Plans for the 2023 Lake Charles Investors’ Day were announced at a lakefront press conference on Thursday, April 20.

The active Port Wonder construction site served as a backdrop. Mayor Nic Hunter was joined by representatives from Visit Lake Charles, Chennault International Airport, the Port of Lake Charles, the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana and Just Imagine SWLA¸ to announce the one-day event scheduled for Thursday, June 15, at Golden Nugget Lake Charles. 

Lake Charles Investors’ Day is a business, finance and thought leadership forum with the goal of showcasing unique investment and development opportunities in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana. 

“We first held an Investors’ Day event in the summer of 2021 as a way to spur economic re-investment post-Hurricane Laura,” said Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter. “Not only was it an overwhelming success attendance-wise, but we can also directly credit the event with more than $100 million in projects currently underway. We are looking to build on that success with this year’s event and feel very confident our efforts will be successful. We are leaps and bounds ahead of where we were two years ago. Lake Charles is ripe with opportunities for investment.”  

“With the success of Lake Charles Investors’ Day in 2021, we are thrilled to partner again on the 2023 event,” added Taylor Beard Stanley, Vice President of Sales for Visit Lake Charles. “Investors’ Day is a great setting to showcase the opportunities available in Southwest Louisiana. Projects that come out of events like Investors’ Day will enhance the experiences of both residents and visitors coming to our area, which in turn generates economic impact and supports a more vibrant community.” 

The event encourages collaboration among investors and area leaders to highlight real investment opportunities and discover innovative avenues to diversify, grow and redevelop the community.

“Events like Investors’ Day showcase how public/private partnerships benefit the region,” Sara Judson, CEO of the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana, said. “The 11 catalytic projects outlined in the Just Imagine SWLA 50 Year Resilience Plan will be successful with public and private investment.  This team approach will enhance our city and region with a diversified economy, improved quality of life opportunities and affordable and resilient housing.” 

The day’s schedule includes an opening session that will feature a community overview, several breakout sessions, a networking reception and a lunchtime keynote address from Jorge Ayala, Regional Director for the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. Additionally, Megan O’Hara, principal planner with Urban Design Associates will also be a featured speaker. O’Hara led the Just Imagine 50 Year Resilience Plan. 

“This event is an important step to highlighting the opportunities Southwest Louisiana has to grow businesses and jobs, said Chennault Executive Director, Kevin Melton.  When I discovered this event, it was an absolute must that Chennault support.  It is vital we grow together as a team and speak with one voice as we methodically work to grow for the good of our community.” 

“Economic growth has been the mission of the Port of Lake Charles for nearly a century,” said Port Executive Director Richert Self. “These new efforts will lead to public-private partnerships that will further define Southwest Louisiana as a catalyst for diverse economic opportunities — on land, sea and air.”

Space is limited and the cost to attend Investors’ Day is $50. Registration information, as well as complete details, can be found at www.LakeCharlesInvestorsDay.com.

 On Wednesday, June 14 and Friday, June 16, local elected officials and ambassadors will be available to provide personal tours and meet with visiting parties. To inquire about this option, those interested should email odelia.sweet@cityoflc.us.