Casino funds first regional economic study

Where is Southwest Louisiana’s economy headed? Answers will come soon. L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, along with Louisiana Economic Development and the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, is spending $50,000 to fund part of a full-scale regional competitiveness strategy study for Southwest Louisiana. The study will update the region’s targeted sectors for growth and development, examine the feasibility of the Beauregard Airport for major economic development and propose action steps, and evaluate strengths and barriers to competitiveness. Chamber Southwest Louisiana President Ken Broussard says this will be the first regional study of its kind. Says Broussard: “In order to journey forward, it is imperative to know where we now stand.” This study is part of the Alliance’s full scale economic development program for Southwest Louisiana, which includes workforce development, enticing new industries to the region, and supporting/nurturing existing businesses and entrepreneurs. “Developing our region requires information, determination and resources,” says Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance President/CEO George Swift. “We have the latter two in abundance, and this study will give us the information we need to formulate a solid strategy for future growth. We look forward to an outside assessment of our region’s needs and strengths and aim to incorporate the steps recommended by the study into our current five year plan for Southwest Louisiana.”