The five parishes of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis comprise what is known as the Southwest Louisiana region. Since 2006, The SWLA Economic Development Alliance has served this area as the umbrella organization for the chamber of commerce and economic development.
As one of the largest chambers in the state with almost 1400 members, The Chamber SWLA is the voice of business and is five-star accredited by the US Chamber, placing it in the top 1% of chambers across the nation. The Alliance Foundation serves as the catalyst for economic development and has been named as one of the Top 10 Economic development organizations in the nation by Site Selection Magazine for four of the last six years.
Southwest Louisiana is leading the nation with an unprecedented amount of industrial growth. The Alliance is projecting that over 18,000 permanent jobs will be created from the $109 billion in facilities being constructed.
The end result will be opportunity for all. Whether you are a resident seeking a career or a business wishing to expand, the influx of jobs will fulfill that mission. Southwest Louisiana is fortunate to have both a university and a technical community college. McNeese State University is the regional university with outstanding programs in Education, Nursing, Agriculture, Business, and Engineering. In fact, the MSU engineering program is one of the top rated programs in the nation and a steady source for employees with area industries. McNeese University also brings cultural programs to the area with the most notable being The Banners Series, which promotes arts and humanities with lectures to music.
SOWELA Technical Community College is one of the fastest growing community colleges in the nation and WalletHub has rated SOWELA number one in the nation for return on investment. SOWELA has programs in Culinary, Construction Technologies, Process Technology, Healthcare, Aviation and much more. There are plans to expand the hospitality department to service the hotel and gaming industries with well-trained entry level employees.
Our region is diverse with major economic sectors including the petro-chemical industry. We are strong in hospitality and gaming, aviation, agriculture and forestry, and healthcare. Major infrastructure includes six ports, including the nationally 11th ranked Port of Lake Charles. The Calcasieu Ship Channel is the conduit for most of the industrial growth. A robust pipeline network is a perfect complement to the ports.
Chennault International Airpark is a world-class industrial park featuring major aviation companies. One of Chennault’s major assets is the over 10,000‘ long runway.
The Alliance Quality of Life Task Force is working for more parks, bike lanes, walking trails, beautification, and more connectivity with complete streets.
SWLA is the festival capital of Louisiana and there’s one almost every week to satisfy your appetite for food, music, and fun.
The casino resorts in our area are a source of live entertainment, restaurants, and gaming.
This are also is the “Sports Capital” of the state hosting numerous sports tournament at top facilities. The equestrian fans will marvel at the world-class Stables of Le Bocage. Rodeos are numerous, too, with outstanding facilities at The Burton Complex.
Southwest Louisiana is fortunate to have one of the most convenient airports in the country. Daily air service to Houston and Dallas make for easy connections and you can park steps away from the terminal.
Our medical facilities are a regional hub for excellent physicians in virtually all specialties.
Dozens of new apartments, single family residences, and subdivisions are under construction to provide quality homes for current and new residents.
Southwest Louisiana is truly a growing area with opportunities for all.
By George Swift, President/CEO of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance