Your Chamber was among the first to voice concern about the economic impact of the federal moratorium on offshore exploration. We immediately recognized the rippling effect that will result from what is a six month economic sanction.
Rob Guidry, surrounded by community and industry representatives, raised public awareness of the issue during a news conference on June 2nd. Subsequent to the news conference, he maintained a steady stream of media appearances in an effort to rally opposition to the federal mandate.
Staff has contributed to the effort as we have participated in related events intended to deliver our message of concern to President Obama. I attended a news conference with Governor Bobby Jindal to draw attention to how the moratorium will impact jobs in Louisiana. The event, staged at the Port of Fourchon, drew national media ranging from NBC News to the Associated Press.
The message which I delivered called attention to those "indirect” job losses that will result; as an example, the impact on the hospitality industry which depends heavily on the business traveler who calls on and services the oil and gas industry. However, the most compelling stories were those of workers at the Port of Fourchon and how it would directly impact them and their families.
Staff also attended the annual Acadiana Red & White Day at the state capitol in Baton Rouge. Representatives from the Chamber, local government and the university were in attendance to lend their voice at the state level.
The monthly meeting of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, which Membership V.P. Myrtis Ashley and I attended, was also filled with messages of immediate and long term adverse economic concern. It was noted our area was just beginning to recover from the "Katrina effect.” However, the combination of the oil spill and the offshore moratorium will negate that recovery in visitor and business travel and will further deal a devastating blow to the hospitality industry.
There were some more positive moments last week. We visited the location shoot of "Swamp Shark” in Henderson drawing attention to the impact of the film industry in Acadiana. The science fiction movie is being produced by Bullet Films. Ken Badish with Bullet Films will be one of our panelists as we explore entrepreneurism during our annual Business Over Breakfast on June 22nd.
We also celebrated the opening of a new business in Downtown Lafayette. Collage Café hosted the event and will have a formal ribbon cutting at a later date.
Finally, I presented to the Rotary Club South on Lafayette Charter issues. It is part of the Chamber's effort to inform the public and generate community dialogue.
