LEONARD GRAY

LAPLACE – Movers and shakers from the River Parishes heard professionals in the economic development field Tuesday in a summit, co-hosted by the Port of South Louisiana and MetroVision. In addition, plant managers and the presidents of Ascension, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes contributed their knowledge to a greater understanding of the issues of developing and keeping industry and business. Moderator for the event was William Morris, chairman of Global Associates, who is the port’s leading economic development advisor. The thrust of the summit was to connect community leadership with those people working to bring industry to the region and keep those here a vital part. “Industry is the quality of life in our community,” commented St. John Parish President Nickie Monica, who said these are many of our volunteer firefighters and recreation coaches. Tommy Kurtz, vice president of economic development for MetroVision, added of his job, “It’s not rocket science, but it’s working with the local communities to know where the opportunities are.” Don Hutchinson, secretary of the state Department of Economic Development outlined his own progress in upgrading Louisiana’s economic development goals, while citing several achievements. The goals include embracing education as a positive value, partnering with universities for the common good and using the culture to grow businesses as well. Hutchinson explained the “cluster” tool to bring together industry with their suppliers and customers, all located in one area and supporting one another while boosting the local economy. In Louisiana, such clusters in place include shipbuilding, arts and entertainment, transportation, health care and oil and gas. Goals for the Economic Development Department, Hutchinson added, include bringing Louisiana more into the internet, including interactive sites, developing improved relationships with education and local government, raising the bar for professional standards and becoming more targeted. Mike Rio of Dow Chemical in Taft explained how the chemical industry is “a foundation to our society.” He also added they need to work together to change the “Cancer Alley” image of the region, calling it “a bunch of lies pushed by people who have an agenda they pursue.” Paul Sackett of C.S. Metals of Louisiana in Convent explained how he was able to help bring a new industry to a parish racked and divided by the Shintech proposal. Galen Hathcock of Ondeo Nalco Chemical of Garyville cited “a can-do attitude on the part of the people” and said the plant is growing and has “a very bright future here.” In addition, attendees included parish presidents Albert Laque of St. Charles Parish, Harold Marchand of Ascension Parish and Dale Hymel of St. James Parish; Sheriff Wayne L. Jones; parish council members Dee Abadie, Clayton “Snookie” Faucheux, Steve Lee, Allen St. Pierre, Timothy Roussel and Elwyn Bocz and State Representatives Roy Quezaire and Bobby Faucheux.