GET DAILY REPORT FREE
What do you see as Baton Rouge’s greatest assets – biggest differentiators – in attracting investment and talent?
“Our biggest assets are our central location and what has brought people here for hundreds of years — our infrastructure on the river: pipelines, the port system, and the rail network and natural resources. We are a crossroads for the nation, and that’s what makes our industrial base possible. We have a global reach, yet we’re not too big. Going somewhere like San Francisco, it’s overwhelming. Here, even though we’re globally connected in so many ways, we’re still a manageable, friendly city.”
Are there assets the Capital Region needs to leverage more effectively?
“Louisiana is this unbelievable emerald jewel of green landscapes. I recently watched a video of someone who flew from Baton Rouge to Mobile along the Mississippi river, and all you could see was this beautiful green. What’s being portrayed all over the world by anti-industry activists is that we’re an industrial wasteland, and that is just not who we are at all. When I land in Baton Rouge, all you can see are trees and little lights twinkling. It’s beautiful. That’s our Sportsman’s Paradise. We have industry, but we also have all this wonderful nature. We have livestock and pastures, sugar cane and other crops growing right next door to manufacturing plants. Some of it is owned by industry and leased to farmers. We are coexisting and fostering a health community.”
What challenges must the Capital Region overcome to meet the workforce needs of the future economy?
“It’s exciting to see all the new projects coming to Louisiana, from carbon sequestration to new forms of energy. The challenge is that companies will bring in outside workers if they can’t find qualified people here. Since around 2012, the state has made significant progress through High School Redesign, the community and technical college system, and investments in two-year degrees and certifications. As a state, we recognized that most jobs don’t require a four-year degree. High schools are now required to offer career and technical education. Ninth graders select career pathways, and many graduate with certifications or two-year credentials. We need to expand our pool of skilled talent to meet the challenges of rising demand.”
Baton Rouge residents are notoriously self-critical about their own city. Why is that, and how do we fix it?
“Baton Rouge has so much to offer, such as great parks, family-friendly activities, and a welcoming community. Yet, too often, old negative headlines overshadow that reality. The Better in BTR campaign is changing the narrative, and we need to keep that momentum going. People who move here love it, so why are we so hard on ourselves?”
Get out your crystal balls. What is your five-year outlook for your organization and the Capital Region?
“By 2030, we will have grown dramatically. Industrial projects that are planned today will be underway. More people who are currently in training will be working in industrial jobs and coming off state benefits. I’m optimistic we’ll have better traffic flow, the shovel will be in the ground for a new bridge, and I-10 widening will be complete. I also believe we’ll be recognized nationally as a model for environmental responsibility. We can do it!”
Learn More About The Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance
