Baton Rouge, LA (6/11/2024) – In a significant move to overhaul Louisiana’s approach to economic development, Governor Jeff Landry signed Senate Bill 494, known as the “Positioning Louisiana to Win” bill. The legislation, which aims to revitalize business investment and job creation across the state, was signed in a ceremony attended by key legislators, economic development leaders, and business stakeholders.
SB 494 modernizes the organizational structure of Louisiana Economic Development (LED), enabling it to better attract new businesses and support existing ones. The bill signing coincided with LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois’ announcement of her senior leadership team, bringing substantial private sector and economic development experience to the agency.
“Today we are taking the first big step toward restoring Louisiana’s position as the economic powerhouse of the South,” Governor Landry stated. “With the signing of this bill and Secretary Bourgeois’ leadership, we can fully leverage our state’s unique assets to provide a prosperous future for our workers and their families.”
The legislation establishes the Louisiana Economic Development Partnership (LEDP), a private sector-led board tasked with developing an economic development strategic plan and advising on policies and initiatives that foster economic growth. Additionally, the bill grants LED flexibility to operate efficiently by exempting it from certain state procurement and technology service bottlenecks.
“Louisiana has a historic opportunity for investment, jobs, growth, innovation, and global impact,” Secretary Bourgeois said. “The passage of SB 494 enables us to seize that opportunity by transforming our approach to economic development. I extend my gratitude to Sen. Beth Mizell, Rep. Daryl Deshotel, and the entire State Legislature for their unwavering support.”
SB 494 also removes the statutory requirement for the governor to appoint an Assistant Secretary and Undersecretary, giving the LED secretary the flexibility to create a leadership structure suited to the agency’s needs. Bourgeois introduced her newly appointed executive team, which includes:
- Anne Villa, Deputy Secretary
- Rachel Shields, Chief Engagement Officer
- Paige Carter, Chief Business Development Officer
- Joshua Fleig, Chief Innovation Officer
- Ileana Ledet, Chief Economic Competitiveness Officer
- Mark Lorando, Chief Communications Officer
- Chelsea Harris Dufrene, Executive Director, LED FastStart
- Chris Stelly, Executive Director, Louisiana Entertainment and Director, Legislative Affairs
- Robin Porter, Executive Counsel
Sen. Mizell praised the collaborative effort behind the bill, stating, “The ‘Positioning Louisiana to Win’ bill exemplifies the great achievements possible when we unite for a better Louisiana. It has already had a positive impact by allowing Sec. Bourgeois to form a capable leadership team ready to propel LED forward.”
The new legislation aligns LED’s framework with best practices of other successful state economic development agencies, as recommended by a Louisiana Legislative Auditor report and a study by the Committee of 100, a nonprofit organization composed of leading business and university leaders.
“Other states have had capabilities and structure we lacked at LED,” said Adam Knapp, CEO of the Committee of 100. “This bill, based on national best practices, marks a new era in Louisiana’s economic development efforts.”
For more information about Louisiana Economic Development and its initiatives, visit OpportunityLouisiana.com.
About LED
Louisiana Economic Development is committed to strengthening the state’s business environment and creating a more vibrant economy. Discover how LED fosters jobs and economic opportunities at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
Source: LED via CLEADA
