ASH Industries Announces 85-Job Expansion in Lafayette


ASH Industries, a custom molding manufacturer that produces specialized products ranging from surgical devices to laser light show components, will invest $5 million to expand its Lafayette Parish facility. The project will create 85 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of $40,600 plus benefits while retaining 67 jobs. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 120 indirect jobs, for a total 205 new jobs in Louisiana’s Acadiana Region.
The project will double the size of ASH’s manufacturing floor, adding 20,000 square-feet of workspace.

“The expansion of ASH Industries is an important job creation project for the skilled workforce in Lafayette,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “For more than 30 years, ASH has fostered a strong team, and is set to grow that team further – a testament to the opportunities available in Louisiana’s manufacturing industry.” ...read more
Hampton Linebacker Keshaun Moore First HBCU Athlete to Sign WWE NIL Contract 

Hampton University Senior Linebacker KeShaun Moore is the first HBCU athlete to sign a name, image, and likeness (NIL) contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
According to a WWE release, Moore is one of 15 college athletes in the WWE’s NIL program called Next In Line, which provides a college-to-career pipeline in the WWE. In an interview with Hampton Athletics, Moore praised NIL deals which provide a head start for college athletes who may not have a career in professional sports.

“I thought it was a good opportunity for people to set themselves up after college,” Moore said. “I personally didn’t know I would get any type of NIL deals like this, but I have seen how they help out athletes, and I think it’s great for all student-athletes at this level.”

This year’s Next In Line class includes athletes from seven NCAA conferences and seven sports, including the program’s first athletes from cheerleading and dance. Athletes in the program represent Ole Miss, Arizona State University, University of Tennessee, Auburn University, Michigan State University, and others.

LED offers award-winning program to support Small Businesses


LED’s award-winning suite of Small Business Services can be a game changer for small business owners looking to take their next steps to success. From support for veterans and diversity initiatives to networking opportunities and educational programming, there’s no shortage of ways for Louisiana entrepreneurs to get the support they need.
 
LED’s small business programs include:
 
​​Bonding Assistance Program
Offering surety backed bonds
 
‍CEO Roundtables
Enabling peer-to-peer learning opportunity for small business executives‍
 
Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute
Presenting seminars and courses to small and emerging construction firms‍
 
Hudson Initiative
Helping small businesses access state purchasing and contracting opportunities‍
 
Mentor-Protégé Recognition
Connecting small and emerging businesses with industry experts‍
 
Pathway to Assist Veteran Entrepreneurs (PAVE)
Creating access to the tools for Louisiana veterans need to start or manage a business
 
Small and Emerging Business Development Program
Offering training for small business growth tactics‍
 
Small Business Loan Guaranty Program
Driving small business development and expansion‍
 
STEP Grant
Assisting small businesses to grow exports‍
 
System for Integrated Growth
Customizing strategic research and technical assistance to boost growth‍
 
Veteran Initiative
Providing veterans access to state funding
 
Veterans First Business Initiative
Certifying veteran, active-duty or reserve military, and Gold Star spouse business ownership
 
CAPITAL CITY REGION
TODAY: Baton Rouge Chamber Hosts Online Webinar
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STATEWIDE
DOES YOUR BUSINESSS HAVE A GAMEPLAN FOR DISASTER?
All vendors wishing to do business with the State of Louisiana must register online. Please use the following link to register as a vendor

 During the registration process, select all of the commodities your company is able to provide. You will then receive an email notification each time a bid is posted in one of the commodities for which you've registered.

Vendor Resources Page - Office of State Procurement’s website: 
 
Webinar: Emergency Procurement and How to Register
 
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
The SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters located in regions affected by declared disasters. SBA also provides eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations with working capital to help overcome the economic injury of a declared disaster.

3901 MacArthur Blvd,
Box 6012 New Orleans, LA 70114
Phone Number: 1 504-655-7572