Page 38 - FDI Alliance International Magazine, July 2019 Interactive Issue_Neat

GOVERNOR
JOHN BEL EDWARDS
STATE OF

LOUISIANA

Louisiana is a southeastern U.S. state on the Gulf of worker training that is both client-oriented and forward- manufacturers with access to worldwide markets via
Mexico. Its history as a melting pot of French, African, looking. Our agenda gives Louisiana workers the best the Gulf of Mexico.
American and French-Canadian cultures is reflected opportunities to acquire high quality jobs, or transfer The Economic Growth Potential ranking on across-
in its Creole and Cajun cultures. The largest city, New to a better job, and it provides high-quality workforce the-board evaluation of growth strategies, targeted
Orleans, is known for its colonial-era French Quarter, solutions to companies investing in Louisiana. This incentives, workforce training initiatives, the development
raucous Mardi Gras festival, jazz music, Renaissance- establishing by Business Facilities validates what of high-tech sectors, support for innovation/startups
style St. Louis Cathedral and wartime exhibits at the Louisiana companies have come to know: When it and the availability of low-cost energy, among other
huge National WWII Museum. comes to applicable workforce expansion, no one weighted factors. This is the second consecutive year
does it better than LED FastStart.” that Louisiana earned placement in the Top 10 for
Louisiana is a thriving state for innovation. Entrepreneurs Economic Growth Potential, ranking ninth in 2017.
and business leaders in the state capitalize on a Louisiana is preparing its next generation of workers
business conditions that fosters the advancement of for careers in fields that will continue to be in high The high marks unite with other recent measures of
new ideas, products and services. In every region, demand, that’s why they have formulated such extensive Louisiana’s economic development strength. The
Louisiana companies are developing revolutionary partnerships with secondary and higher education U.S. Department of Commerce’s SelectUSA program
technologies, more efficient production methods and institutions throughout the state in a broad range of currently ranks Louisiana No. 1 for combined trade
new business styles that result in better quality and service workforce development programs. (exports and imports) on a per capita basis, and No. 2
for consumers worldwide. for lowest electricity rates in the U.S. Area Development
Above and beyond regular campus funding, the State magazine has ranked Louisiana No. 5 in its Best States
Louisiana’s established advanced manufacturing of Louisiana has dedicated over $65 million in recent for Doing Business survey for the past two years, lauding
sector provides unparalleled advantages for aerospace years to higher education initiatives that are supplying the state in its latest rankings for specific results in such
operations. Nationally recognized for its manufacturing talent to major technology employers, with FastStart areas as competitive utility rates, specialized sites,
talent, the state is making additional strategic investments support, and resulting in more than 13,000 new jobs. cooperative state government and favorable regulatory
in higher education programs to enhance skills and environment.
expertise. The state offers unparalleled infrastructure At the core of Louisiana’s competitive manufacturing Louisiana’s existing assets offer tremendous opportunities
and logistics, an abundance of sites and expedited advantages is the strength of its business climate. for companies manufacturing products or delivering
permitting. Add to that the nation’s best state workforce Louisiana now ranks in the Top 10 states for business services to the energy industry. More than 90 percent
development program and internationally competitive climate in the U.S., according to Area Development, of waterborne U.S. oil rigs are located in waters
incentives, and it’s clear Louisiana provides aerospace Development Counsellors International and Site off Louisiana’s coast, and according to the Energy
companies a competitive edge. Selection. Information Administration the state is No. 2 in crude
Among the 12 highest-producing ports in the U.S., as oil and No. 3 natural gas production in the nation
“Technology-based training is a vital tool for building measured by total tonnage shipped in 2017, five were (when including offshore production)
a successful 21st century economy,” Gov. John Louisiana ports. As a leader in attracting foreign direct
Bel Edwards said. “When it comes to workforce investment, Louisiana has become a key trade and With an eclectic blend of arts and music venues,
development, it’s not enough to do one good thing over investment destination for international companies, and more than 400 festivals held annually, and numerous
and over. LED FastStart has remained the national leader the state’s ports have been important to that success. opportunities to enjoy the scenic outdoors, Louisiana
thanks to its evolving, technology-based approach to Louisiana offers a gateway to 38 interior states to provide residents benefit from the state’s unique quality of life.

38 FDI ALLIANCE | JULY ISSUE 2019