How does LAGCOE impact the local economy?

Oct 28, 2015 / News

LAGCOE's Local Economic Impact

The Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition isn’t just an innovative entrepreneurial experience for oil and gas industry workers. It also boosts the local economy.

When LAGCOE rolls into town, hotels are booked and restaurants stay busy in the hub city.

Ben Berthelot, president and CEO of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, says LAGCOE is a great opportunity for the local economy especially with the current state of the oil and gas industry.

"Because of the low oil prices we’re hanging on so with an event like that (LAGCOE) it’s a big boost. One of the things I always say is if we can get them here we have them hooked and so whether that be for a festival or convention it’s certainly a great selling tool for us and that they have family and friends they go back home and talk about what a great time they had in our area so it’s a very very positive impact on our area for sure,” Berthelot told KLFY’s Lydia Magallanes.

Bruce Lowrey, of Covington, has been attending LAGCOE since the mid-1990’s and says he looks forward to visiting Lafayette for the expo, "The thing that impresses me particularly about Lafayette is the friendliness of the people. Everywhere that we go we feel very welcomed and people embrace us without knowing us which is very impressive.”

LAGCOE wraps up Thursday with a career fair.

Lydia Magallanes | KLFY