Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation Newsletter

January 2025 Edition

The Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation's newsletter is dedicated to promoting economic growth, job creation, and community development throughout the state. As a non-profit organization, we provide resources and support for businesses of all sizes to strengthen the Louisiana business community through innovation, collaboration, and education. This newsletter offers updates on our latest initiatives, insights from industry experts, and information on upcoming events and opportunities. Join us as we work together to build a prosperous future for Louisiana.


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AgriAquaculture center of excellence Grand Opening with Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr.

Since 2018, the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation (LCCF) has proudly driven economic development across all 64 parishes, with a steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life in communities through our chambers and small businesses. Through technical assistance, chamber development, advocacy, and policy support, we empower small businesses to thrive. Recently, LCCF has placed a significant focus on helping small businesses operate globally and achieve sustainability, particularly in the agricultural sector. On January 17, we celebrated a milestone with the grand opening of the AgriAquaculture Center of Excellence (AACE) in Harvey, Louisiana. This state-of-the-art facility, developed to support innovation and resilience in the AgriAquaculture industry, was officially unveiled alongside Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr., and other esteemed leaders. We extend our gratitude to Congressman Troy A. Carter for his initial $2 million investment to support the establishment of the AgriAquaculture Center of Excellence (AACE), the largest closed-loop aquaponic aquaculture facility in Louisiana. The AACE spans over 10,000 square feet of operating and greenhouse space dedicated to cultivating fresh, locally sourced vegetation and advancing the AgriAquaculture industry in the region.


The AACE grand opening was a tremendous success, held on January 17th at 9:00 a.m., with Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. serving as the keynote speaker. Joining him were a remarkable lineup of thought leaders and advocates for economic and rural development:

• Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District)

• J.T. Hannan Director - Office of Rural Development; Acting Regional Director - SELA, Office of Governor Jeff Landry

• Whey McGrew, Business Programs Director, Louisiana State Office, Rural Development | United States Department of Agriculture

• Ava Dejoie Cates (SBA Regional Administrator, Region 6)

• The office of Secretary Aurelia Giacometto (Louisiana Department of Environmental Equality)

            •      Neal McMillin, Director of Federal Affairs,  Louisiana Department of National Resources   

• State Representative Rodney Lyons (District 87)

• Ron Guidry Jr. (Farm Services Agency)

• Kathy Stuart (Southeast Region Director, Office of U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D.)

• Judge Marion Edwards (Former Councilman, District 1)

• Michael Hecht (CEO, GNO Inc.)

• Jerry Bologna (Executive Director, JEDCO)

• Dr. Calvin Mackie (Founder & CEO, STEM NOLA)



JOIN OUR STATEWIDE DIRECTORY

Corporate Connect Forum


Join us for the Corporate Connect Forum! 🌟 Bridge the gap between Black business owners and regional corporations with exciting opportunities. 📅 February 26, 2025 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Free for Members, $10 for Non-Members. Let’s connect and grow together!


Baton Rouge Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce announces upcoming Golf Clinic


Networking with a Swing

- Break the ice and build valuable connections with like-minded entrepreneurs and professionals. Discover the power of business networking in the relaxed and enjoyable setting of the golf course.



Register Today!

Join our statewide directory!


  • Increase visibility
  • Receive priority access to events
  • Network with businesses statewide


Register Today!

Get ready to do business with META:



LED’s Team Innovation and Small Business Services is collaborating with Meta and their general contractors to create a series of informational sessions designed to educate and empower Louisiana’s business community on the incredible opportunities this project will create. Meta has committed to making a concerted effort to source labor and materials locally.

 

By staying informed, small and medium-sized businesses will be poised to take full advantage of the resources and opportunities available through this historic partnership. Read more at Meta Richland Parish Data Center.




Register to learn more today!

Louisiana Export Boot Camp:


Expand your business globally! Join the Louisiana Export Bootcamp on Feb. 4, 2025, at BRAC, Baton Rouge. 🌎 Learn strategies, resources, and insights to elevate your brand internationally. Free registration required—don’t miss out!



The Louisiana Office of State Procurement ensures fair and legal state contracting, managing equipment, goods, and services procurement for agencies. It promotes fair competition, regulatory compliance, and fulfillment of contractual duties.

Find Contract Opportunities

Financial Webinars for Small Businesses:


Ready to master QuickBooks and take your accounting skills to the next level? Join our Online QuickBooks Training Series! 📊


📅 Date: February 5th

⏰ Time: 5 PM - 7 PM

💰 Investment: $15


Learn the essentials:

✔️ Accounting Basics on QuickBooks

✔️ Recording Financial Statements

✔️ Understanding Financial Statements


Register today at www.lachamberfoundation.org! Let’s grow your business knowledge together! 

Join our Lunch & Learn online session and discover how to create a winning capability statement for your business! 


Date: February 25th 

Time: 12:00 PM (Noon) 

Free Investment 


Learn how to position your business for success in government and corporate contracts. Scan the QR code to register now!


www.lachamberfoundation.org


Partner Spotlight: Delta Regional Authority

The Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation proudly announces a groundbreaking $1.5 million in funding secured through the Delta Regional Authority’s Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (PWEAA) program. We extend our deepest gratitude to Congressman Carter for championing this transformative investment, which will directly support the expansion of the AgriAquaculture Center for Excellence (AACE).


This cutting-edge incubator and workforce training facility will bolster Louisiana’s AgriAquaculture industry by providing specialized support and training to small business owners, particularly in rural communities. The investment aligns with LCCF’s strategic commitment to fostering resilience, innovation, and growth within this vital sector, ensuring sustainable economic development for years to come.


We invite you to be a part of this exciting journey. Whether through volunteering, donating, or learning more about our efforts, your involvement will help us continue driving progress across Louisiana. Visit www.aacela.org, email us at Specialist@AACELA.org, or stop by our offices at 651 Leson Court, Harvey, LA to learn more. Together, we can build stronger, more sustainable communities.


Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation Leadership Team advocate for small business community at Washington Mardi Gras 2025

Washington, D.C. – The Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation (LCCF) proudly attended the annual Washington Mardi Gras, using this national stage as an opportunity to advocate for Louisiana’s small business community and the economic initiatives that have shaped our impact across all 64 parishes. Since our founding in 2018, LCCF has championed efforts to strengthen local chambers, drive sustainable business growth, and launch transformative projects that fuel our state’s economic development.


As we continue to break ground on major initiatives, including the recent grand opening of the AgriAquaculture Center of Excellence, we remain committed to expanding technical assistance programming and providing crucial resources that empower businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Louisiana. These investments are key to ensuring our communities thrive and remain competitive in an evolving economic landscape.


A special thank you to Congressman Troy Carter for inviting us to participate in the Economic Development Luncheon, where we shared the stage with national leaders to discuss the future of business and infrastructure investment. Engaging with policymakers and stakeholders at events like Washington Mardi Gras is vital to advancing our mission and amplifying the voices of Louisiana’s small business community.


As we look ahead, LCCF remains steadfast in our commitment to economic empowerment, small business resilience, and statewide innovation. We will continue to advocate, build, and invest in the future of Louisiana’s business landscape.



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Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Our mission is to help drive the economic growth of our State by empowering and sustaining the business community through the development of local chambers.

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