Alliance for Positive Growth’s Annual Banquet Celebrates Five Years of Progress in SWLA

The Alliance for Positive Growth (APG) held its Annual Positive Growth Banquet last month at L’Auberge Casino & Resort. 

The keynote speaker at the event was Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. Since taking office in 2016, he and his team have been champions for travel and tourism which drives a large portion of this region’s economic activity. He is the immediate past Chairman of the National Lieutenant Governors Association and used his position to promote shared priorities and foster multi-state solutions to mutual problems such as imported seafood and seafood safety.

This year’s event marked the fifth anniversary of the founding of APG, a group organized to promote strong, beneficial growth in Southwest Louisiana. The theme for the event was “Rebuild & Grow – Strengthening the ‘Heel’ of Louisiana.” 

“Southwest Louisiana has made incredible strides in the ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts,” says Faith Hooks, APG Executive Director. “We are thrilled to bring so many of our region’s leaders together to remind one another how far we have come and how are decisions now will benefit generations to come.”

Three APG Positive Growth Community Recognition Awards were given to local individuals who embody the recovery and resiliency spirit of the region. Lt. Gov. Nungesser presented the awards to

Dr. Daryl Burckel, McNeese State University president; Mike Smith, The Advocate reporter; and The Stine family. Burckel led the charge in getting McNeese’s campus facilities and housing back up and running in record time. Smith helped spread awareness of Southwest Louisiana’s challenges and victories following the 2020 hurricane season to the nation. The Stine family shared many of their resources when residents needed them most and continues to support Southwest Louisiana.

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

Learn more about APG at www.apgrowth.org.