Hummer In Shreveport?

According to the AP, “Production of Hummer vehicles would continue at the General Motors Corp. plant in Shreveport through at least 2010 under a tentative deal announced Tuesday by GM to sell the brand.

GM did not identify the buyer or a sale price, but said it expected to close the sale during the third quarter.”   However, there are now news reports that indicate that the purchase might be to a Chinese company.

Here is the current Press Release from GM

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), announced it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a buyer for HUMMER, its premium off-road brand. This transaction is the result of GM's strategic review of the HUMMER brand and the company’s ongoing restructuring efforts.

The sale is expected to close by the end of third quarter of this year and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.

The deal is expected to secure more than 3,000 U.S. jobs in manufacturing, engineering and at HUMMER dealerships around the country. The transaction also includes plans by the investor to aggressively fund future HUMMER product programs. Under terms of the MoU, the identity of the purchaser and proposed financial terms of the agreement are not being released at this time.

“HUMMER is a strong brand,” said Troy Clarke, President of GM North America. "I’m confident that HUMMER will thrive globally under its new ownership. And for GM, this sale continues to accelerate the reinvention of GM into a leaner, more focused, and more cost-competitive automaker ."

As part of the proposed transaction, HUMMER will continue to contract vehicle manufacturing and business services from GM during a defined transitional time period. For example, under the proposed agreement, GM’s Shreveport Assembly plant would continue to contract assemble the H3 and H3T through at least 2010.

"GM has developed HUMMER into a globally recognized off-road brand,” said James Taylor, HUMMER chief executive officer. “The proposed agreement will enable us to continue that growth and maximize the brand’s potential through new, innovative off-road vehicles with improved efficiency and alternative fuel powertrains. Today’s announcement is great news for HUMMER’s current and future customers, dealers, suppliers and employees around the globe.”

Other terms and conditions specific to the sale are not being disclosed at this time. Citi acted as financial advisor to General Motors Corporation.

Louisiana Films

With the Louisiana film industry’s future on the line, Wednesday is set for Louisiana Film Industry Day at the State Capitol.  Members on that industry will be converging at the Capitol to expand the industry growth at a time when legislators and the governor has concerns over the Louisiana budget.  Louisiana is now 3^rd in the nation for film productions. 

Hurricanes and Small Business

As those living near the Gulf of Mexico and along the Eastern Seaboard prepare for another Atlantic Hurricane season, which began June 1 and runs through November 30, the U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses, homeowners and renters nationwide to write down their emergency preparedness plan before disaster hits.

Regardless of where you live, it's a good idea to be ready for any kind of crisis.

“Every threat, from wind storms, floods and wildfires, to power outages and computer system failures, reminds us to be proactive when it comes to building strategies to survive a disaster and recover quickly,” said SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. “The catastrophic events of the last few years demonstrate the need for preparedness at the individual level, to diminish the risk to life and property.”

In the aftermath of last year’s Midwest Floods, and Hurricanes Gustav and Ike—which pounded parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas last summer—the SBA approved more than 23,000 disaster loans for a total of $1.2 billion.

Disaster preparedness for homes and businesses should include:

• A solid emergency response plan. Find evacuation routes from your home or business and establish meeting places. Make sure everyone understands the plan beforehand. Keep emergency phone numbers handy. Business owners should designate a contact person to communicate with other employees, customers and vendors. Ask an out-of-state friend or family member to be your “post-disaster” point of contact—a person to call to provide information on your safety and whereabouts.
• Adequate insurance. Disaster preparedness begins with having adequate insurance coverage—at least enough to rebuild your home or business. Homeowners and business owners should review their policies to see what is not covered. Businesses should consider “business interruption insurance,” which helps cover operating costs during the post-disaster shutdown period. Flood insurance is essential. To find out more about the National Flood Insurance Program, visit the Web site at www.floodsmart.gov.
• Making copies of important records. It's a good idea to back up vital records and information saved on computer hard drives, and store those items at a distant offsite location. Computer data should be backed up routinely. Copies of important documents and CDs should be kept in fire-proof safe deposit boxes.
• A “Disaster Survival Kit.” The kit should include a flashlight, a portable radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable packaged and canned food, bottled water, a basic tool kit, plastic bags, cash, and a disposable camera to take pictures of the property damage after the storm.

More preparedness tips for businesses, homeowners and renters are available on the SBA's Web site at www.sba.gov/disasterassistance. The Institute for Business and Home Safety (www.disastersafety.org) also has information on protecting your home or business. To learn more about developing an emergency plan, visit www.ready.gov or call               1-800-BE-READY        to receive free materials.

The SBA makes low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and non-farm businesses of all sizes. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged real estate. Individuals may borrow up to $40,000 to cover losses to personal property.

Non-farm businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged business assets and real property. Small businesses and non-profits that suffered economic losses as a direct result of the declared disaster may apply for a working capital loan up to $2 million, even if the property was not physically damaged.

To learn more about the SBA's disaster assistance program, visit the Web site at www.sba.gov/disasterassistance

Online Video Training

International Insurance Institute, Inc. (www.insuranceinstitute.com) is now offering claims adjuster training with the launch of their new Online Video Courses found at claimseducationonline.com.

Video delivers on-demand, high-impact and effective instruction that has led to increased popularity and usage in the demanding discipline of claims training. Companies are investing their training dollars in video, directly leading to measurable business results. “Now, adjusters don’t have to wait to go to class to learn the critical skills necessary to be a successful adjuster,” says Carl Van.

In these programs students will learn how to put into use the newly acquired knowledge and skills through interactive teaching, claims specific activities and real-life problem solving exercises. Over 30,000 adjusters, both experienced and new to the profession, have participated in their unique skills-based training workshops.

Louisiana Air Quality

Would you like to know how your air quality is and whether it is healthy or unhealthy? You can sign up for EnviroFlash, a free electronic system that sends emails and texts about your daily air quality forecast to your email or cell phone.

Now, EnviroFlash is available statewide and citizens can subscribe to the forecast at the level that they want – daily or only when the air could be unhealthy. You can pick the time of your email and the frequency. The EnviroFlash system will also send out alerts for unusual air quality events, such as fires, that affect air quality.

Citizens are encouraged to subscribe to EnviroFlash so they will have the latest air quality information for their area.

Subscribe at these web addresses:

• Baton Rouge Area – http://batonrougearea.enviroflash.info
• Shreveport Area – http://shreveportarea.enviroflash.info
• New Orleans Area – http://neworleansarea.enviroflash.info
• Monroe Area – http://monroearea.enviroflash.info
• Alexandria Area – http://alexandriaarea.enviroflash.com
• Lake Charles Area – http://lakecharlesarea.enviroflash..info
• Lafayette Area – http://lafayettearea.enviroflash.info
• Thibodaux Area – http://thibodauxarea.enviroflash.info
•  

Army Corps Public Meeting

NEW ORLEANS – The Corps is hosting a public meeting to discuss refinements to the plan to upgrade the La Branche Wetlands Levee Project in St. Charles Parish.  The public meeting will be Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2009 at the American Legion Post 366 building, 12188 River Rd., in St. Rose.

“The more refined plan proposes upgrading the existing hurricane system and constructing new access routes to expedite the construction schedule,” said Rebecca Huffman, project manager.  “The project team also proposed shifting a levee alignment in order to avoid airport safety lighting and relocating a water control structure to further minimize environmental impacts of the project.”

The refinements are described in a document entitled Individual Environmental Report 1 Supplemental, “Lake Pontchartrain and Vicinity, La Branche Wetlands Levee, St. Charles Parish, LA,” which is currently available for public review and download at www.nolaenvironmental.gov.  Comments received during the public review will become part of the official record for IER Supplemental 1.  Comments on IER 1 Supplemental are due by midnight Jun. 13, 2009.

Refinements to the proposed action prompted additional analysis  which resulted in the preparation of the supplemental IER document.  Overall, the proposed changes, as outlined in the supplemental, would result in fewer impacts to the neighboring wetlands.  

Alternative arrangements allow the Corps to expedite the environmental process required of all federally funded projects while fully complying with the intent of the National Environmental Policy Act.

The Corps mailed notices that IER 1 Supplemental was available to parties who previously indicated their interest in reviewing the document.  It can also be downloaded at www.nolaenvironmental.gov where written comments may also be submitted.  

(Army Corps Press Release)

Make It Right

The 2009 Hurricane Season officially started today, June 1, and the Make It Right Foundation highlighted storm resistant features, materials, and building processes of their homes, designed to better ensure that the Lower Ninth Ward community, residents and homes will survive the next natural disaster.  Make It Right is the organization associated with Brad Pitt’s involvement with improving conditions in New Orleans.    

A few days ago the government (NOAA) issued their forecast, predicting a near-to-slightly above average hurricane season (4-7).  Hurricane seasons lasts from June 1 - November 30.

Innovative work by Make It Right architects and builders has provided each home with unique yet replicable architectural elements, building techniques, and products that safeguard against hurricane damage.  It is Make It Right’s hope that sharing these features will encourage others in the City and in other hurricane prone areas to incorporate such features, which focus not only on protecting houses and property but, just as importantly, upon time saving measures that allow residents to evacuate more quickly ahead of hurricanes.

“These features will make homes stronger and more resilient,” Said Jon Sader, Director of Construction for Make It Right, “ but I want to stress that they do not replace the need to evacuate. In fact some of these features are designed to save residents time preparing for the storm so they can get on the road sooner. “

Specific features highlighted today included:

1)         Raised elevations in accordance with federal officials’ raised base flood elevation (BFE) requirements for the Lower 9^th Ward.  While these base elevations have been increased to three feet above grade, Make It Right Homes are raised either five or eight feet (i.e. two or five feet above BFE) depending on the homeowner’s preference.

2)         Advanced framing techniques and specially engineered wall sections to increase the durability of the homes, building them to withstand winds of 160 mph.  Make It Right Project Architect Sarah Howell of John C. Williams Architects demonstrated that, by switching from conventional 16-inch to 24-inch on-center spacing, aligning the structural members of the house and using metal fasteners and hurricane straps at corners, headers and intersecting walls, Make It Right is able to build stronger houses through engineering instead of simply using more lumber.

3)         Pervious (porous) concrete used in Make It Right sidewalks and driveways to help combat localized flooding.  The pervious concrete allows storm water to filter through the pavement where it is stored in the gravel substrate below until it is reabsorbed by deep-rooted plants.  This enables Make It Right lots to collect and manage their own storm water as well as accept storm water from neighboring lots.  This is vital in terms of protecting the neighborhood, and also helping to protect the City.

4)         Native Landscaping. Make It Right’s team of landscape architects plant rain gardens and urban micro farms, and work to restore the wetlands that edge the neighborhood using native plants and ecology that accept storm water as a resource and reduce flooding impacts.

5)         Make It Right houses include either “escape hatches” or attic windows that allow direct access to the roof to ensure that homeowners can get out of their homes safely if a storm surge ever strikes this area again.  Several of the designs maximize rooftop access features to create recreational space during the rest of the year.

6)      Last but not least, Hurricane Window Fabric, which allows Make It Right homeowners to protect their windows and homes by fastening hurricane fabric that is fitted to their window frames rather than the traditional method of  boarding-up windows with plywood, which is cumbersome and time-consuming.  Hurricane Fabric represents a safety and time saving measure that allows residents to evacuate quickly ahead of a storm.

A new feature on the Make It Right website (www.makeitrightnola.org) showcases the features highlighted today.

The Mission of Make It Right is to be a catalyst for redevelopment of the Lower 9th Ward, by building a neighborhood comprised of safe and healthy homes that are inspired by Cradle to Cradle thinking, with an emphasis on a high quality of design, while preserving the spirit of the community's culture. The goal is to accomplish this quickly, so that the first residents can begin returning to their homes as soon as possible.

Currently, 8 families are living in their Make It Right homes, 24 more houses are currently under construction and 50 families are in the process of homeowner process. 

St. Bernard Project

United States Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., today announced that the St. Bernard Project, City Year, Inc. and Louisiana Delta Service Corps will receive more than $1.8 million in AmeriCorps grants. These funds were awarded through the Fiscal Year 2009 AmeriCorps State and National funding competitions.

“In Louisiana, the value of a helping hand in a crisis will never be forgotten,” Sen. Landrieu said. “Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, volunteers turned out in droves to help the Gulf Coast dry off, clean up and rebuild. In that spirit, AmeriCorps establishes networks of volunteers in our communities who help educate, feed and house our most vulnerable populations,  setting a strong example for future generations. By teaching the importance of service, we will build stronger communities throughout America. This goal was underscored by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which President Obama signed in April.”

The St. Bernard Project will receive a $520,384 grant, which will fund 39 AmeriCorps positions. The St. Bernard Project is an effort to rebuild neighborhoods that were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent levee breaks. It focuses on helping people most in need, such as the elderly and families with children. With donations and volunteer help, they turn gutted homes into habitable residences in about 8-12 weeks at the average cost of $12,000. Last November, St. Bernard Project Co-Founder Liz McCartney was honored as CNN’s 2008 Hero of the Year for her work with the project.

“The St. Bernard Project is thrilled to be chosen as a recipient of an AmeriCorps grant,” said Zack Rosenberg, St. Bernard Project Director. “AmeriCorps has been one of the St. Bernard Project’s most vital partners.  Via AmeriCorps members, the St. Bernard Project is able to leverage funds and volunteer labor.  Put simply, the St. Bernard Project’s ability to meet our clients' needs is directly tied to the support that we receive from AmeriCorps.”

City Year, Inc. will receive $738,000, which will fund 60 AmeriCorps member positions. City Year provides young people with the opportunity to commit a year to full-time service as tutors, mentors and role models. These funds will help provide afterschool programming in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, and will also help facilitate targeted tutoring and positive peer interactions.

“The grants that we are receiving from AmeriCorps are essential to City Year, as they make sure we can give the best possible service to the state of Louisiana,” said Katrina Shaw, co-Executive Director of City Year Louisiana. “These funds ensure that our corps members have enough training, materials, and support to make the largest impact on the communities in Louisiana that need it most.”

“It is at this time, when the economy has slowed and many Louisianans are unsure about their futures, that funding such as this is extra important,” said Peggy Mendoza, co-Executive Director of City Year Louisiana. “The funding we are receiving will help make sure that City Year will be a resource for the many residents of Louisiana who are looking for opportunities not just for themselves, but also opportunities to improve their communities and state.”

Louisiana Delta Service Corps will receive a grant for $566,510, which will fund 45 AmeriCorps member positions. This corps is a regional partner that focuses on meeting the long-standing needs of the poor. AmeriCorps members are placed in local non-profit organizations to strengthen their capacity to help clients and improve services. They also assist with generating new volunteers and disaster response.

“Our members have made a huge difference in the lives of children and families,” said Louisiana Delta Service Corps Executive Director Elizabeth Irving. “We do multiple types of service, including tutoring, mentoring, and helping rebuild communities — especially New Orleans.

“We have at least 15 members in the last two years who are working to rebuild New Orleans house-by-house. Perhaps most importantly, like all AmeriCorps members, our volunteers are charged with recruiting, managing and overseeing many times their own number in other volunteers. Their job is to increase the capacity of local agencies to meet needs.”

(Sen. Mary Landrieu Press Release)