Louisiana Municipal Association's Convention Starts Today
Shreveport Times (excerpt)

Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel and Lafayette Consolidated Government will host more than 1,600 municipal officials, dignitaries and exhibitors today through Saturday at the Cajundome Convention Center for the Louisiana Municipal Association's 71st annual convention.

The theme of the event is "Cities Mean Business," with an emphasis on showing how cities, as engines that drive commerce, can be magnets for good living and bridges to economic success.

"Our convention is the state's largest gathering of elected and appointed municipal officials each year," LMA President Clarence Fields, mayor of Pineville, said in a news release. "This year, we have the opportunity to learn how municipalities can be part of the state's economic development team and be involved in community planning for positive futures."

The first general session will be at 7:30 a.m. Friday, when Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret will discuss how local leaders can collaborate with the business community.