2010-0166
Title
Proclamation: Louisiana Chemical Industry Day
Body
P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, nature endowed Louisiana with gifts that provided the springboard for major industry that has brought great benefits to the people of the State; and,
WHEREAS, these gifts include abundant oil and natural gas, salt dome caverns, sulfur deposits, fresh water, and access to oceans of the world through the Calcasieu Basin and Mississippi River; and,
WHEREAS, the Petrochemical Industry that has grown up around these natural amenities has become one of Louisiana's greatest assets; and,
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Chemical Industry acknowledges that it depends on Louisiana and its residents for its resources, a well-trained workforce, and a strong business climate; and,
WHEREAS, this industry provides direct jobs for over 22,000 Louisiana citizens and tens of thousands more in hundreds of businesses that support the industry; and,
WHEREAS, an additional 101,749 jobs are generated indirectly by chemical industry activity in Louisiana; and,
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Chemical Industry produces nearly $50 billion in products annually, almost 10% of which is exported to the world through Louisiana's ports; and,
WHEREAS, Louisiana is the Nation's third largest chemical producer, the largest producer of agriculture chemicals, and the second largest producer of organic and inorganic chemicals; and,
WHEREAS, chemical industry wages in Louisiana are 51% higher than other manufacturing wages in Louisiana; and,
WHEREAS, the industry contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to state and local coffers through direct tax payments and through household earnings generated by the Louisiana Chemical Industry; and,
WHEREAS, the chemical industry in St. Charles Parish paid over $30 million in ad valorem taxes in 2009; and,
WHEREAS, the chemical industry in St. Charles Parish directly employs over 2,500 people, while indirectly is responsible for thousands more, and the chemical industry in neighboring parishes, where many local residents go to work, is estimated to employ an additional 2,000 workers; and,
WHEREAS, just under $200 million of total direct employee earnings were generated by local chemical companies in 2009; and,
WHEREAS, Louisianans' lives are enhanced and improved every day by chemical products produced in Louisiana, ranging from fire resistant foam used in our beds and the chairs in which we sit, the nitrogen in bags that give potato chips a longer shelf life, golf clubs, hard hats, bullet proof vests, contact lenses, pacemakers, and to thousands more consumer products; and,
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Chemical Industry is more than just a group of companies and is comprised of a collection of people who want the same things their neighbors want - safe and clean communities with vibrant neighborhoods, good schools, and a strong economy; and,
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Chemical Industry is essential to the State's economic growth and to its economic development.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT WE, THE MEMBERS OF THE ST. CHARLES PARISH COUNCIL AND THE PARISH PRESIDENT, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM MAY 5, 2010 AS
LOUISIANA CHEMICAL INDUSTRY DAY
IN ST. CHARLES PARISH.
V.J. ST. PIERRE, JR. CAROLYN K. SCHEXNAYDRE
PARISH PRESIDENT COUNCILWOMAN AT LARGE, DIV. A
TERRY AUTHEMENT PAUL J. HOGAN, PE
COUNCILMAN AT LARGE, DIV. B COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT IV
BILLY RAYMOND, SR. LARRY COCHRAN
COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT I COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT V
SHELLEY M. TASTET MARCUS M. LAMBERT
COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT II COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT VI
WENDY BENEDETTO DENNIS NUSS
COUNCILWOMAN, DISTRICT III COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT VII
Revised Chemical Industry Day 2010.pcl.docx