Business leaders were recognized at this year’s 121st Annual Banquet of the Chamber SWLA on January 30 and attendees were given insight into the future of Southern economic development. The banquet set the stage for new Alliance leadership with the arrival of new President /CEO Scott Walker later this month.

As I prepare to step away from my role as President and CEO of the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, it’s time to reflect on the past 20 years. It’s been an incredible journey, one filled with challenges, growth, and above all, a deep sense of community. Together, we’ve
weathered hurricanes, celebrated industrial expansions, and built stronger partnerships that have positioned Southwest Louisiana as a powerhouse for economic development.

Since its inception, the Alliance has worked to foster an environment where businesses, industries, and communities can thrive. But none of this would have been possible without the support of our members and investors. You are the lifeblood of our efforts, and together, we have achieved remarkable milestones. It is no exaggeration to say that your investment in the Alliance Foundation is a key driver of the growth we are seeing in Southwest Louisiana.

For decades, Louisiana’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) has been a cornerstone of economic growth in our state, attracting businesses, creating jobs, and bolstering our communities. At the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, we see
firsthand the benefits this program delivers. However, it is not without its critics, and it’s important to address their concerns while highlighting the undeniable positives of ITEP. 

As we prepare for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to remind ourselves of the power we hold as consumers to shape our community’s future. This year, I encourage everyone to think locally—especially when it comes to holiday shopping. With almost 1,200 members in the Chamber Southwest Louisiana, the options for finding unique, high-quality goods and services right here in our region are vast. Supporting these businesses doesn’t just fill your shopping list; it strengthens the community we call home.

As we approach the Thanksgiving season, it’s a time for reflection—an opportunity to pause, take stock, and express gratitude. Here in Southwest Louisiana, there is much to be thankful for as we continue to navigate the challenges and celebrate the triumphs that make our region unique. In the spirit of the season, I’d like to share a few of the key "ingredients" that make Southwest Louisiana a place we can all be proud to call home.

Tomorrow is Support Your Local Chamber Day. At the Chamber/Alliance, we are often asked about the value of joining a Chamber of Commerce. The question is a good one, and the answer is even better. Joining a Chamber of Commerce is not just a membership; it’s an investment in your business and the community at large.

In the ever-evolving landscape of economic development, the cornerstone of success rests on one fundamental truth: the availability of prime industrial sites. In Southwest Louisiana, we stand at a pivotal moment, one where the strategic development of these sites can be a catalyst for job creation and foster economic resilience in our communities.

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As of 2023, online shopping accounted for 63% of consumer spending in the United States, while in-store shopping accounted for 37%. Several years ago a top real estate attorney from Atlanta came to Southwest Louisiana to make recommendations on how we could grow our retail and restaurant market. He was impressed by the number of “strip centers” that were and are still being built. He also was impressed that many of the tenants were what he called “Amazon Proof.”

One of the biggest impacts for improving quality of life and making our area more attractive to visitors, residents, and potential residents would be for us the rid the area of litter. This may sound simplistic, but the number one complaint we hear ...

The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance is one of the eight regional economic development organizations in the state.  We have been assured that the regional economic development organizations ( RE-DO’s) will have input into the strategic plan that will be developed.  Each region of the state is different with strengths and assets unique to that region.  For example, the same plan for Northeast Louisiana or New Orleans won’t work for Southwest Louisiana.  Thus, a custom plan and goals for our region are necessary.

While we have been successful in the past in SWLA,  it is time to re-boot and gear up for the future.  With the state agency transforming, the SWLA Alliance is readying for new leadership and a new vision, too.  It’s an exciting time to be in Louisiana and especially Southwest Louisiana.

• The latest unemployment rate for the Lake Charles area is 4.1%. This is below the state measure of 4.5% (not seasonally adjusted) and only slightly above the national figure of 3.5% (not seasonally adjusted).
• From December 2022 to December 2023, the area added 1,500 jobs for a 1.6% increase.

There is an effort underway to streamline the Louisiana Department of Economic Development (LED) so it can respond at the speed of business. The department has been hamstrung by bureaucratic regulations that sometimes seem to take forever to navigate. In an effort to facilitate change, Governor Jeff Landry appointed Susan Bourgeois as Secretary of LED. Her background has been in  running the Northshore Community Foundation and serving as Chair of Greater New Orleans, Inc. Her specialty is strategic planning. As part of the effort to reimage the department, Senator Beth Mizell, Chair of the Louisiana Senate Commerce Committee has introduced Senate Bill 474. The legislation is scheduled to be presented to the committee tomorrow.

According to the Small Business Administration, small companies generate 1.5 million jobs a year and account for 64% of new jobs in America. Small businesses also contribute 44% of the U.S. economic activity, so as the number of new businesses grows so does their economic contributions. In recognition of this impact, The Alliance (Business Incubator of Southwest Louisiana)/Chamber SWLA will host several events during National Small Business Development Week.

A major part of our work at The Alliance is to sell our Southwest Louisiana assets to attract future industrial growth. One of the ways we do this is in Site Selection Magazine, a print publication and online version, which is targeted to site selection consultants and company executives. 

Southwest Louisiana has again been recognized for its strong industrial base. Southern Business & Development Magazine Publisher Michael Randle recently announced that the Southwest Louisiana Region is among ten historically
dominant manufacturing regions in the South. Industries such as Sasol, Venture Global, Westlake Chemical, Northrop Grumman, Cheniere, and Phillips 66 are reasons for the recognition.

Southwest Louisiana is in the national and international eye due to our region’s connection to liquified natural gas (LNG).

If there was ever a moment when that realization became extremely apparent, it occurred inside the confines of a United States House of Representatives Committee room.

Republicans scheduled a hearing for a subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “Politics Over People: How Biden’s LNG Export Ban Threatens America’s Energy and Economic Security” was the title of the proceeding.

The Biden Administration’s decision has far-reaching consequences because LNG and SWLA have a symbiotic relationship. LNG has been part of the SWLA economic tapestry since 1981. The Lake Charles MSA (Calcasieu and Cameron parishes) has
become a strategic area of LNG expansion and investment due to our region's extensive pipeline system, the Calcasieu River Ship Channel, workforce, and a strong community connection to industry going back to the early 1900s.

Free enterprise is the best system in the world at enabling success and ensuring our future. However, public support for this idea is declining. Free enterprise is an economic system in which private business operates in competition and largely free of state control. “ Our families, communities, our country, and our world are the biggest winners because of free enterprise”, declared U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne Clark at The State of American Business. This event was recently held in Washington, DC and on-line.

We are not an island unto ourselves here in Southwest Louisiana. With many international companies located here and the ship channel and Port of Lake Charles, our region is tied to the world economy and events.

A new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge is on life support after the LA Department of Transportation and Calcasieu Bridge Builders extended the Public Private Partnership (P3) plan until February 1st . Prior to this action, the bid proposal expired December 3rd. This will now give the incoming Landry Administration an opportunity to review the proposal and decide if the P-3 project will move forward.

The next generation is getting prepared and I’m confident they will exceed all expectations, bringing SWLA to new levels.

November 25, 2023, is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. This year, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as they navigate, retool, and pivot from the lingering effects of the coronavirus pandemic and natural disasters. Please join The Chamber SWLA/ Alliance and organizations across the country in supporting your local small businesses by shopping at a small business.

Despite a dismal 36% voter turnout October 24, registered voters have another chance to make a difference in the November 18 General Election. In addition to important run-offs for the statewide offices of Secretary of State, Treasurer, and
Attorney General, there are numerous run-offs for other offices such as Police Jurors in Cameron, Sheriff in Jeff Davis and others. There are four constitutional amendments on the ballot.

Funding.

It is a primary issue facing all businesses no matter what size they are.

Anyone with dreams of owning a business needs to view fundraising as a top issue to plan for.

For starters, the owner of a new venture needs to figure out how much money they will need.

Despite being one of the nation’s most weather impacted areas, the Southwest Louisiana Economy is coming back and has potential to lead the state again.

Back in the 1960’s Governors of Maine, Rhode Island, and North Dakota were elected by an average of one vote per precinct. In 2000, George W. Bush won the State of Florida by 537 votes, thus winning the Presidency. 

Many elections have been decided by one or two votes which emphasizes the importance of going to the ballot box if you want to decide the future of our state. Through Saturday October 7 early voting is now open. Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin reminds us you do not need a reason to vote early. All voters may vote early, just like they are voting on election day. Voters who want to vote early for any election may do so in person at designated locations in their parish.

The official name is the Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial Economic Development Center. The late Dr. Robert Hebert, President of McNeese State University, helped us shorten the name to “SEED Center.” “We are planting seeds
for businesses to grow,” he said, thus, it’s The SEED Center. 

Taxes.

Nobody likes to think of them, much less plan systems within their business operations to make sure local, state and federal taxes are paid.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides some general insights that new business owners or long-term pros do not want to forget.