NEW ORLEANS, LA, USA – On July 17, 2014, the World Trade Center New Orleans (WTCNO) hosted Jack Gerard, President & CEO of the American Petroleum Institute (API). Gerard was a part of a special luncheon program in connection to the WTCNO Energy Committee. Gerard discussed the shale oil revolution with a focus on present and future energy leadership.

During Gerard’s speech, he highlighted the United States’ growth as a global industry leader, commending state policies. Gerard also estimated that the U.S. is or will soon be the world’s #1 producer of crude oil.

“We have gone from perceived scarcity to rich abundance. The U.S. today has surpassed all expectations and achieved a level of energy production that was unthinkable just five years ago. While we can thank the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit that made this possible, we must ensure that politicians in Washington [D.C.] respect the opinions of voters in this state and across the nation and work with us to ensure that this country achieves its full energy potential,” says Gerard.

Gerard also cited the need for preparation of the next generation of energy workers in order to make the most out of resources. “One of the ways the oil and gas industry will lead the change we seek is to ensure our industry attracts and retains the best talent in the world from every region, state, and demographic group in this nation and around the world,” he says.

Finally, Gerard commended Louisiana as an industry leader as well as the state’s overall use of rational and logical state policies.

About Jack Gerard
Jack N. Gerard is president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, a national trade association representing all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Gerard has led API since November 2008, expanding its membership and influence in all globally, with offices in Dubai, Singapore, Beijing, and Rio de Janeiro. API's Washington presence is the foundation for the oil and natural gas industry's advocacy and outreach at state, federal and global levels on public policy, standards and certification programs, and as the source for information on industry best practices.

About WTCNO
The World Trade Center New Orleans is one of the strongest international business organizations in the Gulf Coast region, consisting of 1,000+ companies as well as high profile individual members. This membership base represents a diverse group of industry leaders, companies, professional organizations, and government institutions that include manufacturers, energy, agriculture, maritime, digital media, foreign consulates, and other interests. In 2013, member organizations were able to significantly contribute to the state’s record-breaking exports, the total value of which exceeded $63.1 billion. This strong international organization creates a variety of opportunities for its stakeholders with the objective to add wealth to its community as well as create jobs through international trade and related services while fostering business and economic development by engaging in allied activities. For more information please visit www.wtcno.org.

For more information, please contact The World Trade Center New Orleans at (504) 529-1601 or email info@wtcno.org.