Louisiana is adding forward-looking initiatives to its deep roots in energy. Australia-based Woodside Energy recently announced it would invest $17.5 billion in an LNG facility in the Southwest part of the state. During Louisiana’s 2025 Economic Development Week, state leaders highlighted a statewide focus on community development through job creation and workforce development. In September 2025, Gov. Jeff Landry announced initiatives to give the state new business tools, visibility and support in economic growth.
LED FastStart: Offers custom workforce recruitment, screening and training services at no cost to eligible new or expanding companies in the state.
High Impact Jobs Program: Offers a cash rebate for up to 10 years on eligible businesses creating jobs that pay at least $50,000 annually.
Louisiana Economic Development
opportunitylouisiana.gov
Greater Baton Rouge Area Chamber
brac.org
Greater New Orleans, Inc. Regional Economic Development
gnoinc.org
Greater Shreveport Chamber
shreveportchamber.org
Two Fortune 500 company HQs in the state.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
