It starts with a definition: What exactly makes one powerful or influential?

For the purposes of this inaugural compendium, we looked through the lens of those whose contributions keep our community and economy thriving, whether they be well-known or under the radar. Those to whom others in business and the community look for leadership.

We then began our 10 months of research. We reviewed business and other data. We requested recommendations from community leaders. We scoured our own pages and those of other media.

We considered those who have been honored over the years by Business Report or other well-regarded entities. We asked for nominations from our readers. 

In our final list, we have included key influencers representing every sector — banking and finance, real estate, energy, manufacturing, industrial services, professional services, media and technology, health care, arts, sports, hospitality and tourism, education, government, and philanthropy/nonprofits. We also captured those ‘living legends’ who may no longer keep regular office hours but remain influential and continue to build on their legacy nonetheless.

Rising to the top job at a major company or organization alone wasn’t enough to make it on the list. We excluded current elected officials unless they were eligible based on a nonpolitical position they hold, and we did not include more than six people from any single entity. All of those represented in these pages are based in the nine parishes that comprise the Capital Region. 

Final selections were based on merit alone. We included those who insisted they didn’t want to be on the list, and we omitted who definitely wanted to be included. 

We welcome your feedback on our methodology, selections or omissions. Please email us at editors@businessreport.com.

It starts with a definition: What exactly makes one powerful or influential?

For the purposes of this inaugural compendium, we looked through the lens of those whose contributions keep our community and economy thriving, whether they be well-known or under the radar. Those to whom others in business and the community look for leadership.

We then began our 10 months of research. We reviewed business and other data. We requested recommendations from community leaders. We scoured our own pages and those of other media.

We considered those who have been honored over the years by Business Report or other well-regarded entities. We asked for nominations from our readers. 

In our final list, we have included key influencers representing every sector — banking and finance, real estate, energy, manufacturing, industrial services, professional services, media and technology, health care, arts, sports, hospitality and tourism, education, government, and philanthropy/nonprofits. We also captured those ‘living legends’ who may no longer keep regular office hours but remain influential and continue to build on their legacy nonetheless.

Rising to the top job at a major company or organization alone wasn’t enough to make it on the list. We excluded current elected officials unless they were eligible based on a nonpolitical position they hold, and we did not include more than six people from any single entity. All of those represented in these pages are based in the nine parishes that comprise the Capital Region. 

Final selections were based on merit alone. We included those who insisted they didn’t want to be on the list, and we omitted who definitely wanted to be included. Advertising played no role in our selections. 

We welcome your feedback on our methodology, selections or omissions. Please email us at editors@businessreport.com.