Erin Casullo – The Chamber’s latest hire discusses her move to B.R.

Occupation: Director of Business Intelligence, Baton Rouge Area Chamber
Previous residences: Charlotte, North Carolina, and Buffalo, New York
Moved here: November 2013

What brought you to Baton Rouge?
I work for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, and they actually recruited me.

What are you doing for the Chamber?
I’m an economic researcher, so it’s kind of specialized. You know, I had never even been to Louisiana before this. So I had a stereotype of what I thought it would be. But after I came down here a couple times, I just kind of fell in love with it. I knew this was a place I could see myself living and actually staying.

What’s been the most surprising thing about Louisiana?
If you take away the weather, Baton Rouge reminds me a lot of Buffalo. I think it’s because both cities really embrace their history, culture, heritage and food. What I absolutely love is that I feel people are a lot more laid-back here.

So what do you like to do in your spare time when you’re not working?
In my spare time, I actually really like to go to Tread BR to exercise. I like to go out with some co-workers for happy hours and to eat out at new restaurants. I live by the lakes in the Garden District, so there’s always something going on or something to do.

How do Charlotte and Buffalo compare to B.R.?
Charlotte’s a beautiful city, and it’s got a lot going on, but I always felt like it was very generic. There are a lot of transplants there. Even living there seven years, there’s nothing specific I can say I miss. With Buffalo, there’s a uniqueness, right down to this special kind of French onion dip that you can only get there. And Baton Rouge is that way. I really like the unique customs like Mardi Gras.

Best and worst parts of the city?
I would say the best part has been the people. And I enjoy being able to be more liberal here compared to Charlotte, which is much more conservative. The hardest part has probably been coming down here by myself.

Any other impressions of B.R. so far?
It seems like everyone here works hard, but they also play hard, too. Everyone’s so laid-back, and it’s not what I ever expected. And the food! I’ve probably gained 10 pounds.

Do you have a favorite restaurant or bar?
I like The Big Squeezy (pictured). I like Zippy’s, too. I try different places all the time. I’ve been kind of checking out Third Street and all the different bars around there, which has been fun.

What would you say your biggest adjustment here has been?
Learning the pronunciation of people’s last names.