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SPOTLIGHT
CONNIE FABRE
President and CEO, Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance
“By 2030, we will have grown dramatically. Industrial projects that are planned today will be underway. More people who are currently in training will be working in industrial jobs and coming off state benefits. I’m optimistic we’ll have better traffic flow, the shovel will be in the ground for a new bridge, and I-10 widening will be complete. I also believe we’ll be recognized nationally as a model for environmental responsibility. We can do it!”
JEFF CONRAD
Chief Executive Officer, Pelican Credit Union
“One of the top priorities over the next few years is continued financial education across the entire socioeconomic spectrum. The need is real, and under our current system, it’s not being met. We’ll continue testing and implementing new digital technologies so that consumers and businesses have faster and more efficient access to capital. People will still buy things, and businesses will still need to borrow to grow. We’ve seen significant consolidation in the financial industry, and I don’t see that slowing down. At Pelican, we’ve completed 16 mergers, and I expect we’ll continue at least one per year. In the long run, consumers will benefit from more services and more opportunities, but all in a digital world.”
DAVID CRESSON
President and CEO, Louisiana Chemical Association and Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance
“With all the investment that’s been announced, we have every reason to be optimistic. Louisiana needs to get out of its own way and embrace new technology, change, and projects. We have the opportunity to lead in innovative approaches to oil and gas, petrochemical, and chemical manufacturing through carbon capture, hydrogen, and other emerging technologies. Everything is lined up for us to be a national leader. We just have to be prepared to take the ball and run.”
CHUCK DAIGLE
Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Baton Rouge and Lake Charles
“Looking at the next five years, I’m optimistic about where we’re heading. We need to focus on the positives and the good things happening in the region. Within healthcare, we need more collaboration and more teaching and training opportunities among providers statewide. We also need continued investment in information technology, digital solutions, access to care and using artificial intelligence to solve access challenges. Ultimately, it’s about creating a healthier, more stable population that produces a sustainable workforce. That takes leadership, celebrating wins and allocating resources to solutions that move us forward.”
CHARLES LANDRY
Partner, Fishman Haygood
“Five years from now, we’ll have a robust, leadership-centric community effort focused on creating momentum. We’ll have a new arena and a River Center that puts about 30% more heads in beds. We’ll have a downtown convention center, a headquarters hotel, and a completely transformed Memorial Park. We’ll have two professional sports teams and a far more vibrant downtown, with the right balance between restaurants, services, and entertainment. We need a walkable downtown after 9:30 that is safe, active, and intentional. This isn’t hard to do. We just have to plan to do it.”
WILLIE E. SMITH, SR.
Chancellor, Baton Rouge Community College
“I think we are at a pivotal moment. BRCC is entering a growth window. The college has grown significantly over the last six years under my leadership, but more importantly over 4,200 students are graduating and completing each year. That growth allows us to expand workforce and certified training that will strengthen the entire region’s future. Short-term, industry-based credentials are going to be game changing in the future.”
