The McNeese Foundation announced the honorary naming of the Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial and Economic Development (SEED) Center in recognition of a $1 million endowment from the Henning family. New signage reflecting the new Henning SEED Center was unveiled at a reception celebrating this milestone today. 

The Henning donation will be used to create a perpetual endowment, with the annual interest dedicated to support the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at McNeese State University, located in the SEED Center. Since 1983, the LSBDC at McNeese has been assisting new and existing business owners in Southwest Louisiana from idea conception to profitable business ventures.

Business leaders were recognized at this year’s 121^st Annual Banquet of the Chamber SWLA and attendees were given insight into the future of Southern economic development from speaker Gray Swoope, President/CEO of VisionFirst Advisors. Swoope served as Florida’s Secretary of Commerce and President of Enterprise Florida, where he led the state’s economic development efforts under Governor Rick Scott from 2011 to 2015. He previously served as Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority under Governor Haley Barbour, playing a key role in attracting major companies to Mississippi and driving the state’s economic recovery after Hurricane Katrina.

The evening honored three business leaders who are making a difference in our communit

Business leaders were recognized at this year’s 121st Annual Banquet of the Chamber SWLA on January 30 and attendees were given insight into the future of Southern economic development. The banquet set the stage for new Alliance leadership with the arrival of new President /CEO Scott Walker later this month.

As I prepare to step away from my role as President and CEO of the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, it’s time to reflect on the past 20 years. It’s been an incredible journey, one filled with challenges, growth, and above all, a deep sense of community. Together, we’ve
weathered hurricanes, celebrated industrial expansions, and built stronger partnerships that have positioned Southwest Louisiana as a powerhouse for economic development.