As we begin 2019, construction of several large industries is nearing completion and they are beginning operation. This is the goal for long-term and sustainable growth for our region. The permanent jobs created after construction is when our region gets tremendous benefits, not only in taxes to our local governments, but in high-paying jobs for our residents.

There are no certainties in the field of economic development.  

• Are you a small business owner who needs funding to grow your business?

• Do you have what you believe is a good business concept?

• Do you want an opportunity to promote your business?

It has begun.

On January 7, 2019, private contractors started the highly anticipated Interstate 210 construction project that is desperately needed in order to make sure the structure is safe for motorist.

Our region needs more S.T.E.A.M. in the New Year. That is, we need more emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. And the “A” stands for arts. Future jobs and the future of our region depend on education and training in these categories. 

Business is good in Southwest Louisiana. People who do not believe the latter need look no further than the daily growing list of businesses that are opening because owners want to make money in an area that possesses one of America’s fastest and consistently growing gross domestic products. 

At this time of the year, we reflect on 2018 and plan for 2019.

Southwest Louisiana had another successful year with a growing economy and record employment.

Thank you to our Chamber Southwest Louisiana members. We wouldn’t be the organization we are today without each and every one of you!

Since 1903, the Chamber has been a long-standing institution in Southwest Louisiana.

As 2019 approaches, the SEED Incubator Center management team wants the public to know about the opportunities that will be available. We encourage start up business owners and longtime entrepreneurs to consider our services.

The mission of the SWLA Economic Development Alliance is to improve the economy in our five-parish region and increase the quality of life for all residents.

If you have not heard, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the business space is about to get into full gear in 2019.

Our five-parish region continues to lead the state in job growth. In fact, The Lake Charles MSA has the fastest job growth for medium size markets in the United States, according to Business Facilities Magazine. Our region was named the Small Market of the Year for the eighth year in a row by Southern Business Development Magazine.

 According to a study compiled by analysts with www.howmuch.com, the Lake Charles area is the number one market for job seekers in America.    

Our region is in the midst of unprecedented growth and job creation. These jobs will provide the foundation for keeping our young people here and in attracting new residents for generations to come.

Diversity in the workplace can be an uncomfortable discussion. It is a complicated topic because the word ‘diversity’ is defined by an individual’s cultural standards, values and perceptions.

Lake Charles Regional Airport landed Southwest Louisiana’s most recent Certified Site from Louisiana Economic Development (LED) in September. This new Certified Site is the 156-acre tract of property located north of Airport Boulevard and west of the Calcasieu Sheriff’s Office location on Gulf Highway (La. Hwy. 385). A Certified Site designation indicates that the airport property for lease is primed and ready for development.

Scott said in 40 years of monitoring the Louisiana economy, he has never seen back-to-back job performances like that in any MSA in the state. In fact, he says, few if any other MSAs in the country matched this record.

Fall is here and that means it is time to make final preparations for the fourth business quarter during 2018.

No matter what your enterprise, thought needs to be given towards your overall business strategy.

The sports world provides some of the best examples of late game strategy because finishing strong is a key to overall success.

Here are some tips to consider from a 2017 article in Forbes magazine entitled “Five Tips To Win Your Fourth Quarter: Business Strategies From The Best In Sports.”

The 13th annual LegisGator Luncheon Aug. 24 at L’Auberge Casino Resort was a tremendous success. In addition to a packed house, there was a full complement of federal and state elected officials. Governor John Bel Edwards kicked off the program with optimism that the state’s financial condition has stabilized. As did most of the speakers, the Governor heaped praise on area businesses and elected leaders for the outstanding amount of industrial growth that is leading the state.

Built in 1952, The I-10 Bridge has outlived its structural capacity and usefulness in today’s fast paced national and international business climate. Studies by the National Bridge Inventory and Louisiana officials have established that the bridge does not meet traffic capacity standards which can impede commerce and create safety concerns.

Several years ago when The Alliance was planning for the coming year, the incoming board chair, Ken Broussard, suggested a need to work on the quality of life in our area.

Recent comments from visitors and economic development consultants are very encouraging about the current and future economy of our region.

We’ve heard repeatedly from sources outside our area that the dollar amount of current and future industrial projects is unprecedented and not something to take for granted, compared to other areas of our state and nation.

Check out our regional economic development magazine!

With the re-zoning of 12,000 acres of private property in West Calcasieu, our region is now in the process of planning for another potential gamechanger, a huge megasite. By definition and practice, a megasite is a large contiguous tract of land for big industrial operations. To remain competitive among industrial sites around the world, Southwest Louisiana needs these large properties.

Two recent developments have given encouragement to solving some of the infrastructure issues in Southwest Louisiana.

The city of Lake Charles is positioning itself for new economic development with a strategic targeted array of incentives for the Interstate 10 Corridor, Enterprise Boulevard, and the Lakefront.

Chamber SWLA officials have announced the creation of a task force as part of its effort to facilitate the replacement of the Interstate 10/Calcasieu River Bridge. 

SEED Center Business Incubator was Rural Incubator for May 2018

In 2017, Louisiana’s gross domestic product (GDP) was one of the least impressive of the 50 states. For observers in Southwest Louisiana, such news could lead to confusion. Last week, the Associated Press published a story stating, ...

Education has always been the key to mobility. As technological advances change the workforce landscape, getting an education is the one task that will keep a person viable.