The White House posted a tweet praising Louisiana’s economy yesterday, even as President Donald Trump tried to rally voters against Governor John Bel Edwards.
“‘The Pelican State’ is booming – boasting its lowest unemployment rate since 2008, bringing back 5,000+ manufacturing jobs, and becoming one of our Nation’s leading states in natural gas exports!”
In a second tweet, the White House praised the 21,000 jobs the state has added since 2016, a dropping unemployment rate (from 6% to 4.3%), and rising wages for blue-collar workers.
Confirming the strength of the state’s economy, Governor John Bel Edwards announced yesterday that Site Selection ranked Louisiana among the Top 10 states in the country for best business climate for the 10th year in a row. Louisiana was ranked number 10 for job creation and business investment.
“Today’s ranking by Site Selection” affirms Louisiana’s strength as a state with a strong and welcoming business climate,” Gov. Edwards said. “Through a mix of our highly skilled workforce, a world-class infrastructure, a cooperative state government, and bonds forged between employers and our higher education community, Louisiana ranks among the very best places to do business in the world. We have made tremendous progress in moving our state in the right direction, and we will remain vigilant in ensuring our people have new opportunities and that businesses can thrive in Louisiana.”
This is the second time that Louisiana has been ranked in the top 10 for business in the past year. In July, Business Facilities ranked Louisiana in their top 10 for multiple categories, including economic growth, foreign trade activity, cybersecurity growth, and low industrial electric rates. In addition, the magazine rated the state’s LED FastStart® program as the top workforce program in the country for the 10th year in a row.
“Once again Louisiana is a Top 10 state for best business climate, reflecting our efforts to sustain and grow the momentum we have established,” LED Secretary Don Pierson said. “Thanks to the committed support of our elected officials, professional economic developers, and civic and business leaders throughout our state, we are winning major projects and bringing new opportunities to all parts of Louisiana. This ranking is a recognition that we share with all of our partners as we continue to diversify our economy and encourage businesses around the world to invest in Louisiana.”
Jenn Bentley is a freelance journalist and editor currently serving as Editor-in-Chief of Big Easy Magazine. Her work has also been featured in publications such as Wander N.O. More, The High Tech Society, FansShare, Yahoo News, Examiner.com, and others. Follow her on Twitter: @JennBentley_
