GET DAILY REPORT FREE
Through workforce, economic and community development, the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance (GBRIA) is shaping a strong, sustainable future for south Louisiana. Established in 1970, GBRIA represents more than 80 industrial manufacturing sites across 11 parishes.
Developing a skilled, competitive workforce has been a consistent priority for GBRIA. Several current initiatives focus on engaging students, educators and professionals to expand awareness of the industry’s impact and diverse career opportunities.
In 2024, GBRIA hosted its inaugural Journey to Industry initiative, bringing 200 students from nine New Orleans high schools together with industry leaders and post-secondary education providers. The event showcased career pathways accessible through certification or a two-year associate’s degree.
GBRIA also launched the Women in Industry Forum in Gonzales, where 256 high school girls from 9 school districts, interested in STEM and other industrial careers, met with 100 women mentors working in industry. Through interactive activities and discussions, this year’s participants learned about the range of career options, needed skills and practical issues like preparing a resume.
Recognizing educators’ influence in workforce development, GBRIA offers the Educator Externship Program, a paid three-day summer institute immersing teachers in industrial careers. Through facility tours, industry panels and peer discussions, 63 educators participated last year, gaining first-hand insight they can draw from to prepare students for a range of industry careers.
To expand its workforce development outreach efforts, GBRIA just received a $100,000 grant from Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL), a National Science Foundation funded initiative positioning Louisiana as a global leader in energy innovation.
Connie Fabre, GBRIA president and CEO, emphasizes the importance of these workforce-development initiatives in sustaining regional economic competitiveness.
“The collaborative partnership we have with industry and contractors to develop skilled craftspeople is world renowned. A big reason industry in Louisiana is globally competitive and construction projects keep coming here is because we have a skilled, well trained and qualified workforce.”
GBRIA’s Young Professionals Group, a new initiative in 2025, provides networking and mentorship opportunities for early-career professionals while fostering industry awareness, which helps members connect their individual jobs to the broader industry. For example, professionals can learn about industry’s role in developing regional infrastructure, like the proposed new Mississippi River Bridge and the widening of I-10.
GBRIA also provides a platform for members to share best practices, such as regarding safety. Further, GBRIA’s annual TEC Next Conference, which began in 2019 and had record attendance this year, demonstrates growing interest in industry innovation and technology, including AI and quantum computing.
GBRIA helped establish Industry Makes to counter misinformation, share fact-based messaging and highlight industry’s vital role in com munities. Through Industry Makes, employees engage in public meetings, meet with elected officials and share insights on social media. The Industry Champions Program provides factual resources to help employees engage in informed conversations about industrial development and innovation.
“Industry is a cornerstone of our community, driving economic and community development by creating quality jobs in a safe manner,” Fabre says. “This industry is a bridge to a sustainable future for all of us, and we’ll continue to be great partners with the community.”
