The SWLA economy is diversified with petrochemical, LNG, healthcare, agriculture and forestry, gaming & hospitality, and aviation. While The Alliance always seeks  to bring new industry sectors to our region, it’s important to reflect on our strong industrial base which creates thousands of jobs. One sector key to our area’s future is aerospace. At Chennault International Airport, over one thousand folks are working every day, providing for their families and our nation’s aviation needs. Northrop Grumman performs military contracts, Landlocked Aviation
Services is a major paint contractor, Citadel Completions provides luxury custom interiors for jetliners, Million Air is a quality fixed-base operator, and Louisiana Millworks constructs windows and doors for independent home supply stores. 

With the recent addition of the old Mallard Golf Course property, Chennault now has additional acreage for future growth. Also at Chennault, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries is nearing completion of their administrative building and the Louisiana National Guard is constructing a new Readiness Center at the 210/Legion Street exit. Chennault has constructed what could be a first-phase air cargo facility with potential for growth. 

December 10, there will be an election for the renewal of the existing Chennault 5.45 mil parish-wide property tax. This is not a new tax, but a renewal. Chennault is bringing this to the voters two years early because of immediate needs. With the revenue generated from this existing tax, Chennault can bond out revenue to make necessary improvements. A new road is needed into the old Mallard Cove property, a new firewater pump-house is needed to support additional hangars, and for the area to reach maximum potential, increased water and sewer capacity is necessary for the airpark. Additionally part of the revenue from the Chennault tax goes to support the Southland Airport near Sulphur and the DeQuincy Airport.

In 2021, Economist Dr. Loren Scott released a report that shows Chennault creates 2,168 direct and indirect jobs with an annual economic impact to the region of $410 million. For this reason The Chamber SWLA has endorsed the Chennault Tax Renewal. Failure for this tax to be renewed would cause severe impact to the existing aviation industry and delay preparation of the vacant Chennault property for industrial growth. 

Also on the December 10 ballot will be three statewide constitutional amendments. Number One clarifies that no person who is not a citizen of the United States shall be allowed to register and vote in this state. Amendments Two and Three would require appointed members of the State Civil Service Commission and the State Police Commission be subject to confirmation by the Louisiana Senate. The Chamber SWLA supports a “yes” vote on all three. There are also run-offs for Mayor of Westlake and Iowa, Division A Council seat in Westlake, and for Calcasieu Parish School Board districts 2, 14, and 15. There are run-offs in other parishes. You can find out what’s on your ballot by googling Geaux Vote, or visit the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website. 

In the November 8 election to elect our U.S. Senator and Congressman among other offices, there was about a 46% turnout. It’s to the point that some election observers think that was a good turnout. It’s pathetic, however, that more than half of the voters did not take the time to vote. A majority of the 46% voting means about 30% of the voters are selecting our officials. With early voting and vote by mail for seniors and the disabled, there is really no excuse not to vote. 

Thousands have fought and died in wars so that our country could remain free. In the 1960’s, hundreds were beaten and threatened for African Americans to gain the right to vote. We owe it to those who sacrificed to at least show up and vote December 10.