Louisiana Central has announced a four-hour Mini Summit designed to align education, workforce development, and economic growth in the region.

The event comes as the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) marks its 100th anniversary in 2026. The summit aims to create intentional pathways from education to employment to fuel long-term prosperity and economic growth in Central Louisiana.

The experience will feature nationally recognized speaker Mark C. Perna and IEDC President & CEO Nathan Ohle. Together, they will lead a “call to action” to spark new ideas and build meaningful partnerships among regional leaders in business, education, and the community.

The free, innovative summit will cover critical topics including:

• The Changing Landscape: The implications of the modern world on students, parents, and employers.

• The Smart Machine Age: Analyzing the impact of AI and automation on employment over the next 20 years.

• Closing the Gaps: Addressing skill and awareness gaps to connect education and workforce pipelines.

• The “Why” Generation: Understanding the decision-making process of today’s young people to build a stronger community foundation.

• Education with Purpose: Shifting toward active purpose through certifications, apprenticeships, and degree programs.

• Setting a Universal Rally Point: Creating a shared vision to break down silos and build a regional competitive advantage.

Community members, educators, and business leaders are encouraged to join the momentum and help shape the future of the region.

Registration for this event is free. To learn more and RSVP, visit www.rallycenla.com.