Leadership Exchange trip to Greenville, S.C. set for March 31 – April 2
LAFAYETTE, La. – One Acadiana, (1A) is excited to host a unique opportunity for regional business leaders to travel as a delegation to Greenville, S.C. for the 2019 Leadership Exchange program.
The event is sponsored by Billeaud Companies, Jones Walker and Acadiana Advocate.
Leadership Exchange participants will have the opportunity to hear first-hand from the economic developers, partners, business leaders, and strategists who have supported the city’s growth through initiatives like ours in Acadiana. The learning objectives for the trip are to gain more tools to:
- attract new business and diversify our economy
- build momentum around revitalizing our downtown core
- invest in infrastructure / transformative projects
“Building upon the success of One Acadiana’s trips to Charleston and Lexington, we’re excited to bring a delegation of Acadiana’s leaders to soak up fresh insight from city officials, business leaders, and economic developers,” said Troy Wayman, One Acadiana president and CEO. “I encourage leaders across sectors to join us as we discuss solutions to regional challenges with our Greenville counterparts, and take time to enjoy what the Upstate South Carolina region has to offer.”
Acadiana’s delegation will hear from a roster of Greenville leaders and influencers, including Mayor Knox White, City of Greenville; Carlos Phillips, president and CEO, Greenville Chamber of Commerce; Peter Barth, CEO, The Iron Yard, and Nancy Whitman, director of economic development and deputy city manager, City of Greenville.
“Thirty years ago, Greenville’s leaders rallied together behind a vision to develop one of the best downtowns in America,” said Carlee Alm-LaBar, Southern Lifestyle Development director of traditional neighborhood developments. “I am excited to learn about the vision, planning, and execution behind Greenville’s success and how we can apply the lessons learned here in Acadiana.”
This all-inclusive 3-day package includes a chartered flight, hotel accommodations at the historic Westin Poinsett hotel in the heart of Downtown Greenville, all meals, all ground transportation, guided tours of downtown, and a tour of the BMW facility in nearby Spartanburg – where attendees can get behind the wheel of a BMW performance vehicle for an exciting lap around the track and off-road course.
“The BMW plant in Spartanburg was a game-changing economic development win for the Upstate South Carolina region. One of the key takeaway lessons I’m looking forward to learning is how the region attracted a global powerhouse like BMW and how to further position Acadiana for big economic development wins in the future.” said, Katie Chaisson, CLECO director of business and economic development.
“If you are invested in making Acadiana a better place to live and work, this is a trip you won’t want to miss. The agenda will be jam-packed with active and informative sessions in a city that is where we want to be. You’ll learn how Greenville transformed from a textile town to a world-class city. I hope you will join us.” said Steven Hebert, Billeaud Companies, CEO Access to the full attendee list is available online. To join the growing list of attendees and for more information, visit OneAcadianaLX.com, or contact Caroline Nickel at Caroline@OneAcadiana.org or 337.408.3657.
About Leadership Exchange
Every 18 months, Leadership Exchange allows Acadiana’s top business leaders to explore community challenges and innovations in another part of the country. Tackling topics like regionalism and regional economic development, workforce development, infrastructure investment, and urban revitalization, the lessons learned are brought back home to strengthen our own Acadiana region.
About One Acadiana
One Acadiana is the leading economic development organization for the nine-parish Acadiana region located in south Louisiana. With more than 950 investors, members, and partners, One Acadiana serves as the voice of the regional business community. The organization is based in the city of Lafayette and serves a region of roughly 700,000 people with a vibrant culture and unique entrepreneurial spirit.