Lake Charles has stepped up its game in the quest for economic growth, securing a nod from Louisiana Economic Development as the state's latest Louisiana Development Ready Community. The city joins an elite group of 27 parishes and municipalities that have been recognized for their potential to attract investment and generate jobs, showing that it's not just about the big cities when it comes to economic development, according to the Opportunity Louisiana.
This Louisiana Development Ready Community program, which has been offering its services since 2008, is all about equipping locales with a strategic plan for economic growth, and Lake Charles has taken this challenge head on, completing a community assessment and working with local businesses and residents to lay down clear economic objectives for the future, Louisiana Economic Development has a comprehensive guide for these communities and it's an approach that appears to be getting results, Lake Charles can now boast this prestigious title alongside recognition from Southern Living Magazine as a city to watch.
"LED recognizes that economic development begins at the local level, and we are proud to welcome Lake Charles as our newest Louisiana Development Ready Community," said Ileana Ledet, Louisiana Economic Development's Chief Economic Competitiveness Officer, a sentiment echoed by Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter, "Our year began with Lake Charles being named a city on the rise by Southern Living Magazine and it is ending with news of us being certified as a Louisiana Development Ready Community. These are two achievements we are extremely proud of, and we are honored to have both as feathers in our cap," he mentioned in a statement reported by the Opportunity Louisiana.
It isn't just a matter of pride, being part of the Louisiana Development Ready Community means Lake Charles is rolling out the welcome mat for developers and investors, signaling that they are indeed open for business, The Louisiana Economic Development is on board to back them up by connecting the city with programs and resources that will help turn these plans into reality and Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter told Opportunity Louisiana that the designation exemplifies that "Lake Charles truly is a city on the rise."
Meanwhile, George Swift, President and CEO of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, confirmed the importance of this step for the city, stating that "Being a Development Ready Community is another step forward in preparing Lake Charles for future growth and investment," This comprehensive evaluation provided by Louisiana Economic Development helps position the city to better compete for new opportunities and sustained excellence it's not just about winning accolades, but about laying the groundwork for sustainable growth that will serve the local community for years to come, as reported by the Opportunity Louisiana.
