Board and Officers Chosen for 2017

BATON ROUGE -- The Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association (LIDEA) has elected its board and officers for 2017. The Board of Directors includes representatives ranging from parish level economic developers, regional economic development organizations, state economic development officials, and industry consultants. In addition to its Board of Directors, LIDEA's membership has elected its officers to help guide and prioritize the association's 2017 activities. The 2017 slate includes:

Officers:

• President: Jerry Bologna, CEcD - Executive Director, Jefferson Economic Development Corp.
• Vice President: Michael Tarantino - President/CEO, Iberia Industrial Development Foundation
• Secretary: Grady Fitzpatrick - Senior Vice President, Business Development, GNO, Inc.
• Treasurer: Don Allison - Partner, Advantous Consulting

Board of Directors:

• Frank Fink (past president) - LaCEcD, Director of Economic Development, St. Mary Parish Government
• Larry Collins - Executive Director, Office of International Commerce, Louisiana Economic Development
• Rhonda Reap-Curiel, CcED - Owner, CENCOR
• Jim Bourgeois - Executive Director of Business Development, One Acadiana
• Scot Byrd - Vice President, Business Development, BBI Architects
• Vic Lafont - President/CEO, South Louisiana Economic Council
• Stacey Neal - Executive Director, Tangipahoa Economic Development Foundation
• David "Rocky" Rockett - President and Executive Director, Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation
• Donald Pierson, CEcD (ex-officio) - Secretary, Louisiana Economic Development

"In 2017, LIDEA is poised to grow membership, increase advocacy, and bring greater focus to economic development needs across the state of Louisiana. We will accomplish this armed with a strong, collaborative relationship with Louisiana Economic Development," said Jerry Bologna, 2017 President. "I look forward to leading this organization as our members intensify their efforts in one of the top states for economic development activity."

LIDEA will continue to partner with allies throughout the state, including the eight (8) regional economic development organizations, Louisiana Economic Development, The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, and the Committee of 100, among others.

"LIDEA is the voice of Economic Development professionals from across our great State and I look forward to working with our leadership team on important initiatives that will assist in strengthening business and growing jobs for Louisiana," said Mike Tarintino, 2017 Vice President.

To learn more about LIDEA and its members go to www.lidea.org.

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About LIDEA:The Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association (LIDEA) is a statewide professional trade organization whose mission is to increase the effectiveness of individuals involved in the practice of economic development in Louisiana through professional development, public policy advocacy, networking, and collaboration with community and business stakeholders. More information can be found at www.lidea.org.