 The SWLA Economic Development Alliance announced today that it has joined in the formation of a new statewide coalition to advocate for significant and sustainable tra
nsportation funding.
The coalition, BUILD IT: Businesses United for Improving Louisiana's Development by Investing in Transportation, today outlined key principles developed through outreach to legislators and business organizations.
Maximize Existing Funding and Ensure Accountability:
- Continue to restore trust in the Transportation Trust Fund, and prohibit the transfer of TTF funds to non-transportation uses
- Leverage existing financing opportunities
Increase Transportation Investment:
- Significantly increase transportation revenue sufficient to address the state's $13 billion maintenance backlog and construct new capacity "megaprojects"
- While a variety of sources have been considered, the bulk of funding must come through an increase in the state gas tax
- Direct all new revenue to construction and maintenance projects
- Increase transparency and accountability on megaproject construction, including project delivery timeline, prioritized through a data-based analysis of project benefits
"For our region and state to take advantage of our growth, we must have adequate infrastructure and for Southwest Louisiana our number one priority is the replacement of the I-10 bridge in Lake Charles", said SWLA Alliance President George Swift
According to a
recent report
released by
TRIP
, a Washington, DC based national transportation organization, roads and bridges that are deteriorated, congested or lack safety features cost Louisiana motorists a total of $6.5 billion statewide annually - as much as $2,466 per driver in some urban areas -- due to higher vehicle operating costs, traffic crashes and congestion-related delays. TRIP's report advised that increased investment in transportation improvements at the local, state and federal levels could relieve traffic congestion, improve road, bridge and transit conditions, boost safety, and support long-term economic growth in Louisiana.
Another
recent report
, LSU's annual Louisiana Survey 2017, showed strong bipartisan support among Louisiana residents for a substantial increase in the state gas tax to improve transportation and infrastructure.
BUILD IT Coalition members -- representing 21 statewide, regional, and local economic development and industry groups -- so far include:
- Baton Rouge Area Chamber
- Blueprint Louisiana
- Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance
- CRISIS - Capital Region Industry for Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions
- East Feliciana Parish Chamber of Commerce
- Evangeline Parish Industrial Board
- Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance
- Greater New Orleans Regional Economic Alliance
- Greater Pointe Coupee Chamber of Commerce
- I-49 South Coalition
- Jeff Davis Parish Economic Development and Tourist Commission
- Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission
- Lafayette Economic Development Authority
- Louisiana Chemical Association
- North Louisiana Economic Partnership
- Northeast Louisiana Economic Alliance
- One Acadiana
- Ports Association of Louisiana
- South Louisiana Economic Council
- SWLA Economic Development Alliance
- West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce
|
|
Time is running out to make money off your great idea!
|
|
|
Run Off Luncheon Announced
|
|
You are invited to attend a luncheon with run-off candidates for Lake Charles Mayor and City Council. The luncheon will be Wednesday, April 19, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at The SEED Center, 2nd floor. The luncheon is sponsored by The Chamber SWLA and The Alliance For Positive Growth. This forum will focus on economic and business development.
Each City council run-off candidate will be given two minutes to introduce themselves covering their background, top issue for the city, and top issue for their ward.
The candidates for Mayor will be asked several questions and be given two minutes at the end for a wrap-up.
|
|
DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions, located at 2625 Dillard Loop in Lake Charles, is new to the area, but not new to dentures, implants and all other dental needs. Check all of the services they provide, their pricing structure and scedule an appointment at locations.dentalservice.net/lake-charles-dentures.
Cardiovascular Outpatient Center of SWLA is an outpatient catheterization lab specializing in the performance of outpatient cardiac and peripheral vascular procedures. Their experienced staff is dedicated to providing quality care to their patients. They invite you to explore their website to learn more about the medical care they offer at www.lakecharlescathlab.com. They are located at 401 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive in Lake Charles.
|
Economic Development Summit Announced
|
The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance is teaming up with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) and other regional economic development organizations to host the second annual Statewide Economic Development Summit presented by Entergy will be held on Tuesday, April 11.
The Summit will take place at the Crowne Plaza Executive Center in Baton Rouge from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., and will feature keynote presentations by Governor John Bel Edwards, Greg Burkart of Duff & Phelps, Roberto Gallardo, Ph.D., of Mississippi State University Extension, and Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development Don Pierson. The event lineup will also include additional presentations and panels.
The regional economic development organizations convening the Summit include:
-
Baton Rouge Area Chamber
-
Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance
-
Greater New Orleans, Inc.
-
Lafayette Economic Development Authority
-
One Acadiana
-
North Louisiana Economic Partnership
-
Northeast Louisiana Economic Alliance
-
South Louisiana Economic Council
-
Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance
Event registration is available at
brac.org/edsummit
. Registration, which includes continental breakfast and lunch, is $90. Discounted room rates at the Crowne Plaza of $99 are available for event attendees; call 225-930-1030 and use the group code BRA.
Additional event information, including the full event agenda, will be released at
brac.org/edsummit
as available.
|
Member Profile: People's Health
|
Established in 1994, Peoples Health is a Medicare Advantage organization serving nearly 60,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Louisiana. At Peoples Health, they are committed to the health and vitality of the people and the communities they serve. They concentrate on addressing the needs of each of their health plan members and, just as importantly, the needs of the people who support their members.
Based in Metairie, Louisiana, their physician-owned company administers a unique approach to wellness, care coordination and support services for members. Their health plans exist to help their members achieve the best health possible, and their benefits are provided with a focus on the person, not the process. This method requires a personal touch, but that's part of what makes up Peoples Health.
To fully support their members' health, they must also consider the needs of three groups of people with direct influence on the health of their members: healthcare providers, family, and especially the community.
Peoples Health has said that they are honored to be a member of the Chamber SWLA, where more than 1,500 local businesses work together to create economic opportunity and foster community growth. Strong communities help them promote the well-being of both their members and those who support them.
Additionally, Peoples Health is a proud supporter of many community organizations and holds an NCQA accreditation. Visit
www.peopleshealth.com
for more information. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
|
|
|
|
Chairman's Circle
Preferred Members
- DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions
- Kreations Embroidery & Gifts, LLC
- Lake Charles Care Center
Business Members
- ARCCO Power Systems-GENERAC Industrial Generators
- CMWebb LLC
- IFG Port Holdings, LLC
- The Italian Villa Restaurant
- Kowarsch & Judice
- La Cucina Commissary Kitchen
- Lake Breeze RV Park
- Primerica
- Skanda Hei
- TownePlace Suites Lake Charles
|
Kreations Embroidery & Gifts, LLC
Thursday, April 6 @ 11:30 a.m.
3121 Ernest Street, Lake Charles
McNeese Library
Lether E Frazar Memorial Library
Thursday, April 6 @ 2:30 p.m.
300 Beauregard Drive, McNeese Campus, Lake Charles
Gill Bright Animal Hospital
Thursday, April 6 @ 5:30 p.m.
406 West McNeese, Lake Charles
Ground Breaking at Better Business Bureau
Friday, April 7 @ 9 a.m.
Corner of Lake and Sale Road in Lake Charles
|
LED SEEKS STATE'S TOP MANUFACTURERS
|
Louisiana Economic Development is now accepting nominations of the state's leading manufacturers, who will be honored at the 2017 Lantern Awards. The awards are presented annually to outstanding manufacturers from each of Louisiana's eight regional planning and development districts. The deadline to submit nominations is
Monday, April 24
.
Nomination packets may be obtained at the Louisiana Association of Planning and Development Districts website,
www.lapdd.org
.
Packets nominating a manufacturer should be returned to the corresponding planning district office. Anyone may nominate a manufacturer for the award.
|
Keep Up with Chamber and Alliance Events & Programs
|
Read the latest article...
|
Are you a Leadership Graduate?
|
Workforce Training Scholarships Available
|
|
The Alliance and the Alcoa Foundation are accepting applications for scholarships to be given to individuals interested in receiving training necessary to apply for jobs in support of the economic expansion in the Southwest Louisiana region.
For more information on this program contact Michelle McInnis,
Regional Business and Workforce Development Director, at mmcinnis@allianceswla.org or (
337) 433-3632 ext. 1206.
|
|
 |
|
 The Alliance Foundation received a check in the amount of $1,000 from Southwest Louisiana Credit Union to support its initiatives. This donation is the 2017 installment to the SWLA Alliance Foundation's
SWLA on the Move
5-year campaign. The current plan of work under the
SWLA on the Move
Campaign is to address the critical issues facing our region: workforce development, business recruitment, business retention and expansion, regional marketing, and building a single voice for a true regional partnership.
Pictured: George Swift, the Alliance's President & CEO; Ronaldo Hardy, Southwest Louisiana Credit Union President/CEO; and Brittany Duplechian, Alliance Foundation Director.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana received a donation of $10,000 for the School-Based Programs from Sasol for the second year in a row. In addition to the generous donation, Sasol has over 15 employees volunteering as mentors in the School-Based Programs in schools across Southwest Louisiana, including Combre-Fondel, Westwood, and Western Heights Elementary Schools. Executive Director of BBBS-SWLA, Heather Hohensee hopes to continue this partnership with Sasol, saying, "Our continued partnership with Sasol is incredibly important to us. They not only provide the financial resources that allow us to implement our mentoring programs in our community, but also quality volunteers who impact the lives of the children we serve."
Fusion Five
, Lake Charles' premier young professionals organization, has announced its 2017 board of directors. Board members include Katie Hebert, president; Blake Brignac, president-elect; Alberto Galan, secretary; and Caleb Waldemeier, treasurer. In addition to its officers, Fusion Five welcomed board members Amber Ewing, events committee chair; Nicole Peloquin, communications committee chair; Sarah Rainwater, membership committee chair; and Morgan Turpin, SWLA Alliance liaison; along with Ross Byrley, Joshua Floyd, Matt Koch, Jessica McBride, Lenny Parker and Krickett Schmidt.
Mayor Randy Roach recognized twenty-one students from area schools at a Community Commitment Awards Ceremony held on Friday, March 31, in the Lake Charles Civic Center. The event recognizes students who have made a difference in their community through service. They are nominated by persons from their schools, churches, or other organizations. The students receiving awards this year were:
Kaleb LeDay, Noah Phenice, and Ty Thibodeaux from Barbe High School; Cierra Theriot of Grand Lake High School; Alexandra Douglas of Hamilton Christian Academy; J
a Tylyn Bowers and Mila Bradley of LaGrange High School;
Annee DeFelice, Kylie Kirkwood, and Blake Thurman of Moss Bluff Middle School; Lisa Doan and Sophie Smith of Nelson Elementary School; Will Lounsberry of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic School;
William Aguillard, Sam Bruchhaus, and Madeline Lechtenberg of St. Louis Catholic High School;
Maggie Reeves, Jorden Robinson, and Torey Washington of St. Margaret Catholic School; Hannah Zimmerman of Sam Houston High School; and Celia Guilbeaux of Sulphur High School.
Golden Nugget Lake Charles recently announced its
resort and casino now gives
premium 24K Select Club Members the most luxurious amenities ever offered with the new Billionaire's Club, the highest level of the casino's 24K Select Club player rewards program. Billionaire's Club is an invitation-only level designed to reward the most loyal and valuable guests. Annual club members will have a choice of a one-year BMW lease from Momentum BMW in Houston or other select retail or gaming rewards. "The Billionaire's Club offers elite services to our most loyal 24K members," said Gerry Del Prete, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Golden Nugget Lake Charles. "We are excited to partner with BMW, another iconic luxury brand, to deliver a high-quality benefit that meets our discerning guests' expectations." Car lease options include: 2018 BMW 430i Gran Coupe, 2017 BMW X5 35i or 2018 BMW 430i Convertible.
City Savings Bank is proud to announce the recent promotions for Gene Haymon as Business Development Manager and Brittany Dailey as Assistant Vice President and Leesville Branch Manager. Haymon is also located at the Leesville branch. Gene Haymon was named the City Savings Bank's 2014 "Lender of the Year." Brittany Dailey has been active with the Vernon Parish Chamber of Commerce, and in 2016, she graduated the Take The Lead program through the Beauregard and Vernon Parish Chambers.
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 20XX. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
