Louisiana Honors Manufacturers for Growth, Innovation and Community Service at 2024 Lantern Award Ceremony

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois recognized eight manufacturers that have demonstrated business excellence, innovation and community service during the 45th Annual Lantern Awards reception at the Capitol Park Museum Thursday (Oct. 3).

LED established the Lantern Awards in 1979 to recognize manufacturers from each of Louisiana’s eight economic regions whose economic impact and commitment to public service ensure a brighter future for their employees, their communities and the state.

“Lantern Awards have recognized for nearly half a century that manufacturers make our lives better in more ways than one,” Bourgeois said. “They make products that power everyday life, create jobs that support families, and continually modernize and reinvest to adapt to a changing world. Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you for all you do to keep our economy vibrant and our communities strong.”

In the past 45 years, Louisiana Economic Development has recognized more than 330 Louisiana manufacturing businesses. Winners are selected by a panel of LED senior leaders in consultation with LED’s local and regional partners, including the Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association and the Louisiana Association of Planning and Development Districts.

The 2024 Lantern Award winners are:

• Acadiana Region: Tides Medical
• Bayou Region: Deere & Company
• Capital Region: Shell Chemical
• Central Region: Crest Industries
• Northeast Region: Mid South Extrusion
• Northwest Region: Fibrebond
• Southeast Region: Intralox
• Southwest Region: Citadel Completions

The ceremony was held on the eve of National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day). Celebrated annually on the first Friday in October, with events continuing throughout the month, MFG Day is a national grassroots movement that demonstrates the impact and future of modern manufacturing careers.

Lantern Award winners received priceless handcrafted lanterns donated by Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights, which has manufactured traditional and antique lighting in New Orleans since 1945. Bevolo is the oldest and largest copper gas lantern manufacturer in the U.S., and the second-oldest in the world.

About LED
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for driving capital investment, job creation and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and employers of all sizes. Explore how LED is positioning Louisiana to win at OpportunityLouisiana.com.