Houma was selected by Louisiana Economic Development to complete an intensive six-month pilot program that will help communities throughout the state to effectively compete with out-of-state communities for good jobs, business development projects and capital investment. As part of that process, a short community-wide survey has been developed to gather feedback from our citizens.

The Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce is joining with The Courier to produce the 2010 Houma-Terrebonne Business and Community Guide. The guide is a directory of all Chamber member businesses and also promotes the Parish as a tourist destination and relocation guide.

U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., commented on the announcement by the White House that $36 million for coastal restoration efforts in Louisiana was included in President Obama's FY 2011 budget. While federal funds have been used for construction of coastal restoration projects through other programs championed by Senator Landrieu, this marks the first time that any President has put such funds in his budget.

As you travel throughout Terrebonne parish, “Green” activities are abundantly visible. Strategically placed recycling bins have been overwhelmingly popular. In 2010, the parish's goal is to increase the presence of recycling sites. Here is a list of what should and should not be recycled:

In a recent Portfolio.com analysis of how all 50 states and the District of Columbia fared during the recession, Louisiana ranked second best with an overall economic index of 7.298. North Dakota was the only state that fared better than Louisiana with an overall economic index of 7.463.

Efforts to thwart a federal plan to ban the sale of fresh oysters harvested from the Gulf of Mexico during warm-weather months gained momentum in the U.S. Senate Monday when Senators Bill Nelson, D-Fla., and Mary Landrieu, D-La., introduced a bill to block funding for the proposal.

United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., vowes to fight a new Federal Drug Administration (FDA) proposal that would end the sale of raw oysters that are not subjected to post-harvest processing techniques.This FDA regulation would adversely affect the state's oyster industry and could cripple many South Louisiana restaurants that feature oysters on their menus.

In recognition of the small business community's contribution to the American economy and society, the President of the United States designates one week each year as National Small Business Week. Small Business Week 2010 will be celebrated nationally May 23-25, 2010 in Washington, D.C.