2023 Lake Charles Investors' Day
Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Lake Charles Investors’ Day is a business, finance, and thought leadership forum showcasing unique investment opportunities in Lake Charles & Southwest Louisiana. This event encourages collaboration among investors and area community leaders to highlight real investment opportunities and discover innovative avenues to diversify, grow, and redevelop the community. Listen to the recent episode of Louisiana's Playground podcast for a conversation with Mayor Nic Hunter as he discusses the city's investments, advancements, and Investor's Day.
On June 14 & 16, 2023, local elected officials and ambassadors will be available to provide personal tours and meet with visiting parties. Email odelia.sweet@cityoflc.us for inquiry.
ECONOMIC DIVERSITY. QUALITY OF LIFE. PERMITTING PROCESS. TAX INCENTIVE. PREPARING FOR TOMORROW, TODAY
AGENDA:
7:30-8:15 AM: Registration
8:30-8:45 AM: Welcome
Pastor Sam Tolbert and Kathryn Shea Duncan, Mistress of Ceremony, Visit Lake Charles
8:45-9:30 AM: Community Overview with Mayor Nic Hunter
9:30-9:45 AM Refreshment Break (Post Oak Foyer)
9:45-10:45 AM General Session:
Local & State Incentives (Post Oak I, II, III)
Presented by Mayor Nic Hunter, City of Lake Charles, Secretary Pierson with Louisiana Economic Development, Blaise Zuschlag, CAO Acadian Companies & moderated by Matt Young, Visit Lake Charles
11 AM-12 PM Breakout Session 1:
Lift Off: The Impact of an International Airport & Business Park (Willowick II)
Presented by Kevin Melton with Chennault International Airport and partners Tyson Grezenbach, Stephen Holiday, David Whitaker, and Neil Boyle & moderated by Brett Downer
The Future Imagined: Lake Charles' Plan for Sustainable Growth (Willowick I)
Presented by Megan O’Hara, Nicole Moncrief, and Katie Harrington, & moderated by Sara Judson, CEO of Community Foundation SWLA
Opportunity vs. Challenge: Reimagining Commercial Spaces (Memorial II)
Presented by Lauren Boring, Jackie Dadakis, and Jake Porche & moderated by Nathaniel Allured
12:15-1:45 PM: Lunch with Keynote Speaker (Post Oak I, II, & III)
Just Imagine SWLA Presentation
Megan O'Hara, Principal at Urban Design Associates
Keynote
Jorge Ayala, Regional Director Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce
2-3 PM: Breakout Session 2:
The Port of Lake Charles: Anchored in Opportunity (Memorial II)
Presented by Richard Self and Jon Ringo, Port Authority Officials & moderated by Brett Downer
Today's Youth…Tomorrow's Leaders The Economics of Youth Programming (Willowick II)
Presented by Ronnie Harvey, Mark Arsenault, and Rhyan Wheeler & moderated by Kimberly Dellafosse
Sunshine after the Storm: Business Opportunities in Lake Charles (Willowick I)
Presented by Doug Burguieres, Mark Lewis, and Joshua Smith & moderated by George Swift, President/CEO of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance
3-3:15 PM Refreshment Break (Post Oak Foyer)
3:15-4:15 PM Breakout Session 3:
Tourism's Impact on Lake Charles (Memorial II)
Presented by Harold Rowland with L'Auberge, Eric Avery, and Phillip Tarver & moderated by Kyle Edmiston, President/CEO Visit Lake Charles
The Land of Plenty: Workforce Development in Southwest Louisiana (Willowick II)
Presented by Dr. David LaFargue, Dr. Burckel, and Dr. Shannon LaFargue & moderated by Crystal Scott
Southwest Louisiana Economic Outlook (Willowick I)
Presented by Daniel Groft, Bryan Beam, and Jim Rock & moderated by Heather Honensee
5-6:30 PM: Networking Social at Blue Martini-Golden Nugget
