Objectives:
This committee meets as needed, as does all of our committees. The focus is on issues that affect business and industry.The success of projects needed in our region is vital to the growth of Business and Industry.

The committee is designed to review and discuss issues and projects, then make recommendations to the SCIA Board so we may determine our view and/or direction, we should pursue. We normally back issues and projects by resolutions and letters of support.

South Louisiana faces many challenges that stand to shape our economic future, as well as threaten the environment and the livelihood of the people of the region. Our ability to overcome these challenges with sound policy will determine our success. We actively support the efforts of the regional ports and levees districts who are working to increase productivity and protection for the bayou region.

SCIA actively supports I-49, North South Corridor Evacuation Route, Morganza to Gulf Project, Houma Navigation Canal Deepening, LA 1 Coalition, as well as local projects that will enhance the productivity of industry and

quality of life for the region. Financial contributions have been made to I-49, LA 1, Restore or Retreat and Morganza Action Coalition to assist with efforts in obtaining funding for these important projects. Through this committee, SCIA is involved in coastal restoration projects and regional levee projects interacting with the US Corps of Engineers and other entities when appropriate.Each year, we host an SCIA Bayou Region Pre-Legislative Luncheon with the regional elected state delegation, parish presidents, SCIA board of directors and major stakeholders. The meeting is designed for the stakeholders to express their interests and priorities to the delegation with the delegation giving informative feedback.

The SCIA Congressional Roundtable is part of US Congressman Steve Scalise’s Energy Tour, which takes place at Port Fourchon. The roundtable discussion is composed of experts on issues associated with the oil and gas industry, as well as the SCIA board of Directors and representatives of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission and tenants of the Port. Frequently, we also conduct these roundtables with NOIA, as well, under the leadership of the Congressmen.

Objectives:
Several years ago, SCIA developed a comprehensive program to address workforce issues within the bayou region. The highly acclaimed Work It! Louisiana is designed to educate students from Grade 6 to 12 on the available career paths that project the job market in south Louisiana, particularly the industrial based jobs for the skilled and unskilled labor force. The program is being implemented in Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary and Assumption parishes’ school systems. It is one of the models for the state education program called “Jump Start.”.

Work it! Louisiana is an awareness campaign, showing the value of getting a technical education that is readily available in our region through Fletcher Technical & Community College, Louisiana Technical College – Lafourche Campus and Young Memorial in Morgan City. It has been honored as a state champion by the Louisiana Department of Education, LCTCS and the BESE Board for its commitment to education.

We are also engaged with developing educational and training programs that are indicative of our region. We work closely with Fletcher, SCLTC and Nicholls State University to foster programs that will enhance the growth and development of the bayou region.

Another element of our workforce initiatives is our newly formed job exchange. The purpose of the job exchange is to assist our businesses who are placed in the position of laying off people. It is designed for SCIA member companies only to connect with other member companies who may possibly have job openings and are seeking employees. The program is totally confidential and must have the approval of the person seeking a job who has been laid off. This program is monitored through the SCIA office.

Objectives:
To maintain a healthy growth and retention of members in SCIA by offering a networking event for member company employees and guests to meet one another.

This committee is responsible for making sure SCIA has the best crawfish boil in town! SCIA is host to about 700 people each year, an event that serves as an excellent

Objectives:
It is the purpose of the golf tournament committee to provide a quality fundraising event that will unite our members and to provide financial assistance for projects that have been approved by the SCIA Board of Directors.

The annual golf tournament is held on the first Monday in October of each year at Ellendale Country Club in Houma, LA. We are host to both morning and afternoon flights of

Chett Chiasson – President

Our President

It is indeed an honor to have been chosen by you to Preside over SCIA for the upcoming year.  When I started my career at the Greater Lafourche Port Commission back in 2005, I quickly recognized the importance and stature of SCIA and knew I needed to be a part of it.  When you look back at the founding members of SCIA and the list of past presidents of the organization, all you can say is WOW!  What great people and Leaders, and now, for my name to be added to the list is simply amazing to me.  As President, I can only hope to continue the great work of all the folks that have come before us.  Since 2015, I have had the opportunity to be a part of the SCIA Board and work with amazing people, and look forward to working with the board for the 2019-2020 year. In the upcoming year we hope to enhance the services provided to SCIA members.  Our 6 committees: ICE, POWER, Crawfish Boil, Golf, Banquet, and Workforce Development, are led by excellent members and perform very important tasks. I encourage you to become involved with our committees.  In terms of monthly meetings, we strive to bring in speakers that can give us timely information that make a difference to you and your business. We welcome speaker recommendations from you, so please let us know who you may want to hear from or what topics you may want to hear about. An organization is nothing without its membership, so Thank You for being a part of SCIA.  We are so fortunate to have such a well-respected, impactful, successful membership.  I and the rest of the board are excited for the year to come and look forward to success for your business and SCIA.   

Thank You,  
Chett Chiasson.  

Lori LeBlanc

SCIA Director