Louisiana
NLEP looking to add more jobs to the area
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – Where Shreveport is geographically located in northwest Louisiana, we can reach four of the 10 fastest-growing cities in the country. So if you want to make something and have a place to sell it, there’s no better spot.
North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) is on a mission to shine a light on northwest Louisiana and bring jobs and capital investments to the area. Serving 13 parishes throughout the region, NLEP works as a recruiter, showing major corporations what the area has to offer.
“We recruit major industry, we try to recruit well-paying jobs, good capital investment to the area, and we help service these parishes by doing it every day,” said Justyn Dixon, president and CEO of NLEP.
With major industries like manufacturing, distribution, transportation and IT/professional services, Dixon said jobs in the region and capital investment from major industries have seen serious growth.
“Over 1,200 new jobs into the region and close to $500 million in capital investment.”
KSLA asked Dixon what those jobs look like and how many positions NLEP expects to see within the next six to 12 months.
“NLEP, along with our partners across the state, we’re dropping 1,500 jobs into this area and the region as we speak,” he replied. “SLB, which is out at Shreveport Business Park, they hired 200 people in the last few months of 2023, and they’ll be hiring another 50 a month pretty much through this year.
“Amazon, they’re starting to hire and get their engineers and operators in place,” Dixon continued. “I would imagine you’ll see a massive hire with them later on. So there’s opportunity here, and there’s a lot of things going on. If anyone says elsewise, they’re probably just wanting to be negative.”
While many of the available jobs require a college degree or some level of higher education, many options also are available for those who are just starting out.
“It’s everything from an engineer to a trained welder or starting positions,” Dixon explained.
“One of the great things about Louisiana, we have a great workforce training program, both locally and statewide. When we recruited these companies, we put plans into place which will help train anybody who wants a job. If somebody wants to go out and go to work, we have the tools to get them trained up to go take these positions.”
Dixon said this growth should be celebrated more.
“There are good things going on, not just Shreveport-Bossier, northwest Louisiana. Sometimes you have to look for it, you know? That’s what it takes. I will tell you this … There’s more job opportunities here than there’s been in the past 30 years. And if people want to go find a better way of life, they can,” he said.
WHAT’S NEXT
NLEP will have its annual banquet Feb. 29 to recap the growth of 2023 and unveiling the organization’s strategic plan for the next five years, talking about more jobs and capital investment for the region.
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
A motorcyclist is recovering after a West Monroe crash involving an 18-wheeler, while Chevron won a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling shifting a major coastal lawsuit back to lower courts. Ouachita deputies arrested a suspect and recovered more than a dozen guns, Mississippi passed a new school social-media safety requirement, and Louisiana’s House advanced a unanimous state budget. A new recovery center opened, and multiple weekend events are underway across northeast Louisiana, plus national updates include stock-market stress guidance, a Ford F-150 recall, Spirit Airlines uncertainty, and tax-refund tips.
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