Downtown Development District : Newsletter

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What's Up Downtown June 15, 2009

		Registration Begins for Business Development Series This Summer Small and large businesses are invited to participate in development workshops and seminars this summer in Downtown New Orleans. The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Louisiana Small Business Development Center, has announced a workshop series designed to help small business owners maximize profitability. Experts in business development will cover a wide range of topics, from financing to marketing and networking strategies. The series begins Tuesday, June 16. For more information and to register, e-mail Serina Phoenix at sphoenix@neworleanschamber.com. In addition, on July 2, the State of Louisiana's Office of the Lieutenant Governor will present a seminar for small business owners on developing successful strategies for challenging times. Participants will receive information and guidance from the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, Louisiana Department of Economic Development, Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Small Business Administration, and Louisiana Minority Business Council. Featured speakers will include Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu and Joy Collins, General Manager of ESSENCE, Inc. For the agenda and registration information, visit www.crt.state.la.us/mybusiness. For more information on the DDD's development and support resources, visit www.neworleansdowntown.com.

		City of New Orleans to Purchase Former Chevron Building; Plans to Convert Into New City Hall Underway A spokesperson from City Hall has confirmed that the City of New Orleans has agreed to purchase the former Chevron Corp. operations center in Downtown New Orleans and convert it into a new city hall. Mayor Ray Nagin stated that both parties have agreed to an $8 million price for the 325,000-square-foot, 21-story building.

		Audubon Insectarium Celebrates One Year ANT-iversary On Canal Street With a Month of Activities To Make You Buggy! Thousands of live and mounted insects will welcome visitors this month to celebrate the one-year ANT-iversary of Audubon Insectarium on Canal Street! The Insectarium boasts 23,000 square feet of flying, crawling, and creeping fun in the heart of Downtown and just a few blocks from the Audubon Aquarium. Special events are planned throughout the month of June, including visits from Spider-Man, a remote broadcast by Radio Disney, and musical performances. For more information on Audubon Insectarium, visit www.auduboninstitute.org/insectarium.

		Louisiana Children's Museum Keeps Making Groceries After 24 Years On Saturday, June 13, the Louisiana Children’s Museum officially unveiled its latest renovated exhibit, “Little Winn-Dixie.” Since the Louisiana Children’s Museum first opened in 1986, it has included a grocery store exhibit scaled just for children. Little ones barely able to walk have pulled themselves up, and pushed mini shopping carts down the aisles, grabbing colorful objects. Older children have tested their math and literacy skills, learning about nutrition and honing their social skills through role play with other children and family members. “Throughout the years, the Museum has worked with great local grocers to bring children a realistic, learning-rich exhibit environment that is just plain fun!” says Julia Bland, LCM Executive Director. “Today, Winn-Dixie helps keep the exhibit up-to-date with the latest in grocery store design and food items, but more importantly, Winn-Dixie helps the Museum deliver essential experiences that are key to healthy child development,” continues Bland. For more information about the Louisiana Children's Museum, visit www.lcm.org.

		Here's a Little Bit More of What's Up Downtown This Week... Wednesday at the Square Presented by the New Orleans Saints This is the last week of the popular spring concert series, Wednesday at the Square. GALACTIC and the Hot 8 Brass Band will both perform in Lafayette Square Park. This week is sure to draw one of the largest crowds of the year, so get there early! Ogden After Hours Every Thursday evening, experience one of Downtown's most fabulous museums while enjoying live entertainment and a cold cocktail. On June 18, Ogden After Hours presents jazz/funk artist Brian Seeger from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Seeger was recently dubbed "one of New Orleans' best jazz guitarists" by The Gambit. Bourbon & Burlesque The third annual Bourbon & Burlesque "swinging soiree" is Saturday, June 20 at the Contemporary Arts Center. Enjoy complimentary specialty cocktails, a special aerial striptease performance by world-renowned burlesque artist Angela Eve as well as several local troupes, a cigar parlor, and a premium raffle. Enjoy!

For more information on any of the articles featured in What's Up Downtown, or to submit an item for consideration, contact Lauren Hotard at lhotard[at]neworleansdowntown.com.