Dear SCIA Members,

As I begin this year, I want to first thank our immediate past president, Matt, for his leadership and service. He stepped into the role with a desire to leave the organization better than he found it, and he accomplished exactly that. Last year, Matt challenged us around the theme of Momentum Through Collaboration, and I believe that was exactly the right focus for our organization.

Today, SCIA has momentum.

Our membership is strong. Our events are strong. Our advocacy efforts are active and effective. Our board and committees are engaged. Our NextGen Leadership Coalition continues to bring emerging leaders into our organization. And under Hillary’s leadership, alongside the dedication of our board and volunteers, SCIA continues to grow stronger.

The question before us now is what we do with that momentum.

My hope this year is that we continue building on that momentum and direct it toward something that lasts.

That idea—building what lasts—is one that resonates deeply in our region.

Here in South Louisiana, we know how to build. We build companies, vessels, infrastructure, relationships, teams, and communities. We build through storms, economic downturns, disruption, and uncertainty. But the most meaningful things we build are not built for a moment; they are built to endure.

Next year, SCIA will celebrate 30 years of serving the Bayou Region. For me personally, this year is also significant as Danos celebrates 80 years in business. Milestones like these remind us that lasting organizations are not built around one issue, one leader, one project, or one season. They are built on purpose, relationships, values, and people willing to invest in something bigger than themselves.

As I reflect on SCIA approaching its 30th anniversary and Danos reaching 80 years, I cannot help but think about the broader story of South Louisiana. This is a place where people build things that last, and that mindset is as important today as it has ever been.

There is much to be optimistic about across our region and our state. New investments and major projects continue to be announced, bringing economic growth, industrial opportunity, and renewed attention to Louisiana’s role in the national and global economy. What makes me especially proud is that the Bayou Region is not simply observing that growth—we are helping drive it.

We have the people, the ports, the waterways, the fabrication capacity, the service companies, the energy expertise, and the marine knowledge that make our region uniquely positioned for success. Perhaps most importantly, we have something that cannot be measured on a balance sheet: Cajun ingenuity—a culture and work ethic that knows how to solve problems and get things done.

At the same time, we know the challenges before us are real.

Workforce development. Infrastructure. Coastal protection. Education. Insurance. Housing. Permitting. Regulatory certainty. Quality of life.

These are not small issues, and none of us can address them alone. That is why collaboration remains so important.

I am encouraged by the partnerships and cooperation we continue to see among SCIA, COLAB, our chambers of commerce, ports, educational institutions, elected officials, industry partners, and community leaders. When we speak with one voice, we are stronger. When we align around shared priorities, we are more effective. When we invite more people to the table, we make better decisions. And when we stop asking, “How do we protect our piece?” and instead ask, “How do we grow the whole?” we begin building something that truly lasts.

One of the highlights of our Annual Awards Banquet was hearing from Dr. Wade Rousse, President of LSU. While he now leads our state’s flagship university, he remains a proud son of the Bayou Region. His story is a reminder that leadership, education, workforce development, and opportunity are all connected—and that the talent we need to shape Louisiana’s future often comes from right here at home.

Those connections matter because when we talk about workforce development, we are talking about our sons and daughters. When we talk about industry, we are talking about our families, churches, schools, and communities. When we talk about economic development, we are talking about whether the next generation can stay here, work here, lead here, and raise their families here. That is why the work of SCIA matters.

SCIA provides a place for industry, business, education, and community leaders to come together around the issues that impact our shared future. As I step into this role, I am excited about where our organization stands today and the opportunities that lie ahead.

This year, I hope we continue focusing on a few simple priorities:

• Strengthening the value of SCIA membership.

• Developing the next generation of leaders.

• Expanding regional collaboration and partnerships.

• Telling the story of South Louisiana industry.

Too often, people outside our region do not fully understand what happens here. They do not see the innovation, the skilled workforce, the entrepreneurs, the family-owned businesses, or the community commitment that support our industrial economy. We need to tell that story clearly and confidently. Industry is not simply part of our economy—it is part of our identity. And when industry is strong, South Louisiana is stronger.

We have momentum, and together we have an opportunity to build something that lasts.

My challenge to each of us this year is simple:

Stay engaged.

Invite someone new into SCIA.

Support the next generation.

Collaborate outside your normal circle.

Speak positively about our region.

Advocate for what matters.

And look for opportunities to build something that will outlast your own season of leadership.

South Louisiana has always known how to weather storms. But we are not here simply to survive them. We are here to build, lead, serve, grow, and leave this region stronger for the next generation.

Thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your commitment to SCIA. I look forward to working alongside all of you in the year ahead.

Mark Danos
SCIA President