PRESIDING:
James E. Fitzmorris, Jr., Former Lieutenant Governor

SPECIAL REMARKS:
Don J. Hutchinson, Secretary
Louisiana Department of Economic Development

Gilbert "Whitey" Lagasse, a life-long resident of New Orleans and a graduate of S.J. Peters High School, joined the U.S. Navy in June, 1944. Upon his discharge, Whitey enrolled at the University of Southwestern at Lafayette and graduated with a degree in education with an emphasis on professional training.

For the next 22 years Whitey held a series of positions with Delgado Trade School, the New Orleans Chamber, Dockside Terminal/Elevators, the New Orleans Home Builders Association and other organizations.

In 1972 Whitey entered state government and was appointed the head of the Parks and Recreation Commission. In 1976, he was appointed by the Governor to head the Department of Economic Development. As Secretary of the Department, he was fully responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Department. He oversaw the reorganization of the Department and was instrumental in assisting companies throughout the state in their expansions and the establishment of new facilities.

After his appointment ended (1980), Mr. Lagasse remained with the Department’s International Division, where he worked to promote the city and the state as a center of international commerce. In 1984, his responsibilities were expanded to include assistance to the resident industries in the 12 parishes surrounding Orleans. He managed to call on approximately 1,000 companies per year to make certain every benefit was afforded them from state, local and the federal government. As the ranking DED official in New Orleans, he was often called upon to represent the Governor or the Secretary of the DED.

In 1992, Mr. Lagasse joined the newly expanded International Trade Division of the DED. His efforts to assist companies throughout the state, and especially in the New Orleans area, have benefited numerous businesses, the maritime industry, and the airport, and have contributed to the economic progress of the city and the state.

Advance registration required by September 6, 10:00 a.m. 
Registration Fee: $25.  If you are a WTC member, the registration fee can be charged to your account number noted on the registration form. 

Click here for driving directions to the WTC.