Last week was National Economic Development Week.

It’s good to reflect on this annually, but for us at The SWLA Economic Development Alliance, it’s our focus every day and every week. Many folks ask what is involved in growing our economy. There are many facets. The foundation of it all is regionalism.
Our service area is the five parishes of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis. Without strong bonds among the cities and parishes, we cannot fully prosper. Our workforce comes from throughout our region and our trade area is basically the 310,000 people in our five parishes. No one town or parish can be competitive standing alone. So the Alliance stands for unity and regionalism.

Our activities include marketing Southwest Louisiana to the world. We utilize publications and social media targeting industries that are looking to expand and site selectors who steer that process. We meet with prospects on their turf and here in our region and attend trade shows and site selector events. We partner with Louisiana Economic Development (LED) to attract new projects and to offer incentives to keep us competitive.

Much economic growth comes from the existing industry in an area. We meet with our existing major employers annually to determine their needs and how they may be assisted. 

Entrepreneurship is a major part of our economic growth. While we work with major industry, small business is the backbone of the economy. The Business Incubator of Southwest Louisiana, located at The SEED Center, has office space for start-up companies. The major focus of the incubator is offering coaching and training programs so the new businesses can grow. Entrepreneurial services are available to companies physically located in the SEED Center or in any community in our region. Annually, The Alliance sponsors a Business Pitch Contest and two weeks ago we awarded four start-up companies a cash prize of $5,000 each. 

Workforce development is a major issue for employers of all sizes. The Education and Workforce Committee brings together business and industry leaders with educational institutions in the five parishes including SOWELA and McNeese. We match the needs of business and industry with educational programs. The Alliance offers customer service training to employees of the members of the Chamber SWLA. We also conduct the top-rated Leadership SWLA Program. For almost forty years,
over 800 people have completed Leadership SWLA, which uses experience-based training sessions conducted by regional leaders in areas such as human services, education, government, coastal restoration, and infrastructure. Applications are taken during the summer for the following year’s class.

In addition to workforce or talent, development we focus on Quality of Life. In order to keep our residents here and to attract needed new workers, we must have clean communities that are litter free with buildings up to code and safe. We applaud local governments who are taking steps to condemn vacant and blighted residential and commercial property. We must be an inviting place to live and that includes welcoming all newcomers to our area. 

Our diversified economic base is composed of Agriculture and Forestry, Petrochemical and LNG, Aviation, Medical, and Gaming and Hospitality. Many areas do not have the varied economic drivers found in Southwest Louisiana. There are new sectors coming such as in the H2The Future which will focus on new, green energy such as solar, wind, and carbon sequestration. 

Every day presents a new opportunity for our region. That’s why we celebrate Economic Development Week every day and every week to create a better Southwest Louisiana.