LEAD (Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development)

The Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development, also known as LEAD, serves as the leading association and trusted voice for economic development practitioners in the state of Louisiana by providing meaningful connections, impactful professional development experiences, informed policy insights, and robust and relevant communications. We recognize that Louisiana’s rise as a top competitor for businesses seeking to relocate and/or expand, will be fueled by an ever-growing pipeline of knowledgeable, widely respected economic developers who are committed to the success of the industries, the workforce, and the communities they represent. It is in this spirit that LEAD endorses Constitutional Amendment Number 2 – seeing this thoughtfully crafted change to our state’s fiscal policy as a key step along the path to enhancing Louisiana’s economic competitiveness and signaling to our talent that indeed, opportunity exists right here at home. Please Geaux Vote! Early voting runs from March 15-22 and Election Day is March 29, 2025. #PositioningLouisianaToWin

?That’s a Wrap! Last week, we completed an incredible?4-day IEDC-Accredited Basic Economic Development Course?in?New Orleans!?With?30 participants from 16 organizations,?27 expert speakers, and a boatload of dynamic discussions, this course was a huge success! A huge?THANK YOU?to our amazing speakers for sharing their knowledge and expertise, and a special shoutout to?Louisiana Economic Development?for sponsoring this impactful program. Your support helps shape the future of economic development! Here’s to building stronger communities and advancing economic growth!? #EconomicDevelopment #IEDC #ProfessionalDevelopment #LEAD #ThankYou #StrongerTogether #NewOrleans

Executive Director, Stacy Romero, IOM is visiting with participants at the Basic Economic Development Course in New Orleans today.

Final Call! Only 1 Weeks Left to Register! Louisiana's IEDC-Accredited Basic Economic Development Course?is happening February 24–27?in New Orleans, and you don’t want to miss it! We’ve lined up expert speakers?ready to share valuable insights on Business Retention & Expansion, Workforce Development, Marketing & Attraction, Economic Development Finance, and more! 12 of our speakers are IEDC Certified Economic Developers (CEcDs)! You want to be the best, come learn from the best! Registration & hotel block CLOSE on February 14—secure your spot before it’s too late! To register, check out our website at? https://lnkd.in/gnhZsVWN #EconomicDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #Networking #IEDC #LEAD #NewOrleans

LEAD announces Stacy Romero as New Executive Director The Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development (LEAD) proudly announces the appointment of Stacy Romero as its new Executive Director. With a proven track record of leadership and a deep commitment to fostering economic and community development, Romero will lead the statewide association in its mission to?support Louisiana economic developers through education and professional development, networking, and public policy advocacy. LEAD is the voice of the economic development profession in Louisiana and its members serve as key players in?promoting the economic health and competitiveness of the State of Louisiana. ? Stacy Romero, IOM has achieved a series of impressive milestones in organizational growth and community impact. She has increased membership engagement, improved retention rates, and expanded financial resources in her previous leadership roles. Romero is an IOM-certified professional, a graduate of CABL’s Leadership Louisiana program, and a member of Cohort 9 of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s?Business Leads Fellowship Program. Her accolades include receiving the distinguished 2024 Richard E. Boudouin Friend of Business Award from Junior Achievement of Acadiana, among others. A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Romero has dedicated her career to advancing Louisiana’s communities through leadership roles in economic development and community engagement. Her recent achievements reflect her passion for creating meaningful impact both in Louisiana and nationally. With certifications from the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Institute of Organization Management and extensive experience in program development, advocacy, and organizational leadership, Romero is well-equipped to guide LEAD into its next chapter of growth. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gMwQ-heT

Invest in Your Economic Development Career! Join us in?New Orleans?for the?IEDC-Accredited Basic Economic Development Course, happening?February 24–27, 2025, at the stunning?Le Meridien Hotel.? Whether you’re new to the field or looking to sharpen your skills, this course offers: ?Expert-led sessions on key topics like Workforce Development, Marketing & Attraction, Strategic Planning, and more ?Networking opportunities with professionals from Louisiana and beyond ?Practical tools to drive real economic impact Traveling to attend??Take advantage of our?discounted room block?at the Le Meridien Hotel - New Orleans. Don’t wait—spots fill fast! Register now:? https://lnkd.in/gnhZsVWN Book your room:? https://lnkd.in/gazK7iMW #EconomicDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #Networking #IEDC #LEAD #NewOrleans #Louisiana

Calling All Economic Development Professionals! Join us for the IEDC Accredited - Basic Economic Development Course from February 24–27 at the beautiful Le Meridien Hotel in New Orleans!? ?This IEDC-accredited course is the perfect opportunity to deepen your knowledge, gain practical skills, and connect with industry peers. ?Learn from top subject matter experts ?Explore topics like Strategic Planning, Marketing & Attraction, Workforce Development, and more ?Network with professionals from Louisiana and beyond ?Don’t miss this chance to enhance your economic development career! Space is limited—register today! Follow this link to register:? https://lnkd.in/gxT8Vmsx Discounted hotel room block link will be shared soon! #EconomicDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #IEDC #NewOrleans #Networking #LEAD

Wrapping Up an Incredible Policy Essentials Course! What an amazing two days of learning, collaboration, and insight at our?Policy Essentials for Economic Developers?course! A huge thank you to our?esteemed speakers?who shared their expertise and helped us navigate the intricate world of policy: Luke Morris,?Assistant Secretary, Louisiana Department?of Revenue Mandi Mitchell, CEcD Mitchell,?Lafayette Economic?Development Authority Keely McGibboney,?One Acadiana Andre Breaux,?One Acadiana Jason DeCuir,?Advantous Tedra Cheatham, CEcD Cheatham,?Louisiana Economic?Development Steven Procopio,?PAR Mark Goodson,?CSRS Rhonda Boatner,?Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development We were also honored to have a?special guest visit?from?State Representative Julie Emerson, Chair of the Ways and Means Committee. Her insights into the tough decisions made during the Special Legislative Session were truly eye-opening and provided an invaluable perspective for our attendees. Thank you to everyone who joined us, asked thoughtful questions, and engaged in meaningful discussions. Together, we are shaping the future of economic development in Louisiana! Stay tuned for more updates and future courses with LEAD. #PolicyEssentials #EconomicDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #LEADCourses #LouisianaPolicy #Networking

?Final Call! Only 2 Days Left to Register! Time is running out to secure your spot for the?Policy Essentials for Economic Developers?course, happening on?December 2nd & 3rd, 2024, at the SEED Center – McNeese State University. This is your chance to: ?Learn from an esteemed lineup of Louisiana policy and ED experts ?Gain actionable insights on policy fundamentals, advocacy, and evaluation. ?Network with peers and industry leaders dedicated to driving Louisiana’s?economic growth. Only a few seats remain! Registration closes in just?2 days!?Don’t wait—secure your spot now! Register here:? https://lnkd.in/g4UMgxq7 Questions? Email us at?[email protected] #EconomicDevelopment #PolicyTraining #ProfessionalDevelopment #LEADCourses #Louisiana #Networking #EconomicGrowth Let us know if you’re joining—we can’t wait to see you there!?

?Attention Louisiana Economic Developers and Allies! Join LEAD for the?Policy Essentials for Economic Developers?course on?December 2nd & 3rd, 2024, at the SEED Center – McNeese State University! This two-day professional development event is your opportunity to gain valuable insights into policy fundamentals and the latest developments shaping economic growth in Louisiana. Featured Speakers Include: Luke Morris?– Assistant Secretary, Louisiana Department of Revenue Steven Procopio?– Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PAR) Jason DeCuir?– Advantous Consulting Mandi Mitchell?– Lafayette Economic Development Authority Keely McGibboney & Andre Breaux?– One Acadiana Tedra Cheatham?– Louisiana Economic Development Mark Goodson?– CSRS Also, special guest?elected officials and State legislators! From legislative updates to policy evaluation and implementation strategies, this course is packed with actionable insights from industry experts. Whether you are a tenured professional or new to economic development, this course is for you! Don’t forget!?Only 8 more days to register! Questions about LEAD professional development courses? Email us at?[email protected]?. ?Register now:?https://lnkd.in/g4UMgxq7 #EconomicDevelopment #PolicyTraining #LEADCourses #ProfessionalDevelopment #Louisiana #Networking #EconomicGrowth