The 2016 Entrée to Business Breakfast featuring Dr. Loren Scott’s Louisiana Economic Outlook returns to The Cajundome Convention Center on Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 a.m. Scott, a professor emeritus of economics at LSU, says this year’s report will reflect some diversification in the local economy. “Lafayette has some really positive things going on in its tech sector and among its ‘stable three’ — Acadian Ambulance, Stuller Inc. and Schumacher,” he notes. “However, the oil patch continues to pull the economy down on the net. Major question: What are the longer run prospects in the Gulf? Lafayette’s near-term future revolves heavily around the answer to that.”

Dwight Andrus Insurance is the legacy sponsor of this annual event. “All of us in Acadiana feel the impact of the global market on the energy sector,” says Dwight Andrus III, the company’s president and CEO, “but it’s also important to look at the overall picture as our economic mix shows signs of evolving. Dr. Scott has a unique and informed perspective on such trends, and his annual report will help Acadiana’s business leaders navigate through this critical time and plan for the opportunities ahead.”

IberiaBank returns this year as presenting co-sponsor for the breakfast. “The Lafayette and Acadiana communities continue to face tough economic challenges due to the downturn in one of our most important industry segments,” says IberiaBank Acadiana President Jerry Vascocu. “While conditions are challenging, the positive spirit of Acadiana is alive and well. We look forward to welcoming Dr. Scott with that positive spirit as he provides valuable information that will assist us in our planning as we continue to move through this cycle for the remainder of 2016 and into 2017.”

Sustaining sponsors of the Entrée to Business Breakfast include Cane River Pecan Company, producers of custom blended tins of choice Louisiana-picked pecans for corporate gifting, along with One Acadiana and the Acadiana Economic Development Council.

A copy of Dr. Scott’s PowerPoint presentation will be posted on the ABiz website and distributed to ABuzz subscribers immediately following the breakfast, courtesy of Vidox Motion Imagery, the digital media sponsor.

This event is traditionally a sell-out, and tickets are available through Thursday, Sept. 22. Individual tickets are $50, and premium tables for eight are $450. For more information on events and tickets click here or contact Jenna Fontenot at (337) 769-8602 or by email at events@theind.com.