Louisiana Bankers Association News

Conrad Industries Announces Appointment of Larry J. Callais to its Board of DirectorsMorgan City, La. based shipbuilding group Conrad Industries, Inc. announced on Firday that it has appointed Larry J. Callais to its Board of Directors. Callais will serve as an independent Class I director, and as a member of the company’s Independent Directors Committee, effective immediately.Johnny Conrad, Conrad Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are pleased to welcome Larry Callais to our Board.

Louisiana Governor Blanco announced that the $30 million Extended Bridge Loan program for small businesses affected by last year's hurricanes has been depleted in less than three weeks. The program has authorized 326 loans, with loan amounts averaging approximately $88,000 each. The program was designed to provide cash infusions for businesses awaiting insurance payments or other financial assistance. "Extended Bridge Loans are helping small businesses across South Louisiana rebuild, re-hire and rejuvenate their operations," said Governor Blanco. Initiated by Louisiana Economic Development (LED), the program was administered through the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority (LPFA) and private banks. "We anticipated that the urgent need for funds would quickly deplete the available pool.