Dear SCIA Members,

I hope this message finds you well. Today, I want to share a simple yet powerful message of hope with you.

As I engage with various boards and community meetings, I’ve noticed a prevailing sense of fatigue and frustration among us regarding the state of our communities. The past few years have been challenging—between the impacts of COVID-19, political challenges, and natural disasters, we’ve faced our share of hardships. As we near the end of our third year of storm recovery, I often hear questions like, “When will this be over?” and “When will our communities be restored?”

Amidst this frustration, I want to remind you that we have faced adversity before and emerged stronger. Many of you may recall the 1980s bumper sticker that read, “Will the last one to leave please turn out the lights.” Here we are, 40 years later, and the lights are still on because we chose resilience over despair.

We are a community built on self-reliance. Instead of waiting for external assistance, we take action ourselves. This spirit is evident in the work being done by organizations like the Bayou Community Foundation, which has been instrumental in rebuilding and repairing homes throughout South Louisiana, thanks to the generosity of many members of SCIA.

While we still have much to do, it’s important to recognize that recovery of this magnitude takes time—often a decade or more. If this were a football game, we’d be at halftime, with plans and funding for the next phase underway. Just as New Orleans East continues its recovery nearly 20 years post-Katrina, we have made significant strides in the past three years, and I believe the next three will be just as productive.

I also see hope in our industries. As America reshapes its manufacturing landscape, we anticipate a surge in electrical demand, primarily driven by the growth of AI and data centers. Projections indicate a 20% increase in total U.S. electrical demand by 2030, much of which will be met by natural gas. This electrical demand will require an “All Of The Above” energy policy which should bode well for all our community and future economic vitality.

I have hope for South Louisiana, grounded in our collective strength and ability to rejuvenate. I believe in the potential for healing and revitalization within this room.

As we move forward, let us embrace the second half of this journey with determination. Better days are ahead, and together, we can turn hope into reality.

Thank you for your commitment and resilience.

JJ Buquet
SCIA President