COLAB

08/28/2026

Energy is not just part of the 's story. It is part of our future.

This week, COLAB hosted Session 3 of the Bayou Region Energy Leadership Series, moderated by COLAB’s Director of Industry Relations, Lori LeBlanc.

The session explored three key areas shaping the future of clean energy: hydrogen, carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), and renewable biofuels, along with the economic opportunities these emerging industries can bring to Louisiana.

We were proud to hear from:

• Tyler Gray, Director of Energy Innovation, LSU Energy Institute
• Lindsay Cooper Phillips, Clean Air Task Force
• Dr. Mark Zappi, Executive Director, Energy Institute, University of Louisiana Lafayette
• Rick Harlow, CEO, NovaSpark Energy Corp.
• Joseph Orgeron District 54 State Representative
• Steven Jahng, VP, Hyundai Motor Group

With deep roots in energy and a growing presence in emerging technologies, the Bayou Region is uniquely positioned to help lead Louisiana’s next chapter in energy.

Thank you to our speakers for sharing their expertise and helping prepare the next generation of leaders to understand and pursue the opportunities ahead.

08/27/2026

The future of flight is taking off in the

COLAB was proud to join the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and regional partners at the Houma-Terrebonne Airport Commission for the launch of LIFTOff Louisiana, an advanced air mobility initiative focused on safely testing and expanding the use of next-generation aircraft.

The event brought together government, industry, education and community leaders to explore how emerging aviation technology can strengthen critical cargo transportation, workforce development and economic opportunity across Louisiana.

We were glad to connect with DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet, Jr.; HTAC Chair Josh Alford; Elroy Air CEO Dr. Andrew Clare; and COLAB Board Members Joel Landry of RES Constructing and Dr. Kristine Strickland of Fletcher Technical Community College.

This is what regional collaboration looks like: bringing the right partners together to prepare our people, industries and communities for what comes next.

08/26/2026

Thank you for making the 2026 Bayou Business Summit a success!

We are grateful to every speaker, sponsor, attendee, partner, and volunteer who contributed to a day filled with meaningful conversations, valuable connections, and a shared commitment to the future of the .

The ideas exchanged and relationships strengthened at BBS26 will help carry our forward. We look forward to continuing this important work together.

08/26/2026

The is helping Louisiana take flight! LiftOff Louisiana is positioning our state to lead in emerging aviation technology, create high-skill jobs and attract new investment. With the Houma-Terrebonne Airport Commission at the center of the initiative, our region’s deep expertise in offshore operations and logistics makes us uniquely positioned to help shape the future of flight.

We’re proud to see the Bayou Region leading the way.

The state is launching LiftOff Louisiana, a bold new initiative to pioneer emerging aviation technology, spark private investment, and create high-skill jobs.

For generations, we’ve been innovators in navigating challenging waters and hard-to-reach places. With our deep experience in offshore operations and our premier location on the Gulf of America, Louisiana is uniquely positioned to lead the future of flight.

This program focuses on real-world impact:
• Connecting Communities: Expanding reliable transport for rural, coastal, tribal, and underserved areas.
• Strengthening Operations: Boosting emergency response, logistics, and offshore energy supply chains.
• Building on Heritage: Leveraging generations of expertise in navigating challenging terrain alongside premier access to the Gulf.

Based at the Houma-Terrebonne Airport Commission, LiftOff Louisiana pairs the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Gulf Center of Excellence and the DOTD Office of Multimodal Commerce with industry leaders, tech innovators, universities, and local partners to safely test and shape modern aviation.


COLAB

08/25/2026

SpaceX just announced a $100 billion spaceport in , the largest launch facility in the world. COLAB CEO Christy Zeringue, says the is ready to play a role.

"This region knows how to support big industry. We've spent decades building the workforce and infrastructure that the energy industry relies on, and that same foundation is exactly what aerospace needs now."

Our welders, fabricators, machinists and marine technicians already work at this scale. Now it's time to connect them to the opportunity.

Businesses in Assumption, Lafourche, St. Mary and Terrebonne: register with Source Louisiana (www.sourcelouisiana.com) so you're ready when contract opportunities come.

08/14/2026

The connections made at the Bayou Business Summit can continue long after the event ends.

BBS26 brings together business leaders, industry professionals, community partners, and decision-makers from across Louisiana, creating valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, build relationships, and explore new possibilities.

Join us August 19th and connect with the people helping move the Bayou Region forward.

Register here: http://www.bayouregion.com/summit

08/12/2026

Statement on today's offshore lease sale from COLAB CEO Christy Zeringue:

“Today’s Big Beautiful Gulf 3 Lease Sale is important not only for America’s energy future, but for the people and businesses of Louisiana’s Bayou Region. Twelve companies submitted 69 bids totaling $99,476,285, with $82,689,756 in high bids, covering 330,150 acres. Today’s sale means continued investment, job creation and economic stability throughout our region.

The offshore energy industry has a tremendous economic reach across the Bayou Region. Our ports, airports, shipyards, fabrication facilities, marine transportation companies, equipment suppliers and service businesses provide the workforce, infrastructure and expertise that make energy production in the Gulf of America possible.

Consistent and predictable offshore lease sales provide the certainty needed for companies to make long-term investments in the Gulf. Those investments ripple throughout our communities. They support local businesses, create good-paying jobs and strengthen our regional economy.

"COLAB will continue advocating for policies that encourage investment and increased energy production in the Gulf of America and ensure the Bayou Region remains a vital part of America’s energy future.”

08/12/2026

It’s almost Bayou Business Summit time! We’re excited for a day of good conversations, familiar faces and a look at everything happening across the .

Get the agenda, tickets & more: www.bayouregion.com/summit

08/12/2026

The COLAB Bayou Krewe brought the energy to Gulf Coast Energy Day! A great day connecting with industry leaders, celebrating our region, and showing what the brings to the table. Proud to be part of the conversation shaping the future of energy along the Gulf Coast.

08/11/2026

The agenda is set for the 2026 Bayou Business Summit!

Join industry leaders, business professionals, and community partners for conversations centered on workforce, defense, maritime, regional growth, and the future of the Bayou Region.

Explore the agenda and reserve your seat today: https://www.bayouregion.com/summit/