Economic Development

Many restaurateurs and chefs across the country are facing higher food prices and labor shortages, forcing them to eliminate menu items and focus on cost-effective meals. But it doesn’t seem to be a problem in Baton Rouge just yet.

The Baton Rouge residential sector was historically hot over the summer but will inflation and expected rising interest rates have a chilling effect?

Canadian Pacific Railway recently committed to a Baton Rouge-to-New Orleans passenger rail service, something BRAF and its executive vice president, John Spain, have been working on for over a decade.

Natural gas remains in the energy transition spotlight as more producers have recently announced environmental certification of their products, even as the industry pushes back against congressional scrutiny of U.S. LNG exports, S&P Global reports.

As part of Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week, Nexus Louisiana will host a high-stakes pitch competition that will culminate with a live pitch event March 10 in which the winner will receive a $100,000 investment prize.

The League of American Bicyclists named Baton Rouge as one of 55 communities to receive a Bicycle Friendly Community Award for fall 2021, the league announced last week.

Some Louisiana legislators are hoping to alleviate the ongoing shortage of truck drivers by lowering the legal driving age for big rigs from 21 to 18, WAFB-TV reports. 

Supply chain issues, labor shortages and inflationary pressures have driven prices up for businesses across the country, leading some to try something new to offset the increasing costs.

Local tourism numbers in 2021 likely will mirror or exceed 2019, Visit Baton Rouge President and CEO Paul Arrigo says. 

Nonprofits are embracing new fundraising approaches to attract the attention of donors who have been focused on COVID-19 and natural disaster recovery efforts.