LEESVILLE, La. (KALB) - Louisiana Central brought a new economic road show, ‘We Make Good Stuff,’ to Leesville on October 7th & 8th.Organizers said their goal for the tour is to create an economic development plan for their ten-parish region of Natchitoches, Winn, Grant, LaSalle, Catahoula, Concordia, Vernon, Rapides, Avoyelles and Allen.“Economic development ultimately, at the end of the day, happens at the local level,” said Chris Masingill, CEO and president of Louisiana Central. “It&...
LEESVILLE, La. (KALB) - Louisiana Central brought a new economic road show, ‘We Make Good Stuff,’ to Leesville on October 7th & 8th.
Organizers said their goal for the tour is to create an economic development plan for their ten-parish region of Natchitoches, Winn, Grant, LaSalle, Catahoula, Concordia, Vernon, Rapides, Avoyelles and Allen.
“Economic development ultimately, at the end of the day, happens at the local level,” said Chris Masingill, CEO and president of Louisiana Central. “It’s our job to make sure that we’re maximizing those opportunities.”
‘We Make Good Stuff’ rolled into Vernon Parish on Tuesday to begin surveying the area to see what needs can and should be addressed to clear the path for an economic boom.
“It gives us a better understanding, a better education of what’s happening on the ground in these individual communities,” said Masingill. “Being here in Leesville and Vernon Parish has really helped inform what we thought was happening, but it also educates us about the future of opportunity.”
Louisiana Central said they plan to engage with 100 businesses and community leaders and prioritize their perspectives.
For Vernon Parish, that means capitalizing on the parish’s $3 billion economy, driven in large part by Fort Polk, and expanding revitalization efforts in downtown Leesville.
“Partnering with Louisiana Central gives us a much larger voice where the sum of our parts is greater than the individuals’,” said Logan Morris, CEO of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. “I’m excited particularly...because it gives us a much larger voice on a national front or a state front in publicizing and selling our community and understanding what our assets are.”
Morris went on to say, “We’re extremely excited about the opportunity participate and form a part of the strategic plan they’re working on. In particular, we’re looking to diversify our economy here.”
Chris Masingill, who was recently named CEO of Louisiana Central, said his initial goals are to ensure the organization stays focused on businesses that invest in the Cenla community and elevating Louisiana Central’s economic development strategy.
“Governor Landry has made it very clear that we’re moving forward about being aggressive with economic opportunities,” said Masingill. “...Secretary Bourgeois has helped us to actually position Louisiana Central to do this strategic plan.”
‘We Make Good Stuff’ has seven more stops planned, with the next scheduled for October 28-29 in Natchitoches Parish. More info.
to report a typo. Please provide the title of the article in your email.