Declarations

Growth Positive

“Despite all of the domestic economic uncertainty, the Mid-America survey points to positive growth for the final quarter of 2013.”

—Creighton University professor and economist Ernie Goss, who oversees a quarterly survey of business leaders in nine Midwest and Plains states. A report released on October 1 suggests that manufacturing growth will help fuel the regional economy through the end of the year.

No Flood, Just Sandbags

“It’s always easier to pick up sandbags than to clean up a flood.”

—Lafitte, La., Mayor Timothy Kerner commenting on the removal of sandbags placed in low-lying stretches of shoreline along Bayou Barataria, in advance of the expected landfall of what was once Tropical Storm Karen. Bayou Barataria empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Kenner said he was relieved that the storm lost steam off the coast and didn’t continue to push up the tide in his flood-prone community.

Top Down

“The culture, as you will see, comes from the very top.”

—Gregory Kafoury, a Portland, Ore., lawyer representing three women seeking $6 million each in lawsuits that accuse an anesthesiologist of sedating patients and colleagues and then sexually abusing them. The suits also name the hospital, Mid-Columbia Medical Center, and two top officials.

Combating Distracted Driving

“New York State is continuing to use every tool at its disposal to combat texting while-driving.”

—New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on the state’s unveiling of “Texting Zones” last month to help reduce distracted driving. Some 90 existing Park-n-Ride facilities, rest stops and parking areas along the state’s thruway and highways will now dual-function as Texting Zones to give motorists a pull-off area to park and use their mobile devices.

Unique Situation

“We’re facing something almost unique in Florida, which is really a period of stability [in workers’ compensation]. A lot of states experience this, but Florida doesn’t often.”

—Lori Lovgren, NCCI