Representatives of several area business groups announced an event will be held Friday, February 24 2012 at Crowley City Hall at 10:00 am to establish the Greater Southwest Louisiana Super Region for economic development purposes. By signing the Acadiana-Southwest Louisiana Compact, chambers of commerce and economic development entities along the Interstate-10 corridor will pledge cooperation on regional initiatives.
According to Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce President Rob Guidry, the compact is a declaration of interdependence.
"We seek to connect with one another and encourage greater participation in the region's future. We want to formally acknowledge that the region's resources, institutions, assets and people are intertwined,” said Guidry.
George Swift, president of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance in Lake Charles, said it is about effectiveness and efficiency.
"We recognize that in today's global economy effective economic development is dependent upon collaboration rather than competition among communities within a region,” said Swift.
Gregg Gothreaux, president of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA), said the super region concept is the future.
"The goal and intent in forming the compact is to identify and seize opportunities which leverage the region's industries, workforce, infrastructure and pro-business policies such that we can compete internationally,” added Gothreaux.
According to organizers, the idea of the super region began with discussions three years ago. The conversations escalated into serious dialogue during the recent special legislative session on congressional redistricting. The Lafayette Chamber and the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance along with neighboring parishes successfully combined in a high-profile effort to remain in the same congressional district.
"The result of our efforts made it abundantly clear that by working collaboratively we could accomplish more,” stressed Guidry.
U.S. Congressman Charles Boustany, who represents the state's southwestern congressional district, has long urged increased collaboration between the two large cities. Boustany will attend the compact signing ceremony.
The super region includes the parishes in proximity of both Lafayette and Calcasieu parishes. They are Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Cameron, Evangeline, Iberia, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermilion. The event is hosted by The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, The Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, The Lafayette Economic Development Authority, The Acadiana Regional Alliance, and Acadiana Economic Development.
