COLAB

06/17/2026

Last week, COLAB CEO Christy Zeringue was named the Tillman Esteve Outstanding Member of the Year by the South Central Industrial Association. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful to SCIA for this recognition.

Christy has spent her career bringing people and parishes together, fighting for the Bayou Region, and doing the hard work of building something that lasts. This award reflects exactly who she is.

Congratulations, Christy! We are lucky to have you leading the way.

06/16/2026

Louisiana continues to show what advanced manufacturing and maritime innovation look like in action—right here in the .

We’re proud to support the momentum highlighted by Louisiana Economic Development and to see companies like Metal Shark Boats leading the way in autonomous vessel technology that supports the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and allied partners around the world.

With a strong presence in Franklin, Metal Shark is a great example of the Bayou Region’s skilled workforce, shipbuilding heritage, and industrial strength coming together to shape the future of maritime defense and next-generation manufacturing.

Proud to see this kind of impact happening in our own backyard.

06/16/2026

Last week, Team COLAB was proud to be part of the celebration at Port Fourchon as Shell marked a milestone worth recognizing. COLAB Board Chair Chett Chiasson joined Gov. Jeff Landry, Shell USA President Colette Hirstius, Lafourche Parish President Mitch Orgeron, and industry leaders to commemorate Shell's Mars platform surpassing 1 billion barrels of oil produced in the Gulf of America.

That number does not happen without this region. For generations, the has supplied the people, the ports, the vessels, the fabrication yards, and the know-how that keep offshore energy moving. Port Fourchon sits at the center of all of it.

In the words of Shell USA President Collette Hirstius: "We absolutely could not have done this without the people, companies and communities of Louisiana and the Bayou Region."

Congratulations to Shell on this milestone, and thank you for recognizing the working coast that made it possible.

06/10/2026

The continues to stand out as Nicholls State University’s Tutorial and Academic Enhancement Center remains one of three institutions within the UL System to be CRLA-certified and the only institution to maintain the Level III “Master Level” status. We’re proud of the opportunities our region’s education institutions continue to bring to the table for the future workforce!

Nicholls State University continues to set the standard for academic support, maintaining the highest level of tutor training certification available through the College Reading and Learning Association.

06/10/2026

The has a story worth telling. On August 19-20, we’re telling it.

The 4th Annual Bayou Business Summit is coming to Cypress Bayou Casino & Hotel. This year’s conversations center on energy, innovation, defense, and workforce — the companies, projects, and people already doing the work across South Louisiana.

Save the date. Tickets are available now.

Tickets: bayouregion.com/summit

06/04/2026

The is helping power the next generation of energy technology.

NovaSpark Energy announced a $30 million investment to establish a new large-scale manufacturing facility in Houma, creating 240 new direct jobs in Terrebonne Parish and supporting commercial production of atmospheric hydrogen generators for critical infrastructure applications.

As COLAB President & CEO Christy Zeringue shared, this project builds on our region’s long history of innovation, manufacturing and problem-solving for some of the world’s most critical industries.

The Bayou Region is ready for what’s next.

From defense applications to critical infrastructure, the demand for reliable energy solutions is growing.

NovaSpark Energy’s expansion in West Monroe and Houma will scale production of atmospheric hydrogen generators, strengthening Louisiana’s role in developing next-generation technologies.

This investment brings together Louisiana’s energy expertise, innovation ecosystem and manufacturing strength to support what’s next.

Learn more➡️: https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/news/louisiana-builds-on-hydrogen-innovation-with-novaspark-expansion

06/04/2026

The Bayou Region is stronger when we build it together. Last week, COLAB COO Christian Bergeron joined the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce luncheon for a conversation about what it means to collaborate across communities and invest in the people and places around us. This region has something worth building on. Let's keep showing up for it.

06/01/2026

Hurricane season begins today, but preparation across the starts long before a storm enters the Gulf. Across our region, local partners are working together to reduce risk, support business and community recovery, and protect our way of life.

🔗 Read the full Hurricane Preparedness Update: https://www.bayouregion.com/is-your-business-ready-for-hurricane-season/

05/20/2026

Shell’s Mars platform reaching 1 billion barrels produced is a major milestone not only for the Gulf of America, but for Louisiana’s longstanding role in powering the nation. For generations, the has supported America’s energy infrastructure through the people, ports, vessels, fabrication, and expertise that keep offshore energy moving. Thank you to Shell for its continued commitment to Louisiana and the Bayou Region, and for recognizing the critical role this working coast plays in supporting America’s energy security and offshore industry.

🔗 Read more: https://www.bayouregion.com/shells-mars-platform-reaches-historic-1-billion-barrel-milestone-in-gulf-of-america/

05/14/2026

Stories like this are exactly why the continues to shape global industry. From world-class shipbuilding and marine construction to the skilled workforce that powers it all, companies like Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors LLC prove that opportunity thrives in South Louisiana.

We’re proud to see Louisiana Economic Development spotlighting the impact of homegrown companies that are creating jobs, strengthening communities, and competing on a global stage.