When Sempra Infrastructure began rethinking its social investment approach in 2024, the goal was to better understand what Southwest Louisiana communities needed most and how the company could better use its resources to help meet critical needs in the community.  Over the course of a year, the company spent time listening […]

When André Bonton reflects on his career in the energy sector, he doesn’t begin with billion-dollar facilities. He begins with a modest $6,000 job. That first project in Lake Charles launched a career spanning more than three decades in the energy sector, including leadership roles with Shell and Sasol and […]

Slated for completion in August 2027, the new facility will host national tournaments, serve as a community hub and provide resiliency during emergencies.  Exciting progress is underway on Lake Charles’ future indoor sports complex. In recent weeks, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approved the 1 Lakeshore Drive […]

Southwest Louisiana’s economy has long been fueled by innovation, resilience and a skilled industrial workforce. In 2025, the CITGO Lake Charles Refinery delivered a year that exemplified all three—achieving recordsetting performance levels that underscore the facility’s role as a cornerstone of the region’s economic strength.  Throughout the year, the refinery […]

While many destinations faced slowing growth or declines in 2025, Southwest Louisiana moved in the opposite direction, outperforming national occupancy statistics.  A 9.5% year-over-year increase in occupancy allowed Louisiana’s Playground to demonstrate continued strength, resilience and diversity of the local visitor economy. This performance was the result of an intentional […]