Become Involved
BRAC invites its investors to engage in its work leading economic development for the nine-parish region. This information provides an overview of the resources and services BRAC offers to businesses and explains opportunities for involvement.
We are passionate about the current and future potential for the Baton Rouge Area. We encourage you to get to know us better and to become involved. Your investment in BRAC will serve to benefit the region, as well as your own business goals.
Councils & Committees
Our investors believe that BRAC plays a singularly important role in leading the region toward the vision of a Baton Rouge Area that is one of the strongest economies and premier business locations in the country. To that end, investors engage with our work by serving on a variety of councils and committees to addresses high-priority competitiveness factors across a range of public policy areas, including education and workforce, small business and entrepreneurship and transportation.
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council
Small businesses make up the majority of businesses in the nation as well as in the region, and they are responsible for a large segment of the area’s economic growth. Through a vibrant small business and entrepreneurship council, BRAC works to continually ensure that the unique needs and policy concerns of the small business community are addressed, and that BRAC’s small business investors are effectively engaged with and informed of BRAC activities. The Council works to enhance the region’s competitiveness and economic development by increasing services to small businesses, and communicating important policy issues impacting job creation.
Diversity and Inclusion Committee
The nation’s top-performing metros are generally recognized for vibrant economies, quality of life, distinctive brand identity and inclusiveness. In support of BRAC’s aspirations to create an open dialogue on issues related to diversity and inclusion in the Baton Rouge Area, this Committee was created to define what diversity and inclusion means for business and economic competitiveness.
Legislative Committee
BRAC believes that laws and regulations should serve the public without acting as a detriment to business development and growth. The Legislative Committee is tasked with reviewing, developing and supporting issues that promote a positive, proactive economic environment with social progress and enhanced quality of life. This includes working to influence elected officials to establish laws, rules, regulations and policies that will improve the ability of a business to compete in the worldwide economy and continue to generate income and jobs that enhance the Baton Rouge Area.
Capital Region Industry for Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions (CRISIS)*
While transportation infrastructure needs across the state are sizable, the situation in the Capital Region has grown uniquely dire among the state’s metropolitan areas. In response to this, BRAC, the Center for Planning Excellence and the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance joined together to create CRISIS. CRISIS is a regionally balanced, business-led coalition that seeks to provide a leadership voice to address the Baton Rouge Area’s transportation crisis, identifying solutions and advocating for their prioritization and funding.
*Limited access or based on investment
Education and Workforce Issue Council
Education outcomes and workforce development are two sides of the coin that serve as the foundation of a sound economy and economic growth. Rapid gains in these areas are vital to the region’s attractiveness for business investment and talent. Specific topics of interest include increased opportunities for quality STEM education and business/school partnerships throughout the Area, more high-quality school choices, greater access to customized training solutions, and compilation and analysis of regional data related to education and workforce. The Council works to enhance the region’s competitiveness by elevating and communicating important policy issues impacting education and workforce development solutions.
Business Development Advisory Committee*
The BRAC Business Development team is charged with aggressively promoting the Capital Region to increase the number of jobs and payroll within the nine-parish region. This Committee reviews work plans, provides input on economic conditions in the region, offers insight toward the work being done to accomplish goals for the year, and helps to develop strategic planning goals for the following year.
*Limited access or based on investment
Southeast Super Region Committee*
Created as a collaboration of the Boards of Directors of BRAC, Greater New Orleans, Inc. and the South LA Economic Council, the Southeast Super-Region Committee is focused on ensuring that southeast Louisiana is economically competitive with similar super-regions across the country, and on a global scale. Their work endeavors to promote and grow our super-region as a coherent economic unit.
*Limited access or based on investment
Working Groups
BRAC’s five-year regional strategic plan, the Think Bigger campaign, outlines four ambitious goals that guide our work. In support of these goals, BRAC invites a variety of business, community and civic leaders to serve on working groups focused on the areas of talent, external image and quality of place.
Programs
BRAC offers a variety of professional programs for development and growth. Following are examples of active programs. Select a program below to learn more and/or participate.
BRAC Ambassadors actively participate in BRAC’s work as event volunteers, supporting retention and recruiting new businesses to become involved. Ambassadors enhance the investor experience through personal outreach, networking and growing the investor base.
Leadership Baton Rouge was founded as a program of BRAC to prepare a diverse group of professionals for leadership positions in the community. There are now over 1,000 graduates of the program, many of whom serve in leadership positions on boards, commissions, and hold both state and local public offices.
InternBR, a BRAC Talent Development program, consists of services designed to better connect area employers with millennial talent. Intern programming includes an annual fellowship program focusing on communication and leadership skills. Employer programming includes resources and workshops designed to help area employers start or expand internship programs within their companies.
Program Overview
BRAC’s Ambassador Program is designed to allow company representatives to actively build relationships with BRAC investors and business leaders while serving as advocates of BRAC’s work. Ambassadors promote BRAC’s mission and educate investors about the benefits and resources available to them.
Ambassadors will assist in the following ways:
- Lead generation
- Retention efforts
- Event networking
- Promotion
If you are interested in participating in the BRAC Ambassador Program, please submit an application.
Assistance
Lead Generation
Ambassador involvement is crucial in aiding lead generation. BRAC Ambassadors work in tandem with the Investor Relations team to identify businesses that can benefit from the knowledge, services, access and advocacy BRAC provides investors.
Retention Efforts
Personal outreach is key for retention efforts. Ambassadors are assigned businesses to connect with throughout the year. During outreach, Ambassadors share their positive, personal experiences as BRAC investors and provide resources that their assigned companies can utilize to maximize their investment.
Event Networking
Networking is consistently reported as the most valuable aspect of BRAC events; however, initiating a conversation in a crowd can be difficult and intimidating. BRAC Ambassadors attend monthly lunches, larger BRAC events, and grand openings to engage attendees, provide business resources, and facilitate connections.
Promotion
BRAC provides valuable economic development information and news on a weekly basis. Ambassadors are included in BRAC’s press release distribution list to stay up-to-date on regional business news and to share relevant information with their assigned business and personal contacts.
Ambassadors are encouraged to invite business and personal contacts to BRAC events through social media outlets and direct outreach.
Program Benefits
- Ability to expand business contacts by cultivating personal relationships with BRAC investors
- Complimentary event attendance while volunteering at BRAC events
- BRAC Ambassador nametag
- Recognition at a BRAC monthly lunch
- Recognition on BRAC’s website
- Quarterly appreciation lunches
- Invitation to attend a BRAC board meeting
To learn more about the BRAC Ambassador Program, contact the Investor Relations team.
Current Ambassadors
Adam Fontenot, Capital Area United Way
Anna Schexnayder, Hannis T. Bourgeois
Blythe Johsnon, WRKF
Brandon Ratcliff, Northwestern Mutual
Brian Varner, Vantage Health Plan
Brinkley Maginnis, Lyceum Historic Meeting & Event Center
Brooks Lawley, NAI Latter & Blum
Chelsea Borruano, MESH
Chelsey Gonzales, IT Inspired
Dan Doran, N2 Publishing
Danielle Gueho, LSU- The Cook Hotel & Conference Center
Dustin Puryear, PuryearIT
Ellen Diedrich, Guaranty Media
Eric Richard, The Advocate
Francesca Shreve, Lofton Staffing
Glynna Mayers, Jones Walker, LLP
James Fontenot, HR Solutions
James Treuting, Gallagher
Jessie Morgan, iHeart Media
Katie Redding, N2 Publishing
Kent Landacre, Neighbors FCU
Larry Dents, Trufund
Laura Siu, Laura Siu Planning & Events
Luke Breard, Vantage Health Plan
Luke Simpson, Gallagher
Maryanna Haynes, Attorney at Law
Matt Hernandez, Brown & Brown Insurance
Miguel Castro, Coldwell Banker
Meredith Davis, OLOL Foundation
Nick Moore, General Informatics
Pamela Bounds, Berente Companies
Rachel Powell, WGMB/FOX44
Regina Leingang, Baton Rouge General
Renee Shortress, WGMB/FOX44
Robert Reynolds, Primerica- Shannon Bernard
Shawn Fisher, Crump Wilson Architects
Sheryle Nsangolo, WGMB/FOX44
Tapper Patrick, Gallagher
Tiffany Tuminello, The Cottonport Bank
Tyler Litt, New Schools for Baton Rouge
William Phelps, Vantage Health Plan
Testimonials
We joined the Baton Rouge Area Chamber as an opportunity to promote our brand and connect with other companies within the Baton Rouge Area. Since joining we have been able to strengthen our brand’s position and form meaningful relationships with many businesses within the community. The Ambassador program has only added to the value we have received from the Chamber. It has been an opportunity to promote the overall economic health of the Baton Rouge Area and expand the opportunities that exist within the city. We are very happy we joined the Chamber and would recommend to anyone.
–Jason Roussell, Enterprise Holdings
2017 BRAC Ambassador
The program has allowed me to meet some of the top business-minded people in our city and make many friends along the way. I think the Ambassador role is a key piece to BRAC’s future success, as it connects its investors to the organization in a personal way.
–Larry Goodridge, General Informatics
2016 BRAC Ambassador
Class of 2020 Applications
Applications are now closed for the Leadership Class of 2020.
The following are the retreat and session dates for the Leadership Baton Rouge 2019-2020 program. Attendance is required at the opening and closing retreats. More than twelve (12) hours of absences from the monthly sessions will result in withdrawal from the program. All sessions from September to April run approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
CLASS SCHEDULE
August 1, 2019 | Announcement Breakfast (optional but highly encouraged!)
August 22-23, 2019 | Opening Retreat
September 17, 2019 | Leadership Styles & Diversity
October 15, 2019 | K-12 Education
November 19, 2019 | Higher Education
December 10, 2019 | City & State Government
January – February | One non-profit agency visit
January 21, 2020 | Arts & Culture
February 11, 2020 | Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice
March 10, 2020 | Healthcare & Social Concerns
April 7, 2020 | Economic Development
April 21, 2020 | Hold day for potential makeup session
April 30 – May 1, 2020 | Closing Retreat
June 2, 2020 | Graduation Dinner (optional but highly encouraged!)
Other Activities: anytime | Attend 1 Metro Council & 1 School Board meeting – required
For more information, contact Emily Stich at emily@brac.org or (225) 284-8484.
History & Overview
Leadership Baton Rouge was founded as a program of BRAC to prepare a diverse group of professionals for leadership positions in the community. There are now over 1,000 graduates of the program, many of whom serve in leadership positions on boards, commissions, and hold federal, state and local public offices.
BRAC initiated Leadership Baton Rouge in 1985; since that time the program has been an excellent resource for community leaders as well as organizations seeking capable board members.
Because Leadership Baton Rouge focuses on key areas of concern (e.g., education, cultural and personal diversity, city and state government, healthcare and social concerns, economic development, the arts and culture, the criminal justice system & law enforcement), graduates leave the program with first-hand knowledge of the issues facing our region and the potential for a positive community experience through volunteerism. Recently, the curriculum has been expanded to allow participants to collectively develop and implement a class project relating to their learning experiences.
Selection
Nominees are accepted from public and private agencies, corporations, civic and other organizations, and individual nominators. Applicants are accepted on the basis of demonstrated leadership ability through career or community achievements, concern for the future of the Baton Rouge Area and commitment to the program. Every summer, a selection committee of Leadership alumni recommends 34 to 40 candidates, based on a cross-section of the community in terms of occupation, gender, race, age and affiliations.
Participation
The Leadership Baton Rouge class kicks off nine months of training with a two-day opening retreat in August. From September to April, the class devotes an entire day, monthly, to presentations from subject matter experts, discussions, field trips and practical exercises pertinent to community issues. To conclude the program, a two-day closing retreat is held in May followed by a graduation dinner in June.
Curriculum
The curriculum for Leadership Baton Rouge is designed to use a variety of resources and learning techniques. The topics are chosen based on key components inherent in the daily lives of the people of the Baton Rouge area.
The curriculum is designed to accomplish the following goals:
- To seek out, train and promote high achievers for positions of voluntary responsibility in the community
- To provide these developing leaders with practical information concerning community issues and assets
- To establish a communication network among the existing and emerging leaders of the community
- To challenge these leaders to increase their involvement in community affairs
Alumni
Graduates of the program are encouraged to stay involved in the community and the Leadership Baton Rouge Alumni group. More information on the alumni group can be found at leadershipbr.org.
InternBR, a BRAC Talent Development program, consists of services designed to better connect area employers with millennial talent. Intern programming includes an annual fellowship program focusing on communication and leadership skills. Employer programming includes resources and workshops designed to help area employers start or expand internship programs within their companies.
History & Overview
Attracting and retaining top talent in the Baton Rouge Area is one of the core objectives of BRAC’s strategic plan. The intern-focused programming, founded by BRAC in 2016, is an exciting step toward cultivating the millennial talent in our region, introducing them to all that Baton Rouge offers, and providing a network for them to launch professional careers after graduation.
In 2018, BRAC launched employer-focused programming designed to provide area employers with resources needed to start or expand internship programs within their companies. The workshops are made possible through partnerships with the career services teams from Baton Rouge Community College, Southern University and LSU.
Intern Programming
Apply
Applications for the 2019 InternBR fellowship program are now closed.
Selection
Participants’ requirements include:
- Internship must be for a company in the Baton Rouge Area
- Internship must take place in the Baton Rouge Area
- Interns must be enrolled in a college or university
- Interns must have permission from their employer to participate in the breakfast meetings each Friday of June and July
Participants are recommended by a selection committee, based on a cross-section of the community in terms of major or intended career path, gender, race, age and affiliations.
Curriculum
The curriculum of the InternBR program is designed to provide area interns with professional communication and leadership skills needed to excel in their current internship and as they launch their career in Baton Rouge. The curriculum is designed to accomplish the following goals:
- Provide student interns with professional communication and leadership training
- Provide student interns with the opportunity to network with other area interns
- Provide student interns with the opportunity to further engage with their community through philanthropic and social activities
- Increase and further develop the talent pool for area employers
Employer Programming
BRAC offers workshops throughout the year to help area companies further connect with millennial talent via internships. Workshop topics include – internship basics and best practices, internship job descriptions, recruiting, feedback, and a Q&A session with area experts. For more information, contact BRAC’s director of talent development.