BATON ROUGE, LA (October 11, 2017) – The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) is excited to announce our virtual venture to take Louisianans on a behind the scenes tour of manufacturing across the state throughout October. As Louisiana's state manufacturing association, LABI is proud to represent this critical industry partner and highlight the importance of Louisiana manufacturing.
Last week LABI kicked off manufacturing awareness month by working with both chambers of the state Legislature to recognize October 6, 2017, as National Manufacturing Day. Both chambers commended Louisiana manufacturers for their contributions to the state’s economy and for creating high-quality jobs for Louisiana’s citizens. LABI also worked alongside the National Association of Manufacturers to raise awareness of the manufacturing industry by sharing general information about the industry, releasing a column about how to fight poverty in Louisiana with good jobs and by producing a short video about the importance of manufacturing and workforce development across the state.
Stephen Waguespack, president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry stated, “Manufacturing has provided great opportunities for Louisiana workers for generations. These jobs pay well, align with our abundant natural resources and serve as the backbone of many of our communities. This month, LABI will highlight not only this great tradition of Louisiana manufacturing but also the important role this industry must play going forward as we tackle important issues like poverty, workforce preparation and economic growth.”
LABI team members visited various facilities across the state to gain an even better sense of manufacturing tasks and to learn more about the importance of manufacturing to our state’s economy. While visiting these facilities, the group collected b-roll, photographs and stories to highlight key moments of their tour interactions. The LABI team will release resources and materials gathered throughout the month using the hashtag #MFGDay17 across social media platforms.
This week LABI will focus on the great opportunities for women in manufacturing. Interviews with Jennifer Dunphy, plant manager at ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Plastics, Andree Begneaud, owner of Begneaud Manufacturing, Inc. and more will be released throughout the week to showcase what it means to be a woman in manufacturing.
The week of October 16th, LABI will take an in-depth look at the importance of STEM programming in Louisiana. Louisiana Superintendent of Education John White, various educators and some surprise guests will discuss the programs across our state, specifically what our students can look forward to as technological advancements continue to grow.
Finally, the week of October 23rd, LABI will partner with Associated Builders and Contractors of Louisiana for their national “Build Your Future” week and will take a further look into technical college programs across the state. There are critical training opportunities being offered across this state for the developing workforce; we just need to get the word out.
Last year, manufacturers contributed $2.18 trillion to the U.S. economy. For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, another $1.8 is added to the economy, the highest multiplier effect in the country.
In Louisiana, manufacturers currently account for more than 20 percent of the total output in the state, employing 6.9 percent of the workforce. The total output from the manufacturing industry was $52.75 billion in 2015.
Waguespack concluded, “The economic benefits of growing our manufacturing base are endless. Our state has amazing natural resources, diverse distribution channels and a strong manufacturing presence – but now we have to harness that potential.”
Follow LABI’s virtual tour throughout the month to learn more about a future in manufacturing on all of the LABI social channels (Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube) and our website at www.labi.org. The history of manufacturing in our great state is a Louisiana made success story. LABI is working to make sure Louisiana’s manufacturing future is even brighter.
For press inquiries, contact:
Camille Ivy-O’Donnell
(817) 944-5091
camillei@labi.org
About the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry
The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry was organized in 1975 to represent Louisiana businesses, serving as both the state chamber of commerce and state manufacturers association. LABI’s primary goal is to foster a climate for economic growth by championing the principles of the free enterprise system and representing the general interest of the business community through active involvement in the political, legislative, judicial and regulatory processes. Find out more information at www.labi.org.
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