Gulf Ready 4 Takeoff Coalition in DC for Top Level Meetings
Members of the Gulf Coast Economic: Ready 4 Takeoff Coalition have been in the nation’s capital to meet with U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, tasked by the President to lead long-term federal economic and environmental restoration for the Gulf Coast region.
(Left to right) Ashton Hayward, Pensacola; Samuel L. Jones, Mobile; Lawrence Wettermark, Mobile; and, Ewell Smith of the Louisiana Seafood Board on Capitol Hill.
The coalition delegation included Ewell Smith, Executive Director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board; Mayor Sam Jones of Mobile, Alabama; and, Pensacola Mayor-Elect Ashton Hayward (FL). They delivered an assessment of the Gulf Coast economy six months post the epic BP oil spill and recommended ways in which the federal government to act to boost local economies in the Gulf.
Secretary Mabus made clear that he is committed to creating a strong and effective plan that will revitalize the Gulf Coast region, create good-paying jobs for our hard-working families and restore Americans’ confidence in the assets our great region has to provide. He said that Gulf seafood is the safest in the world because of extensive testing and scrutiny.
U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus (center) with coalition members meeting in the Pentagon.
The Gulf Coast Economy: Ready 4 Takeoff Coalition is a collaborative effort of leaders from Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. It has emerged as a leading advocate for the advancement of pro-growth initiatives that will expand local economies and help create and retain good paying jobs throughout the Gulf Coast. To learn more about the goals and efforts of the group visit: www.ready4takeoff.org.
“The message emerging from all of our town halls was unanimous: the federal government must make it a priority to invest in America’s Gulf Coast and help foster new, good-paying job opportunities,” said Ewell Smith.
“Today’s meeting with Secretary Mabus was a welcome opportunity that proved extremely productive. I am confident that if we unite forces, we can and we will turn the economic tide in the Gulf Coast and finally give workers peace of mind with a steady paycheck.”
Category: News
