Louisiana Economic Development Offer Gulf Opportunity Zone Workshops

Louisiana Economic Development, local economic development organizations and federal agencies are combining forces to host free Gulf Opportunity (GO) Zone Workshops in five Louisiana communities. The seminars will offer local business owners, developers and practitioners a detailed view of how to take advantage of the post-hurricane incentive package. Experts from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other state and local agencies will inform participants on the tax breaks and bonding options available under the GO Zone Act. These workshops will be particularly valuable for small businesses that may not have considered GO Zone incentives to help restore or expand their companies. Workshops are scheduled in the following communities from 8 a.m. - noon:

Houma May 24, 2006, Houma Civic Center Contact South Louisiana Economic Council at 985-448-4485 or www.slec.org for more information. Lafayette June 12, 2006, River Oaks Contact Acadiana Economic Development Council at 337-593-1411 or kristi@teamacadiana.org for more information.

Hammond/North Shore June 13, 2006, Southeastern’s University Center Contact Southeastern Louisiana University Small Business Development Center at 985-549-3831 or sbdc@selu.edu for more information. Gonzales

June 14, 2006, Elegant Affairs Contact Ascension Economic Development Corporation at 225-675-1750 for more information. The first GO Zone Workshop was held in Lake Charles on May 17.