The Louisiana Technology Council is implementing a new business model with a focus on expanding its demographics and scope of economic development promotion, says LTC Vice Chairman Robert Shreve, who is also Gulf South Business Systems & Consultants Chairman/CEO. Shreve says the nonprofit is shedding its image as an organization solely focused on the information technology and communication sectors, and continuing to widen its efforts across Louisiana in cooperation with the state’s higher education institutions and eight regional economic development organizations. LTC was launched in 1994 as a New Orleans initiative, and opened a Baton Rouge office in 2009. “That grid is already there, and so what we’re doing is serving as a vehicle to connect that grid,” Shreve says. “If we can get the right partnerships in place between the universities and the private sector, we can get a lot of things done and everybody can win.”
LTC began working on its new business model about a year and a half ago, Shreve says, with the help of hired consultants. The group changed the form of its governance about six months ago to impose term limits and stricter qualifications for executive board members. Seven LTC committees have been formed to concentrate on various efforts ranging from grants to events, and the chair of each committee will also sit on the executive committee. Shreve says the model is a first of its kind in the nation. LTC presents nearly 100 events throughout the state each year, Shreve says, and is considering a statewide publication to promote its efforts.
In partnership with Louisiana Economic Development, LTC will present the 2011 Governor’s Technology Awards at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino atrium Wednesday, featuring Gov. Bobby Jindal as the keynote speaker. More information and registration info is available here. —Steve Sanoski
