NEW ORLEANS – Longtime champion of international trade and economic development for the State of Louisiana, Michael Olivier, CEO of the Louisiana Committee of 100 for Economic Development, Inc. has been named the 2019 Eugene J. Schreiber Award recipient for his significant contributions and work in promoting Louisiana and its industries. Details were shared in a press release.
Prior to his work with the Louisiana Committee of 100 for Economic Development, a business roundtable comprised of the CEOs of private sector companies statewide, Mr. Olivier served as Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development (LED) from 2004 through 2008. His work as Secretary of LED lead Louisiana to be named “State of the Year” for the first time by Southern Business and Development magazine.
“As a longtime friend and colleague of Gene Schrieber, it is a very special honor to receive this recognition in his name,” said Olivier. “My interest in international trade and development goes back to my work at the University of Louisiana Lafayette where I started my career as Dean of International Students. In the years since, I’ve conducted multiple trade and development missions to over 50 countries, managed the Mississippi Gulf Coast Foreign Trade Zone #92 and served as Secretary of Economic Development for the State of Louisiana.”
The Eugene J. Schreiber award, formed in memory of the late Eugene “Gene” Schreiber, is presented to an individual who embodies exceptional knowledge and leadership in promoting international trade policy for the State of Louisiana. Schreiber served the World Trade Center and the Louisiana community for over 30 years.
“Michael J. Olivier has long demonstrated leadership as a professional practitioner of activities that build and strengthen Louisiana’s international investment portfolio,” LED secretary Don Pierson said. “His international work at LED includes leading missions with Governor Kathleen Blanco to Cuba, as well as to Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei. Michael has been awarded Honorary Lifetime Member (HLM) status by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for being an inspiration to others in the profession of economic development. With his active engagement in dozens of nations, and his longstanding support of international companies in Louisiana, his commitment to advancing Louisiana has been clearly demonstrated. As a person that enjoyed a strong personal relationship with Gene Schreiber, this is a most appropriate award to be bestowed upon Michael J. Olivier.”
Olivier currently serves on the Louisiana Board of International Commerce and the Restore Louisiana Task Force appointed by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. He has been president of the Southern Economic Development Council, a ten-year board member and officer of the American Economic Development Council and a board member of the World Trade Center New Orleans. Olivier has been recognized by the International Economic Development Council with its three highest honors including Fellow Member, Honorary Life Member and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Economic Development.
Previous recipients of the Eugene J. Schreiber Award include former Senator Mary Landrieu, former Congressman Charles Boustany, Jr. MD, Hon. James Coleman, Jr. CBE, past president of the Port of New Orleans Gary LaGrange, executive director of the Port of South Louisiana Paul Aucoin and Louisiana Secretary of Economic Development Don Pierson.
According to Thomas Spiers, Chairman of the Board of the World Trade Center of New Orleans, “Michael has not only been a beacon for Louisiana’s international trade development and diplomacy, he has been at the forefront of establishing trade policies and conducting missions to promote Louisiana businesses across the world for over 30 years. He encompasses every aspect of the award’s qualifications and is someone who had worked closely with Gene Schreiber to advance the mission of the World Trade Center of New Orleans. We are excited to recognize him for a career of promoting international trade policy for the benefit of the State of Louisiana, a distinction well deserved.”
Mr. Olivier will be honored during Louisiana International Trade Week which kicks-off November 5th in Baton Rouge with events planned in both Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Week-long activities include an opening reception, industry panel sessions and awards. Trade Week will conclude with the World Trade Center of New Orleans Gala, a black-tie fundraiser event, at Harrah’s Casino Theater on November 9th.
Ticket information and sponsorship opportunities are available online at www.wtcno.org or by contacting Meaghan McCormack at (504) 619-9837 or mmccormack@wtcno.org.
