WBIA, formerly the Harvey Canal Industrial Association (HCIA), was founded in 1946 by and for companies along the Harvey Canal for the purpose of increasing business. Today, WBIA is an association consisting of companies located in several parishes on the west and east banks of the Mississippi River throughout the metropolitan area. Jesse Hoppes is on the board of WBIA, past-president, and Leaaf is a proud sponsor of the organization.
Founded in July of 2006, the Louisiana Brownfields Association’s (LBA) goal is to promote environmental restoration, economic revitalization, natural resource preservation, conservation and recreational-based beneficial reuse, enhancement of financial and regulatory incentives, job creation and training, public health, environmental equity and justice, and community outreach and education. Leaaf is a member of LBA and Kerry Meaux (Treasurer) and Jessica Rury (Secretary) are currently Board Members.
The Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) is a community of marketing and business development professionals working to secure profitable business relationships for their A/E/C companies. SMPS offers members professional development, leadership opportunities, and marketing resources to advance their careers. Emma Hoeiris-Andersen is on the membership committee of the Southeast Louisiana Chapter (SELA) and is the 2023 recipient of their Achievement Award “Rising Star”.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) stands at the forefront of a profession that plans, designs, constructs, and operates society’s economic and social engine – the built environment – while protecting and restoring the natural environment. Founded in 1852, ASCE is the nation’s oldest engineering society. Leaaf’s Engineering and Compliance Division Manager, Karen Irion, PE, is an active member of ASCE’s New Orleans Branch.
The New Orleans Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) is the premier commercial real estate association for women (and even a few savvy men!) in the Greater New Orleans Metropolitan Area from all disciplines in commercial real estate. Emily Reeves is an active member of New Orleans CREW.
The CMAA is North America’s only organization dedicated exclusively to the interests of professional Construction and Program Managment. CMAA is leading the growth and acceptance of construction management as a professional discipline that can add significant value to the entire construction process, from conception to ongoing operation. Leaaf is an active member of the Gulf Coast Chapter.
The Louisiana Oil Marketers & Convenience Store Association (LOMSCA) consists of 250+ members who own, operate, or supply over 3,000 convenience stores, service stations, car washes and other retail motor fuel outlets and car washes in Louisiana. These businesses supply nearly 3 billion gallons of fuel annually to Louisiana motorists while also serving the vast majority of commercial end users, including farmers, construction firms, and local and state government. Jesse Hoppes, PG is an active member of LOMSCA and participates on the Environmental Committee.
The Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) is the authority and source of information for the energy handling equipment industry. PEI is a member-centric organization dedicated to improving the business and operational practices of its members and expanding opportunities for their growth. Leaaf joined PEI to keep up with the technology and services relating to underground storage tanks. Jesse Hoppes, PG, is the chair of a PEI 10-group which is a group of other environmental owners or managers around the country that come together to share best practices for their businesses and their clients.
Louisiana Economic Development (LED)
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for strengthening the state’s business environment and creating a more vibrant Louisiana economy. Their vision is to have Louisiana consistently outperform the South and the U.S. in creating jobs and economic opportunities for its citizens, by cultivating jobs and economic opportunities for the people of Louisiana through integrated economic development strategies.
Jim Blazek, Jr. is the recipient of their 2023 LED Growth Leader Award, which focuses on growth, strategy, innovation, philanthropy, and leadership.
Gretna Economic Development Association (GEDA)
Gretna Economic Development Association (GEDA) acts as a liaison between the community, state, local, and federal governments to identify needs and potential solutions. GEDA is dedicated to improve the business climate within the City of Gretna as well as provide a vehicle to assist in the development of new businesses. Leaaf joined GEDA to help improve the business climate. Jim Blazek is the Treasurer on the Board of Officers.
