LABI Taps Paxson Guest to 2025 Emerging Leaders Council

BATON ROUGE, La. – Feb. 18, 2025 – The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) welcomed Phelps associate Paxson Guest to its 2025 Emerging Leaders Council (ELC). The program will prepare Paxson to support local businesses as the state sees record investment in economic development and becomes a home for emerging industries like energy and tech.

The ELC connects young professionals with peers and industry leaders who share their commitment to fostering a thriving business environment in Louisiana. Paxson will sharpen his leadership skills and bring insights to the firm and its clients as they navigate the next stage of the state’s growth.

“I’m honored to join such a distinguished group of talented individuals from across Louisiana in an effort to make the state a better place to live and work,” Paxson said. “I look forward to the added benefits of expanding my professional network to include representatives from a broad range of industry sectors and staying apprised of the biggest issues facing Louisiana businesses to better serve existing and future clients.”   

Paxson advises clients in the areas of corporate transactions, business, real estate and finance, with a primary focus on transactions involving commercial real estate. He oversees and facilitates each stage of the commercial transaction process, from inception to closing. He represents a variety of businesses including real estate developers, banking and lending institutions, private landowners, private utilities, family offices, restaurant franchisees, and homeowner and condominium associations.

Paxson’s achievement follows Phelps’ strong history of partnership with the LABI. Madison DeWitt and Michael B. Victorian are both ELC alumni, and Phelps’ business group leader Ragan Richard is an active member of the organization.

For 50 years, the LABI has brought together thousands of Louisiana businesses to advance the state’s economy and create a collaborative vision for its future. It continues to play a vital role in drawing innovative companies to the state while investing in making it a great place to live and work.

The newest ELC cohort kicked off their yearlong program on Feb. 18 at the LABI’s Center for Free Enterprise in Baton Rouge.