Business briefs for June 24, 2012
Variable Bore Rams opens Texas center
Variable Bore Rams Inc. in Broussard, which makes blowout preventer components and ram providers, has added a distribution center in Yoakum, Texas.
President Hines M. “Chip” Marshall Jr. said the new distribution center would reduce response time in west and south Texas by more than 20 hours. The distribution center’s equipment will include a large variety of inventory specifically selected for these regions. He said the location would make it easier to rotate inventory from VBR’s headquarters in Louisiana.
Danos & Curole becomes Danos
Global energy industry contractor Danos & Curole in LaRose has changed its name to just Danos to reflect changes to its marketing program in response to the company’s growth, the company said.
Danos was founded in 1947 as a maritime service company. Since then, it’s grown into a global company with more than 1,200 employees and lines of energy-support such as construction, fabrication, coatings, shorebase and logistics management.
Cellcontrol, insurer launch pilot program
Baton Rouge-based Cellcontrol and Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange, known as PURE, have launched a pilot program to prevent distracted driving accidents among teenagers.
Cellcontrol’s devices prevent drivers from using their cellphones, laptops and tablets while driving. As part of the program, the insurance company will offer complementary Cellcontrol devices and a year’s subscription to Cellcontrol’s technology to drivers under 18, the company said. The insurance company’s customers also will get discounts on Cellcontrol technology and plans to offer discounts to youthful drivers who use a cell-blocking device.
Pixel Dash Studios enters tech park
Pixel Dash Studios, a digital media production company, has become a tenant of the Louisiana Technology Park on Florida Boulevard.
Pixel Dash specializes in interactive media, video game development, mobile application development and 3D animation. The studio will start with a staff of five.
Co-founders are Evan Smith and Jason Tate. Pixel Dash started in Louisiana Technology Park’s Tech Park U program. Since completing the program, the company has developed training simulations, apps and games for the Web, Facebook, iPhone and iPad, including its most recent title, “Fans vs. Franchise.”
Bar Method fitness opens on Bluebonnet
The Bar Method Baton Rouge, a franchised fitness center, has opened at 8645 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite C, near Perkins Rowe. Jean Chou opened the business.
The company said it merges the principles of isometrics, interval training and dance conditioning in a one-hour strengthening and stretching class that emphasizes sculpting by targeting the muscles that play the largest role in changing the shape of the body. The center also offers onsite child care.
For more information, go to http://batonrouge.barmethod.com.
LSU holding fraud, forensics conference
The LSU Department of Accounting will hold its 2012 Fraud & Forensic Accounting Conference July 23-24 at the Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge, 4728 Constitution Ave.
The conference will feature a mix of nationally known fraud speakers, experienced practitioners and regulators. Participants can earn up to 16 hours of continuing professional education credit or 13 hours of continuing legal education.
The fee is $300. Conference details can be found and registration completed online at http://business.lsu.edu/Accounting/fraud/Pages/2012-Fraud-and-Forensic-Accounting-Conference.aspx.