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NLEP looking to add more jobs to the area

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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.

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“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.

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“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.

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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.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

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Louisiana

Letters: State should invest in training mental health providers

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Letters: State should invest in training mental health providers


Most of Louisiana is classified as a mental health professional shortage area, leaving countless families — especially children —without access to critical mental health services. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, over half of children in Louisiana who experience mental health challenges do not receive the care they need. This is a staggering number given that this study estimates that 30.3% of children ages 3-17 have at least one emotional, developmental or behavioral health disorder. This unmet need has far-reaching consequences, affecting school performance, family stability and community safety.

Addressing this gap starts with investing in higher education programs that train the mental health professionals our state desperately needs. Universities such as the University of Louisiana Monroe, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Louisiana Tech University, Grambling State University, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, McNeese State University, Northwestern State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, University of New Orleans, University of Holy Cross, Tulane University, Nicholls State University, LSU and others play a vital role in preparing skilled counselors, psychologists and social workers.

However, the current capacity of mental health training programs is not sufficient to meet the growing demand. We are facing another potential budget shortfall in Louisiana that could impact higher education. Without adequate funding and resources, these programs may struggle to equip students with the expertise and experience required to enter the workforce.

Investing in these programs is not just about addressing today’s challenges — it is about safeguarding the future of Louisiana. By increasing the number of trained mental health professionals, we can improve outcomes for children and families, reduce the strain on emergency services and foster healthier, more resilient communities.

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It is time to prioritize the mental health of our state by supporting higher education programs that make a difference. Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future.

MATTHEW THORNTON

chief executive officer, Center for Children and Families, Inc.

 



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Stabbing death reported at Louisiana prison

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Stabbing death reported at Louisiana prison


(KTAL/KMSS) – A dispute that resulted in an inmate’s death is under investigation at a Louisiana state prison, according to the Department of Corrections.

DOC Director of Communications Ken Pastorick said the incident happened at Southern Correctional Center in Tallulah, Louisiana, and caused the death of Teldric Boyd, 31.

A new release said that around 3:25 a.m. on Monday, Boyd was allegedly stabbed in the neck with a shank by fellow inmate Austin Dean, 33. Correctional center staff is said to have immediately responded and rendered first aid, and then Boyd was brought to a local hospital, where he died at 5 a.m.

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Madison Parish Sheriff’s detectives booked Dean, who they say admitted to stabbing Boyd after an argument the two men had Sunday night.

Boyd was serving a 14-year sentence for various convictions, including racketeering, aggravated battery, two counts of a felon in possession of a firearm, and drug offenses in Rapides Parish.

Dean was serving a 25-year sentence for manslaughter in Rapides Parish and a five-year sentence for aggravated assault on a peace officer; those sentences are to run consecutively.

The investigation is ongoing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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50 Cent Faces Opposition From Louisiana Senator After Buying More Property In Downtown Shreveport

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50 Cent Faces Opposition From Louisiana Senator After Buying More Property In Downtown Shreveport


50 Cent is at odds with one Louisiana lawmaker who’s taking issue with his growing real estate in Shreveport.

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Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s growing real estate portfolio in Shreveport, Louisiana, is facing resistance from a state lawmaker urging city leaders to exercise greater caution when selling or leasing city-owned property.

The hip-hop mogul responded to a recent news article that revealed Louisiana state Sen. Sam Jenkins Jr.’s concerns about him buying more property in Downtown Shreveport after he bought three new properties last week.

“Sam Jenkins must not want things to turn around in Shreveport,” 50 Cent captioned an Instagram post. “Who would not do a deal to wait for a imaginary deal to come 😳? Or maybe he lacks faith in me. What do you think?”

Jenkins is expressing serious concerns about an excessive concentration of city assets being controlled by a single entity, particularly 50 Cent and his expanding G-Unit Studio empire. Since May, the rapper has invested over $3.7 million in cash to acquire 10 privately owned buildings and vacant lots in Shreveport, located on Texas Street, Spring Street, and Commerce Street.

Last week, 50 Cent added three new properties, including leases on Millennium Studios, the former Expo Hall/Stageworks, and interest in the Red River entertainment District under the Texas Street Bridge. While the Millennium Studios deal “has been made and should be honored,” Jenkins, a Democrat, told The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate, he is urging the city to “pump the brakes a little bit. Let’s try to see what else is out there.”

“I’m just simply saying, let’s just be careful how far we go and begin to look at some performances based upon what we’ve already pledged or promised to do,” Jenkins said.

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In October, Jenkins wrote to Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux outlining his concerns. He also expressed a willingness to meet with 50 Cent to discuss strategies for improving Shreveport’s economic future.

However, 50 Cent took to Instagram again to let Jenkins know he doesn’t like his “tone” and is not interested in meeting with him to discuss his continued investment in Shreveport.

“I don’t understand why this man thinks I would come talk to him after he set this tone,” the rapper wrote. “Don’t hold your breath buddy. 😆”

The “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” rapper followed up with another Instagram post aimed at Jenkins where he declared his plans to stay in Shreveport.

“Tell Sam I said, whether he like it or not, I’m coming to Shreveport LOL 👀ALL ROADS LEAD TO SHREVEPORT 🎥,” he wrote.

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