Executive Director of the South Louisiana Economic Council, has been appointed to the Southern Growth Policies Board’s Global Strategies Council, a thirteen-state expert policy board focused on advise on international issues affecting southern states. As a member of the Global Strategies Council, Lafont will work with economic development colleagues, governors and others to develop next generation economic development policies.

According to Lafont, “The strength of our Bayou Region economy has created a sustained demand for labor – a significant portion of which is being supplied through foreign sources. A key focus of the Global  Strategies Board, and one of my primary goals through this appointment, is to affect how immigration policy is formulated for the benefit of our industries. Also of importance are new initiatives being developed with the Bayou Region such as the partnership SLEC and Congressman Melancon have developed to introduce our companies to new opportunities in the oil-rich Republic if Kazakhatan along the Caspian Sea. Sound globalization policies are critical to our future and I am pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the formation of new directions for our region, our state and for the thirteen states that make up the Southern Growth Policies Board. “

As a member of the Council, Lafont will represent the region in policy sessions and at the Southern Growth Policies Board annual conference.

The Southern Global Strategies Council (GSC) is devoted to education state leaders and the public, developing a business plan for economic and cultural relationships, assisting states in their international progress, and bringing states together in joint ventures. Education is a primary focus of the GSG; a current project deals with raising awareness of Louisiana citizens as well as those outside of the state of the importance of Louisiana’s participation in the global economy.