Baton Rouge Business Report

ELIFIN is promoting a fully built-out former dermatology clinic at 163 Burgin Ave, offering approximately ±4,017 SF of space for medical, dental, or professional use without buildout costs. Located off Highland Rd and near LSU, the property features exam rooms and private offices in a location with C1 zoning.

ExxonMobil supports Louisiana through commitments that extend beyond its operations, focusing on community partnerships across the state. The company invests in workforce development programs, supporting local schools, educational opportunities, teacher development, and technical training for future skills. Furthermore, ExxonMobil has funded expanded emergency response training for first responders and invested in local initiatives like St. Landry Parish’s GIS mapping system.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, healthy habits can help lower risk. Research suggests that addressing modifiable risk factors could potentially delay or prevent nearly half of all dementia cases. Simple steps to support brain health include staying active, getting quality sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and staying socially connected.

ELIFIN is promoting a six-unit retail strip center at 1750 Brightside Dr for $1,700,000. This fully leased property near LSU in Baton Rouge generates stable income and is positioned along a growing retail corridor that sees nearly 18,000 cars per day.

Executone of Louisiana provides advanced communication and technology solutions to businesses across Louisiana and southeast Texas. The company offers services like hosted voice/data communications, healthcare systems, videoconferencing, and smartboards to various sectors, including education, healthcare, government, and corporate offices.

When worried about someone, particularly regarding potential eating disorders, individuals are advised to focus on changes in behavior rather than commenting on weight or physical appearance. Since these disorders may not show obvious signs, look out for behavioral shifts such as avoiding meals, withdrawing from others, or expressing constant concern over calories or body image. The first step toward getting help can simply be letting someone know they are seen and supported.

ELIFIN is promoting a 11,650-square-foot neighborhood strip center located at 9656 Burbank Dr., on an .87-acre corner in South Baton Rouge. The property features nine suites and six current tenants, boasting 89% occupancy, annualized rent growth, and recently renovated systems. The area benefits from high daily traffic, with about 22,158 cars passing through the corridor.

The Giving Guide is returning this November and offers nonprofits a chance to grow awareness and expand support by connecting them with local businesses, community leaders, and philanthropists. Participating involves showcasing an organization's mission through charitable giving, sponsorships, and volunteerism, reaching audiences via direct mail (to Business Report subscribers) and digital platforms like Business Report, 225, and inRegister.

The author, Rolfe McCollister Jr., shared an old list of ideas for "Baton Rouge 2022," written after reflecting on the period between 1982 and 2002. These suggestions included developing a vibrant riverfront, renovating buildings like the Capitol House and Swaggart building, identifying economic engines such as LSU and the Pennington Center, and improving infrastructure with mass transit and sewer systems. The piece invites readers to review these goals and assess how Baton Rouge has progressed since 2002.

Workplaces That Work is a special advertising section celebrating Capital Region employers setting standards for workplace excellence. This opportunity allows organizations to showcase their people, culture, and values through professional photography and compelling stories. The initiative helps companies enhance their reputation, strengthen their brand, and position them as an employer of choice.

East Baton Rouge Parish School Board leaders have expressed support for Superintendent LaMont Cole following his indictment on corruption charges. The leaders stated they are standing behind Cole despite the legal action against him.

A sushi restaurant concept from Metairie, Sushi Nami, is set to open its second location near the Mall of Louisiana. An occupancy permit was issued this week for the new restaurant, which is moving into a former Red Lobster property.

Bank of America spends over $250 million annually on GLP-1 weight loss drugs for employees, combining access with health coaching to reduce long-term healthcare costs. Microsoft reported $24.1 billion in AI revenue from OpenAI, which constitutes 70% of its AI business, despite diversification efforts. Vital Signals raised $15 million to launch a $399 cuffless blood pressure wearable, Signal Ring, entering a competitive market with unproven real-world reliability.

The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce board of directors has appointed Angela Alessi, owner of Heirloom Journeys LLC, as interim CEO. The appointment follows a recent leadership transition.

Louisiana's decision to allow riverboat casinos to relocate to land has boosted Baton Rouge's gaming market, with Bally’s Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel and The Queen Baton Rouge reporting significant revenue increases and job creation after redevelopment. The region's annual casino revenue rose from $65 million to $80 million, attracting diverse visitors and reshaping downtown's entertainment landscape.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated a potential deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be announced soon, as Iran and Oman progress toward an agreement on the critical waterway. The conflict, which began on Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli involvement, has disrupted shipping through the strait, raising fuel and goods prices globally and straining the economy.

The U.S. will ban exports of lithium-ion battery scrap and tungsten waste for one year to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on China. Private employers added 44,000 jobs in July, the lowest this year, with strong wage growth for job changers. Mortgage applications fell as rates hit 6.81%, the highest in over a year, though rates have since declined.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Council on Aging is planning to convert a former grocery store into a senior activity center in north Baton Rouge to expand services for seniors.

An attorney is requesting the sheriff to stop LSU's tax collections due to a boundary dispute. LSU's Economic Development District has collected over $876,000 in sales taxes as of May but lacks clear maps of excluded areas.

Healthcare in the Capital Region faces growing complexity due to population expansion and aging, rising demand for services, and workforce challenges. The Excellence in Healthcare Awards recognize leaders, organizations, and innovations addressing these issues through improved care delivery and technological advancements.