AUG 19-20, 2026
CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO & HOTEL
Invitation Event
VIP Legislative Reception
August 19, 2026
Mr. Lester’s Steakhouse
The 4th Annual Bayou Business Summit brings together leaders from across the Bayou Region to celebrate our progress, showcase regional opportunities, and look ahead to what’s next. From workforce and economic development to defense, major investments, and regional growth, this year’s summit will highlight the people and partnerships positioning the Bayou Region for an even stronger future.
SUMMIT AGENDA
welcoming + opening at 9:00am
FEATURED SPEAKER
Neil Menzies
Director of Gulf of America, Chevron
A look at Chevron’s continued role in the Gulf of America and the importance of the region’s energy industry, workforce and infrastructure to the broader economy.
Regional Business Spotlight
Scott LeBlanc
LeBlanc Brothers Ready-Mix
WORKFORCE PANEL
Dr. Jay Clune
President, Nicholls State University
Dr. Kristine Strickland
Chancellor, Fletcher Technical Community College
Dr. Vincent June
Chancellor, South Louisiana Community College
Assistant Secretary of the Office of Workforce Development at Louisiana Work
Regional leaders discuss the workforce challenges and opportunities facing South Louisiana and the partnerships needed to prepare people for the jobs and industries driving the region forward.
Short Break
Regional Business Spotlight
Dustin Malbrough
GIS
DEFENSE & MARITIME PANEL
Walter Thomassie
Thoma-sea
Dan Conrad
Conrad Industries
Moderated by: Captain Brad Clare
USCG (Retired)
Industry leaders explore the Bayou Region’s longstanding maritime strength and its growing role in national defense, shipbuilding and the nation’s industrial base
lunch + Break
REGIONAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Joshua Alford
Houma-Terrebonne Airport
REGIONAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Dylan Dibona
natrx
wrap up at 1:15pm
WHAT TO EXPECT
Gain insight into the trends shaping the future of the Bayou Region from the leaders driving them.
Hear industry outlooks from regional experts, explore the future of workforce development with leaders from Nicholls State University, Fletcher Technical Community College, and South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc), and learn how companies like Conrad Industries and Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors are strengthening the Bayou Region’s role in national defense and maritime manufacturing.
Innovate: the Bayou Region’s Cajun Ingenuity
Moderated by
Josh Fleig
LA.IO
Panelists
Tyler Ortego
Natrx
Billie Joe Pellegrin
Edison Chouest Offshore
Vib Altekar
Saronic
Ryan Hebert
Cardiovascular Institute of South Louisiana
Energize: All of the Above Energy
Moderated by
Lori LeBlanc
Aurora Solutions Group
Panelists
Tommy Faucheux
LMOGA
Paul Danos
Danos
Laura Beauchamp
Entergy
Elevate: What Gets Us to the Next Level
Moderated by
Dr. Kristine Strickland
Fletcher Technical Community College
Panelists
Ryan Culp
Retail Strategies
Jessica Hemingway
Community Development Institute
Christian Bergeron
COLAB
welcoming + opening at 9:00am
Special
Presentations
To be announced soon!
Adam Knapp
Leaders for a Better Louisiana
Tommy Faucheux
Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association (LMOGA)
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in shaping the Bayou Region’s future.
Room Booking
For preferred room rates, please call 1-337-578-6600 and mention the Bayou Business Summit. Preferred rates end August 14th.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
V.I.P. Sponsors
Special Sponsors
Impact Sponsor
Lanyard Sponsor
Lanyard Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
