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Shreveport Celebrates the Launch of Better Louisiana

The launch of Better Louisiana brings new hope for economic development in Shreveport.

News Summary

On December 12, 2024, a pivotal gathering at the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce led to the creation of Better Louisiana, a merger of C100 and CABL. This new organization aims to tackle pressing issues in Louisiana, focusing on economic growth, education, infrastructure, and public safety, as outlined in the RESET Louisiana report. The co-chairs articulate a vision for transformative change, forging a collaborative spirit dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Louisianans.

Shreveport Unites for a Brighter Future: The Birth of Better Louisiana

On December 12, 2024, a gathering at the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce marked a significant moment for Louisiana’s economic landscape. Business leaders and policy advocates came together to unveil the results of the Reset Louisiana report, a collaborative effort by the esteemed Committee of 100 for Economic Development (C100) and the Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL). This gathering was not just about reporting results; it was a celebration of a new era, as these two prominent organizations merged to form the Leaders for a Better Louisiana.

The Formation of Better Louisiana

The merger signals a fresh approach to tackling the issues that face Louisiana today. Now operating under the umbrella of Better Louisiana, the newly formed group is determined to blend business leadership with policy advocacy, focusing on initiatives that will foster economic growth and create positive change across the state. Heading this new venture is the former CEO of C100, who has been appointed the new CEO of Better Louisiana. Additionally, CABL’s long-serving leader has transitioned to be the Chief Policy Officer, bringing years of experience and insight into this exciting new organization.

A Vision for Change

The co-chairs of this initiative have expressed a clear vision: to combine their strengths and resources to enhance the quality of life for Louisianans. They believe that by joining forces, they can drive transformative change that will significantly impact the state’s future. Their passion for Louisiana is evident in the 40-page RESET Louisiana’s Future report, which outlines 55 recommendations aimed at solving some of the most pressing issues facing the community.

Key Areas of Focus

The report highlights several critical areas that need attention. Among them are K-12 education and early childhood programs, infrastructure improvements, budget and tax reforms, workforce development, state financial management, pension reform, and enhancements to public safety protocols. Each of these aspects plays a crucial role in the overall health of Louisiana’s economy and will be a primary focus for the new organization.

Lessons from History

It’s worth noting that C100 and CABL have a long history of successful collaborations. They have previously spearheaded various initiatives that have made substantial impacts, such as tax reforms, modifications to the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, expanded early childhood care access, and increased funding to help reduce criminal recidivism. These past accomplishments lay a solid foundation for the newly established Better Louisiana.

A Bright Future Ahead

The merger allows the continuation of dedicated programs like Leadership Louisiana, which boasts a remarkable network of over 1,600 alumni across its 37 years of operation. This program is committed to cultivating future leaders who are passionate about contributing to Louisiana’s growth and prosperity.

Ongoing Developments

As December 2024 progresses, work is actively being carried out on Interstate 20 in Bossier City, which echoes the organization’s commitment to infrastructure development as one of their key focus areas. It is a hopeful reminder that progress is underway, and the newly formed Better Louisiana is eager to roll up its sleeves and dive into the challenges and opportunities ahead.

With leadership and vision at the helm, the emergence of Better Louisiana captures the essence of collaborative spirit in Shreveport. Residents can look forward to an organization dedicated to uplifting the community and setting the stage for not just a better Louisiana, but a thriving one.