WASHINGTON – Today, a coalition of leading energy and industrial executives launched the Gulf South Business Roundtable. The effort is dedicated to advancing economic competitiveness, infrastructure development and industrial growth across Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
GSBR brings together energy producers, large industrial energy consumers, and community organizations to further elevate the region’s strategic importance in national policymaking. They aim to deliver results that will benefit the Gulf South region and industries supporting local communities by strengthening grid reliability and expanding infrastructure investments to create long-term economic opportunity and mobility for its residents.
Founding members include Entergy Corporation and its five operating companies, Alabama Power Company, Kinder Morgan and Mitsubishi Power Americas. GSBR is co-chaired by John Hudson, Chief External Affairs Officer at Entergy, and Jeff Peoples, Chairman, President and CEO of Alabama Power Company. Ben Portis will serve as the Executive Director, responsible for the strategic vision and overseeing daily operations.
“This region and these five states are an economic powerhouse, contributing massively to the national economy,” said John Hudson, GSBR co-chair. “We are excited to be part of a group that is expanding the narrative and bringing together a cohesive group of leaders to speak with one voice in Washington. It’s time the Gulf South gets the global recognition it deserves that will enhance the economic vitality of the area.”
In 2023, the five Gulf South states (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas) contributed more than $2.7 trillion to the U.S. GDP. GSBR aims to share that narrative by uniting public officials and businesses across sectors like advanced manufacturing, energy, logistics and chemicals, alongside community partners to advocate for the policies and resources to continue to move the region forward.
“The opportunity in the Gulf South is clear, we need to align around it,” said Ben Portis, GSBR Executive Director. “With GSBR, we have a vehicle to advocate for the policies and projects that bring real investment, innovation and jobs to our region. Together, our members represent a growing alliance of business and civic leaders working to shape the future of one of the country’s premier economic corridors.”
GSBR’s early focus includes building strategic alliances, engaging federal and regional policymakers, and working with the senior congressional leadership from the Gulf South. The roundtable will host its annual policy conference in Washington, D.C. this upcoming October.
GSBR Board Members:
- John Hudson, Chief External Affairs Officer, Entergy*
- Jeff Peoples, Chairman, President & CEO, Alabama Power Company*
- Phillip May, President & CEO, Entergy Louisiana*
- Eliecer “Eli” Viamontes, Chair, President & CEO, Entergy Texas*
- William “Bill” A. Newsom Jr., President & CEO, Mitsubishi Power Americas*
- Sital Mody, President, Natural Gas Pipelines, Kinder Morgan*
- Laura Landreaux, President & CEO, Entergy Arkansas
- Haley Fisackerly, President & CEO, Entergy Mississippi
- Deanna Rodriguez, President & CEO, Entergy New Orleans
*Also sit on the GSBR Executive Committee
GSBR is actively welcoming new members who share its commitment to economic vitality, policy alignment and regional growth.
For membership inquiries or more information, visit www.gulfsouthbusiness.org.
About Gulf South Business Roundtable
The Gulf South Business Roundtable (GSBR) is an executive-led nonprofit that brings together energy producers, large industrial energy consumers and community leaders to strengthen economic competitiveness across Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. GSBR works to influence federal and regional policy, advance infrastructure priorities, and build strong partnerships that drive long-term growth across the Gulf South. For more information, visit www.gulfsouthbusiness.org.
Media contact:
Elizabeth Boney
[email protected]
