One Acadiana recently welcomed a group of nationally respected site selection consultants to Acadiana for a multi-day, immersive experience designed to showcase the region’s strengths as a premier location for business and industry. Bringing consultants in-market allows them to see beyond data points by experiencing sites, assets, and leadership firsthand – shaping long-term perception and positioning Acadiana for future projects.
Traveling in from Nebraska, South Carolina, and Kansas, participating site location consultants included Courtney Dunbar, Director of Site Selection for Burns & McDonnell, W. Ford Graham, SVP Infrastructure & Economic Development for McGuire Woods, and Ann Harts, Executive Managing Principal for Cresa.
The visit was strategically timed during Mardi Gras season, inviting consultants to experience Acadiana by participating in traditions that reflect the culture, workforce, and community fabric that support long-term economic growth. A key focus of the visit was Acadiana’s collaborative approach to economic development. Throughout the visit, consultants engaged directly with regional leaders, industry partners, higher education institutions, and economic development professionals who are actively shaping Acadiana’s growth.
Regional economic development partners joined together to provide consultants with a comprehensive overview of Acadiana’s economic strengths, strategic opportunities, and growth trajectory. The roundtable presentation highlighted a diverse portfolio of shovel-ready sites, industrial parks, and infrastructure assets, while also emphasizing the region’s ability to support projects across advanced manufacturing, energy, logistics, healthcare, and technology. This unified approach underscored the region’s readiness to respond quickly and strategically to business expansion and relocation opportunities.
Beyond the boardroom, consultants traveled throughout the region to experience Acadiana’s culture, cuisine, and community vibrancy. Discussion of Acadiana’s potential continued among consultants and regional partners over lunch at Arnaudville’s The Little Big Cup, reinforcing the region’s collaborative spirit. Later that evening, consultants enjoyed a traditional crawfish boil as Krewe de Canailles walked the streets of Downtown Lafayette, offering a glimpse into the region’s creative energy and community engagement – factors that are increasingly important to companies evaluating locations for their workforce.
Saturday’s agenda took consultants deeper into the region’s cultural and economic roots. The day began in Mamou at Fred’s Lounge, a historic gathering place often described as a Cajun rite of passage, where consultants enjoyed live Cajun music alongside locals. From Mamou, the group traveled to Mermentau Cove to experience the Courir de Mardi Gras de L’Anse, a centuries-old rural Mardi Gras tradition that reflects the deep connection between land, culture, and community in Acadiana. The celebration culminated with a visit to Istre Cemetery where participants paid their respects with a Cajun French rendition of “Amazing Grace” – “La Grace de Ciel.”
The afternoon shifted from culture to industry with a visit to Lamm Brothers Farms, where consultants toured a working crawfish and rice operation. The farm visit highlighted one of Acadiana’s signature industries and illustrated how traditional sectors continue to evolve through innovation and market responsiveness. The weekend concluded back in Downtown Lafayette with a watch party hosted at The Acadiana Center for the Arts for the Krewe of Rio Mardi Gras Parade. This experience showcased another dimension of Acadiana’s cultural landscape while reinforcing the region’s ability to offer diverse experiences across urban and rural communities alike.
Through this immersive approach, One Acadiana demonstrated how economic development in Acadiana is supported by coordination, credibility, and culture. The visit showcased how infrastructure, workforce, industry, and quality of life work together to position Acadiana as a competitive, business-ready region with momentum, alignment, and opportunity. These engagements are critical to ensuring Acadiana remains top-of-mind when consultants evaluate locations for future projects – and to advancing sustainable economic growth across the region.
One Acadiana extends a special thank you to Cleco, Entergy, and Louisiana Economic Development, whose sponsorship helped make this visit a success.
