President and CEO Sandra Lindquist is excited to roll out the welcome mat. She shares the big NOLA news she’s most excited to brag about and how one event in particular they’ll be hosting was inspired by the most recent Super Bowl festivities.

First impressions matter, but when it comes to exterior beautification efforts many times it’s just not in the budget. But for small businesses and commercial property owners in New Orleans East and Lower Ninth Ward, help is here. The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority ( NORA) is offering substantial grants through its 2026 Façade RENEW Plus Program. The deadline to apply is coming up fast though, July 1, so NORA Executive Director Brenda Breaux shares everything you need to know.For more information or to apply, visit NORA's Façade RENEW Plus Program, visit noraworks.org. To register and apply, visit https://nora.webgrantscloud.com/index.do.

Celebrating 102 years of service, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) is one of the largest and most influential volunteer organizations in the region — but it’s also evolved in exciting new ways. Today’s membership, activities and events may just surprise you, and brand-new President Shelby Faget Wynne explains why if you’re looking to boost your career, you need to take another look at the Junior League.

From June 16-18, more than 90 CEOs of Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) alongside funders, policy makers and industry partners from across the country, will gather for three days of programming at The Westin New Orleans. The ONWARD 2026 Annual Conference is hosted by the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs. The organization’s president and CEO, Amber Banks, joins us this week to help us learn more about how CDFIs work, what they can do for people, and how they’re fighting back in today’s challenging climate.

In its 38-year history, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation has brought hundreds of events to New Orleans, resulting in a $4.2 billion in economic impact for the State of Louisiana and the Greater New Orleans area. What’s coming next? President and CEO Jay Cicero shares some big wins coming into town next month and later this fall.

Only 5% of Black students in the U.S. meet ACT college-readiness benchmarks, which means missing out on college acceptances and scholarships. After New Orleans native Angelica Harris — a straight-A student — scored a 16 out of 36 on the ACT, she built her own test-prep system, raised her score to a 32 and earned more than $1.5 million in scholarships. Harris then took her system and built a nationwide business providing free, culturally responsive test prep to minority students. In this week’s Biz Talks, she shares how and why her system is different and how local schools and parents can access it.For more information, visit: https://www.toptutorsforus.com/

Local businesswoman and alcoholic alternatives advocate Monica Olano — owner of three businesses, including Cali Sober Market in Metairie — has experienced first-hand the effects of the changes Louisiana’s legislature made to the hemp-based product industry in 2024. The changes, she said, are negatively impacting local bars and restaurants, as well as consumers, and causing the state to lose money. When HB539 was introduced this session, it aimed to correct some of the damage, but earlier this month the bill was pulled. Where does that leave the industry’s future? Olano shares her thoughts.

Native New Orleanian Ryan Rogers recently became the first comedian from the Gulf South to headline a global network comedy special. He is also the founder of the LGBTLOL Queer Comedy Fest, returning next month here in New Orleans June 4-7. This week he helps us understand where New Orleans fits in with the national comedy scene, along with what it takes to succeed in this industry and how he’s helping local businesses capitalize on people’s deep need and desire to laugh.Learn more at: ryanrogerscomedy.com and lgbtlol.com.

Nausea is one of the most common complaints for expectant mothers, and one Northshore mom-turned-entrepreneur has created a tasty remedy for it. Jamie Steele is the creator of YumMum, ginger-based gummies designed to get the job done while tasting like an actual treat. Not just for pregnancy, these gummies are good for all forms of nausea — traveling kids, chemotherapy treatment, you name it.Steele shares the lessons she learned creating her innovative product and the surprising other ingredients she insisted they include.

There are only two dates left this season for the Young Leadership Council’s (YLC) Wednesdays at the Square, a free outdoor concert series at Downtown’s Lafayette Square Wednesday nights from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. YLC Executive Director Allison Hotard shares why you don’t want to miss these last two concerts, along with how the concert series is going and why this year is going to be an especially big one for the YLC. For more information on Wednesday at the Square, visit https://www.ylcwats.com/.For more information on the Young Leadership Council, visit https://www.ylcnola.org/

Since Hurricane Katrina, the issue of whether New Orleans has too many judges, and if so, how many, has been bantered around. But now, in the current session, the house is debating one bill, and the Senate has already passed another that aims to cut judges from New Orleans courts based on what BGR says is incomplete data. What could this mean for our courts and our city’s finances? BGR President and CEO Rebecca Mowbray speaks out on this week’s Biz Talks.

We all know we live in one of the culinary capitals of the world, which makes it so shocking that the region does not a major wholesale food production incubator! Well, that is going to change soon –  and our guest today is a huge part of it. Annalisa Kelly, JEDCO’s director of strategic initiatives and policy, has taken the lead on development of the Greater New Orleans Food & Beverage Incubator. What is it? How will it work? What support will it provide entrepreneurs? When will it be up and running? Kelly shares all the details on this week’s Biz Talks.

The start of hurricane season is June 1, kicking off a long summer of anxiety for the region, but we’re focusing on the good news, and that is that The Greater New Orleans region is served by two levee authorities — Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East and  West. This week, we’re talking about SLFPA — West, which encompasses more than 80 miles of levees, floodgates and floodwalls protecting the West Bank of Jefferson and Orleans parishes. What does the system look like? How does it work? Who is doing the work? Regional Director Jesse Noel gives us some surprising insights.  

A lot! It’s been a busy year at the largest mall in the Greater New Orleans area as Lakeside has welcomed one new retailer after another. As the regional director of retail leasing for the Feil Organization, New Orleans native Tricia Phillpott is the woman behind these wins — the person tasked with finding and securing new retailers. In this week’s BizTalks, we chat about the mall’s newest tenants, the art and science behind mall leasing, how Lakeside mall compares nationally and one interesting way it differs from any other.    

New Orleans-based TikTok creator Tamsy Kambi (@tamlovestoeat) is a food and lifestyle creator known for spotlighting restaurants, cultural events, and local experiences.  She recently joined other creators and lawmakers in Washington, D.C. for a conversation on how content creators and social media is shaping modern business and culture. Tamsy shares her experiences in D.C. and what drives her to do what she does in this week’s BizTalks.

David Skinner, general manager of the Saenger Theatre, shares some surprising information about how New Orleans stacks up against other national markets in Broadway ticket sales. He also shares some fun insights into the shows in the upcoming 2026-27 season (including one he can’t see enough).  

A new partnership between Loyola University and Freret Street live music club Gasa Gasa is offering students the opportunity to get direct, real-world experience by participating in every part of the process of operating a live music venue. The forces behind Gasa U —Loyola’s director of the School of Music and Theatre Professions Kate Duncan and industry veteran and endowed professor Jonathan McHugh — share how Loyola’s commitment to reinventing education experiences is aimed at giving students a leg up in the competitive entertainment industry.

The 29th return of the New Orleans French Film Festival — one of the longest-running international language festivals in the U.S. — is March 19-24 and this year there will be some big firsts, along with one-of-a-kind cultural events that bring the films to life. Sharing all the fun is Dodd Loomis, the executive director of New Orleans Film Society.

New Orleans Entrepreneur Week is fast approaching (March 9-14), and one of the biggest pieces of news in this ecosystem lately was this fall’s launch of the New Orleans Entrepreneurship Council (NEC). The council is designed to bring area stakeholders and organizations together to unify and amplify their efforts with the goal of attracting, retaining, and growing entrepreneurial talent in the region. NEC Chair Kimberly Gramm, chief innovation and entrepreneurship officer at Tulane University’s Innovation Institute, shares all the details.

Having workforce challenges? There’s a new tax credit for Louisiana employers who provide work-based learning experiences for apprentices, interns and youth workers. Now you can build your future workforce while saving money. To explain how this works, we’re joined by two members of Leaders for a Better Louisiana — who took the lead drafting this legislation and working to pass it— Barry Erwin, chief policy officer, and Sheree Blanchard, director of policy.

In December, Louisiana led the nation in flu cases. The first wave hit hard — especially with one specific population. Are we heading to a second wave? What can you do now to protect yourself? Dr. Jordan Harry, medical director of quality and student health at Ochsner Urgent Care & Occupational Health, shares his expertise on this week’s Biz Talks.

Two New Orleanians – attorney Tim Kappel, and his client, Cyril Vetter – are at the heart of a high stakes legal battle that has been waging for years between musicians and music publishers/studios. On Monday, Jan. 12, a federal appeals court upheld a major ruling in U.S. copyright law affecting the ownership rights of songwriters over their songs — and all creators over their work. In this week’s podcast, Kappel explains how this landmark decision could significantly affect long-standing agreements across the music industry.

Marking five years in business next month, Baldwin & Co. is a Black owned café and independent bookstore on Elysian Fields — but that’s just the beginning. Jerid Woods, customer relations and partnership manager, shares how the company’s mission — helping individuals improve their lives and achieve economic independence through the power of books — plays out through an incredible array of projects, with more constantly in the works.

Five months into his new role as head of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Jim Cook shares what this year will bring for the upcoming Omni New Orleans Hotel, as well as how the now-increased capital plan is coming along and his thoughts on the future of the River District.

How does Biz New Orleans choose the elite group of honorees each year? What does it take to be named CEO of the Year? Editor Kim Singletary explains the process, along with how you may have a say over next year’s picks. She also breaks down the highlights of this year’s class and why their inspirational stories provide the perfect inspiration to help you dominate in 2026.

On Dec. 9, New Orleans & Company launched Vision 2035: a plan created with big local stakeholders to make the city a better place to live and visit. What are some of the biggest goals of the plan and where do we start? Walt Leger III, CEO of New Orleans & Company, shares his thoughts.

A week into ICE’s “Operation Catahoula Crunch,” New Orleans’ immigrant community, along with businesses that employ immigrants, are feeling the effects. This week, Mayra Pineda, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana, pushes back against misinformation online and shares what she’s hearing from area businesses and what the chamber is doing to support New Orleans’ only growing community.

Today is Giving Tuesday https://www.givingtuesday.org/, which strategically falls toward the end of the year, providing the last chance to take advantage of tax benefits for charitable giving for the year. This week, Biz Talks welcomes Shayna Lear Harvey, partner and president of Wealth Management fro JECohen. She shares the new rules for giving for 2025, what changes are coming for 2026 and four ways you can maximize your giving right now.

Founded by New Orleanian Geoffrey Meeker in 2012, French Truck Coffee has become a local coffee success story with now 13 locations across New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Memphis. Last month, Meeker stepped away as CEO, handing the company over to long-time partner Bobby Winston and his brother Sam. Together, the Winstons share their thoughts on how coffee is changing and what they envision for the future of French Truck.

As parents and area schools look ahead to next fall, BizTalks caught up with Kaitlin Karpinski, executive director of Rooted School New Orleans. Located on the campus of Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), this two-time “Most Innovative Charter School” winner allows students to start taking college courses on day one, as well as offers 15 different industry-based certifications. Karpinski shares all the details on this unique school, including how its success has led to nationwide expansion.For more information, visit https://www.rootedschool.org/

The holiday season is upon us, which includes the national marking of Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29. How do local businesses promote what their offerings in a way that translates to sales? Two media experts from Tulane University’s School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) join us on Biz Talks to share their top tips for success.

A former funeral home on Camp Street has been transformed into Delaporte Manor — described by its creator, Andrew Preble, as part haunted house, part immersive theater and part escape room. Only running until Nov. 8, tickets are going fast for this one-of-a-kind attraction. In this week’s BizTalks, Preble — who has run an escape room business called Escape My Room in New Orleans for 10 years — shares all the creepy details along with his thoughts on the challenges and future of live entertainment.

From Oct. 23-27, New Orleanians will have special access to more than 130 top films from around the world — including 19 world premieres — that reach across every age, genre and interest. The action at the 36th annual New Orleans Film Festival will also continue off the screen at elaborate parties, workshops and meet and greets hosted at venues throughout the city. On this week’s BizTalks, New Orleans Film Society Interim Executive Director Dodd Lewis and Artistic Director Clint Bowie provide an inside scoop on the hot tickets — and how you can get one free.For more information and to purchase tickets to the 36th Annual New Orleans Film Festival, visit neworleansfilmsociety.org.

On Oct. 16, the Jefferson Performing Arts Center will host the 15th annual Economic and Real Estate Forecast Symposium, a full-day event presented by the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors (NOMAR) and its Commercial Investment Division (CID). In this week’s BizTalks, NOMAR Symposium committee member Paul Richard and symposium speaker Michael Sherman offer a sneak peek into where the discussions will go on this year’s theme — “Breaking Ground: The Emergence of a New Economy.” For more information and tickets to the Real Estate Forecast Symposium, visit nolaforecast.org.

A new, free event created by and for young Black women business leaders across Southeast Louisiana is happening on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The event, entitled Power in Our Hands: An Afternoon for Young Black Entrepreneurs, is the latest project from a local nonprofit called Women With a Vision. Program Manager Kennadi Robinson explains how this marketplace/entrepreneur showcase/networking hub is seeking to grow local entrepreneurs ages 13-25 and what that growth could mean for a future economy.  Link to RSVP for Power in Our Hands: An Afternoon for Young Black EntrepreneursPower In Our Hands Eventbrite

That’s the name of the new report just released by independent local research organization Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR). President and CEO Rebecca Mowbray shares the shocking things not required to be included in the budget, why we need to include them, and why now is the perfect time to get it done right. Link to BGR Candidate Q&A https://www.bgr.org/report-index/candidate-qa-reports-october-11-2025-primary-edition-mayor-city-council-sheriff/Click here to read a mobile-friendly summary of BGR’s new report, New Orleans Needs a Sustainable Budget to Meet Residents’ Demands, and download the full report .

Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, is coming to town to speak at the New Orleans chapter’s first-ever housing innovation forum, Still Rising, which will be held Thursday, Sept. 18, at Nieux Society. In this week’s episode, he shares his unique global view on the status of affordable housing, how the organization is getting creative to meet them, and the top things New Orleans can do to mitigate its challenges.For more information and to purchase tickets to Still Rising: A Forum for Housing Innovation, visit https://habitat-nola.org

This week we talk to a member of the famed musical family the Batistes, Ryan Batiste, about how and why he founded L.O.C.A.L.S. Fest — a festival designed to support the local economy and cultural landscape. The free festival returns for its sixth year at Armstrong Park this Saturday, September 13, from 11 a.m. To 7 p.m. 

Formed following Hurricane Katrina with the goal of replacing the 100,000 trees lost in New Orleans, NOLA Tree Project has planted more than 86,000 trees across the city with the help of more than 125,000 volunteers. As the weather cools, Executive Director Connie Uddo explains how local businesses and individuals can join in making a tangible difference in the health and beauty of the city in just a few hours.

Just two years ago, Kevin Pedeaux went from being a vendor at St. Roch Market — one of only two historic city-owned public markets left in the city — to running the market. In this week’s Biz Talks, he shares some surprising insights about the market and details on a big event coming in September.

Locals and tourists looking to escape the heat and immersive themselves in a world that celebrates the wonder and cultural richness of the city need only travel to 940 Frenchmen St. where JAMNOLA — NOLA’s first experiential pop-up museum — just opened a permanent location in June. This fantastical wonderland showcases the work of more than 100 local artists, but that’s just the beginning, explains co-founder Jonny Liss.

Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) President and CEO Stan Harris joins us on this week’s Biz Talks to share what’s up with the closings we’ve been seeing, what the big issues are right now, what the LRA is doing to help, and why right now is the perfect time to help our favorite spots.