With a $40 million construction project providing the perfect backdrop, Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter set the date for Investor’s Day, a business, finance and thought leadership forum.  Scheduled for Thursday, June 15, Investor’s Day gives the City the occasion to showcase  Southwest Louisiana investment and development opportunities unique to this region. Jorge Ayala, Regional Director for the Economic Development Administration, U.S. The Department of Commerce is the keynote speaker for the one-day event.

“It’s happening. You can see it,” said Mayor Nic Hunter, pointing to the heavy equipment at the Port Wonder construction site and announcing that Crying Eagle Brewery, another Lakefront development addition, had just signed off the final design of its project. Other projects are in various stages: Woodring Apartments, Senior Housing Development, and the revitalization of 710 Ryan St.

“We held the first Investor’s Day event in the summer of 2021 as a way to spur economic reinvestment Post Hurricane Laura,” said Hunter. “Not only was it an overwhelming success attendance-wise, but we can also directly credit the event with more than $100 million in projects currently underway.”

The Mayor was joined by representatives from Visit Lake Charles, Chennault International Airport, the Port of Lake Charles, the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana and Just Imagine SWLA, a team committed to partnering together to make more public-private partnerships happen here.

Taylor Stanley said Visit Lake Charles is happy to join the City’s efforts  and “lend marketing and logistics to reshape what our  destination can become.” Sarah Judson, Community Foundation Executive Director,  noted how the Just Imagine Southwest Louisiana master plan, with its 1,000 pieces of input from community members, shows investors how Southwest Louisiana is planning for growth in ways that it has never grown before.

“It is vital we grow together as a team and speak with one voice as we methodically work to grow for the good of our community,” added Kevin Melton, Chennault International Airport Executive Director.

On Wednesday, June 14 and Friday, June 16, local elected officials and ambassadors will be able to provide personal tours and meet with visiting parties. To inquire about this option, email odelia.sweet@cityoflc.us. Space is limited for the one-day event to be held at a local casino. Cost to attend is $50. Go to www.LakeCharlesInvestors Day.com for details.