By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
As preparation begins on Amazon Web Services’ $12 billion data center campuses in Caddo and Bossier parishes, regional leaders are moving quickly to ensure local businesses and workers are positioned to benefit from the historic investment.
Business leaders, contractors and small business owners gathered Wednesday morning, Feb. 25, at the Bossier Central Library for a Supplier Outreach & Informational Event aimed at connecting area companies with contracting and procurement opportunities tied to the multi-campus expansion.
The project is expected to create nearly 540 direct jobs paying 150 percent above the state average. In addition, Louisiana Economic Development estimates approximately 1,700 indirect jobs will be generated across the region, with up to 1,500 construction jobs available during peak buildout.
Caddo Parish Commissioner Victor Thomas said the long-term impact will stretch well beyond the initial construction phase.
“Not only is it going to provide jobs and it’s going to influx our economy, but it’s going to make sure our local individuals are able to participate in this project from the beginning to beyond construction,” Thomas said.
The outreach event was organized in collaboration with STACK Infrastructure, the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, SBAACC, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Shreveport Chamber. Organizers described it as the first formal step in building a strong local supply chain to support the massive development.
As site work begins, regional partners emphasized that ensuring local and minority-owned businesses are informed, prepared and competitive remains a top priority.
“This is about more than a project. It is about ownership in our region’s future,” said Drayden Dunn, a community partner involved in the outreach efforts. “We are intentional about making sure local and small businesses benefit directly from this investment and have the opportunity to grow alongside it. When our local businesses secure contracts, create jobs and scale their operations, the impact multiplies across Northwest Louisiana.”
Dunn said the gathering at the Bossier library reflected a unified regional effort.
“This transformative investment will have a major and lasting impact on our local business community,” he said. “Our focus now is making sure companies are prepared, connected and positioned to participate.”
Local business owners expressed optimism about the opportunities the development could bring to skilled trades and service industries throughout the region. Contractors are also planning outreach events at local high schools in the coming weeks to help students connect with training programs and career pathways linked to the project.
Leaders say that workforce development will be critical to sustaining the long-term economic benefits. Beyond construction, the campuses are expected to generate millions in new tax revenue to support schools, infrastructure and public services across both parishes.
With heavy equipment expected to arrive soon and development advancing in phases, officials stressed that collaboration between public agencies, private companies and local entrepreneurs will determine how deeply the investment takes root in Northwest Louisiana.
Additional outreach sessions are anticipated as construction progresses, reinforcing what leaders say is a shared commitment: ensuring that the economic gains from the project remain local, lasting and inclusive.