Market Update

Tyler Hatrel, Financial Advisor – Edward Jones Investments

Tyler provided a status of financial markets saying that ten years prior to the pandemic companies were in a sustained growth period. Interest rates were sustainable and there was sustained growth worldwide. Then the pandemic hit creating a drop in earnings and stock values declined quickly. The government stepped in and the Federal Reserve recognized the need for economic stimulus. They increased liquidity throughout the economy and adjusted interest rates by cutting rates to zero making borrowing money easier. This resulted in markets and earnings going up as a whole. Fast forward to 2022 and the Feds are now fighting inflation. Tyler commented market volatility and pent up demand that will drive the stock market.

Hatrel commented that interest rates are projected to increase by the end of March and then gradually increase each quarter from a quarter to a half percent until the end of 2022. Inflation is at six percent year over year and doesn’t appear to be slowing down as labor markets sort themselves out and slow interest rate increases.

More about the speaker: Tyler Hatrel, Financial Advisor Edward Jones

Membership

If you have a prospect, please have them connect with Jacquie Bonano (interim membership chairman) at membership@gnoea.com

Thank You & Announcements

Kevin introduced guests: Charlie Juge, son of Richard Juge, RE/MAX Commercial Brokers and Tompson Murray, son of Stanton Murray, Murray Yacht Sales.

Jesse Hoppes, Leaaf Environmental Services, recommended researching the small business programs being offered by Louisiana Economic Development. He will invite the Assistant Director of LED to give a presentation at a future GNOEA meeting.

Kenny Knobloch, Help! A/C and Heating, applauded Tyler for his professionalism when moving his employee’s to his office.

Kevin Pedeaux, CR Coffee Shops thanked Paul Cosma, Uptown Auto Specialist for his help.

Ed McCloskey, Estate Planning thanked Carl Bourgeois, Al Bourgeois Plumbing, for work done.

Certificates of appreciation were given to board members who served July 2020 – December 2021: Ed McCloskey, Catherine Shreves

New board members announced:

President, Kevin Pedeaux, CR Coffee Shops

President Elect, Catherine Shreves, Image Video Solutions – January – June 2022

Directors replacing Catherine Shreves, Lola Lass and Ed Mccloskey (January 2022 – June 2023)

Chad Perrier, UDI

George Rojas, Scheuring Security Services

Marcus Azzarello, Franklynn Pest Control

Q1 2022 dues invoices were emailed.

Upcoming Meeting Schedule (all events at Rooftop on Basin)

  • February 15 – The Rising of Bayou Phoenix & Board Meeting – Jacquie Bonano, JBL Communications and Catherine Shreves, Image Video Solutions – Board meeting to follow
  • February 22 – TBA
  • March 1– Mardi Gras
  • March 8 – Michael Sawaya, Ernest Morial Convention Center
  • March 22 – Christopher Cassagne, Assistant Director, Small Business Services for Louisiana Economic Development.
  • March 31 – Membership Drive – Reception 5:30- 7:00p.m.
  • April 5th – TBA
  • April 12th – Joe Giarusso, New Orleans City Council District A
  • April 19th – TBA

Check website for updates and bulletins that include upcoming events. Meeting events are on the calendar.