OIL & GAS – Refineries:  With 19 refineries , 18 of them operating , Louisiana was second only to Texas in 2010 in both total and operating refinery capacity . Get more info from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Source: CABLWire

OIL & GAS – Keep Louisiana’s Horizontal Well Severance Tax Investment Incentive: The state of Louisiana’s Horizontal Well Severance Tax Investment Incentive allows the suspension of severance taxes due on production from a “Horizontal” and “Deep” well from the date of first production until payout of qualified costs or 24 months, whichever comes first.  The utilization of this tax incentive has resulted in significant economic impact to the state of Louisiana, including the creation of more than 60,000 jobs that have kept state employment above average levels, the injection of over $13 billion dollars in investment in the state, and over $1 billion paid to local, parish and state governments since the discovery of the Haynesville shale in late 2007.  The Louisiana Black Chamber of Commerce supports the state of Louisiana’s Horizontal Severance Tax Investment Incentive to ensure that the state remains an attractive marketplace for exploring and developing deep oil and gas reserves and for contributing significant economic impact to local and state governments.

EDUCATION REFORM - School Choice and Charter Schools in Louisiana:  According to the Louisiana Dept. of Education, “When it comes to the education of their children, families want choices.  In Louisiana, one of those choices is charter schools.  Charter schools are publicly funded, independently-operated public schools and do not charge tuition or fees. Charter schools are open to all students who wish to attend and cannot discriminate when making enrollment decisions.  While charter schools are not forced to enroll students based on an attendance zone, the student population of a charter school must reflect the at-risk population in the district where the school is located.  During the 2011-2012 school year, 98 charter schools are operating in Louisiana, collectively serving approximately 44,000 students.  In 2012-2013, another 13 charter schools are scheduled to begin operating.”  Charter schools have predominantly been geographically located in South Louisiana, in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.  Added to the ranks of cities with charter school approvals, and of Type 1 and Type 2 classifications are Lake Charles and Monroe.  Recently, on July 17^th in Shreveport, the Caddo Parish School Board gave the green light for the Magnolia School of Excellence now scheduled to open August 2013.  This was a first and historic move for Caddo Parish Public Schools.  While the quality of children’s education remains paramount, let’s ensure that capital and operational dollars resulting from educational reform include Louisiana companies, minority-owned businesses, and black-owned businesses.  Stay tuned…

http://www.doe.state.la.us/divisions/charters/

http://arklatexhomepage.com/fulltext?nxd_id=260372

SOUTH LOUISIANA - Help the Victims of Hurricane Isaac: Our River Region Multi-Cultural Chamber of Commerce in southern Louisiana is conducting a drive to collect clothing for the victims of Hurricane Isaac.  Please consider participating as our fellow Americans have been hit extremely hard and are in need.  For more information contact us at the phone or email listed above.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE - PanAfrican Entrepreneurs Conference: Learn about opportunities across the Black Diaspora and meet entrepreneurs currently doing business around the world. Join us in Houston, as we develop policy and address issues relating to international trade. See you November 15-18. Register today and save money with the Early Bird Registration rate.  www.panafricanec.org

INTERNATIONAL TRADE - Wanted in Equatorial Guinea: Our contacts in this nation are in search of a Black owned bank, insurance company and a small airline for local service.  If you own such and are considering expansion, this nation is willing to assist you in making Equatorial Guinea your latest franchise location. For more information contact us at the phone or email listed above.