Louisiana Continues to Leap Forward in All Areas
Leading economic development magazine Area Development has just released its 2012 “Top States for Doing Business” survey of national site selectors, and Louisiana has posted its best showing ever:
- #1 in Cooperative State Government
- #2 in Incentives Programs
- #2 in Economic Recovery
- #3 in Leading Workforce Development Programs
- #3 in Speed of Permitting
- #4 in Overall Business Environment
- #4 in Cost of Doing Business
- #5 in Labor Climate
- #6 Top State for Doing Business
This is a remarkable set of top-10 votes for Louisiana from national economic development consultants; you can see the full report here.
These latest rankings are just another example of what we see happening all around us. Louisiana continues to leap forward in all areas – jobs, economic development, business climate, entrepreneurship, etc. As I tell people around the country the “Louisiana Story”, their reactions are somewhere between amazement and skepticism. I can tell some of them flatly don’t believe a word I am saying.
That is what makes telling the story even more remarkable.
Walgreens on Magazine – Update 10/15/12
The Magazine Street Walgreens project is really taking shape, the great weather has allowed the roofing to be completed as well as the final topping out of the new rear wall. The front façade stone and brick were delivered last week, and final touches on the front were done to allow the veneer to start today, Monday October 15th. Interior progress is moving along at a fast pace, drywall framing, sprinkler rough in, electrical and plumbing rough in work is happening just about everywhere you look.
Southeast Super-Region Committee awarded gold medal by IEDC
Just a few short years ago, I was interviewed by a reporter for an article focusing on the extreme divisiveness, dislike and disdain between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. At that time, I even wrote an opinion column, The Feud is Fading, pointing out the futility in this situation and how it was preventing our region from competing nationally and globally.
It was from those roots that discussions began among a small group who had business interests which cross parish lines, from New Orleans and Baton Rouge, to form the Southeast Super- Region Committee. So today it is truly exciting and gratifying to have the Super-Region Committee being recognized for an award for cross collaboration by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
To me, this represents hope for the continued future success of our region.
Click here to see the article released by Greater New Orleans, Inc.
Walgreens on Magazine – Update 9/21/12
The Front Elevation of the Magazine Street Walgreens is now taking shape with the installation of the Structural Steel Framing and Heavy Gauge Metal Stud Work. The front sidewalk (not seen) will also be completely replaced with new concrete and brick paver accents to create a beautiful new entry point for the store. The inside of the store is buzzing with Construction Activities this week with Electrical, Mechanical, Roofing, Metal Stud Framing, Concrete and Masonry work everywhere. We are making great progress, stay tuned for more.
ICSC World Summit – Shanghai, China
I just recently returned from the ICSC World Summit in Shanghai, China, where worldwide trustees gathered for a meeting.
I was asked to take part in one of the panel discussions to talk about Stirling Properties and the risks, challenges, and opportunities of being a private, regionally-focused real estate firm that deals in multiple property types.
In contrast, others on the panel were CEOs of large public REITs and foreign-based development firms who discussed the same issues from their vantage points.
Needless to say, my perspective was starkly different from theirs in many aspects.
Interestingly enough, several other trustees approached me afterwards to say how much they envied our position of being able to grow in our own backyard and carve a unique niche for ourselves.
What was amazing was that these comments came from some of the largest multinational retail developers in the world.
Sometimes going halfway around the world helps us to focus even more clearly on our own backyard.
Walgreens on Magazine – Update 8/20/12
One of the main iconic symbols of the former American Legion Hall will be relocated within the new Walgreens retail floor area as a tribute to the former Service Men and Women who built and maintained this Post. Originally our plans were to try to recreate the image in another location of the store, but after some serious “napkin engineering” our Contractor [Shamrock Construction] devised a plan to excavate, underpin and relocate the symbol thereby saving the original Terrazzo Artwork. The new store will have all new finishes throughout, as well as a wall of dedication to the former American Legion Hall that will consist of images of photos and memorabilia of the once busy Hall. Shown in the image are team Shamrock craftsmen and supervisors in the initial stage of removal…..stay tuned for more.
Stirling is pleased to announce that it has acquired […]
Stirling and Kent Design Build today joined St. Tammany Corporation […]
