Economic Development Positives

LOUISIANA IS:

• The nation's energy hub, ranking first in crude oil production and second in natural gas production in the U.S. (including offshore production).
• A major exporter worldwide, totaling $23.5 billion - an all-time record - in worldwide merchandise exports in 2006.
• The largest importer of rubber, coffee and steel in the U.S. with 460 million tons of cargo shipped annually via the Mississippi River.
• Home to NASA's largest manufacturing facility - America's "mission to Mars" starts here.
• Abundant in natural resources - a top producer of rice, sugar cane and forestry products.
• Using state-of-the-art fiber optic systems to revolutionize research capabilities throughout our university system.
• One of the top three states in the U.S. for major film production and entertainment projects. 
• At the center of the nation's new construction economy.
• The destination for business and industry - 48 new project announcements totaling more than $11 billion and an estimated 8,500 new jobs in 2006. 
• A pro-business state, expediting a phase-out of business and industry taxes.
• A "state of opportunity" with aggressive state and federal business incentives, including the Gulf Opportunity Zone and Renewal Communities.
• Moving forward - join us.