The New Orleans Business Alliance knows that our city enjoys incredible and unrivaled business and economic development benefits. And the Business Alliance wants more New Orleans economic brand ambassadors to promote the positive business climate here. 

Applications Open for Economic Development Ambassador Program

That’s why it created the Economic Development Ambassador Program. Today, the organization announced that applications are open for the program’s Fall 2019.

“We’ve done an increasingly better job convincing the world that New Orleans is business-friendly, but the opportunity to improve our self-perception is needed now more than ever,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., president and CEO. “The Economic Development Ambassador Program informs residents about strategic economic development and how New Orleans is reimagining economic development that works for everyone. We want professionals, budding entrepreneurs and civic-minded residents to join us in telling the world about a New Orleans economy that is rising and aiming to improve everyone’s personal bottom-lines.”

Geared for experienced professionals employed across the New Orleans business landscape who want to learn the strategies in place to grow the New Orleans economy, the seven-week program immerses participants in the behind-the-scenes world of economic development. 

Qualified participants are selected based on professional acumen, interpersonal skills, commitment to New Orleans, community involvement, and alignment with the New Orleans Business Alliance’s mission. 

A Roadmap to a Better New Orleans

“New Orleans is home to many civic-minded professionals who want to see this city thrive. Imagine the benefit of a program that helps to connect every facet within a singular framework, so that we are all working towards the same vision,” said Andy Stofleth, 2018 Ambassador and director of communications for SBP USA. “It’s more than just networking—it’s a road map to a better New Orleans.”

Each week participants meet at different locations to discuss topics driving equitable economic growth. Guest speakers and experts represent industry, tech, real estate, trade, small business, workforce development, and more. The program culminates with group presentations related to session themes.

In addition to weekly sessions, the program offers tours of companies and locations that serve as the community’s major economic drivers. Previous cohorts toured the Port of New Orleans and the World War II Museum. 

Upon graduation, Ambassadors join the Economic Development Ambassador Alumnus Group of over 170 graduates. 

Learn More about the Economic Development Ambassador Program

The Program will run each Wednesday from September 25 to November 6, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Dinner is included at each session. Interested candidates can learn more and apply here. The application deadline is August 23, 2019.