[StBernard] PRESS RELEASE: Economic Development Staging to Assist Hurricane Damaged Businesses

[Westley Annis]

Press Release 	 
Economic Development Entities to Assist Displaced Businesses 	
SLEC Staged for Post Hurricane Support Gustave

Bayou Region, LA -September 2, 2008- 
The economic development entities from New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette,
Thibodeaux, Lake Charles, and Alexandria are working together to assist
businesses that may be temporarily displaced due to Hurricane Gustav.  Each
of these entities has identified properties and buildings that can be used
on a temporary basis so that displaced businesses can continue their
operations during recovery efforts.  Gregg Gothreaux, President & CEO of the
Lafayette Economic Development Authority, said, "During hurricanes Katrina
and Rita, we were called upon to help businesses that were displaced from
the New Orleans and Lake Charles areas, and we were scrambling to find
everyone a place.  This time we all met and prepared beforehand.  It will be
a much more organized recovery effort."
 
Resources Ready to Expedite Help
Michael Hecht, CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc. said, "After Hurricane
Katrina, New Orleans had many businesses that struggled to find temporary
locations in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and other parts of the state until they
could return.  It really speaks well of these entities working together in a
coordinated effort, and it will be of great assistance to those businesses
affected by the storm. " 	
Statewide Contacts for Assistance 
If your business or a business colleague is in need of temporary space,
please refer to the following list, and call the designated individual from
your area for assistance.  Greater New Orleans - Michael Hecht
---(504)715-5037, Baton Rouge/Capitol Area - Adam Knapp
(225)381-7125,Lafayette/Acadiana - Gregg Gothreaux (337)593-1400,
Thibodeaux/Houma & Bayou Region - Vic Lafont (985)448-4485, Lake Charles &
Southwest Louisiana - George Swift (337)309-0870, and Alexandria/Central
Louisiana - Elton Pody (318)446-4247.  All of these individuals will be in
constant contact with each other to ensure that businesses receive the
necessary location assistance.
About South Louisiana Economic Council 
 
The South Louisiana Economic (SLEC) is a regionally focused economic
development agency servicing the parishes of Assumption, Lafourche, St.
Mary, and Terrebonne.  Formed in 1983, SLEC provides industrial assistance
and programs designed to create economic growth for the Bayou Region.  More
information on SLEC can be found at www.bayouregion.com or by calling
985-448-4485. 


Helpful Links

bayouregion.com
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KR57CKTv3Hy_FO6x9JdwBkT6U89KqI-Wxkvmfj625JDiUwKry2h6qieBTsXZv0oEtE_2eQ==> 

Louisiana Economic Development
<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001tYL5uPVZI11F5Ftl_PnH0cIFq8Z9FlF10GvbD66mdI-kwv_P
2b7m6QtPo4OfFrOvZFpPuAjogtAJHBnjBxSpFN2jaa79RXsXCG_YstWzMPfA1uzqUX3Dsk5D30dG
fwZw> 

bayouregionsites.com
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wjfB3Ua3M5XEL-gpOvnqSxDr_VS2y_igpUD40EK3au86WYZlDA18-88Ra0J-yLYFVrbK60IRgP0B
z4-U> 

For More Information Contact 
 
Vic Lafont, CEO
985-448-4485
 
For Media Inquiries, Please contact 
Charles Gaiennie 
985-791-4288
cgaiennie at wlgaiennie.com <mailto:cgaiennie at wlgaiennie.com>  
 Bayou Regon
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