Week in Review: July 2, 2012

The Silicon Bayou has been buzzing with tech and entrepreneurial news. Here are the most popular stories published on Silicon Bayou News in the past seven days:

Silicon Bayou Tech Entrepreneurs Launch Stun Gun iPhone Case

Co-founders Sean Simone and Seth Froom, young tech entreprenurs from right here in the Silicon Bayou, have launched their first product, the Yellow Jacket Case. Yellow Jacket is a product development company focused on creating safe and convenient forms of self-defense for customers.The case increases personal safety and iPhone battery life with its new, patent-pending design. It houses 650K volt stun gun capable of stopping and disorienting a grown man.

William Joyce of Moonbot Studios Creates Morris Lessmore Picture Book

William Joyce is at it again. The co-founder of Moonbot Studios has authored a new book, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmoreavailable in stores this week. The book includes 50 pages of animation and has already earned a Kirkus Star. The story that lead to an oscar back in February has now become available for purchase in picture book format after a series of launch parties and special events.

A Toast to Launch Pad

Launch Pad turned 3 last week! Molly Oehmichen wrote a toast to the wonderful co-working space, with a special shout out and congratulations to Chris Schultz, Will Donaldson, and Barre Tanguis. Molly writes, “My experience at Launch Pad has been what I can only describe as a wild success. As in the broader city of New Orleans, the people are passionate, the energy contagious, and the introductions flow as freely as the drinks.” As an added bonus, watch her video toast here.

Bizology in Bossier City

The 2012 Business Technology Expo will be held tomorrow, June 29th, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at theBossier Civic Center. The Bossier Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Louisiana Technology Council for the event, which is the first of its kind in the area. Many vendors have signed up for booths at Bizology: a techworx expo. They will be sharing information about their businesses and how they became successful in one way or another. Many of the companies will show off their cutting edge technology that could help make companies better.

New Study Ranks Louisiana at Top for Export and Income Growth

The National Chamber Foundation recently released many of the Top 10 rankings in Enterprising States 2012, a new report singling out states for areas in economic growth and more. Louisiana ranked in many of the Top 10 lists, including No. 1 for export growth, No. 2 for income growth, and No. 2 in tax climate for new firms. The foundation says positive workforce, continuing investment in port infrastructure, and incentive policies are helping the state’s economy.

Are Facebook Ads underutilized by brands?

Contributing writer Megan Hargroder asked her Twitter followers, “social media managers: do you run Facebook ads? do you find them worth it?” Most agreed, but not all. She pondered the effectiveness of Facebook ads, and decided that they are not right for everyone, but they work for many.