Region Volume 1 2026

Contents 10

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS, INC. VOLUME 7 / NUMBER 1

Greater New Orleans, Inc. President & CEO Michael Hecht Chief Business Development Officer Grady Fitzpatrick Chief Marketing Officer Matt Wolfe Chief Operations Officer Sara Bradford

Renaissance Publishing Editor Drew Hawkins Art Director Ali Sullivan Account Director Meggie Aune

4 Letter from the President 6 About Greater New Orleans, Inc. 8 By the Numbers 10 A Collective Effort The 10 parish presidents of the Greater New Orleans area are teaming up to boost economic development across the region

16 Louisiana Global Connect Unites State’s International Trade and Investment Efforts

19 Development Reshaping & Redeveloping the New Orleans Region’s Economic Landscape.

22 Personal Profile

Digital Director Rosa Balaguer Senior Production Designer Ashley Bravata Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne

Lauren Mastio and the Future of Bold Leadership in New Orleans Law

24 Beyond Business ABC New Orleans/Bayou is training the next generation of builders

26 Photo Gallery

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

30 & 32 Newsflash

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 Aune at (504) 830-7220 or email Meggie@myneworleans.com Copyright 2026 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 2026 | VOLUME 1

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

W

elcome to t he f i rst 2026 issue of R EGION M aga z i ne. T h is ed it ion h igh l ight s t he pa r t nersh ips, i nvest ment s, a nd leadersh ip helpi ng posit ion S out heast L ou isia na for long-ter m success. F rom reg iona l col la borat ion a nd t ra nsfor mat ive development projec t s to globa l t rade a nd work force read i ness, t he stor ies i n t h is issue demonst rate how ou r com mu n it ies a re work i ng toget her to compete a nd w i n i n today ’s dy na m ic economy.

T he issue beg i ns w it h a look at a g row i ng spi r it of reg iona lism across Greater New Orlea ns. T he leaders of a l l 10 pa r ishes a re em braci ng a more coord i nated approach to economic development, recog n i z i ng t hat t he reg ion's g reatest st reng t hs emerge when loca l assets a re a lig ned beh i nd sha red goa ls. W het her at t rac t i ng new i nvest ment, adva nci ng major i n f rast r uc t u re projec ts, or i mprov i ng q ua lit y of life, t h is renewed com m it ment to col la borat ion is creat i ng a st ronger fou ndat ion for g row t h.

That collective vision is already taking shape through several transformational developments which are reshaping the region's economic landscape. The next conversation explorse major projects including the redevelopment of the former Naval Suppor t Activity East Bank, the restoration of Charity Hospital, the continued evolution of Gulf South Commerce Park, and new investments at Churchill Technology and Business Park. Together, these projects are creating oppor tunities for innovation, housing, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and business attraction that will inf luence the region for decades to come.

T he focus t hen sh if ts beyond t he reg ion’s borders w it h Louisia na Globa l Con nec t, a new pa r t nersh ip bet ween t he World Trade Center New Orlea ns a nd Louisia na Econom ic Development desig ned to u n if y t he state's i nter nat iona l t rade a nd i nvest ment ef for ts. By ta rget i ng key ma rkets such as Japa n a nd Aust ra lia a nd present i ng a coord i nated "Tea m Louisia na" approach, t he i n it iat ive a i ms to st reng t hen t he state’s posit ion i n t he globa l economy a nd at t rac t t he nex t wave of foreig n d i rec t i nvest ment.

O f cou rse, none of t hese oppor t u n it ies a re possi ble w it hout a st rong t a lent pipel i ne. T h at 's why t he i ssue a l so h igh l ight s t he work of A BC New O rlea n s / Bayou , wh ic h i s helpi ng t ra i n t he ne x t generat ion of sk i l led con st r uc t ion profession a l s t h rough apprent icesh ip a nd c ra f t t ra i n i ng prog ra m s. A s dem a nd for sk i l led la bor cont i nues to g row ac ross L ou i sia n a , t hese ef for t s a re c reat i ng pat hways to rewa rd i ng ca reers t h at a l ig n w it h e x pa nd i ng work force need s.

4

REGION 2026 | VOLUME 1

T he issue a lso feat u res a prof i le of Nex tG en Cou nci l Cha i r L au ren M ast io, a pa r t ner at Jones Wa l ker L L P, whose ca reer ref lec t s t he i mpor t a nce of prepa rat ion, leadersh ip, a nd civ ic engagement. Her stor y of fers i nsight i nto t he nex t generat ion of leaders helpi ng shape t he f ut u re of New Orlea ns a nd t he i nst it ut ions t hat ser ve it.

Toget her, t hese stor ies tel l t he stor y of a reg ion t hat is t h i n k i ng bigger, ac t i ng col lec t ively, a nd i nvest i ng st rateg ica l ly i n it s f ut u re.

T ha n k you for you r cont i nued suppor t of GNO, I nc. a nd t he t ra nsfor mat ive work happen i ng across ou r reg ion.

Si ncerely,

MICHAEL HECHT Greater New Orleans, Inc. President & CEO

ABOUT GREATER NEW ORLEANS, INC.

RELATIONSHIPS. RELEVANCE. RESULTS.

G

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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REGION 2026 | VOLUME 1

MEDIA

PUBLIC

PROSPECTS

TANGIPAHOA WASHINGTON

BY THE NUMBERS

Greater New Orleans

BY THE NUMBERS Q4 2025 An economic snapshot of Greater New Orleans’ 10-parish market EMPLOYMENT & ECONOMY STATISTICS

POPULATION

EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

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

Regional Average Earnings

1,420,653

$76,200

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST; ECONOMY OVERVIEW

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST

AEROSPACE JOBS

7,682 ECONOMY

54,403

679,300

Private Establishments

Civilian Labor Force

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST; INDUSTRY TABLE – PAYROLLED

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST; ECONOMY OVERVIEW

AVERAGE EARNINGS

$131,075

BUSINESS LOCATIONS

GDP

$1.4B SOURCE: 2025 LIGHTCAST

692,239

Total Regional Employment SOURCE: LIGHTCAST; ECONOMY OVERVIEW

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REGION 2026 | VOLUME 1

4.51%

Regional Unemployment SOURCE: LIGHTCAST; ECONOMY OVERVIEW

BY THE NUMBERS

FAST FACTS: SPRING 2026

RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS Louisiana and Persona AI signed an MOU to pilot humanoid robotics at SSE Steel Fabrication's St. Bernard Parish facility, positioning the state as a national testbed for embodied AI in heavy-industry environments.

COST OF LIVING & REAL ESTATE

Southern Energy Renewables announced a $1.4 billion investment to build a green methanol and sustainable aviation fuel production facility in St. Charles Parish, converting regional wood-waste biomass into low-carbon transportation fuels and creating an expected 514 jobs.

OVERALL COST OF LIVING

Associated Wholesale Grocers will invest $110 million to upgrade and automate its Gulf Coast Distribution facility in Pearl River, retaining 334 jobs while modernizing the supply chain for independent grocery retailers across the Southeast.

Air Liquide is investing more than $350 million in St. James Parish to expand industrial gas production and pipeline infrastructure along the Mississippi River in support of the Hyundai-POSCO Louisiana low-carbon steel facility.

GNO Region

99.4 U.S. Average

100

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST; INDUSTRY TABLE

COMMUNITY INDICATORS Households

RANKINGS RECENT RANKINGS

660,504 Median Monthly Rent

Louisiana Ranks f irst among states in reading growth, second in math on latest national education scorecard

$1,165

New Orleans ranked #2 on Travel + Leisure’s 15 Favorite Cities in the U.S. of 2025

Vacant Housing Units

87,143 Median Age

39.1 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:

SOURCE: LIGHTCAST, COMMUNITY INDICATORS MAP

Harrison Gitz Policy and Research Manager hgitz@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

GNOINC.ORG

9

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

A Collective Effort Leaning into a grander sense of “regionalism” when addressing matters important to their individual constituents, the 10 parish presidents of the Greater New Orleans area are teaming up to boost economic development across the region.

BY WILLIAM KALEC

A

s much as New Orlea ns ser ves as t he cu lt u ra l a nd economic ‘face’ of Sout h Louisia na, its stat u re as such is ent i rely dependent on t he v ita l, u n iq ue, a nd benef icia l at t r i butes fou nd i n its neigh bor i ng pa r ishes.

T he i ndu s t r i a l he f t fou nd i n t he R ive r Pa r i s he s – S t .

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REGION 2026 | VOLUME 1

C h a rle s , S t . Ja me s a nd S t . Joh n – for ge d f rom t he r e g ion’s g r e ate s t e c onom ic c he s s pie c e, t he M i s s i s s ippi R ive r.

T h e q u a i nt l i f e s t y l e , a b u n d a nt s p a c e f o r g r o w t h a n d d e v e l o p m e nt , p lu s t h e a d v a nt a g e ou s l o g i s t ic a l f r a m e w o r k o f S t . Ta m m a ny, Wa s h i n g t o n , a n d Ta n g ip a h o a P a r i s h e s on t he Nor t hshore.

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Collaboration and regionalism create a stronger Louisiana, where we all win. When parishes and municipalities align around infrastructure, the workforce and economic growth, we create better opportunities for business investment, jobs and long-term prosperity for everyone in the region.”

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper

As communication and face-toT he t h r i v i n g e ne r g y s e c t o r o f S t . B e r n a r d P a r i s h .

T he mu l t i - g e ne r a t io n a l c u l t u r a l s ig n i f ic a nc e o f t h e s e a f o o d i n d u s t r y i n P l a q u e m i ne s P a r i s h . T he r e s i d e nt i a l d iversit y a nd su bu rba n a f forda bilit y of Jef ferson Pa r ish.

C ol l e c t i v e l y, a s a hu b f o r e c o no m ic d e v e lo p m e nt , t h e G r e a t e r N e w O r le a n s r e g io n h a s a lo t t o o f f e r. . .w h e n l o c a l le a d e r s a n d c i v ic a d v o c a t e s a l l p u l l t h e r o p e i n t h e s a m e d i r e c t io n .

W i t h p le nt y of c r e d i b le d a t a a n d a n a l y t ic s s u p p o r t i n g t he “e c o no m ic a t t r a c t i v e ne s s ” o f a u n i f ie d r e g io n w i l l i n g t o w o r k t o g e t he r i n f i n d i n g i nt e r p a r i s h s o lu t io n s f o r e s t a b l i s he d a n d p r o s p e c t i v e b u s i ne s s e s , t h e 10 p a r i s h p r e s i d e nt s ( m a y o r i n O r le a n s P a r i s h’s c a s e) h a v e r e c e nt l y o p e ne d l i ne s o f c o m mu n ic a t io n i n h o p e s o f b lu r r i n g lo c a l p ol i t ic a l /g e o g r a p h ic b o r d e r s a n d d e l e t i n g long-sta nd i ng pa roch ia l mi ndsets. “ W he n y ou h a v e a c o l le c t i v e v i s io n , t h e r e’s s o mu c h t h a t c a n b e a c c o m p l i s h e d a n d , y e s , t h a t s ou n d s v e r y ‘ P ol l y a n n a’ b u t t he r e ’s a t r u t h t o i t ,” J e f f e r s o n P a r i s h p r e s i d e nt C y nt h i a L e e S he n g s a i d . “ B e c au s e w e’ v e s e e n w h a t no t h a v i n g i t d o e s . I t g u m s u p t h e s y s t e m . B u t w he n y ou’r e hou s e i s i n o r d e r, i t ’s m o r e i nv i t i n g f o r ou t s i d e b u s i ne s s t o c o m e i nt o t he f o l d .”

I n Ja nu a r y 2 0 2 6 , s e v e r a l lo c a l p a r i s h p r e s i d e nt s a t t e n d e d t he i n au g u r a t io n o f N e w O r le a n s m a y o r H e l e n a M o r e no ( no t e : O r le a n s P a r i s h d o e s no t h a v e a p a r i s h p r e s i d e nt ), w he r e t he s e e d l i n g s o f a d o p t i n g a ne w f ou n d s p i r i t o f “ r e g io n a l i s m” w e r e f i r s t p l a nt e d , a n d t h e n s p r ou t e d a m o nt h l a t e r a t a d i n ne r a t t e n d e d b y e v e r y l o c a l p a r i s h le a d e r a lo n g w i t h e c o no m ic a d v o c a c y g r ou p s f r o m t ho s e s a m e p a r i s he s .

face interaction among parish presidents has expanded, we’ve had meaningful conversations about shared concerns such as roads and bridges, workforce needs, housing, drainage, and long-term economic opportunities. Those discussions have helped create stronger partnerships, better coordination, and a greater understanding of how we can support one another. At the end of the day, regional cooperation is simply about building relationships and working together when it makes sense to improve opportunities for our citizens and strengthen our communities.”

Washington Parish President Ryan Seal

GNOINC.ORG

11

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

One of the biggest things that’s come from stronger communication between parish leaders is realizing just how many common concerns we all share. Infrastructure, transportation, insurance costs, workforce development, permitting, drainage and flood protection, and attracting new investment are issues affecting every parish in one way or another.

The ongoing communication between parish presidents has created a real network where ideas and information are constantly being shared.

Sometimes it’s formal meetings, and sometimes it’s as simple as a phone call or group text. That level of communication has been an extremely valuable resource, allowing us to learn from each other, identify common goals, and work together toward solutions that benefit not just one parish, but the entire region.”

St. Bernard Parish President Louis Pomes

“ T he r e w e r e s o m a ny i t e m s t h a t I c a l l “ lo w - h a n g i n g f r u i t ” - o p p o r t u n i t ie s f o r c o l l a b o r a t io n t h a t w ou l d b e n e f i t t he p e o p le o f N e w O r l e a n s - a n d a l l i t t o o k w a s p ic k i n g u p t he p h o ne ,” M a y o r M o r e no s a i d . “A g a i n , t r a n s p o r t a t io n , p u b l ic s a f e t y, e c o no m ic d e v e lo p m e nt - i t a l l c r o s s e s p a r i s he s a n d a f f e c t s p e o p le a c r o s s t he r e g io n . I t t u r n s ou t w he n y ou r e a c h ou t , w he n y ou o p e n y ou r h a n d a n d j oi n w i t h o t he r s i n c o l l a b o r a t io n , p e o p le a r ou n d t h e r e g io n s ho w y ou t h a t N e w O r le a n s h a s s o m a ny f a n s a n d s u p p o r t e r s . P e o p le a c r o s s ou r r e g io n w a nt u s t o s u c c e e d a n d I b e l ie v e t h at w e s hou l d b e i n d i r e c t c o nv e r s a t io n w i t h t he m t o a c h ie v e ou r j oi nt g o a l s .”

I n a d o m e s t ic a n d glo b a l m a r k e t p l a c e t h a t c o nt i nu e s to get more compet it ive as it evolves, packag i ng ???

Fo r i n s t a nc e , i n J e f f e r s o n P a r i s h – w he r e “ n e w ” e c o no m ic d e v e lo p m e nt i s r e s t r ic t e d b e c au s e o f n a t u r a l g e o g r a p h ic b a r r ie r s ( M i s s i s s ip p i R i v e r, L a k e P o nt c h a r t r a i n ) a n d e x i s t i n g c o m m e r c i a l / r e s i d e nc y d e n s i t y, P r e s i d e nt L e e S h e n g a n d s t a f f h a v e f ou n d c r e a t i v e w ay s t o d r u m - u p ne w b u s i ne s s . H o m e t o a n e x p a n s i v e mu l t i - s p o r t r e c r e a t io n f a c i l i t y c a t a l o g , Je f f e r s o n P a r i s h h a s a g g r e s s i v e l y (a n d s u c c e s s f u l l y) p r o m o t e d i t s e l f a s a y ou t h s p o r t s t ou r i s m hu b .

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REGION 2026 | VOLUME 1

A regional mindset unlocks a larger, more competitive economic footprint — attracting employers, workforce, and investment that no single parish could secure alone.

When the region wins, every parish wins, because jobs, infrastructure, and prosperity don’t stop at parish lines.”

Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miiller

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

B u t i n t h e s e p i t c h e s t o r e g io n a l a n d n a t io n a l l e a g u e s a n d t ou r n a m e nt s , J e f f e r s o n P a r i s h d o e s n’ t a d v e r t i s e “J e f f e r s o n P a r i s h” a s t h e ho s t , b u t r a t h e r t h e “ N e w O r l e a n s r e g io n” a s t h e h o s t , a n d g o e s ou t of i t s way to push a nd promote t he u n i q u e a n d e nt ic i n g a s p e c t s of n e ig h b o r i n g p a r i s h e s – r e s t au r a nt s , a c c o m m o d a t io n s , a t t r a c t io n s , e t c . – t o l a n d t h e s e y ou t h s p o r t s e v e nt s .

A n o t h e r e x a m p l e o f l o c a l le a d e r s c o m i n g t o g e t he r a n d s u p p o r t i n g a s p e c i f ic p r oj e c t t h a t w i l l b e n e f i t t h e e nt i r e r e g io n i n p a r i s h - s p e c i f ic ways occu r red in Ma rch 2026 w h e n M a y o r M o r e n o a n d he r n i n e p a r i s h c o nt e m p o r a r ie s a t t e n d e d a p r e s s c o n f e r e n c e a n n ou n c i n g N e w O r l e a n s I nt e r n a t io n a l A i r p o r t ’s 2 0 yea r Master Pla n. T he long-ter m s t r a t e g ic v i s io n – w h ic h c o n s i s t s of f a c i l i t y a d d i t io n s a n d i n f r a s t r u c t u r e i m p r o v e m e nt s t o m e e t t h e d e m a n d s

When we approach economic development as a region instead of as individual parishes competing against one another, we create a stronger and more compelling case for investment. As parish leaders, we’ve realized a lot of the challenges we face are the same across the board. Whether it’s infrastructure, workforce development, housing, or coastal issues, none of those stop at parish lines. The more we communicate and work together, the easier it becomes to share ideas, coordinate efforts, and find practical solutions that benefit the entire

region instead of just one community.”

St. James Parish President Pete Dufresne

GNOINC.ORG

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REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

A collective regional approach multiplies economic strength, widens access to opportunity and lays the groundwork for a workforce pipeline built to last.”

Plaquemines Parish President Keith Hinkley:

o f i n c r e a s e d t r a v e l v o lu m e – w a s m a d e p o s s i b l e , i n p a r t , t h a n k s t o t h e a l ig n m e nt o f l e a d e r s a r ou n d t h e g r e a t e r N e w O r l e a n s r e g io n . “ I t ’s a b ou t o n e p a r i s h c o m p l e m e nt i n g a n o t h e r,” S t . C h a r le s p r e s i d e nt M a t t h e w J e w e l l s a i d . H e r e , w e h a v e t h e l a n d , t h e r i v e r, t h e e x i s t i n g mu l t i - m o d a l i n f r a s t r u c t u r e t o a c c o m m o d a t e a ny a n d e v e r y m a nu f a c t u r i n g f o o t p r i nt i m a g i n a b l e .

“But wh i le t he ‘ha nds- on work ’ happens here, a lot of t hese i nt e r n a t io n a l c o m p a n ie s w a nt t o h a v e a n e x e c u t i v e p r e s e n c e h e a d q u a r t e r e d i n a k n o w n f i n a n c i a l c e nt e r. We l l , w e d o n’ t h av e t hat i n St. Cha rles, but we have t hat just to t he east of us. So t h a t ’s a b e n e f i t a n d j u s t g o e s t o s h o w w h e n w e c a n p o o l t o g e t h e r t h e s t r e n g t h s a n d r e s ou r c e s o f t h e e nt i r e r e g io n , o n e p a r i s h d o e s n’ t w i n . We a l l w i n .”

B e y o n d r a l l y i n g t o g e t h e r, s h a r i n g a s s e t s , a n d f i n d i n g s o lu t io n s to meet t he needs of busi nesses, pa r ish leaders a re a lso beg i n n i ng t o e x c h a n g e i d e a s , s h a r e b e s t p r a c t ic e s , a n d e v e n i nv i t i n g r e p r e s e nt a t i v e s f r o m o t h e r p a r i s h e s t o o b s e r v e t h e r e - i m a g i n g / r e - s c u lp t i n g o f c o m p l i a n c e a n d p r o c e d u r a l s t e p s r e q u i r e d of i n d u s t r ie s , s u c h a s z o n i n g , p l a n n i n g a n d p e r m i t t i n g. “ T h ou g h t h e y h a v e a p u r p o s e , i n a l o t o f w a y s t h e s e ( p a r i s h l i n e s) a r e i m a g i n a r y l i n e s . L i v e s , l i v e l i h o o d s , a n d c o m m e r c e d o n’ t s t o p a t a p a r i s h l i n e ,” G N O I n c .’s M a t t Wo l f e s a i d . “ E v e r y o n e b e n e f i t s w h e n w e b r i n g ou r c o l l e c t i v e p u z z l e p ie c e s t o g e t h e r a n d ma ke t hem f it. “ W h e n y ou l o o k a t m e t r o m a r k e t s t h a t a r e d oi n g w e l l , t h i s i s t h e i r b lu e p r i nt – u n i f ie d a s a r e g io n , r a t h e r t h a n r e p r e s e nt i n g o n e s l i v e r o f y ou r e nt i r e p ie .”

Economic development does not stop at parish lines. When we approach growth regionally, we strengthen our ability to compete for investment, talent, infrastructure, and opportunity. A regional mindset allows us to leverage each parish’s strengths while presenting the greater New Orleans area as a connected, competitive, and forward-looking region. Collaboration also creates consistency and stronger relationships, which is important for businesses making long-term investment decisions.

St. John the Baptist Parish President Jaclyn Hotard

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REGION 2026 | VOLUME 1

CONNECTION

16

REGION 2026 | VOLUME 1

CONNECTION

Louisiana Global Connect Unites State’s International Trade and Investment Efforts The World Trade Center New Orleans and Louisiana Economic Development launch a coordinated strategy targeting Japan and Australia for foreign direct investment.

BY MISTY MILIOTO

L

ouisiana has long positioned itself as a gateway to global commerce, but for years the state’s international outreach efforts moved on parallel tracks rather than a unified front. That is now changing.

T he World Trade Center New O rlea n s a nd L ou i sia n a Econom ic Development h ave lau nc hed L ou i sia n a Globa l Con nec t , a joi nt i n it iat ive desig ned to con sol id ate t he st ate’s foreig n d i rec t i nvest ment at t rac t ion a nd i nter n at ion a l t rade e x pa n sion u nder a si ngle, coord i n ated st rateg y. W it h Japa n a nd Au st ra l ia ident i f ied a s key t a rget m a rket s — a nd a t rade delegat ion to Tok yo pla n ned for t he end of M ay— t he i n it iat ive represent s t he most i nteg rated i nter n at ion a l econom ic development ef for t i n L ou i sia n a’s recent h i stor y. “ T he cat a lyst for L ou i sia n a Globa l Con nec t wa s t he need to sh i f t f rom pa ra l lel t rac k s to a si ng u la r, agg res sive ‘ Tea m L ou i sia n a’ approac h t h at m atc hes t he speed of globa l bu si ness,” says H a r r i son Cra bt ree, e xec ut ive d i rec tor of t he W TC NO, who i s co -lead i ng t he i n it iat ive a longside Pa ige Ca r ter, c h ief development of f icer at L E D. “ By com bi n i ng ou r net work s a nd e x per t i se, we a re a ble to m a x i m i z e ou r resou rces a nd sig n a l a u n i f ied f ront to bu si nesses a nd gover n ment s ac ross t he world.”

FROM SILOS TO STRATEGY P r e v iou s ly, W T C NO a nd L E D op e r ate d w it h ove rl appi ng but u nc o or d i n ate d i nte r n at ion a l e f for t s . Unde r G ov. Je f f L a nd r y ’s ad m i n i s t r at ion , L E D h a s pr ior it i z e d a mor e d i s c ipl i ne d , whole - of- gove r n me nt mo de l . L ou i s i a n a Glob a l Con ne c t for m a l i z e s t h at a l ig n me nt , c om bi n i ng L E D ’s pip e l i ne de ve lopme nt , proje c t m a n age me nt , s ite s e le c t ion a nd i nc e nt ive to ol s w it h W T C N O’s pr iv ate - s e c tor ag i l it y a nd d iplom at ic ne t work . “ W h at get s lef t on t he t a ble i n a si loed model i s not ju st

ef f icienc y— it i s moment u m ,” Ca r ter says. “ W hen i ntern at ion a l engagement i s not f u l ly a l ig ned , you ca n end up w it h overlappi ng out reac h , f rag mented i ntel l igence a nd m i ssed oppor t u n it ies to move a compa ny f rom i nterest to i nvest ment . L ou i sia n a Globa l Con nec t c reates a more d i scipl i ned model t h at a l lows u s to present L ou i sia n a to i nter n at ion a l pa r t ners i n a more u n i f ied way.”

Cra bt ree desc r i bes t he on-t he - g rou nd sh i f t a s one of bot h st r uc t u re a nd c u lt u re. “ H i stor ica l ly, W TC NO a nd L E D worked closely but of ten moved w it h d i f ferent pr iorit ies,” he says. “ L ou i sia n a Globa l Con nec t replaces t hose i ndependent t rac k s w it h con st a nt com mu n icat ion a nd a sy nc h ron i z ed st rateg y— we no longer operate i n si los, but i n stead ac t a s a force mu lt ipl ier.”

WHY JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA? The selection of Japan and Australia as priority markets was not arbitrar y. Japan has been Louisiana’s third-largest source of foreign direct investment over the past decade, with more than 15 projects accounting for more than $7.6 billion in capital expenditures and nearly 7,0 0 0 direct jobs, according to figures from Oppor tunity Louisiana and confirmed by Crabtree. Major Japanese firms including Shintech, U BE Corporation and Mitsui have made sustained investments in high-tech manufacturing across the state.

Louisia na Globa l Con nec t a i ms to bui ld on t hat fou ndat ion rat her t ha n si mply mai nta i n it. “ We a re now u n lock i ng a deeper level of i nteg rated pa r t nersh ip t hat goes beyond t rad it iona l ma nu fac t u r i ng,” Cra bt ree says. “ T h is i n it iat ive is a bout secu r i ng Louisia na’s place as a pr i ma r y pa r t ner for Japa n’s nex t generat ion of precision ma nu fac t u r i ng a nd energ y secu r it y. By esta blish i ng a per ma nent presence i n Tok yo, we a re ensu r i ng Louisia na is t he f i rst choice for Japa nese f i r ms look i ng to ex pa nd t hei r globa l foot pr i nt.”

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Au st ra l ia , wh i le a less t rad it ion a l foc u s for Gu l f S out h econom ic development , h a s emerged a s a sig n i f ica nt a nd fa st- g row i ng t rade pa r t ner. Cra bt ree poi nt s to i nvest ment s f rom Wood side E nerg y, S y ra h Tec h nolog ies a nd Bi rdon a s ev idence of deepen i ng t ies. Ca r ter f ra mes t he selec t ion a rou nd st rateg ic a l ig n ment : “ We see st rong overlap i n energ y, adva nced m a nu fac t u r i ng a nd e x por t- d r iven i ndu st r ies, a long w it h sh a red adva nt ages i n resou rces, i n f ra st r uc t u re a nd la rge - sca le projec t del iver y— c reat i ng a clea r pat hway for Au st ra l ia n compa n ies look i ng to est a b l i sh or e x pa nd a U. S . presence.”

Cra bt ree a lso cites t he AU K US defense pa r t nersh ip a mong t he Un ited States, t he Un ited K i ngdom a nd Aust ra lia as a n open i ng for col la borat ion i n aerospace a nd sh ipbui ldi ng — t wo sec tors where Louisia na a l ready has esta blished capacit y. “Aust ra lia n f i r ms a re i ncreasi ngly look i ng to t he U. S. to sca le t hei r world- class ex per t ise, a nd we wa nt to ensu re Louisia na is t hei r f i rst stop,” he says.

A NEW PITCH FOR A SHIFTING WORLD B ot h C r a bt r e e a nd C a r te r e mph a s i z e t h at L ou i s i a n a Glob a l Con ne c t i s not s i mply r ep ac k ag i ng f a m i l i a r a s s e t s .

W h i le t he s t ate’s p or t i n f r a s t r uc t u r e, e ne r g y s e c tor a nd ag r i bu s i ne s s h ave long u nde r pi n ne d it s i nte r n at ion a l app e a l , t he i n it i at ive s e e k s to le ve r age t ho s e fou nd at ion s for e me r g i ng opp or t u n it ie s . “ We a ren’t ju st bu i ld i ng t rad it ion a l vessel s — we a re a hu b for autonomou s n ava l tec h nolog y,” Cra bt ree says. “ We a ren’t ju st e x por t i ng energ y ; we a re sca l i ng t he f uel s t he world i s dem a nd i ng t h rough t he st ate’s ‘ W hole of L ou i sia n a’ energ y st rateg y.”

Globa l t rade u ncer t a i nt y a nd t a r i f f pressu res, rat her t h a n d a mpen i ng i nvestor i nterest , appea r to be work i ng i n L ou i sia n a’s favor. “ Mu lt i n at ion a l compa n ies a re now pr ior it i z i ng st a bi l it y a nd supply c h a i n resi l ience a bove a l l el se,” Cra bt ree says. “ L ou i sia n a ser ves a s a ‘sa fe h a rbor ’ where ou r world- cla ss por t i n f ra st r uc t u re a nd u n i f ied approac h prov ide t he pred ic t a bi l it y a nd speed t h at globa l i nvestors req u i re.”

L E D br i ngs to t he pa r t nersh ip a ra nge of per forma nce -based i ncent ive tools, i nclud i ng work force t ra i n i ng, ta x a nd pay rol l i ncent ives, a nd site a nd i n f rast r uc t u re sup por t. T he agenc y a lso operates Louisia na L ight n i ng Speed, a whole - of- gover n ment approach t hat ser ves as a si ngle poi nt of contac t for foreig n compa n ies nav igat i ng t he U. S. per mit t i ng, i n f rast r uc t u re a nd reg u lator y la ndscape.

TOK YO BOUND T he i n it iat ive’s most i m med iate v i si ble m i lestone i s a delegat ion t r ip to Japa n pla n ned for late M ay. Cra bt ree says t he m i ssion w i l l fol low t he model W TC NO h a s developed

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REGION 2026 | VOLUME 1

for prev iou s t rade t r ips, i nclud i ng a 2 02 3 v i sit to I rela nd a nd a 2 025 scout i ng t r ip to Au st ra l ia. “ E ver y t rade m i ssion t h at we lead i s st r uc t u red a s a t ac t ica l, d at a- d r iven operat ion desig ned to m a x i m i z e lead generat ion ,” Cra bt ree says. “ We rely heav i ly on ou r i n-m a rket represent at ives to pre - q u a l i f y compa n ies t h at a re pr i me for U. S . e x pa n sion. D u r i ng a m i ssion , we pr ior it i z e h igh-level meet i ngs w it h e xec ut ives i n ou r t a rget sectors, but we a l so m a i nt a i n face -to -face relat ion sh ips w it h long- st a nd i ng i nvestors to encou rage rei nvest ment at t hei r e x i st i ng L ou i sia n a sites.”

Ca r ter desc r i bes t he pre -m i ssion prepa rat ion a s determ i n at ive of it s success. “ T he va lue of a m i ssion l i ke t h i s i s deter m i ned wel l before t he delegat ion get s on a pla ne,” she says. “ T he g rou ndwork i s i n ident i f y i ng t he r ight compan ies, a l ig n i ng a rou nd pr ior it y sec tors, coord i n at i ng mes sag i ng a nd en su r i ng meet i ngs a re bu i lt a rou nd rea l a rea s of mut u a l i nterest .”

Bot h leaders a re ca nd id t h at t rade m i ssion s a re not endpoi nt s. “A t rade m i ssion does not c reate a pipel i ne on it s ow n ,” Ca r ter says. “It c reates t he oppor t u n it y to st a r t or deepen relat ion sh ips t h at t hen move i nto ongoi ng engage ment . T he key i s m a k i ng su re t he m i ssion i s not t reated a s t he f i n i sh l i ne. It i s a n ent r y poi nt i nto a longer process of bu i ld i ng t r u st a nd mov i ng a prospec t towa rd a deci sion.”

MEASURING WHAT MATTERS L ou i sia n a h a s ra n ked a mong t he top t wo st ates i n t he n at ion for per capit a foreig n d i rec t i nvest ment for muc h of t he pa st decade, accord i ng to L E D. Bot h Cra bt ree a nd Ca r ter say t he goa l of L ou i sia n a Globa l Con nec t i s not si mply to defend t h at ra n k i ng but to st reng t hen t he st ate’s long-ter m posit ion i n t he globa l economy.

“R a n k i ngs a re usef u l because t hey sig na l compet it ive ness, but t hey a re not t he st rateg y,” Ca r ter says. “ T he focus is on bui ld i ng a du ra ble i nter nat iona l st rateg y t hat suppor ts susta i ned g row t h over t i me — at t rac t i ng t he r ight k i nds of i nvest ment, deepen i ng relat ionsh ips w it h key ma rkets, a nd ex pa nd i ng oppor t u n it y across sec tors a nd reg ions.”

For Louisia na busi nesses look i ng to pa r t icipate i n or benef it f rom t he i n it iat ive, Cra bt ree poi nts to Sou rce Louisia na, a plat for m lau nched by L E D t hat a l lows i n-state compa n ies to showcase t hei r ser v ices, cer t if icat ions a nd capacit y to i ncom i ng foreig n i nvestors. “ W hen we at t rac t foreig n d i rec t i nvest ment to Louisia na, t he i mpac t ex tends fa r beyond t he physica l projec t site,” he says. “ T hese globa l compa n ies a re eager to tap i nto ou r loca l economy t h rough procu rement, const r uc t ion a nd specia li zed ser v ices, creat i ng a massive r ipple ef fec t for ou r homeg row n busi nesses.”

F i nd more i n for m at ion a bout L ou i sia n a Globa l Con nec t at w tc no.org/ lagloba lcon nec t .

DEVELOPMENT

Reshaping & Redeveloping the New Orleans Region’s Economic Landscape A blend of ‘brand new’ and ‘old-but-new’ major mixed-use developments in and around the city are already making a substantial transformational impact on the local economy:

BY WILLIAM KALEC

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVIT Y EAST BANK (REDEVELOPMENT) A st rateg ica l ly located swat h of r iver f ront proper t y br i m m i ng w it h h i stor y i s i n t he beg i n n i ng st ages of it s second ac t – a mu lt i- st age, mu lt i-layered site rei nvent ion t h at upon complet ion w i l l ser ve t he moder n need s of t he New O rlea n s com mu n it y.

Home to a va r iet y of m i l it a r y operat ion s ser v i ng d i f ferent bra nc hes si nce World Wa r I , t he e x pa n sive E a st Ba n k Comple x of t he Nava l Suppor t Ac t iv it y ( located i n

t he By water) h a s sat dor m a nt si nce 2 011 a nd , f ra n k ly, aged e x ponent ia l ly ever si nce it s closu re. However, a f ter a n e x tended (a nd , at t i mes, e x h au st i ng) pla n n i ng per iod , shovel f i n a l ly pu nc t u red d i r t t h i s pa st Ja nu a r y, m a rk i ng step one i n a rg u a bly t he most a m bit iou s econom ic development projec t i n sout h L ou i sia n a t h i s cent u r y.

T he stor y of t he re -i m ag i ned Nava l Suppor t Ac t iv it y E a st Ba n k projec t w i l l u n fold i n c h apters, a s con st r uc t ion c rews e xec ute desig n s to br i ng a f ford a ble hou si ng, i n novat ion / tec h nolog y centers, a nd ret a i l space t h at w i l l ser ve a s a

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com mercia l condu it l i n k i ng t he old , i solated m i l it a r y site a nd t he v i bra nt neigh borhood su r rou nd i ng it . “ T he com mu n it y h a s wa ited a long t i me for t h i s moment , but ‘ it t a kes a v i l lage’ a nd a lot of t i me a nd cooperat ion to m a n i fest it i nto rea l it y,” sa id Br ia n Gi bbs, whose f i r m i s t he lead developer of t he site. “ T he st ate a nd it s agencies, t he cit y/pa r i sh a nd it s agencies, t he neigh borhood it sel f, a nd a l l t he ot her va r iou s st a keholders h ave been i nc red i bly suppor t ive a nd i n st r u ment a l to t h i s projec t ’s u lt i m ate success.”

F rom a n econom ic st a ndpoi nt , t he site w i l l ser ve a s t he f ut u re home of ‘ Newla b New O rlea n s,’ a n i n novat ion a nd tec h nolog y epicenter pr i med to shepherd t he reg ion’s long- st a nd i ng econom ic cor nerstones (specia l ly energ y produc t ion) i nto t h at i ndu st r y ’s ne x t evolut ion a r y st ages, t hu s en su r i ng sout h L ou i sia n a’s reput at ion a nd st a nd i ng i n t h at f ield for generat ion s to come.

Add it ion a l ly, wh i le meet i ng t he econom ic dem a nd s of tomor row, t h i s projec t i s a l so agg ressively t ac k l i ng t he need s of tod ay ’s work i ng cla ss a nd t hei r fa m i l ies t h rough t he la rgest a f ford a ble hou si ng i nvest ment i n L ou i sia n a h i stor y. E x i st i ng m i l it a r y st r uc t u res on site w i l l be renovated i nto nea r 30 0 a f ford a ble hou si ng u n it s t a rgeted to be t he f ut u re hou sehold s of work i ng i nd iv idu a l s / fa m i l ies who ea r n less t h a n t he loca l med iu m i ncome.

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GULF SOUTH COMMERCE PARK (DEVELOPMENT) Spu r red on by t he Nor t h shore’s g row i ng reput at ion a s a st rateg ic log i st ics hu b posit ioned bet ween t he m ajor m a rket s of t he Gu l f S out h , Gu l f S out h Com merce Pa rk i s u n iq uely posit ioned to m at u re i nto “ L ou i sia n a’s Globa l Gateway for Bu si ness.”

“Gulf South Commerce Park fills an important role in St. Tammany Parish’s portfolio of development opportunities,” said Russell Richardson, President and CEO of St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation. “As part of the Greater New Orleans region, St. Tammany adds capacity to one of the nation’s most important trade and logistics gateways.

Companies evaluating Southeast Louisiana increasingly need options that provide room for growth, access to transportation networks, and long-term development potential. Gulf South Commerce Park expands the menu of sites available to the market and strengthens the region’s ability to compete for investment opportunities that might otherwise go elsewhere.”

Recently, Gulf South Commerce Park earned a few zoning victories that will aid its marketability. In late 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce approved the Port of New Orleans’ request to expand Foreign Trade Zone No. 2 into St. Tammany Parish, meaning businesses that establish a presence in Gulf South Commerce Park are now permitted to defer, reduce, or forego duties on imported materials. Secondly, Gulf South Commerce Park is now classified AML—a zoning distinction that permits large-scale manufacturing, research and development facilities, logistics operations, and warehousing.

“The expansion of Foreign Trade Zone No. 2 into St. Tammany Parish is a significant milestone because it further integrates the Northshore into the global trade ecosystem anchored by the Port of New Orleans,” Richardson said.

“Combined with the planned Louisiana International Terminal and the continued growth of the I-12 corridor, we are seeing the emergence of a logistics network that connects global markets to available land, workforce, and infrastructure opportunities throughout the region. Gulf South Commerce Park is well positioned to benefit from that growth.”

“The vision for this project has always been larger than a single industrial park,” Richardson added. “The Northshore sits at the intersection of I-10, I-12, and I-59, providing connectivity between New Orleans, Baton Rouge, the Gulf Coast, and major Southeastern markets. As freight movement, manufacturing, and distribution continue to evolve, sites like Gulf South Commerce Park give the Greater New Orleans region additional capacity to accommodate growth while creating new opportunities for businesses and residents alike.”

DEVELOPMENT

CHURCHILL TECHNOLOGY & BUSINESS PARK (DEVELOPMENT) Consider i ng Jef ferson Pa r ish consists of 296 sq ua re m i les of la nd, ma k i ng it t he la rgest pa r ish i n Louisia na if you exclude water a nd wet la nds, it ’s cra z y to t h i n k t hat t he Chu rch il l Tech nolog y a nd Busi ness Pa rk m ight be t he ‘f i na l bla n k ca nvas’ when it comes to new econom ic development hu bs. “ T he rapid success i n Jef ferson Pa r ish’s g row t h as a ‘Fi rst R i ng’ su bu rb (of New Orlea ns) resu lted i n a sca rcit y of la nd or g reen spaces to develop, so i n ma ny ways Chu rch i l l Pa rk is t hat Last Front ier,” J E DCO P resident a nd CEO Jer r y Bolog na sa id. “K now i ng t he i mpor ta nce of educat ion a nd job -t ra i n i ng, for ma ny yea rs ou r focus w it h Chu rch i l l has been i nst it ut iona l uses, but now we’re rea l ly at t hat t ippi ng poi nt i n rega rd to susta i na ble a nd i mpac t f u l econom ic development.”

E nv i sioned more t h a n 2 0 yea rs ago, C hu rc h i l l (a nea rly 50 0 -ac re m i xed-u se ca mpu s located on t he West Ba n k of t he M i ssi ssippi R iver) i s a l ready t he home of t he Pat r ic k F. Taylor S cience a nd Tec h nolog y Academy – a m ag net sc hool t h at i n it s shor t h i stor y h a s become one of t he top per for m i ng second a r y/col lege prep sc hool s i n L ou i sia n a – a nd Delgado Com mu n it y Col lege’s. R iver Cit y Site a nd Adva nced M a nu fac t u r i ng Center – a h a nd s - on satel l ite ca mpu s specia l i z i ng i n t ra i n i ng st udent s to meet t he i m med iate work force dem a nd s on fou nd at ion a l reg ion a l i ndu st r ies t h at t rad it ion a l ly of fer h igh-pay i ng ca reers.

Wit h educat iona l a nd gover n ment agencies a nchor i ng t he site, i n f rast r uc t u re development was ta k i ng place at Chu rch il l to ready it for “f ut u re phases” of development, wh ich, as Jer r y Bolog na ment ioned a bove, a re now “cu r rent ” phases.

Most nota bly, i n Apr il 2026, loca l a nd state of f icia ls for ma l ly a n nou nced a nd u nvei led desig n pla ns for a new, state - of-t he -a r t Food & Beverage I ncu bator at Chu rch i l l t hat w i l l foster cu li na r y ent repreneu rs f rom a rou nd t he Gu lf Sout h.

Once completed, t he 12 , 50 0 Sq-foot faci lit y w i l l house fou r

k itchens (t h ree com mercia l, one teach i ng/demonst rat ion), a ble produc t ion space, eq uipment for bot t li ng, mu lt iple f reezer/room temperat u re storage a reas, load i ng dock s suited to ha nd le raw mater ia ls a nd t he stag i ng of f i n ished produc ts, a nd on-site t ra i n i ng a nd suppor t sta f f.

OLD CHARIT Y HOSPITAL (REDEVELOPMENT) A n icon ic a nd v it a l pa r t of New O rlea n s h i stor y (a nd , f ra n k ly, su r v iva l du r i ng severa l of it s d a rkest moment s) t he old ca mpu s of C h a r it y Hospit a l i s set to ser ve t he need s of t he com mu n it y once aga i n.

Restorat ion specia l i st s h ave beg u n work on re -i m ag i ng t he va st 1 m i l l ion sq-foot faci l it y wh i le preser v i ng it s a rc h itec t u ra l her it age, a r t i st ic i nteg r it y. O nce f i n i shed t h i s $ 6 0 0 m i l l ion m ajor renovat ion w i l l be a moder n m i xed-u se set t i ng t h at ser ves bot h pu bl ic a nd pr ivate i nterest s. L ocated i n New O rlea n s’ med ica l hu b, t he rebor n C h a r it y site w i l l c reate 2 ,0 0 0 new jobs, be t he epicenter of Tu la ne’s med ica l resea rc h d iv i sion , feat u re up to 30 0 resident ia l u n it s for m idd le -i ncome ea r ners, a nd pu bl ic spaces.

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PERSONAL PROFILE

Lauren Mastio and the Future of Bold Leadership in New Orleans Law How Jones Walker’s youngest women ever elected to the firm’s board signifies a broader shift in the legal industry.

W

he n L au r e n M a s t io t a l k s a b out t he l aw, s he do e s n’t s ou nd l i ke s ome one who s t u m ble d i nto a c a r e e r.

S he s ou nd s l i ke s ome one who w a s bu i lt for it .

M a s t io i s a l it igator at Jone s Wa l ke r L L P, whe r e s he h a nd le s s ome of t he mo s t te c h n ic a l ly c omple x a nd f i n a nc i a l ly c on s e q ue nt i a l c a s e s i n L ou i s i a n a’s e ne r g y a nd c on s t r uc t ion s e c tor s . S he’s a l s o t he you nge s t wom a n e ve r e le c te d to Jone s Wa l ke r ’s b o a r d of d i r e c tor s — a d i s t i nc t ion t h at s p e a k s not ju s t to he r i nd iv idu a l t r aje c tor y, but to a bro ade r s h i f t i n how t he le ga l profe s s ion i s r e c kon i ng w it h who ge t s a s e at at t he t a ble.

But b e for e a ny of t h at , t he r e w a s he r f at he r. “ He worked i nc red i bly h a rd ,” she sa id , “but wh at a lways stood out to me wa s t h at he genu i nely loved wh at he d id.”

Watc h i ng h i m s h ap e d he r ph i lo s ophy i n w ay s t h at no l aw s c ho ol le c t u r e c ou ld . H e i n s t i l le d i n he r a n e t h ic of pr ep a r at ion — not a s a c opi ng me c h a n i s m , but a s a for m of c on f ide nc e. “ I b e l ie ve t h at i f I a m a lw ay s pr ep a r e d , t he n I k now I ’ve done e ve r y t h i ng w it h i n my c ont rol to put my s e l f a nd my c l ie nt s i n t he b e s t p o s s i ble p o s it ion .”

It ’s a s i mple ide a . But i n a f ie ld whe r e c a r e e r s a r e won a nd lo s t on t he d i f fe r e nc e b e t we e n a l mo s t r e ady a nd t r u ly r e ady, it t u r n s out to b e e ve r y t h i ng.

M a st io’s prac t ice centers on L ou i sia n a’s energ y i ndu st r y — a sec tor she desc r i bes a s “a c r it ica l a spec t of ou r st ate’s economy a nd , q u ite f ra n k ly, it s f ut u re.” T he ca ses she h a nd les i nvolve h igh- st a kes e x posu re a nd den se tec h n ica l su bjec t m at ter : t he k i nd of l it igat ion t h at req u i res a law yer to become, i n some ways, a su bjec t m at ter e x per t before she ca n become a n ef fec t ive advocate.

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T he ke y, s he s a id , i s d i s t i l l at ion . “ You h ave to f i nd a w ay to m a ke i s s ue s u nde r s t a nd a ble,” s he s a id , “a nd t h at s t a r t s w it h you f u l ly u nde r s t a nd i ng t he m you r s e l f .”

M a s t io de s c r i b e s advo c ac y not a s a r g u me nt for it s ow n s a ke, but a s c on ne c t ion b e t we e n a l aw ye r a nd he r aud ie nc e, b e t we e n a s e t of f ac t s a nd t he p e ople we igh i ng t he m . “a nd whe n you s e e t h at c on ne c t ion ,” s he s a id , “ t h at ’s whe n you k now : I ’ve got t h i s .”

She is, by a ny measu re, a t r ia l law yer. But she’s a lso q uick to note t hat w i n n i ng isn’t a lways sy nony mous w it h a verd ic t. “ T here’s not h i ng as ex h i la rat i ng as spend i ng week s i n t r ia l a nd hea r i ng a ju r y ret u r n a no lia bi lit y, no da mages verd ic t,” she sa id. “However, wh ile I love t r y i ng cases, it ’s just as rewa rd i ng when a case is favora bly resolved on a d isposit ive mot ion or set t led on favora ble ter ms.”

T he me a s u r e of s uc c e s s , s he s a id , i s t he r e s u lt a nd whe t he r t he c l ie nt i s h appy.

T h at cl ient-f i rst or ient at ion sh apes how she t h i n k s a bout wh at sepa rates a good law yer f rom a g reat one. Tec h n ica l sk i l l i s t he ba sel i ne. Cl ient s a ssu me t hei r law yers k now t he law. W h at t hey ’re rea l ly eva lu at i ng i s somet h i ng h a rder to q u a nt i f y : t r u st , judg ment , genu i ne i nvest ment . “ T he mo s t t r u s te d adv i s or s a r e not ju s t fo c u s e d on w i n n i ng a mot ion ,” s he s a id . “ T he y a r e fo c u s e d on he lpi ng t he c l ie nt s uc c e e d long te r m .”

It ’s t he k i nd of c ou n s e l t h at t a ke s ye a r s to de l ive r we l l — a nd a c e r t a i n k i nd of c h a r ac te r to de l ive r at a l l .

T h at c h a r ac te r h a s a l s o d r aw n M a s t io tow a r d le ade r s h ip b e yond t he c ou r t ro om . H e r e le c t ion to Jone s Wa l ke r ’s b o a r d i s a b out mor e t h a n a p e r s on a l m i le s tone.

M a ny f i r m s s t i l l op e r ate w it h gove r n a nc e s t r uc t u r e s t h at r e f le c t a n olde r, mor e t r ad it ion a l mo de l — one whe r e

PERSONAL PROFILE

By serving on the board, I am able to serve as an advocate for the future of law firm governance where younger voices are essential to shaping the firm’s strategic direction...We need to have high-functioning cities, economic and business opportunities, and a great quality of life.”

you nge r at tor ne y s a nd wome n r e m a i n u nde r r epr e s e nte d i n de c i s ion -m a k i ng role s .

H e r pr e s e nc e at t he t a ble i s , i n p a r t , a de l i b e r ate a r g u me nt aga i n s t t h at mo de l . “ B y s e r v i ng on t he b o a r d , I a m a ble to s e r ve a s a n advo c ate for t he f ut u r e of l aw f i r m gove r n a nc e,” s he s a id , “ whe r e you nge r voic e s a r e e s s e nt i a l to s h api ng t he f i r m’s s t r ate g ic d i r e c t ion .”

F i r m s t h at br i ng you nger at tor neys i nto leadersh ip see st ronger retent ion , bet ter cl ient respon siveness, a nd a c u lt u re t h at at t rac t s t he ne x t generat ion of t a lent , she a rg ues. It ’s not ju st t he r ight t h i ng to do, it ’s sm a r t bu si ness.

O ut s ide t he f i r m , M a s t io h a s i nve s te d he r s e l f i n t he Bu r e au of G ove r n me nt a l Re s e a rc h , t he nonprof it w atc hdo g or ga n i z at ion de d ic ate d to i n for me d pu bl ic p ol ic y i n g r e ate r Ne w O rle a n s . T he r e a s on i s p e r s on a l . S he h a s t h r e e c h i ld r e n , a nd s he w a nt s t he m to s e e a f ut u r e he r e. “ We ne e d to h ave h igh -f u nc t ion i ng c it ie s , e c onom ic a nd bu s i ne s s opp or t u n it ie s , a nd a g r e at q u a l it y of l i fe,” s he

s a id . O r ga n i z at ion s l i ke B G R , s he b e l ie ve s , a r e p a r t of wh at m a ke s t h at p o s s i ble by t u r n i ng c iv ic d at a i nto i n for me d de c i s ion s a nd ac c ou nt a ble gove r n a nc e.

T he r e’s a l s o t he ve r s ion of L au r e n M a s t io t h at he r r é s u mé do e s n’t c apt u r e. S he love s c o ok i ng. S he t a ke s long w a l k s w it h he r hu s b a nd a nd c h i ld r e n t h rough t he ne igh b orho o d a s a d a i ly r it u a l of de c ompr e s s ion . “ It ’s my t i me to u nw i nd ,” s he s a id . “ Wa l k i ng, pl ay i ng on t he pl ay g rou nd , or s c o ot i ng t h rough t he ne igh b orho o d i s a t i me to c on ne c t w it h my hu s b a nd a nd k id s a nd w atc h t he joy s of l i fe t h rough t he i r e ye s .”

D e s pite t he c ou r t ro om s a nd b o a r d ro om s a nd c iv ic b o a r d s , s he s a id s he’s a home b o dy at he a r t .

“A s e x t rove r te d a s I m ay app e a r,” s he s a id , “ I r e a l ly love b e i ng at home, h av i ng q u ie t t i me a nd t he opp or t u n it y to ju s t r e l a x .”

It ’s a r e m i nde r t h at t he p e ople r e s h api ng i n s t it ut ion s , whe t he r it ’s i n l aw, le ade r s h ip, or i n t he c it y it s e l f , a r e a l s o ju s t p e ople. Pe ople w it h c h i ld r e n t he y love to w a l k w it h , a f avor ite d i s h on t he s tove, a nd a ph i lo s ophy le a r ne d not f rom a te x t b o ok , but f rom w atc h i ng a p a r e nt love t he i r work .

L au r e n M a s t io i s bu i ld i ng s ome t h i ng i n Ne w O rle a n s . I n t he c ou r t ro om . I n t he b o a r d ro om . I n t he ne igh b orho o d .

A nd s he’s pr ep a r e d for a l l of it .

GNOINC.ORG

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BEYOND BUSINESS

Training the Next Generation of Builders As demand for skilled labor grows across South Louisiana, ABC New Orleans/Bayou is training the next generation of construction professionals.

BY LAURYN HINTON

O

n a week n ight i n St. Rose, spa rk s f ly across rows of weld i ng boot hs as st udents i n heav y gloves a nd face sh ields lea n over steel joi nts i nside A BC New Orlea ns/ Bayou’s t ra i n i ng ca mpus.

A mong t hem is Evely n Ga lda mez , who f i rst entered t he prog ra m as a h igh school sen ior w it h no pr ior weld i ng ex per ience. “I rea l ly enjoy it here,” she sa id. “ T he teachers ac t ua l ly rea l ly ca re.”

Now i n her t h i rd yea r at t he ca mpus, Ga lda mez says t he prog ra m gave her d i rec t ion at a pivota l moment i n her life.

Comi ng f rom a school focused pr i ma r i ly on hea lt h sciences, she entered t he weld i ng prog ra m u nsu re of what to ex pec t, especia l ly i n a ma le - dom i nated f ield.

“I was pretty ner vous star ting,” she said. “But the women here have been the nicest people ever. A nd honestly, the guys are really nice too. No one hesitates to help each other.”

For A ssociated Bui lders a nd Cont rac tors (A BC) New Orlea ns/ Bayou Chapter, stor ies li ke Ga lda mez’s a re i ncreasi ngly i mpor ta nt to t he f ut u re of Sout h Louisia na’s const r uc t ion i ndust r y.

Fou nded 56 yea rs ago, t he chapter ser ves 12 pa r ishes across sout heast Louisia na as pa r t of a nat iona l net work of 67 A BC chapters. T he orga n i zat ion prov ides work force t ra i n i ng, sa fet y prog ra ms, polit ica l advocac y a nd net work i ng oppor t u n it ies for com mercia l a nd i ndust r ia l cont rac tors t h roughout t he reg ion.

“The biggest challenge facing the construction industry right now is workforce,” said Jeb Bruneau, president and CEO of ABC New Orleans/Bayou. “There are more people aging out of the construction profession than there are people coming in.”

A BC leaders say dema nd for sk i l led t rade workers is ex pec ted to cont i nue r isi ng statew ide as i ndust r ia l ex pa nsion, i n f rast r uc t u re projec ts, energ y sec tor g row t h, a nd la rge -sca le development cont i nue across Louisia na.

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BEYOND BUSINESS

on May 15th. and went into the office on the 18th to do the application and get interviewed to go on the job site,” he said.

For some st udents, t hose oppor t u n it ies ca n q uick ly become life - cha ng i ng ca reers. Weber poi nted to a for mer st udent t u r ned i nst r uc tor who, at 19 yea rs old, was a l ready work i ng i n t he f ield, ea r n i ng more t ha n $ 4 0 a n hou r. “ W hat you put i nto it is what you're goi ng to get out of it,” Weber sa id. “ You have to work for ever y t h i ng – sa fet y, work et h ic, show i ng up on t i me, a nd f u r t her i ng you r educat ion.”

For Evelyn Galdamez, that culture of support and mentorship has been one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.

“I rea l ly feel at home here,” she sa id.

T hough t he physica l dema nds of weld i ng were d if f icu lt at f i rst, she sa id t he ex per ience has pushed her to g row

I n response, A BC New Orlea ns/ Bayou has ex pa nded its apprent icesh ip a nd cra f t t ra i n i ng prog ra ms, prepa r i ng st udents for ca reers i n weld i ng, elec t r ica l, i nst r u mentat ion, a nd ot her sk il led t rades.

At its St. Rose ca mpus, classes r u n fou r n ights a week f rom 6 to 9 p.m., a l low i ng ma ny st udents to work du r i ng t he day wh ile ea r n i ng i ndust r y credent ia ls at n ight. “ We f i r m ly believe col lege is not for ever ybody,” Br u neau sa id. “ T h is is a way to get i nto a g reat ca reer, ma ke a good liv i ng, a nd do it w it hout massive debt.”

T he orga n i zat ion cu r rent ly ser ves a rou nd 4 0 0 st udents across its t rai n i ng prog ra ms a nd satel lite locat ions t h roughout sout heast Louisia na. St udents ra nge f rom h igh school sen iors to adu lts cha ng i ng ca reers later i n life.

“We treat our training facility like you would be treated on a job site,” Bruneau said. “We try to prepare you to be job ready when you finish a program with us or get a credential from us.”

T hat emphasis on ha nds- on t ra i n i ng a nd accou nta bi lit y is pa r t of what i nst r uc tors say sets t he prog ra m apa r t.

Vice P resident a nd ca mpus operator Ch r is Weber, who has more t ha n 30 yea rs of i ndust r y ex per ience, sa id st udents a re t rai ned not on ly i n tech n ica l sk i l ls, but a lso i n t he ex pec tat ions of t he profession itself. “ T he r u les a re d if ferent here,” Weber sa id. “It ’s r u n li ke t he const r uc t ion i ndust r y.”

St udents a re ex pec ted to fol low sa fet y protocols, show up on t i me, a nd develop t he d iscipli ne needed to succeed on ac t ive job sites. Accord i ng to Weber, ma ny st udents move d i rec t ly f rom t he classroom i nto const r uc t ion jobs.

There are four students here who graduated high school

bot h persona l ly a nd professiona l ly.

“If you’re really passionate about something, it doesn’t really stress you as much,” Galdamez said. “I really find it’s worth it.”

Beyond work force development, A BC New Orlea ns/ Bayou a lso plays a n ac t ive role i n advocac y a nd econom ic development t h roughout t he reg ion. T he orga n i zat ion work s w it h state a nd loca l of f icia ls on issues a f fec t i ng t he const r uc t ion i ndust r y, i nclud i ng work force polic y, i n f rast r uc t u re development, a nd pu blic bidd i ng processes.

Br u neau sees const r uc t ion as deeply t ied to t he f ut u re g row t h of sout heast Louisia na itself.

“If t he busi ness cli mate is good a nd we’re g row i ng as a reg ion, as a cit y, as a state, t hen const r uc t ion w il l a lso fol low t hat a nd g row,” he sa id.

For A BC New O rlea n s / Bayou , t h at f ut u re depend s not on ly on m ajor development projec t s, but a l so on c h a ng i ng percept ion s a rou nd sk i l led t rades a nd c reat i ng su st a i n a ble ca reer pat hways for you nger generat ion s enter i ng t he work force.

“I f you’re look i ng for a g reat way to f i nd a t rade or a c ra f t a nd per fec t it ,” Br u neau sa id , “ you ca n m a ke a n ice l iv i ng debt-f ree.”

GNOINC.ORG

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PHOTO GALLERY

S TA R TU P N O I R N O L A S U M M IT

B lac k f ounder s and funder s to ok center s tage at the s e cond S tar tup N oir N O L A S ummit f or conver s ation s ab ou t c apital , grow th , and w hat ’s p o s s ib le w hen N ew O rlean s ’ entrep reneurial communit y s hows up in full .

N E X TG E N DAY AT TH E C A PITO L

T he nex t generation o f G reater N ew O rlean s leader s made the trip to B aton R ouge, hearing fro m le gi s lator s on wo rk f orce, innov ation , and pub lic s er v ice, then w atc hing it all p lay ou t from the H ou s e f lo or.

G N O, IN C . A N N UA L LU N CH EO N

1 , 2 0 0 bu s ine s s leader s , ele c te d o f f ic ial s , and communit y me mb e r s gathe re d f or the 2 0 2 6 G N O, Inc . A nnual Lunc he on . T he theme w a s “ R enewe d , R e f o cu s e d , and R ead y ” and the ro om f el t it .

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PHOTO GALLERY

A R TE M I S LI G HT S

N ew O rlean s lit up it s s k y line to s alu te the A r temi s I I c rew f or a tribu te to a mi s s ion buil t , in no s mall par t , right here at M ic hou d A s s emb l y Fac ilit y.

CE R AWE E K

L oui s iana made it s c a s e at CE R AWe ek in H ou s ton , one o f the world ’s large s t energ y conf erence s . T he me s s age to 1 0 , 0 0 0 + at tende e s : the energ y fu ture run s through here.

D O M IN O S U GA R G RO U N D B R E A K I N G

A $ 2 0 0 million inve s tment and 1 1 7 year s o f hi s tor y, the D omino S ugar Chalme t te R e f iner y b roke ground on a new F il tration B uilding , s e curing the fu ture o f one o f A rabi ’s mo s t iconic emp loyer s .

GNOINC.ORG

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PHOTO GALLERY

G N O A F TE R DA R K

N ew O rlean s ha s alw ays le d in mu s ic , f o o d , ho s pitalit y, and te c hno lo g y ; G N O A f ter D ark ’s Cul tureTe c h p ro gram b rought to ge ther the p e op le f iguring ou t w hat hap p en s w hen they converge.

J O B S R E PO R T R E LE A S E

G N O, Inc . and B ank o f A meric a relea s e d the 2 0 2 5 G reater N ew O rlean s J ob s R ep or t , a data dri ven lo ok at w here the re gional e conomy s tand s and w here it ’s heade d .

2 02 6 I N N OVATI O N I NTE R N S H I P PRO G R A M

4 5 co lle ge s tu dent s . 3 9 re gional emp loyer s . T he 2 0 2 6 G N O Innov ation I ntern s hip Pro gram cohor t i s p lace d and read y to ge t to work .

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REGION 2026 | VOLUME 1

PHOTO GALLERY

N EWL A B G RO U N D B R E A K I N G

N ew O rlean s b roke ground on a $ 3 0 0 million tran s f ormation o f the f ormer B y w ater N av y ba s e, a s ite f or af f ordab le hou s ing , re tail , and a te c h s tar tup hub ri s ing from a long abandone d militar y comp lex .

Q2 2 02 6 I N V E S TO R B R E A K FA S T 2 02 6 LEG I S L ATI V E LU N CH EO N

Indu s tr y leader s and p o lic y maker s gathere d at the Pentagon B arrac k s in B aton R ouge f or G N O, Inc .’s A nnual L e gi s lati ve Lunc he on , mak ing the c a s e f or a re gion on the move.

G N O, Inc . inve s tor s k ic ke d o f f the year w ith a de ep di ve into how the S aint s and Pelic an s dri ve e conomic grow th ac ro s s the re gion , p ro o f that s p or t s and e conomic d evelop me nt are more conne c te d than you might think .

GNOINC.ORG

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NEWSFLASH

New Orleans recorded one of its safest years in modern history in 2025 — 108 murders (excluding the January 1 terror attack), the lowest in 50 years, and just 260 shootings, the fewest ever documented. That marks a nearly 60% drop f rom the 2022 peak, far outpacing the national 17% decline. Robberies, carjackings, and property crimes fell sharply too — some by more than half. Credit goes to a broad ecosystem: better agency coordination, violence interruption programs, higher conviction rates, and advances in trauma response.

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REGION 2026 | VOLUME 1

GNOINC.ORG

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NEWSFLASH

Louisiana closed 2025 with the largest year of capital investment and job creation in state history — $61 billion in announced investment and 9,300 new jobs averaging $91,000, about $30,000 above the state average. Highlights include Saronic Technologies’ $300 million autonomous vessel facility in Franklin, SLB’s $30 million Shreveport expansion, ElementUSA’s $850 million rare-earth ref ining facility in St. John and St. James Parishes, and Hut 8’s planned $10 billion AI data center in West Feliciana Parish.

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REGION 2026 | VOLUME 1