September 14, 2016 (St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana): St. Bernard Parish was recently visited by GNO Inc.’s NextGen Council for a tour of its major economic contributors and emerging industry sectors. The group of business and community leaders were introduced to several St. Bernard companies representing film and digital media, creative arts, maritime, manufacturing, and logistics.
The NextGen Council, a group of new regional leadership, was able to get an intimate look at the ongoing development of the Old Arabi Cultural Arts District and recently opened Valiant Theatre and Lounge. For several members of the tour, this was their first introduction to St. Bernard Parish and its contributions to Greater New Orleans.
Additionally, The Ranch Film Studios hosted the gathering and lead discussions on the Film Industry in Louisiana and its impact on New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish.
The tour was coordinated by Rob Ruffino and Casey Hunnicutt, St. Bernard representatives on the NextGen Council, the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation, and the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce.
"Continuously introducing our region's leaders to the progress being made in St. Bernard Parish is one of our key goals," said Andrew Jacques, Executive Director of SBEDF. "Hosting the GNO, Inc. NextGen was an honor, and an excellent avenue to help us tell our story."
GNO Inc. serves to promote the Greater New Orleans region and the area’s assets for purposes of business development and improving regional business conditions. The organization works in partnership with SBEDF and economic development organizations of surrounding parishes to attract new business and investment into the region.
GNO Inc. and SBEDF are also preparing for the semi-annual Super Region Canvas Workshop being held in Panama. Stakeholders of Greater New Orleans, the Baton Rouge, and the bayou region will explore best practices across a variety of economic development topics, and observe the connection of the cosmopolitan south (Panama City) with the industrial north (Colon), connected via the Panama Canal.