Moret: ‘Our future is bright’

While Louisiana is one of just six states in the U.S. with more jobs now than before the recession—and just experienced a banner year in economic development—LED Secretary Stephen Moret says the best is yet to come. Moret and Mayor Kip Holden teamed up for a pep talk at a breakfast hosted by Business Report today. Moret says he has never been more optimistic about the future of the Capital Region and the state as a whole. He predicts Louisiana will have at least $50 billion to $60 billion worth of new manufacturing projects under way over the next three to four years, many of which will be announced during the coming 12 to 18 months. He says the colleges and universities will have to step up their output of skilled workers to meet the demand, and says all sorts of companies and professionals can expect to make more money. He says Louisiana has better business incentives, a lighter business tax burden, and faster permitting than Texas, its rival to the west. “It’s time to come out of the shadow and into the light,” Moret says. Holden echoed Moret’s optimism but urged the invited audience of business professionals not to be satisfied, but rather to push even harder. “We have to go out and tell people about the good news” happening in Baton Rouge, Holden says. —David Jacobs