THE BOSSIER MEANS BUSINESS BLOG
Modernization brings big opportunity for Northwest Louisiana
Opportunity abounds for gaming in Northwest Louisiana as the industry has the potential to take on a new incarnation. With the House nodding its approval of Senate Bill 316, the modernization of the nearly 25-year-old riverboat gaming laws will indeed impact our local industry.
Remaining competitive despite instability
Despite the state budget woes, Bossier has seen consistent progress due to the collaboration between the parish and city. Bossier is known for its positive business environment, willingness to partner for prosperity, and its innovative approach to planning for the future.
When it comes to gaming in Louisiana, modern means competitive
The Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation, along with our regional partners at the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce have been in conversation with the Riverboat Economic and Gaming Task Force to sound off on the best practices surrounding the potential modernization of the current laws. Our efforts support the foundation’s main priority of the preservation approximately 6,000 jobs represented locally within the industry with an average annual wage over $20,000.
On track to being ‘picture perfect’
There are comprehensive economic development tools in place right here in our state and our MSA that position us to meet existing industry needs and respond to new demands. Our community is focused on workforce development, education, incentives, and sound infrastructure which aid our efforts of attracting new industry and adding jobs. Independently, these parts of the economic development matrix are important, but when coupled together by a community they can provide a comprehensive, proactive approach to economic development effectiveness.
A year of investment in Bossier
The top headlines from the year represent the theme of investing in the Bossier community. Bossier is known for strong leadership and community partnership that enriches the business and economic landscape. Our elected officials and community partners have shown an overwhelming investment to strengthen workforce and education initiatives, and are committed to the continued advancements to infrastructure. These investments have helped and will continue to keep Bossier on track and competitive in securing new jobs and investment.
Indicator of good health
Staying up to speed on what’s happening in our local market is an important part of planning for your business. These local indicators help us to get an inside look into what’s happening in the business cycle. The numbers tell us where we’ve been and where we may go.
Bossier: Where’s the real growth?
Taking a closer look at local indicator trends distinctly marks the Bossier community as one that is in fact on the grow in many different areas. A breakdown on the specifics of the how and the where helps us to show that Bossier is marking real growth.
Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation publishes an in-depth profile of Bossier’s business and economic statistics
The annual publication details economic data on the Bossier MSA and profiles population and demographics including cost of living comparisons, changes in population for Bossier City, Benton, Haughton, and Plain Dealing and includes household income levels for Bossier City and Parish. The publication also provides information on updated state incentives, the local business environment, labor and workforce trends, and provides a snapshot of the construction/real estate development.
The good and bad of Bossier’s growth (By Sarah Crawford, from The Shreveport Times, August 4, 2017)
“I think Bossier in particular has done well planning ahead, but I don’t think anybody foresaw the growth the last 10 years that we’ve seen.”
From the Executive Director: Bossier Progress
Growth in population, the diversification of industry and the forward-thinking leadership at the Parish and City level has helped Bossier to be successful in securing new development.
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