Event in Baton Rouge Focuses on Efforts to Build the Economy
BATON ROUGE, LA— As part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s #LetsGrow Tour, the U.S. Chamber joined the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) at their 2017 annual meeting to discuss the state’s role in growing the economy.
The #LetsGrow Tour is a series of events the U.S. Chamber will hold across the country with elected officials, policy leaders, and business owners to hear about growth in their states and opportunities for improvement at the federal level.
“Louisiana is home to thriving industries and business leaders willing to work with policymakers to build an even better environment for economic growth, both locally and nationally,” said Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber President and CEO. “We came to Baton Rouge to hear about ideas on how to transform our nation’s slow-growing economy into a fast-growing one. We believe that with the right policies from government, we can create a much stronger economy with more widespread prosperity—here in Louisiana and throughout the country.”
Before an audience of local business and government leaders, Donohue commended LABI for its standout role in advocating for its members at the state level, and also as part of the U.S. Chamber’s Federation, and for speaking up for Louisiana businesses on a national stage.
“Like the rest of the country, Louisiana employers are fighting back against over-regulation, taxation, and mandates in order to create jobs and bring prosperity to our communities,” said Stephen Waguespack, LABI President and CEO. “We are honored to host the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and be an active part of the #LetsGrow campaign. Louisiana companies are weathering an economic downturn, and we need our state and federal leaders to foster a more welcoming climate that encourages growth.”
The event today featured a panel discussion with Donohue and Danos Executive Vice President Eric Danos, moderated by LABI’s Waguespack, which explored the role of the energy industry in the state’s economy. Louisiana has been one of America’s leading energy producers for more than 150 years, supporting a robust manufacturing sector. Following the panel, Forbes Media Global Futurist and Editor-at-Large Rich Karlgaard gave a presentation on job trends globally and their impact on the state.
The #LetsGrow Tour was announced during U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue’s annual State of American Business address in January of this year and includes stops in several cities, including Chicago, Phoenix, Baton Rouge, and Atlanta.
