Natchitoches Parish Named Louisiana Development Ready Community

NATCHITOCHES, La. – Louisiana Economic Development recognized the Parish of Natchitoches as a Louisiana Development Ready Community, the 56th parish or municipality to receive state certification of local investment readiness since the program began in 2008.

The Louisiana Development Ready Communities program helps participants become more competitive for new investment and jobs by guiding selected communities through the process of creating and implementing a strategic economic development plan. By following its plan for multiple years, participants leverage local assets and address unique challenges to empower business growth in their communities.

“Congratulations to Natchitoches Parish on becoming only the seventh parish to receive the LRDC distinction,” LED Secretary Don Pierson said. “This program is important in paving the way for success in communities across the parish. It has proven to make a lasting difference as participants gain insights into how they can best position their parish and implement plans that will accelerate economic growth.”

To secure the LDRC designation, Natchitoches Economic Development Alliance and the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce outlined common goals and strategies to author a strategic plan that will move the parish forward through job creation and investment. This plan includes input from local tourism partners, the economic development authority, chamber of commerce officials, community members, parish and city governments and other stakeholders.

“Natchitoches Parish is honored to be recognized by LED as a Louisiana Development Ready Community,” Natchitoches Parish President John Richmond said. “Our parish is business ready, forward looking, and focused on growth. Being recognized as a Louisiana Development Ready Community further motivates us to continue our work to bring new business opportunities, great jobs, improved infrastructure and new amenities to our historic home. Thank you, LED, for all the work you do for communities large and small in the great state of Louisiana.”

The parish joins the City of Natchitoches, which earned the LDRC certification in 2010.

“Expanding the LDRC status from the City of Natchitoches to the entire parish is a major milestone for economic development,” Natchitoches Economic Development Alliance Executive Director Laura Lyles said. “We are proud of the community effort put forth to achieve this designation through the NEDA and look forward to continuing to work with our community and business leaders, regional and state economic development organizations to bring new opportunities and growth to Natchitoches Parish.”

For more information about the LDRC program, visit the LED website or contact LED Director of Community Competitiveness Stacey Duvic at stacey.duvic@la.gov or 225.342.4703.