Fuel Economy

With the recent increase in gas prices, consumers are becoming more interested in fuel-efficiency. www.fueleconomy.gov is an online resource brought to you by the United States Department of Energy and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

The website provides fuel economy ratings for cars and trucks from 1985 to the present. Many models include real-world estimates (provided by website users) and environmental impact ratings. One tool allows you to compare different car models side by side. These comparisons break down fuel usage into dollars, so you can better estimate the cost basis for purchasing more fuel-efficient vehicles. For example, a 2008 Toyota Prius will cost an estimated $3064 less per year to fuel than a 2003 Ford Expedition ($1338 vs. $4402 per 15000 miles at $4.11 per gallon).

Articles provide gas-saving tips. There is a downloadable, printable fuel economy guide that includes fuel economy data for all the models in a given year. Also the Tax Incentives Information Center lists the vehicles that qualify for federal tax incentives, while breaking down the tax-credit rules and how to fill out the associated income tax forms.

How Do I Find Flood Zone Information?

Printed East Baton Rouge Parish flood maps are available at each branch of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. They are also available online from the FEMA Map Service Center. There is an online tutorial with instructions on printing a letter or legal size copy of these maps. The flood zone designations, such as X or A, are defined at FEMA Flood Zone Designations.

Residents of East Baton Rouge Parish can also go to the East Baton Rouge Parish Geographic Information System. After searching for a particular address, click on Details, where you can find the property’s flood zone designation as well as lot and block number, subdivision, voting district and much more.

How Do I Find Information About Antiques and Collectibles?

Here are some tips about finding information about antiques and collectibles at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library.

Attic Treasures

Once a year, the library holds the Attic Treasures program, which features local and regional collection specialists who identify and evaluate items that the public brings in. Call (225) 274-4440 for more information.

P4A Antiques Reference Database

P4A Antiques Reference Database has information drawn from the fifty leading regional auction houses located throughout the United States, plus other selected specialist auctions. In it, you’ll find pictures of hundreds of antiques and collectibles offered at auction. The sale prices are included and often there are auction notes about the item.

To access p4A Antiques Reference, go to East Baton Rouge Library Online Databases and enter your library card number. Then click on p4Antiques Reference under My Library's Databases.

Print Resources at the Library:

Print resources in the Library can be found under the Dewey Decimal numbers 745.1 for Antiques and 790.132 for Collecting. For more specific information on particular kinds of collectibles, try searching the Library's Online Catalog for the type of collectible, e.g. porcelain, silverware, toys, etc. The subject headings for collectibles follow the form "Dolls–Collectors & Collecting."

Here are some suggested titles: 

The Antique Trader Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide

This pricing guide provides accurate and up-to-date information along with careful descriptions and many photographs for a wide range of collectibles.

The Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price List

This publication is intended for the average collector and reports prices based on actual retail sales. The Kovels also publish a monthly newsletter and many more specialized books on antiques and collectibles.

Miller's International Antiques Price Guide

Useful for the first-time buyer or the professional, this publication offers photographs, price ranges, market developments and collecting advice.

Magazines:

The library has several magazines about antiques and collecting. Check the Library's Online Catalog for availability.

• Antiques and Collecting Magazine
• Coin World
• Country Living
• Linn's Stamp News
• Magazine Antiques
• World Coin News

Business Person of the Month: Marcus K. Lewis

As an entrepreneur, Marcus Lewis is dedicated to getting the word out about the business he started in 2003. He was recently profiled in the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report. There's an article about the business on the website of the National Association of Minority Contractors-Southern Region. He even appeared in Ebony Magazine’s 2006 edition showcasing the "Top Bachelors of the Year." He says he didn’t anticipate how large an impact that national exposure would have. "I still meet people who recognize me from that article."

Lewis attended Delgado Community College with plans to become a mortician, but later went to work in industry. He continues to work shift work at a plastics plant, but was inspired to go into custom clothing after he visited a fine clothing store in the area. At first he thought he'd like to open a store himself, but after he investigated the business, he felt an affinity for the close-up, one-on-one, personal service of the custom clothier.

When he started Lewis Pierce Fine Clothing (named in honor of his grandfather) he had only a website as home for his fledgling business. He would see clients in his home or visit them at their home or office. Though Lewis has many well-established, older clients, the majority of his business comes from young entrepreneurs like himself, many of whom work from their homes. His clientele has reached such a point that he was able to rent a seven hundred square foot space in March where he consults with clients by appointment only. "If I show my clients I'm growing, we can grow as a team." Lewis feels that taking on rental of shop space will keep him focused on growing the business. "Besides I wanted to separate my business and personal life."

read more…

Guide to Government Grants and Loans

“Millions in free government money for your business.” – Fact or Fiction?

“The truth is that federal and state governments do not provide grants for starting and expanding small businesses. However, the U.S. government does offer a wide-variety of low-interest loans and venture capital financing programs to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. In addition, some federal and state agencies award a limited number of grants for very specialized business activities such as scientific research and development.”

At Business.gov, you can find info on:

• SBA (Small Business Association) Loans
• SBA Loans for Veterans
• USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Rural Development Loans
• State and Local Loan Programs

Check it out! Explore some other parts of the site for small business guides, government forms, and links to state and local info.