Alliance for Positive Growth’s Annual Banquet Featured National Speaker

The Alliance for Positive Growth (APG) held their Annual Positive Growth Banquet on November 4 at L’Auberge Casino & Resort. The theme for the event was “United for a Better SWLA,” words that Faith Hooks, APG Executive Director, said have taken on new meaning in the region after the economic challenges of the past 18 months. “Never has there been a more important time to focus on building a better Southwest Louisiana. We’ve experienced devasting impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple natural disasters. Now is the time to find innovative solutions that will jumpstart positive economic development that will benefit generations to come.”

The keynote speaker at the sold-out event was Joe Max Higgins, renowned powerhouse visionary and CEO of the Golden Triangle Development LINK. Higgins and his team revived a desolate three-county region of Mississippi after years of decline and economic depression. Today this “Gaolden Triangle” has become one of the most sought out regions for new business development. Domestic and international companies are flocking to the region and Higgins shared his insight on creating positive economic resurgence.

APG is an organization of professionals in the fields of real estate, development, construction and all other interested parties working together to promote strong, progressive growth in Southwest Louisiana.

Proceeds from the annual banquet help APG support positive growth in Southwest Louisiana through a variety of initiatives, including commissioning studies for tax allocations for education; government and private partnerships; drainage and infrastructure improvement; advocating for policy changes, ordinance updates and fair business practices; educational campaigns; and collaboration with local municipalities.

This year’s banquet was dedicated in memory of Brent Lumpkin, APG founding member and respected business developer, who passed away last year due to complications from COVID-19. A special presentation was made to his family during the event.

Learn more about APG at www.apgrowth.org.