Innovator of the Year 2009

Quality. Compassion. Innovation.

At Touro, these are more than just words, they are our mission. For more than 157 years, Touro has cared for the health of generations of New Orleans families. Touro is proud of our Innovator award recipients for continuing the tradition of healing our community: Transitional Living Unit and the Diabetes Center

www.touro.com

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OFFICIAL eading venture capitalist David LGladstone and Laura Gladstone PAYROLL PROVIDER walk you step-by-step through the entire VC funding process, showing FOR THE exactly how to get funded fast – NEW ORLEANS without the trauma. This end-to-end update of the classic VC guide covers HORNETS! the latest techniques, tax rules, and marketplace realities. Complete Payroll services that are accurate, on time, easy to understand and personalized! For every size business and every payroll need, Payroll RX brings together the advanced technologies of national firms with local, personal service. DOLAN BUSINESS BOOKS 504.520.8368 I www.payrollrx.com Go to www.DolanBusinessBooks.com or call 1-800-451-9998 today! H5Z307 201 Introduction ...... 4 EDUCATION Inside: Past honorees ...... 5 Disaster Management Leadership Academy ...... 35 Greater New Orleans Afterschool Partnership ...... 36 INNOVATORS KIPP New Orleans Schools ...... 37 Gold Award: New Orleans Gas and Electric Lights ...... 6 Silver Award: Geocent ...... 7 MEDICAL Bronze Award (tie): Green Coast Enterprises ...... 8 Computerized Physician Order Entry — East Jefferson Bronze Award (tie): South Coast Solar ...... 9 General Hospital ...... 38 ON THE COVER: Paul Roussel, owner of New Affordable Pet Plans ...... 10 Hertzak Laser Center ...... 39 Orleans Gas and Electric Lights, shows his solar Albin Athletics ...... 11 Kaye Center for ultra rapid detox ...... 40 and hot surface igniters gas lights that are safer, Big Easy Blends ...... 12 Online ER wait times — Ochsner Health System ...... 41 environmentally friendly and cost efficient. BooKoo Bounce ...... 13 St. Charles Surgical Hospital ...... 42 Photo by Frank Aymami Creative Jewelry by Bridgejá ...... 14 Simulation Center — Tulane University ...... 43 Dukky ...... 15 Touro Diabetes Center ...... 44 Published by the NOPG LLC Feelgoodz ...... 16 Transitional Living Suite — Touro Infirmary ...... 45 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Fire on the Bayou ...... 17 NONPROFIT Suite 1440, Metairie, La. 70005 504ward ...... 19 504-834-9292; Fax: 504-837-2258. Flavor League ...... 20 EnviRenew — The Salvation Army of Greater New Orleans . . .46 H&A Services ...... 21 Latino Farmers Cooperative of Louisiana ...... 47 Publisher and president: D. Mark Singletary Home Automation Inc...... 22 New Orleans Video Access Center ...... 48 Associate Publisher: Lisa Blossman Managing Editor: Greg LaRose The IP Building ...... 23 St. Bernard Project ...... 49 News Editor: Christian Moises iworktickets.com ...... 24 Associate Editor: Autumn C. Giusti Launch Pad ...... 25 ON THE BRINK Art Director: Alex Borges Max Pro Windows ...... 26 Body Evolution ...... 50 Account Executives: Liz Baldini, Monique Brignac, Nationwide Environmental Solutions ...... 27 Elympus Wireless Medicine ...... 51 Jeanne Farrell, Cassie Foreman, Coco Evans Judd Net2NO ...... 28 Free Flow Power Corp...... 52 Production Manager: Julie Bernard New Orleans Lager and Ale Brewing Co...... 29 Global-E ...... 53 The entire contents of this publication are copyrighted by NOPG LLC, 2003, Payroll Rx ...... 30 Koda ...... 54 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission, KooVoom ...... 55 of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. PolicyPitch.com ...... 32 NOPG LLC, 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie LA 70005, (504) 834-9292. PostitMD.com ...... 33 Limb regeneration — Tulane University ...... 56 Wheelware Software ...... 34 Thriv Natural Performance ...... 58

Congratulations Youth Mapping Initiative

Thank you to all the involved youth, Urban League - College Track, and our staff - especially Eric Jensen who leads this effort!

To view resources, list your organization, or find out more visit neworleans.ilivehere.info and gnoafterschool.org. Congratulations to Tulane’s Disaster Management Leadership Academy 2009 Innovators of the Year

Introduction Entrepreneurial spirit drives 2009 Innovators of the Year

Charles Figley THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT is alive in New Orleans. New Orleans Gas and Electric Lights, the 2009 Gold & Nancy Mock Innovator of the Year, is lighting the way for a traditional New Orleans feature to become environmentally friendly, safer and cost efficient, and its reach is extending beyond state lines. Technology continues to drive how New Orleans com- Christian Moises panies do business, with about a quarter of this year’s hon- News Editor orees moving to Web-based systems as their main way of interacting with clients. Also, many of this year’s honorees use social networking and mobile communication technology such as Blackberrys and iPhones. Do Work That Matters. Many new and creative companies are establishing roots here,and New Orleans CityBusiness recognizes 50 businesses for their innovative products, services and forward thinking. Some have been built from the ground up, while others have invested in a new concept and brought it to the area. If you are doing business Criteria such as the number of years the business or product has been in the marketplace, sales figures and in New Orleans, client base were considered in the selection process. With the number of Innovator nominations submitted to CityBusiness increasing for a third straight year, it shows You should be reading New Orleans remains a creative place to foster new ideas. Twenty-eight Innovators are recognized this year for their proven success in the marketplace and their creative business approach. They include insurance for pets, environmentally friendly flip-flops and hurricane-proof windows. We bring you the stories that detail the issues Three groups were selected for taking a second look at that matter most to New Orleans Business. the area’s education system and offering ways to help improve the learning environment while incorporating the real world into lessons.

$59 The eight honorees selected as Medical Innovators have either created new systems or invested in technologies to B OOK improve the region’s health care in the most cost-effective and least invasive ways possible. Four nonprofits were selected for accenting our area’s O F LIS unique culture and bringing people together so that they might thrive. 200 This year’s eight On the Brink honorees have shown TS entrepreneurial hope and plan to have a profound impact on the business landscape. These are companies and con- 9-2 010 cepts that should be watched closely in the coming months.

Y O R E DB SPON S CityBusiness thanks each for their innovative contribu- tions to marketplace and their commitment to the New Orleans area. To Subscribe Congratulations to the 50 honorees of CityBusiness’ Innovator of the Year 2009 program.• go to https://subscribe.neworleanscitybusiness.com News Editor Christian Moises can be reached at 293-9249 Call 800-451-9998 or by e-mail at [email protected].

4A 2009 Innovator of the Year PAST HONOREES

2008 iSeatz.com West Jefferson Medical Center Louisiana Bucket Brigade Innovators Laughing Buddha Nursery CyberKnife Center - West Jefferson Medical Center STARC Gold Award: BK Products Macromolecular Research - Tulane University Silver Award: Old New Orleans Rum New Orleans Demolition Services Education On the Brink Bronze Award: The Receivables Exchange New Orleans Ice Cream Company Archbishop Rummel Bounce for Life A-Y2K Marine Survey NPower Mobile Delgado Community College E-Z Time Alternative Energy Group Ochsner Clinical Workstation - Ochsner H&A Innovative Creations Inc. The Art Station Health System Nonprofit Jazz Rio CJ Creations Omni Technologies Katrina Krewe Johnson, Shields, Jackson Brown and Associates CommTech Industries Piccadilly Food Services Kingsley House Louisiana Casting The Domain Companies Plaine Studios Operation Restoration Parking Solutions qTrack - Ochsner Health System YOUTHanasia Foundation Inc. On the Move - Elmwood Fitness Center P&O Ports Express Lien sunglassengraving.com RazorLine Fit as a Firefighter - Slidell Memorial Hospital and TeAM Inc. On the Brink ThinPrint Inc. St. Tammany Fire District No. 1 Transformyx Duct Saddle We Care Designs Green Door Construction Trumpet Group Thermo Faucets GreenStar Coatings and Recycling Tulane University Center for Gene Therapy LabOpsROI Imagination Movers UAppoint Inc. 2003 Landscapedia.info U.S. Flood Control 2005 Innovators M.S.Rau Antiques West Jefferson Behavioral Medicine Center Innovators Gold Award: MECO New Orleans Firefighters Pension Fund - World’s Healthiest Pizza Gold Award: Louisiana Casting Database Brint Custom Vision Lakewood Golf Club Silver Award: Engine Monitor Inc. Chicken Box On My Way - iSeatz Innovative Investors Bronze Award: Rattler Tools GCR & Associates Inc. Bull Sweeper - SDT Waste and Debris Services Brachytherapy cancer treatment - East Jefferson American Scrapbooks General Hearing Instruments Inc. Schonberg and Associates General Hospital The Darkroom The Idea Village Sucre Cardiovascular MRI - Ochsner Health System Electric Candle Company Inc. Louisiana Institute of Film Technology Sanichiro Yoshida - Southeastern Louisiana Ci System - Touro Infirmary Go For Rent Inc. Metairie Small Animal Hospital University Department of Chemistry and Physics da Vinci Robotic System - Ochsner Health System Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Co. Neill Corp. Tulane University Center for Public Service Gulf South Joint Replacement Center - inFront Patient Care Zapps Potato Chips Touro Infirmary Javaflow ReliaGene Technologies Inc. Nathan Laser Institute New Line Environmental Systems Resurgence Software Inc. Medical Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty - Touro Infirmary Parking Solutions Shadow Track Technologies Inc. The Aquadex System FlexFlow 64-slice CT scanner - Ochsner Health System PMO Link Inc. Cryoplasty - Touro Infirmary Trilogy Cancer System - East Jefferson P&O Ports Education Deep Brain Stimulation - Ochsner Health System General Hospital Technology Exchange Columbia Theatre and Fanfare Festival Program - Human Angiogenesis Assay Trilogy Cancer System - Ochsner Health System ThinPrint Inc. Southeastern Louisiana University Neevo - Pamlab International Marketing Program - Delgado Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans Nonprofits Education Community College Patient Comment System - Touro Infirmary Beacon of Hope Resource Center University of New Orleans TDI Integrity Team - East Jefferson General Hospital IDEAcorps On the Brink ThermoSuit System - Ochsner Health System The Idea Village Nonprofit Ghost Rider Pictures Louisiana Appleseed - Adams and Bounce for Life GourmetFoodMall Nonprofit Reese/ConocoPhillips Studio for Creative Design - Tulane University The Interceptor Arc of Greater New Orleans New Schools for New Orleans The Campaign to Build a Teen-Friendly New Orleans St. Anna’s Episcopal Church On the Brink SEAtreat Latino Apostolate of the Episcopal Church Stay Local, A Project of the Urban Conservancy E-Z Time Urban Dog Magazine Louisiana ArtWorks Hydraulic Industries Yearbook Snapshots New Orleans Music Hall of Fame On the Brink Save our Wetlands Technic Systems Puentes New Orleans/LatiNola Basin St. Station 2002 Tipitina’s Music Office Co-op Broadway South 2004 Innovators Urban League of Greater New Orleans Young GrayMatter Inc. Innovators Gold Award: New Orleans Coffee Co. Professionals - Adams and Reese The Occasional Wife Gold Award: Laitram American LIFECARE RéVolve Apogen Autoimmune Technologies On the Brink SiteMighty.com Bizzuka Dr. Nicolas Bazan - Louisiana State University ex-cessories.com Tommye’s Tiny Tots 2 Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Neuroscience Center HIV research - Tulane University Delta Queen Steamboat Co. CA Guitars Inc. The Lifestyle Revolution Group 2006 Chef John Folse & Co. EDG Inc. Peptide Research Lab - Tulane University Innovators GeneScan USA Integrate Inc. PhytoCeutical Formulations Gold Award: Turbo Squid GT Energy Dr. Ronald Lemon - Louisiana State Precast Building Solutions Silver Award: Home Automation Inc. Hibernia National Bank University School of Dentistry SouthCoast Solar Benjamin Taylor and Associates LEI Levy-Rosenblum Institute for Entrepreneurship Virtual Staging - The Occasional Wife Coastal Environments Inc. Louisiana Production Capital Mele Printing DHAC Inc. MD Technologies Richard Gray’s Power Co. 2007 East Jefferson General Hospital National EMS Academy Schools Leadership Center Innovators EzKee Penta Corp. Ship Simulator - Delgado Community College Gold Award: SDT Waste and Debris Services G.T. Michelli Company Inc. P&R Accessories Southern Candymakers Silver Award: Drivesoft HuckaBuck.com Procter& Gamble Bronze Award: Diamond Data Systems Inc. International House Urban Dog On the Brink Advanced Imaging Solutions Intradel Corporation Dr. John Burgess Aqua2Go - Esgee Enterprises IsoBreathing Inc. Education Barker Homes Jones Walker Charity School of Nursing - Delgado Burkenroad Reports at the A.B. Freeman School The Biodiesel Resource JPMorgan Chase Community College of Business COMPAS Computerized Health System - Just Scratch It! Ecole Bilinge da la Nouvelle-Orléans Chao-Jun Li East Jefferson General Hospital KB Home/The Shaw Group International Schools of Louisiana E-commerce Service Providers Inc. Crais Management Croup LuMunn Louisiana State University Kajun Kettle Foods Inc. E-Claim.com Ochsner Health System MakeBuZZ LLC The Equestrian Therapy Center of Slidell PreSonus Audio Electronics Nonprofit Micromaster Inc. Evertain Sabre Technical Services Audubon Center for Research of Pediatric Emergency Room - West Jefferson Frank Relle Photography Jefferson Community Health Care Centers - Endangered Species Medical Center FutureProof West Jefferson Medical Center Exceptional Entrepreneurs of Louisiana State Farm Insurance/Xavier University partnership Green Bean Foam Insulation Support Services Facility and Energy Center - Jefferson Economic Development Commission The Worley Cos.

New Orleans CityBusiness 5A INNOVATOR

GOLD

AWARD BY FRANK AYMAMI PHOTO

Paul Roussel, owner of New Orleans Gas and Electric Lights, has two patents for gas lights that are safer, and more environmentally friendly and cost efficient than traditional models. New Orleans Gas and Electric Lights

have to take a match to the gas flow and the lights would ered or “Sol Glo” igniter, which uses no external power and Key innovation: solar and hot surface igniters for open burn 24 hours a day. Being in the business 10 years, I automatically ignites and extinguishes the lamp as needed. flame gas lamps became interested in more efficient ways to ignite lamps so “Solar panels connected to the igniter store sunlight that they could be switched on and off.” throughout the day,” Roussel said. “When it gets dark, the Where they’re based: Folsom Roussel has secured patents for two unique ignition fixture ignites itself and has the ability to relight if it goes out Year introduced: 2008 systems used in all of the lamp models the company man- unexpectedly.The lamp is then extinguished the next morn- Top executive: Paul Roussel, owner ufactures. He said the igniters eliminate the need for a ing when the sun comes out.” constant flow of gas thorough the lamp, which saves ener- Roussel also builds electric lamps that use what he calls a Web site: www.neworleansgaslights.com gy and money. “flame bulb,” which is a bulb that uses six separate LED “Our company has become known for the hot surface or lights to provide the effect of a gas-powered flame. ‘Flo Glo’ igniter,” Roussel said. “It’s more reliable and more “The lights blink and flicker to simulate the motion of a hrough a union of technology and tradition, Paul durable than a spark igniter.” flame,” Roussel said. “It gives residences or businesses that TRoussel has expanded the appeal of the humble French Roussel said the “Flo-Glo” igniter uses a hot surface to don’t have access to gas lines the opportunity to add that tra- Quarter gas lantern and is setting the gas lighting industry light the lamp and monitor gas flow.The system is similar to ditional gas lamp look to their building.” aflame. an electronic stovetop that glows red-hot. Roussel said the lamps have a strong following in New Roussel, who owns and operates New Orleans Gas and “When the microprocessor in the igniter is turned on, a Orleans, but the look is gaining popularity nationwide. He Electric Lights Inc., manufactures several styles of tradition- coil glows red-hot and then the gas begins to flow,” Roussel has sold lamps to hotels and casinos and is now in the al gas lanterns that use innovative ignition methods to make said. “The coil remains hot for 10 seconds to ensure the gas process of outfitting two large office buildings in Chicago the authentic replica lamps safer and more cost efficient. is properly and safely lit.” with gas and electric lighting.• “When gas lamps were first created, the owner would An alternative to the hot surface igniter is the solar pow- — Robin Shannon

6A 2009 Innovator of the Year INNOVATOR

SILVER

AWARD BY FRANK AYMAMI PHOTO

Zachary Rouse, left, and Clarence Davis are part of the Geocent team that created a system to process increasingly larger volumes of meteorological and oceanographic data to help the Navy’s anti-submarine efforts. Geocent

which provides high-value solutions to Fortune 500 compa- layer depth, which exists below the ocean’s surface, acts as a Key innovation: visualizing meteorological and oceano- nies as well as federal, state and local governments. blanket masking it from a warship’s surface sonar. Using that graphic data to help mask U.S. submarines and move “We had that person explain to us exactly what he ploy, the enemy will come within weapons range while within range to attack enemy subs did,” Rouse said. “And the more we understood his avoiding detection. Once the submarine is within striking Where they’re based: Metairie process, approaching it from the computer geek side, the range, it will rise to a predetermined depth, known as the Year introduced: 2008 more we started to see some wasteful steps and how cer- attack depth, and assault its target. tain software could help speed up the decision-making This in turn allows submarine commanders to develop Top executive: Bobby Savoie, president process while also transmitting information in a more courses of action and either move a safe distance away to Web site: Geocent.com efficient manner.” protect their crews and ships or launch patrols to hunt for The result: an anti-submarine visual analysis tool that threat forces likely occupying the positions. uses open-source servers and mapping technology to The Geocent procedure of interviewing users and under- rying to enhance the abilities of the U.S. Navy to process increasingly larger volumes of meteorological and standing their challenges has proven so successful that the Tremain up to date and competitive in submarine oceanographic data. Navy has moved to institutionalize it. technology,researchers and technicians with Geocent, a For use by the Navy Oceanographic Office, the Anti- Geocent has also worked with NASA to coordinate veri- Metairie-based information technology, engineering Submarine Warfare Directorate and the Commander Navy fication efforts at the technical and project management level and technical support company,have gone to the man in Meteorological Command, the visual analysis tool can per- during the first stage of the Ares I-X demonstration vehicle. the field. form on-demand calculations and instantly process model Geocent was born after the 2008 merger of Diamond “We decided to talk to the guy who is at the pointy end of data to counter potential enemy submarine efforts. Data Systems and Prescient Technologies, an aerospace the sphere, the person who is actually out there on the front Here’s how it works. and defense technology firm. • line,” said Zachary Rouse, a technical lead for Geocent, When a submarine reaches a certain depth, the sonic — Garry Boulard

New Orleans CityBusiness 7A INNOVATOR

BRONZE

AWARD BY FRANK AYMAMI PHOTO Green (TIE) Coast Enterprises

Key innovation: reshaping the approach to real estate development along the Gulf Coast to resist the effects of climate change Where they’re based: New Orleans Year introduced: April 2007 Top executives: Will Bradshaw, president; Reuben Teague, principal Web site: www.greencoastenterprises.com

or New Orleans, weather is a major concern. That’s why FGreen Coast Enterprises has created housing that is resistant to hurricanes, extreme heat, humidity and termites. Green Coast’s first client was Project Home Again, a branch of the Barnes and Noble’s Riggio Foundation. The project involved building homes for Gentilly residents who lost their homes during Hurricane Katrina. So far, Green Coast has built 29 houses, and three more will be completed by this fall. The structures were the first in Louisiana to meet the Builders Challenge, which aimed to move production homebuilding to a net zero energy basis, or having homes that produce as much energy as they use. “The homes will be much healthier, especially for people with respiratory diseases,” said Reuben Teague,principal of Green Coast Enterprises. Features include all-tile flooring because carpeting can be a hazard for children with asthma. All of the homes also are above the base flood elevation. Green Coast has also teamed with EnviRenew, a project of The Salvation Army of New Orleans, to build new homes and renovate existing ones. Green Coast is working on quality control and energy efficiency for the project. “(These homes) are not being hit with the tremendous Green Coast Enterprises executives Rueben Teague, left, and Will Bradshaw sit in an attic that was sprayed with the company’s insulating volatility of utility bills that we see here, especially in the foam, which keeps temperatures below 85 degrees. summertime,”said Will Bradshaw,president of Green Coast Enterprises. Green Coast is also working on the Arabella at Fortin Making money by building homes isn’t their only mission. Street, its first solo project. It is a four-unit condo built with Green Coast also has a social goal. The company was instru- organic material. The building provides higher-than-normal mental in securing an $80,000 planning grant for a communi- insulation and has a highly reflective metal roof. And despite ty health center for the Broadmoor neighborhood and has those features, the building’s style resembles classic historic teamed with Pittsburgh’s G-Tech Strategies and local work New Orleans architecture. force training organization Limitless Vistas Inc. to form “We see ourselves as a different sort of real estate compa- Project Sprout to transform vacant lots throughout the city ny,” Bradshaw said. “We think we’ll be more profitable into bio-energy gardens that grow sunflowers and other plants because of the approach we’re using,which is specific to place that clean the soil and therefore elevate property values.• and responsive to the challenges people face in those places.” — Fritz Esker

8A 2009 Innovator of the Year INNOVATOR

BRONZE AWARD CITYBUSINESS FILE PHOTO (TIE)

South Coast Solar technicians Lauren Craig and Micah Galy install solar electric panels at a Garden District home. South Coast Solar

cializing in the design and construction of high-performance tainable energy financing districts, which allows the state to Key innovation: selling and installing solar panels on solar power systems,joined a growing number of “solar inte- issue taxable municipal bonds to finance renewable energy homes and businesses grators” eager to take advantage of heightened demand cre- upgrades to buildings throughout the state. The law allows ated by these incentives. for a wide range of “energy efficiency improvements” aimed Where they’re based: New Orleans “Prior to the beginning of that tax credit program, there at reducing energy consumption. Year introduced: 2008 wasn’t much of an industry for renewable energy in “This was an important piece of legislation because now Top executive: Troy Von Otnott, president Louisiana,” said president Troy Von Otnott. “Within the we have a financing mechanism for energy upgrades,” Von first year, 25 companies entered the market, and now there Otnott said. “Now you will see the adoption of these tech- Web site: www.southcoastsolar.com are 65 companies registered to do solar.” nologies throughout the state.” With such an influx of competition, South Coast Solar South Coast Solar grossed more than $1.2 million in has managed to stay ahead of the pack by using a scalable 2008 and is projected to earn as much as $4 million this year. ouisiana is not considered a forerunner in the renewable business model from the start, an approach that allows for Von Otnott estimates the company could generate $10 mil- Lenergy marketplace, but South Coast Solar is doing its exponential growth to follow increasing demand. lion in 2010. part to change that reputation. Perhaps more important for demand is the fact that local For Von Otnott, however, his business is as much about The company started primarily as a response to an governments are establishing “renewable portfolio standards” working toward global energy conservation as it is about the emerging market created by the Louisiana Renewable for energy consumption, meaning utility companies will have bottom line. Energy Tax Credit, which took effect Jan. 1, 2008. The pro- to develop renewable power options, such as solar panels. “We get to address a major economic issue by creating gram added a 50 percent tax credit to the cost of imple- And if Von Otnott has anything to say about it, demand green jobs while also playing a significant role in helping to menting solar energy to the existing 30 percent credit the will continue to grow. enact climate change,” Von Otnott said. “I feel pretty good Internal Revenue Service offers. Von Otnott and his South Coast Solar colleagues were waking up in the morning and doing this work.”• Soon after the program began, South Coast Solar, spe- instrumental in getting legislation approved to create sus- — Thomas Leggett

New Orleans CityBusiness 9A Affordable PetPlans Brandyn ScottFasic, presidentofAffordablePet Plans, chatswithhisdog, Max,aboutinsurancecoverage. 10A A il eehg, adFsc whohasspentmore than20 saidFasic, bills were huge,” attacked by aneighbor’sdogs afewyears ago and thevet thefirm’spresident. saidBrandyn Fasic, employees, Companies offercoverage asavoluntary benefitfortheir at afewdollarsweek anddeductedfrom payrolls. Web site: Cameron ScottFasic,vicepresident Top executives: Year introduced: Where they’rebased: benefit untary for dogsandcatsthroughpayrolldeductionsasavol- Key innovation: “We got theideaforpetinsurancewhenourpuppy was 2009 Innovatorofthe Year atya anhddgadcthat nuac,priced last year launcheddogandcathealthinsurance, Affordable Pet PlansinMetairie s animal-care costsrise, INNOVATOR www.affordablepetplans.com providing healthinsurancecoverage Brandyn ScottFasic,president; 2008 Metairie pyn,tehcenn,andheartworm andleukemia tests. teethcleaning, spaying, neuteringand anannualexam, month andcovers vaccines, whichcosts$20a BestWellness RoutineCare Option, with a$42,500lifetimemaximum. Basicpays upto$2,500perincident, and prescriptions. outpatientcare surgery, labwork andX-rays, erinarian visits, 80percent coverage afterthedeductibleforvet- deductible, remaining seven states. underwritesplansinthe North Pointe InsuranceCo. while Aetna underwritesthe$4-per-week planin43states, hesaid. looking topartnerwithothermarketing groups,” Fasic said. marketing agreement,” which“administersourplanundera Idaho-based Pets Best, Florida have signedupforAPPpoliciesthrough Boise, years inthehuman-healthinsurancebusiness. APP offersapet-maintenance plancalledthe Pets Basicincludes a$100 For thoseonabudget, “We have opportunitiesavailable in50statesandare APP alsorunsaChicago operation. Illinoisand About 10,000employees inLouisiana, Association said.• theAmericanVeterinary Medical the pastdecade, spending onveterinary medicinehasmore thandoubledin insurance fortheiranimals. about one-fifthofpetowners intheUnitedKingdom have comparison, American Pet HealthInsuranceAssociation.In according totheNorth region’s insurablepetsare covered, only 2percent to3percent ofthe for more than25years,but North Americanpetowners have beenabletobuy insurance depending onwhatanemployer offers. medical anddisabilityinsurancebenefitsonapre-tax basis, Participants incafeteriaplanscanchoosetoreceive life, include petinsuranceinso-called“cafeteriaplans.” theAmericanVeterinary Medical Association saiditintendstoaskCongress toamendlaws to Meanwhile, ees. municipalities toseeifthey’dlike toofferplansemploy- About 60 percent of U.S.homes have atleastonepet,and About 60percent ofU.S.homes Fasic said. Pet insuranceisapotentially bigbusiness, Fasic saidthegroup ispursingmany stateandlocal — SusanBuchanan

PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI INNOVATOR PHOTO BY JASON BROWN PHOTO

Joel Albin created a harmonic dampener to reduce vibrations in aluminum bats after his son complained about the shock on his hands after making a hit. Albin Athletics

designed the same type of device to fit into a specialized school teams, youth baseball and fast-pitch softball play- Key innovation: a harmonic dampener to eliminate the knob on an aluminum bat. The Albin Harmonic Dampener ers. That was the same year the South Lake Charles Little damaging vibrations of metal bats that are harmful to is a round, slotted piece of rubber surrounding a small plas- League team nearly made it to Little League World Series athletes’ hands tic cylinder built into the bat’s knob. title using Albin bats. Where they’re based: Livingston Each bat contains a special-grade aluminum mixed with After a successful first year, when the bat became the offi- scandium, a seven-step heat-treating process and the patent- cial bat of the Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association, Year introduced: 2008 ed dampener. Albin was ready to take his product to the next level. Top executive: Joel Albin, owner “The challenging part early on was there was little infor- He entered into a joint venture with Baton Rouge-based Web site: www.albinathletics.com mation out there about the manufacturing process of bats,” Marucci Bats, which is owned by Louisiana State University Albin said, adding that few bat makers were willing to dis- athletic trainer Jack Marucci, Joe Lawrence and former LSU close their secrets because of the competitiveness in the pitcher and major leaguer Kurt Ainsworth. ike many baseball parents, Joel Albin took an interest in industry. The wooden bat company was looking for an aluminum Lwatching his son Jarrett play baseball. Little did Albin After testing the dampener himself and receiving good counterpart, and the partnership will help Albin Athletics know that interest would turn into a business. reviews from his son, Albin sent it to a doctor at Kettering gain access to brand recognition,marketing,a sales force and Albin’s son often complained about the shock on his University in Flint, Mich., for acoustical vibration testing. perhaps more money for research, Albin said. hands produced by aluminum bats. At the time, he owned a The results confirmed the new device eliminated all Albin projects the partnership will help sell about 50,000 sporting goods store in Livingston and noticed the best-sell- painful vibrations. bats in 2009. ing high-tech hunting bows were equipped with stabilizers “I knew I had something that I could put on the market, Their first bat as a result of the partnership is the Cat 5, and harmonic dampening devices that reduced the prod- and it eliminated the sting out of the swing,” he said. named after the strongest hurricane level based on the uct’s vibration. In 2008, Albin created Albin Athletics, which sold National Weather Service’s scale.• After eight years of research and development, Albin about 2,000 bats in its first year to college and high — Tommy Santora

New Orleans CityBusiness 11A INNOVATOR PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI PHOTO

From left: Big Easy Blends partners Sal LaMartina, Antonio LaMartina and Craig Cordes sip on their first concoction, the Cordina mar-Go-rita. Big Easy Blends

Canada, the Caribbean, Brazil and South Korea, and it’s truckload of plastic or glass bottles. On top of that, flex- Key innovation: ready-to-drink frozen cocktails in an pursuing a deal in Iceland. ible packaging takes up about 75 percent less energy to environmentally friendly pouch A network has aided the business owners’ interna- produce.” tional expansion. For instance, a Caribbean exporter A twist on the classic lime margarita recipe helped posi- Where they’re based: Kenner introduced them to a customer in Brazil, and a New tion Big Easy Blends to reach a wider market. Instead of Year introduced: 2009 York exporter contacted them about doing business in tequila, Cordina mar-Go-ritas are made with wine. Top executive: Sal LaMartina, CEO South Korea. “We use 100 percent blue agave, the same ingredient “I kind of scratched my head. I had no idea,” LaMartina used to make full-strength tequila, but we ferment it rather Web site: www.bigeasyblends.com said in regard to pitching frozen margaritas in Iceland. than distill it,” LaMartina said. “That gives it the exact same “That came from a distributor we have in Florida that has a taste as tequila, but it’s federally classified as wine. That little good working relationship with an importer in Iceland. … bit of innovation has allowed our product to be on the gro- ust four months after Big Easy Blends’ Cordina mar-Go- They think it’s a great product that will sell very well there, cery store shelves in the states where they do not allow liquor Jrita hit the shelves in four states, the Kenner-based entre- and obviously we’re not going to say no.” to be sold in grocery stores.” preneurs who developed the frozen portable cocktail were Using 12 1/2-inch, stand-up, flexible pouches instead of The business partners are working on plans to expand preparing for its international debut. bottles or cans helps the company cut its carbon footprint, their product line. The product began selling in Louisiana, Texas, Florida another plus for the green-conscious Iceland market. “We’re launching a strawberry mar-Go-rita in the first and California in April, “and since then it has grown unbe- “With flexible packaging, you can get 900 pouches quarter of next year, followed by a mango mar-Go-rita,” lievably,” said Sal LaMartina, CEO of Big Easy Blends, in one small case,” LaMartina said. “That same amount Antonio LaMartina said. “Then we’re going to roll into which also includes his brother, Antonio La Martina, and would take an entire pallet of regular plastic or glass daiquiris.”• Craig Cordes. The company will soon begin exporting to bottle. One pallet of pouches is equivalent to an entire — Sonya Stinson

12A 2009 Innovator of the Year INNOVATOR PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI PHOTO

BooKoo Bounce owner Gene Sausse plays around in his indoor inflatable playground. BooKoo Bounce

Sausse, who previously worked in marketing. utes eating cookie cake and pizza, which BooKoo Bounce Key innovation: Louisiana’s largest climate-controlled BooKoo Bounce guests have nine different inflatable supplies. indoor play arena that uses inflatable equipment bouncer, slide and obstacle course options to explore Parents don’t even have to send out invitations: BooKoo Where they’re based: Elmwood throughout the 8,300-square-foot building. Bounce gathers the event information and mails out custom “It really has a shock-and-awe effect on kids,”Sausse said. invitations. Year introduced: September 2008 Meanwhile, parents can relax in a lounge that features “It’s a close as I could get to a high-end type of experi- Top executive: Gene Sausse, owner several high definition big-screen televisions, which, during ence for parents,” he said. Web site: www.bookoobounce.com Saints season, ensures parents don’t miss a game while their It’s little surprise that BooKoo Bounce has captivated children are jumping, bouncing and sliding close by. 85,000 visitors to make the indoor playground a success. “It’s fun to be a part of the kids having fun,” Sausse said. After all, the idea came from a 3-year-old. hen Gene Sausse opened BooKoo Bounce in “The adults are able to have fun, too.” Sausse remembers that while his daughter, Sylvie, sat on WElmwood one year ago, he created Louisiana’s largest Many of the guests arrive as attendees of friends’ birth- her mom’s lap during a family trip to Disney World she climate-controlled indoor playground that children praise day parties. Sausse can schedule two private parties at a asked, “Daddy,will you open a party place?” for high thrills and parents applaud for cleanliness. time, each for a two-hour period. Individual parties “It was a Eureka moment,”he said.“I’m a New Orleanian. “We feel like we’re giving New Orleans a clean, safe, com- spend 40 minutes experiencing one set of five inflatables I can’t imagine doing anything anywhere else. People fortable, full-service environment that offers high-end chil- before they move on for another 40 minutes to play on embrace the entrepreneurial spirit here in New Orleans.”• dren’s birthday parties in addition to walk-in play,” said the remaining four inflatables. They also spend 40 min- — Amy Ferrara Smith

New Orleans CityBusiness 13A INNOVATOR

Creative BY TRACIE MORRIS SCHAEFER PHOTO Jewelry by Bridgejá

Key innovation: handmade gemstone and crystal jewelry Where they’re based: New Orleans Year introduced: 2008 Top executive: Bridgejá Baker, owner and designer Web site: www.creativejewelrybybridgeja.com

ridgejá Baker’s braces gave her more than what her Bparents call a million-dollar smile.They opened for the pre-teen a new world of creativity and entrepreneurship. Baker’s story began in June 2008 when a bite into a bar- becued turkey neck damaged her braces. When her father took her to the orthodontist for the repair, Baker noticed the gemstones, crystals and pearls in the adjacent bead shop and while there registered for jewelry-making classes. That was 30 beading classes ago for the 11-year-old who now sells her own designs as the owner of Creative Jewelry by Bridgejá. Her semi-precious stone, crystal and silver creations are available online and at special events, such as the 2009 Essence Fest Market Place. “Essence was fun and profitable for me and my business. I sold a large portion of my jewelry designs,”said Baker, who gained a few out-of-town clients from the event. Baker’s braces were removed in July, but her entrepreneurial spirit stuck. She hopes to earn money for college by continuing her jewelry sales and plans to host a one-week beading camp for as many as 27 girls next summer, offering tuition grants to two attendees. “I believe in giving back to others,” said Baker, who has donated a portion of her earnings to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Children’s Hospital. “My parents have taught me to help others and that’s what I am doing.” Baker’s designs display a maturity and sophistication Bridgejá Baker, 11, shows off some of the jewelry she’s designed and sold at special events such as the Essence Festival Market Place. beyond her years. She designed one of her sets — a neck- lace, earrings and bracelet of gray pearls and Swarovski design, maintaining originality within the line. With crystals — as a tribute to First Lady Michelle Obama. school starting, Baker says she’ll work on the designs Baker sent a set to Obama, who acknowledged receipt by about two days a week. letter, and hopes to secure permission to name a line of She’s been featured in local and national media, pieces after the first lady. including Scholastic News, a leading children’s maga- “I plan to have a line for her,” Baker said. “She’s a very zine. The seventh grader plans to become a pharmacist nice lady and I found out she likes pearls.” and drug store owner as an adult.• Baker usually makes no more than two pieces of each — Diana Chandler

14A 2009 Innovator of the Year INNOVATOR PHOTO BY SHANNON DIECIDUE PHOTO

From left: Dukky team members Mike Paine, Scott Couvillon, Kristen Sullivan, Lauren Card, Angelina Burst and CEO Shawn Burst review market strategies. Dukky

“Unlike traditional direct mail and e-mail from companies was a response to the low redemption, high per-unit cost Key innovation: direct marketing program that allows who simply send out anonymous coupons and offers as and lack of tracking available through traditional direct mar- advertisers to exchange special offers for feedback from cheaply as possible to consumers who don’t find them of any keting programs. consumers value, we use variable printing technology and digital assets to Dukky’s first big test came in October when Clearview Where they’re based: Mandeville send the same offers in the form of personalized gift cards that Mall requested a Dukky mailer to bring more traffic into the can be activated and shared online,” said Dukky CEO Shawn mall. According to Dukky’s Web site, the mall sent out a Year introduced: 2008 Burst.“Recipients of a ‘Dukky’find it valuable while throwing direct mailer with coupons and offers for a variety of stores. Top executive: Shawn Burst, CEO away all of the other junk found in a mail slot or inbox.” The mailer went out to 10,000 households within a 10-mile Web site: www.dukky.com Burst said Dukky creates offers for a particular store or radius of the mall. The mailer experienced a 7 percent to 10 business that are tailored to fit the interests of consumers percent coupon redemption rating within the first two they are trying to target. The format of the offer is a paper weeks. y using new technology and communication methods, credit card with personalized information on it that can be “The need in the modern marketing world is to have the BDukky LLC is providing advertisers with a system that redeemed online or in a store. power to audit your marketing efforts and engage individu- allows them to target specific consumers. “Each card comes with a personal URL that the con- als in conversation rather than bombarding them with ads Based in Mandeville, with operations in Mid-City, sumer uses for activation,” said Burst, which allows the they have become attuned to ignore,” Burst said. Kenner, Atlanta and Washington,D.C., Dukky builds direct advertiser to better track who uses the offer and what the “Ironically, what is more simple to the consumer is more response marketing platforms that allow advertisers to offer is used for. complicated for the marketer,but that is probably when you exchange value in the form of coupons, gift cards and other Burst started Dukky in May 2008 after working on know it is a good idea.”• offers with individuals in exchange for personal feedback. direct response campaigns for the auto industry. The idea — Robin Shannon

New Orleans CityBusiness 15A INNOVATOR PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI PHOTO Feelgoodz

Key innovation: 100 percent natural rubber, eco- friendly flip flops Where they’re based: New Orleans Year introduced: 2008 Top executive: Kyle Berner, CEO Web site: www.feelgoodz.com

f the key to being a successful entrepreneur is to follow Ione’s passion, then Kyle Berner’s real business started when he packed a bag and headed for Thailand in 2006. After graduating from Loyola University, he spent a year there teaching English, traveling the country and learning about the culture. A year later, he returned to Asia and vowed to keep his eyes open for any kind of opportunity that would allow him to make a living and stay in touch with the people of Thailand. After trying on a pair of flip flops at a market stall, a light came on and Berner knew he had found his product. That pair of flops led to a lengthy conversation with the vendor and would eventually turn into a full-blown business. “Right then and there,I was able to negotiate an exclusive distribution deal for all of America and the brand Feelgoodz, which I came up with in the stall in Bangkok. I thought the flops felt good,” Berner said. He returned home to New Orleans with no credit, no loans and little more than $25,000 to put the business together.The money barely covered the first shipment of flip flops and left a little cushion for other expenses. When Whole Foods jumped on board in May, he went from moving 400 pairs a month to 5,000. “The stars aligned and we ended up in Austin, (Texas), literally working around the clock, packing up and shipping 3,000 pairs of flops within a week,” Berner said. Nowadays, Berner is expanding the brand and has the product in 20 retail locations between New Orleans and Hawaii and in 16 Whole Foods stores. Feelgoodz are also sold in Japan, Maine, Oregon, North Carolina and online. Feelgoodz CEO Kyle Berner brought back a 100 percent natural rubber flip flop from Thailand and is now selling the footwear in Japan, The 28-year-old, who considers himself an “open-toe Louisiana, Maine, Oregon and North Carolina. shoe kind of guy,” also has a socially responsible mission. Feelgoodz created a partnership with the social entrepreneur association Ashoka and has a triple bottom line donation model which puts money toward “the planet, the people and Phitsanulok, Thailand.” The company is Louisiana’s first B-corporation, a designation for a business that creates a public benefit. “We built the model to be a lifestyle brand and make use of the power of capitalism to create other social changes around the world,” Berner said.• — Craig Guillot

16A 2009 Innovator of the Year Fire ontheBayou Fire on the Bayou producer and director Jason Villemarette specializes in high-definition videoproductionfortelevisioncomme Fire ontheBayouproduceranddirectorJasonVillemarettespecializesinhigh-definition adapting tothechangingtimes. taught young peoplehow toshootandeditvideos. participated inaNewOrleansinner-cityprogram that F Web site: Top executive: Year introduced: Where they’rebased: company thatspecializesinshootingTVcommercials Key innovation: “People are saving moneyinthiseconomy,” Villemarette He’s beenmakingmagicwiththecameraever sinceand started hiswork behindthevideocameraat18when he ire ontheBayou owner anddirector JasonVillemarette INNOVATOR www.firenola.com Jason Villemarette,directorandproducer a high-definitionvideoproduction 2006 New Orleans iee rdcin onlinehigh-definitioneditingas well as limeter production, always changing.” TechnologyYou andtheadvertising market are have tobe. more mobileandmore aggressive. try isthatthey’re smaller, old closetintoasoundstudio. Hehaseven converted an the buildingandequipment. ket allows you tocreate highqualityatagood pricepoint.” Thehigh-defmar- Thatwas really thecatalyst. one intown. he couldn’tfollow hisown dreams working forsomeoneelse. was ournecessitytogrow.” It Andthat’show we cameabout. who domore withless. Entrepreneurs are people municate withyour consumers. get agreat spotandcom- “Theideaistospendless, said. oajs,he’saddedequipmentsuchas16- and35-mil- To adjust, “The modelforproduction companiesacross thecoun- consideringVillemarette owns Overhead isnotanissue, “My modelwas togo afterhigh-definitionbetterthan any- Villemarette launchedFire ontheBayou onceherealized rcials suchasSDTWaste &Debris,theAudubonInstituteandPiccadillyCafeterias. said.• theNew Orleans JazzandHeritage Festival andtheZurichClassic. BlueRunner, Piccadilly Cafeterias, Institute, theAudubon clients suchasSDT Waste &Debris, Bayou hasproduced high-definition commercials forlocal Fire onthe ible hourssotheycanmeettheirdeadlines. Hisartisticworkers have flex- reaches outtohiswork force. ” and fluff. mirrors it’sallsmoke, Ifmy clientdoesn’tfulfillit, to execute. the painandare opentoadvertising. to converting videotoandfrom highdefinition. inaddition duplication servicesaswell asDVD authoring, Thefirmalsoprovides DVD andtape standard editing. SneMriGa,Ihvntsopd”Villemarette Ihaven’t stopped,” “Since Mardi Gras, Villemarette also Being hands-onwithhisprojects, It’suptotheirbusiness “I only produce thecommercial. even industryleadersare feeling In theeconomiccrunch, New OrleansCityBusiness — John Breerwood 17A

PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI GOODGOOD NEWSNEWS ISIS WORTHWORTH REPEATING!REPEATING! Framed Article Articles are reformatted to fit on either one or two pages with “As seen in CityBusiness” on the top of the page. Article size is 8 1/2” x 11”. Framed articles take approximately 1 month to complete Digital Reprint CityBusiness will reformat the article or list with “As seen in CityBusiness” on the top of the page and send it to you in PDF format. Total Cost:$500

Contact Dani Mattek (504) 293-9724 • email: [email protected]

18A 2009 Innovator of the Year INNOVATOR PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI PHOTO

Clockwise from left: 504ward supporters Nicholas Gross, Nate Scott, Lauren Baum, Lavonzell Nicholson, Amy Boyle and Jessica White take a break in Jackson Square. 504ward

people from leaving the city for better opportunities. ilar event for October when we hope to accommodate 500.” Key innovation: a movement designed to keep young pro- “Our goal is to reverse the ‘brain drain’ that has plagued White said 504ward works as one group that promotes the fessionals from leaving the city for better opportunities our city for decades,” executive director Jessica White said. opportunities provided by several others. Some of the groups “We promote opportunities that may be beneficial to the tal- listed as partners include The Arts Council of New Orleans, Where they’re based: New Orleans ents of these 25- to 30-year-olds. We give them access to the The Business Council of New Orleans and the River Region, Year introduced: September 2008 community.” Greater New Orleans Inc. and The Idea Village. Top executive: Leslie Jacobs, founder White said 504ward is a collaboration of about 30 organ- “We bring them all to the table to create one big event izations in the New Orleans area that work together to high- instead of four or five small events,” White said. “We do our Web site: www.504ward.com light events in the city,provide connections to business lead- best to make our events as free as possible. With the demo- ers and offer opportunities for networking. The organiza- graphic we deal with, their income is minimal.” tion’s Web site lists job opportunities and profiles events Although the exact impact is hard to measure,White said n a city that is becoming increasingly populated with tal- throughout the city that allow people to engage in the area’s the group’s organizers and partners believe 504ward is hav- Iented young men and women wanting to spark social culture while making connections with others their age. ing a tremendous impact. change and make a difference, 504ward has become a home White said the group communicates with those in the net- “With the amount of sharing we do, we have heard sto- base of opportunities and connections for this fresh group of work at least twice a week. ries about people getting jobs, finding peer mentors and transplants. “We create opportunities that are unique and fulfilling,” strengthening the bond they have with the city,” White said. Founded by Leslie Jacobs, a New Orleans business White said. “A good example is an event in February where “They are staying because of the opportunities and those leader involved in education reform in the city, 504ward is 34 community leaders opened their homes to 300 young opportunities have increased since Katrina.”• described as a movement designed to keep intelligent young people to talk, mingle and share ideas. We’re planning a sim- — Robin Shannon

New Orleans CityBusiness 19A INNOVATOR PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI PHOTO Flavor League

Key innovation: hand-screened wallpaper in vintage, contemporary and custom designs Where they’re based: New Orleans Year introduced: 2003 Top executive: Jon Sherman, commissioner of Flavor League Web site: www.flavorleague.com

on Sherman has built a treasure from another man’s Jtrash. Working on a real estate development in Miami a few years ago, he learned of a man in Oregon who planned to burn the equipment and designs left by a deceased brother whose hand-screened wallpaper design business had flour- ished in the 1960s. Sherman rescued the equipment and designs, hired a poster printer and secured a building in Bywater, where he premiered Flavor League and his Flavor Paper, a wallpaper design that has attracted customers and praise internationally. “We consider it fine art,” Sherman said. “You’re really buying a piece of art that happens to cover an entire roll.” Sherman started by making the designs more contemporary, sharpening the printing accuracy and creating a few designs of his own. Since then, he’s brought on two full-time artists, released 10 patterns each spring and will soon pre- miere a Flavor of the Month series. “Comparatively, it’s economical but definitely more expensive than paint,” Sherman said. Most basic two-color prints retail for $150 a roll, allowing customers to cover a 100-square-foot wall for $450, Sherman said. Prices go up from there. His first client for the art on a roll was musician Lenny Kravitz for his French Quarter home, which Sherman adorned with two geometric prints from the original collec- Flavor League commissioner Jon Sherman checks out his hand-screened, original-design wallpaper. tion, “Highway 66” on a chrome Mylar paper and “Circuit” on a silver Mylar, in custom colors. Since then, he’s rolled out wall coverings for Nike, play for passersby. Cole Haan, Jonathan Adler, W Hotels and the ABC tele- “Everyone walking by gets treated to the visual delight of vision show “Extreme Makeover.” Flavor Paper has been seeing wallpaper getting made,” Sherman said. featured extensively in the media, and two of his designs Sherman has partnered with Dirty Coast Press to convert are included in the Smithsonian Museum of Art’s perma- the Chartres Street location into a fabric printing house, nent collection. importing material from Central America to create lamp- Sherman is shifting wallpaper production from New shades, pillow coverings and other accessories to comple- Orleans to a Brooklyn location, which Sherman expects to ment the wall coverings. He plans international distribution debut in October. It will include a printing studio on the from New Orleans.• first floor with generous windows, forming a public art dis- — Diana Chandler

20A 2009 Innovator of the Year H H&A ServicesownerDianeCabeceiras,left,andmanagerCourtneyPoupart discuss potentialclientsattheirMandevilleoffice. Cabeceiras tofindtherightproducts to combatmoldand out theworst inallergysufferers throughout thearea. D development) Web site: Top executive: Year introduced: Where they’rebased: tally safeproductsandmethods Key innovation: iha leg ufrra oe itwas difficultforDiane With anallergysufferer athome, Hurricane Katrina triggeredHurricane Katrina healthissuesthatbrought standingwater andmoldfrom ecaying debris, & INNOVATOR www.greencleaningsolutionsllc.com (in Services A Diane Cabeceiras,president a janitorial service usingenvironmen- a janitorialservice 2006 Mandeville the ozonelayer whilealsopresenting ahealthhazard. entertheatmosphere anddamage whichvaporize, pounds, placed next toeachother. ate toxic gasesorviolentreactions whenthey’re mixed or meaning theyare as chemically volatile aswater. “Theyhave aneutralpH,” Cabeceirassaid. carcinogens,” January 2006. in aneco-friendly janitorialcompany, start H&AServices, Cabeceirasdecidedto to combatherdaughter’sallergies, tory irritationandhave overbearing scents. dirt sincecommercial-cleaning solutions cancauserespira- H&A uses renewable products whenever possible,such as H&A usesrenewable products whenever possible,such And thecleanerssheusesare free ofvolatile organiccom- Cabeceiras saidherfirmavoids usingchemicalsthatcre- probable orpossible “Our products contain noknown, After doingresearch ondustingandscouringproducts and containsnohazardous orozone-depletingchemicals.• ismadefrom renewable resources manufactured inLouisiana, whichwill be ingredients atthisstage butsaidhernewformula, She doesn’twant todiscloseany secret green-cleaning product. isdeveloping herown care centersandoffices,and schools,day hesaid. ice,” absenteeismfell. tracted H&Atocomeinnightly, 40-personofficecon- saidthatafterhislocal, Mandeville, cleaning methods. at schoolandinofficesdeclinesafterashiftingtogreen- trash bagsandcanlinersfrom 50percent recycled material. This year Cabeceirasisfocusinghermarketing effortson “I’d like tothinkit’sbecauseofournewjanitorialserv- president ofcollection-firmVeriCore in Tim Sanderson, Cabeceiras saidstudieshave shown thatabsenteeism New OrleansCityBusiness — SusanBuchanan 21A

PHOTO BY SHANNON DIECIDUE 22A Home AutomationInc. Jay McLellan, president and CEO of Home Automation Inc., shows the company’s SmartGridthatmanagesandreportsonhomeenergy Jay McLellan,presidentandCEOofHomeAutomationInc.,showsthecompany’s and manufacture productsand manufacture toservicetheenergyneeds ofres- HomeAutomatic Inc.’s CEO. saidMcLellan, better,” Home Builderstomake homesmore energyefficient. complex project sponsored by theNationalAssociationof theyheard ofa In1985, ships andoilgaspipelines. J and colleagueswithcommercial expertise incontrols for BrianYokum andTomay McLellan, Pickralwere friends Web site: Top executive: Year introduced: Where they’rebased: and reportsonenergyuse Key innovation: ihta,thefriendsembarked onamissiontodesign With that, “We heard about theproject andthoughtwe coulddo 2009 Innovatorofthe Year INNOVATOR www.homeauto.com Jay McLellan,presidentandCEO SmartGrids technologythatmanages 1985 eastern NewOrleans hours andlessduringoff-peak. that charge customersmore forenergyuseduringon-peak methods nies nationwide are adopting“time-of-use pricing” McLellan said. conservation isbecomingmore andmore valuable,” given timeperiod. know exactly theamountofenergytheyare usingduringa allowing thehomeowner to which displays theinformation, this signalandsendsittoahome’sOmnistat2thermostat, intercepts HomeAutomation Inc. through aradiosignal. thattrackenergybeingconsumedatahome “SmartMeters” Utilitycompaniesare switchingto energy consumption. security andcustomerconvenience. home of agrowing market aimedatenergyconservation, Soontheyfoundthemselves inthemidst idential customers. Home Automation’s products allow homeowners to utilitycompa- As energygridsbecomemore crowded, “As thedemandand cost forenergycontinuestogo up, SmartGrid technology’sprimaryfunctionistomanage use. ad “We’re here tostay.”•said. he control andagency listingsrighthere inNewOrleans,” quality butwe’re proud tohandleallwarehousing, China, New Orleanssince1985. qualitycontrol andagency listingsoperationsin housing, isespecially proud tohave centered allware- generations, in themarket for offer remote accessforvideosurveillance.” and also docontrols formusicandhomeentertainment, “Now we McLellansaid. the alarmandcontrols lighting,” sets whichreduces heatingandcoolingcosts, single button, matically return todesired levels whentheyare inthehouse. andauto- oftenwhentheyare notinthehouse, peak times, automate theirthermostatstoreduce consumptionduring W eino pcf rdcsi h .. Mexico and “We designorspecifyproducts intheU.S., whohasNewOrleansroots going backthree McLellan, While theyremain incompetitionwithothercompanies you pusha “When you leave homeforwork orvacation, — Thomas Leggett— Thomas

PHOTO BY TRACIE MORRIS SCHAEFER INNOVATOR PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI PHOTO

The IP Building

Key innovation: an office building with tenants sharing creativity, entrepreneurial innovation and technological advancement Where they’re based: New Orleans Year introduced: 2008 Top executive: Brian Gibbs, developer

o you ever see a product or service and wonder where Dit came from? Perhaps one day, a tenant in the Intellectual Property building will be the source. Tim Williamson of The Idea Village and Michael Hecht of Greater New Orleans Inc. approached developer Brian Gibbs with the idea of clustering entrepreneurial companies soon after Gibbs purchased the building in July 2008. The conversion of the former McGlinchey Stafford law firm offices on Magazine Street included putting companies that thrive on creativity,entrepreneurial innovation and technological advancement under the same roof. “Our market had many entrepreneurial companies in the city,” Gibbs said. “It has kind of taken on a life of its own once the building achieved some momentum. The building is about the tenants, for the tenants.” The idea is to cluster companies that seek to take a proactive role in influencing the local economy,and there is a need for that energy in the New Orleans market, From left: Kevin Taylor, Craig Bayer and Benjamin Reece head out of the IP Building after another day at the office. Gibbs said. “We hope to provide an atmosphere in the building that helps its tenants recruit and retain their employees by providing a pleasant place to work. Obviously,more companies “The building is only 33 percent occupied at this choosing to put down roots in New Orleans helps drive moment, so we hope to continue to build on the progress NOLA’s economy forward.” that has been made to date. Hopefully,it’ll show more com- Two of those features include being dog friendly and a panies that NOLA is a great place to locate their businesses.” Brainstorm Room. Firms that have set up shop in the IP Gibbs said the recession will not hurt the IP’s include 3-D imaging company TurboSquid, Couhig momentum. Partners business law firm, Carrollton Technology “Certainly, the lease-up pace has been hampered by the Partners, online reservations company iSeatz, entrepre- economy, but we have competitive lease rates that can help neurial workspace provider Launch Pad and The Idea companies save money on their office space costs.” Village, which provides opportunity and business develop- Overall,companies within the IP have accrued more than ment for entrepreneurs. $61 million in revenue.• The IP now is ready for more innovative companies. — John Breerwood

New Orleans CityBusiness 23A 24A iworktickets Shawn ODaniels,founderandpresidentofiworktickets, mobileworkflowmanagementsystemcanbecusto sayshissmartphone-based A track ofinvoices andotherpaperwork submittedby workers itwas difficulttokeep ODanielssaid, the lattercompany, But with co-founded River MarineManagement in1998. businesses ago. Thatwas nearly 25years andthree not toenroll incollege. Web site: Top executive: Year introduced: Where they’rebased: management system Key innovation: He foundedComputerSystems Network in1985and 2009 Innovatorofthe Year ugn isl orsuet Shawn ODanielschose judging himselfapoorstudent, lready writingcomputerprograms in highschooland INNOVATOR www.iworktickets.com Shawn ODaniels,founderandpresident smartphone-based mobileworkflow 2009 New Orleans mhszn h eue edfrpprok manual emphasizing thereduced needforpaperwork, hesaid, ness make itthrough thisfierce downtown,” computer savvy tousethesoftware. simply needsmartphonesanddonothave tobeparticularly ODanielssaid. the guy losesthephone,” forever stored attheofficeandonasecure off-siteserver. theinformationis Oncesubmittedonthephone, sonnel. and transmitjobupdatestimereports toofficeper- ates productivity.” Itcre- “It’s actually bringingthe field worker intothe office. using aniPhonein2008. hedeveloped theprototype foriworktickets via cellphones, Surmisingthepossibilityoffilingsuchreports in thefield. “We are providing aproduct thathelpsthesmallbusi- Workers No additionalcomputerequipmentisneeded. even if Itcan’tbelost, “Once theypress ‘enter,’ there itis. Workers order parts, inthefieldcanopenwork orders, ODanielssaid. “There are somany different usesforit,” mized foranyclient. solutions. whichheenvisions willleadtomore network Network, ComputerSystems know-how ofhis oldestcompany, gathering capabilitieswiththeofficecomputersystem technology that’susedisnoteven outonthemarket today.” nationally. andplansincludemarketing theproduct inter- Chicago, Thecompany already hasaclientin tographs andforms. accommodatingpho- ODanielssaid, needs oftheclient, implement andcanbecustomizedtofittheparticular Italsoiseasyto trucking companiesandnursinghomes. makingitidealforsuchclientsas tion whileinthefield, officespaceandpersonnel. record keeping, “We’re justinourinfancy,” ODanielssaid.• information ODaniels hascombinediworktickets’ “Someofthe ODanielssaid. It’smobile,” “It’s limitless. The system improves efficiencyinreporting informa- — DianaChandler

PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI INNOVATOR PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI PHOTO

Launch Pad

Key innovation: co-working facility for businesses and professionals to share office space and advice Where they’re based: New Orleans Year introduced: 2009 Top executives: Will Donaldson, Chris Schultz and Barre Tanguis, partners Web site: www.launchpadnola.com

ocated in the IP building in the Central Business LDistrict, Launch Pad provides startups, other small businesses and individual professionals with the cost-cut- ting benefits of sharing office space and equipment, plus the chance to be part of a mutually supportive entrepreneurial community. “The history of Launch Pad is actually very organic,” co- founder Chris Schultz said. A couple of years ago, Schultz placed a Craigslist ad to lease some extra space in the offices of his technology company, Voodoo Ventures. Barre Tanguis, who would later become a partner in Launch Pad, was the first to move in, followed by two more tenants. “It was a very nice work environment,” Schultz said. The third partner, former Voodoo Ventures intern Will Donaldson, approached Schultz several months ago with the idea of turning the co-working concept into a stand- alone business. A second-place showing in the 504ward business plan competition provided seed money to start Launch Pad in June. VCE Capital is an investment partner in the startup, which took just nine months to get off the ground. “I think 504ward accelerated our development,” Schultz said. “Apart from the fact that we came in second and had some winnings from it, even going through the process and formalizing our business plan really forced us to get the ball rolling.” Launch Pad partners Will Donaldson, left, Chris Schultz and Barre Tanguis opened their co-working facility in June. Co-working spaces, which are gaining popularity nationwide,differ from traditional incubators in that there is no single leader of the facilities. Schultz said the collaboration tion they couldn’t afford to attend. among Launch Pad members takes place on two levels: the Schultz said he believes New Orleans’ “entrepreneurial casual “water cooler conversations” about how to solve ecosystem” is thriving, driven largely by young newcomers problems and accomplish goals, and more formal programs. who moved to the city to be part of the recovery. Last fall Launch Pad started a series of seminars for “These are very smart and intelligent people, and they’re 504ward competitors called Startup School. The compa- starting businesses down here, which is very exciting,” ny also recently hosted a BarCamp focused on computer Schultz said. “I hope that in five years we can look back at a programming. The nationwide BarCamp movement whole string of startups that have come through Launch Pad grew out of a 2005 Silicon Valley event put on by a group and gone on to be very successful New Orleans companies.”• who met at a bar across the street from a major conven- — Sonya Stinson

New Orleans CityBusiness 25A INNOVATOR PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI PHOTO Max Pro Windows

Key innovation: energy-efficient and specially engineered windows designed for hurricane protection and security Where they’re based: Kenner Year introduced: 2006 Top executive: Mark Martinez, president Web site: wwww.maxprowindows.com

ark Martinez spent years selling windows and hurri- Mcane shutters for home improvement companies before he realized it was the products, not necessarily the home, that needed improving. Despite having no training in window design, Martinez began working on a stronger, more energy-efficient window that would eliminate the need for bulky roll-down shutters or makeshift plywood covers. After 11 years of selling windows, he had become familiar with their composition but studied Florida hurricane windows for more inspiration. “I just came up with a very unique glazing channel … to ensure that the window wouldn’t come out during the impact (of a hurricane or break-in),” said Martinez, who launched Max Pro Windows three years ago. “It’s thermally broken, which means that unlike normal commercial grade windows, it doesn’t conduct the heat and cold,” he said. “That makes it very energy efficient. We also use a monolithic glass. It’s five-sixteenths of an inch thick, but it’s 100 times stronger than the windshield of your auto- mobile.” Able to withstand Category 4 hurricanes,the windows are certified to meet American Standardized Testing Method codes for the Gulf Coast, as well as Florida building codes. Max Pro Windows president Mark Martinez demonstrates his specially engineered windows that can withstand hurricane-force winds The process of getting the window designed and code- — or a strike from a baseball bat. approved took two years, and Martinez acknowledges some early missteps. “That’s really important because these people are essen- “I failed my first test,” he said. “I went to Miami, and I tial personnel. They will never evacuate our city,” Martinez failed. That was kind of a letdown because it was like said of the recently completed Jefferson Parish project. “It’s $12,000 of my money. But it brought me back to the draw- a humbling experience to know that my windows are in ing board. I redesigned a certain interlock, and we were able there protecting these folks and their families.” to pass with flying colors.” The windows are manufactured in a 2,500-square-foot The company won contracts to install windows at six facility in Kenner, but Martinez hopes to move to a larger U.S. Army Corps of Engineers bunkers at the pumping sta- location in either Jefferson Parish or on the North Shore. tions on the 17th Street, London Avenue and Orleans He’d also like to establish satellite offices along the Gulf Avenue canals and at the West Jefferson Levee District’s Coast and branch out into Lafayette, Houston and Florida.• command center. — Sonya Stinson

26A 2009 Innovator of the Year Nationwide Environmental Solutions Nationwide EnvironmentalSolutionspresidentTrey AdamssprayslaptopswithmPale, agermshieldthatprotectsagainstandkill ouin el n ple h pa otn Pl,which Solutions sellsandappliesthespray coatingmPale, canbejustasharmful. staph infection, H Web site: Top executive: Year introduced: Where they’rebased: bacteria foruptothreeyears Key innovation: ocma ht Metairie’s Nationwide Environmental To combatthat, culture in recent months.But less exotic germs,such as lessexotic germs,such culture inrecent months.But 1N1 hasbrought germs totheforefront ofAmerican INNOVATOR www.nwesllc.com Trey Adams,president a germshieldthatkillsvirusesand 2008 Metairie n idgaal.Anindependentthird partyteststhe and biodegradable. nontoxic the coatingiscompletely undetectable by touch, Onceapplied, upholsteryandpaintedsurfaces. carpet, wall, dry- steel, Itcanbeappliedtowood, approved by theFDA. provider formPact. NESisnow anexclusive service mPale technology. ing forapartnertotake care oftheapplicationsfor OfficialswithmPact were look- Environmental Solutions. received acallfrom mPact Environmental Solutions, president ofNationwide business whenTrey Adams, sticks toallsurfaces. spray coatingappliedwithanelectrostatic applicationthat ThemPale/Aegis product isa from germs andbacteria. giving businessesprotection features theAegisMicroshield, The product has beenregistered withtheEPA and NES isalocalfirmthatworked inthemoldremediation s virusesandbacteriaforuptothreeyears. mPale applicationlastsuptothree years.• The germs thatarrive even aday laterwillbeunharmed. but meaning itwillkillany germs itgets onthefirstspray, asastandard disinfectantisgood forone-timeuse, tection, Thegerm shieldalsoprovides alonger lastingpro- H1N1. includingallformsofinfluenzaand fight otherdiseases, they’d have topay outininsuranceclaims.” they (thehospital)would make themoneybackinwhat “Ifwe save onepatientfrom getting astaphinfection, said. hospitals andschoolsare particularly interested intheproduct. ing’s effectiveness. location before andaftertheapplication tojudge the coat- sd rmsahifcin,theapplicationcanhelp Aside from staphinfections, Adams their earsperkup,” “When we talktohospitals, but NES hasreceived interest from avariety ofbusinesses, New OrleansCityBusiness — FritzEsker 27A

PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI 28A Net Damien LaManna co-founded Net Damien LaMannaco-founded ei ietrfrcmuiain imMra o To media director forcommunicationsfirmMorgan+Co. toNewOrleansin2008take aday jobasdigital D.C., one ofthelargest andmostsuccessfulchaptersintheworld. Net media toachieve socialchange, A Web site: Top executive: Year introduced: Where they’rebased: users Key innovation: Co-founder DamienLaMannamoved from Washington, 2009 Innovatorofthe Year cated tohelpingnonprofits take advantage ofsocial anorganizationdedi- s alocalchapterofNetSquared, INNOVATOR www.net2no.com Damien LaManna,co-founder 2 a communitygroupforsocialmedia 2009 NO New Orleans 2 NO tobringtogetherlocalsinvolvedinsocialanddigitalmedia. 2 NO hasgrown tobe keting andgrowth forbusiness ofallsizes. mar- is growing tobeacriticalmeansofcommunications, nology inNewOrleansisdifferent. thenature oftech- geography andrecent events, culture, Yet withtheunique andSanFrancisco. Texas, Austin, onparwith burgeoning epicenteroftechstartups, LaMannasaidNewOrleansisbecominga incentives, al moneyandyoung talent lured by digitalmediatax the biggest NetSquared chapter intheworld. group isjustafew membersshortofsurpassingLondonas the graphic designerstopublicrelations professionals, and digitalmedia. chapter asaway tobringtogether localsinvolved insocial specialist JessicaRohloffco-foundedthelocalNetSquared heandsearch further immersehimselfinthecommunity, ntdyshg-eh lasi-oc ol,socialmedia always-in-touch world, In today’s high-tech, feder- Because oftheinfluxpost-HurricaneKatrina With almost350membersrunningthegamutfrom rvdn ulcbnft”LaMannasaid. providing apublicbenefit,” Itissomethingthatstillforprofit but entrepreneurship. thattookaturntowards social withtherebuilding, Orleans, Here inNew understand eachchapterhasitsown needs. eodta, LaMannasaid.• beyond that,” intheregion andeven tech communityinNewOrleans, They’re ontheforefront ofthe our amazingmembership. innovation andtheoccasionalstart-up. that canleadtojobs, Louisiana EconomicDevelopment. thedirector ofdigitalmediafor ers suchasElliotAdams, social mediamarketing andhave includedspeak- mization, Meetings have featured topicssuchassearch engineopti- bar Bridge Lounge onthefirstTuesday ofevery month. Net “One ofthegreat thingsaboutNetSquared isthatthey “The power andstrength ofourorganizationcomesin The organizationalsofeatures networking opportunities 2 NO meetsinthebackroom ofTchoupitoulas Street — Craig Guillot

PHOTO BY TRACIE MORRIS SCHAEFER INNOVATOR PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI

From left: NOLA Brewing executives Dylan Lintern, Peter Caddoo, Kirk Coco and Melanie Knepp enjoy a beer at the end of the day. New Orleans Lager and Ale Brewing Co.

there were any local breweries left in New Orleans.” They will release an India pale ale in October, named Key innovation: two beers on the market that mix There weren’t, so Coco decided to change that. Hopitoulas, with five malts and six different hops, and an English, German and American hops, malts from Through friend and home brewer Byron Towles, Coco Irish Channel Stout and a sweet potato IPA in 2010. around the world and unique yeast blends connected with Peter Caddoo, a local brewer of 30 years. NOLA Brewing’s biggest challenge in the industry is its Where they’re based: New Orleans In the fall of 2008, they began moving brewing equipment distribution. into a 10,000-square-foot building on Tchoupitoulas Coco started distributing NOLA through Glazer’s, but Year introduced: 2009 Street. The crew came up with two ales to be distributed in because Glazer’s could only deliver during the week, Coco Top executives: Kirk Coco, president; Peter Caddoo, the New Orleans area: NOLA Blonde, with floral and cit- could not get his beer in several French Quarter bars that brewmaster rus hops aromas, and NOLA Brown, with notes of choco- needed weekend suppliers. On Aug. 10, Coco gave Web site: www.nolabrewing.com late, coffee, caramel and nuts. Glazer’s notice he was terminating his contract and signed In March,the first kegs left the building and New Orleans with distributor Southern Eagle. Glazer’s fought back and Lager and Ale Brewing Co. was born. While NOLA only was granted a temporary restraining order that prevented ative New Orleanian Kirk Coco had never been in the produces kegs now,Coco said they hope to begin producing Southern Eagle from selling NOLA Brewing beer. Nbeer business, but he has always been a fan of drinking bottles by February. “It’s a situation that could affect us as a business because beer — local beer. The company has since sold 850 barrels, or 1,700 no matter how hard we work and how good of a job we do, One night while drinking Dixie beer, he took a closer kegs, of beer to distributors who in turn sell the beer to our business depends on our relationship with the distribu- look at the bottle’s label. about 130 bars and restaurants in New Orleans. The tor,” Coco said. “Now we just have to hope the distributor “There I was thinking I was supporting local beer; I beers are a mix of English, German and American hops, situation gets worked out and we continue our early success knew Dixie had shut down, but I didn’t know it was being a variety of malts from around the world and unique yeast brewing as a company in New Orleans.”• produced in Wisconsin,” Coco said. “I was wondering if blends, Caddoo said. — Tommy Santora

New Orleans CityBusiness 29A 30A Payroll Rx Payroll RxCEODavidScheuermannstartedhiscompanyafterHurricaneKatrinawhenhesawaninfluxofnewbusinesseslookingfo ceemn,acertified publicaccountantandauditorwho, Scheuermann, on aweekly basis. payroll registers andtimekeeping federal taxwithholdings, includes dealingwithtaskssuchaskeeping trackofstateand O Web site: Top executive: Year introduced: Where they’rebased: for localandregionalbusinesses Key innovation: I’ nogigadtm-osmn rcs, saidDavid “It’s anongoing andtime-consumingprocess,” 2009 Innovatorofthe Year o nymeigapyolbtefcetymngn t It not only meetingapayroll butefficiently managingit. ne ofthegreatest challenges forbusinessesofallsizesis INNOVATOR www.payrollrx.com David Scheuermann,CEO creating afull-scalepayrollservice 2006 Metairie etfrs ieadatnac eitr,andasched- timeandattendanceregisters, ment forms, stateunemploy- compensationdocumentation, workers’ roll checksaswell asdirect depositanddebitcards. whosecompany offerspay- saidScheuermann, possible,” one-stoppayroll service. viding afull-scale, launched Payroll RxinJanuary2006withtheideaofpro- who saidScheuermann, like tohave onethatis local,” nesses coulduseagood payroll serviceandthattheywould and otherswere moving infrom outofstate. when somebusinessesintheNewOrleansarea were closing reliable payroll company thattheycouldrefer businessto.” someofmy associatestoldmethatthere was nosingle, try, saw amarket niche. in discussionswithhisfellow CPAs, u edd’ tptee Payroll Rxalsoprovides But hedidn’tstopthere. “I thoughtitwould beagood ideatoofferasmuch “I knewthatbothexisting businessesandthenewbusi- Scheuermann decidedtoactafterHurricaneKatrina “When we talked aboutwhatwas going oninourindus- r alocalpayrollservice. really was acaseofseeinganopportunityandmoving onit.”• service shouldnothave proven popular,”Scheuermann said.“It Tenn. new officeinFranklin, employees inuptoadozenstatesandhasrecently opened a alsogotten clientsinotherstates.” rals, refer- atthe sametimewe have,through in otherstates,while “Somelocalclientshave officesthatare Scheuermann said. CaliforniaandNorthCarolina,” Texas, in Mississippi, beyond Louisiana. buthisclientlistsoonexpanded than 5,000employees, only would heprovide avariety ofpayroll servicesformore stateandlocalauthorities. federal, uled notificationofalltaxfilingsandpayments dueto Loigbc ni,there was noreason why this kind of “Looking backonit, Today, Payroll Rxisproviding servicestobusinessesand “Opportunities were presented tousdopayroll work Not Scheuermann realized hisdream. Within months, — Garry Boulard— Garry

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New Orleans CityBusiness 31A INNOVATOR PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI

Policy Pitch.com

Key innovation: a civic engagement Web site that allows the public and legislators to share ideas Where they’re based: New Orleans Year introduced: 2009 Top executive: Zach Kupperman, CEO and founder Web site: PolicyPitch.com

n an era of increasing citizen interest in politics and policy Iand almost-blanket usage of the Internet, the founder of PolicyPitch.com is bringing both worlds together in the hope of making New Orleans a better place. “Not long ago, I was working on a project called Destination Broadmoor, which applied the concept of crowd sourcing to real estate development and rebuilding,” said Zach Kupperman, CEO and founder of PolicyPitch, “and I wondered if it could be used for larger purposes like public policy.” Crowd sourcing, in which a task is performed by a large group of interested people, could be applied interactively, Kupperman said, to give a “voice to citizens who don’t have a small group or nonprofit to represent them and can’t hire a lobbyist.” This spring Kupperman launched PolicyPitch and scored an early coup when state Rep. Walter Hines,D-New Orleans, posted on the site legislation he was proposing before he released the information to the traditional media. “In many ways that was a test run for us,”Kupperman said. “Now we are going forward with the second phase of the site.” Kupperman hopes to aggregate every single bill filed by state legislators in all 50 states, allowing interested citizens throughout the country to follow those bills through the leg- Damien LaManna, left, and Zach Kupperman teamed to create PolicyPitch.com, a civic engagement Web site that will allow the pub- islative process. lic and legislators to share ideas. “We’re going to pull in all of the data and present it in an aesthetically pleasing manner for anybody to see,” he said. civic participation has never been greater, particularly PolicyPitch is also partnering with two other sites, among the area’s younger residents. EngageNola.org and HumidBeings.com, for a project called “Younger people in general are becoming more engaged “If I were Mayor,” which is designed to encourage voters to and are particularly interested in the future of New Orleans,” pitch ideas for improving New Orleans in the hope of letting said Kupperman, adding that a recent survey conducted by candidates in the 2010 mayor’s race get a feel for what’s on Tulane University indicating that voters younger than 45 the public’s mind. comprise a majority in New Orleans. Working with Damien LaManna, who launched “If something like PolicyPitch encourages or inspires them Net2NO.com, a site that connects professionals in the tech- to become involved, that has to be seen as a good thing.”• nical sector,Kupperman believes the time for virtual and real — Garry Boulard

32A 2009 Innovator of the Year PostitMD.com PostitMD.com presidentandCEODr. RameshAyyala explains hisfree,Web-based ophthalmologytrainingprogram. Ayyala had tocomeupwithaway forthedepartment tocon- ophthalmology atTulane University SchoolofMedicine, meet itsaccreditation requirements. threatened theabilityofhismedicalschooldepartmentto members scattering ofophthalmologyresidents andfaculty D Web site: Top executive: Year introduced: Where they’rebased: training program Key innovation: As ophthalmologyresidency director andprofessor of But Ayyala saw theneed to expand hisskillsetwhenthe not thetechnologyofbuildingWeb sites. Ayyala Ramesh isanexpert intrainingeye doctors, r. INNOVATOR www.PostitMD.com Dr. RameshAyyala, presidentandCEO a free,Web-based ophthalmology 2008 New Orleans the program sothatanyone cannavigate through theWeb site.” We hadtosimplify not ascomputer-savvy asyou mightthink. “Ihadtotellhimthatdoctors are that thesitebeuser-friendly. who constantly stressed tohistechiepartner saidAyyala, site,” presentations online. surgical videosandother allows studentstoviewlectures, aWeb-based trainingprogram that oping PostitMD.com, idea: Why don’tIcreate my own Web site?” “Outofthisdesperationcamethe Ayyala said. on thesites,” andsurgicalvideos couldnotbeplayed in allthelocations, but nonefitthebill. hechecked outavailable programs, tance learningdilemma, the UnitedStates. dispersalofresidents throughout despite thepost-Katrina Accreditation CouncilforGraduate Medical Education tinue tomeettheinstructionhourrequirements ofthe “Many,many Sundays we spentmeetingtodesignthisWeb hebegandevel- Working withacomputerprogrammer, “Some oftheexisting commercial sitescouldnotbeused Thinking theWeb mightofferasolutiontothislong-dis- simple asthat.”• “Itwas as AyyalaTulane said. ophthalmologyprogram,” his commitmenttokeeping hisacademicdepartmentalive. hismotivation tocreate PostitMD.com camefrom preneur, site. onthe through theWeb siteviaa“desk-sharing”component Guatemala are participatinginaTulane sciencecourse Medicalstudentsin medical school’sinternationalreach. learn thematerial. tures attheirconvenience andasmany timesastheyneedto aswell astolistenlec- mation andimages asstudy aids, Studentscandownload theinfor- practice exam questions. editsurgicalvideosandpost PowerPoint presentations, mer toget theWeb siteupandrunninginearly January2008. I a o oeti,we would notbehaving a “If Ihadnotdonethis, While Ayyala hadnever before seenhimselfasanentre- PostitMD.com alsohas proved usefulinexpanding the The password-protected site letsinstructorsmake It tookalmostayear ofworking closely withtheprogram- New OrleansCityBusiness — Sonya Stinson 33A

PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI 34A Wheelware Software Julie Piazza, who works in software development for Wheelware Software, tests the company’s interactivekioskforpreviewingan Julie Piazza,whoworksinsoftwaredevelopmentforWheelwareSoftware,teststhecompany’s a product attached. while theircustomerstrytoimagine how acarwilllookwith Retailers don’thave toholdupdisplay wheels catalogs. Customers nolonger have tospendhoursflippingthrough experience of shoppingforautomobileaccessories. theprogram haschanged the online wheelandtire catalogs, fun outofcustomizingacar. T Web site: Top executive: Year introduced: Where they’rebased: accessories previewing andselectingwheelsothervehicle Key innovation: Merging images ofmore than1,400vehicle modelswith 2009 Innovatorofthe Year the cumbersomeselectionprocess thatcandrive the he creators ofWheelware Software aimedtoeliminate INNOVATOR www.wheelwaresoftware.com Anthony Piazza,president interactive computerprogramfor 1998 New Orleans otaebgni h i-90.Today, Piazza’sdaughter, Software beganinthemid-1990s. Development of Wheelware in1965. auto repair business, Piazza said. that popsupoutofabriefcase. includinganewone juststartingproduction kiosk models, There are several tire stores andrepair shops. dealerships, includingauto 20 locationsthroughout theUnitedStates, how it’sgoing tolook.” ratherthanhave toimagine forinstance, grill onyour truck, “You canseeacustom which owns Wheelware Software. president ofSouthernTire Co., saidTony Piazza, truck,” software thatdealswithotheraccessoriesonthecar and tems. buyers canalsoshopforstereo andexhaust sys- wheels, Besides tomer’s vehicle rightdown tothewindow tint. izasatdSuhr ie utmwel tire and a customwheel, Piazza startedSouthernTire, “We’ve away shippedprograms asfar asRussia,” The software isalsosoldonline. Kiosks containingthesoftware are installedinmore than “This November we’re going tointroduce somenew Wheelware Software canmatchthelookofcus- d selectingwheelsandothervehicleaccessories. energy sources thatgo intoprinting.”• whichsaves trees andother logs thatyou have tokeep, You cutwaynot disappear. down ontheamountofcata- thecatalogsdo up acomputerstationintheshowroom, “Whenacompany sets Piazzasaid. have tobereplaced,” brochures andpictures thatultimately are dispersedand products. Software over theoldmethodofsellingautocustomizing “We’ve alsoworked withinsurancecompanies.” Piazzaadded. and toidentifystolenitemslike stereos,” help themreconstruct vehicles thatmay have beenhijacked scene ofacrimewithvehicle onthedatabase. policecanmatchatire patternleftatthe For instance, tion. ly emerged forthiscar-customizingtool:Crimeinvestiga- whileRonald Boudreaux issalesmanager. ment, isresponsible forthesoftware depart- Julia PiazzaWang, “The rest ofthecompaniesare producing tonsof Piazza alsotoutsthegreen advantage ofWheelware “We have donesomeprograms forpolicedepartmentsto Boudreaux andPiazzasaidanewapplicationhasrecent- — Sonya Stinson

PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI EDUCATION PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI PHOTO

Dr. Nancy Mock, left, and Ky Luu assess a Hurricane Katrina-damaged boathouse in Lakeview as part of Tulane University’s Disaster Management Leadership Academy, which will launch next spring. Disaster Management Leadership Academy

grams that will lead toward earning master’s level and doc- ing in curriculum development this fall so classes can get Key innovation: the first university program in the toral degrees. started in the spring. nation to offer training through the doctoral level in Dr. Nancy Mock, an associate professor of public health “Part of the process has been our collaborative projects international disaster management and tropical medicine at Tulane and one of the program’s with international nonprofits that work in disaster relief,” Where they’re based: New Orleans leading proponents, said the academy is designed for high- Mock said. “We are also doing a global leadership study of er-level people who are in the middle of their career who disaster management to gauge international awareness of the Year introduced: 2009 want to move into upper management. importance of leadership.” Top executive: Ky Luu, senior director “While working in international disaster management Mock said much of the global emphasis has been on Web site: www.dmlatulane.org and spending some time with the recovery effort in the city, countries in Africa that often struggle with myriad disasters you come to realize that one of the high-capacity problems of all levels.The program is reaching out to colleges in Africa has been leadership,”Mock said.“There has never been any in the hopes of one day training a team that will make the tarting next spring, Tulane University will launch a form of solid leadership teaching in this country,and Katrina continent self-sufficient in disaster response. Sdegree-granting program in which government officials showed that to be more than evident.” A portion of the Tulane program’s funding will come and other leaders can learn how to take charge when disas- Mock said the program is the brainchild of senior from a three-year, $2.1 million federal grant from the ter strikes and pick up the pieces after the emergency. director Ky Luu, former director of the Office of U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. Mock said the pro- The Disaster Management Leadership Academy will be Foreign Disaster Assistance and vice president of the gram will provide an opportunity to analyze critical the first of its kind in the nation to offer training and certifi- International Medical Corps, a private nonprofit that issues for recovery in New Orleans and hopefully create cation in communications and disaster mobilization. Its trains health-care practitioners and organizes relief and some high-profile debates.• organizers hope to eventually put students into research pro- development programs. Mock said Luu will begin assist- — Robin Shannon

New Orleans CityBusiness 35A 36A GNO AfterschoolPartnership Thurgood MarshallstudentsJessicaIrons,left,andRichelleGladstoneworkontheirMappingNewOrleansInitiativeprojectwit Greater NewOrleansAfterschoolPartnership. executive director ofthe saidGinaWarner, cropped up, whileothershaverevamped afterHurricane Katrina and artsprograms onaninteractive Web site. descriptions ofyouth resources suchasrecreation centers teens have poundedsidewalks thisyear toprovide theirown U Web site: Top executive: Year introduced: Where they’rebased: ing resources which teenscanvassandcompilethecity’s youth-serv- Key innovation: The project isneededbecausesomeyouth serviceswere 2009 Innovatorofthe Year the Greater NewOrleansAfterschoolPartnership, aproject sponsored by nder MappingInitiative 2009, EDUCATION neworleans.ilivehere.info Gina Warner, executivedirector Mapping NewOrleansInitiative,in 2009 New Orleans oeo hmwl ii ako,Ms. totrainchildren there. Miss., some ofthemwillvisitJackson, introduce afeedbackfunction ontheirsiteshortly,he said,and they’re usingismore advanced andinteractive.” andthemapping technology Orleans thaninothercities, Murphy said. entering andtestingit,” then collectingdata, the classroom tothestreets andback, the difference inNewOrleansiskidsare going straightfrom Orleans. andsoftware inNew Youthline’s mapping“curriculum” andrecently teamedwithWarner toimplement profit, aNewYorkexecutive director ofYouthline non- America, He’snow was commissionerofNewYork’s youth services. that shouldalsohelpidentifygapsincityresources. said, andteachersseekingservices,Warner parents,caregivers It’satoolforyouth, Adventure InReadingonStateStreet. Cops forKidsSummerCamponLafreniere Street toStartthe New Orleansyouths participatingintheprogram planto “Schools have played abigger role inmappingNew “but Youth mappinghasbeenusedinanumber ofstates, Richard Murphy startedteenmappingin1992whenhe shows everything from neworleans.ilivehere.info, The site, h theprogram’s director, EricJensen. o.Theyplantocanvass theentire city by 2010.• dor. Gentilly andtheFreret Street corri- Roch, St. Centeral City, studentshave mapped Sofar, $300,000 forthelocalproject. in March at$50forsixhoursofwork. interested whentheyheard they’d bepaid.” andthekidsgot especially taught theirstudentstomap, “Teachers inourtwo ninth-gradegeographySchool. classes Health SciencesAcademy PrincipalatWalter CohenHigh saidAlex Hochron, students forthemappingproject,” Warner said. the program, hasbeenanassetto partnership’s mappingproject director, the EricJensen, America andhiswork withyoung people, canvassed swaths ofthecity. college trackforhighschoolershave Greater NewOrleans’ Frederick DouglasshighschoolsandtheUrbanLeagueof h ..KelloggandSurdna foundationshaveThe W.K. provided Thirty Cohenstudentsstartedmappingneighborhoods “We were approached by EricJensenaboutproviding Because ofhisbackground asalocalteacherforTeach for Cohenand about60teensfrom Walter L. To date, — SusanBuchanan

PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI EDUCATION PHOTO BY TRACIE MORRIS SCHAEFER

Korbin Johnson, principal of William J. Guste KIPP Central City School, chats with first-grade students Traveal Brown, left, and Dariana Bernard. KIPP New Orleans Schools

But Katrina brought an abrupt end to the recently opened teachers. KIPP Renaissance High School, grades nine Key innovation: free, open-enrollment, college- summer school.KIPP returned to New Orleans for the 2006- through 12, will open in the fall of 2010 in the former preparatory public schools that prepare students in 07 school year and opened two schools for 520 students. Frederick Douglass School Building at 3820 St. Claude Ave. underserved communities for college and life “Even before Katrina, parents were looking for some Kaifey-Aluise said the KIPP system has three goals: Where they’re based: New Orleans solutions to problems in New Orleans schools,” said Kaifey- • middle school graduates will attend a college-prep high Aluise,who was a KIPP New Orleans founding board mem- school; Year introduced: 2005 ber in 2004. “They were unhappy with the school system • KIPP alumni in high school will maintain a 3.0 grade Top executive: Rhonda Kaifey-Aluise, executive director and wanted change, and we knew what KIPP was doing for point average in a college-prep curriculum; and Web site: www.kippneworleans.org students across the country.” • KIPP alumni will earn a degree from a post-secondary Knowledge is Power Program schools are part of a institution within six years of graduating from high school. nationwide network of free, open-enrollment public KIPP models include 10-hour school days, some school urricane Katrina was a tragedy transformed into hope schools that prepares students in underserved communi- on Saturdays; a rhythmic call-and-response style in the Hand change for KIPP New Orleans Schools and exec- ties for success in college and life. More than 80 percent classrooms, where students might snap their fingers to utive director Rhonda Kaifey-Aluise. of KIPP students go to college. There are 82 KIPP encourage or applaud classmates; and teachers providing KIPP New Orleans Schools was introduced in the spring schools in 19 states and the District of Columbia serving their cell phone numbers to students. of 2005 as a charter alternative for public school students in about 20,000 students. “We are very interactive, and from the first day they are lower-income communities. The Louisiana Board of After Katrina, Kaifey-Aluise said, motivated program offi- enrolled, we tell them what year they will be in college, and Elementary and Secondary Education awarded the group a cials realized there was an opportunity to finish what they they are reminded of that every day,” Kaifey-Aluise said. charter, and KIPP Phillips Preparatory opened its doors in started before the storm. “Going to college is a doable goal, and that’s emphasized to July 2005 to a class of 120 eighth-grade students in the for- For the 2009-10 school year, KIPP New Orleans has five our students from both teachers and parents.”• mer E.H. Phillips Middle School building. schools on three campuses with 1,310 students and 110 — Tommy Santora

New Orleans CityBusiness 37A MEDICAL PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI

From left: Drs. John Wules and Richard Deno and nurse Michelle Gabriel review patient updates on East Jefferson General Hospital’s Computerized Patient Order Entry system. Computerized Physician Order Entry East Jefferson General Hospital

tors, nurses and secretaries who no longer have to ask doc- just what the doctor ordered.” Key innovation: handheld computers that doctors use tors to clarify their orders, which reduces the possibility of Wales said the system has reduced the amount of time to communicate with the nurses station from a error, said Dr. John Wales, emergency department medical it takes to order and complete diagnostic tests by about patient’s bed and retrieve all medical history director. 20 percent. Where they’re based: Metairie “In the beginning, the nurses thought we didn’t love The system is the latest step in a move EJGH started four them anymore. The unit secretaries thought we didn’t love years ago to implement a system of electronic health records, Year introduced: 2009 them anymore,” Wales said, because doctors didn’t have to replacing paper charts and records in line with a national Top executive: Dr. Mark Peters, president and CEO communicate as much among themselves to get the work and international trend. The emergency department is the Web site: www.ejgh.org done efficiently. first to use the system at the hospital by design because it’s The system allows doctors to access at bedside all of the smaller than other medical departments there, said Wales. hospital’s medical information on a patient, alerting doctors He suspects doctors in other departments will use the one are the days of nurses and medical secretaries to any allergy or potential adverse reaction the patient may system as well, depending on physician preference. Gstruggling to read doctors’ handwriting in East suffer from a treatment. X-rays, test results and standardized “It’s always been on our radar. It kind of became impera- Jefferson General Hospital’s emergency department. treatment information for 40 to 50 ailments patients may suf- tive that we would use the system,” he said. “There is a level Instead, doctors’ orders are entered into handheld com- fer are available with a keystroke. of confidence that the team is working together. We’ve now puters at the patient’s bedside and transmitted electronical- “It’s much more a failsafe to prevent patients from getting taken a big step toward standardized health care.” ly to the nurses’ station in a legible computer font, one of unsafe doses or things they’re allergic to,” Wales said. Wales said patients also appreciate the technology. many features of the new Computerized Physician Order “There’s probably an improvement in turnaround time, “If you come in with this thing in your hand, (patients) Entry system in place since February. probably fewer medical errors. It’s a move toward a safer, are fairly mesmerized,” he said.• The system has streamlined communication among doc- more secure and more timely way to provide health care. It’s — Diana Chandler

38A 2009 Innovator of the Year MEDICAL PHOTO BY TRACIE MORRIS SCHAEFER

Hertzak Laser Center

Key innovation: an outpatient surgical procedure designed to enhance vaginal muscle tone, strength and control Where they’re based: Slidell Year introduced: 2007 Top executive: Dr. Peter Hertzak Web site: www.hertzaklaser.com

n the summer of 2007, Dr. Peter Hertzak brought to ILouisiana an innovative obstetrics and gynecology cosmetic procedure that is still unknown to many local women. “Laser vaginal rejuvenation is an outpatient surgical procedure that restores a woman’s intimate anatomy to the con- dition it was before the birth of her first child,” said Hertzak, an OBGYN who maintains the Hertzak Laser Center in Slidell. “The procedure is heavily based on the old tried- and-true corrective surgical pelvic relaxation procedure.” Vaginal relaxation occurs when a woman experiences stretching during vaginal childbirth. “Every subsequent childbirth results in more stretching,” Hertzak said. In vaginal relaxation, the muscles are so relaxed that they have poor control, strength and tone, and the internal and external diameters increase. The result is a diminished sen- Dr. Peter Hertzak, an obstetrician/gynecologist who runs the Hertzak Laser Center in Slidell, has added his own twists to an outpatient sual side of sexual gratification. surgical procedure to enhance vaginal muscle tone, strength and control. With 21st century technology, however, the rejuvenation process enhances the vaginal muscle tone, strength and control through outpatient laser surgery. Although Dr. David “I believe that women need to be empowered about the Louis Matlock of Los Angeles invented the process in the availability and options to correct problems they intimately late 1990s, Hertzak has added his own innovations to the feel and are aware of,”he said. “(Vaginal relaxation) is a com- procedure, including an option for patients to correct blad- mon problem,it’s uncomfortable and there is an alternative.” der weakness while in surgery. Hertzak is a fellow of the American College of Throughout his 33 years of practice, he has focused on Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American the latest advancements in gynecology and laser aesthetic Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.He is also board certified by medicine, including laser vaginal rejuvenation and breast the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.• augmentation through fat transfer. — Amy Ferrara Smith

New Orleans CityBusiness 39A MEDICAL PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI

From left: Members of the Kaye Center for ultra rapid detoxification team include Dr. Ryan Rubin, Dr. Alan Kaye and Ed Runci. Kaye Center for ultra rapid detox

Founded by and operated under the guidance of Dr.Alan cent success rate, and the reason is that there are withdrawal Key innovation: a rapid detox method that clears all David Kaye, the Kaye Clinic for ultra rapid detox has devel- symptoms. They are put under general anesthesia so they drugs from the system within 36 hours oped a process that eliminates the physical addiction to opi- miss all the withdrawal because they are completely uncon- ates in less than two days.It is the only clinic of its type in the scious,” Kaye said. Where they’re based: New Orleans country to be endorsed by a major hospital. Detoxification off certain drugs can be a dangerous and Year introduced: 2008 As head of anesthesiology at Louisiana State University deadly process, but Kaye has maintained a 100 percent safe- Top executive: Dr. Alan David Kaye, medical director Health Sciences Center and chief of anesthesiology at ty record on the hundreds of procedures he has performed University Hospital and Ochsner Medical Center-Kenner, since 2000. Web site: www.kayerapiddetox.com Kaye developed a detoxification technique in 2000 that Aside from street drugs such as heroin and opium, the helps patients overcome drug withdrawal symptoms while Kaye Clinic detoxes patients from highly addictive prescrip- they are under anesthesia. tion pain medications such as codeine, Demerol and New Orleans clinic is changing the entire process of The method clears the body of opiates and cleans the Vicodin. Kaye said the clinic see patients from throughout Adetoxification and offering a ray of light for drug opiate receptors from the brain so there are no physical crav- the country,but he wants to continue to expand its presence. addicts. ings for the drug when the patient wakes up. “There are millions of people who are dependent on For many, ridding the body of the drugs is one of the Performed in the intensive care unit under the care of life these drugs, and we don’t pass any judgment on why they biggest challenges to getting clean. When users become support systems and medical personnel, the method has been may have started it. It is an epidemic, and our goal would be physically dependent on their chemical addictions, with- proven to remove 100 percent of all drugs from the body and that this were done in every community throughout the drawal symptoms can last for weeks and send many scram- reports a 66 percent rate of drug abstinence after the process. world,” Kaye said.• bling back to the drug for relief. “Conventional detox basically has a 5 (percent) to 8 per- — Craig Guillot

40A 2009 Innovator of the Year MEDICAL PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI

Dr. Joseph Guarisco, chief of emergency services for Ochsner Health System, has helped create a system that posts emergency room wait times online to avoid overcrowding. Online ER wait times Ochsner Health System

patients, Ochsner Health System has taken a step toward Blackberrys also became available in August. Key innovation: a system allowing patients to see reducing patient stress by posting estimated wait times at The innovation has gained a following. emergency room wait times online to determine which www.ochsner.org. There have been about 10,000 hits a month on the wait- facility would be the most convenient “We’re a very data rich institution,” said Dr. Joe time link, which has become the second most popular link on Where they’re based: Jefferson Guarisco, system chief of emergency services for Ochsner Ochsner’s Web site. Guarisco said there has been interest Health System. For years, Ochsner had estimated wait times from hospitals throughout the country to replicate the system, Year introduced: April 2009 available at its four New Orleans area hospitals. Now, it has which has led to Ochsner making presentations nationwide. Top executive: Dr. Joe Guarisco, Ochsner Health found a way to make the information available to patients. The system has also allowed the hospital to help its staff System chief of emergency services “The most troublesome issue for patients waiting in by divvying up the patient load by preventing any one ER Web site: www.ochsner.org emergency departments is the wait time,” Guarisco said. from becoming overwhelmed with patients. “The quicker we see patients, the faster we can discover Ochsner plans to keep adding features to enhance the potentially life-threatening diseases.” convenience factor for its patients. The next step will be to n a time when New Orleans is facing a deficit in health The first step was to put the wait times on plasma screens create a feature that allows patients to pre-register online Icare facilities because of Hurricane Katrina and emer- in the waiting room. The second step was putting the times before leaving home.• gency rooms throughout the area are overburdened with online. An application to receive wait times on iPhones and — Fritz Esker

New Orleans CityBusiness 41A MEDICAL PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI St. Charles Surgical Hospital

Key innovation: a breast reconstruction technique that avoids implants by using fat from the patient’s body and leaves minimal scarring Where they’re based: New Orleans Year introduced: January 2009 Top executives: Drs. Frank DellaCroce and Scott Sullivan, co-founders Web site: www.scsh.com

rs. Frank DellaCroce and Scott Sullivan have a niche Dpractice for a widespread diagnosis, and they have brought that innovation to New Orleans. The doctors, who met during their residency training at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, came up with an innovative surgical technique six years ago that pre- serves the female form in a nipple-sparing mastectomy procedure, avoids implants by using fat from the patient’s own body and leaves minimal scarring. After recovery, the breast’s size fluctuates along with a woman’s normal weight fluctuation and improves in shape over time allowing for a more natural-looking reconstruction. With four surgeons on board, St Charles Surgical Hospital has worked on about 300 patients since opening in February. DellaCroce said about half their patients come from out of state and as far away as Australia, Canada, Israel and Germany. “Many of them don’t have this kind of procedure available to them, so they travel to us,” DellaCroce said. “That in itself is kind of special to think of New Orleans as a hotbed for this innovative surgical technique.” In 2003, Sullivan and DellaCroce opened the Center for St. Charles Surgical Hospital nurse Margaret Chastant chats with patient Mikeal Swift. Restorative Breast Surgery on St. Charles Avenue. They offered breast cancer patients a range of services prior to and spa robes and its own chef. during the recovery period from support groups and a “It feels like you’re checking into a hotel instead of a hos- resource center to spa-style environment. pital. There is a calming, relaxing and soothing effect from But the center was missing a hospital for surgeries, which the paintings on the wall to the color of the walls to the were being performed at facilities throughout the New decor, everything intended to make the patient and their Orleans area. family feel at ease as much as possible,” Sullivan said. So the duo opened the hospital adjacent to the center, pro- The hospital was actually under development a year after viding a 60,000-square-foot facility that provides initial con- the center opened on St. Charles Avenue, but Hurricane sultation through recovery for breast reconstructive surgery. Katrina postponed plans. The combined campus has 17 luxury rooms, two high- “It has been a long journey,but a rewarding one as well,” end suites, seven operating rooms, a clinic atrium and lobby Sullivan said.• for the hospital. The hospital features luxury bath products, — Tommy Santora

42A 2009 Innovator of the Year MEDICAL PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI

From left: Dr. James Korndorffer Jr., Jennifer Calzada and Drs. Kevin Krane and Paul Primeaux test Tulane University School of Medicine’s robotic patient in the school’s new simulation center. Simulation Center Tulane University School of Medicine

center uses robotic patients that can simulate a wide variety hoped to emulate that success at Tulane. Key innovation: medical simulation training center for of medical ailments Calzada said early results have been promising. medical students that uses responsive robotic patients “The facility was built to hospital standards,”administra- “People come in and use the center on a daily basis, and Where they’re based: New Orleans tive director Jennifer Calzada said. “It includes an emer- we have bookings through next year,”she said. “The unique gency room, an intensive care unit, an operating room and a thing about our facility is the emphasis on team training. We Year introduced: January 2009 labor and delivery suite. It’s equipped to handle any situa- are helping health care professionals perfect their communi- Top executive: Dr. James Korndorffer Jr., medical tion and allows clients to practice and perfect techniques cations skills, which are critical in emergency and high stress director with no risk to human patients.” situations.” Web site: http://tulane.edu/som/sim/ Calzada said all of the 147 life-sized robotic patients, According to training statistics through July 31, the sim- which come in adult, toddler and infant sizes, look and feel ulation center has provided training to 623 medical stu- like living, breathing humans. dents, 156 medical residents, 102 nurses and nursing stu- octors, nurses, technicians, first responders and med- “They move their eyes, they speak, they have a variable dents, 122 allied health professionals and 155 practicing Dical students living and working in the New Orleans pulse rate, they even react to doses of medication,” Calzada physicians, many of whom are external to Tulane. area now have access to hands-on medical training without said. “A simulation can even be arranged where the robotic “The training at the simulation center is tailored to meet the need for human patients. patient goes into cardiac arrest and expires.” the clients’ goals,” said Calzada said. “We ask what their Earlier this year, Tulane University School of Medicine Calzada said plans for the simulation center got started goals and objectives are,find out what they hope to learn and opened a $3 million, 14,000-square-foot medical simulation after Hurricane Katrina when Dr. Benjamin Sachs, dean of create training exercises to fit their needs.We give physicians and team training center that offers medical practitioners on the medical school, joined the staff following a stint at the opportunity to practice procedures dozens or even hun- all levels the opportunity to learn and perfect the latest tech- Harvard. She said Harvard’s medical school had enjoyed dreds of times before they ever involve their patients.”• niques and best practices for patient care and safety. The great success with a similar simulation center and Sachs — Robin Shannon

New Orleans CityBusiness 43A MEDICAL PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI

From left: Touro Infirmary Diabetes Center patient Fannie Johnson joins team members Daphne Olivier, Deatrice Jeff, Pamela Butler and Valerie Burton. Touro Infirmary Diabetes Center

Patients have to adhere to a diabetes education program the patient levels at their first and last appointments. Patients Key innovation: rescheduling patient visits and classes, enough to change how they eat, exercise and take medica- attend four classes between those tests. increasing client retention and helping control blood tions,Butler said.Before Touro made changes,60 percent of About 10 percent of Southeast Louisiana residents sugar levels the center’s patients had moved on before they’d finished a have diabetes, while about 20 percent have pre-diabetes Where they’re based: New Orleans recommended, 10-hour education program. symptoms and are at great risk of developing the disease, “To address that problem, we changed our education Butler said. Year introduced: 1994 schedule from two to four classes, made classes shorter and Insulin resistance sets the stage for diabetes’development Top executive: James Montgomery, Fellow of the tested the program over four months,” Butler said. “Good and is often accompanied by obesity, high blood pressure, American College of Healthcare Executives president things happened as a result.” abnormal cholesterol levels and heart disease, Butler said. Web site: www.touro.com Patient retention doubled to more than three-fifths of “We welcome all patients who come to us but would all clients. Of the diabetics who completed the program much rather prevent the disease than teach someone to man- by early 2009, 82 percent had reduced their average age it,” she said. “Diabetes can be prevented, even in high- ouro Infirmary’s Diabetes Center has reduced its blood sugar. risk groups, by regular exercise and by maintaining a com- Tpatients’ health risks by revamping its education pro- “That result is clinically significant and exceeds the norm fortable body weight.” gram and using the best practices available, said manager reported in the literature,” Butler said. “It is associated with New Orleans has much to offer diabetics trying to control Pam Butler. a greatly reduced risk of complications.” their disease, she said, “since we’re a walkable city with Four people staff the center, which opened in 1994 Diabetes treatment is measured with a blood test called beautiful parks and plenty of fresh food is grown in south and serves more than 400 people annually on an outpa- A1c, which provides a snapshot of a patient’s blood-sugar Louisiana.”• tient basis. control over three months, she said. The Touro center tests — Susan Buchanan

44A 2009 Innovator of the Year MEDICAL PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI

Patient Mara Plessy works with Lynn Foto, patient care manager for Touro Infirmary’s brain injury unit, in the hospital’s Transitional Living Suite. Transitional Living Suite Touro Infirmary

“But families often have a tendency to do more than they Ray said. “But because Touro has one of the most active Key innovation: a living suite that helps to train a brain should and sometimes end up making the patient more rehab programs in the country, it’s appropriate to have injury patient’s family regarding their care dependent,” Ray said. something like this here.” Where they’re based: New Orleans The vast majority of brain injuries at Touro result from Funded by private donations and the hospital’s capital gunshot wounds, followed by people involved in motor budget, the suite cost $1.5 million and already has hosted Year introduced: 2009 vehicle accidents, she said. eight families staying an average of four days. Top executive: Jeanette Ray, vice president for reha- Such patients typically undergo therapy for up to four “The suite underlines for the families the responsibility bilitation and post-acute services weeks and require ongoing treatment and care even after they have for what happens after the patient leaves the hos- Web site: www.touro.com their release. pital,” Ray said. Enter the hospital’s Transitional Living Suite,which con- The facility sees patients from throughout the South, sists of a living room and kitchen that allows family members she said. ecovery from a head injury is a complicated, delicate to live with the patient 24 hours a day and get a feel for what “If we just send them home upon their release,their fam- Rprocess, one that often becomes even more challenging it means to do enough without doing too much. ily would have no idea about what to do or how to take care after the patient leaves the hospital. Opened in April as part of a new 14-bed unit made of them. But doing it this way,living with the patient for sev- “That patient may be reliant on his family for things like up of private patient rooms, the Transitional Living eral days at a time, they can get a real feel through the ther- getting in and out of bed and the shower. He may even need Suite is unique given Touro’s mission as an acute-care apist, the nursing staff and the social workers of how much help in the shower itself,” said Jeanette Ray, vice president hospital. the patient can do.”• of rehabilitation and post-acute services at Touro Infirmary. “This sort of suite typically exists in a rehab hospital,” — Garry Boulard

New Orleans CityBusiness 45A NONPROFITS PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI

Hal Roark, executive director of the Broadmoor Development Corp., left, and Capt. Ethan Frizzell, New Orleans area commander for The Salvation Army, review plans for a home that will be built as part of the Salvation Army’s EnviRenew program. EnviRenew The Salvation Army of Greater New Orleans

The initiative, EnviRenew,works with neighborhoods to types of professionals they feel would best suit their neigh- Key innovation: a community-based disaster recovery increase green-standard homebuilding projects for owners borhoods. Of particular interest to neighborhoods are first initiative that focuses on green sustainability and who will become active members of the community. The responders, such as firemen, policemen and teachers. neighborhood cohesiveness Salvation Army has already jumpstarted the initiative in “It’s brought a great deal of recognition to the fact that Where they’re based: New Orleans Broadmoor and Riverview because of their strong neigh- housing costs are still unaffordable for first responders,” borhood associations and plans to rebuild. Frizzell said. “We are intentionally putting people in neigh- Year introduced: 2009 EnviRenew officials hope to expand to five neighbor- borhoods.” Top executive: Ethan Frizzell, area commander captain hoods and build 25 homes in each. Residents in the chosen community categories are then Web site: www.EnviRenew.com “The argument is that if we were given housing options invited to apply for grants to build homes the neighbor- that have a lower occupancy cost, then the savings could be hoods approve. used to build better homes,” said Frizzell, area commander The program has reserved $3 million to establish the n an effort to rebuild New Orleans neighborhoods, the captain for the Salvation Army. largest solar power financing district in the country, which ISalvation Army has launched a community-based disaster Frizzell, whose most recent assignment was in Columbia, will enable first responders to return to their homes as soon recovery initiative to bring cohesiveness and sustainable S.C.,said he served in Biloxi,Miss.,after Hurricane Katrina. as possible after a storm even if electrical service have not building standards to flood-affected areas of the city. “I recognized quickly while in Biloxi that if we wanted to been restored. “We recognize that New Orleans is a large area of small bring the cities back,” he said, “we have to do it in the neigh- “I’m very competitive,” Frizzell said. “I want the neigh- neighborhoods,” said Ethan Frizzell, who moved to the city borhoods.” borhoods to win. The (Salvation) Army is a significant one year ago with his wife, Sue Frizzell, and children, In addition to placing citizens in homes, EnviRenew believer in individual and community capacity.”• Canaan and Hallie. leaders also ask neighborhood associations to identify the — Amy Ferrara Smith

46A 2009 Innovator of the Year NONPROFITS PHOTO BY TRACIE MORRIS SCHAEFER

From left: Alonzo Knox, Kathia Duran and Matthew Jones taste some of the fresh produce available at the Latino Farmers Cooperative’s community market on Claiborne Avenue. Latino Farmers Cooperative of Louisiana

groups. Kathia Duran, a Latina New Orleans resident for 19 acknowledge the need. The Latino community here as a Key innovation: microfarm that produces fruits and years, coordinates the effort. people of color is a new thing.” vegetables to sell at community markets Motivated by a desire to help a minority population The cooperative serves 85 low-income members, mostly whose language and culture few nonprofits understood, Latinos, at its farm at 1410 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., Where they’re based: New Orleans Duran began nearly two years ago meeting with others who secured through a partnership with Parkway Partners. Year introduced: 2008 supported her vision. She wanted to use vacant lots in the There, co-op members cultivate fruits and vegetables to eat Top executive: Kathia Duran, executive director city to teach urban farming and marketing skills to Latino and sell at community markets. The co-op has also built laborers who could grow healthy produce for themselves chicken coops to produce poultry this fall. Web site: www.latinofarmerscoop.org and become sustainable farmers. “Thanks to an army of volunteers, we have put in place a Her first meeting at Good Shepherd Baptist Church in lot of activities with very little money,” Duran said. Metairie attracted 25 people. Realizing the challenge the The cooperative meets and holds training classes in n a blighted section of Central City,the Oretha Castle group would face working just a few hours a week, Duran Central City at locations nonprofits provide at no cost. IHaley Micro Farm thrives with fresh produce, chick- volunteered in February 2008 to work full time on the proj- “We hope in the next year to have funding for adminis- en coops and an opportunity for socioeconomic success ect, with few resources other than a commitment to serve trative offices and operating expenses,” Duran said. for the influx of Latino laborers aiding in the city’s and no office to call her own. Future plans include creating a cow/goat share club for recovery. “You’re motivated by the mission and the belief that access to raw milk and expanding to include low-income The Latino Farmers Cooperative of Louisiana includes you’re doing good for the community,” Duran said. “It's Latino communities in eastern New Orleans.• churches, universities and other nonprofit grass-roots very,very rewarding because all the people I work with, they — Diana Chandler

New Orleans CityBusiness 47A NONPROFITS PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI

New Orleans Video Access Center executive director Liz Dunnebacke has changed the nonprofit’s mission to help train people to land jobs in the city’s growing film industry. New Orleans Video Access Center

New Orleans area residents. sands of dollars on a two- or four-year program. Classes Key innovation: providing economic background Because of the constant change, NOVAC is always look- are held on evenings and weekends, making it easier for access to new technology and training for New ing ahead for the next-best-thing to serve the community, working professionals, and NOVAC also has a portable Orleans’ media industries said Liz Dunnebacke, executive director. instruction lab. Where they’re based: New Orleans Hollywood productions began flocking to Louisiana NOVAC has no plans to rest on its laurels. after state legislators passed tax credits in 2002 to entice film This fall, it will partner with Tulane University’s com- Year introduced: 1972 crews to come to Louisiana. However, those productions munications department on a community needs assessment Top executive: Liz Dunnebacke, executive director often would bring crews from out of state, leaving local to determine what forms of media the community wants Web site: www.novacvideo.org workers out in the cold. access to the most. In response, NOVAC began a film-crew training program NOVAC’s 48-Hour Film School will return in the for local workers so they could compete for the influx of film spring, giving aspiring filmmakers a weekend-long crash hen it was founded in 1972, the New Orleans and TV production jobs. NOVAC is expanding its offerings course in making short films. WVideo Access Center’s mission was to provide to not just include film and TV classes, but also other forms Dunnebacke also hopes to apply for grants and govern- access to an emerging media technology. At the time, that of creative media such as animation, graphic design and pod- ment programs that will make more financial aid and schol- technology was video. casting in addition to the film and TV classes that cover arships available to students. Thirty-seven years later, video is easily accessible to screenwriting, editing, lighting and camera work. “The growth of these businesses are what ensure a truly everyone, but NOVAC continues its mission to provide NOVAC’s classes allow students to receive training for indigenous industry in New Orleans,” Dunnebacke said.• easy and affordable access to emerging technologies for a specific skill set without having to spend tens of thou- — Fritz Esker

48A 2009 Innovator of the Year NONPROFITS PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI

From left: Jessica Venegas, Zack Rosenburg, Liz McCartney and Drue Banta take a break from rebuilding a home in St. Bernard Parish. The St. Bernard Project

way. What they wound up doing was much more. A program that began in February is the Center for Wellness Key innovation: the organization can build an average They created The St. Bernard Project, a nonprofit that and Mental Health, where members of Louisiana State size home in 12 weeks for about $15,000 using mainly has helped St. Bernard Parish residents rebuild their deci- University’s department of psychiatry work with residents. volunteer labor mated homes, and by extension, their lives. Coming soon is the Good Work Good Pay program, Where they’re based: Chalmette “Our goal is to solve Katrina-related housing and mental which will help veterans and local residents find work by Year introduced: March 2006 health issues,” Rosenburg said. “We focus mainly on sen- partnering with trade unions. A third program in the works iors, the disabled and families. We see a problem and ask, is the Fair Rate Construction Plan, which will help people Top executive: Liz McCartney and Zack Rosenburg, ‘What is the barrier?’ Then we attack the barriers.” who can afford it find a reliable contractor to rebuild their founders The organization keeps records of everything — which home at a fair price. Web site: www.stbernardproject.org homes are being worked on, who is working on them, how “St. Bernard has true family values,” Rosenburg said. far along in the process they are and what supplies are need- “People want to rebuild, raise their family and earn a living.” ed. The group has acquired new software to track the McCartney said she was more cynical before coming to hen Zack Rosenburg and Liz McCartney arrived in rebuilding process from beginning to end. the area. WChalmette from Washington, D.C., they didn’t know “From the moment we receive an application to rebuild “Now I realize that people do care, and there is a lot of anything about the tight-knit community with the neat brick to the day the family moves back into their home is a 204- generosity.I realize that life comes at you, and I have become homes, schools and churches that had existed before Aug. step process,” McCartney said as she scrolled through each more open-minded.”• 29, 2005. But they knew they wanted to help out in some step on her laptop. — Lisa Bacques

New Orleans CityBusiness 49A ON THE BRINK PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI Body Evolution

Key innovation: online body assessment tool that helps people understand their body image Where they’re based: New Orleans Year introduced: 2009 Top executive: Tom Fischmann, CEO Web site: www.thebodyimageproject.com (still in development)

ver since mirrors were invented, men and women alike Ehave struggled with issues of self image when it comes to their bodies. Diet and exercise can often dramatically change one’s body,but for some, self-perception plays more of a role than reality. Body Evolution, an online body image assessment tool, addresses the problems that more than 90 percent of people who attempt a diet ultimately fail. CEO Tom Fischmann said Body Evolution’s concept is derived from the work of Tiffany Stewart, a clinical psy- chologist at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge. Stewart has performed studies of beauty dis- orders, obesity and individuality and has treated thousands of cases through a unique way to deliver body image education and awareness to those who needed it. Fischmann, who has a background in interactive simu- lations, recently joined the company to help put the ideas into motion. “Body Evolution is about getting more to the root of our perceptions, thoughts, feelings and ultimately our behavior as it relates to food, eating, body nutrition and fitness,” Fischmann said. Through an online assessment of the individual, Body Evolution helps users visualize the gap between how they Body Evolution CEO Tom Fischmann is working on an online assessment tool to help users visualize the gap between how they see see their body and what is an ideal or acceptable body their body and what is an ideal or acceptable body image. image. Based on the findings, there may be a number of body image interventions and methods to change how users view themselves. Interactive programs will then Once you understand why body image is important and help the users develop new skills and change the percep- how deep it goes, you can stand and assess your view of tions on their own bodies. yourself,” Fischmann said. Combined with diet and exercise that actually change Body Evolution is still in development and in one’s body, the program is designed to tackle the mental October, the company will launch a research site where challenges that come with self-image and perception. it will post a sampling of what the content and experi- Fischmann said most weight loss programs focus on ence will look like. symptom relief, but Body Evolution addresses behaviors The company is testing the content in the consumer, as they relate to food, eating, body, nutrition and fitness. institutional and clerical marketplaces and is expected to “It’s not just information transfer; it’s actual skill build- launch the full product in 2010.• ing and behavioral change that is the desired outcome. — Craig Guillot

50A 2009 Innovator of the Year Elympus WirelessMedicine Neel Sushasstartedmarketing hisElympusWirelessMedicinesystemtohospitalssodoctorscanreviewpatient informationbeds relevant informationtoachart. thentranscribethe to wait foracomputertopullupthefiles, doctorneeds ground informationfrom acomputerfirst.The T Web site: Top executive: Year introduced: Where they’rebased: phone orwirelessdevice Key innovation: ON THE BRINK doctors whotypically needtoget thepatient’sback- reating patientscanbeatimeconsuming activity for www.elympus.com Neel Sus,founderandpresident review patientinformationfromacell 2006 New Orleans niiulhsia’ ed.Themobiletechnologyalso individual hospital’sneeds. Espinosasaid. medium-sized hospitals,” friendly anddoitinaway that’saffordable tosmall-and able toaccesspertinentinformationatalltimes. wanted tobe when obtaininginformationaboutpatients.He nesses didnothave theconvoluted process hospitalsdo whenhenoticedotherbusi- earlierthisdecade, Elympus, access itatalltimes. put onadoctor’sBlackberryoriPhonesothedoctorcan and founderofElympus Wireless Medicine. operatingofficer NeelSus,chief from theircellphones,”said That involved allowing forcustomizationtomeeteach make ituser- “We wanted todevelop thattechnology, CEOof Edward Espinosa, The ideacametoDr. Elympus Wireless Medicineallows thatinformationtobe anywhere, “We allow doctorstotreat patientsanytime, ide fromawirelessdevice. e n eptewr oc ee”Sussaid.• tem andkeep thework force here,” and planonkeeping ithere. andEspinosastartedthecompany inNewOrleans base,Sus other person’se-mailaddress orphonenumber. users tosendmessages withoutnecessarily knowing the vacy beinginvaded. pri- to communicatewithdoctorsdirectly without doctors’ Theywant tofindways forpatients doctor communication. launch andisintheprocess ofsigningcustomers. SussaidElympus isnow ready for for Internetaccess. eliminates theneedforhospitalstorely onwireless hotspots “We thinkit’sreally importanttohelpthishealthcare sys- While Elympus officialsplantodevelop anationalclient which allows The formatwould besimilartoFacebook, Sus andEspinosaare now lookingtoimprove patient-to- New OrleansCityBusiness — FritzEsker 51A

PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI ON THE BRINK PHOTO COURTESY JON GUIDROZ

Jon Guidroz, director of project development for Free Flow Power Development, stretches out inside the form for a water turbine that will be planted on the floor of the Mississippi River to generate power. Free Flow Power Corp.

until 2012 at the earliest, but several prototypes could be Guidroz said the process is being used in several oceans Key innovation: placing turbines at the bottom of the installed in the New Orleans area by the end of the year. worldwide, but not in the United States. Of the 55 prospec- Mississippi River to generate hydropower The project would also be a first for the Federal Regulatory tive turbine sites, 32 are in Louisiana with nine in the New Commission, which has never issued a commercial license Orleans area. Where they’re based: Gloucester, Mass. for an underwater turbine. The Louisiana turbines could power on average 500,000 Year introduced: opened New Orleans office in January “We are trailblazing here, and every day is a step forward to 600,000 American homes a year, or two nuclear power under the subsidiary Free Flow Power Development and our investment gets larger and deeper,” said Jon Guidroz, plants’ worth of production. Top executive: Daniel Irvin, president and CEO director of project development for Free Flow Power Guidroz said the company has no interest in becoming a Development,a subsidiary created in January in New Orleans utility. Two potential plans are being a developer and tech- Web site: free-flow-power.com to house the local research and testing office operations. nology manufacturer that could partner with utilities that “It’s an extensive timeline process in which a number of could sell the power, or teaming with a chemical manufac- checkpoints need to be satisfied,” he said. “Many have quit turing plant or refinery to provide it with electricity. ree Flow Power Corp., a Gloucester, Mass.-based a quarter or halfway through, and no one has gone through Guidroz said the company picked Louisiana for its sub- Fhydropower developer and technology company, is all the steps. No one would engage in this kind of investment sidiary office because of the state’s proximity to the Mississippi halfway through a five-year licensing process to use the unless there was some guarantee for that license and belief in River and the base of marine workers who are familiar with Mississippi River as an energy source. The company has our process and product.” placing energy equipment in deepwater environments. obtained preliminary federal permits to install 150,000 Plans call for the turbines to be installed on the riverbed “We are excited to be located in New Orleans and look to underwater turbine generators at 55 sites between New where they would not be visible or interfere with shipping. create possibly 1,000 jobs here once are licenses are issued,” Orleans and St. Louis at a cost of $3 billion. The water current spins blades in turbines that activate a Guidroz said.• The company cannot break ground on the turbines generator to produce electricity. — Tommy Santora

52A 2009 Innovator of the Year ON THE BRINK PHOTO BY SHANNON DIECIDUE

Global-E

Key innovation: a 100 percent electric car that can exceed 100 miles per gallon fuel equivalency Where they’re based: Mandeville Year introduced: February 2008 Top executive: Carl Guichard, founder Web site: www.TeamGlobal-E.com or www.Global-E.US

arl Guichard grew up with a love for cars. And now Cthat his company,Global-E is developing and refining a series of electric and hybrid vehicles that are “durable, long-lasting and environmentally friendly,” he’s even more revved up. One of those vehicles is the Pulse, a four-passenger car that is a 100-percent electric plug-in. It takes four and a half hours to charge, can go 70 mph and meets all federal safety standards,Guichard said.It also has air-conditioning,power steering,power brakes,solar panels on the roof and eight feet of storage space. While Global-E is moving into production with one model, the company is looking for venture capital to produce more cars. “We will capture 3 (percent) to 4 percent of the market initially because the major car companies are over-expanded and are parts-centered. Since we don’t have their huge infrastructure, we can bring these super efficient vehicles to market faster.” Guichard said the key is changing the consumer’s mindset. “We are doing what Henry Ford did, making cars for the common man. In the event of an accident, the battery will Global-E founder Carl Guichard stands behind one of his electric concept cars that can exceed 100 miles per gallon fuel equivalency. shut off. No acid or fuel will be leaking on the ground.” Guichard said a mechanic won’t be a necessity for basic repairs. Global-E is participating in the Progressive Insurance “This car doesn’t have 700 parts in areas where you can’t Automotive X-Prize competition as part of its marketing get your hands on them,” he said. strategy.Teams will compete for their share of a $10 million Global-E, whose home office is in Mandeville, is in the prize. The winner, which will be revealed in 2010, will be process of securing a site in south Louisiana, Guichard said, the vehicle that wins a rigorous, long-distance stage compe- while another property is being prepared in Los Angeles. tition and can get more than 100 miles per gallon. The company is also looking for space on the Gulf Coast to Guichard, an aerospace engineer at the Stennis Space assemble the cars. Center, participated with the X-Prize Foundation to help “We have 35 employees now and should have 150 build the rules for the competition. employees by January or February. From there, we will “We currently have three vehicles competing and should expand to 500 during the next two years,” Guichard said. finish in the top five.”• “In about five years, we should have 2,000 employees.” — Lisa Bacques

New Orleans CityBusiness 53A ON THE BRINK PHOTO BY FRANK AYMAMI

Koda network members include young professionals such as, front row from left, Joanna Curran, Kristen Sullivan, Lauren Card and Kristen Sullivan, and, back row from left, Cyril Celestine, Brett Bergeron and Tara Curtis. Koda

wondering where to turn,” said Berger, who with York, Because many young job-seekers are not always certain Key innovation: a combined social networking and job majored in business at Tulane University. “Social networks about the type of company they want to work for, viewing listing site are social, but they are not going to help you get a job. So we advertised positions on traditional job-posting sites is some- began to work on creating a platform that helps you express times regarded as a limiting experience because the posting Where they’re based: New Orleans and San Francisco who you are while discovering, at the same time, the job usually says little about the company itself. Year introduced: 2009 opportunities that are out there.” Koda allows visitors to network with representatives Top executive: Jeff Berger, CEO Officially launched in May,Koda’s first round of funding from the company in conversations designed to give the has proved promising. In less than four months it has potential employer and employee a chance to know each Web site: koda.us secured about $3 million in start-up capital. At the same other better. time, Koda has formed relationships with more than 400 Pulling up-to-date listings from employers’ Web sites, corporations, private businesses and nonprofits. Koda is also designed to provide postings and information ites promoting social networking are usually good for “The idea is to change the way that people with roughly on thousands of job openings throughout the country. Sjust that, while companies posting job notices on the zero to five years of experience connect with companies to Koda was conceived in New Orleans and has an office in Web rarely offer anything more than just the most basic find jobs,” Berger said. the city. information. The site focuses on the entry- to mid-level job market. “But because some of the funding we have received was To merge both worlds, Jeff Berger and Tony York have “It’s really gotten steam in the last few weeks, with in San Francisco and the outsource partners we are using for created Koda.us, a social recruiting site connecting talent about 125 companies joining,” Berger said. “At the same Web development were also there, we have decided to make with companies. time, individuals are signing up, and they are a necessary that city our headquarters,” Berger said.• “When I was in school, I remember looking for jobs and piece of the puzzle.” — Garry Boulard

54A 2009 Innovator of the Year ON THE BRINK PHOTO COURTESY KOOVOOM

KooVoom

Key innovation: working to establish an office in New Orleans for an existing, global online lottery that runs 17,000 games per day Where they’re based: Antigua, Barbuda, Connecticut, Florida and New York Year introduced: 2007 (expected to launch in Japan and South Korea in 2010) Top executive: William Frost, chairman

ooVoom Inc., an online gaming group based in the KCayman Islands, hopes to establish a sizable production and technology presence in New Orleans soon, company chairman William Frost said. The firm runs a pro- prietary electronic program for lotteries played mainly in Asia and South America. Online gaming is illegal in the United States, but the industry is watching a bill sponsored by Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., that could make it lawful soon. Frank said in July that support for his legislation was growing and he predicted Congress will approve it next year. If that bill passes, KooVoom intends to be the first company to apply for a U.S. gaming license, Frost said. And if KooVoom obtains a permit,it may eventually need more than 100 employees in New Orleans for production of televised lottery drawings, technology work and call centers, he said. Depending on the outcome of a bill in Congress, KooVoom chairman William Frost hopes to establish an office in New Orleans to support “We have 17,000 lottery drawings a day, with the larger an existing, global online lottery that runs 17,000 games per day. drawings being televised.” KooVoom expects to set up shop initially in pre-struc- tured space in New Orleans but, as its staff grows, could and start-ups to locate in the city and by opening centers to eventually refurbish its own building, Frost said. house those firms. “We’ll have various backup facilities to ensure proper Meanwhile, KooVoom is or allocating a significant latency,” or transmission of data, he said. portion of its revenue to an international charitable enti- KooVoom is negotiating with the state’s Department of ty called Silent Partner, which will focus on several Economic Development for digital-media tax credits and needy causes, including post-Katrina rebuilding, Frost has sought assistance from Greater New Orleans Inc.,which said. created the city’s Digital Industry Alliance last year. A 2006 law prohibits U.S. financial institutions from Frost likens KooVoom’s interest in Louisiana to that of taking credit card payments, electronic transfers or Electronic Arts, or EA, the video-game manufacturer that checks to settle online wagers. And even before 2006, the last year said it would locate a sports software center in U.S. Justice Department viewed Internet gambling as ille- Baton Rouge using state tax credits. gal. Meanwhile, gaming sites have prospered overseas to GNO Inc. and New Orleans officials are trying to diver- become multibillion-dollar business worldwide.• sify the local economy by encouraging technology groups — Susan Buchanan

New Orleans CityBusiness 55A ON THE BRINK PHOTO BY TRACIE MORRIS SCHAEFER Limb regeneration Tulane University

Key innovation: studying how salamanders naturally regenerate limbs and trying to change the way humans generate scar tissue after an injury Where they’re based: New Orleans Year introduced: in development Top executive: Ken Muneoka, John and Mary Wright Ebaugh chairman in science and engineering at Tulane University

an’s quest to conquer the mysteries of the human Manatomy isn’t a new concept, and that search continues with researchers at Tulane University studying the regenerative properties of human tissue. Biology professor Ken Muneoka is working with a team of scientists from the University of California at Irvine and the University of Kentucky to change the way humans generate scar tissue in a typical wound-healing process. “I think we’re at a point now with the human genome project completed, the cloning work that’s been going on and the stem cell research that has been going on, that it’s within our grasp to regenerate complex structures as in animals that normally regenerate,” Muneoka said. Muneoka’s collaborators study the complex genetics of salamanders that naturally regenerate limbs,while he studies Tulane University graduate student Jennifer Simkin examines specimens for limb regeneration studies with biology professor Ken Muneoka. the dynamics of digit regeneration in mice. “Part of this project is the collaboration I have with a couple of other labs that work on amphibians. Their job is to “It’s very much down the road,” Muneoka said, “But develop that blueprint, and my part is to apply that.” that’s the vision in trying to uncover how to get to the self- The mice serve as a model for humans. potential, which is the tissue’s potential to regenerate. This But there are certain genes and proteins that must be acti- is a first step in that direction.” vated for the plan to work, and that’s what Muneoka and his The Department of Defense has already devoted $6.25 team seek to implement in human life. The long-term goal is million to the project, which Muneoka says would bring the actual regeneration of lost limbs, but that may not mate- notoriety to the city.• rialize until the next few decades. — John Breerwood

56A 2009 Innovator of the Year The TOP business publication in the United States

for the second straight year — The Media— Audit The Media Audit

Louisiana Press Association Alliance of Area Business Better Newspaper Competition Publications Awards • 1st place, Best Front Page • 1st place, Best Body of Work — Richard A. Webster • 1st place, Best Continuing Coverage • 1st place, Best Editorial • 1st place, Best Investigative Reporting • 1st place, Best Investigative Story • 1st place, Best Special Section • 2nd place, Best Feature • 2nd place, Best Investigative Reporting • 2nd place, Best Headline • 2nd place, Best News Coverage • 2nd place, Best Ancillary Publication • 3rd place, Best Regular Column • 3rd place, Best E-Newsletter • 3rd place, Graphic Design

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Thriv PHOTO BY TRACIE MORRIS SCHAEFER Natural Performance

Key innovation: athletic apparel made from a bamboo fabric Where they’re based: New Orleans Year introduced: company was founded in 2008, and product goes to market in October Top executive: Todd Andrews, president Web site: www.thrivnp.com

lothing is an important component for those who Cwork out on a regular basis. Jumping into the multibillion athletic apparel market, New Orleans-based Thriv Natural Performance has created a breathable, anti- microbial fabric that offers ultraviolet ray protection and wicks away moisture. Thriv was born from Andrews Sport Co., an athletic clothing manufacturer in business for more than 13 years. Branching out from its current lines, the company was looking to capitalize on the growing market for hi-tech synthetic sports apparel to compete against companies such as Under Armour, Nike and Reebok. Chafing is a frequent complaint from endurance athletes when it comes to their clothing, while others say their high-tech garments retain smells no matter how much they wash them. Thriv President Todd Andrews said two years of research and development at factories in India led them to a unique material made from bamboo and cotton that offers all Clockwise from left: Scott Andrews, Todd Andrews, Al Andrews and Cindy Andrews show off Thriv Natural Performance’s athletic apparel the benefits in one fabric. made from a bamboo fabric. “It’s as comfortable as silk, performs as well as the syn- thetics and we realized it had tremendous application for the athletic apparel market,” Andrews said. “It has all the char- With most similar products priced between $24 and $55, acteristics of polyester but is a lot more comfortable. We call Thriv is aiming to compete with brands such as Nike and it workout cashmere.” Under Armour. Some of the first prototypes were given to the strength Made from a renewable resource, Thriv’s product line is and conditioning coach for the New Orleans Hornets.Thriv also eco-friendly, a characteristic Andrews plans to use in now has a patent pending on the process of the fabric it calls marketing. Bamco. “It’s much easier on the environment than polyester, The products will be available in 50 Sports Authority loca- which is a petroleum-based product. We’re using bamboo, tions throughout the country by October and will include 14 which is grown organically without pesticides.”• women’s styles and 12 men’s styles in multiple colors. — Craig Guillot

58A 2009 Innovator of the Year The TOP business publication in the United States - The Media Audit 2010 Editorial Calendar Space Reservation Deadline: Two weeks prior to issue date Camera-Ready Art Deadline: One week prior to issue date JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH Education Health Care Banking/Financial Services 4 List: Two-Year Colleges 1 List: Mental Health Care Facilities 1 List: Mortgage Companies List: Health & Fitness Centers Accounting Real Estate 8 Technology 11 List: Accounting Firms 8 List: Residential Real Estate Companies List: Telephone/ Telecommunications Companies 18 Banking/Financial Services Law Firms Top Private Companies List: Stock & Bond Brokerage Firms 15 List: Court Reporting Firms 15 List: Private Companies List: Health & Fitness Centers Energy Green Growth Education 25 List: Oil & Gas Production Companies 22 List: Private Elementary Schools List: Auto Dealers Dining & Catering 22 List: Hotel Caterers Ports & Transportation Downtown/Warehouse District 29 List: Custom House Brokers/Freight Forwarders Business Report Health Care Annual March 29 APRIL MAY JUNE Health Care Dining & Catering Health Care 5 List: Acute Care Hospitals 3 List: Independent Caterers 7 List: HMOs/PPOs & Point of Service Plans Real Estate Real Estate 12 List: Business Parks Banking/Financial Services 14 List: Largest Office Buildings List: Architectural Firms 10 List: Bank/S & L Directors Green Growth Insurance/Investments 21 Public Companies 19 List: Property & Casualty Insurance Agencies Law Firms List: Public Companies Small Business 17 List: Law Firms Insurance/Investments 26 28 List: Life Insurance Agencies List: SBA Lenders Technology Jefferson Parish 24 List: Wireless Telephone Retailers St. Tammany Parish Business Report Business Report Accounting/Small Business Home Buyers Guide April 5 31 List: Highest Paid Public Company Executives JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER Education Real Estate Banking/Financial Services 5 2 List: Commercial Leasing Companies 6 List: Savings & Loans List: Four-Year Colleges Green Growth Dining & Catering Health Care 13 List: Seafood Suppliers Dining & Catering 9 List: Diagnostic Imaging Centers 12 List: French Quarter Hotels Technology Education Construction 16 List: Computer Hardware Retailers 20 List: Private Secondary Schools Banking/Financial Services Fastest Growing Companies Ports & Transportation 19 List: Credit Unions Law Firms 27 List: Deep-Draft Ports 23 List: Highest Paid Executives in State West Bank Business Report Government Health Care Benefits Sept. 27 Energy Insurance/Investments 26 List: Engineering Firms 30 List: General Contractors Book of Lists OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER Holiday Party Planning Dining & Catering Real Estate 4 List: Largest Hotels 1 List: Louisiana & Gulf Coast Casinos 6 List: Warehouse Space Accounting Green Growth Banking/Financial Services Corporate Gift Guide 8 Advertising Section Real Estate List: Banks 11 List: Commercial Property Managers Energy Health Care 15 List: Oil & Gas Production Companies 13 List: Employment Agencies 18 Health Care Technology List: Women Owned Businesses 22 List: Printers Retail Tourism 20 List: Shopping Centers Jefferson Parish Law Firms Business Report 29 List: Law Firms Year In Review Corporate Gift Guide 27 List: New Orleans-area Tourist Attractions Insurance/Investments Advertising Section 25 List: Title Companies Real Estate Trends November 29

NOTE: Editorial information listed to appear in particular issues was accurate, to the best of our editor's knowledge, at the time this schedule was prepared. However, changes may be made in these scheduled dates for reasons beyond our editor's control. CityBusiness is mailed every Friday. Your source for local business news ...helping businesses grow stronger Contact Lisa Blossman (504) 293-9226 • Fax: (504) 293-9720 • E-mail: [email protected] www.neworleanscitybusiness.com