We get excited when economic development people announce a prestigious business is relocating to New Orleans, and bringing with it hundreds of jobs. But business recruiters often report that quality candidates don’t want to move to New Orleans, because of our poor education system and high crime rate.

Peter Ricchiuti’s guests on this edition of Out to Lunch are working on both of those problems.

Jeff Burkhardt’s company, Active Solutions, are the guys who are putting crime cameras all over the city. Both the Mayor and Chief of Police believe this is a major step toward reducing crime.

Aaron Frumin’s company, Uncommon Construction, is linking school and industry, by employing, and paying, high school kids to build new homes, as a part of their education.

Everybody agrees, we have to do something about crime and education. Crime cameras are controversial and kids swinging hammers is unorthodox, but maybe they’re the kinds of change we need.

Photos over lunch at Commander’s Palace by Jill Lafleur.