U
nited Real Estate | Partners has merged with Real Estate Resource Group, expanding its presence in the New Orleans area. The acquisition adds nearly 200 agents operating out of offices in New Orleans, Metairie, and Mandeville. Ken Rayer, managing partner of Real Estate Resources Group, chose United Real Estate for its flat-fee compensation model, which will give his company's agents a raise and access to a larger support team.

    This is the second move this year for United Real Estate in the New Orleans market, following its acquisition of Team Geaux Properties in February. The merger with Real Estate Resource Group strengthens United Real Estate's position in the region.

    Bollinger Shipyards has delivered the USCGC John Witherspoon to the Coast Guard in Key West, Florida. This is the 184th vessel Bollinger has delivered to the Coast Guard over 40 years and the 58th fast-response cutter under the current program. The ship will be homeported in Kodiak, Alaska, and serve as the fourth fast-response cutter operating in Alaskan waters.

    The USCGC John Witherspoon is named after Capt. John Witherspoon, a pioneering Black officer who served as commanding officer of several Coast Guard cutters. The ship's delivery marks another milestone for Bollinger Shipyards' partnership with the Coast Guard.

    Kyle Straub, a professor at Tulane University, will speak at the New Orleans Geological Society's monthly meeting on Wednesday. The meeting will take place at Drago's Metairie and is open to members and non-members alike. Registration fees range from $10 for virtual attendees to $35 for in-person attendees.

    The Women's Business Enterprise Council South will hold its annual WE Summit Awards & Scholarship Gala on Wednesday and Thursday at the InterContinental New Orleans. The event will feature a WBE Forum Day, where entrepreneurs can share best practices and connect with each other, as well as Meet Her in the Marketplace, where attendees can meet with corporate buyers and resource partners. Registration is available online, ranging from $299 to $399 depending on certification status.