Uniting for Impact: NORIA’s Formal Launch Marks a New Era for Industrial Collaboration in the New Or
In a decisive move toward regional unity and industrial progress, plant managers from across the New Orleans area came together during the second quarter 2025 to unanimously formalize the New Orleans Region Industry Alliance (NORIA) through membership with the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance (GBRIA). This milestone marks the culmination of a journey that began in 2019, when a core group of seven plant managers first met with a shared vision: to speak with one voice on common challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
A Vision Realized
The formalization of NORIA represents more than just organizational structure—it’s a strategic leap forward. By aligning with GBRIA, NORIA gains access to vital resources, advocacy platforms, and financial support to pursue its ambitious goals. These goals, fully aligned with GBRIA’s mission, include:
- Strengthening the workforce development pipeline
- Improving safety and emergency response coordination
- Advocating for industry interests across the New Orleans region
- Enhancing community relations and public engagement
This alliance empowers local plants to invest directly in the region, dedicating staff and resources to initiatives that benefit both industry and community.
Early Wins and Momentum
Even before its formal launch, NORIA has made significant strides. Its Journey to Industry program has connected over 400 high school students in 2024 and 2025 with industrial career exploration opportunities in partnership with the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Bayou Chapter. The Educator Externship Program provided 30 educators with immersive professional development experiences inside local plants as well as in-depth introductions to environmental, safety, public affairs, engineering, skilled crafts, and other key jobs at plant sites. Teachers were also introduced to the next step for their students with a visit to Nunez Community College. This fall, an inaugural Women in Industry Forum will serve over 150 New Orleans area high school girls who will meet with 100 industry women mentors.
Several years ago, NORIA also played a key role in implementing a drone detection program in St. Charles Parish—an innovative response to growing security concerns, which played a key role in communicating with the Coast Guard last year, keeping plants informed about saltwater intrusion threats in the Mississippi River.
These successes reflect NORIA’s commitment to proactive, collaborative solutions that serve both industry and the broader community.
Strategic Priorities Ahead
As NORIA steps into its next chapter, plant managers have identified several urgent priorities:
1. Labor Shortage Mitigation
Continue to engage with state government and regional education providers to build a robust strategy for addressing projected shortages in skilled crafts and plant personnel—especially critical as over $50 billion in new industrial investment is expected across South Louisiana.
2. Public Advocacy and Education
Build a network of vocal public support to counter misinformation and educate local governments and communities about the industry’s economic and social value.
A United Front
With approximately 50 industrial plants in the New Orleans region, collaboration has long existed informally. However, NORIA’s formalization as a committee within GBRIA brings clarity, structure, and purpose to these efforts. Unlike other regional groups, NORIA is led by plant managers and focuses on improving workforce development, operations, safety and security, and community engagement.
Founding companies include Air Liquide, Air Products, Arkema, Bunge, CF Industries, Cornerstone, Dow, Entergy, Grace, Oxychem, PBF Energy Chalmette Refining, and UBE C1 Chemicals America—with several already active GBRIA members.
Looking Forward
NORIA’s journey is just beginning. Growing membership, impactful events and expanding engagement signal a strong foundation for future success. As the organization continues to grow, it will serve as a model for how industry can collaborate to solve shared challenges, support local communities, and ensure a thriving future for the New Orleans region. By speaking with one voice, we amplify our impact—not just within our plants, but across the communities we serve.