News last month of a $2.5 million federal grant is the latest example of how economic powerhouse Chennault International Airport is steamrolling into 2024. A center for economic diversity in SWLA, Chennault is a nationally recognized center of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul — everything from painting to high-end interior […]

Economic Benefits, Quality of Life, LNG, and Carbon Capture by Christine Fisher Local industries continue to experience tremendous growth as they produce ingredients for products used in everyday activities. As the umbrella organization designed to communicate between member industries and the community and government entities, Lake Area Industry Alliance (LAIA) […]

Dan Groft, PhD was born in Lafayette, Louisiana. His father, in sales, moved the family around a bit, but Groft primarily grew up near Cincinnati, Ohio. But it was those family ties that prompted him to return to Louisiana and get his doctorate degree at LSU. He was hired by […]

by Katie C. Harrington A city’s downtown plays an important and unique role in economic and social development. Healthy downtowns create opportunities for concentrated commercial, cultural, civic and other activities. Thriving, lively and in a constant state of positive change. These are just three thoughts that come to mind when […]

by Angie Kay Dilmore Most people in Southwest Louisiana are aware that the local industries are the primary driver of our thriving SWLA economy. We hear the names in the news . . . Citgo, Phillips 66, Westlake Chemical, Sasol, etc. . . and we see them there – can’t […]