It may be the end of the calendar year, but it’s only the beginning for GBEDF as we are already working to ensure success for 2017.  Reflecting on 2016 brings one word to mind … impact.   This year was filled with milestone events for the community that will impact and shape generations to come. 

Bossier saw historic flooding, elected new government officials, announced plans for many infrastructure projects and began construction on the Downtown Re-envisioning project.  Our community has also had the opportunity to formally welcome CSRA into the National Cyber Research Park at their grand opening ceremony, and added 300 more jobs to our community with the addition of the CSRA Customer Engagement Center located on Benton Road. 

Our strategy for 2017 includes community impact and focus on a variety of initiatives to diversify the local economy and sustain markets such as retail, housing, and small businesses.  We are also committed to support initiatives that help to provide a well-educated, highly skilled local workforce. 

This year’s focus on the foundation’s digital presence has helped to impact the local business community by better equipping them with the tools and resources necessary to make sound business decisions.  With the launch of our new website www.gbedf.org, the publication of our 2016 Economic Information and Statistics, the data provided in our monthly economic indicator reporting, and the production of our quality of life video, we are committed to enhancing and improving the business climate.

To our members and community partners, we say thank you for collaborating with us in 2016.  We look forward to the future and a prosperous 2017 as we continue to work to make Bossier and Northwest Louisiana the economic foundation of the state.