About

Ambassadors

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

The New Orleans Business Alliance’s Economic Development Ambassador Program is the singular program in the city of New Orleans that provides in-depth insight into the work of growing and diversifying the city’s economy. Because economic development cross-cuts every industry and impacts the economic security of all New Orleanians, NOLABA‘s 7-week program brings together experienced professionals from a variety of sectors with diverse backgrounds to engage in dialogue that will result in them becoming better-informed ambassadors for our city.

This program will connect participants with industry experts and business leaders across all facets of the economic landscape. Leveraging experiential learning, design thinking, and panel formats, the program will pair data with discussion around issues, opportunities, and plans for New Orleans’ economic future. Program participants will be encouraged to engage in dialogue, directly contributing to the agenda for the evening. In addition to weekly sessions, participants will be encouraged to participate in tours of companies and locations that serve as major economic drivers for our community. The program will culminate with presentations of final group projects.

BENEFITS

Economic Development Ambassador Program participants will:

  • Gain valuable insight into the current economic state of the city and the efforts to attract and retain companies, catalyze place-based economic growth, and support local talent;
  • Learn the most effective ways to promote New Orleans through an economic lens;
  • Build relationships with growth-minded professionals and local business leaders;
  • Receive invitations to special events and behind-the-scenes tours;
  • Make a personal difference in the city’s economic vitality and prosperity.

CRITERIA

  • Must be at least 25 years old
  • Must live and work in Greater New Orleans
  • Must demonstrate current or past involvement in the community
  • Must be available to participate in the full program

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications submitted by candidates will be reviewed by a panel comprised of internal New Orleans Business Alliance leadership with experience across sector and industry. Applications will be assessed based on the following elements:

  • Commitment to New Orleans
  • Alignment with the Business Alliance’s vision is to reposition New Orleans as a great American city for business investment, quality of life and economic opportunity
  • Experience that demonstrates interpersonal skills or professional expertise that can be leveraged
  • Community Involvement
  • Two (2) references

TIMELINE

  • August 3, 2024 - Applications Launch
  • August 16, 2024 - (TBD) Applications Close
  • August 31, 2024 - Applicant Notified of Decisions
  • September 18, 2024 - EDAP Intro Session
  • September 25, 2024 - Session 1
  • October 2, 2024 - Session 2
  • October 9, 2024 - Session 3
  • October 16, 2024 - Session 4
  • October 23, 2024 - Session 5
  • October 30, 2024 - Graduation

All sessions will begin at 5:30pm and end at 8:00pm, unless otherwise noted

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

(Topics subject to change based on speaker availability)

Intro Session

This session will create the framework for all subsequent session, focused on the past, present, and future of economic development in the city of New Orleans. Time will be spent discussion history, current infrastructure, perception of the city, issues facing the city, the role of the government, and the NOLABA business model.

Speakers: TBD (Internal Options: Louis )
Location: NOLABA Community Room, 1250 Poydras St., Suite 2150

Session 1

Education / Talent / Workforce

Speakers: TBD (Internal Options: Andreas)
Location: NOLABA Community Room, 1250 Poydras St., Suite 2150

Session 2

Hospitality / Tourism / Culture

Speakers: TBD
Location: NOLABA Community Room, 1250 Poydras St., Suite 2150

Session 3

Small Business/ Entrepreneurial Ecosystem/Tech Sector

Speakers: TBD (Internal Options: Lynnette)
Location: NOLABA Community Room, 1250 Poydras St., Suite 2150

Session 4

Industrial Manufacturing/ Logistics/ Trade/ Supply Chain/ Int’l Opportunities

Speakers: TBD
Location: NOLABA Community Room, 1250 Poydras St., Suite 2150

Session 5

Real Estate/ Retails/ Neighborhood Development

Speakers: TBD (Internal Options:
Location: NOLABA Community Room, 1250 Poydras St., Suite 2150

Graduation Reception

Speakers: TBD (Internal Options: Louis)
Location: New Orleans Jazz Market

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1250 Poydras St., Suite 2150
New Orleans, LA 70113
info@nolaba.org | 504.934.4500