One of the major issues facing employers across the nation is the recruitment and retention of qualified workers. Every business and industry sector is looking for talent.

The current unemployment rate in our area is 3 %. The state unemployment rate is 3.2%. According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, there are two jobs available for every person seeking employment. Many folks need training or certifications to get the job they want. SWLA is fortunate to have McNeese State University, SOWELA Technical Community College, ABC School, Acadian Ambulance EMT Training Center and several other education and training organizations.

To fill the jobs here in our region, more people from our area will be needed to enter the workforce and we will need to recruit talent from across the nation and world. However, getting folks to move across the country is becoming harder than ever. Andy Medici of the Playbook, writes that taking a job and moving across the country is becoming a relic from the pre-pandemic era. Remote work isn’t the only factor fueling the trend. High relocation costs and costs of housing add to the challenges. But this is not insurmountable. A quality job with a future at a reputable organization will attract workers. We have those jobs in Southwest Louisiana such as in the medical field, aviation, gaming and hospitality, ag and forestry, petrochemical industry, and LNG facilities. Plus our educational institutions need teachers and faculty.

The Alliance is emphasizing Quality of Life Issues in our current strategic plan. We have many amenities here and we all need to do a better job of telling about them. To assist with this effort, we are rolling out Livability Southwest Louisiana-a multi-platform program to share the numerous benefits of moving to and living in Southwest Louisiana. The Alliance has materials you can share with newcomers, visitors, and business prospects. In addition to maps of our region, we have the newly released magazine that promotes Southwest Louisiana’s favorable business climate, attractions, and other amenities. If you are a recruiter for a business, let us assist you with Livability Southwest Louisiana. The magazine is available at The SEED Center, 4310 Ryan Street, Monday through Friday.

We see many times that Louisiana is at the bottom of some arbitrary list or another which stems from data comparing apples to oranges. Louisiana and especially Southwest Louisiana is a unique, beautiful and constantly surprising place to live. We have pretty much everything that a person could ask for- vast green spaces, waterways to explore, abundant hunting, fishing, gaming, the best food, and entertainment opportunities, all, along a major interstate corridor with shipping channels where we can bring in or export anything in the world. 

Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes are exporting roughly two-thirds of the nation’s LNG. According to McNeese and Alliance Economist, Dr. Dan Groft, the Lake Charles MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area which includes Calcasieu and Cameron
parishes) has the highest exports per capita of any MSA in the state and the highest real GDP of any MSA in the state. We are an important area to our nation’s economy.

Our gaming and hospitality industry makes up about 40% of the total state gaming revenues, which is the largest gaming market in the state. 

All of these facts document the vast employment opportunities in our region and a good barometer for a solid future. This is a good time for those with roots in Southwest Louisiana who moved away, to consider returning home.