Attendees will hear from civic and business leaders on economic development opportunities in Central Louisiana
The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana is partnering with the Southern University Law Center (SULC) and the Southern University College of Business University Center for Economic Development to co-host the second annual Louisiana Rural and Economic (LaRuE) Development Summit, sponsored by T-Mobile, in Marksville, Louisiana, at Paragon Casino Resort on Monday, September 11, and Tuesday, September 12. LaRuE keynote speakers and panelists will include business executives, industry experts, state and local elected officials and candidates for political office.
LaRuE’s mission is to spur economic development in rural communities by connecting business owners with local, state and national leaders who are committed to improving economic opportunities in Louisiana’s rural communities. The conference is open to all economic development professionals, including business owners, small business developers, government officials, chamber of commerce professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, faculty and staff from all universities within the state of Louisiana, and students. Registration is also open to the public or to anyone interested in learning more about economic development in rural areas or doing business with tribal governments.
Originally debuted in 2019, and subsequently placed on a pandemic-induced hold, LaRuE returns at a critical time for small business owners who are trying to build or rebuild their enterprises in this ever-evolving landscape. LaRuE will cover the following topics through a series of lectures, panels and guest speakers:
- 5G & Broadband Expansion and Technology Advancements and Opportunities
- Agriculture Industry Opportunities and Medical Marijuana Overview
- Affordable Housing and Current Funding Opportunities
- Workforce Development and Job Training Programs and Initiatives
- Healthcare and Mental Health
- Working collaboratively with State and Federal Agencies and how to navigate state and federal funding
- Creating and Improving Economic and Business Relationships with Native American Tribal Governments
- Grant Funding and How to Navigate the Grants Process
The early registration fee is $199 per individual or organizations may sign up as a group for a discounted rate. Beginning August 12th, the price per individual increases to $249. Hotel room rates at the Paragon Casino Resort range from $99 to $129; to book a room please click here and use code LARS10G and password lars10g before August 28th. For details visit www.sulc.edu/larue and to register, click here.
“Historically, Native Americans and those residing in rural communities have been underserved and inherently separated from stable, high-paying opportunities,” said Marshall Pierite, Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. “Our goal – through LaRuE and our other programs – is to bring the industry home. Instead of our rural Louisianians having to displace their families to find opportunities, we are bringing those opportunities to those who are willing, ready, and able to innovate and prosper in central Louisiana.”
The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana has long supported and encouraged economic development and growth among Native Americans, including its citizens who reside in rural Louisiana. Already in 2023, the Tribe has secured more than $70 million in grants to assist in stabilizing and propelling its citizens through workforce development training, increased access to the internet and various small business supports.
For more information on Southern University Law Center, visit www.sulc.edu.
For more information on the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, visit https://www.tunicabiloxi.org/.