'Super Chamber' would promote regional development

The Eunice Economic Development Committee is excited about possibilities posed by the proposed creation of a regional development approach.
Chairman Don Reber told committee members at their October meeting of the OneAcadia movement that is proposed.
Essentially, it would create a super region that would be competitive, Reber said, with such regions assembled with Lake Charles and Baton Rouge as the nucleus of each.
The regionalism approach would benefit Eunice and all the other members, he said.
He encouraged committee members to attend a luncheon planned for Oct. 29 (11 a.m. until 1 p.m.) at the CAJUNDOME Convention Center in Lafayette at which steps in the program will be discussed.
“The Campaign for One Acadiana” is a regional initiative led by the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and its President/CEO Jason El Koubi.
When the features of all of Acadiana are taken into account rather than just Lafayette, the marketable assets increase exponentially.
“We have three times as many people, we have six times as much interstate miles, 20 times as much land,” El Koubi said. “We’re all in it together socially and economically, and when we pull everyone together as One Acadiana there are infinite opportunities that come out as a result of that.”
El Koubi has also made it clear that local chambers are not being replaced, but rather are key to the success in the mission. “The stronger the local chambers are, the stronger the regional effort will be.”
The Lafayette Parish-wide business alliance of a similar name is in full support of the “super region.”
“OneAcadia, with other local leaders, has visited with Jason and his staff on several occasions regarding the concept. We are very supportive of the notion and understand the importance of the tasks to achieve it as the movement echoes just what we are doing in our parish with OneAcadia – breaking down barriers to present a united front in the spirit of economic growth,” says Laurie Suire, Executive Director of OneAcadia.
“Our board supports the Acadiana-wide movement understanding the impact such a representative body can have on the economic development of the entire region. A regional approach to marketing efforts and legislative outreach makes our voice stronger.”
The new Acadiana organization will create a profile of each participating parish to assist in identifying opportunities for growth.
El Koubi continues to visit with the nine parishes that will make up the “super region” and who want to be included to secure the $3 million funding for the investor-led organization.
“Significant progress towards realizing our goal has been made,” El Koubi said.
The official name of the new regional organization will be unveiled at the event along with the vision and mission.
OneAcadia encourages businesses to attend the lunch event to show a strong representation from Eunice-St. Landry and other Acadiana parishes.
Tickets are $75 each or $500 for a table of eight, and may be purchased by contacting Blair Green, Events Director, at blair@lafchamber.org or 233-2705.