[StBernard] Louisiana, Governor Blanco land on "Top 10" lists for economic development

[Westley Annis]

Louisiana, Governor Blanco land on "Top 10" lists for economic development

BATON ROUGE - The momentum continues for Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco's ambitious economic development agenda as Southern Business & Development (SB&D) magazine ranks Louisiana high in seven of ten key categories that often predict growth. For the second consecutive year, the publication recognizes Gov. Blanco as a trailblazer for making economic development a priority of her administration.

Each year, SB&D releases its Top 10 list, ranking Southern states in 10 economic development categories. This year, Louisiana was noted in seven of the 10 categories. The list includes economic forecasters for growth, such as leadership, growth of emerging industries, transportation resources, and a state's ability to attract a creative class.

"We have truly changed the way Louisiana does business," Gov. Blanco said. "People around the world are taking notice and exploring opportunities across our state. Now is an exciting time as our bold, new approach to economic development places Louisiana on a firm path to prosperity."

Louisiana is noted in seven categories, including: 

Top 10 People Who Made a Difference: Gov. Blanco and Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Secretary Mike Olivier 

For the second year in a row, Gov. Blanco and Sec. Olivier are listed among the "Top 10 People Who Made a Difference in Economic Development". SB&D noted the difficult circumstances Blanco and Olivier faced over the past three years while continuing to move the state forward. 

"They instituted some outstanding business-friendly reforms and turned some of the most impressive deals in Louisiana history," reports the magazine.

Top 10 Places in the South for the Creative Class: Lafayette, La. 

Lafayette receive recognition for its cultural diversity and forward thinking, including its entrepreneurial spirit and rich blend of French, Spanish, American, Indian and African influences. The magazine also noted the city's "risk-taking and entrepreneurial spirit," citing its Fiber to the Premises Initiative, designed to bring high-speed communications technology to homes and businesses in Lafayette. 

Top 10 Great Places for Aviation and Aerospace: Lake Charles, La. 

Lake Charles' Chennault International Airport, home to Northrop Grumman, EADS Aeroframe Services and other leading aviation companies, gives the city an edge in the aerospace and aviation industry. Combined with its access to the Calcasieu River and the Gulf of Mexico by a deep-water ship channel, the city is a great destination for this growing sector.

Top 10 Inland Waterways in the South: Red River and Ouachita/Black River systems 

Two of Louisiana's inland waterways, the Red River and the Ouachita/Black River, are recognized for being "vital components of the South's transportation system helping to dramatically reduce costs of manufacturers and producers," according to SB&D.

Top 10 Places in the South for Emerging Growth Industries: Shreveport/Northwest Louisiana 

Northwest Louisiana is recognized for its growth in life sciences and other tech-intensive industries as well as the oil and gas, renewable energy and the film and entertainment industry sectors. To prepare its workforce for new economy growth, Northwest Louisiana has implemented math, science and technology initiatives in area school systems.

For a complete list of SB&D's Top 10 rankings, click here <http://www.sb-d.com.> . 

For more information on how LED is encouraging economic development and moving Louisiana forward, visit Louisianaforward.com <http://www.louisianaforward.com> .

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