2022 Economic Outlook
DON PIERSON SECRETARY Louisiana Economic Development Louisiana’s resolve was tested in 2021 by the ongoing disruption of the pandemic and the second direct hit from a major hurricane in as many years. Not only did our state persevere through those economic challenges, we diversified, innovated and charted a course for future growth. Building on existing strengths in sectors like agribusiness and advanced manufacturing, LED initiatives are supporting new investment in water management and life sciences. Our Small Business Services team has expanded its program portfolio to include offerings for veterans and women and minority entrepreneurs. We have made it a priority to spur investment – and improve broadband access – in our rural communities. And at the COP26 climate conference, Gov. John Bel Edwards and I engaged global business leaders who share Louisiana’s vision for an energy economy that generates jobs and investment while reducing emissions. Since 2016, we have announced more than 300 economic development projects creating nearly $70 billion in new capital and more than 60,000 new jobs across our state. Rest assured the office of economic development is working hard to create additional investment and increased opportunity for Louisiana citizens in 2022 and the years to come.
J. MITCHELL OURSO PARISH PRESIDENT Iberville Parish As the New Year, 2022, is approaching, Iberville Parish has much to be thankful for. The Covid-19 positivity rate has been declining and thanks to our partner, OchsnerIberville Medical Clinic for continuing to provide the free vaccination clinic at the Parish Health Unit. The local economy, retail and business, is returning to pre-covid levels. Thankfully, Constitutional Amendment No. 1 was rejected by Louisiana and Iberville Parish voters, so our Iberville Parish Sales & Use Tax Department will continue to collect our local taxes for distribution to our governmental bodies such as the, Parish Council, Iberville Parish School Board and the six (6) municipalities in Iberville Parish. Our chemical industries have many new projects on the horizon and continue to operate as normal during 2022. Iberville Parish is fortunate that its sales/use tax base remained steady during 2021 thanks to the business and industries that strived to continue operating during Covid-19. Several new industrial and energy companies have expressed interest in establishing facilities in Iberville Parish. Of course, with any expansions, comes the traffic woes during the mornings and afternoons. Iberville Parish needs and deserves the new Mississippi River Bridge as we are the only Parish in the area and industrial corridor without a bridge. Iberville Parish is also fortunate to have continued residential growth with the development of several new residential subdivisions throughout the Parish and more subdivisions are being planned. The Iberville Parish Council has also begun construction of a $7.5 million expansion and upgrade to the Belleview Park which will enhance the sport and recreational opportunities for our residents. During the torrential rains in May and June of 2021, Iberville Parish experienced significant flooding of residential areas. Iberville Parish will continue to work with its federal, state and neighboring parishes on projects to help reduce flooding and will continue to evaluate its flood prevention ordinance in the unincorporated areas to further help reduce flooding events. Iberville Parish is looking forward to growth and prosperity in 2021 Happy New Year to all of our residents, businesses, and industries.
SHARON WESTON BROOME MAYOR-PRESIDENT City of Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge Parish
East Baton Rouge Parish has made tremendous progress in our recovery efforts following the advent of the coronavirus pandemic – we have economic development projects on the horizon, a decreasing unemployment rate, and job demand is at an all-time high. We’re set to see continued growth as we move forward. Our unemployment rate was 6.8 percent at this point last year – we brought that number down to four percent. Unemployment is down and residents are securing quality jobs in fields like nursing, technology, and logistics. These are characteristics of a strong, diverse, and growing economy. The status of our community has helped us land major investments from companies like Amazon, ExxonMobil, and Rural Sourcing. Additionally, colleges and universities across the country are seeing lower rates of enrollment, yet ours remain strong, with over 54,000 students enrolled at our institutions. These students are injecting dollars into our economy, and creating opportunities for retaining talent in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge is seeing more job opportunities, high levels of investment, increasing workforce development, and improvements to our quality of life through initiatives like MOVEBR, the redevelopment of our neighborhoods, and community programming. We are setting the stage for a prosperous future for everyone.
RICHARD E. ZUSCHLAG CHAIRMAN & CEO Acadian Companies Acadiana is one of the most resilient areas in the nation. Our people have shown time and again that we not only survive - we overcome and thrive. The beauty of Acadiana is that we rise to meet new challenges and grow our economy in spite of those challenges. Like all EMS agencies across the nation, Acadian’s most pressing challenge is attracting EMTs and paramedics. In 2021 we launched several recruiting initiatives to retain and attract existing medics, and introduced an innovative EMT training program where we pay students to attend an accelerated 7 to 8-week EMT course. Overall, I have a positive outlook for our area’s economic future for several reasons: 1. The rebounding oil prices and expected energy sector recovery will positively impact a large portion of the local economy. LAGCOE is returning to Lafayette in 2022 and that’s a very positive development. 2. Serving as the region’s health care and medical hub is critically important, especially with the ongoing pandemic. 3. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette continues to garner national attention in research, academics and athletics. 4. Acadiana’s position as a regional hub for shopping, dining and entertainment remains strong.
CLINT COINTMENT PARISH PRESIDENT Ascension Parish Just as we predicted a year ago, 2021 has been a major rebound year for Ascension Parish. Driven largely by industrial expansion along Highway 30, parish sales tax collections have grown by 20%. As Parish President, I am very optimistic about what is happening economically in Ascension Parish. The Highway 30 Industrial corridor is helping Louisiana emerge as a leader in the new clean energy economy. Recently, REG announced a billion-dollar project to expand their bio diesel facility, which uses animal fat and other non-fossil feedstock to produce renewable diesel. Air Products has announced a $4.5 billion project that will be home to the largest permanent carbon dioxide sequestration endeavor in the world. The Highway 30 Industrial corridor is more than just a local asset. The entire state truly benefits from this industrial hub. In addition to paying nearly half a billion dollars a year in direct wages, the Highway 30 Industrial corridor in Ascension Parish will contribute approximately $60 million to state coffers from the state’s portion of the sales tax on new industrial construction over the next 2 to 3 years. With improvements to Highway 30, the potential for this Industrial corridor to lead the state and nation in job creation and clean energy production is unlimited. We remain optimistic that leaders throughout the state recognize this potential and look forward to working with them in the new year on widening Highway 30 and making other necessary improvements.
ADAM KNAPP PRESIDENT & CEO Baton Rouge Area Chamber The Capital Region’s economy is showing strong signs of recovery coming out of the pandemic, spurred on by record levels of economic development activity this past year. As of October, the unemployment rate was 3.7%, lower than it was pre-pandemic back in February 2020. Our people showed a bright spark of entrepreneurialism and resilience too: we had a large increase in new business applications last year, with six of our nine parishes in the top 10 percent nationally. It’s not just new businesses and the economy growing — because of the 2020 Census, we know the population rose significantly since 2010, and the region has topped 850,000 residents for the first time ever. This growth appears poised to continue in 2022. Surveyed businesses expect to see much higher revenue and employment gains next year. Further, our nine parishes saw 17 economic development announcements last year, creating almost 2,000 new, direct jobs and $8 billion in capital expenditures. This record-breaking year for investment includes jobs in emerging sectors like tech and software, logistics, and renewable energy, alongside new investments in manufacturing. Business leaders are focused on new strategic initiatives on talent, a new Mississippi River Bridge, and quality of place to position the whole Baton Rouge Area for the future.
2022 Economic Outlook
PAUL J. ARRIGO, CDME PRESIDENT & CEO Visit Baton Rouge The Capital City saw the revival of travel and tourism in 2021 after taking a significant hit felt around the world. As our data shows, the industry’s outlook in Baton Rouge is looking bright for the future, with more travelers planning to take more leisure trips in 2022. Events are returning, and we’re excited to keep this momentum going. While the pandemic has changed the way that we think and in turn how people travel, we are seeing a pattern of smaller cities like Baton Rouge being a main destination for meetings and conventions. We expect this to continue, as well as hybrid meetings and 3D tours as people remain working remotely. 2021 was not all about rebranding and rebuilding though, as Baton Rouge had the honor of once again bringing thousands to the Capital City for the Marucci World Series ceremonies, Kampgrounds of America, and more sporting events and groups. The Red Stick will be welcoming fans from near and far to Garth Brooks’ Stadium Tour at Tiger Stadium in 2022, where thousands are expected to make a significant economic impact on our city. Looking ahead to 2022, we will put a heavy emphasis on data and research to understand how people will travel. Visit Baton Rouge will be celebrating a milestone with our 50th anniversary, which will entail a year of celebration, new opportunities and partnerships among the community that will last a lifetime. As tourism remains on the rise, we hope that Baton Rouge stays top of mind to travelers ready to get out and explore everything that our great Parish represents.
COREY WILSON SUPERINTENDENT BREC The last two years have been challenging with floods, hurricanes and the pandemic and through it all, the BREC team has served the community by holding emergency camps, providing staging areas for sandbags and first responders, providing spaces for partners to give food and supplies to those in need and quickly repairing damaged parks so they can provide much-needed stress relief and refuge. In a typical year BREC works on dozens of park renovation projects, and we are formalizing plans to incorporate green infrastructure into all major projects to turn our parks into “green sponges” to help prevent future flooding of nearby homes and businesses. We will also continue progress on transformational projects across the parish including the reimagination of the Zoo and Greenwood Community Park, bicycle and pedestrian greenways, revitalization of the Lakes, a new community park at Airline Highway, a state-of-the-art education building at Frenchtown Road Conservation Area, safe rooms for emergency responders at Airline Highway and Memorial Stadium and much more. BREC ended the year with a celebration to thank you for your support of BREC for the past 75 years. We look forward to many more years of working together to make East Baton Rouge Parish a better place to live, work and play.
MIKE MANNING PRESIDENT/CEO Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank 2021 brought on disruptions in the supply chain due to low inventory and increased
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demand forcing increased food prices. Compounding this, the rising cost of fuel increased expenses for the working poor to get to work, for our operations, and for transporting food into our community. These inflationary
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increases are expected to continue into 2022. Louisiana currently leads the nation in child hunger, with 1 in 4 children in the state being food insecure and is very near the top in senior food insecurity. Higher costs force families experiencing food insecurity and those who
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may have been able to get out of our lines to rely even more heavily on or return to food banks to fill the gap between each meal. With your help, we will continue to innovate and improve our efficiency and effectiveness to ensure there is food on the tables of our neighbors in need.
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ED SILVEY, CEO The Baton Rouge Clinic, AMC In 2021, The Baton Rouge Clinic was honored to celebrate 75 years of caring for our community. As the largest physician owned medical facility in the State of Louisiana, we are humbled to have grown from a practice founded by four World War II veterans, to one that employs nearly 600 employees and more than 150 providers across numerous specialties. Despite the turbulent times we have faced this past year, we remain committed to providing the highest level of quality care to our community. We have increased our efforts in the fight against the ever-changing COVID-19 Pandemic that has plagued our community, by opening an immunization clinic in January, which has administered more than 57,000 COVID vaccines. We have worked hard to expand our accessibility to our patients through telehealth visits and online appointment scheduling through the MyChart patient portal. In addition, we have added new physicians across multiple specialties and a new specialty, Ambulatory GYN, which will be available beginning January, 2022. We are proud to provide care and stability to the Baton Rouge Community for over 75 years, where our philosophy has, and always will be, to care for one patient at a time. Thank you for allowing us to serve your healthcare needs.
EDGARDO TENREIRO, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Baton Rouge General
H. BROOKS LEWIS, CCIM PRESIDENT & CEO Citizens Bank & Trust
In 2022, the healthcare industry will use its experience from the last few years to more effectively manage the operational disruptions caused by COVID, from staffing to supply chain issues. We will begin to see the impact of higher vaccination rates and better treatment modalities even as COVID cases continue to rise and fall in waves. The indirect effects of the pandemic will continue, especially in delayed detection and treatment of cardiovascular and cancer disease. Locally, we will see hospital systems and educational institutions partner and work closely to address clinical workforce challenges. At Baton Rouge General, we will continue to expand access geographically and virtually, increase technological offerings, and collaborate with other organizations to improve care. Our Pennington Cancer Center is poised for significant growth as it expands its reach throughout the region. As a result, I expect Baton Rouge General to continue to significantly grow its market share as patients and physicians are attracted to BRG’s patient-centered culture.
We are looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of 2022. While economic conditions will likely remain volatile, we are confident that we are equipped to help meet the business and financial needs of our Baton Rouge community. As a community bank, Citizens Bank will remain flexible and nimble providing the products and services that assist our customers in reaching their goals. In keeping with our goal of being “Business Bankers / Business Partners”, we strive to play an important role in the success of the Baton Rouge economy by partnering with area businesses to help them meet their financial needs. We wish all of our customers and business partners a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
DIANE ALLEN PRESIDENT DAA Media + Marketing Surprisingly, there is a lot of positive news around economic predictions for the U.S. in 2022. Although inflation continues to be a challenge, there will not be a recession next year, according to many expert sources. Consumers will continue to buy goods and services at a very healthy pace, mainly due to $2.5 trillion in accumulated excess savings. Sales tax collections for East Baton Rouge Parish recently reflected this trend, showing the highest September numbers in five years. If you’ve tried to get into a favorite restaurant in Baton Rouge recently, then you’ve seen how that market segment is coming back strong in our community. True, it’s almost impossible to realistically predict very far into a future with Covid variants, supply chain issues, and labor shortages facing us. But staying positive and telling a positive story about your company is paramount if you want to achieve success in the year ahead. Best wishes to all our business partners and to everyone in our community in 2022.
Thank you to our Economic Outlook Online Event Sponsors G. VICKNAIR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Downtown Development District In the wake of a pandemic, Downtown Baton Rouge welcomed many new developments in 2021. We continue to implement new improvements for the public, and remain committed to our mission of advancing downtown for the entire community. Downtown establishments have adapted, and have shown tremendous resiliency throughout the past 2 years. Development continues in the CBD with the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge relocating their headquarters to the newly renovated Cary Saurage Center for the Arts and Wampold Properties’ new mixed-use developments of I & II Rivermark Centre. Progress also continues in Downtown East with the completion of The Elysian residences and several other residential complexes under construction. The riverfront is also seeing new developments as the Hollywood Casino is undergoing expansion efforts to offer more gaming space, restaurants, and sports betting facilities. Post pandemic, downtown tourism is increasing with the return of the touring riverboats in Baton Rouge; as a result, thousands of weekly travelers visit the museums and restaurants. Downtown hotels have also seen an unprecedented uptick in occupants attending weddings, sporting events, and conferences. We thank those who live, invest, work, shop, and visit downtown for making this possible. We look forward to an exciting 2022!
PHILLIP MAY PRESIDENT & CEO Entergy Louisiana Our employees can be seen in the air installing powerlines, on the ground laying pipelines or even holding a shovel at a groundbreaking ceremony. We live and work in the communities we serve, so it’s in our nature to be optimistic about Louisiana’s future: We believe it’s bright. There’s a lot to look forward to, including the energy transition that’s underway and promises to diversify our local economy and better our world. We’re all in and have been for many years. Recently, we announced our intention to place hundreds of megawatts of additional renewable energy into our power generating portfolio. It’s another step toward reaching our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. While there’s more to come, we look forward to driving economic development through environmental sustainability. We also look forward to helping Louisianans from all walks of life reach their goals and dreams by • Providing affordable and reliable power to keep the lights on and the gas flowing • Incorporating technologies to better existing services and create new ones • And supporting programs and initiatives that improve education and lift people from economic hardships That’s our commitment to you and the communities we serve. Together, We Power Life.
CAROLYN WEBBER 2022 PRESIDENT Greater Baton Rouge ® Association of REALTORS It is no secret that 2021 was filled with uncertainties due to COVID-19 but the Greater Baton Rouge residential real estate market showed great strength throughout the year. The outlook for 2022 is positive with strong buyers demand and home prices advancing at a more moderate rate. Inventory will remain at low levels, but we expect it to rebound from 2021 lows. Homebuyers will have a better chance of finding a home in 2022, but competition will still be a challenge. We are looking forward to 2022 being a great year for the Greater Baton Rouge real estate market!
STEVE LEGENDRE 2022 President Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS® Commercial Investment Division Closing the door on 2021 with clear signs of a pandemic that’s waning, the future looks bright for commercial real estate in the Capital City and surrounding areas. Investor optimism combined with a favorable lending environment is bolstering demand for quality real estate investments and will continue through 2022. Federal legislation granting a portion of the $7.5B in state infrastructure funds along with the continuation of Section 1031 of the US Tax Code will be good for the commercial real estate market in general. Record prices in certain asset types and submarkets such as healthcare, industrial/distribution, garden office, multifamily and land will continue as a result of demand driven by hungry investors chasing yield and hedging against inflation. Lease rates should continue to rise in areas of high demand regardless of asset type helping to support an increase in value from an income approach. Experts predict some relief from increased construction costs by mid-summer of 2022 but I wouldn’t expect investors and developers to wait until then to pull the trigger. Speculative development will relieve pressure from an already stressed under-supply of industrial warehouse space, garden office, multi-family and single-family properties. Look for more infill projects on the residential development front as well as larger industrial/distribution facilities solving last mile and supply chain challenges. Finally, activity in owner-occupied medical office should be robust given the continuing trend of an aging population as well as attractive terms being offered by community banks who have strengthened relationships during the lockdown days of the pandemic.
DONNIE DAVID PRESIDENT ISC Constructors, L.L.C. We continue to see positive economic growth as industry and consumer optimism improves to pre-pandemic levels. However, we continue to closely monitor markets as factors including inflation, supply chain issues, workforce shortages and lingering COVID concerns remain. Regardless, the power of the ISC team is stronger than ever and we continue to forge ahead to provide best in class engineering and construction solutions. As we enter the new year, we recognize our associate’s perseverance, hard work and fortitude throughout the pandemic. The strength of the ISC team brought reliability and stability to the industries we serve which assisted our customers’ ability to manage uncertainties in 2021. As a result, the resiliency of our team was recognized by ABC National who named ISC the #1 Electrical and #1 Trade contractor in the U.S. ISC looks to the future with optimism and remains well positioned to support our customers most critical assets and investments. Our reputation is a result of our team’s dedication to excellence which has allowed us to develop highly valued partnerships. We appreciate all who continue to trust ISC to deliver industry leading solutions with a proven commitment to safety, quality and innovation. We look forward to the future and wish everyone a safe, prosperous, and blessed 2022.
GREGORY BOWSER PRESIDENT & CEO Louisiana Chemical Association As we prepare for 2022, we are optimistic for the future of Louisiana’s chemical industry. While the world continues to change around us, we will adapt and overcome any circumstance or obstacle that comes our way. The industry – the most highly regulated in the entire country – continues to excel in safety, emission decreases and workforce development and training. Clean, green energy is an up-andcoming topic of conversation, and our member companies are on the forefront of this movement. We are committed to bringing a sustainable, clean future for all Louisianians, while maintaining industry growth and prosperity. This includes our commitment to retaining our top-notch employers and employees. Additional factors outside of Louisiana continue to affect us, and we must face these while remaining competitive to attract and retain business investments in our state. As supply chain woes infiltrate every aspect of commerce, we stand ready to meet and exceed demand for our industry and provide the best quality products available to our consumers worldwide. In 2022, we look forward to facing these challenges head-on and continuing to assist the industry in reaching its full potential across the state of Louisiana.
AMANDA C. LOGUE, MD Chief Medical Officer Ochsner Lafayette General Dr. Amanda Logue serves as the chief medical officer for the Ochsner Lafayette General (OLG) system, a position she has held since May 2019. Dr. Logue joined the OLG family in 2009 and has served in various positions to include: Department Chair of Medicine, Physician Champion for Electronic Medical Record (EMR) implementation, Medical Director of the Hospitalist Department, and Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO). Under her leadership as CMIO, she led the physician transition to a fully electronic medical record throughout the growing health system. She was recognized in May 2020 as a “FireStarter,” an award issued by the president of the health system for outstanding achievement. Dr. Logue was also invited to speak about the COVID-19 pandemic and represent Region 4 at Governor John Bel Edwards’ press conference last July. In the fall of 2020, she was honored for making a difference in her community and named one of United Way of Acadiana’s Women Who Mean Business honorees. Dr. Logue attended LSU and earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with a minor in Chemistry. In 2005, she earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from LSU Health Science Center in Shreveport, La. She completed her internship and residence in Internal Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center. She resides in Lafayette with her husband and three kids. In her free time, Dr. Logue enjoys spending as much time as possible with her family, gardening, and traveling.
2022 Economic Outlook
DAVID BONDY
FOUNDER AND CEO
LUBA Casualty Insurance Company As we bounce back from the impacts of COVID-19, the Greater Baton Rouge business community, our mayor, and our City-Parish government is faced with additional challenges. How effectively we deal with those challenges will depend on how determined and bold we choose to be. As we look to 2022, we are faced with record inflation. Additionally, there are thousands of jobs available in our region. Unfortunately, there are insufficient numbers of folks willing to rejoin the workforce. Our elected officials must find ways to eliminate disincentives to returning to the workforce. At the same time, our business leaders must never lose sight of their obligation to the folks who work for them, and their families. At LUBA Workers’ Comp, we are pleased with the geographic growth we have achieved over the years. LUBA and its affiliates now provide insurance coverage in 14 states. We are proud to say that despite our growth and success, we remain domiciled right here in Baton Rouge. After 30 years in business, we continue to give credit to our dedicated staff, our independent insurance agents and our loyal policyholders. I pray that during this special time of year, we all remember that Christmas began with the birth of the Christ child. We at LUBA wish everyone a healthy and peaceful year ahead.
JAY HARDMAN, P.E. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Port of Greater Baton Rouge The diversification of the Port’s cargo base and revenue streams and improved utilization of the Port’s marine infrastructure and assets continue to be the principal drivers of this public port’s success. In 2022, we will continue to work closely with all private/public partnerships, port stakeholders, and maritime interests along the Mississippi River to promote international commerce and trade. In this way, we can continue building on our mission of creating jobs and investment opportunities for industries within the port region while adding to the economic value that the Port brings to south Louisiana. Our board of commissioners and staff are committed to the mission of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge. We thank all of them for their continued contributions in making this port a leader in the Gulf South region.
KRISTIN W. WALL PRESIDENT AND CEO LWCC
K. SCOTT WESTER President/CEO Our Lady of the Lake
KATHY HEALY-COLLIER President Our Lady of Lourdes
Louisiana Loyal is a movement to celebrate and elevate Louisiana. It’s a movement we launched in early 2020, unaware of how important it would become. In 2021, Louisiana’s economy faced continued adversity from the impacts of COVID, Hurricane Ida, and the ongoing impacts of previous hurricanes. As we move into 2022, we will strengthen our efforts to support and grow our state’s economy through our agent partners, policyholders, injured workers, and providers. Small actions we take daily as individuals add up to elevate our state. Larger actions by businesses and organizations come together to lead transformational change. Last year, LWCC provided workers’ comp insurance to approximately 20,000 businesses, providing safety resources and compassionate care to injured workers. We exceeded $1 billion in dividends distributed back to Louisiana businesses, supporting approximately 16,155 jobs since the program’s inception. The LWCC Foundation provided grants to 10 Louisiana nonprofits working to address long-existing physical wellness vulnerabilities. As we look ahead to 2022, LWCC will strive to do more to elevate Louisiana. We encourage others to join the movement because together we can help Louisiana thrive.
Here’s to you, Baton Rouge! We end 2021 as stronger families, closer friends and committed community. Our Lady of the Lake and its teams have been honored to meet your healthcare needs, including thousands of COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and clinic and hospital visits. We’ve come together as never before, and our prayers are for everyone’s continued health and safety in the New Year. Looking ahead to 2022, we’re focused on the leadership and clinical excellence you count on from us. Our Cancer Institute has taken shape and we will finalize a site location and break ground for our new state of the art facility. Our Heart and Vascular Institute holds national recognition for its advanced capabilities, and our Robotics Institute and NeuroTrauma Critical Care rival services of the largest medical centers. Our Children’s Hospital continues to flourish providing world-class care for our most precious patients and their families. Academics are thriving as we host the brightest minds and this region’s future physicians, nurses and allied health clinicians who are the next generations that will care for Louisiana. Our Lady of the Lake’s countless activities create economic momentum. The Spirit of Healing accelerates that pace and assures our community thrives.
Healthcare and other area industries exhibited new levels of creativity and resiliency throughout 2021, a second year heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Acadiana again proved a pandemic, storms and other challenges could not dampen our spirit. We remained on the forefront of providing vaccinations, treatment and healthcare access for area families. We helped patients navigate emergency care through (337) 470-ERRN, fully opened our new $5 million outpatient cancer center and expanded care for women with a specialized adult medicine unit at Women’s & Children’s. An anchor for employment opportunities, we retained skilled team members with turnover rates among the lowest in the nation, and our highcaliber programs continue to attract new talent. We welcomed 30 new doctors and nurse practitioners to Acadiana, with another eight set to join soon. Additionally, we helped build a healthier Lafayette with a family-focused feature at Moncus Park set to open this spring, enhanced our alliance with UL Lafayette and continued support for the Junior League Diaper Bank initiative. We enter 2022 focused on remaining at the forefront of economic development, with significant capital investments to be announced in the near future, which will further demonstrate our commitment to growth across Acadiana.
TODD GRAVES FOUNDER, CEO, FRY COOK & CASHIER Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers 2021 was a milestone year for Raising Cane’s! When I opened “The Mothership” at the north gates of LSU in 1996, I never imagined we’d be here 25 years later with 600 Restaurants in 32 states and beyond. Now with 40,000 Crewmembers strong, we’ve committed to celebrating 25 years of ONE LOVE with $25 Million in support to the communities we serve. While continuing to work hard to keep our Crew and Customers safe during the ongoing pandemic, we navigated unprecedented labor and supply shortages. We anticipate these shortages to improve in 2022, however we will continue to aggressively recruit new hires to prepare for upcoming growth. Next year, we will open 100 new Restaurants and add 10 new markets. From Crew raises and bonuses to new and improved benefits,we’ve stepped up our commitment to our Crew. I’m proud of the many opportunities Raising Cane’s provides to our Crewmembers. In addition to being named again to Glassdoor’s Top 100 Employers in the US, we are honored to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Diversity, Best Employer for Women, and Best Employer for New Grads. I am forever grateful to the Baton Rouge community for support over the past 25 years!
RONALD A. GITZ, CPA, CGMA CEO & Executive Director Society of Louisiana CPAs We want to kick off 2022 by thanking our more than 5200 members for everything they do, day in and day out, to serve Louisiana businesses large and small. Whether it was the pandemic, severe weather events, supply chain shortages, or a host of other challenges, organizations of all shapes and sizes have relied on Certified Public Accountants to advise them on the best way to plan for, survive, and thrive through it all. From strategic planning and operations to technology and AI and more, you can trust our members’ education and experience to keep your business ahead of the curve. So, no matter whatever 2022 has in store, CPAs will be there to continue to lead Louisiana’s businesses through complicated issues and make sure your organization is positioned to succeed.
RAWLSTON D. PHILLIPS, III PRESIDENT Sun*Plus, Inc. Predicting the future is impossible, but historically we have been able to make safe assumptions based on the last 2-3 years. If we use the last few years as a guide then all I can say is hold on, things are about to get even more interesting. I hope the feast or famine times are over and we move toward embracing the new normal in our lives. Maybe, it’s not normalcy just consistency we are all hoping for. But I don’t think you are going to see a major elixir come and calm the waters. We will just learn how to operate in a world of greater flux. All our companies had record years in 2021 and we have reinvested those earnings in our people, new projects, and building better financial fortitude. We have never been the fastest horse in the race, but steady and consistent is our goal. With the number of projects that are slated for West Baton Rouge in 2022, we are looking to have another great year as a parish. There are a lot of plans and interests from other parties for our properties and it’s exciting to see the interest in our area. 2022 is the year to capitalize on these opportunities and pave the way for continued success.