Where is our economy headed? North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) is partnering with the Bossier Chamber of Commerce to present an update on the regional economy and highlight state, regional and local economic development programs. As part of a travelling series, the NLEP Regional Economic Caravan will be held Thursday, October 10, 2013 from 11:30am-1:00pm at the Bossier Civic Center, Cypress Room, 620 Benton Rd., Bossier City, LA 71111. RSVP Diane Rasberry at 318-677-2557 or email drasberry@nlep.org.
“Our local economy has undergone a great deal of change this year, experiencing both highs and lows. The economy is beginning to feel the impact of the General Motors closure, while at the same time huge projects have located to our area. Recently, Benteler Steel/Tube broke ground on its $975 million steel tube mill, and Ronpak opened its new paper bag mill,” said Scott Martinez, NLEP President.
Additionally, the Regional Economic Caravan will highlight the many great assets in Bossier City and Bossier Parish, including the Cyber Innovation Center, Barksdale Air Force Base and the new BPCC Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology currently under construction on the campus of Bossier Parish Community College.
“The economies of Bossier City and Bossier Parish have seen tremendous growth in recent years, thanks in part to teamwork between state, regional and local economic development groups and strong leadership from our elected officials. The future of our two cities is entwined. What’s good for Bossier is good for Shreveport, and I’m encouraged by the collaboration that has brought such historic projects such as Benteler Steel/Tube to our area,” said Lisa Johnson, President of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce.
The NLEP Regional Economic Caravan will also discuss programs and services available at no cost to help businesses grow. Businesses that are hiring or making capital investments can take advantage of state tax rebates or credits to reduce their tax liability or participate in the Louisiana Economic Gardening program which provides technical assistance to high growth companies.
The free luncheon is sponsored by North Louisiana Economic Partnership, Bossier Chamber of Commerce, Citizens National Bank, Cook Yancey Law Corp., Hill Oil, NWLA Business Monthly, Southern Strategy Group, and Ward II Industrial District.
Speakers include Bossier City Mayor Lo Walker; Jimmy Cochran, Bossier Police Jury President; Scott Martinez, NLEP President; Lisa Johnson, Bossier Chamber of Commerce President; Chancellor Jim Henderson, Bossier Parish Community College; GB Caze, Vice President of Cyber Innovation Center; Colonel Leland Bohannon, 2nd Bomb Wing Vice Commander, Barksdale AFB; and Stacy Brown, President of the Shreveport-Bossier Convention Tourism Bureau.
The meeting is part of NLEP’s Regional Caravan series. NLEP board members and staff travel throughout the 14 parishes that we serve to meet with local elected officials and community and business leaders to engage them in economic development efforts.
North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) is a public-private partnership dedicated to the positive and sustainable economic development of the 14 parishes it serves in North Louisiana. The NLEP and its many partners work with both existing and prospective companies to facilitate the attraction and retention of capital investment and meaningful job opportunities in our region.
NLEP acts as a “first stop shop” for companies considering locating or expanding in North Louisiana. Services include facilitating information gathering, planning and scheduling site visits, conducting an initial real estate search, engaging various partners for support, providing advice and more.
