Juneau to speak at Rise & Shine gathering

If you don’t mind talking business early in the morning, Dan Juneau, president of the state’s chief commercial lobbying group the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, will speak at a breakfast 7:30 a.m. Thursday, April 19, at the Western Sizzlin’ Steakhouse (411 N. Canal Blvd. in Thibodaux) about legislation attempting to bring more insurance policy writers to Louisiana.

“There are so few companies writing insurance in Louisiana,” said Kathy Benoit, president and CEO of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, which is sponsoring the breakfast as part of its quarterly Rise and Shine lecture program.

“The Louisiana insurance commissioner (James Donelon),” Benoit said, “along with Gov. Blanco, will try to introduce legislation to make writing insurance policies more attractive.”

She said that the commissioner wants more insurance “companies to increase competition to drive down rates.”

Benoit said also that Juneau will talk about “a coalition being formed to introduce legislation on ethics reform” which “LABI signed on to.”

“LABI has a statewide focus so it doesn’t normally get into specific needs” affecting Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.

Juneau speaks once annually in the area, alternating yearly between Thibodaux and Houma, she said.

The talk is open to Chamber members, and to anyone interested in attending. Call (985) 446-1187 for reservations.