Publisher: Baton Rouge continues to post job gains

The most recent jobs report from the Louisiana Workforce Commission shows Baton Rouge gained 5,400 jobs over the past year, with the biggest increases coming in construction, retail, education and health care. In his latest column, Business Report Publisher Rolfe McCollister says there are more on the way. “This month, Ameritas Technologies opens in the Chase Building in downtown Baton Rouge and will create 300 new jobs—part of a much larger vision to counter the offshore outsourcing of American technology jobs. These new direct jobs, with an average salary of $63,000, plus benefits, will result in an additional 306 new indirect jobs,” he cites as just one example of local job creation in the pipeline. “So let’s have the Capital Region lead the way and finish the year strong—and make 2013 a great year for growth.” In his column, McCollister also touches on the growing trend of American universities expanding their online course options and finding ways to generate real revenue from them. “This trend isn’t in the distant future—it’s happening now. As higher ed—and all businesses—face more competition and tighter budgets, they will have to be innovative and more efficient and discover ways to tap new markets and customers,” he says. “Louisiana universities, like all others, will have to rise to the challenge in the 21st century as we chart a new course.” Read the full column here; and send your comments to editors@businessreport.com.