Content Tagged As business
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Longtime BRAC leader stepping down, taking on new role at Committee of 100
October 2, 2023 1:30 PM
BATON ROUGE - Adam Knapp, longtime CEO at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, is leaving the organization to join a non-profit seeking to bolster economic development across the state. Knapp, whose been with BRAC since 2008, is taking on a similar leadership role at the Committee of 100 for... more » -
Jake Manship named family's TV group CEO/President; Owns WBRZ, WBRZ Plus and Texas' KRGV
September 26, 2023 11:08 AM
BATON ROUGE – One of Louisiana’s oldest media businesses is ushering in its next generation in announcing the appointment of a fourth generation broadcaster to helm the family-owned WBRZ and its array of companies. Jake Manship was appointed Chief Executive Officer and President of WBRZ, KRGV TV Texas and... more » -
Photos: Shaq makes surprise visit at Baton Rouge bakery
September 4, 2023 3:55 PM
BATON ROUGE - LSU basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal was back in town over the weekend and made a surprise visit at a popular bakery in the capital area. Ambrosia Bakery shared pictures of Shaq's visit on Sunday, saying the Tiger-turned-NBA star stopped by their Siegen Lane location earlier that... more » -
Business owner repeatedly charged for security light that doesn't exist Play Video
March 14, 2023 3:42 PM
BATON ROUGE - A business owner says she has been paying for a security light that she hasn't had since October 2021. Dorothy Holden says she's tired of waiting on Entergy to adjust her bill. "They keep saying they're going to do something and nobody does anything," Holden... more » -
City's pothole patch job left business unsatisfied Play Video
February 2, 2023 2:08 PM
BATON ROUGE - When Janet Junot reached out to 2 On Your Side last week, she had just wrapped up a long month of calling the city-parish several times for answers. A few hours after she contacted WBRZ, parish DPW trucks were working on the very job she had been... more » -
Employee, boyfriend allegedly stole $37K from Houma car dealership
June 8, 2022 11:58 AM
HOUMA - Two people were arrested after the Geri Lynn Nissan car dealership in Houma noticed over $37,000 missing from its account days after an employee left her job. Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office said Wednesday that 25-year-old Chelsea McElroy and her boyfriend,23-year-old Martin Anthony Verdin Jr., were booked on... more » -
Legacy broadcast business leaders announce retirements after 30+ years at WBRZ
March 31, 2022 10:53 AM
BATON ROUGE - Staples of south Louisiana advertising and business circles will retire from WBRZ after spending more than three decades with WBRZ, the city’s only family-owned news station. Jeff Smith, an account executive in WBRZ’s sales department, retired Thursday (March 31). As a leading salesman, Smith helped organize... more » -
City removes barricades blocking BR business entrance after WBRZ report Play Video
February 23, 2022 5:59 PM
BATON ROUGE - A business owner is breathing a sigh of relief after part of a bridge, the only way in and out of his nursery, was partially re-opened. City-Parish vehicles moved barricades and cones Wednesday to re-open one lane on the Auto Plex Drive bridge over Clay... more » -
Flower shops dealing with high demand and minor shortages for Valentine's Day Play Video
February 13, 2022 3:37 PM
BATON ROUGE - Flower shops are preparing for their busiest day of the year. At Billy Heroman's, florists have been trimming and stuffing, working hard to keep up with the high demand of bouquet orders that's been piling in. With a higher demand comes the growing issue of... more » -
Winn-Dixie closing location near LSU in February
January 12, 2022 2:21 PM
BATON ROUGE - Winn-Dixie's supermarket located just outside LSU's campus will shut down in a few weeks. Employees told WBRZ the store located at the intersection of Burbank Drive and Lee Drive will close Feb. 6. Some workers are expected to transfer to one of the other five Winn-Dixie... more » -
$4.5 billion clean energy complex slated for Ascension Parish Play Video
October 14, 2021 10:58 AM
BATON ROUGE - Amid a push to clean energy, Air Products announced a $4.5 billion clean energy complex will be built in Ascension Parish. "[The plant] will make the state a leader in the United States' clean energy transition," the company said in a statement. Air Products produces... more » -
Complaint alleges state official exposed himself to coworker during work trip, threatened her job
July 6, 2021 3:59 PM
BATON ROUGE - The executive director of the Louisiana Board of Private Security Examiners is on administrative leave as the board investigates claims that he threatened to fire an employee when she tried to ignore his sexual advances. A special board meeting was held Tuesday where it discussed an... more » -
Hiring incentives paying off from some businesses Play Video
June 11, 2021 10:45 PM
BATON ROUGE - Compared to a few months ago, Brad Zito of Drusilla Seafood Restaurant is feeling much more optimistic about hiring, even though the restaurant is not yet fully staffed. "Every single day, we have to discuss, 'do we have enough staff for the amount of business we... more » -
Governor signs bill increasing La. unemployment benefits, will end federal pandemic assistance Play Video
June 10, 2021 5:11 PM
UPDATE: Governor John Bel Edwards announced Wednesday that he signed the legislation into law. This is a breaking update. Read the original story below. ----- BATON ROUGE - The governor appears ready to end the controversial extra unemployment assistance after lawmakers agreed to increase the state's regular... more » -
AT&T, Discovery $150b merger finalized
May 17, 2021 7:05 AM
A widely popular tech giant/multinational conglomerate and a mass media television company have reportedly closed a deal that would create a $150 billion streaming giant, BBC News reports. A merger between AT&T and Discovery is bringing one of Hollywood's most notable studios and Discovery's channels under the same ownership.... more » -
Apple to let Parler return to App Store
April 19, 2021 12:38 PM
Apple is on track to welcome Parler back to its iOS app store since the social media company's implementation of improved capabilities in the detection and moderation of hate speech as well as incitement, CNN reports. The announcement was made via a letter the iPhone maker sent to Congress... more » -
Tax preparer allegedly pulled gun after customers complained about filings
March 29, 2021 11:50 AM
HOUSTON - A tax preparer was arrested after she brandished a gun at customers who noticed problems with their tax returns. KTRK reports the situation unfolded at Latunya Wright's business, called MZ BIZ, in Houston. One of Wright's customers, Marquita Boyle, said she went to the business looking... more » -
Fire shuts down Hooper Road Tuesday evening
March 23, 2021 7:28 PM
BATON ROUGE - A burning building along Hooper Road shut down the highway to traffic Tuesday. The Central Fire Department said it was assisting District Six Fire with the situation around 6 p.m. Tuesday. The fire prompted officials to shut down the road in both directions near Foster Road.... more » -
Gonzales-based company, Blue Runner, to expand and produce frozen foods
March 8, 2021 8:10 AM
GONZALES - A popular Gonzales-based food brand known for its red beans, navy beans, and jambalaya is hoping to expand into frozen foods by means of a new $2.2. million production facility. According to The Advocate , Blue Runner's first frozen products will be limited to sausage gumbo and... more » -
Veteran TV journalist Lee Polowczuk to retire, Trey Schmaltz named top news boss at WBRZ
February 10, 2021 12:04 PM
BATON ROUGE – Trey Schmaltz has been elevated to WBRZ’s Director of News, overseeing news programming with the retirement of veteran newsman Lee Polowczuk. Polowczuk and his wife Susan, a former TV reporter, anchor and public relations executive, will spend their retirement with their son’s family and two young... more » -
Top La. Dept. of Justice official gets hefty pay cut after investigation into 'offensive' office jokes
January 19, 2021 4:56 PM
BATON ROUGE – The head of the state justice department’s criminal division will be disciplined by what amounts to a $20,000 pay cut after an administrative investigation found concerning behavior. WBRZ Chief Investigator Chris Nakamoto first reported last month that Patrick Magee, who runs the criminal division of the... more » -
Baton Rouge business complex consistently without mail Play Video
January 7, 2021 6:18 PM
BATON ROUGE - Tenants at a business complex in Baton Rouge say their mail delivery is nonexistent when their usual mail carrier is off work or reassigned. It's an issue that predates the pandemic and the latest stint persuaded tenants to contact 2 On Your Side. "We haven't gotten... more » -
WATCH: Local businesses navigate COVID, restrictions and new ideas to stay open Play Video
December 25, 2020 11:53 PM
BATON ROUGE - Small businesses have had to learn to adapt to changing shopping habits impacted by the COVID pandemic and restrictions. Lori DeBenedetto told WBRZ she focused her attention on her toy store's online footprint and was able to offset some losses earlier in 2020. "Families are... more » -
Poise'n Ivy Boutique set to close after being in business for more than half a century Play Video
December 24, 2020 9:36 PM
BATON ROUGE - Poise N Ivy Boutique has been a family business for generations, but the store is soon coming to an end. The owner, Jamie Tarwater, says they never got the relief they needed to survive the pandemic. The store has been a staple in the Baton Rouge... more » -
Local business owners hope for increase in sales on Small Business Saturday Play Video
November 29, 2020 12:20 AM
BATON ROUGE - Small retail shop owners hope this Small Business Saturday will bring more cash to their registers. One merchant says the holiday shopping season can make or break a small store. "Great, it's been busy," Jenee Esquivel said. Esquivel owns Moxi... more » -
New subdivision expected to be built on recently sold 13-acres off Old Jefferson Highway
November 24, 2020 6:48 AM
BATON ROUGE - Experts agree that this year, real estate markets across the country have experienced a dynamic shift due to the COVID health crisis. Interestingly, though the economy as a whole is struggling, more Americans appear to be moving. In a recent 2020 Forbes report, Peter Lane... more » -
Closure of Shell's Convent refinery causing concern for neighboring businesses Play Video
November 5, 2020 10:12 PM
ST. JAMES PARISH - Thursday's news that Shell would be shuttering its Convent plant after more than 50 years of operation left employees and business owners shell-shocked. "We just are getting in the door there, with this location, and you know, what a blow," Kyle Smith of Pot &... more » -
'Trash' workers sign meant in jest but points to stress level of many workers
September 24, 2020 12:41 PM
BATON ROUGE – A restaurant manager said a sign chastising employees who did not show up for their shift was meant as a joke to help disgruntled customers understand why food orders were taking so long. “Please be patient with us today. There will be a wait. Most of... more » -
Fencing company makes good on customer's deposit a year later Play Video
August 28, 2020 6:28 PM
BATON ROUGE - A woman went through a year-long venture with a fencing company. It took a call to 2 On Your Side to finally get what she paid for. Lu Carradine put a $1,400 deposit down on a fence for her backyard in August 2019. After utilities in... more » -
Governor: Phase 2 will be extended another 2 weeks Play Video
August 25, 2020 2:46 PM
BATON ROUGE - The governor will officially extend Louisiana's current "phase 2" order for another 14 days once it expires Friday. During a news briefing discussing Hurricane Laura Wednesday, Governor John Bel Edwards said he would extend the current order for two weeks. Phase 2 sets business capacity at... more » -
Not your typical dentists: Sisters put years of dental practice together for new-age clinic
August 21, 2020 3:26 PM
BATON ROUGE - A sister dentistry duo are opening a boutique practice that will feel more like a posh shopping trip than a teeth cleaning appointment. The Smile Spa opens soon on Jefferson Highway just before the Nesser Overpass area. Founded by sisters Dr. Aimee Russo-Mounger and Dr.... more » -
Neighbors tired of listening to business noise, demand action be taken Play Video
August 5, 2020 5:55 PM
UPDATE: Baton Rouge Police visited the neighborhood Wednesday night and measured the decibel levels to find that the business is not in violation. Police say the meter read a level of 69.8 outside and 38.8 inside the complainant's house. The decibels must exceed 85 per statute 12:101(3) which covers “any... more » -
Livingston Parish Fire Dept to assist in inspecting businesses for COVID compliance
July 9, 2020 9:23 AM
LIVINGSTON PARISH - Businesses in Livingston Parish will be inspected by their local fire department to ensure that mask/social distancing guidelines associated with the prevention of spreading COVID-19 are being followed. Livingston Parish Fire Protection District Four issued an announcement regarding the inspections Wednesday, stating: " LPFPD4 will be... more » -
More than 522,000 Louisianians have received unemployment benefits since pandemic started Play Video
June 5, 2020 6:27 PM
BATON ROUGE - The U.S. jobless rate dropped to 13.3 percent in May, down from a record high in April. As the state moves into Phase Two of reopening, the Louisiana Workforce Commission says the unemployment numbers are also down in Louisiana, but new claims are still being made. ... more » -
Bar owners start thinking about reopening ahead of Governor's phase two announcement Play Video
May 31, 2020 5:11 PM
BATON ROUGE – On Monday, the Governor will announce if the state is ready to move into phase two of reopening the economy. If that happens, bars will be able to let customers in again with some restrictions starting on June 5. Many bar owners will welcome the next phase,... more » -
Mom and pop shops buzzing with business after shutdown Play Video
May 30, 2020 10:43 PM
In the heart of Denham Springs, mom and pop shops are reopened and buzzing with business. But since the coronavirus shut down business back in March, it's been tough. Many local stores, like Addiction Boutique, had to rely on online sales and curbside pickup to survive. "We... more » -
Businesses bouncing back slowly in "Phase One" reopening Play Video
May 17, 2020 12:17 AM
BATON ROUGE - Some business operators say the first weekend of the first phase in the re-opening of Louisiana's economy is showing signs of a recovery. "Today was better than yesterday. We never got to 25 percent capacity in the restaurant," Fred Simonson said, manager of Louise's Cafe near... more » -
WBRZ partners with area media companies in huge effort to help businesses
May 15, 2020 12:10 PM
BATON ROUGE – WBRZ announced Friday, its advertising platforms have partnered with the MESH agency and 32 other partners to help businesses announce reopenings in phase 1. Television, radio, print, billboard and digital media companies have agreed to be part of the campaign that will provide $250,000 in advertising... more » -
Ochsner Health offering reopening solutions for businesses Play Video
April 29, 2020 6:25 PM
BATON ROUGE - Many Louisiana businesses are taking the time to prepare for Phase 1 of reopening. Ochsner Health is organizing resources to help assist employers with a safe return. President & CEO of Ochsner Health Warner Thomas says many businesses are curious about the best approach. ... more » -
Salon owner fears reopening without proper PPE Play Video
April 27, 2020 6:55 PM
BATON ROUGE - Businesses won't be reopening until the governor feels Louisiana meets the criteria to move onto phase 1, and that could be after May 15. If that's the case, a salon owner in Baton Rouge says she's requesting information about where to get the proper protection to protect... more » -
Shed fire on Sorrel Ave. spreads to neighboring building
April 25, 2020 10:39 PM
BATON ROUGE - Fire crews responded to a shed fire believed to be caused by arson. Around 9:15 p.m. on Saturday the Baton Rouge Fire Department arrived on scene in the 2700 block of Sorrel Ave near Chippewa St. Firefighters responded to the same location one hour ago... more » -
Local business owners uncertain of future as state determines reopen plans Play Video
April 16, 2020 9:44 PM
BATON ROUGE - As the state prepares to jumpstart its return from COVID-19, what exactly that looks like remains unknown. "We have to try to strike the right balance between promoting public health and minimizing the spread of COVID-19," Gov. John Bel Edwards said. "The demand on our hospitals... more » -
EBR city-parish to freeze hiring but has sizable rainy day fund to operate during pandemic
April 15, 2020 12:20 PM
BATON ROUGE – City-parish departments funded through the mayor’s yearly budget plan have been ordered to freeze hiring for open positions as East Baton Rouge works to save as much money as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Only essential or “justifiable” positions will be filled, the mayor’s office said... more » -
ExxonMobil alerts contractors: Moving toward minimum staffing amid COVID-19 spread
March 20, 2020 5:45 PM
BATON ROUGE – One of the nation’s largest refineries is moving to a more critical staffing level and limiting contractors and vendors on-site. ExxonMobil Baton Rouge is adjusting staffing to limit possible exposure and the spread of COVID-19. Companies nation-wide are limiting the number of employees working in traditional... more » -
WBRZ Business Directory: Store hours, open locations
March 20, 2020 5:29 PM
WBRZ announces the WBRZ Business Directory with real-time updates! Click HERE to see who is open, hours and other information about locally-owned businesses. Feel free to share your information with our team. Follow the links in the list. more » -
60 years of driving a little to save a lot - And there's 60 more!
February 20, 2020 4:46 PM
LIVINGSTON – As industry consolidation grows in various businesses, the Watts family reaffirmed their commitment to localism and the competitive furniture business Thursday. V. Watts Furniture – known (and advertised) for its rural location turned 60 this week. Owners and Livingston Parish dignitaries celebrated with a birthday ribbon cutting.... more » -
Work release inmate working at fast food joint apprehended in Harvey after walking off job site
September 2, 2019 1:00 PM
GONZALES – A work release inmate assigned to a job at a fast food restaurant disappeared Sunday. The inmate, Zacchaesus Tassin, was assigned to the Wendy’s at the Tanger mall. He was an East Baton Rouge work release inmate. “[He] walked off from his job at the Wendy’s,... more » -
ON YOUR SIDE Warning: Your boss may accidentally give scammers your paycheck
June 14, 2019 4:28 PM
BATON ROUGE – Near-convincing phishing emails are targeting automatic deposits for employee’s salaries and if a payroll department is not careful, the con may work. The IRS warned in December of the direct deposit scam where email accounts are created to mimic an actual employee. Thieves create free email... more » -
Oh, Olinde's, we'll miss you; Iconic furniture store closing after sale
June 4, 2019 11:56 AM
BATON ROUGE – The Olinde furniture showrooms in Baton Rouge and Lafayette will be closed and rebranded as Ashley stores between now and September, company sources told WBRZ Tuesday. The changes come amid an advertised going out of business sale at Olinde’s and months after news broke that the... more » -
Baton Rouge Krispy Kreme 'temporarily closed' after rumors of potential shuttering Play Video
June 2, 2019 7:17 PM
BATON ROUGE- A new sign posted outside Krispy Kreme Doughnuts on Plank Road says the business is "temporarily closed" after rumors swirled over the weekend that the shop might close its doors for good. The sign posted outside the business Monday morning said the store was closed for the... more » -
The Advocate newspaper buys historic New Orleans newspaper
May 2, 2019 4:36 PM
BATON ROUGE – Owners of The Advocate, the Baton Rouge-based newspaper chain which covers all of the I-10 corridor in Louisiana, announced they purchased the historic Times-Picayune newspaper in New Orleans and its popular companion website, NOLA.com. The announcement was made Thursday afternoon. The Advocate owners John and... more » -
Richards Honda leaves 50-year Florida Blvd. location for fresh development off I-12
March 31, 2019 8:45 PM
BATON ROUGE – Richards Honda is the latest car dealership to open a new showroom recently. Baton Rouge area car dealers have been expanding and building new sales centers in a wave of growth. Richards adds to that when its shiny new showroom along I-12 opens Monday. The... more » -
Dr. Richard Vath to temporarily oversee OLOL parent company amid CEO change
March 13, 2019 5:44 PM
BATON ROUGE – The corporate structure surrounding Our Lady of the Lake is changing, the hospital’s parent company announced late Wednesday. Mike McBride was removed as CEO of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, the system overseeing the six hospitals including OLOL and its soon-to-open children’s hospital. ... more » -
Job fair announced for laid-off Georgia-Pacific employees
January 24, 2019 4:32 PM
ZACHARY – A job fair for laid-off Georgia-Pacific workers has been scheduled for Saturday, February 9. Companies interested in participating should register HERE . The job fair will be held at the Zachary High School gym. The event will feature employers who are hiring skilled workers as... more » -
Company behind iconic Baton Rouge TV commercial sells business Play Video
January 10, 2019 5:55 PM
BATON ROUGE – Olinde’s, a Baton Rouge staple known by many for its catchy commercial jingle, sold its operations. Olinde’s was purchased by a furniture showroom operator based in Memphis. The new company has a footprint in ten states. “Everything has it’s day and there’s always a... more » -
J. Crew closing Perkins Rowe location
January 10, 2019 3:50 PM
BATON ROUGE – Clothier J. Crew is closing its Perkins Rowe location in the coming weeks. The store will shutdown for good on Sunday, January 27. The Business Report noted it was one of the first tenants in the development when Perkins Rowe opened in 2007. A... more » -
Entergy begins meter automation upgrades, fee added to bills
January 7, 2019 5:45 PM
BATON ROUGE – Entergy customers will notice an additional fee on bills as the company rolls out a new meter system. Automated meters will allow the company to collect usage data electronically, eliminating the need for employees to visit a meter attached to a structure and record usage. Meter... more » -
Funding, other difficulties force closure of child abuse safety net Play Video
December 20, 2018 2:46 PM
BATON ROUGE – Citing an unsettling revelation about the difficulties associated with their cause, advocates against child abuse announced in an email Thursday they were shutting down the Louisiana non-profit that worked to build awareness and promote safer lives for youngsters. “Primary prevention is pretty intangible, and we’ve struggled... more » -
Rooftop restaurant and bar coming to Perkins Road area
December 5, 2018 3:49 PM
BATON ROUGE – A rooftop restaurant and bar will add to the busy dining and cocktail scene along the Merchant strip area early next year. Bumsteers will replace the Crispy Catch on Perkins Road near the overpass. Developers created a Facebook page to promote the business recently. ... more » -
For-profit Virginia College immediately closing campuses nationwide, BR students shocked Play Video
December 5, 2018 2:20 PM
BATON ROUGE – Students and staff at the for-profit Virginia College near the Cortana Mall were shocked with news from school chiefs Wednesday that the college was closing. And, it’s not just the Baton Rouge campus. In an email obtained by WBRZ, officials warned employees the entire Virginia College... more »