The steering committee will handle all of the local arrangements including financing. The money is used to pay for outside speakers, meals, etc. Cajun Electric, LPFA and LCES underwrite any costs involved for their personnel. Money can be obtained through monetary donations, economic development grants, registration fees and sponsorships. In many parishes, local businesses and agencies sponsor the evening meal, thus eliminating that cost.
All money remains in the parish.
Often the Chamber or a local banker serving on the steering committee will handle the funds and pay the bills through their accounts. There needs to be a site that can easily accommodate the number of people expected to participate. It needs to be large enough for several small groups to work at the same time, be equipped with moveable tables and chairs and allow food to be served. Large community centers, old gyms and cafeterias all work fine. To really make progress in a parish, the participants must represent a broad cross section.