Houma / Louisiana / United States
The South Louisiana Economic Council ( SLEC ) is a 501 ( 3 ) ( c ) profit economic development agency established to support regional economic development in the parishes of Assumption, Lafourche, St. Mary, and Terrebonne, an area referred to as the Bayou Region. SLEC is one of eight regional economic organizations officially designated as strategic partners in the implementation of the economic development policies and programs of Louisiana Economic Development. Formed in 1983, SLEC programs have evolved as the economic needs of the region have evolved but typically include ; business recruitment and retention, support to startup companies and entrepreneurs, provision of key data and economic statistics, provision of comprehensive buildings and sites information, support to local and parish economic development, coalition building across parishes and organizations, special projects leadership including workforce development, post hurricane recovery, small business support and homeland security, as well as sponsorship of community and industry development training. SLEC also operates one of the most comprehensive economic web portals with extensive self-service capabilities including an online relocation prospect management system. Since 1994, SLEC has been led by Vic Lafont, a Certified Economic Developer with dual Masters degrees. Vic has served as Chairman of the Southern Economic Development Council, a 17-state economic development alliance ; the Louisiana Senate Committee on economic development ; the Governors task force on economic development ; and countless committees and task forces.
