Aclara Resources Inc. announced a $277 million investment to construct the first U.S. heavy rare earth separation facility at the Port of Vinton in Calcasieu Parish, establishing Louisiana as a leader in sustainable rare earth production and strengthening the nation’s advanced technology supply chain.

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The Chamber SWLA and Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance hosted the 20th Annual LegisGator Luncheon on Friday, August 15, at L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles. LegisGator is the largest event of its kind in Louisiana, uniting state and federal leaders, business executives, and community stakeholders to discuss policy priorities and recognize legislative champions.

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As part of Entergy’s ongoing support of Economic Development in our region, the company recently invested $123,000 for the SWLA on the Move Campaign. Their investment was from an economic development grant which will help address the critical issues facing our region: business recruitment, and business retention and expansion.

The Chamber SWLA Alliance, SWLA on the Move promotes economic development in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis parishes. Entergy works with the SWLA Economic Development Alliance to foster coordinated efforts by business, government and civic leaders to develop Louisiana's economy.

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The McNeese Foundation announced the honorary naming of the Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial and Economic Development (SEED) Center in recognition of a $1 million endowment from the Henning family. New signage reflecting the new Henning SEED Center was unveiled at a reception celebrating this milestone today. 

The Henning donation will be used to create a perpetual endowment, with the annual interest dedicated to support the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at McNeese State University, located in the SEED Center. Since 1983, the LSBDC at McNeese has been assisting new and existing business owners in Southwest Louisiana from idea conception to profitable business ventures.

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Business leaders were recognized at this year’s 121^st Annual Banquet of the Chamber SWLA and attendees were given insight into the future of Southern economic development from speaker Gray Swoope, President/CEO of VisionFirst Advisors. Swoope served as Florida’s Secretary of Commerce and President of Enterprise Florida, where he led the state’s economic development efforts under Governor Rick Scott from 2011 to 2015. He previously served as Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority under Governor Haley Barbour, playing a key role in attracting major companies to Mississippi and driving the state’s economic recovery after Hurricane Katrina.

The evening honored three business leaders who are making a difference in our communit

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The Chamber SWLA / SWLA Economic Development Alliance, a leading regional economic development organization, is has appointed Scott A. Walker as the new President and CEO.

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This year's Leadership Southwest Class is made up of up-and-coming leaders spanning Southwest Louisiana’s many industries will be learning from regional experts on Southwest Louisiana's greatest issues and resources. Allison Barker, Family & Youth Counseling Agency Mallie Bowers, First Federal Bank of Louisiana Taylor Bradley, AOP Kimmie more»