Investor & Overview Book 2022
Investor & Overview Book 2022
Investor & Overview Book 2022
O V E R V I E W
FA LL 2022
ABOUT GNO, INC. 2
A TOP
ECONOMIC #1 ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT
AGENCY IN THE ORGANIZATION
UNITED STATES
(OVER 500,000 POPULATION)
Thank you for your interest in Greater New Orleans, Inc.! The past few years have brought new challenges to Greater
New Orleans that make the work of GNO, Inc. all the more
GNO, Inc. is the nonprofit economic development important. With your partnership, we will build on the region’s
organization for the 10 parishes of Southeast Louisiana. We strengths, continue to mitigate the challenges, and seize the
rely on investors like you to voluntarily “opt-in” to support opportunities for job growth and economic diversification.
our mission, which is to create a Greater New Orleans with a
thriving economy and an excellent quality of life, for everyone. We invite you to review the following pages, and to please
consider joining us in this work by becoming a GNO, Inc.
With your investment, GNO, Inc. is able to bring together Investor.
diverse entities from across the region and state to catalyze
economic development activity. We believe that by working Thank you for your support. Together, we can create a
together toward a shared vision, we can make Greater New thriving, economically strong Greater New Orleans.
Orleans a place where people want to be – a sustainable,
prosperous region where one can grow a company and raise
a family.
Since 2012, GNO, Inc. and partners have secured over $31B in
business development announcements resulting in more than MICHAEL HECHT
37,000 jobs created and retained. President & CEO
Greater New Orleans, Inc.
ABOUT GNO, INC. 3
ORLEANS
ST. CHARLES
JEFFERSON
GNO, Inc.’s mission is to create a region with a thriving economy and an excellent quality of life, for everyone.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
• Business Attraction ECONOMY
• Business Growth
• Business Retention
GREATER NEW
JOBS + ORLEANS IS
WEALTH A THRIVING
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT REGION
• Public Policy
• Workforce
• Brand Management QUALITY
• Catalytic Assets OF LIFE
• Quality of Life
STAKEHOLDER MODEL
GNO, Inc. is the regional hub serving to coordinate, consolidate, and catalyze economic development activity.
Parish EDOs
State Government Federal
Jefferson Louisiana Economic
Development
Government Stakeholders
Orleans Investors
Tangipahoa Influencers
Washington
Media Public Prospects
OUR WORK 4
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATE ATTRACTION & BUSINESS RETENTION &
RELOCATION EXPANSION
The GNO, Inc. Business Development team works with GNO, Inc. supports existing businesses in the region
parish partners and Louisiana Economic Development through our Business Retention & Expansion (BRE)
to identify, pursue, and attract new business and program. Working with parish and state partners,
investment that will stimulate job growth and wealth the BRE program is designed to keep local companies
creation in the Greater New Orleans region. We work growing and competitive by providing connections to
directly with companies around the world to bring resources available in our region.
operations into the region, delivering outside investment
into the local market and creating new job opportunities Through confidential meetings, GNO, Inc. listens to
for our communities. you: your wins, challenges, and plans for the future,
determining what resources are available at the local,
For companies interested in relocating to Southeast regional, and state level to help your business grow.
Louisiana or expanding their operations within the
region, GNO, Inc. serves as a business concierge, Examples of BRE issues GNO, Inc. assists with:
advising companies on relevant incentive programs, • Talent Attraction and Workforce Development
coordinating site visits, supporting project planning • Business Incentives
and management, performing cost comparisons, and • Public Policy
more—all under strict confidentiality and at no cost to • Real Estate
the companies. • Research & Development
INDUSTRY INCUBATION
Within GNO, Inc.’s industry sectors, there are several Custom strategies are underway for each of the below,
specialized areas for which Greater New Orleans is led by GNO, Inc. staff in partnership with industry-based
particularly well-positioned. These sub-sectors bring working groups. Working with stakeholders, GNO, Inc.
together various assets – cultural strengths, existing works to elevate and expand these more specific areas of
companies, human capital, and physical infrastructure – economic opportunity that will create jobs and wealth for
to create unique opportunities for economic growth. our region.
NEURONOLA STARTUPNOLA
Over 12 companies, health care Website and staff support of
providers, universities, and support entrepreneurial ecosystem to attract
organizations working to create a investors and connect founders with
cluster of neurodegenerative disease startup resources in the region.
research and treatment.
BUSINESS
ENVIRONMENT
GNO, Inc. works to create a business environment that results in access to good jobs and wealth creation.
By constantly working to improve our region’s quality of life and business conditions, we set the table for a business
environment that supports growth. Through public policy advocacy, workforce development, talent attraction and retention,
and a strategic (but ever-evolving) collection of special initiatives, GNO, Inc. works with stakeholders to improve the regional
PUBLIC POLICY
business environment.
S TAT E P R I O R I T I E S
GNO, Inc. works to establish and preserve policies that create a favorable, • INFRASTRUCTURE – Advocated for innovative sources of
competitive, and reliable business climate in Louisiana and drive long-term funding, including Louisiana’s first public-private partnership (P3)
job growth and wealth creation for citizens. successfully championed in Plaquemines Parish
Healthy economic growth is GNO, Inc.’s top priority. Notable policy • WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT – Backed proposals to strengthen
achievements include the following pieces of legislation: workforce training and address employment shortages through the
Reboot Your Career and M.J. Foster Promise Programs
• ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Coordinated efforts to preserve and
improve key programs including the Louisiana Angel Investor Tax • LEGAL CLIMATE – Supported efforts to improve Louisiana’s legal
Credit, Research & Development Tax Credit, and Historic Tax Credit climate by lowering the jury trial threshold
• TAX STRUCTURE – Championed 2021 constitutional amendment • CRIMINAL JUSTICE –Supported consensus reform package to
to simplify the tax code and eliminate Louisiana’s personal and reduce Louisiana’s prison population by 10% and save the state
corporate income taxes more than $250M over the next decade
FEDERAL PRIORITIES
GNO, Inc. works at the federal level to support and advance economic • Policies that promote and establish a diversified approach to the
opportunities for South Louisiana, including: energy transition, which includes growth of offshore wind and the oil
and gas industry
• Pro-growth tax policies that alleviate burdens on small businesses
and simplify tax administration and collections
COASTAL RESTORATION
Along with the many benefits that come with a coastal environment, GNO, Inc. approaches these issues from an economic perspective—
there are distinct challenges faced by communities within the Greater protecting the assets and businesses of the region, while also looking
New Orleans region, including coastal land loss, urban flooding, and for opportunities that arise from the knowledge and expertise our
water management needs. region and people gain while tackling these challenges.
In 2012, GNO, Inc. established the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance (CSFI) in
response to the Biggert-Waters Act, which created unaffordable and unsustainable flood
premiums across the country. CSFI advocated for passage of the Homeowner Flood
Insurance Affordability Act in 2014. Today, FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 is threatening the viability
of flood insurance for homeowners across the United States. GNO, Inc. has reconvened CSFI
to advocate for measures that will keep the program intact and affordable.
OUR WORK 8
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Greater New Orleans has a proud legacy of developing a strong GNO, Inc. develops programs to meet the needs of employers.
workforce, particularly in skilled trades, manufacturing, and emerging Through innovative tools and resources like GNOCareerGuide.org,
fields. Our workforce has delivered innovation for decades, ranging WorkNOLA.com, and the demand-driven workforce initiative GNOu,
from space exploration at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility to the region cultivates an ecosystem that connects industry, higher
an energy industry powering the nation, as well as transformative education, and local talent. GNOu programs are a “Triple Win”—
solutions to environmental challenges facing coastal communities. companies receive the employees they need, higher education
GNO, Inc. believes that the Greater New Orleans workforce will partners receive market-relevant curriculum, and residents are better
continue to drive the economy of the future. equipped for high-demand jobs.
GNO, INC. WORKS WITH INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS TO DEVELOP HIGHER
EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS TO MEET WORKFORCE DEMANDS IN THE REGION
Expands high school student awareness and understanding of GNO, Inc. has been designated as the Region 1 STEM Network
industries and job demand in the region, with details about career Center to improve access to STEM education, participation, and
pathways and training programs. advancement.
The region’s 13 regional higher education Chancellors & Presidents An online guide that showcases the higher education offerings in
collaborating with GNO, Inc. on economic development, student Greater New Orleans, and promotes and recruits students from
attraction, and partnerships with employers and industry. the U.S. and abroad.
OUR WORK 9
GNOU PROGRAMS
In contrast to the traditional “supply-driven” workforce system, GNO, Inc. promotes a “demand-driven” system, whereby business is the
ultimate customer. The process involves gaining insights into workforce needs and communicating with higher education and training partners
to develop programming that focuses on filling talent gaps.
PROGRAMS DEVELOPED
NORTHSHORE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LOGO REDESIGN
A PROGRAM OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS, INC.
INCLUDE: FONT FOR CAPITAL N: Minion Pro Bold Condensed
FONT FOR REMAINING TEXT: Marcellus
• BS in Construction Management – University of New Orleans • MA in Business Analytics– Tulane Freeman Business School
College, Northshore Technical Community College, University of New Orleans, Dillard University, Delgado
RGB: 82, 180, 71 RGB: 38, 58, 121
HEX #52B447 HEX #263A79
• BS in Public Health – LSU Health Sciences • Tech Hub at NOBIC– Delgado Community College
• AWS Cloud Computing Associates Degree – LCTCS System • Certificate in Urban Water Management– Dillard University
• Community orientation and acclimation services for relocating executives during hiring process
GNO, INC. WORKS WITH COMPANIES FOR TALENT CONNECTIONS, QUALITY OF LIFE TOURS,
TRAILING SPOUSE ASSISTANCE, AND OTHER “CONCIERGE” SERVICES
Everything professionals need to know before relocating to The most widely used talent and professional jobs board in the
Greater New Orleans: neighborhoods, career options, schools, Greater New Orleans region. Free for all employers, and often
arts & culture, and more. noted for high quality job applicants.
OUR WORK 10
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Recognizing the importance of cultivating future regional
leaders, the GNO, Inc. NextGen Council introduces a
new generation of professionals to regional economic
development. This group is comprised of 60+ mid-career
professionals who represent the diverse and impressive talent
of Greater New Orleans.
The NextGen Council hosts a series of enriching events significant economic development priorities of our region
and programs that promote personal and professional and state. These events include the NextGen Council
development via exposure to, and education on, the most Policy Series and NextGen Council Day at the Capitol.
OUR WORK 11
ECONOMIC MOBILITY
Launched in 2019, GNO, Inc. has a robust Economic Mobility
Action Plan which focuses on action-oriented solutions and
initiatives aimed to generate wealth creation for Black Greater
New Orleans residents by providing access to economic
opportunities through the leveraging of assets and advocacy.
Among others, our economic mobility programs include:
• STARTUP NOIR NOLA – An evolving set of events and Through Public Policy, GNO, Inc. works to advance a strong
programming to support, socialize, and stimulate market agenda of related priorities, including:
development, talent, and capital investments for current and • Increasing early childcare and education for working families
upcoming Black founders in Greater New Orleans
• Generational wealth through accessible home ownership
• HBCU Startup Internship – Increase startup activity in our
• Expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit
region by providing real time, paid internship experience
• Public transit and lower auto insurance rates
to local Historically Black College & University (HBCU)
students with the goal of fostering entrepreneurial ideation • Improved infrastructure
and development • Criminal justice reform
• HBCU STEM Connect Internship – Provide paid internship GNO, Inc. pursues opportunities to increase awareness of,
experiences to HBCU students within STEM-related fields to and access to, high-wage career pathways through Workforce
increase exposure and deepen pipelines of diverse talent in Development programming (such as the Tech Hub at NOBIC,
STEM careers providing tech credentials in partnership with Delgado) and
Further, the Economic Mobility Action Plan is pervasive across development of paid-learning and apprenticeship programs
GNO, Inc.’s work streams. (like the Mechatronics and MIC’d Up Apprenticeship Programs).
THE NOLA COALITION including NOPD Recruiting & Retention, NOPD Pay &
Benefits, Technology Support, Accountability for the
Entire Criminal Justice System, Reducing Gang Activity
and Violent Crime, Increased Resources, and Community
& Social Support.
2. Investment in Youth Support Services – Significant
and sustained business and philanthropic investment in
proven community-based youth service organizations,
to help them grow their impact and drive generational
In response to the alarming rates of violent crime in New change. Includes the creation of a $15M fund, distributed
Orleans, GNO, Inc. is a leading member of The NOLA over 3 years and driven by the private and philanthropic
Coalition – a group of 300+ civic and business organizations sectors, aimed at strengthening social services to
harnessing their collective resources to create a safer and support our youth, and drive generational change – in line
more prosperous New Orleans for all residents. with the New Orleans Youth Master Plan.
The Coalition supports near-term actions to reduce violence, GNO, Inc. is providing operational capacity, meeting space,
paired with social services to drive generational change. This and staff support to make The NOLA Coalition possible.
two-part, concurrent plan fosters a safer New Orleans through: Monitoring, assessment and accountability for these
1. Community Support for NOPD – Near-term actions strategies will be supported by public reports every 60 days,
to reduce violence, based on best-practices. Each public-facing dashboards reporting on performance of the
represent immediate, actionable tactics to reduce criminal justice system, and continued efforts from the
violence and improve public safety and quality-of-life, Coalition to support solutions for a better New Orleans.
GNO, INC. INVESTMENT 12
6% 31% 8%
Earned Income/Other Business Organizational
Development Infrastructure
11%
Foundations/Grants
23%
Public
60%
Corporate 61%
Business Environment
GNO, INC. INVESTMENT 13
For more information on becoming a GNO, Inc. Investor, please contact Vice President of Advancement Sara Bradford at
[email protected] or Development Associate Allison Hotard at [email protected].
Cornerstone $5,000-$9,999 • Recognition in published GNO, Inc. Investor list online and in print
• Inclusion in the online GNO, Inc. Investor Directory
• Regular communication on regional wins and economic development
projects and initiatives
• Monthly Investor Briefing Calls and Investor Update Emails
• Invitations to GNO, Inc. investor events, including: GNOthinc speaker
series, press announcements, and annual GNO, Inc. Patron Party
• Minimum requirement to be eligible for GNO, Inc. Committees
• Support of growth announcements and major company news, which
may include social media and GNO, Inc. communications
• Opportunity to reserve GNO, Inc. Board Room and meeting spaces*
• Events posted on @GNOIncEvents Twitter account
• Subscription to GNO, Inc.’s quarterly publication Region magazine
ENGAGEMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
Your investment in GNO, Inc. is direct support in the growth of the regional economy. Beyond
financial contributions, your intellectual support can be demonstrated through GNO, Inc. task forces
and committees, which bring the organization’s mission and vision to life.
STAN D I N G CO M M IT TEES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors is the governing body of GNO, Inc. In addition to general oversight, the Board
drives a series of multi-year initiatives that move the region forward including state fiscal reform, criminal
justice, and workforce development.
NEXTGEN COUNCIL
An initiative designed to introduce new leadership into the organization, the intent of the NextGen Council
is to benefit from the vigor and ideas of emerging regional leaders and develop economic development
leaders for the organization and region.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee is a standing committee of the Board of Directors and is primarily responsible for
reviewing and providing guidance on the financial matters of the organization.
TAS K FO RCES
COALITION FOR COASTAL RESILIENCE & ECONOMY (CCRE)
CCRE is a nonpartisan group of business leaders that creates an informed, educated voice of advocacy
for sustainable coastal restoration efforts in Louisiana’s wetlands, coastal areas, river, and delta. A key
focus of CCRE is researching and advocating for financing solutions that will support full implementation
of the state’s Coastal Master Plan.
GNOWIND ALLIANCE
The GNOwind Alliance consists of private and public stakeholders who are committed to capturing the
maximum economic impact from the burgeoning U.S. offshore wind industry for coastal Louisiana.
INVESTMENT CONTACTS 16