BioDistrict and World Trade Center Form Alliance

BioDistrict New Orleans and the World Trade Center of New Orleans have entered into a five-year strategic alliance to encourage mutual exchanges of marketing and business development to enhance New Orleans' competitive positioning in the biosciences industry. Dominik Knoll, World Trade Center of New Orleans chief executive officer, and James McNamara, BioDistrict president and CEO, executed the agreement on behalf of their agencies.

"We are proud to partner with the World Trade Center to fuse together insight into emerging markets worldwide with the BioDistrict's access to top health sciences academic and industry partners as we begin positioning BioDistrict as an internationally-recognized bioscience research hub," said McNamara. "This partnership embodies both organizations' strengths and what we are striving to achieve--significant job growth and innovative bio-industrial opportunities for New Orleans and the state."

Knoll said the WTC will begin to market the advantages of the city’s BioDistrict abroad. “Having the BioDistrict in New Orleans, along with two major hospitals currently under construction, will be very appealing to investors around the world who will want to expand their bases of science, research and development,” said Knoll.

BioDistrict Board Member Spotlight

BioDistrict is proud to highlight the accomplishments of Roger H. Ogden in this issue's Board Member Spotlight.

An accomplished real estate developer, civic leader and philanthropist, Roger Ogden is the co-founder of Stirling Properties, where for 20 years he led the company as principal and CEO in the development and acquisition of a $200 million portfolio of shopping centers. Mr. Ogden has served as past Chairman of the LSU Board of Supervisors, past President of the Audubon Park Commission and chairman of the board for the International House of Blues Foundation among many other civic and community leadership roles.

Appointed to the BioDistrict board of directors by Gov. Bobby Jindal, Mr. Ogden brings to the BioDistrict extensive knowledge of what it takes to bring impactful, internationally-recognized businesses to New Orleans.

James P. McNamara stopped by WDSU-TV on Sunday, Aug. 28, to discuss BioDistrict progress and what New Orleans residents can expect to see in the future.

Watch the interview here.