Marion "Butch" Fox, president and CEO of the Jeff Davis Parish Economic Development and Tourist Commission and Chamber of Commerce, has died.
"Marion was a true trailblazer and visionary in local and state Economic Development and Tourism. She served Jeff Davis Parish with great pride and took pride in personally helping many citizens through her efforts. Her leadership and love for Jeff Davis Parish and the State of Louisiana were immeasurable. Marion’s tireless efforts kept Jeff Davis Parish competitive and in the forefront for economic growth and tourism. She was a true public servant," a release from the parish states.
Arrangements are incomplete this morning. We'll update this story when that information is released.
“Without a doubt this Parish, Region and State has lost one of the most remarkable individuals who helped to make a difference in so many lives. Her dedicated commitment to helping make life better for so many people will never be forgotten. Today is hard on us but we who knew “Butch” and what her life was about know that she would expect us to move forward, to never look back and to always think outside of the box. I know that even though she is no longer with us she will always be by our sides. She was a difference maker for sure,” said Ronnie Petree, Board President, Jeff Davis Parish Economic Development.
Here is Fox's bio, provided by the parish:
Marion directs the economic development and tourist commissions and the chamber of commerce for Jeff Davis Parish. JDPEDC Board was instrumental in merging the three Jeff Davis Parish entities (Economic, Tourism, and Chamber of Commerce), which has become a model for other Parish organizations.
Marion has worked in the industry for 30+ years serving at several convention & visitors bureaus, Louisiana Office of Tourism (Marketing Director) and the Louisiana Office of Economic Development (Deputy Under Secretary for International Business Development).
Marion was involved in the private sector in an international company during NAFTA matching Mexican and US companies. Marion worked to secure the Zagis Cotton Spinning Plant, Bayou Rum (Distillery), the South Louisiana Rail Facility, Metalplate Galvanizing, The Regatta Seafood and Steak House, The Bank Hotel, Louisiana Operating Company (Catalyst Plant) and the Rail Logix Terminal at the Lacassine Industrial Park.
Marion currently serves as Advocacy Chair for both LTA (Louisiana Travel Association) and LACVB (Louisiana Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus) and just completed her term on the International Board of Commerce. Jeff Davis Parish is a charter and board member of both the Southwest Louisiana Alliance (5 parishes) and One Acadiana (9 parishes).
The creation of the Super Region came out of working together with both regions to assure Acadiana/SWLA receives their fair share of dollars from the state and have the political clout to move our agenda forward. Marion also serves on the Louisiana District Export Council Board, the SW LA Planning Commission, Louisiana Travel Association Board, Louisiana Tourism Marketing Board, the Jennings American Legion Hospital Advisory Board and the Christus St. Patricks Hospital Foundation Board.
Marion is currently chair of the 2020 Census Committee for Jeff Davis Parish. Jeff Davis Parish, located between, Lake Charles and Lafayette, and Houston and New Orleans, is sitting in the proverbial “catbird” seat with land to develop, an economic development office that offers onestop-shopping, a progressive economic development board and a workforce ready to go to work. Jeff Davis Parish has a State Certified Site (approximately 700 acre) with access to rail, LA Hwy 90 and Interstate 10.
