LIDEA Fall Conference

"This event is recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as a professional development event that counts toward the recertificaiton of Certified Economic Developers (CEcD)."

Monday, September 12th

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM Tour of The Port of New Orleans

This is an optional tour of one of the U.S. most important deep-water port. Limited Space is available, contact info@lidea.org for more information

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Welcome Reception

Tuesday, September 13th

8:00 AM  Breakfast Buffet Opens

8:30 AM  Welcome to New Orleans, Michael Hecht, GNO Inc.

8:40 AM  Resilience: The New Imperative for Economic Development; Presented by: David Dodd

Increasing number and intensity of severe weather events is well documented, and has caught the attention of companies as they make site location decisions. Leading site location consultants report that companies are asking them to take climate risk into account as they evaluate potential locations. This issue is especially relevant in Louisiana, where hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, and now even drought conditions are all relevant to these decisions.

So how can Economic Development Organizations lead increasing capacity for economic resilience in their communities and regions? This presentation will offer actionable strategies and tips for increasing resilience, and feature a new tool, the Economic Resilience Scorecard, now being utilized by both communities and companies to measure economic resilience. Long- term Louisiana-based economic developer David Dodd will show you how to effectively meet this new challenge.

9:15 AM  Workforce Disruption: Today’s Workforce Development Challenges

Has the disruption of the workforce due to COVID, gig economy, job expectations, etc. affected your company? Companies invest a significant amount of money, time and resources associated with recruiting, hiring and training employees and the challenges are real for companies trying to fill vacant or new positions.

Panel: Jamie Nakimoto (LED), Tim Johnson (The TJC Group) and Dr. Sarah Barlow (BRCC).

10:00 AM  Break

10:20 AM  LED Updates, Presented by Pat Witty

11:00 AM  Lunch & Awards

12:30 PM  Louisiana Tax Reform: What’s Next?

A discussion of the state legislature’s previous efforts to reform Louisiana’s antiquated tax structure in addition to providing an outlook for the upcoming 2023 (fiscal) Legislative Session.

Panel: Jason DeCuir, Moderator, (National tax expert and Co-Owner of Advantous Consulting, LLC, Senator Mike Reese (Chair of Senate Commerce Committee) and Representative Beau Beaullieu (Vice-Chair of House Ways and Means Committee)

1:15 PM  Louisiana Ports

An insight from the directors of four Louisiana ports into Louisiana Port Authorities as significant economic drivers in the State.

Panel: Jennifer Marusak, Moderator (Executive Director, Port Association of Louisiana), Chett Chaisson (Greater Lafourche Port Commission), Wyly Gilfoil (Lake Providence Port Commission), Paul Matthews (Port of South Louisiana) and Brandy Christian (Port of New Orleans).

2:00 PM  Break

2:15 PM  Transitional Energy Panel – The Global Perspective

What in the world is going on? This panel will explore the global demand for alternative fuels, offsetting carbon, advance recycling.

Panel: Russell Richardson, Moderator (Senior Vice President, Business Development, Baton Rouge Area Chamber), Winship Songy (Chief Financial Officer, Delta Land Services), Laura Beauchamp (Entergy), Joe Colletti (Exxon Low Carbon Solutions), Scott Yarbrough (Ecoplexus)

3:00 PM  Transitional Energy Panel – The Local Perspective

Is Louisiana has become a major player in the transitional energy space? This panel will explore existing projects, new opportunities and additional challenges as Louisiana prepares to be a lead-state in this space.

Panel: B. Troy Villa, Moderator (Attorney, Credit & Incentives Team, Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson); Brad Lambert (Deputy Secretary, Louisiana Economic Development), Ryan Bourriaque (State Representative), Angela Adolph (Attorney, Economic Development, Kean Miller)

3:45 PM  Conclusion

Hotel Reservations can be made here.  

Please consider sponsoring the event.  More information can be found here or by contacting Bridgette O'Connor.