Business News

GLCC becomes One Acadiana

New name reflects Lafayette chamber's major shift toward regionalism.

The Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday that it is officially transforming into a regional business organization known as “One Acadiana” to better reflect its regional initiatives.

The new name represents the effort to tie nine parishes together to pursue a long-term vision of making Acadiana one of the most sought-after regions in the South for business and talent.

One Acadiana's Jason El Koubi
Photo by Marie Constantin

According to the press release, One Acadiana will deliver a new, highly professional, nationally competitive economic development program for the region, which will help manage Acadiana’s current and long-term growth, retain and grow current business, and diversify the economic base by attracting new emerging growth industries and professional talent.

The announcement of the official name change comes shortly after the completion of the fundraising phase of The Campaign for One Acadiana in which more than 120 investors, including businesses and individuals from across the region, stepped up to help secure $3 million per year for the next five years.

Jason El Koubi, president and CEO of One Acadiana, highlighted the inclusion of current chamber members: “Everyone who is a current member of the Chamber is automatically a part of this new regional organization. We are not creating a separate organization; we are transforming into a regional organization. We will continue to represent our general membership and are excited to provide new regional engagement opportunities.”

In addition to leading new regional activities, One Acadiana will continue to provide leadership and coordination for local business issues in Lafayette Parish, and other local chambers in other Acadiana municipalities and parishes will continue to provide leadership over business issues in their areas.

One Acadiana also announced its board of directors who will provide ongoing leadership and oversight of the organization’s activities. The board is comprised of members with a presence in each of the region’s nine parishes: Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermilion. Directors include representatives ranging from small businesses to the region’s largest employers, covering virtually every major industry segment.

In addition to its board, One Acadiana’s CEO Advisory Council is a senior-level advisory group to help guide and prioritize the five-year initiatives of The Campaign for One Acadiana at the highest level. This group’s engagement is strategically targeted to specific topics and initiatives where top leadership is vital.

The organization's website is here. Click here to view the leadership.