The Coordinating & Development Corporation (CDC) has recently been awarded a USDA Rural Business Development grant and has chosen to partner with the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, along with Retail Strategies, to implement a retail development plan for the three rural communities in Bossier Parish in 2026.
To fulfill the work of this grant request, the Chamber and CDC are partnering with Retail Strategies to bring their Retail Academy program to Benton, Haughton and Plain Dealing. Through the Academy, the towns will receive valuable information about spending trends in their communities as well as recruitment tools to bring new retailers to their municipalities. As each community develops and implements their plans to attract retail businesses, the Chamber and CDC, along with Retail Strategies, will provide needed support.
“Retail development is economic development,” said Lisa Johnson, President/CEO of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce. “We are seeing a lot of growth and interest for residents and businesses to locate in our rural communities. As we work to grow our region, we have to make sure that we take measured steps to give these communities the tools to make informed decisions for the future of their towns. Retail not only brings jobs to our area but it brings opportunities for our residents to spend their money locally and keep those dollars circulating in Bossier Parish.”