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Regional economic group Collab tells council it doubled certified sites and is growing workforce programs
Summary
Christy Zarang of Collab (formerly South Louisiana Economic Council) updated the council on rebranding, certified sites (from three to six), workforce programs including a Ballinger 'boot camp' for welders, and planned Bayou Region events to promote regional advocacy and business retention.
Christy Zarang, president and CEO of Collab, briefed the Lafush Parish Council May 26 on the organization’s first year under the Collab name and on regional economic work.
Zarang said Collab — one of eight regional economic organizations recognized by Louisiana Economic Development — has rebranded to emphasize collaboration across four parishes and to reduce duplicative efforts. “When I started at Collab, there were three certified sites. In the past year, we've doubled that. That is six,” she told the council, explaining LED-certified sites are marketed to prospective employers and take six to nine months to certify.
She highlighted workforce initiatives including a CEO roundtable and a Ballinger boot camp that coordinates Fletcher Technical Community College with shipyard employer Ballinger to fast-track welders into jobs. Zarang also described a Bayou Region Energy Leadership Series and plans for future leadership programming focused on coastal issues and community development.
Zarang asked the council to continue the budget line item the council previously approved and left the council with Collab’s 2025 annual report.
What was said about impact: Zarang stressed Collab’s role in retaining local industry talent and aligning parish and state economic targets; she listed local wins like recent contracts and investment announcements in the region but did not claim sole credit.
Speakers (first reference): Christy Zarang, president and CEO, Collab.
