Greater New Orleans, Inc. – GNO, Inc.

📣 Applications for the 2027 GNO, Inc. Innovation Internship Program (GIIP) are NOW OPEN! Do you know a Louisiana college student? GIIP is an eight-week, paid internship that connects students with some of the region's most innovative employers for real-world experience and hands-on projects. It's a strong résumé builder and a direct line into Southeast Louisiana's fastest-growing industries. Now in its seventh year, the program has built a vibrant talent pipeline for local companies and enabled the majority of participating students to land job offers with their host companies. Visit https://hubs.ly/Q04v_CKV0 to learn more and apply today!

On average, American farmers use around 2.5 million tons of phosphorus and fertilizer for crop production each year. About 40% of it is imported. That reliance on imports and offshore manufacturing has resulted in increased costs and supply chain issues across the country. Louisiana is about to change that. Earlier this week, CHS Inc. and OCP North America announced a new $450 million fertilizer plant in Jefferson Parish. The plant expects to manufacture 1.3 million metric tons of phosphorus fertilizer per year and will be the first of its kind to be built in the U.S. in 40 years. https://hubs.ly/Q04vJk9S0

Yesterday, Louisiana Economic Development finalized a $1.2 million FastSites investment that will prime 75 acres at Franklinton Industrial Park for industrial development, supporting expansion by existing businesses and creating additional capacity for new employers in Washington Parish. This funding will support roadway construction and improvements as well as water and sewer infrastructure across Franklinton Industrial Park, expanding the amount of development-ready acreage within the park and reducing infrastructure barriers for future projects. The FastSites program is set up as a revolving fund, and the Franklinton Industrial Park investment will pay for itself by 2031, allowing Louisiana to reinvest those funds into future site and infrastructure projects. https://lnkd.in/esiFDMB2

🚀 Louisiana just landed one of the biggest economic wins in state history — and it builds on six decades of aerospace legacy. From Michoud’s Saturn V work in the 1960s to today’s Artemis missions, Louisiana has been building rockets for generations. Now SpaceX is investing $100 billion in a Starship launch complex in Vermilion Parish, its fourth and largest site. Construction starts in 2027, with first liftoff targeted for 2029. The numbers: 3,000+ direct jobs at an average salary of $93,000, with officials projecting the workforce could eventually reach 10,000. Add in 8,100 indirect jobs, over $800 million in local taxes, and a $25 million investment in the Community Foundation of Acadiana to help the region prepare, and this isn’t just a new chapter, it’s the next one. Congratulations to the Office of Governor Jeff Landry , Louisiana Economic Development, One Acadiana, and the dozens of economic and elected leaders who helped bring the project to life. Learn more about this historic announcement: https://lnkd.in/en_b_gyA

🚨Innovation Industry Day is almost here🚨 Gulf Coast Defense Catalyst (GCDC) and its four Naval Command Partners are hosting the region's first Innovation Industry Day in ONE WEEK. Panels, tech demos, and real face time with Navy reps and defense agencies from across the Gulf Coast — this is a rare chance to get in the room with the people shaping defense innovation on the coast. 📅 Wednesday, September 2 🕘 9:00am – 4:00pm 📍 NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans | 317 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70112 🔗 Learn more about GCDC: https://lnkd.in/g2vWKtQu 🎟️ Register to attend: https://luma.com/15vwigzl In partnership with: 💠 Naval Information Warfare Center-Atlantic (#NIWC) 💠 Naval Research Lab-Stennis (#NRL) 💠 Naval Meteorology & Oceanography Command (#CNMOC) 💠 Naval Surface Warfare Center-Panama City (#NSWC-PC) Spots are limited. Register now if you plan to be there 👋

🚨TOMORROW: Financial Readiness Lunch & Learn🚨 Last call. StartupNOLA and #StartupNoirNOLA are teaming up with Countabl. for a virtual lunch & learn on prepping, organizing, and knowing your numbers inside and out before you talk to investors or buyers. Grab your lunch and log in. Zoom link lands in your after registration. 📅 TOMORROW, Thursday, August 27 🕛 12:00 – 1:00 PM 📍 Virtual (Zoom link sent after registration) 🎟️ Register for free here: https://luma.com/ioxuqj4b

Join us on November 13, as we host the Gateway Luncheon, featuring the C. Alvin Bertel Award. This marks the next chapter for our annual award ceremony, now expanded into a larger industry gathering.   As Louisiana continues to grow its role in global commerce, this expanded flagship event brings together regional business leaders, global partners, and industry pioneers to celebrate the milestones shaping the Louisiana international trade sector. During the luncheon we will recognize Captain Michael Miller with the 2026 C. Alvin Bertel Award, honoring his exceptional leadership and service to our maritime industry. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gChar-22

Earlier today, the The Times-Picayune | Nola.com Editorial Board weighed in on the Louisiana International Terminal, and their take is clear: it's time for the entire region and state to get behind this project. The article points to the scale of what's coming. Once complete, LIT will span more than 600 acres with a container yard holding over 62,850 containers at a time, served by 10 cranes capable of working two ultra-large vessels simultaneously. They also cite GNO, Inc.'s economic impact study, which calculated that the terminal will generate over $100,000 in new tax dollars each day, while increasing port jobs by over 30%. Their editorial singled out GNO, Inc. CEO Michael Hecht and Port of New Orleans President and CEO Beth Branch for their tireless work moving the project forward after years of little progress. As the board puts it: a rising tide lifts all boats, and LIT will be the beacon that draws more economic activity to Louisiana's shores. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eCr_AFr7

🎉 Congratulations to The Idea Village on being named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Incubators & Accelerators 2026. Selected among the best organizations nationwide on TIME's inaugural list, this honor is further proof that world-class companies can be built right here in New Orleans. Here's to the entrepreneurs, innovators, and the team at The Idea Village making it happen. 👏 https://hubs.ly/Q04tDmz20

New Orleans has long been recognized as one of America's most iconic destinations and the data backs it up. According to YouGov's national city rankings, New Orleans ranks #7 in the country among the country's 50 largest cities, with a 97% fame score, meaning nearly every American knows us by name. That kind of recognition makes recruiting companies and workers easier. Businesses and people are more willing to move somewhere they already know and love. New Orleans may be No. 7 on this list, but it’ll always be No. 1 in our hearts. https://hubs.ly/Q04tDsrf0