Region Q2 2025

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Greater New Orleans, Inc.

President & CEO

Michael Hecht

Chief Business

Development Officer

Grady Fitzpatrick

Senior Vice President of Communications

Matt Wolfe

Chief Operations Officer

Sara Bradford

Renaissance Publishing

Editor

Drew Hawkins

Art Director

Ali Sullivan

Account Director Meggie Aune

Digital Director

Rosa Balaguer

Senior Production Designer

Ashley Pemberton

Production Designer

Czarlyn Ria Trinidad

Chief Executive Officer

Todd Matherne

Welcome to the Q2 2025 issue of REGION Magazine! This quarter, we spotlight forces of community and innovation that continue to shape the Greater New Orleans region’s economic future. From port infrastructure to workforce development, from heritage milestones to next-generation leadership, this issue captures the momentum underway in Southeast Louisiana.

The issue begins with a landmark study on the five deep-water draft ports along the lower Mississippi River. This unprecedented collaboration, involving the five major ports from Baton Rouge to Plaquemines, offers a unified vision for expanded trade, strategic investment, and regional competitiveness. As the maritime industry evolves, this report positions Louisiana to lead with datadriven decision-making and coordinated growth planning.

In Jefferson Parish, celebration meets strategy. As the parish marks its 200th year, it does so with a wave of new investment, job creation, and entrepreneurial spirit. From the opening of Primary Workspace in historic Gretna to the groundbreaking of Ochsner’s new Children’s Hospital, Jefferson Parish is honoring its past while building a bold economic future. The momentum is unmistakable, and it's only gaining speed.

And for the local citizenry, the latest Greater New Orleans Jobs Report, presented by Bank of America, provides a vital roadmap for connecting talent with opportunity. With an interactive dashboard, deep labor market insights, and clear takeaways for educators and employers, this year’s report empowers stakeholders to design programs and policies that foster upward mobility and inclusive growth.

Also inside are the stories of two dynamic business leaders shaping the future of our economy. Steve Cory of Cory, Tucker & Larrowe, Inc. reflects on a career rooted in construction and community, having built a firm that’s as dedicated to client success as it is to mentoring the next generation. Meanwhile, Rachel Ledet, founder of 30|90 Marketing, exemplifies how strategic communications can amplify the voices of mission-driven organizations, helping shape the built environment and the stories told about our region.

As always, these articles highlight the spirit of partnership and progress that defines Greater New Orleans.

Thank you for your continued support of GNO, Inc. and our shared mission to create a thriving economy and a world-class quality of life in Southeast Louisiana.

Sincerely,

Greater New Orleans, Inc. President & CEO

RELATIONSHIPS . RELEVANCE. RESULTS .

Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.) is the economic development nonprofit for the 10-parish region of southeast Louisiana.

GNO, Inc. is built on a simple but broad mission: To create a region with a thriving economy and excellent quality of life for everyone.

The key is GNO, Inc.’s two-pronged approach to economic growth: by focusing on business development, the alliance aims to attract, retain and develop businesses that will employ our future workforce, propelling our economy forward and upward. This initiative is coupled with a concurrent nurturing of the business environment: by proposing, promoting and facilitating policies that improve conditions for business operations, GNO, Inc. ensures that businesses and corporate leaders are

positioned for long-lasting success.

For GNO, Inc., it is not enough to simply serve the community: we must also be a part of it. Real influence and significant change starts from within, and the alliance’s presence in the community is evident and expanding. Working together with the business community, regional stakeholders and all levels of government allows GNO, Inc. to coordinate, consolidate and catalyze action on key issues and opportunities, effectively maximizing job and wealth creation and creating systemic impact.

From workforce development and coastal stabilization to fiscal and criminal justice reform, GNO, Inc. is driven by results. It’s helping to create a robust and growing middle class and, in the process, ensuring our region’s continued prosperity.

Greater New Orleans

BY THE NUMBERS Q2 2025

An economic snapshot of Greater New Orleans’ 10-parish market

EMPLOYMENT & ECONOMY STATISTICS

POPULATION

1,443,824

31% of Louisiana’s population resides in Greater New Orleans

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST

EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

$73,300

Regional Average Earnings

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST; ECONOMY OVERVIEW

ECONOMY

53,274 Private Establishments

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST; INDUSTRY TABLE – PAYROLLED BUSINESS LOCATIONS

670,586 Civilian Labor Force

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST; ECONOMY OVERVIEW

HIGHER EDUCATION JOBS

24,253 14.4% above National average

AVERAGE EARNINGS $71,841 GDP $1.9B

SOURCE: 2024 LIGHTCAST

687,793

Total Regional Employment

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST; ECONOMY OVERVIEW

4.09%

Regional Unemployment

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST; ECONOMY OVERVIEW

FAST FACTS: HIGHER EDUCATION

RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ranked #1 region to be a student and graduate in the country When it comes to where they live, everyone wants something a little different. Some people look for accommodating housing and job markets, while others prioritize entertainment and culture. For college students, the city where they live and study can play a monumental role in the quality of their education.

2nd highest per capita higher ed institutions in the country

SOURCE: FORBES ADVISOR

RANKINGS

RECENT RANKINGS

New Orleans ranked #2 in TimeOut’s The 10 best cities in America in 2025

Southern Living Magazine ranked New Orleans a Top 5 city in the South celebrating its unique blend of culture, history, and hospitality.

Tripadvisor’s annual Traveler’s Choice Awards named New Orleans the #1 Food City in the U.S.

COST OF LIVING & REAL ESTATE

OVERALL COST OF LIVING GNO Region

99.4 U.S. Average

100

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST; INDUSTRY TABLE

COMMUNITY INDICATORS Households

651,465

Median Monthly Rent $1,085

Vacant Housing Units

87,374

Median Age 38.4

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST, COMMUNITY INDICATORS MAP

GNO, Inc.’s mission is to create a Greater New Orleans with a thriving economy and an excellent quality of life, for everyone. For more information about the market, or help with your business, please contact our Research and Business Development team:

*Due to data collection methods, previous GNO By the Numbers are not directly comparable

Cooperative Effort, Collective Benefits

A recently published joint study on the five deep-water draft ports along the lower Mississippi River should have short- and long-term positive ramifications on the regional economy.

Unprecedented in both its thoroughness and the cooperative effort required from all five lower Mississippi River deep-draft ports in its formation, a comprehensive joint study analyzing maritime commercial transit in south Louisiana was formally released in late March. Officially titled the “Lower Mississippi River Commodity Analysis,” the report – which was compiled by international consulting firm Martin Associates but required the cooperation of port officials serving as essential partners

in the data collection process -- examined every aspect of cargo activities at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, the Port of New Orleans, the Port of South Louisiana, the Port of St. Bernard, and the Port of Plaquemines.

This vital and never-before-collected-as-a-whole information will serve as the factual foundation from which industry stakeholders, maritime commerce officials, economic development leaders, and local and state governments will form strategic methods used to fortify operational/procedural strengths and address weaknesses or inefficien -

Port of St. Bernard
Port of South Louisiana
Port of New Orleans
Port of Plaquemines
Port of Greater Baton Rouge

cies, helping to ensure the region’s long-term stability and growth in an ultra-competitive global marketplace.

Or, put more succinctly, this report will serve as the industry’s compass for expanded trade, foreign investment, and job creation.

“Given the complexities of the maritime and international trade industry, it can be challenging to fully articulate every nuance within a readily available report,” said Harrison Crabtree, the director of the World Trade Center of New Orleans. “However, a key objective was to ensure this report was accessible to a broad audience, encompassing industry experts, legislators, and economic development officials alike. I think this report really shines in taking a complex subject and making it clear and useful for everyone.”

“What really stands out to me is the sheer scale of the opportunities before us, especially when you compare them to any challenges,” Crabtree said, later. “The state’s focus on future energy and the aggressive business attraction efforts by Louisiana Economic Development are, going to create some serious growth in cargo activity for the Lower Mississippi River.”

The true genesis of this comprehensive report dates back to the Fall of 2023. Taking a cue from the state legislature, which sought more interconnectivity and collaboration amongst the five lower Mississippi ports, then-Port of New Orleans Board Chairman Joe Toomy approached neighboring port executives about sparking a constructive initial dialogue. Staying true to his pitch of working toward the betterment of an entire regional industry rather than amplifying a particular port or ports, Toomy gradually began to soften his peers, who were understandably hesitant to share potentially proprietary information/processes.

“Not only did I convey the need for increased cooperation when I met with officials from all five ports, but I stressed the importance of being proactive about it,” Toomy said. “This wasn’t about favoring one port over another. This was about coming together, and working together, for the betterment of the region.

“It began with a dialogue in which all five ports participated, and that advanced into what many would say is a historic undertaking in this comprehensive regional cargo study.”

The final report highlighted the geographic edge the Mississippi River provides in maritime transit and applauded the efforts made by several ports to increase that advantage by providing shippers ample intermodal opportunities (rail, for example) to move cargo in budget-friendly and environmentally-efficient manners.

The report listed recent and rapid growth in various commodities (grain, biofuels, precious metals, and more), identified opportunities to increase cargo volume in emerging markets like forest products and aluminum rubber, forecasted global commodity trends to enable the region to stay ahead of the curve and meet the future demands of the market place, and emphasized the importance of positioning south Louisiana as a leader in the future of energy – both traditional and alternative.

Conversely, the report also brought attention to several blind spots in the industry, and presented constructive and vital work-arounds that can offset natural and man-made disadvantages, such as interference from pre-existing infrastructure.

“One of the most critical calls to action highlighted in this report, in my opinion, is the urgent necessity for a downriver container terminal,” Crabtree said. “The increasing size of modern vessels, coupled with the limitations imposed by the Crescent City Connection on the Port of New Orleans’ current terminal, severely restricts our growth potential. This report underscores the limited opportunities we face without such a facility, which is crucial for maintaining competitiveness with regions like Houston and Mobile and for driving significant economic growth throughout Louisiana.”

As regional industry advocates have trumpeted for years, collectively the five ports located along the lower Mississippi River serve as the largest Port System in the Western Hemisphere – a powerful economic engine on micro and macro levels when all pistons are pumping in harmony. That was the message Toomy conveyed in 2023 and remains the message to this day: that cooperation and collaboration between the ports isn’t a threat to each entity’s autonomy, but rather a strategic alignment that will reinforce the region’s economic profile for decades to come.

And, as Toomy explains, the comprehensive cargo report was simply Step 1 in what should be a beneficial long-term collective process.

“From my first meeting, I addressed to the group that within other major ports around the country, this was where they started, this was their first step – a thorough, joint study in which all entities cooperated and contributed,” Toomy said. “Along the way, there were phases, but ultimately, it led to a full-scale Master Plan for the region.

“That, in my opinion, should be the end goal in our region, too – to continue cooperating and forming a strategic approach that doesn’t play favorites between ports but bolsters and strengthens the regional and state economy fully and efficiently.”

Economic Boom in the Bicentennial

Jefferson Parish celebrates, but isn’t resting on its laurels.

The year 2025 is an exciting one for Jefferson Parish. Yes, the parish is celebrating its bicentennial. But it’s also celebrating a flurry of exciting economic developments — so many that it’s impossible to fit them all in a single article.

“It’s been an exciting run of events,” said Jerry Bologna, president and CEO of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO).

Bologna credits the recent run of economic success to multiple factors. “People find a high quality of life, a re -

sponsive government, and strong cooperation between business, civic, and elected communities in Jefferson Parish,” Bologna said.

One such development in Jefferson Parish is Primary Workspace. Located at 519 Huey P. Long Avenue in Old Gretna, the shared office space is a project from Formwork Development. The facility had a soft opening in January of this year and had its official ribbon cutting on Valentine’s Day.

Primary Workspace is housed in the former Gretna

This view of the Mississippi River and the Huey P. Long Bridge was captured from the sixth floor of Ochsner’s Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center in Jefferson Parish. Photo by Elizabeth “Beth” Burris, Creative Media Services Ochsner Health

Primary School building. The building dates back to 1911 when it was Gretna’s first primary school. Most of the building has been unoccupied for about 50 years.

There are a variety of options for interested workers. There is a private office available at $750 a month, a dedicated desk at $275 a month, and access to any open table in a shared space at $165 a month.

There are 20 private offices and a number of desks and tables in shared spaces. At full capacity, Primary Workspace can fit 200 workers. There are four conference rooms, two of which can be combined to make a boardroom that can accommodate 40-50 people.

High-speed wi-fi, mail services, and printing ser -

vices are offered on-site.

David Hecht, founder and principal of Formwork Development, said Jefferson Parish was an attractive place to launch the project because it is the largest parish in the state by population. This means a lot of people who live there would appreciate a working space that allows them to be closer to home.

“Primary Workspace meets the changing needs of today’s workers by providing a beautiful, amenitized office community proximate to residential neighborhoods,” said Hecht.

Hecht added that Primary Workspace should also have positive spillover effects for other local businesses, such as restaurants and coffee shops, in the downtown Gretna area.

Primary Workspace is a shared office space project from Formwork Development, housed in the former Gretna Primary School building in Old Gretna

But Primary Workspace is far from the only Jefferson Parish success story in 2025.

UBE, a Japanese chemical company known for manufacturing ingredients used in electric vehicles’ lithium-ion batteries, broke ground on a manufacturing facility in Cornerstone Energy Park in Waggaman on February 13. Bologna said the facility will be the first of its kind in the U.S. and lead directly to 58 new jobs. It will also decrease American reliance on imports for electric vehicle components.

RNGD, a leader in commercial construction and design, opened an expansive new headquarters near Labarre Road in February. The $25 million investment from RNGD (formerly Palmisano) will create 130 new jobs in Jefferson Parish and retain 265 jobs. The eightacre campus will feature a manufacturing facility, office building, and a 25,000 square-foot training academy to educate the construction workforce.

Perrone & Sons, a 100-year-old food manufacturer and distributor that employs 90 people, held a ribbon cutting for a second Jefferson Parish location on February 18. The location will be down the street from their old facility on L & A Road. The project was a $1.4 million investment

and will enhance the company’s production abilities.

Reily Foods moved to a new facility in Elmwood in March 2025. Reily makes many local food brands, including Blue Plate Mayonnaise and Luzianne Tea. 500 jobs will be retained as a result of the relocation.

In October 2024, JEDCO announced it received $4.2 million in grant funding for the design, engineering, and construction of the Greater New Orleans Food and Beverage Incubator. $2 million came from the Economic Development Administration. $2.2 million came from the Jefferson Parish Council, LED, and JEDCO. The facility will be 15,000 square-feet and feature three commercial kitchens for demonstrations and training. There will also be offices and storage space. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

Ochsner Medical Center is already an important part of the Jefferson Parish economy, and they broke ground on April 29 on the Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital. Ochsner is building the five-story, 343,000 square-foot, $300 million facility on their main campus. This will be the largest construction project in Ochsner’s history, creating 200 construction jobs and 400 new permanent jobs.

ABOVE: Cornerstone Energy Park in Waggaman
RIGHT: Perrone & Sons ribbon cutting for thier second Jefferson Parish location

Jefferson Parish will not be resting on its laurels with these new projects. JEDCO launched the “More Here” campaign in December 2024, a PR and marketing effort designed to drive interest and investment in the parish.

Existing businesses are also happy with what they find in Jefferson Parish. WRSTBND, a company that handles access control, credentialing, on-site payments, registration, data capture, and fulfillment for large events (ESSENCE Festival has been one of their clients) is located in Elmwood. They originally had an Orleans Parish location as well, but consolidated after

the pandemic to the Jefferson Parish location.

“We fell in love with the (Elmwood) location,” said, Conway Solomon, CEO & Co-Founder of WRSTBND.

Solomon appreciates Jefferson Parish as a place to do business for a variety of reasons. Ease of access is one of them. His employees come from different parts of the Greater New Orleans Area, and the Elmwood location is convenient to many parts of both Orleans Parish and other parts of Jefferson Parish thanks to its proximity to the Earhart Expressway and the Huey P. Long Bridge.

“It’s a convenient, easy place for us to be,” Solomon said.

Solomon added that JEDCO and the Jefferson Parish government have been consistently eager to help with any issues WRSTBND encounters.

“Jefferson Parish has genuinely surprised me with the resources they have been willing to provide us,” Solomon said. “They are responsive and make things easy to deal with every step of the way.”

WRSTBND, a company that handles access control, credentialing, on-site payments, registration, data capture, and fulfillment for large events, fell in love with their Elmwood location for it's convenience in traveling to other parts of the Greater New Oreans area.

Hiring Trends

The Jobs Report serves as an early indicator of market and industry shifts, allowing educators, employers, and policymakers to make informed, data-driven decisions.

The Greater New Orleans Jobs Report, presented by Bank of America, is an annual report that serves as a blueprint for building a more equitable, resilient workforce. In addition to helping higher education institutions identify the fields in which their graduates can find meaningful employment, the Jobs Report also supports data-driven program development, and strengthens partnerships between education and industry. Ultimately, the report helps to connect talent with opportunity and ensures that the region’s economic growth benefits everyone.

GNO, Inc.’s internal team—including Harrison Gitz, policy and research manager; Mary Lachapelle, director of project management; Marco Tejeda-Kemp, director of talent and workforce; and Matt Wolfe, senior vice president of communications—work together closely on the months-long, collaborative process to create the report.

“The most recent edition was released on March 28, 2025, and it features 2024 data alongside comparisons to 2014,” Gitz says. “This decade-long view helps us track how the regional job market has evolved over time, highlighting long-term trends in industry growth, occupa -

tional demand and workforce composition across Greater New Orleans.”

Last year, GNO, Inc., launched the online interactive Jobs Report platform, which replaced the previous paper format. It has continued to evolve with the addition of several new features in this year’s edition. Notably, users can now access data for all industries at the two-digit NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code level.

“The dashboard also features an industry-agnostic analysis of top jobs, offering a more comprehensive view of the regional workforce,” Gitz says. “Additionally, a new Workforce Pipeline Insights tool provides analysis of talent supply and demand across Southeast Louisiana.”

By moving away from static PDFs, GNO, Inc., has made the data more dynamic, searchable and user-friendly. As a result, educators can now filter by industry or occupation, view interactive visualizations and download data specific to their programs. “These improvements help institutions and decision-makers better align curricula with real-time labor market needs,” Gitz says.

To create the report, the team at GNO, Inc., engaged stakeholders to gather feedback on previous versions, identified the data needed to reflect current workforce needs and developed the interactive dashboards. From there, the team analyzed trends and crafted conclusions designed to help educators, employers and policymakers make informed, data-driven decisions.

The report covers employment counts, projected job growth, median wages, educational requirements and demographic diversity across occupations and industries. These metrics then help decision-makers understand where workforce needs are growing, which jobs offer economic mobility and where gaps exist in training or representation.

Gitz, who leads the data analysis for the Jobs Report, including identifying workforce trends and developing the narrative and key insights, says that there are several notable findings from this year’s Jobs Report.

First, he says that healthcare remains one of the region’s fastest-growing sectors, driven by an aging population and medical inno -

vation. Next, construction and manufacturing are stabilizing and present high-wage opportunities for middle-skill workers.

Meanwhile, management, finance and tech roles show the strongest wage growth, indicating a shift toward a knowledge-based economy. Finally, occupations like project managers, financial analysts and software developers are in high demand.

“These trends suggest that, while traditional industries are evolving, the region is increasingly diversifying its economy and creating opportunities for upward mobility across sectors,” Gitz says.

Also according to the Jobs Report, the regional job market has undergone notable shifts compared to a decade ago. For example, healthcare has grown by more than 16 percent and digital media has grown by 51.8 percent.

“There is a stronger focus on skillsbased hiring, with digital literacy and project management becoming more essential across industries,” Gitz adds. “The demographic composition of the workforce is also changing, with some customer-facing sectors showing increased diversity. Overall, we’re seeing a pivot from extractive industries toward service-oriented and technology-driven fields.”

In March, GNO, Inc., hosted a launch event at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center with more than 40 stakeholders in attendance, including workforce partners, educators and business lead -

ers. On the education side, the Jobs Report provides actionable insights to help colleges and universities align their academic programs with real labor market needs.

“Representatives from institutions such as Delgado Community College, Southeastern Louisiana University, the University of New Orleans and Tulane University expressed strong interest in using the report to help shape their workforce programs and strategic planning efforts,” Gitz says. “The interactive tool makes it easier for faculty and administrators to pinpoint high-growth occupations and adjust program capacity or curricula accordingly.”

GNO, Inc. has started to develop a series of user guides to help schools dig deeper into the numbers and strategize curriculum development. These tools will help academic leaders, career advisors, grant writers, students, job seekers, training providers, and employers better harness the information captured in the report.

Dr. Kathy Johnson, UNO president, has found the Jobs Report to be an insightful tool. “It is incredibly challenging for a single institution to gather valid data from business and industry that will enable them to nimbly adapt their curricula to meet new or emerging needs,” she says. “It also can be challenging in a university career center to provide students with realtime regional data on industry outlook, earnings and skills that are in demand. The Jobs Report does all of these things, providing each of our institutions with actionable data that help our

curricula adapt to what our region needs, and helping our students to explore possible career paths.”

In particular, Dr. Johnson appreciates the section of the Jobs Report that focuses on skills in demand across an array of industries. “These skills should be amplified across our programs; ideally they should be practiced in assignments and reinforced in projects and internships,” she says. “We also might seek out opportunities to offer credentials such as certificates or minors that focus on specific skills such as digital marketing or project management.”

Currently, some of the most popular programs at UNO include biological sciences, psychology, computer science, business, engineering and education. “Many of our students in the biological sciences are ultimately planning to enter the healthcare system, and these degrees align well with industry outlook projections in the Jobs Report,” Dr. Johnson says.

Overall, this year’s report takes a more detailed look at in-demand skills, wage growth and demographic patterns than ever before. “It’s not just a snapshot—it’s a tool for shaping a more competitive, inclusive economy,” Gitz says. “We invite readers to explore the interactive platform and use it to inform how we educate, train and invest in our workforce for the future.”

View the Greater New Orleans Jobs Report at gnoinc.org/jobsreport.

These trends suggest that, while traditional industries are evolving, the region is increasingly diversifying its economy and creating opportunities for upward mobility across sectors.”

Bonds that Build

Cory, Tucker & Larrowe Inc. is an essential steppingstone in the construction industry, allowing contractors to build New Orleans into what it is today.

Since childhood, Steve Cory has had a close relationship with construction. Tagging along with his father to job sites, he didn’t know then that those early visits would foreshadow not only his career path but the business he would eventually build. Today, as Co-owner and President of Cory, Tucker & Larrowe, Inc., Cory leads a bond and insurance agency dedicated to serving the construction industry—a firm that’s been operating since 1981.

Throughout high school, Cory spent summers working on construction sites, gaining firsthand experience in the field. Later, he enrolled at Southeastern Louisiana University, where a business professor sparked his interest in management and finance. That moment, he says, was the true start of his career.

Cory became part of Southeastern’s first graduating MBA class, and upon graduation, was hired by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in New York City, where he trained in sales.

“This was 1973. I came back and started selling life insurance,” Cory said. “I met some great friends, learned a lot about selling and building relationships, but I still had a quench for construction.”

Unable to leave that passion behind, Cory eventually found a way to bridge his interests. In 1978, he joined Travelers Insurance in the construction bond department.

“I went to work for Travelers and stayed three years,” he said. “I loved every minute of it.”

Although he had no plans to leave, a growing agency

convinced him to take on a new opportunity. Six months in, the company dissolved.

“But just like anything,” Cory said, “it ended up being an opportunity of a lifetime.”

He partnered with the company’s CFO, Pam Tucker, and together they launched what would become Cory, Tucker & Larrowe, Inc.

“We took off running,” Cory said. “And since that first May of 1981, I’ve loved every minute of what I do.”

ABOUT CORY, TUCKER & LARROWE, INC.

Cory, Tucker & Larrowe specializes in performance and payment bonds, workers’ compensation, general liability, and other commercial insurance lines for contractors. They also offer captive insurance solutions, which have attracted clients seeking greater control and cost savings.

Their work is essential to the construction industry, providing specialized risk management tools that contractors legally need to operate.

“Going back to the products we sell—our clients have to have them,” Cory said. “If they’re going to bid on public work, they need bonds. If they’re going to bid at all, they need insurance.”

Performance and payment bonds act as financial guarantees, protecting owners and subcontractors from potential losses. Without them, contractors can’t compete for public work—limiting their opportunities for growth.

Today, the company serves clients across Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Florida, and even international markets. With offices in Baton Rouge, San Antonio, Austin, Houston,

and Dallas, they’ve built a reputation based on their underwriting expertise and deep understanding of insurer expectations.

“We become part of our clients’ team,” Cory said. “We build relationships and help them grow. When they succeed, we succeed.”

That relationship-first mindset runs deep. No one at the company works on commission—they operate as a collective, with a culture focused on trust, teamwork, and shared success.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Cory, Tucker & Larrowe sees every client’s growth as an extension of their own.

“I’m very optimistic about the future of our business,” Cory said. “We’ve worked hard to earn the reputation we have, and

We become part of our clients’ team. We build relationships and help them grow. When they succeed, we succeed.”

we want to protect that at all costs. We’ve got an absolutely great team of up-and-coming professionals ready to run with it.”

That commitment extends beyond business success. Cory remains deeply involved in community and industry organizations. He serves on Southeastern’s business school advisory board, giving back to the university that helped shape his path. He’s also active in Architects, Contractors and Engineers (ACE), a national program that connects high school students with professional mentors in construction-related fields.

Cory is also Treasurer of the Endowment Foundation, a member of the National Board of the Associated General Contractors (AGC), and serves on the Metro Louisiana Board of the Boys & Girls Clubs.

For Cory, long-term success is about more than numbers—it’s about character.

“We want to be remembered for always acting in the best interest of our clients,” he said. “That means doing the right thing, maintaining our reputation, and working with the right people.”

Steve Cory

Amplifying Company Voices

A blend of passions and a sharp eye for gaps, Rachel Ledet didn’t just build her career, she reimagined a vision for cities, regions, and organizations.

A WOMAN MADE FOR MARKETING

“Blending strategy with creativity” is the recipe that launched Rachel Ledet’s career and ultimately led her to found 30|90 Marketing.

That approach began taking shape during her time studying marketing communications at the University of Mississippi’s School of Business Administration, where she developed strong writing skills and a knack for storytelling that drives business growth.

Ledet got her start as an intern at an engineering firm, where she quickly learned how to translate complex technical information into clear, compelling narratives. That experience, she says, became “a cornerstone” of her career. From there, she built a resume that includes roles at an architecture firm and later, a commercial construction company.

“Each experience deepened my understanding of the built environment and sharpened my interest in industries that shape communities,” Ledet said.

Over the course of 13 years, Ledet worked in marketing and business development roles across engineering, architecture, and construction. Along the way, she discovered her passion for using strategic communication to support the people and companies driving economic development— and she also saw opportunities for improvement.

“I saw a need for growth planning, marketing strategy, and client outreach,” she said.

Recognizing that gap, she realized her unique blend of strategy, communications, and creativity could help firms bring more authenticity to their marketing efforts.

30|90 MARKETING IS BORN

In 2018, Ledet launched 30|90 Marketing with the goal of bringing her strategic vision to a broader audience. Her team prides itself on taking a hands-on, all-in approach.

“When you work with us, you get more than just strategy—you get a fully engaged, hands-on team,” Ledet said. “We’re not only the planners and strategists; we’re also the doers and implementers.”

That “can-do and will-do” mentality defines the company’s work ethic. Just as important as upholding their own mission is honoring the mission of their clients. Ledet’s team fully integrates with in-house marketing departments to authentically curate messaging and content.

“We empower the people and projects driving economic development by delivering strategic marketing and communications,” Ledet said. “Through compelling content, thoughtful design, digital engagement, and impactful events, we amplify the voices of those building stronger, more resilient communities.”

Her team’s personalized, results-driven approach is designed to create lasting impact. Ledet emphasizes the importance of individuality—no two company missions are the same, and no two marketing strategies should be, either.

“Our approach is never one-size-fits-all; instead, we develop custom strategies that align with our clients’ objectives and elevate their unique voice,” she said.

At 30|90, the team doesn’t just serve as an agency—they function as an extension of their clients’ in-house team. That close collaboration allows them to stay aligned with their clients’ goals and deliver tailored services in content

creation, graphic design, digital marketing, and event planning.

One example is RNGD, a fast-growing commercial contractor based in New Orleans. Ledet says the partnership “showcases the depth and range of the work that we do.” From foundation report books and groundbreaking media kits to culture-building campaigns and event marketing, her team has helped RNGD translate their vision into reality.

“We’re not just a vendor; we’re embedded with their team,” Ledet said. “That creative freedom and faith allow us to bring big ideas to life—and that’s when our best work happens.”

MARKETING WITH A BIGGER IMPACT

30|90 Marketing’s dedication to growth goes beyond business. As a proud New Orleanian, Ledet also ensures that her company is engaged in the community. They’re active participants in groups like ULI Louisiana, NAIOP Gulf Coast, the Louisiana Association of Affordable Housing Providers (LAAHP), and Habitat for Humanity Women Build Days.

Whether it’s buildings, institutions, or public spaces, Ledet takes pride in pointing out the successful projects her company has supported. But her passion runs deeper than physical spaces—it’s about strengthening the community she calls home.

Today, 30|90 Marketing is in what Ledet calls an “exciting growth phase.” The agency is expanding its reach across the Gulf Coast, focusing on marketing strategy, communications, and community engagement for mission-driven, growth-minded clients. They’re growing their team and preparing to launch a new website to enhance effectiveness for both staff and clients.

“We’re committed to continual learning and improvement,” Ledet said. “And we’re excited to keep evolving and see what’s next!”

NEXTGEN COUNCIL

Members of the NextGen Council traveled to Baton Rouge for a full day of learning, networking, and advocacy at the Louisiana State Capitol. Attendees heard from business leaders, workforce experts, government officials, and legislators on key topics such as education, insurance, and the future workforce of Louisiana. The day concluded with a Capitol tour led by GNO, Inc.’s Chief External Affairs Officer, Jasmine Brown DeRousselle, featuring special stops at the Governor’s Office and the Capitol rooftop.

COPADO SOLUTIONS

GNO, Inc. welcomed Copado Solutions to the Greater New Orleans technology community & celebrated their new operations located at The Shop! Headquartered in Chicago, Copado is a leading technology company specializing in AI-powered DevOps solutions for business applications.

GAME FÊTE

Gamers, developers, and creatives gathered for our annual Game Fête to explore New Orleans’ rapidly growing video game industry. The event featured insights into the local ecosystem, networking opportunities, an indie game showcase, and more.

STARTUP NOIR NOLA SUMMIT

At New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, GNO, Inc. hosted the first Startup Noir NOLA Summit celebrating Black founders and investors with panels on funding, scaling, wellness, and building generational wealth.

LMOGA

GNO, Inc. joined LMOGA in Washington, D.C. to meet with our Congressional leaders and advocate for policies that support Louisiana’s all-of-the-above energy sector. This is essential to driving economic growth, creating jobs, & ensuring a sustainable energy future for our region.

ENERGY AWARD

Congratulations to GNO, Inc. Energy & Innovation Manager, Cam Poole, on winning the "Next Wave Leadership" award for his work in offshore wind energy from Oceantic Network and Ventus!

Founded in 2020 by Tulane University students Franziska Trautmann and Max Steitz, Glass Half Full has transformed from a grassroots initiative into the nation’s first company turning recycled glass into coastal restoration material. With support from local partners like the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation, Meraux Foundation, and Benson Capital Partners—and a $5.7 million research collaboration with Tulane and the National Science Foundation— the company has opened a state-of-the-art, three-acre facility in Chalmette, capable of processing over 300,000 pounds of glass daily.

A new report from global news outlet Reuters highlights Louisiana’s growing prominence as a dynamic Gulf Coast energy hub, citing the state’s leadership in LNG exports—projected to exceed $30 billion in 2024—and its advancement of more than 60 carbon capture projects alongside expansions in hydrogen, ammonia, and steel. Major global companies like Meta and Hyundai Steel are investing heavily in the state, attracted by Louisiana’s abundant natural gas, the lowest industrial electricity costs in the nation, and smart policy positioning that appeals to both Republican and Democratic administrations.

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Region Q2 2025 by Renaissance Publishing - Issuu