GNO, Inc.

Mission

The GNO, Inc. Mission is to serve as the catalyst for wealth creation in the Greater New Orleans region. GNO, Inc. will accomplish this by pursuing an aggressive agenda of business development – marketing the region – and product development – improving regional business conditions through policy, workforce and research initiatives.

Vision

The GNO, Inc. Vision is for the Greater New Orleans region to fulfill its potential as one of the best places in the country to grow a company, and raise a family. The ultimate indication of success for GNO, Inc. will be the existence of a robust and growing middle class in southeastern Louisiana.

Roadmap Initiative

The Greater New Orleans Regional Economic Development Roadmap is a three year strategic business development and marketing plan developed by the region’s public and private leadership to generate wealth in four key high-growth industries:

• Advanced Manufacturing
  Advanced Manufacturing Industry Analysis
• Creative Media & Design
  Creative Media & Design Industry Analysis
• Energy, Petrochemicals & Plastics
  Energy, Petrochemicals & Plastics Industry Analysis
• International Trade, Logistics & Distribution
  Trade, Logistics & Distribution Industry Analysis

Goals:

• Execute the business plans for the target sectors aimed at addressing workforce, public policy and infrastructure needs.
• Engage regional stakeholders to conduct inbound and outbound recruitment missions, attend trade shows, identify qualified leads and collaborate on retention and expansion projects.
• Create a high-quality marketing campaign to highlight the four target sectors and competitive advantages of doing business in Greater New Orleans.
• Conduct a comprehensive public relations campaign that counters negative perceptions of doing business in Louisiana and positions this region as a hub of opportunity.

Download the GNO, Inc. Plan (PDF)

Workforce Development

GNO, Inc. is committed to providing support to the State’s workforce reform plan and developing programs to recruit, train and place a qualified workforce.

Goals:

• Engage the region’s business community and continue to advocate for state and federal workforce reforms that assures a quality workforce.
• Enhance the quality of and access to education and training programs.
• Work with the four target sectors to identify workforce needs and implement strategies to address them.

Business Development

While the Roadmap focuses on four targeted industries, GNO, Inc. continues its opportunistic work with potential investors from all sectors. GNO, Inc. will pursue efforts to attract new companies, and retain indigenous firms, in partnership with Louisiana Economic Development and our local economic development partners.

Goal:

• Generate and engage 300 business attraction leads, support 2,500 net new jobs and $200 million in new capital.

Public Policy

GNO, Inc. collaborates with business leaders from across the region to serve as a unified voice in Baton Rouge and Washington DC, advocating for legislative polices that lower costs, encourage investment and reduce risk.

Goals:

• Work with target sector committees to develop and forward state and federal legislative initiatives and strategies that will help promote attraction and retention of companies in the four target industries.
• Actively support and lead statewide and regional efforts focused on addressing issues that fundamentally affect the region’s ability to recruit and retain companies and residents.

2008 Legislative Compendium

Public Policy Staff Dino Paternostro Senior Vice President Public Policy t: 504-527-6920 Email Denise Washington Administrative Assistant Public Policy t: 504-527-6940 Email

Public Policy Committee Jean M. Champagne Jay Cicero Thomas Fierke James Garvey Sandra Gunner James Hardy Steven Hemperley William Langenstein Mark Lewis David Loeb John Manard Nancy Marshall Michael Palamone Fred Palmer Dino Paternostro J. Stephen Perry Danny Shaw Gary Silbert Chris Mora Brent Wood Dale Benoit

Regional Insurance Task Force David Abbernante Jeffery Anding Danica Ansardi Anderson Baker Jim Barkate Judy Barrasso Don Beery Thomas Fierke Michael Hollis Jim Hudson Chris Johnsen John Manard Martin Mayer Bill Newton Shaun Norris Dino Paternostro David Perlis Ashton Ryan Henry Shane Mike Siegel Howard Sinor

Tax Competitiveness Task Force Bill Langenstein Don Allison Tim Ryan Lizette Terrel Barry LeBlanc Bill Backstrom Ted Mason Dino Paternostro Bill Hines Richard Montgomery Ross Wales William Herrington John Kallenborn Tim Johnson Robert Patrick Darryl d'Aquin

New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute

The mission of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute is to help promote regionalism. NORLI provides current and emerging leaders with a more thorough understanding of issues and an enhanced ability to collaborate for the greater good of the community. The Institute selects a diverse group of leaders to participate in a thought-provoking, nine-month educational program. Participants experience a variety of statewide issues presented through lectures, on-site visits, readings, discussion groups, simulations, and other leadership development activities. Details about the program as well as an application form follow. Or call 504-527-6922 for more information.

Calendar 2009-2010

September 29 & 30, 2009 - Mandatory Opening Retreat

October 21, 2009 - Session #1

November 18, 2009 - Session #2

December 16, 2009 - Session #3

January 20, 2010 - Session #4

February 10, 2010 - Session #5

March 17, 2010 - Session #6

April 21, 2010 - Session #7

May 18 & 19, 2010 - Mandatory Closing Retreat

June 11, 2009 - Commencement

Benefits

The benefits of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute are incalculable.

For the participant, NORLI creates opportunities for contacts with influential leaders, and provides experience in group dynamics, team leadership, presentation skills, ethics, decision-making, and critical and creative thinking. Participants grow as individuals and gain a better understanding of the many facets of their community, learn cutting-edge leadership skills, and enhance their relationships. Most importantly, NORLI builds confidence and motivation to become actively involved in promoting positive change for the New Orleans Region.

For the employer, NORLI develops in the employee increased organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills. In addition, it offers news insights into the community, helps identify where strategic alliances might be forged, and gives organizations a unique perspective on how to become involved in the community.

For the community, NORLI helps develop committed, knowledgeable, and action-oriented people to serve as catalysts in promoting positive change - people who are ready to roll up their sleeves and work to make the New Orleans Region a great place to be. The program also encourages creative partnerships and initiatives between the public and private sectors.

NORLI Alumni

NORLI Selection Criteria

Click Here to Apply to NORLI

Click Here to Apply for a Tuition Grant for NORLI

Our Board

2008-2009 Board of Directors

Members

Leslie Jacobs
Strategic Comp

Sean C. Hunter
Louis Armstrong International Airport

David Mize
New Orleans Federal Alliance

William H. Hines
Past Chair, Emeritus
Jones Walker

Thomas G. Fierke
Vice Chair,
Regional Public Policy Committee Lockheed Martin

Michelle Park
The Idea Village, Inc.

Woody Oge
Chair, Regional Workforce Development Committee
Northrop Grumman Ship Systems

Jan Robert
Vice-Chair, Regional Workforce Development Committee
St Tammany Healthcare Alliance

Gary B. Silbert
Chair, Regional Public Policy Committee
Entergy New Orleans

J. Stephen Perry
New Orleans
Convention and Visitors Bureau

Darryl d'Aquin
CommTech Industries

Taylor Beery
Frantzen, Voelker and
Conway Investments

Tim Coulon
Jefferson Business Council

John Crain
Tangipahoa Parish
Southeastern Louisiana University

Ron D. Wright
Delgado Community College