New Orleans is continuing to ramp up its business attraction efforts with the creation of the NOLA Business Alliance, an organization that will emphasize business retention, expansion, prospect engagement, small business services, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning.

Rodrick T. Miller, formerly of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, will lead the startup and focus on creating jobs and expanding wealth in New Orleans. In Baton Rouge, Miller launched programs to attract foreign direct investment, retain and attract talent, and build innovation. His business experience spans the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Spain, and Germany.

The New Orleans Economic Development Fund will seed the startup with $1.5 million. The private sector will contribute a minimum of $500,000 annually.

NOLA Business Alliance board members include New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Owner and Executive Vice President of the New Orleans Saints Rita Benson LeBlanc, Chair of the Social Entrepreneurs of New Orleans Andrea Chen, City Councilmember-at-Large Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson, Executive Director of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana Darlene Kattan, and President and CEO of Entergy New Orleans Charles Rice.