The Rally for Economic Survival will be the nation’s largest event to date protesting the federal moratorium on deepwater drilling. Coordinators of the Rally have reported tremendous support from across the Gulf Coast, specifically Louisiana for the event. Attendance at the rally is predicted to be between 15,000 and 20,000 people.
“We have had a huge outpouring of support for the event,” said Don Briggs, Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President. “We have had people from CEOs of major companies to the shift workers at the local diner calling us to see how they can help. They all know how devastating this drilling moratorium will be for Louisiana’s economy and they plan to be there.”
Event coordinators have conducted much of the Rally’s promotions through grassroots efforts. Trade associations, chambers of commerce, local governments and other business groups have sent notices about the Rally to members, employees and stakeholders encouraging them to attend the event or send support. Thousands of flyers and posters promoting the event, as well as hundreds of yard signs and banners, have been distributed throughout Louisiana. More than 100 companies, trade associations and business groups have joined as official supporters of the Rally. Radio, television and print media have all run ads promoting the event or reported the event as a news item. A large following for the Rally has popped up on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.
“I have never seen so many people so focused and dedicated to a cause,” said Briggs. “I hope the entire nation will see the large crowd we assemble at the Cajundome, hear the words of our diverse and distinguished speakers and realize how important lifting the moratorium is for the entire country. More importantly, I hope President Obama will see the people in the Cajundome – representing all walks of life – and hear their message to lift the moratorium immediately.”
The Rally for Economic Survival will take place on Wednesday, July 21st from 11:00am – 1:00pm at the Lafayette Cajundome. The event will feature local, state and national speakers who share the same concern that the moratorium will create a seismic economic ripple effect that will negatively impact every citizen of the United States. Some of the speakers include: public officials – Governor Bobby Jindal, Lafayette Mayor and Parish President Joey Durel, Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser, Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph, Lt. Gov. Scott Angelle; Citizens for Affordable Energy Founder and Chief Executive John Hofmeister; representatives from Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board; and small business owners and employees from across the state who are experiencing first-hand the financial brunt of the moratorium. Country singer Sammy Kershaw will provide entertainment at the free event.
For more information about the Rally, please visit www.rallyforeconomicsurvival.com.
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