News Summary
Louisiana Central has announced a new three-year strategic plan aimed at fostering economic growth in Central Louisiana across 10 parishes. This roadmap will involve community engagement through upcoming listening sessions and surveys, gathering local input essential for shaping job creation and investment priorities. The plan aligns with the statewide strategy ‘Positioning Louisiana to Win’ and highlights the region’s potential for attracting new investments, leveraging its workforce and geographical advantages.
Alexandria, Louisiana – Louisiana Central has launched a new initiative to develop a three-year strategic plan aimed at shaping the economic future of Central Louisiana. The announcement was made by Louisiana Central President and CEO Chris Masingill earlier this month. This comprehensive plan will encompass 10 parishes: Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon, and Winn.
The strategic plan is designed to serve as a roadmap for investment and economic development in the region, building on a statewide strategy called “Positioning Louisiana to Win,” which was released by Louisiana Economic Development in March. According to Masingill, Central Louisiana is well-positioned to take advantage of new economic growth opportunities, signaling a call to action and investment in the area.
Over the next 100 days, Louisiana Central will hold listening sessions at the parish level as part of the “We Make Good Stuff” 10-Parish Economic Development Roadshow. This event aims to engage business leaders, community stakeholders, and residents in order to gather feedback that will help shape the strategic priorities for job creation, workforce development, and business investment in Central Louisiana.
A regional survey will also be conducted to collect perspectives on economic opportunities and challenges faced by the community. The new strategic plan is anticipated to be drafted by the end of 2025 and launched in early 2026. Masingill emphasized that incorporating local community input is critical in ensuring that the plan reflects the unique spirit and opportunities of the region.
Since taking over as the president and CEO of Louisiana Central on August 27, 2025, Masingill has brought more than 20 years of experience in economic development to the position. He views Central Louisiana as a vital region for economic performance, noting that it ranks third out of eight regions in the state for economic growth. Notably, Central Louisiana’s GDP has increased by over $17 billion in the last four years alone.
The region possesses significant assets, including its geographical location, transportation networks, and a skilled local workforce, which Masingill believes will be instrumental in attracting new investments. His vision for Louisiana Central includes enhancing the organization and its economic strategies while improving collaborations and partnerships within the community.
Louisiana Central is also focused on maximizing existing businesses in the region and addressing emerging industry sectors to bolster job creation and community development. The first stop of the roadshow is scheduled for Vernon Parish on October 7-8, with subsequent visits planned for Avoyelles Parish on October 22-23 and Natchitoches Parish on October 28-29. Tentative dates for visits to Grant, LaSalle, Catahoula, and Concordia parishes are set for November, while the roadshow is expected to conclude in Rapides Parish in January 2026.
This initiative marks an important step for Central Louisiana as it seeks to foster economic development. Masingill has indicated that the success of this strategic plan and the associated projects must involve the community’s voice to ensure the needs and priorities of local residents are adequately addressed.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KALB: Louisiana Central’s New CEO Looks to Elevate Economic Development in Cenla
- The Town Talk: Louisiana Central to Host 10 Economic Development Roadshows
- CENLA Now: Louisiana Central Starts Plan to Boost Central Louisiana’s Economy
- NOLA: Could Central LA Become an Economic Powerhouse Again? This Man Thinks So
- KALB: We Make Good Stuff – Louisiana Central Kicks Off 10 Parish Tour in Leesville
- Wikipedia: Economic Development
- Google Search: Central Louisiana Economic Development
- Google Scholar: Economic Growth Central Louisiana
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Louisiana Economy
- Google News: Central Louisiana Economic Development
