Resilience SWLA

RESILIENT SWLA

by George Swift

It’s no secret that the effects of Hurricanes Laura and Delta linger. You can see the impact as you ride throughout our region. There are literally thousands of homes and businesses still awaiting repairs. Settlements with insurance companies, lack of contractors, and back orders for building materials, windows, air conditioners, appliances, and furniture are keeping our area in recovery mode. While Louisiana and in particular, our five-parish region, await a federal disaster appropriation, rebuilding continues at less than a desired pace. However, the industrial outlook continues to provide hope for our region’s recovery.

Now, almost eleven months after Hurricane Laura devastated our area, the usual federal funding response has not taken place. Census figures are to be released in September, but an accurate picture of how many residents have left the area may not be known. A good barometer of population loss will be school enrollment. With over 8500 persons unemployed and over 11,500 positions open in our five parishes, there are jobs available for everyone. Wages have gone up as well as prices on goods and services. The state discontinued the $300 weekly unemployment enhancement at the end of July 2021 which should encourage folks to return to the workforce. Training programs are available, some with scholarships at SOWELA , McNeese, and ABC School. The new M.J. Foster Promise Program passed by the legislature will, starting next year, provide scholarships for adults over 21 wishing to retrain at our technical community colleges.

Many residents are hindered by the lack of affordable housing. Long term recovery plans from the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will be revealed soon and implementation of that plan is absolutely necessary for our region to make a full recovery. The Chamber SWLA continues to push our Louisiana Congressional Delegation to find a way to pass the $3 billion Disaster Relief Appropriation as requested by Governor Edwards and supported by our local officials. These funds are essential for housing and strengthening our infrastructure for the future.

Recently, some major projects are taking shape which give credibility to the belief that despite massive hurricane damage, our region is on the rebound.

In Beauregard Parish, one of the first major industrial announcements in over forty years was made. Canfor Corporation will build a $160 million state-of-the-art lumber mill at the Louisiana Economic Development Certified Site at the Beauregard Regional Airport in DeRidder. This facility will create 130 jobs and 385 indirect jobs. This is the first project for the airport which should lead to more industrial expansion on the 1,100 acre mega-site.

Another Canadian company, Interfor, has announced plans to re-open the shuttered Georgia Pacific Lumber Mill in DeQuincy which will bring jobs to that area.

Chennault Industrial Airpark had the groundbreaking for a new air cargo facility which Chennault officials believe will open the door to diversification.

Tellurian exercised its long-term lease option with the Port of Lake Charles. The company is taking the necessary steps to prepare for the Driftwood LNG construction which will result in over 6,500 construction jobs and about 400 operational jobs. Other LNG projects are moving toward final investment decision.

Governor John Bel Edwards was recently in Westlake for the groundbreaking of a new $170 million plant for BioLab, which had burned after Hurricane Laura. BioLab manufactures chlorine tablets and was such a major player in the industry that its destruction contributed to a shortage of chlorine tablets for pools nationwide. BioLab will retain 30 jobs, add over 70 new jobs and create over 230 indirect jobs when the plant is complete in spring of 2022.

Governor Edwards also attended the groundbreaking of Port Wonder, a collaborative public-private effort shepherded by Mayor Nic Hunter. This $20 million showplace will house the Children’s Museum and a science and nature center to be operated by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. This project should be a catalyst for further lakefront development, according to Mayor Hunter, who began his second term July 1. Adjacent to Port Wonder will be a restaurant overlooking the lake and operated by Crying Eagle Brewing Company. With over 90,000 vehicles passing daily along I-10, this development should entice folks to stop and increase our area’s tourism.

The Isle of Capri construction is underway with the new land-based casino scheduled to be opened by this time next year.

The Lake Area Industry Alliance expects over 3,000 additional construction jobs will begin in October as existing industries conduct heavy maintenance, which was delayed by COVID-19.

While recovery continues as residents and businesses deal with rebuilding issues, our region is exhibiting strong resilience. At the Alliance, we are currently working with several industrial prospects and potential commercial and residential developers so the interest in our area is high.

Opportunity is here despite the hardships we are enduring. Southwest Louisiana is our home and we want our children and grandchildren to stay here. This region is valuable to our nation with agriculture, timber, chemical products and energy production. We cannot afford to let the partisan bickering in our nation’s capital keep us from recovering. We not only want to recover, we want to build back stronger and better than before. Future generations depend on it.

George Swift is the President/CEO of SWLA Economic Development Alliance

Russell Castille

We Mean Business.

Will Henning Eric Mire Kyle Duplantis Logan Fontenot

BUSINESS BANKING SERVICES Our expert team of financial professionals makes business banking easy. First Federal Bank should be your first choice for business loans and cash management solutions, no matter the size of your business. Come on over for the tools to help you profit.

STEPHEN VIDRINE, owner, ten years of experience in the industry

YOUR PREMIER LEADER IN ALL THINGS TECHNOLOGY

SAVIT Solutions was formed here in SWLA with the goal of being “THE PREMIER LEADER IN ALL THINGS TECHNOLOGY.” We provide you with premier services with the most up-to-date technology that delivers premium value to your business or home. SAVIT Solutions does not just deal with the everyday go-to tech, we find solutions that are catered to your budget and goals. We look far and wide to find the best solution.

When you work with SAVIT Solutions, we believe in creating a partnership with your business. We don’t want to just be your IT support; we want to become a part of your business and fully understand the innerworkings to ensure that we can provide you with the best equipment and support for your specific company needs. We understand that your company must stay up and running during your business hours. Therefore, SAVIT Solutions works with your business and schedule to ensure any down time is outside of your business hours – even if its past ours. We are here to make certain your business is always running at 100%. We strive to integrate and design systems that will seamlessly connect and grow with your company. As your business grows, we will be here to help lead and support you for years to come. At SAVIT Solutions, we are your one-stop-shop for all your technology needs. Whether you need a simple cable, or a full infrastructure build-out, we can get you the equipment and team to fully integrate and install your equipment.

Here at SAVIT Solutions we don’t have contracts – ever! We believe that the partnership we create with your business will sustain your growth with us. SAVIT Solutions does not need to lock you down into a multiyear contract. We believe in our services and quality so much that you can leave at any time with a 30 days’ notice. We do this for many reasons. The major reason is that our work and customer service are top notch. We also know firsthand that, at times, businesses may struggle. Without contracts, you can simply put a hold on your account and resume your services at any time free of charge. If you want to switch options to better accommodate your budget, we can do that, too. This allows you to make financial moves that are smart for your business. If you are interested in seeing what we can do for your business or home, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We love meeting new customers and discussing your goals to make your tech life easier.

SAVIT Solutions

MSP (MANAGED SERVICE PROVIDER)

Don’t have the budget for a full-time technician? Having issues now and want to prepare and prevent future issues? Let us manage your IT infrastructure to make sure your company stays running 100%, all the time.

We will take your systems and infrastructure and manage all of your tech-related items for a set monthly fee. The combined experience of our staff gives you the ability to have everything you need without hiring someone in-house. Additionally, if something breaks or malfunctions, we will get it repaired timely and efficiently. With this service, you will be billed monthly and be able to call us at any time.

*new projects are not included

STRUCTURED CABLING

Business growing? Cluttered networking closet? New construction? Whether you need an upgrade or a completely new install, we can take care of it. You will have a comprehensive infrastructure that will serve a wide range of uses and allow all the elements of your telecommunications to be located neatly and conveniently in one place. Features

• Endpoint Detection & Response • Anti-Ransomware • Deep Learning

Technology • Exploit Prevention • Managed Threat

Response • Active Adversary

Mitigations

SECURITY

FIREWALLS, ANTIVIRUS, MALWARE AND RANSOMWARE

We provide the best endpoint protection with Sophos Intercept X and Sophos XG firewalls providing a fully synchronized endpoint and firewall protection of your core network and any satellite offices.

PHYSICAL SECURITY

CAMERAS AND ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKS

Whether you’re looking to protect your property or ensure the safety of your staff, we can provide high-quality surveillance systems that can be accessed anywhere in the world and will suit any lifestyle or business. These systems offer components like live monitoring and advanced motion alerts – conveniently accessed from your cell phone, laptop or any mobile device. We also perform access control such as door locks and badge entry. Require verification to enter a gate, door, or other entry point so you know only authorized people are entering your place of business or restricted areas.

PHONE SYSTEMS

We provide a 100% VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) service that allows you to take your phones anywhere in the world and handle phone calls as if you were at your desk in the office. Our phone system also provides an application for controlling your extension on your cell phone from anywhere you have cell reception or WiFi. When you place a call the caller ID will show up as the company’s number – not your personal number. The application also allows for transferring calls to other users in your network and texting clients through the business number.

AUDIO VISUAL

CONFERENCE ROOMS, DISTRIBUTED TV SYSTEMS AND AUTOMATION

Whatever your audio-visual needs are, we can meet them. With our help, you can have the virtual meetings of your dreams, incorporate multiple video streams, be able to control all your devices from one location, or even automate your audio-visual process. We can create beautiful acoustics in your space; helping you get the best out of your system. We offer a full range of services in audio, video, broadcast, lighting, and more.