Vol. 14, December, 2009 In this issue: Economic Development News | Around the Region Strange and Beautiful Days There is an extraordinary article out now on ESPN.com entitled "Saints - the Soul of America's City." In the article, the writer, who used to cover LSU for the Times-Picayune, describes how the resurgent Saints are a metaphor for the New Orleans region. He writes, "These are strange and beautiful days in New Orleans, and they must be seen to be believed...there is something being created right now, something that goes well beyond the success of a football team." He then quotes Chef John Besh, who served caviar to the cavalry after Katrina, saying "with all of my being, I think the new New Orleans is going to be the best New Orleans." And it's not just sportswriters who are noticing the extraordinary transformation. After a recent tour, the editor of World Trade magazine wrote an editorial entitled, "The Great American Comeback," and asserted, "The transformation that's taking place in New Orleans both socially and economically is stunning." The transformation is happening via our businesses, with project wins over the past two years totaling over 2,600 new jobs and over $560M in capital investment. The transformation is happening via our policies, with new best-in-class incentives spurring on both traditional and new sectors, like a 35% digital media incentive. The transformation is happening via our image, with Southern Business and Development naming New Orleans Major Market of the Year. But most of all, this transformation is happening via you - the business and civic leaders of Greater New Orleans. Thank you... and GO SAINTS! Economic Development News ESPN: Saints: The Soul of America's City Full story... Wall Street Journal: New Orleans has become a lab for testing new policies Full story... New Orleans: The Great American Comeback Full story... AP: Louisiana is the Happiest Full story... Major coalition gels before elections to move New Orleans Forward Full story... New Orleans filming activity poised to break last year's record Full story... Back to Top Around the Region Announcements and Events BCLC Annual Disaster Forum: Next Steps for Gulf Coast Recovery January 26-27, 2010 Full story... Save the Date: GNO, Inc. Annual Meeting March 9, 2010 Full story... Do you have news or events that you would like to share in our upcoming editions? Let us know... Back to Top Jefferson Orleans Plaquemines St. Bernard St. Charles St. James St. John the Baptist St. Tammany Tangipahoa Washington 365 Canal Street, Suite 2300, New Orleans, LA 70130 Phone: 504.527.6900 Fax: 504.527.6970 www.gnoinc.org If you would like to start receiving our Region Report emails, click here