LED secretary: Diversifying economy will be key to success

Continued focus on education also essential

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson said Southwest Louisiana and other regions should look at ways to diversify its economy to continue growing long after work on the industrial mega-projects are finished.

Pierson told the American Press editorial board on Tuesday that introducing more job opportunities locally will soften the impact once the number of temporary construction jobs start tapering off.

Another area of continued focus is education, including McNeese State University and Sowela Technical Community College. Pierson suggested McNeese shift its nursing program in order to meet future health care needs, like online care.

The challenges in Southwest Louisiana are different from areas that aren’t experiencing unprecedented growth, Pierson said. While other areas are struggling to rebound their economies, local officials are working to ensure an adequate housing market and make sure infrastructure is in good shape.

Pierson said the state’s 5 percent unemployment rate in August is “unusual” and “doesn’t reflect our current condition,” with roughly 2 million people employed currently.

“If you look historically, (it’s) the highest number of people working in our state ever,” he said. “What we’ve heard on the ground in Lake Charles is there are lots of jobs available.”

Another goal is to make sure overall wages are increasing, Pierson said.

The workforce training program, FastStart, was named the ninth-best program nationwide, Pierson said. He said jobs are becoming more “technical-oriented” and require more skill sets.

Pierson said the Louisiana Business Connection website connects large-scale economic projects with small businesses, especially those owned by minorities and women. A companion website, Louisiana Job Connection, lets corporations post their employment needs and match them with qualified job seekers.

“Those kind of things are helping us have this bestin-class workforce training program, which supports both the expansion of existing industries and our ability to recruit new industry,” he said.

Pierson said there are more opportunities for Louisiana to expand its aerospace footprint. Currently, Pierson is visiting various regions statewide to get public feedback on any existing challenges.

””Louisiana Economic Development

SportsPlus

Local News

Unrestrained man killed in I-10 crash

McNeese Sports

Reyna, Chance lead Cowgirl comeback

Local News

Louisiana to end mass vaccine promotion, state’s top health official says

Local News

REAL ID enforcement date now just three months away

life

Several SW La. students honored at Northwestern State

Crime

Eight DeRidder High students arrested

Local News

Wicked weather this way comes on Saturday

Jim Gazzolo

Jim Gazzolo column: Garcia best Southland has to offer

McNeese Sports

Cowboys look for finishing kick

Crime

2/13: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

 BREAKING: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed as Trump’s secretary after close Senate vote

Local News

At Oak Park Elementary, no one eats alone

Local News

Candidate Fondel airs his views at forum

life

Gettin’ jiggy wit it — Irish dance style

Local News

Family fabric: Quilting exhibition offers insight to generations of storytelling, culture and artistry

life

McNeese president’s honor list announced for fall 2024 semester

life

Walls can talk: Artist says art is essence of humanity

McNeese Sports

Selling a winning pitch

Local News

House committee address citizen concerns over carbon sequestration in Louisiana

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Don’t worry. Trump is fixer

Local News

Mayor talks progress, what’s ahead for the city

Local News

EMS Academy, Acadian Ambulance will be offering EMT classes in LC

Local News

City Council candidates for District C state their views

Local News

Capstone at the Oaks senior living complex nearing completion