Region Q3 2024

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REGION Q3 2024

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Contents THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS, INC. Q3 2024 / VOLUME 5 / NUMBER 3

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 Schmidt Digital Director Rosa Balaguer Production Designers Ashley Pemberton, Czarlyn Ria Trinidad

6 Letter from the President 8 About Greater New Orleans, Inc. 10 By the Numbers 12 Home Away From Home

22 Pay it Forward GWave Holdings’ Even Nicoll believes in people

24 From Gaming to Training Haptech Inc. and the future of military technology.

New Orleans and international commerce.

26 Photo Gallery

14 Leading Innovation

30 Newsflash

LED and GNO, Inc. continue to boost the local economy.

18 Cheering on Higher Ed A new consortium aims to create an educational hub.

Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne

32 Newsflash

1100 Poydras St., Suite 3475 New Orleans, LA 70163 (504) 527-6900 gnoinc.org

Region is produced for Greater New Orleans, Inc. by Renaissance Publishing, LLC 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 myneworleans.com | bizneworleans.com

TO ADVERTISE

Contact Meggie Schmidt at (504) 830-7220 or email Meggie@myneworleans.com Copyright 2024 Region, GNO, Inc., and Renaissance Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without consent of the publisher.

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REGION Q3 2024

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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elcome to the Q3 2024 issue of REGION Magazine! As we look toward the close of 2024, we are proud to celebrate the global connections, forward-thinking strategies, and innovative technologies that continue to elevate Southeast Louisiana as a center of economic vitality. This issue of REGION Magazine highlights some of the most exciting developments shaping the Greater New Orleans economy.

We begin by showcasing how Greater New Orleans remains a magnet for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in an increasingly competitive global landscape. Centuries of expertise as an international trade hub allow us to attract global companies looking for a foothold in North America. This story underscores our region's role as a gateway to global commerce, creating jobs and expanding opportunities across sectors.

Next, we spotlight an exciting new partnership between GNO, Inc. and Louisiana Economic Development, which is fostering growth for technology-enabled startups in Louisiana. This strategic collaboration not only enhances our entrepreneurial ecosystem but also ensures that major tech firms have the resources and support to bring their operations to Southeast Louisiana.

Our region’s educational institutions are also key drivers of success, and this issue tells the story of how the collective power of our 13 colleges and universities is advancing our talent pipeline. These institutions produce a remarkable 80,000 graduates each year, strengthening the region as a vibrant hub for learning and innovation.

This issue also includes profiles of an impressive leader and emerging company that are each making waves. Evan Nicholl, the managing partner of GWave Holdings and V P of Nicholl's Limousine, continues to lead with vision and dedication, creating a lasting impact on the region’s future. Additionally, we introduce you to Haptech, a local company leveraging video game technology to

revolutionize military training, further proving that innovation thrives right here in our backyard.

Each of these stories ref lects the ingenuity, talent, and global competitiveness that define Greater New Orleans. The future of our region is bright, thanks to the people and organizations pushing boundaries and driving progress.

Thank you for joining us on this journey of growth and innovation. We hope the stories in this issue inspire you to continue contributing to the ongoing success of our community.

Warm regards,

MICHAEL HECHT GNO, Inc. President & CEO

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REGION Q3 2024

ABOUT GREATER NEW ORLEANS, INC.

RELATIONSHIPS. RELEVANCE. RESULTS.

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reater 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.

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PARISHES OF SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA

JEFFERSON ORLEANS PLAQUEMINES ST. BERNARD ST. CHARLES ST. JAMES

LOUISIANA STATE GOVERNMENT Louisiana Economic Development

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST ST. TAMMANY

PARISH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS

STAKEHOLDERS

Our Investors Parish Government

Jefferson Orleans Plaquemines

Colleges/ Universities

St. Bernard

Legislators

St. Charles

Business Community

St. James

Nonprofits

St. John the Baptist

Influencers

St. Tammany Tangipahoa Washington

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MEDIA

PUBLIC

PROSPECTS

TANGIPAHOA WASHINGTON

BY THE NUMBERS

Greater New Orleans

BY THE NUMBERS Q3 2024 An economic snapshot of Greater New Orleans’ 10-parish market EMPLOYMENT & ECONOMY STATISTICS

POPULATION

1,412,729

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

EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

$71,900

Regional Average Earnings SOURCE: LIGHTCAST

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS JOBS

26,426 AVERAGE EARNINGS

$86,159 ECONOMY

52,892

683,919

Private Establishments

Civilian Labor Force

SOURCE: BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS,

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST, JUNE 2024

GDP

$4.4B

NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED, Q1 2024 SOURCE: LIGHTCAST

39,226

4.66%

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST Q2 2024

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST, JUNE 2024

Unique Job Postings in Q1

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Regional Unemployment

FAST FACTS: TRANSPORTATION & TRADE

RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) Ranked Best Airport in North America New Geography writes that New Orleans is Top Five in the US for Auto/Transit Ratio – that is, jobs reachable by public transportation Louisiana’s Five Deepwater Ports Funding a Cargo Business Study to be Released in 2024 SOURCE: AIRPORTS COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL, 2024; WORLD TRADE CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS

COST OF LIVING & REAL ESTATE TRADE

$11.3B

Value of Exports from the New Orleans Metro Area

#7

Largest U.S. metro measured by value of exports SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU; U.S.

OVERALL COST OF LIVING GNO Region: 99.4 U.S. Average: 100 SOURCE: LIGHTCAST

REAL ESTATE OFFICE Local Vacancy: 7.3% National Vacancy: 13.8% Local Rent: $21.27/ft2 National Rent: $35.56/ft2 Local Inventory: 54.5M ft2

EXPORTS BY METROPOLITAN AREA, Q3 2023

INDUSTRIAL Local Vacancy: 2.3% National Vacancy: 6.6% Local Rent: $10.72/ft2 National Rent: $12.02/ft2

RANKINGS RECENT RANKINGS GNO, Inc. Ranked Best-Performing Economic Development Group in America [Site Selection, 2024]

Local Inventory: 83.7M ft2 SOURCE: COSTAR

New Orleans Named a “New Innovation Hotspot” [Axios, 2024] Travel & Leisure wrote that the internet believes that New Orleans has the Best Work/Life Balance in America

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: Anna Larsen Research Manager alarsen@gnoinc.org

Grady Fitzpatrick Chief Business Development Officer gfitzpatrick@gnoinc.org

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

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TRADE

A Business Home Away From Home A strategic hub for international commerce for centuries, greater New Orleans continues to be a magnet for ‘Foreign Direct Investment’ in this hyper-competitive global marketplace despite its mid-size metropolitan stature.

BY WILLIAM KALEC

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lessed with a unique and commercially advantageous topography, coupled with a thorough, unrivaled infrastructure that promotes cost-effective and energy-efficient intermodal transit, greater New Orleans has enjoyed a welcomed wave of “Foreign Direct Investment” (FDI) over the past 12 months.

Be it new construction or the expansion of their existing U.S. facilities along the Mississippi River, international heavyweights such as Birdon, UBE, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Industrial Fuel Groups, and Spain’s Life For Tyres, have made eight, nine, even ten-figure commitments to south Louisiana since 2023. These are expansive projects that bring with them high-salaried permanent careers and help sustain indirect jobs.

“FDI is critical to the long-term success of our region, it creates well-paying jobs, diversifies the economy, and encourages innovation,” said Harrison Crabtree, director of World Trade Center New Orleans. “People around the world know and love New Orleans and the attraction of world class businesses continues to enhance our brand as a global city.”

Crabtree said these “wins” showcase that the region is not a “one-trick pony.”

“We are able to successfully attract companies for a diverse set of industries across different regions in the world,” Crabtree said.

Despite its modest population for a metropolitan area, greater New Orleans thrives as an industrial expansion destination for international companies for several reasons – both naturally-occurring and manmade.

Nestled near the mouth of the Mississippi River, New Orleans serves as the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico – a key artery for global connectivity – AND the entry point for imports seeking to reach most regions within the United States.

Wisely, over the years, civic leaders and economic advocacy groups have fortified New Orleans’ natural geographic benefits by building up a second-to-none intermodal infrastructure for commerce.

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Home to the world’s largest Port system – 6 deep-water draft ports, in total – New Orleans has emerged as not only a vital hub for maritime commerce, but a place where any type of product can be sent pretty much anywhere thanks to the 6 Class I railroads that converge with deep-water port access. To aid on-site manufacturing along the Mississippi River, industries benefit from 5,000 miles of pipeline, affording access to a variety of affordable and readily available fuel sources.

Lastly, understanding the multi-layered positive social and economic impact that comes with luring billion-dollar investments to the region, the state of Louisiana continues to expand and refine its extensive catalog of incentives for companies that reach certain job-creation thresholds.

“There’s no one incentive that’s tied to just FDI...but the same business incentives brought forth by the State of Louisiana that appeal to domestic investors also appeal to global investors, as well,” said Paige Carter, LED’s Chief Business Development Officer. “So you look at our ‘Industrial Tax Exemption Program,’ or ‘Quality Jobs Program,’ and the ‘LED FastStart Program,’ which is one of the top workforce training programs in the country...those types of business-friendly job-creating incentives coupled with the unique, beneficial logistics of the area help New Orleans standout in a climate that’s more and more competitive each year when it comes to landing FDI.” In March 2024, investors from Denmark and officials at the Port of South Louisiana announced that construction would begin this year on a $4.6 billion St. Charles Clean Fuels blue ammonia facility – an ambitious project that aligns with the Port’s mission to diversify its clientele within the Port District and promote environmentally-friendly practice. At St. Charles Clean Fuels, the carbon emitted during the production process for the blue ammonia is captured and buried underground, thus substantially lessening the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere. Once operational, St. Charles Clean Fuels will be responsible for

TRADE more than 200 new full-time positions.

One month earlier, Japanese chemical producer UBE announced plans to open its first U.S. facility for a pair of critical ingredients found in EV Lithium Ion Batteries – dimethyl carbonate and ethyl methyl carbonate.

The $500 million plant, located in Jefferson Parish, will employ approximately 50 workers and calls for 300 construction specialists at the apex of the building process.

Last year, Life For Tyres from Spain dedicated $46 million to expand its operations to the U.S. with a facility in the River Parishes.

The international “upcycling” leader transforms discarded rubber from old car and truck tires into top-of-the-line alloy steel, advanced biofuels and black recovered carbon through environmentally sustainable methods. The 10-acre facility will lead to 46 direct jobs and 151 indirect jobs, according to LED. “I look at (FDI) as wealth generation: ‘How can we attract new wealth generated for the state of Louisiana originating outside of our borders?’” Carter said. “This is organically taking funding and money from outside and bringing it into the walls, into the state.

When we talk about wealth generation and how to bring new positivity and innovation into the area, that influx of external funding is substantially important.”

Beyond its gifts from Mother Nature (namely the Mississippi River) and its advanced infrastructure, greater New Orleans continues to set itself apart from other municipalities seeking FDI thanks to its rapid advancements in workforce development. With government officials, vocational schools, and traditional colleges and universities all aligned to nurture south Louisiana’s workforce ecosystem, resources have been maximized and integrated in a way that’s been productive and catalytic for the state’s future workforce – giving them the tools and skills needed to succeed in a rapidly-evolving energy and manufacturing sector.

For Carter, in order to sustain success, the key is to promote and reinforce their message to potential outside investors.

“Louisiana is a place where you can come and have unmatched levels of commitment in terms of infrastructure and connectivity, a business-friendly environment, coupled with a world-class workforce and workforce solutions,” Carter said. “That is our advantage. And that’s why Louisiana stands apart as an unparalleled investment opportunity for international companies, no matter where they originate.”

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INNOVATION

Leaders in Innovation Louisiana Economic Development partners with GNO, Inc., to further innovation initiatives in the state.

BY MISTY MILIOTO

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o ui si ana E co no m ic Develo p m ent ( L E D) , w h i c h i s re spo ns ib le fo r s t rengt h ening t h e s t ate’s busi ne ss env iro nm ent , is cu r rent ly ra m p i n g u p i ts e ffor ts to s t rengt h en t h e lo ca l eco no my. Fo r star te rs, under SB 494 la s t s p r ing, L E D pa s s e d a b il l t hat re o rgani z ed t h e dep a r t m ent ’s lea ders hip s t r u cture, cre ati ng new le a ders hip ro les.

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A s s u c h , LE D h a s h i re d Jo s h Fle i g fo r t h e n ew ly created po s i t i o n o f c h i e f i n n ovat i o n o f fi c e r. Fle i g, w h o p reviou s ly s e r ve d a s s e n i o r v i c e pre s i d e n t o f t h e bu s i n e s s d evelo pm e n t g ro u p at G N O, In c . , i s t a s ke d w i t h c re atin g an d e xe c u t i n g a s t rate g y t h at s u ppo r t s h i g h - g row t h , tech n ol o g y- e n a ble d s t a r t u ps i n Lo u i s i a n a . H e i s wo r k i n g clos ely w i t h G N O, In c . t o d o ju s t t h at .

INNOVATION

LED LEADS THE CHARGE

We will continue to attract expansion opportunities f rom innovative companies, but … we need to build the innovation headquarters of tomorrow.”

– JOSH FLEIG, LED CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER

Globally speaking, Fleig said that the high-growth, high-wage jobs needed in Louisiana come from innovation industries (such as technology, healthcare and energy). And not only is it important to attract these types of companies, but even more imperative to build them.

“Louisiana deeply lacks in headquarters — the types of high paying jobs that create greater economic impact on the community than any other,” Fleig said. “Headquarters have an outside positive impact on their communities: wages are higher; philanthropy is heavier in their own backyard; they create more indirect jobs; and [they will make] purchase decisions for Louisiana in Louisiana. We will continue to attract expansion opportunities from innovative companies, but … we need to build the innovation headquarters of tomorrow.”

To that end, Fleig works to provide everything startups need to thrive, from products (such as capital programs like the Angel Investor Tax Credit program, or SSBCI) to services (like technical assistance, and accelerators and incubators). He also steers policy that helps to build and support an innovation ecosystem, and he works with colleges and universities to better commercialize research and development in higher education.

“My first order of business is redesigning aspects of our SSBCI program to allow the $113 million from the U.S. Treasury to freely flow into high-growth, technology-enabled startups,” he said. “Nearly $90 million is earmarked for seed capital, and the remaining $23 million is for small loan-assistance programs.”

Fleig said that so far, in the Greater New Orleans region, there are six funds participating in the program—meaning they are responsible for getting the money into the hands of the startups: New Orleans Startup Fund; Momentum Fund (The Idea Village); Boot64 Ventures; Tulane Innovation Fund; Ochsner Louisiana Innovation Fund; and Propeller.

“Each fund is writing seed capital checks to startups across the region that align with their individual mission and goals,” Fleig said.

LED (a limited partner in the Ochsner Louisiana Innovation Fund) pushed through $5 million in SSBCI funds, which was then matched by the fund. This money is being used to invest in healthcare-related companies across the region and the state.

Fleig said that global investment in AI also is growing at a rapid pace. “During the last legislative session, we acted quickly to pass a bill to capture some of the growth in AI infrastructure,” he said. “Act 730 was designed to quickly enter the AI hyperscaler in-

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INNOVATION vestment race, which is predicted to hit $200 billion globally by next year, [according to] Goldman Sachs.”

As company attraction relates to Act 730, Fleig said there are some fish on the line. “It’s brand new, so we will see how effective our competitive program can be,” he said. “One company that has recently expanded into the Greater New Orleans region that I’m proud of is Outlier, a sports-intelligence app company based in Austin that is building an engineering team in the Warehouse District.”

According to Fleig, it is also critical to focus on growing startups in the entertainment industries (such as film and television production, game development and music production). “[New Orleans] has a strong head start in all three industries,” he said.

In addition to hiring Fleig, LED is now able to procure its own contracts with third parties as part of the revamp. “We just built out a new advisory board, the LED Partnership Board, composed fully of individuals from the private sector to help steer the strategic direction of the department and bring an active, pro-industry voice to the table,” Fleig said.

SUPPORT FROM STARTUPNOLA Meanwhile, Evie Poitevent Sanders, who has served as director of innovation and entrepreneurship at GNO, Inc., for nearly three years, primarily focuses on regional ecosystem development via the StartupNOLA strategic initiative. “There are three main pillars of work that fall under the StartupNOLA umbrella: community; connections; and capital,” she said.

In terms of community, Poitevent Sanders launched and manages the monthly StartupNOLA Now meetup series to bring together players from the ecosystem — often with a specific topic and speaker or panel. She also oversees other StartupNOLA programming geared toward educating founders, including the new quarterly Access to Capital series that kicks off in September.

Additionally, Poitevent Sanders manages GNO, Inc.’s, StartupNOLA website

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“Greater New Orleans is by far the largest startup ecosystem in the state, so whatever LED unveils statewide on the innovation f ront, GNO, Inc., and StartupNOLA will surely be involved in due to the size of our ecosystem – EVIE POITEVENT SANDERS, GNO, INC. DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

(startupnola.com), which serves as an online directory and aggregator of all startups and resource providers in GNO, Inc.’s, ecosystem.

When it comes to connections, Poitevent Sanders also supports high-growth startup founders, funders and ecosystem service providers (such as entrepreneur support organizations, accelerators, incubators and higher education centers for entrepreneurship). “This includes ecosystem overview meetings with startups, venture capitalists and numerous out-of-state parties,” she said. “From those meetings, I regularly facilitate warm introductions to a wide variety of stakeholders for networking purposes.”

Finally, Poitevent Sanders also facilitates introductions between equity investors (both local and statewide) and founders, national venture capitalists, and various local and out-of-state parties for deal-flow purposes. For example, prior to most of the Access to Capital sessions, startups can pitch and directly interface with funders within that given funding area.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE GREATER GOOD GNO, Inc., works closely with its partners at LED across all departments. “Greater New Orleans is by far the largest startup ecosystem in the state, so whatever LED unveils statewide on the innovation front, GNO, Inc., and StartupNOLA will surely be involved in due to the size of our ecosystem,” Poitevent Sanders said.

Likewise, Fleig credits GNO, Inc., for being the boots on the ground to help reach startups and the broader startup support ecosystem. “We co-develop programming, cross-promotion of products and services, and we work closely to measure growth and success,” he said.

Both organizations also offer training and resources for workforce development. For example, GNO, Inc., which has been designated a Region 1 STEM Network Center by the Louisiana Board of Regents LaSTEM Advisory Council, offers the GNOu Workforce program, economic mobility initiatives and more.

The efforts of both organizations are beginning to spin the flywheel. “For startups to thrive in Louisiana, they need the 3 C’s: capital; coaching; and customers,” Fleig says.

“We’ve been seeing [progress] since the wave of startup exits began with Levelset [in 2021], and now with the influx of capital from those exits plus SSBCI turbocharging opportunity for innovation in the region. Step one was improving our capital program.

Next, we will turn to enhancing coaching and customers. If innovation companies can find all three—in abundance and in working order—we can win.”

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EDUCATION

Thirteen Cheers For Higher Education in The Greater New Orleans Region

BY KELLY HITE

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ew Orleans is known for its rich cuisine, incredible music, and, of course, Mardi Gras.

But many may not realize the region is also a thriving educational hub that produces a whopping 80,000 graduates per year and has one of t he highest per capita higher education concentrations in t he nation.

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THE HIGHER EDUCATION CONSORTIUM The New Orleans Higher Education Consortium is a group of t hirteen diverse colleges and universities in t he Greater New Orleans region t hat have joined forces wit h GNO Inc. to strategically maximize t he region’s strengt hs not just as a great place to study, but as a great place to live and work.

The consortium evolved out of a desire to work together

EDUCATION

THE 13 CONSORTIUM MEMBERS ARE: University of Holy Cross Delgado Community College Nunez Community College Loyola University Southern University at New Orleans Dillard University University of New Orleans Northshore Technical Community College River Parishes Community College Southeastern Louisiana University LSU Health New Orleans Xavier University Tulane University

to take a more proactive approach to addressing the needs of the future and to boost resiliency during volatile times.

“No single institution can address every difficulty,” said Stanton F. McNeely III, President of t he University of Holy Cross and Chair of t he Higher Education Consortium. “After Hurricane Ida and Covid, we realized we needed to work hand in hand wit h local businesses to create strategic and forward-t hinking solutions.”

McNeely said t hey first looked at t he corporate structure t hat was in place in ot her successful cities where similar circumstances exist. They realized t hat, alt hough ot her cities have done well, t he GNO region is unique in t he American Sout h because its diversity.

“That’s t he key,” McNeely said. “It represents an enormous opportunity.”

GNO, Inc. is the vital link between the consortium and the region’s dynamic economy. “We are committed to supporting the development and retention of talent across the Greater New Orleans area with a particular focus on connecting our vibrant academic community with local industry needs,” said Marco Tejeda-Kemp, Director of Talent and Workforce, Greater New Orleans, Inc. “Our region’s thirteen higher education institutions play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation.”

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

No single institution can address every difficulty. Our region’s thirteen higher education institutions play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation.”

– Stanton F. McNeely III

Forging strong, mutually beneficial bonds wit h industry and business is a major part of t he consortium’s work.

“The consortium approach, combined wit h t he invaluable data provided by GNO, Inc., ensures t hat t he educational programs at Delgado and ot her member schools are aligned wit h t he evolving needs of employers,” said Dr. Larissa Littleton-Steib, Chancellor of Delgado Community College and Vice Chair of Consortium. “By staying attuned to t hese priorities, we can structure our courses to prepare students wit h t he skills and knowledge t hat are most in demand, furt her strengt hening t he link

between education and workforce readiness in t he region.”

The benefits of t his approach are already paying off. “Examples of successful collaborations have culminated in groundbreaking research and federal funding in energy, healt hcare, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, entertainment and t he arts, and entrepreneurship to name a few,” said Dr. William S. Wainwright, President, Sout heastern Louisiana University.

“The mission of Sout heastern Louisiana University is to lead t he educational, economic, and cultural development of Sout heast Louisiana. The GNO Inc. Higher Education Consortium has directly benefited Sout heastern in achieving t his mission.”

RE-BRANDING THE REGION A n i m po r t a n t pa r t o f t h i s effor t i nvo lve s re bra n d i n g t h e G re ater New O r le a n s re g i o n’s i m a ge t o m ore accurate ly re f le c t i t s a c h i eve m en ts an d o ppo r t u n i t i e s. T h e i d e a i s for people t o n at u ra l ly a n d s po n t an eou s ly t h i n k o f t h e G N O re g i o n a s a major hu b fo r h i g h e r e d u c at i o n , i n novation , re s e a rc h , a n d j o bs. “ S o we’re n ot ju s t s e e n a s a s h o r t- te r m pa r t y d e stin ation , bu t a s a k n ow le d ge i n te n s ive reg ion w i t h a bro a d s pe c t r u m o f c o l leges an d u n ive rs i t i e s t h at wo r k t o ge t h er wit h lo c a l bu s i n e s s e s, ” s a i d M c Ne ely.

StudyNOLA, an interactive website designed to attract students and help them find the right higher education match, explore job opportunities, and see what the region has to offer, is an important re-branding tool. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, StudyNOLA is a virtual “one-stop-shop” for prospective students.

“Our public and private institutions, including our HBCU’s, are some of the best in the nation in terms of quality, diversity, and value. StudyNOLA helps people discover that New Orleans is a world-class destination for higher education,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of GNO, Inc.

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EDUCATION

OUR SUCCESS PROVES THE POINT The GNO Region has seen success after success not just from top research institutions but with all the Higher Education Consortium members. Examples include $23 million for Tulane University to create an advanced cancer imaging system, $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities initiative for Southeastern Louisiana University to address the nursing shortage, and a further $5.75 million from their Strengthening Community College initiative to improve access to infrastructure-related careers for historically underrepresented students in Southeast Louisiana.

The infrastructure-related funding in particular highlights the benefits when Consortium members work together. It allowed the creation of the Greater New Orleans Infrastructure Partnership (GNOIP) – a collaborative effort led by Delgado Community College together with Northshore Technical Community College, Nunez Community College, River Parishes Community College, and GNO, Inc. “This collaboration not only boosts the workforce pipeline for vital infrastructure-related businesses but also provides workers with good jobs that sustain their families and drive economic growth in our region,” said Littleton-Steib.

While the overall population in the Greater New Orleans region has decreased in recent years, the people who have remained here are better educated than ever before. According to statistics from the Census Bureau and a July 2024 report by The Data Center, the number of people in the GNO region with high school diplomas and bachelor’s degrees has increased.

A SUPER REGION GNO Inc. hosted the GNOu Summit: Workforce and Training Pathways Conference on September 25-26, bringing together education and training providers with business and industry partners to develop industry-relevant programs and curricula.

The event will be a key opportunity for the Higher Education Consortium, which plans to leverage the summit and the global spotlight on the region created by next year’s Super Bowl to showcase New Orleans as a hub for education and business opportunities.

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“With the Super Bowl, we have a captive audience,” said McNeely. “It’s our chance to capture their attention.”

The goal is to make a substantial, long-term economic impact on the region. “We envision higher education being recognized as a major economic driver here, alongside our strong maritime, hospitality, healthcare, and oil and gas sectors,” McNeely said. “We want to help shape the local economy.”

Others echoed his enthusiasm. For Wainwright, GNOu and StudyNOLA exemplify how higher education institutions in Greater New Orleans can align their missions with the needs of local businesses and industries. “This alignment strengthens educational programming and attracts significant regional investments through grants and research, forming powerful partnerships that benefit everyone,” Wainwright said.

Wainwright emphasized the unique diversity of higher education in the region. “Greater New Orleans is home to one of the most diverse concentrations of public and private two-year and four-year institutions in the country. By collaborating with industry sectors, we create market-responsive programs that fuel workforce development, stimulate economic growth, and promote social mobility. The Higher Education Consortium maximizes resources, fosters efficiency, and advances research and industry-driven programs that attract and retain talent essential to the success of our communities and citizens.”

The goal is to make a substantial, long-term economic impact on the region. We envision higher education being recognized as a major economic driver here, alongside our strong maritime, hospitality, healthcare, and oil and gas sectors. We want to help shape the local economy.”

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PERSONAL PROFILE

Pay it Forward, Dance it Out Evan Nicoll Finds Motivation in the People and Spirit of New Orleans

BY MM KAUFMAN

E

va n Nicol l l i kes to joke t h at he i s a jac k- ofa l l-t rades but a m a ster of none. W h at he i s clea rly a m a ster at t hough i s st ay i ng bu sy a nd g iv i ng bac k . “I of ten joke, t h at I get i nvolved i n so m a ny t h i ngs becau se of my u nd iagnosed A DH D, Nicol l sa id. “ But i n t r ut h , I get i nvolved i n so m a ny t h i ngs becau se t hey eac h feed i nto d i f ferent a rea s t h at a re of i nterest to me.”

A nd Nicol l cer t a i n ly h a s a lot of i nterest s. T h i s n at ive of Ken ner i s a m a n ag i ng pa r t ner of GWave Hold i ngs, v ice president of Nicol l’s L i mou si ne & Shut t le S er v ice, a nd a n adju nc t lec t u rer at Tu la ne Un iversit y. He i s a l so heavi ly i nvolved i n loca l ph i la nt h ropic work a nd suppor t i ng t he mu sic scene of New O rlea n s. A nyone who’s been to a M a rd i Gra s pa rade k nows t hose 610 S tompers come w it h a lot of energ y, but where does Nicol l f i nd h i s?

A s a lec t u rer at Tu la ne, Nicol l tel l s h i s st udent s when meet i ng new people to foc u s on bu i ld i ng t he relat ion sh ip for t he sa ke of it , not w it h t he end goa l of wh at t hey cou ld get f rom it . “ You never k now t he person you’re goi ng to meet , t he relat ion sh ip you h ave t he oppor t u n it y to bu i ld – a nd not for t ra n sac t ion a l pu r poses – but becau se you never k now where t h at ca n lead i n 6 mont h s f rom now, a yea r f rom now, 5 yea rs f rom now,” he sa id.

Nicol l i s a g radu ate of Tu la ne Un iversit y. But some of h i s g reatest lesson s ca me long before he stepped onto t he ca mpu s, when h i s h igh sc hool e x per ience wa s i nterr upted by K at r i n a.

T he stor m brought Nicol l to t he pa n h a nd le of F lor id a to J. R . A r nold H igh S c hool Pa n a m a Cit y Beac h , a co - ed

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sc hool w it hout u n i for m s, ju st a bloc k f rom t he beac h.

Q u ite a c h a nge f rom a n a l l-boys cat hol ic sc hool. It ’s not t he beac h he remem bers t he fondest t hough: “I w i l l forever be i ndebted to t he people of t h at reg ion who took u s i n , l itera l ly clot hed a nd hou sed u s, a nd t reated u s l i ke fa m i ly,” he sa id. “ W h i le K at r i n a wa s m a ny t h i ngs, it a l so brought out some of t he k i ndest ac t s I ’ve ever seen f rom a bsolute complete st ra ngers.”

It i s ea sy to see how t hese idea s of show i ng k i nd ness to st ra ngers i n need a nd get t i ng to k now people for t he si mple beaut y of com mu n it y, a re st i l l ver y st rong va lues i n Nicol l’s l i fe. He ser ves on t he E xec ut ive Boa rd of t he You ng L eadersh ip Cou nci l a s V P of Development a nd i s a mem ber of GNO I nc.’s Ne x t G en Cou nci l. He a l so work s w it h loca l nonprof it s a nd civ ic orga n i z at ion s l i ke F u nd 17, a nd E merg i ng Ph i la nt h ropi st s of New O rlea n s. “ F i rst a nd foremost , I t h i n k it ’s ver y i mpor t a nt t h at we shou ld g ive more t h a n we t a ke…You ca n’t t a ke t he wea lt h you c reate w it h you to t he g rave, a nd I t h i n k we h ave a mora l a nd et h ica l obl igat ion to do wh at we ca n to leave t h i s world bet ter t h a n we fou nd it .”

T hough Nicol l doesn’t bel ieve we’ve ac h ieved t h at noble goa l a s a societ y ( yet), he sees eac h d ay a s a new oppor t u n it y to m a ke good on t h at prom i se. A s a n i nd iv idu a l, he foc u ses on ways he ca n m a ke t he g reatest i mpac t at t he loca l level. “It ’s not ju st a bout g iv i ng you r t reasu re,” he says, “but you r t i me a nd t a lent a s wel l.”

For a nyone v i sit i ng New O rlea n s, Nicol l h a s a message: Come a nd enjoy t he food , mu sic, a nd c u lt u re, but , never forget t h at New O rlea n s ca n be more t h a n t h at . “ We ca n

PERSONAL PROFILE

be t he place where you ca n f i nd work-l i fe ba la nce, proba bly t ippi ng t he sca les to more of t he lat ter.”

He a l so h a s a message for l i fe -long New O rlea n ia n s a s wel l: S t ay open-m i nded to out siders. “I f we keep doi ng wh at we’ve a lways done, t hen we’l l a lways get wh at we’ve a lways got . We shou ld keep ou r hea r t s open to new ways of doi ng t h i ngs i f we wa nt bet ter outcomes.”

I f h i s m i nd a nd hea r t a re a lways open , t hen h i s legs a re a lways d a nci ng. W hen’s he’s not teac h i ng a n ent repreneu rsh ip or leadersh ip cou rse at Tu la ne, or work i ng w it h t he fa m i ly bu si ness, Nicol l’s L i mou si ne & Shut t le S er v ice, or f i nd i ng more ways to help t he st a r t up com mu n it y f i nd i nvest ment t h rough GWave Hold i ngs, you ca n f i nd h i m d a nci ng it out w it h t he 610 S tompers. “ Bei ng a 610 S tomper i s one of t he most f u n t h i ngs I ’ve h ad t he plea su re of get t i ng to do. It ’s h a rd to desc r i be wh at it ’s l i ke d a nci ng dow n S t . C h a rles Avenue, sh a k i ng you r t a i l feat her a nd h av i ng a bla st bei ng a tot a l si l ly goose,” Nicol l sa id. “I love get t i ng to see t he look s on people’s faces, pa r t ic u la rly someone who’s never seen u s before, a nd see t hei r jaw h it t he g rou nd when we pa ss by.”

W hen pressed for a favor ite a necdote of a t i me he don ned t he st ac he a nd shor t- shor t s, Nicol l pa sses up t he t i me he h ad a d a nce pa r t y on S t . C h a rles Avenue w it h S teve Glea son , for t he t i me t he 610 S tompers were i nv ited to t he 2 019 M ac y ’s T h a n k sg iv i ng Day Pa rade a nd he proposed to h i s now w i fe wh i le d a nci ng dow n 6t h Avenue. “ T he S tompers em body some of t he best a spec t s of wh at it ’s l i ke to be i n t h i s cit y.

A joie de v iv re, a nd t he most e x t raord i n a r y d a nce moves on ly a n ord i n a r y m a n ca n do.”

Plu s, t he S tompers pay for wa rd t he sup por t t hey receive by g iv i ng g ra nt s to nu merou s orga n i z at ion s ac ross t he c rescent cit y.

T hey a ren’t ju st m a sters of g reat d a nce moves, but a l so of E va n Nicol l’s favor ite t rade — g iv i ng bac k .

GNOINC.ORG

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BEYOND BUSINESS

From Gaming to Military Training Haptech’s Technological Breakthroughs

BY MM KAUFMAN

W

ithin the industry, most vendors view Haptech Inc.’s technology as the future of military weapons training. But Kyle Monti, founder and CEO, would be the first to tell you that it took a lot of time and effort to make that statement the reality it is today. The technology-driven company solving modern-day problems has had its highs and lows, but over the past ten years it has fought hard to win industry credibility.

The son of an entrepreneur, and a graduate of Hahnville High School and the University of New Orleans with a degree in physics, Monti and his team create problem-solving technologies specializing in electronics and motor-driven haptic simulation.

Monti’s innovations and Haptech patents have built hyper-realistic gaming and U.S. Military training environments that are quickly outpacing existing tech, with less expensive and smarter equipment that is both adaptable and easier to maintain.

Haptech’s founding in 2014 came about when Monti was inspired by an existing problem with pneumatic simulators in training weapons. He put his analytical skills to the test to find a

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way to create an electrically based technology to simulate recoil.

In other words, he wanted to create an industry game changer.

In three years, he had the patents and prototypes with the linear motor technology ultimately used for the application. But there still lay the obstacle of getting the defense industry to adopt the technology. With a brilliant pivot, Monti and his team decided to develop blasters for the V R gaming market. These first products made up StrikerV R—now a Haptech subsidiary. If you’d like to see this tech in action on the silver screen, check out the 2020 movie Max Reload and the Nether Blasters starring Kevin Smith.

Just a few years later in 2018, Haptech had an opportunity to place the technology into an ongoing U.S. Navy program— their first military success. They have been refining their products for the defense industry as Haptech Defense Systems, and gaming with Striker V R, ever since. Haptech continues to work to integrate their proprietary systems in more applications and devises for the U.S. Military and beyond.

Born and developed in New Orleans, Haptech has grown a lot in ten years, but has managed to do so organically which

BEYOND BUSINESS

allows them to add capability at a rate that can be supported locally. The company sees itself as an active participant in helping make the dream of New Orleans as a national innovation hotspot a reality.

“We have certainly pressed the area for more and more sophisticated talent,” Monti says, “and we plan to continue this moving forward. We’re here to help. It will take many more years for this vision to fully come into focus, but we’ll be around to see it through.”

Haptech was confident their system would be a drastic upgrade from the antiquated pneumatic training weapons the government had been using for almost 50 years. But it took patience and tenacity to get their technology in front of the right people to begin securing larger government contracts. In 2023, they landed their first significant U.S. Army contract, which all together totals over $11 million dollars. They are currently in the research and development phase of these contracts.

You may be wondering how Haptech’s Electromagnetic Recoil System works and Kyle Monti can break it down so anyone can understand. In grade school, many students learn about electromagnets by winding a copper wire around a nail, running a current through the wire, thus creating an electromagnet strong enough to pick-up paperclips.

“Our motor is based around a similar idea,” Monti explains, “but with multiple coils and permanent magnets. Instead of the current only being applied in one direction, it can be applied in reverse to produce opposite motions. So, when you pull the trigger of a Haptech training weapon or a StrikerV R gaming blaster, you feel a recoil which is dynamic in nature just like the real thing. There are no bullets, no blanks and no projectiles – just electromagnetics applied in a new way.”

Beyond weapons training and gaming, Monti reminds that haptics are part of the technology in our everyday lives. Like the buzz you feel when you text or dial on a modern cell phone, and it’s moving in new domains every day, he tells us.

“Right now, somewhere in America, a surgeon is using haptics in robotics to perform a delicate operation, while a member of the U.S. Coast Guard is using that same technology in training simulations to intercept illegal drug trafficking in the Gulf of Mexico, and a small business owner is opening a location-based entertainment venue to transport gamers into immersive virtual experiences using the products they hold.”

It is that drive to discover more ways in which technology can enrich our lives that keeps Haptech Inc.’s wheels turning. “The applications of this technology are limited only by our imagination and as a creator,” Monti adds, “that’s an exciting space to be a part of.”

GNOINC.ORG

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DC FLY IN

GNO, Inc.’s Executive Board traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with our Louisiana Congressional delegation, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director Liz Klein, and White House Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young, discussing key initiatives like energy, urban and rural development, flood insurance, infrastructure, trade, workforce development, coastal restoration, and public safety.

LANDRY POLICY TEAM

GNO, Inc. welcomed members of Governor Landry's Policy Team for a multi-day economic development familiarization tour to meet with economic development stakeholders, tour port infrastructure, and see firsthand a few of the diverse economic assets driving the GNO economy.

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PHOTO GALLERY

GNOROCS INTERNSHIP

In July, we celebrated the closing ceremony of the 2024 GNOrocs Innovation Internship at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center. Our 24 interns from local universities worked at various STEM companies, including labs, engineering firms, construction companies, and tech startups.

GNOINC.ORG

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ETERNAL SEEDS

Eternal Seeds completed their stunning mural on Girod Street! We are thrilled to witness the beginning of the Super Bowl LIX murals, with the beautification of our community already underway.

MECHATRONICS

Eight students completed the Mechatronics program at Nunez Community College.

The Mechatronics program is a two-year commitment that provides both technical classroom instruction and on-the-job training using an earn-while-you-learn model with training costs covered by the employer.

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PHOTO GALLERY

NASA MICHOUD

Our staff visited the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility to witness the departure of Artemis II, which is set to bring the first woman and person of color to the moon in 2025. The five Artemis missions represent an investment of $93 billion, with 90% of each rocket constructed at Michoud, solidifying New Orleans East as a critical hub for space exploration. Michoud employs more than 3,000 people in the Greater New Orleans region.

LFEC GROUNDBREAKING

The groundbreaking of the Louisiana Future Energy Center marks a significant step forward in Louisiana’s clean energy leadership. Located at The Beach at UNO and made possible by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, this state-of-the-art facility will fuel innovation, sustainability, and economic growth by supporting energy startups and advancing next-generation clean energy technologies.

GNOINC.ORG

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NEWSFLASH

The NOLA Coalition made national headlines for its efforts in helping to reduce homicides in New Orleans by 45% — as well as a 44% decrease in robberies and a 21% decrease in aggravated assaults this year. By comparison, other cities across the country recorded an average 8% decrease in homicides and a 5% drop in aggravated assault. The Coalition was also highlighted for raising $8 million of its $15 million to support local youth programs like mentoring and mental health services, as well as recreational improvements.

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GNOINC.ORG

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NEWSFLASH

GNO, Inc. and multiple regional, state, and federal partners made two major announcements that bring Louisiana tangibly closer to our vision of the state as an international hub of an “all-of-the-above” energy future. First, Canadian company Woodland Biofuels announced a $1.35 billion investment at the Port of South Louisiana to establish the largest renewable natural gas plant in the world.

Second, the Louisiana Future Energy Center, located at the Beach at UNO, will be the physical and symbolic headquarters of the “all-of-theabove” future energy movement for Louisiana Photo © Derek Shapton courtsey of Woodlands Biofuel

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