Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has grown rapidly in Louisiana, contributing to the success of the state's energy sector. Louisiana Energy Export Association (LEEA), a trade organization that calls itself the "new voice" of the LNG export industry, was born from the World Trade Center of New Orleans and its partnership network and seeks to tell the story of LNG's significance to the state economy and the rest of the world.
Cheryl Gerber
Caitlin Cain, director of LEEA and CEO of the World Trade Center of New Orleans, works to promote trade opportunities to association members, policy makers and partner agencies. Cain has more than 16 years of government and organization leadership experience and has worked with nonprofits and public-private partnerships for policy, economic and project management initiatives.
"I have always been interested in economic and community development and working in areas that help strengthen Louisiana's competitive position on the world stage," Cain said.
Through LEEA, Cain and others have the opportunity to tout the vitalness of Louisiana's trade and energy capabilities, particularly LNG, to the U.S. and globally. Because energy is one of the state's key economic engines, Louisiana will remain a major global exporter for the foreseeable future, she said.
With LEEA member companies planning to invest $60 billion in Louisiana's economy this decade, the creation of more than 20,000 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent jobs is expected. These active member companies are primarily major LNG facilities, investors and stakeholders from Louisiana interested in creating well-paying state jobs while strengthening the U.S. as a global leader in trade, Cain added.
The greatest challenge for LEEA is the global LNG market's frequent ebbs and flows. However, LNG opportunities are great because global demand is continuously growing, meaning greater opportunity for Louisiana exports and new jobs.
Even with the economic challenges LNG faces, LEEA remains strong and active in the state economy and community, as well as in legislative advocating. The organization has hosted several LNG educational events, one of which is the LNG Day held annually at the state capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. At LAGCOE 2017, LEEA hosted an LNG breakfast and a panel of LNG CEOs to educate listeners on energy sector trends and how LNG affects the state.
"LEEA is working to partner with organizations to host LNG educational events and programming, including how to do business with LNG industries so more Louisiana-based businesses can grow and expand in direct relationship to LNG investment in Louisiana," Cain explained.
By the end of the decade, the U.S. will be one of the largest global exporters of LNG, Cain said. The majority of all U.S. exports will go through Louisiana. Global trade partners will turn to the U.S. and purchase LNG from these Louisiana export terminals, boosting local and international economic opportunities.
She further explained that as economies continue interweaving, organizations such as LEEA become more critical to industry by educating its members, lawmakers and others about the impact of LNG on economies and communities.
"LEEA is a collection of individual (often competing) LNG facilities, but the effectiveness of the organization is in its ability to knit the industry together as a whole," Cain said. "This unification allows the industry to better amplify the LNG platform as a key economic engine while simultaneously addressing common policies or projects either of concern or mutual benefit to the broader LNG community."
For more information, visit www.wtcno.org/leea or call (504) 529-1601.
