As it works to put together its annual economic outlook for the nine-parish Capital Region in the coming year, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber is inviting area businesses and community leaders to take part in the process via a survey launched this morning.
The responses will be compiled in BRAC’s 2017 Economic Outlook, which will be unveiled on Thursday, Nov. 17, in conjunction with Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week. The survey will close at midnight on Monday, Oct. 31. It consists of 13 questions and can be taken online.
“BRAC’s annual economic forecast has become a critical decision-support tool for businesses of all sizes,” says BRAC President and CEO Adam Knapp in a statement. “It all starts with many business owners and leaders telling us about their companies, giving us input on their business outlook and view of the regional economy. We need help on this—the results help everyone to better plan and prepare.”
BRAC has produced the economic outlook every year since 2007. BRAC will deliver the 2017 Economic Outlook at its Regional Stakeholders’ Breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Ruffino’s at De La Ronde Hall, 320 3rd St.
Last month, economist Loren Scott forecast the Capital Region to lead the state in total job growth over the coming two years as part of his annual economic forecast for Louisiana.
The nine-parish Baton Rouge area is projected to add about 4,500 jobs in 2017 and 4,500 more in 2018, which is more in absolute terms than any other metro region in Louisiana. In percentage terms—1.1% per year—it puts Baton Rouge at No. 2 in projected job growth behind Lake Charles, which is expected to see job growth of 3.6% in 2017 and 2% in 2018.
According to Scott, the Baton Rouge and Lake Charles metro areas are the only two in the state experiencing such growth, and both economies are being propelled by the ongoing industrial construction boom.
