PABI - Plaquemines Association of Business and Industry

Dear Members,
We are embarking on our eighth year as the voice of the business community for Plaquemines Parish. The first seven years of our existence have presented numerous challenges. I am proud to be a part of an organization that has stood strong for its members and for all the businesses in our region on local, state, and national issues. As your Chairman for 2012, I will work with the Board of Directors to concentrate our focus on key issues and expand PABI's membership so that we can do even more to provide private sector leadership and advance the quality of life in Plaquemines Parish. Even though there are many issues facing businesses in our region, I believe we can be most effective as an association by focusing on those that impact all of us.

You cannot have commerce without infrastructure. Therefore, flooding of Highway 23, completion of levees throughout the parish, port development, dredging of Baptiste Collete, replacement of the outdated draw bridge and tunnel, re-routing and expansion of the railroad, and completion of all phases of the Peters Road Bypass are critical for our ability to expand existing businesses and attract new ones to our parish. PABI must be involved not only in the proper planning of future developments in our parish, but in the very existence of our parish's land mass. In that respect, coastal restoration is a key issue we must work hard to advance. It is in our mission statement that we enhance the economic, civic, and cultural environment of Plaquemines Parish. So, we must come together as a business community to make sure that future developments meet these criteria. In addition to our efforts to advance these key issues, we must continue to develop a strong relationship with our military neighbor. We can all expand and grow together through collaboration.

Natural resources such as oil and gas are critical not only to many businesses in our community, but also to the state and nation. We must be involved with all levels of government to promote the safe production of these resources so that we can continue to be not only a major producer of energy, but also a world leader in hunting, fishing, and seafood.

Without increasing our membership, PABI's voice cannot be heard. We must work hard to maintain the trust and respect of current and prospective members. Our quarterly newsletter and first class website will continue to inform all on what we are doing for you. I am honored to serve as your chairman for 2012. Please let us know what we can do to help your business grow.
Sincerely,

Reid McLellan, 2012 Chairman
Edward Jones, CFP