Greater Lafayette Chamber transforms into "One Acadiana"

 

One Acadiana will deliver a new, highly professional, nationally competitive economic development program for the region, which will help manage Acadiana’s current and long-term growth, retain and grow current business, and diversify the economic base by attracting new emerging growth industries and professional talent. 

 

David Callecod, President & CEO of Lafayette General Health and Chairman of One Acadiana's CEO Advisory Council, shared his excitement about the direction of this regional organization, "One Acadiana will bring together leaders to move the needle on key initiatives and secure a prosperous future for Acadiana. Lafayette General Health is proud to align with this program that is focused on improving the region we call home."

 

The announcement comes shortly after the completion of the official fundraising phase of The Campaign for One Acadiana. With the planning, leadership, and financial resources in place, One Acadiana looks to take the region to new heights. The Campaign will continue to engage businesses across the nine-parish region and welcomes new investors at any time. 

 

Jason El Koubi, President & CEO of One Acadiana, highlighted the inclusion of current Chamber members, "Everyone who is a current member of the Chamber is automatically a part of this new regional organization. We are not creating a separate organization; we are transforming into a regional organization.  We will continue to represent our general membership and are excited to provide new regional engagement opportunities."

 

In addition to leading new regional activities, One Acadiana will continue to provide leadership and coordination for local business issues in Lafayette Parish. Local chambers in other Acadiana municipalities and parishes will continue to provide leadership over business issues in their areas, and One Acadiana will work together with them to help inform the planning and implementation of the new regional initiative.

 

St. Landry Parish President Bill Fontenot, who as Chairman of Acadiana Regional Alliance serves on the Board of Directors of One Acadiana, emphasized the organization will bring the region together on key issues, "One Acadiana's strategies to cultivate regional assets, speak at the Capitol with one voice, and market and sell our region to business and talent will help us tell the story of extraordinary opportunity in Acadiana."

 

One Acadiana also announced its Board of Directors representing a diverse group of leaders from across Acadiana, who provide ongoing leadership and oversight of the organization's activities. The Board of Directors is comprised of members with a presence in each of the region's nine parishes: Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion. Directors include representatives ranging from small businesses to the region's largest employers, covering virtually every major industry segment.

 

In addition to its Board of Directors, One Acadiana's CEO Advisory Council is a senior-level advisory group to help guide and prioritize the five-year initiatives of The Campaign for One Acadiana at the highest level. This group's engagement is strategically targeted to specific topics and initiatives where top leadership is vital.

 

Joseph Zanco, CFO of Home Bank and Chairman of One Acadiana, emphasized the strength of leadership One Acadiana brings together, "This powerhouse group of business leaders is truly representative of the region and includes virtually all industry sectors. We are aligned on the vision and goals for One Acadiana and are ready to implement the program of work outlined by  The Campaign for One Acadiana. I truly believe bringing together this unprecedented group of leaders will set a new trajectory of growth for our region."

 

President & CEO, Jason El Koubi, was thrilled to announce the organization's leaders, "I am honored to serve this group of outstanding leaders who all share a passion for advancing Acadiana's economic future. Under their leadership, we will address the issues most critical to our region's quality of life, competitiveness, and prosperity by leveraging the abundant resources of our nine-parish region."

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With over 1,200 investors, members, and partners, One Acadiana serves as the voice of the regional business community. The organization is located in the city of Lafayette and serves a region of roughly 700,000 people with a vibrant culture and unique entrepreneurial spirit.