The History of Better Louisiana

A legacy of leadership

The 2025 formation of Leaders for a Better Louisiana represents the union of two of Louisiana’s most influential organizations: The Committee of 100 for Economic Development (C100) and The Council for A Better Louisiana (CABL). Each of our groups brought decades of experience in shaping Louisiana’s future, and together we form an even stronger force for positive change.

The Committee of 100 (C100): Building Louisiana’s Economic Future

Established in 1992, C100 emerged as Louisiana’s premier Business Roundtable, bringing together the state’s top CEOs, executives, and higher education leaders. From its inception, C100 took a focused approach to improving Louisiana’s business environment and economic prosperity.

Key milestones in C100’s history include:

  • The 1993 formation of SECURE (Select Council on Revenues and Expenditures in Louisiana’s Future), which produced 460 recommendations for improving state government
  • Successful implementation of 173 SECURE recommendations during the Foster Administration
  • The 2015 partnership with the Tax Foundation to create “Louisiana Fiscal Reform: A Framework for the Future”
  • Leading economic development reform initiatives resulting in the 2024 overhaul of Louisiana Economic Development (LED) through Act 590
  • Creating solutions for business workforce challenges through Act 330

Under successive leadership, including Mike Olivier (2009-2023) and Adam Knapp (2023-present), C100 expanded its influence while maintaining its commitment to targeted, high-impact initiatives. The organization grew to include 160 members representing every region of Louisiana.

The Council for A Better Louisiana (CABL): Six Decades of Civic Leadership

Founded in 1962, CABL emerged from a group of committed citizens who envisioned a better future for Louisiana. For over 60 years, CABL served as an independent catalyst for positive change, working tirelessly in public and governmental arenas to address Louisiana’s most pressing challenges.

CABL’s impact on Louisiana has been profound and far-reaching. The organization played a pivotal role in numerous transformative initiatives, including:

  • Establishing higher academic standards and accountability in public education
  • Creating Louisiana’s original School Accountability System
  • Developing the state’s first charter schools legislation
  • Establishing the state’s community and technical college system
  • Creating Louisiana Public Broadcasting
  • Founding the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON)
  • Developing the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP)
  • Leading the 1984 World’s Fair, which sparked the modern redevelopment of the New Orleans riverfront

One of CABL’s most enduring legacies is Leadership Louisiana, launched in 1989. This prestigious program has graduated over 1,600 civic-minded leaders, including a former governor, lieutenant governor, other statewide elected officials, state Supreme Court justices, legislators, and countless business and community leaders. Through 37 years of classes, Leadership Louisiana has created a powerful network of change-makers across the state. By connecting leaders from different regions, industries, and backgrounds, Leadership Louisiana fosters collaboration and innovative problem-solving while building lasting relationships that benefit communities statewide.

A History of Collaboration

Long before their merger, C100 and CABL demonstrated the power of partnership. Their most notable collaboration came through RESET Louisiana, a joint initiative with the Public Affairs Research Council (PAR). This effort produced a comprehensive policy framework with 55 recommendations addressing Louisiana’s critical challenges, significantly influencing the 2023 elections.

Through Leaders for a Better Louisiana, these organizations now combine their strengths: C100’s influential business leadership and CABL’s proven track record in education, leadership development, and policy advocacy. Together, they continue their shared mission of driving transformative change for all Louisiana citizens.

Let’s Unlock Louisiana’s Potential Together

We will write the next chapter of Louisiana’s story

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“We are driving positive change by starting with the state’s data, developing and informing leaders, and then taking action to address economic development and public policy. Change comes when leaders across the state get to work making a difference.”

– Phillip Rozeman, MD, Co-Chair, Better Louisiana