September 2, 2025

New Orleans Hosts Louisiana Entrepreneur’s Organization Annual Meeting

News Summary

The Louisiana chapter of the Entrepreneur’s Organization held its 2025 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, featuring key speakers and the announcement of a new board. Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships. Ben Gootee was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year, recognized for his leadership and community service. The meeting showcased the rich heritage of the EO Louisiana Chapter, which has been a pivotal part of the local business community since its inception.

New Orleans Hosts Louisiana Entrepreneur’s Organization 2025 Annual Meeting

The Louisiana chapter of the Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO) held its 2025 Annual Meeting on August 23, 2025, in New Orleans, showcasing significant achievements from local business leaders and honoring contributions to the entrepreneurial community. The event was marked by the keynote address from Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, who emphasized the necessity of public-private partnerships and economic opportunities throughout the state.

During his address, Nungesser shared personal insights from his entrepreneurial journey, which have informed his current role in public office. He highlighted investment potentials in Louisiana and discussed ongoing efforts to address litter issues through the initiative Keep Louisiana Beautiful. Nungesser’s focus on enhancing the state’s business climate resonated throughout the gathering of business leaders.

New Board of Directors Announced

At the annual meeting, EO Louisiana announced its new board members for the 2025-2026 term, with Marie Brewer Powell from Brew Agency elected as President. The newly elected board comprises a diverse group of professionals including Kyle Remont, Barrett Conrad, Christa Cotton, Joshua Loeske, Alfonso Gonzalez, David Coons, Leo Holzenthal, Jennifer Simpson, Jenny Domiano, Katie Greenman, R. Adam Bermudez, Brandon Smith, and notably, Ben Gootee.

President Powell expressed enthusiasm about the board’s strategic goals, which focus on achieving operational excellence and developing innovative programs to benefit EO members and the wider business community.

Ben Gootee Named Entrepreneur of the Year

Ben Gootee, CEO of Gootee Construction, received the distinguished 2025 Marshall Klein Entrepreneur of the Year award during the event. Gootee was recognized for his exemplary leadership, innovative transition to employee ownership, and commitment to community service. The company, established in 1991, operates as a fourth-generation mechanical contracting business.

In 2024, Gootee implemented a significant transition of his company to 100% employee ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). His dedication to the EO community spans eight years, including a term as Chapter President in 2022. Additionally, Gootee presides over the Mechanical Contractors Association of Louisiana and actively participates with the Fore!Kids Foundation, further solidifying his leadership within the community.

Historical Context of the EO Louisiana Chapter

The EO Louisiana Entrepreneur of the Year Award was established in 2006 to honor the legacy of Marshall Klein, whose entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire others in the business sector. The EO Louisiana Chapter itself was founded in 1998 and has since grown to 78 members, representing a wide range of industries. The chapter boasts a median sales revenue of $3.15 million per member company and an average of 34 employees, indicative of the robust entrepreneurship within the state.

Members of EO Louisiana benefit immensely from peer-to-peer learning opportunities, direct access to industry leaders, and exclusive business growth opportunities. The annual meeting not only celebrates past achievements but also lays groundwork for future collaborations and initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship in Louisiana.

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Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER

NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.

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