Three corridor leaders among ’10 Who Made a Difference’

Three corridor leaders have made Southern Business & Development’s list of “Ten People Who Made A Difference,” honoring those who have made a contribution to successful economic development in the South. The magazine cites Gov. Bobby Jindal, Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret and Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance President & CEO George Swift as southerners who deserve recognition for their contributions in 2008. Southern Business & Development credits Jindal and the Louisiana Legislature for eliminating several unconventional business taxes, including the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment, the franchise tax on corporate debt and the sales tax on natural gas and utilities, as well as implementing the largest personal income tax cut in Louisiana history. “Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has greatly impressed us with his first year in office,” the magazine writes. “[Jindal and Moret] led the state during the recession of 2008 to job increases in eight of the 12 months … There’s no question the general business climate in Louisiana has improved in Jindal’s first year, outperforming most Southern states.” The magazine credits Swift with leading the effort to revitalize Southwest Louisiana’s economy after Hurricane Rita by forging an alliance among five parishes to recruit and retain business. It also cites his role in bringing The Shaw Group’s module fabrication and assembly facility to the Port of Lake Charles.