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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