Gulf Coast coalitions form to support region

A united front of local, state and government officials from Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi formed the Gulf Coast Economy: Ready 4 Takeoff Coalition to bolster the beleaguered region’s economy. Local stakeholders, including representatives from the public, private, nonprofit and academic sectors, are pushing the region’s skilled workforce, pro-business environment and other assets to help the region bounce back from a string of hardships ranging from hurricanes to April’s BP oil spill.

“As our fishing communities, local businesses, and tourist attractions continue to combat these extraordinary economic challenges, it only makes sense for us to capitalize on our thriving industries and act to bolster our region’s other job-generating sectors,” said Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Scott Angelle.

The coalition is petitioning the federal government to invest in economic development in the region, especially in the Gulf Coast seafood industry and local construction contracts. You can follow updates from the organization on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and on its website.

The Louisiana Tourism Coastal Coalition (LTCC) hopes to reap benefits out of disaster similar to the publicity and good will that continue to bring visitors to New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina devastated the area. So far, 10 coast parishes have joined the tourism initiative, aimed at addressing “the immediate and long-term economic impact from tourism losses … and assisting the tourism-related businesses impacted most by this crisis.”

“As the news of the oil spill fades away, this organization will bring to life a new campaign and effort to bring people to the coast,” says Greg Buisson, one of the leaders behind the coalition, which expects most of its initial funding to come from BP.  “There has never been an effort like this. We want to get the message out that this is just as beautiful a coast as any other state along the Gulf, with more access to other bodies of water. Ten parishes are joining forces to promote the amenities and attractions of this hidden treasure that is about to get a new spotlight put on it.”

As the LTCC develops, other parishes are expected to join. The current participating parishes are: Calcasieu and Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson, Lafourche, Plaquemines, Saint Bernard, Saint Mary, Saint Tammany, Terrebonne and Vermilion.