SWLA Economic Development Alliance Seeks Civic Service Award Nominees
The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance is seeking nominations for outstanding volunteers for the Civic Service Award to be given at its 122nd Annual Banquet on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Nominations are open to any person who has made outstanding contributions to SWLA in their profession, personal life, community or civic service. Nominations will close on Friday, January 2, 2026. Criteria for Recognition: Nominees must be Southwest Louisiana residents living or serving in the region. Champions
Jim Rock Named Leadership SWLA 2024 Alumni of the Year
Jim Rock, executive director of the Lake Area Industry Alliance (LAIA), was recognized as the Leadership SWLA 2024 Alumni of the Year at the Leadership SWLA Annual Alumni Reception sponsored by Woodside Energy.Rock, a 1999 graduate of the Leadership program, retired as executive director of LOTTE Chemical, before entering his executive role with LAIA in 2019. His efforts with the organization have solidified local industry impact on the community through programs like the Women in Industry event for senior
Leadership SWLA Class of 2025 Graduates
The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance honored the Leadership SWLA Class of 2025 graduates in a ceremony at L’Auberge Casino Resort on Wednesday, November 12.Since 1984, Leadership SWLA has welcomed participants from a diverse cross-section of the community for an11-month program offering sessions with hands-on learning experiences led by influential leaders whose work directly impacts the region in areas such as economic development, workforce and business growth, education, infrastructure,
Aclara Invests $277 Million to Build Nation's First Heavy Rare Earth Separation Facility in Southwest Louisiana
Aclara Resources Inc. announced a $277 million investment to construct the first U.S. heavy rare earth separation facility at the Port of Vinton in Calcasieu Parish, establishing Louisiana as a leader in sustainable rare earth production and strengthening the nation’s advanced technology supply chain.The company is expected to create 140 direct new jobs at its first U.S. location. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 456 indirect jobs, for a total of 596
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2025 LegisGator Luncheon Celebrates 20 Years of Connecting Leaders and Lawmakers in SWLA
The Chamber SWLA and Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance hosted the 20th Annual LegisGator Luncheon on Friday, August 15, at L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles. LegisGator is the largest event of its kind in Louisiana, uniting state and federal leaders, business executives, and community stakeholders to discuss policy priorities and recognize legislative champions. Scott Walker, President & CEO of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, welcomed the over 900
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Southwest Louisiana Startup Launches Groundbreaking Repellent
Exciting News! Southwest Louisiana has a new export! HUNT Tech, LLC announced its innovative insect repellent is now available to consumers. HUNT Refined Repellent is scent and DEET-free and available through the company’s website, https://huntrepellent.com, and a growing list of retail locations. What began as a mission to help hunters stay protected without scent has evolved into a breakthrough formula that is EPA-approved and among the longest-lasting options currently available. The HUNT Refined
Thank You, Entergy, for Keeping SWLA on the Move!
Pictured from left: Jim Bourgeois, Entergy New Business Development; Michelle McInnis, Senior Vice President, Chamber SWLA Alliance; Scott Walker, Chamber SWLA Alliance President & CEO; Zach Hager, Entergy’s Economic Development Project Manager, Southwest and Acadiana Regions. As part of Entergy’s ongoing support of Economic Development in our region, the company recently invested $123,000 for the SWLA on the Move Campaign. Their investment was from an economic development grant which will help
