2026 Capital Assets - Baton Rouge Business Report

DISCOVER WHAT MAKES THE CAPITAL REGION A SMART PLACE TO

LIVE, WORK & INVEST

SPONSORED BY:

Healthcare with us, FMOLHealth.org

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CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

CONTENTS A4/Welcome What’s really happening in the Capital Region—and why it matters. “The Real Story” looks past assumptions to where the region stands today, and leaders share what they believe are the Capital Region’s greatest assets, from its people and institutions to the momentum building across the region.

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A18/Community Discover what makes the Capital Region a place people choose, not just work. Explore unique experiences that define the area’s character, why business and civic leaders have planted roots here, how neighborhoods are evolving and which game-changing projects are reshaping daily life and long-term perception.

A29/Doing business Take a deep dive into the mechanics of growth in the Capital Region, from the business climate and major deals to the companies and entrepreneurs betting big on Baton Rouge. Also, a look at five key sectors—technology, health care, energy, construction and logistics—that are driving investment, innovation and jobs.

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A56/Education Explore the talent pipeline—spanning K-12 education, higher education and workforce training programs—that is aligning with industry needs and preparing the next generation of leaders, workers and innovators for a rapidly changing economy.

A62/Looking ahead A forward-focused view of what’s next, spotlighting major projects on the horizon and outlining ways business leaders and engaged citizens can get involved, influence outcomes and help shape the Capital Region’s future.

A62 + PLUS

A79/One more thing A last look at what makes the Capital Region unique

THE ROUNDTABLE: A special advertising section featuring top executives in a conversation about the Capital Region’s greatest assets.

Publisher: Julio Melara Associate Publisher: Erin Pou

EDITORIAL Executive Editor: Penny Font Managing Editor: Allan Schilling News Editor: Holly Duchmann Staff Writers: Jordan Arceneaux, Dillon Lowe Digital Content Strategist & Researcher: John McElwain Contributing Writers: Sam Barnes, Kelli Bozeman, Maggie Heyn Richardson Contributing Photographers: Jackie Haxthausen, Don Kadair, Tim Mueller, Collin Richie

ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing Operations Manager: Kynley Lemoine Senior Consultant & Assistant Manager: Kelly Lewis Multimedia Marketing Consultants: David Burton, Nicole Crochet, Alex Lorando, Emma Walker Multimedia Marketing Consultant/Custom Publishing: Judith LaDousa Sales Intern: Blair LeBlanc Marketing Director: Ashleigh Ward Digital Operations Manager: Devyn MacDonald Partner Success Manager: Matt Wambles Digital Operations Coordinator: Sydney Deville Content Creator: Londyn White Corporate Communications Strategist: Mark Lorando Content Strategist: Emily Hebert

STUDIO E Creative Director: Timothy Coles Business Development Manager: Manny Fajardo Custom Content Editor: Lisa Tramontana Video Lead: Taylor Stoma Production Coordinator: Sara Hodge

ADMINISTRATION Chief Technology Officer: James Hume Business Manager: Tiffany Durocher Business Associate: Kirsten Milano Office Coordinator: Donna Curry Receptionist: Cathy Varnado Brown

CREATIVE SERVICES Creative Services Manager: Ellie Gray Art Director: Hoa Vu Senior Graphic Designers: Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, Sidney Rosso Graphic Designer: Aniya Dunn

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Circulation and Client Experience Manager: Ivana Oubre A PUBLICATION OF MELARA ENTERPRISES, LLC Chairman: Julio Melara Executive Assistant: Brooke Motto Vice President, Sales: Elizabeth McCollister Hebert Chief Content Officer: Penny Font Chief Digital Officer: Erin Pou Chief Operating Officer: Guy Barone Circulation/Reprints/Subscriptions/Customer Service 225-928-1700 • email: circulation@businessreport.com Volume 41 - Number 41 Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

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WELCOME: THE BIG PICTURE

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CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

First light As the sun rises over the Mississippi River, a lone runner moves along the levee—past a bench, a light pole and the everyday details that quietly shape life in the Capital Region. It’s a familiar scene, but also a telling one: a community at the start of something new. Across the region, leaders are rethinking how the city connects to its riverfront, with initiatives aimed at drawing residents and visitors back to the water and turning this defining natural asset into a more active, accessible part of daily life. That work is just one part of a much bigger transformation as the Capital Region reimagines itself across neighborhoods, industries and institutions. Like the runner at dawn, the Capital Region is in motion—grounded in what’s here, focused on where it’s headed.

—Photography by Jordan Hefler

Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

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WELCOME: AT A GLANCE

ISTOCK.COM/BGBLUE

Digits tell the story No. 8

The Port of Greater Baton Rouge’s ranking in North America by tonnage. It moves more than 53 million tons of cargo annually via the Mississippi River.

17,000+

Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership

ISTOCK/LAMONTAK590623

Ranking among U.S. metros for economic growth

TOP 10 ISTOCK.COM/CRISTINA GAIDAU

ACREAGE OF ASCENSION PARISH’S RIVERPLEX MEGAPARK, WHICH HAS ATTRACTED BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT.

Site Selection magazine

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Bureau of Labor Statistics

2026-2027 Louisiana Economic Outlook, Loren Scott

$546,000+

Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership

20+

Capital Region unemployment rate

Number of certified development-ready sites Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership

CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

21,600

NEW JOBS PROJECTED FOR THE CAPITAL REGION IN 2026 AND 2027 2026-2027 Louisiana Economic Outlook, Loren Scott

ISTOCK.COM/REDUNNLEV

Regional manufacturing productivity per worker in the Capital Region, with a gross regional product ranking among the highest in the U.S.

Combined value of the pending industrial projects in the Baton Rouge MSA that have issued final investment decisions

ISTOCK.COM/EVGENIY SHKOLENKO

$21.3B

4.2%

#1 PRAIRIEVILLE’S RANKING AS THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN THE BATON ROUGE AREA. THE COMMUNITY IS LOCATED IN ASCENSION PARISH

7.2%

$

BELOW THE NATIONAL AVERAGE

92.8

Cost of living index for the Capital Region Bureau of Labor Statistics

$81,415 Average household income in the Baton Rouge MSA Federal Reserve Bank

Niche

ISTOCK.COM/FEVERPITCHED

$269,768

ISTOCK/MICHAEL VI

$1,365 Average monthly rent in the Baton Rouge MSA Zillow

Average home listing price

Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors

225+ Parks and recreation sites

COURTESY BREC

Individual city and parish recreation organizations

65,000+

NUMBER OF COLLEGE STUDENTS IN THE CAPITAL REGION ATTENDING LSU, SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND OTHER NEARBY INSTITUTIONS Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership

Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

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WELCOME: A CLOSER LOOK

At sunrise, the Louisiana State Capitol towers between the Mississippi River and downtown Baton Rouge, a daily reminder of how government, commerce and community converge at the heart of the Capital Region.

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CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

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REAL STORY

BY EILEEN MCCLELLAND

Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

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2 0 0 6

2 0 2 6

“We are proud to celebrate 20 years! Rooted in Baton Rouge with dedication and integrity, our journey has been defined by the trust and support of our community and customer realtionships.

Thank you for being the driving force behind our success.

We look forward to continuing to grow and thrive for many more years together.”

John D’Angelo President & CEO

InvestarBank.com

Member

FDIC

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CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

G

reater Baton Rouge is easy to underestimate.

Drive through, and you might see a midsized Southern capital—government buildings, a big state university, refineries along the river. What you won’t immediately see is that this region sits at the center of one of the most important industrial corridors in the U.S., producing materials that show up in supply chains nationwide.

The Capital Region of Louisiana— nine parishes, more than 880,000 residents, anchored by Baton Rouge and the Mississippi River—has an image problem. Not because it lacks assets, but because those assets don’t fit a simple narrative. This is where petrochemical plants and political power meet Michelin-recommended restaurants and SEC football. Where suburban parishes are booming while downtown reconnects with a riverfront it turned its back on decades ago. It’s a region connected by the river, interstate corridors and an economy built on government, industry, education and health care working in tandem.

Baton Rouge offers more than 20 museums, active arts programming, a diverse culinary scene and charming neighborhoods. It’s centrally located for day trips to Lafayette, St. Francisville and New Orleans. Nine million visitors spent $1.7 billion here in 2024. They come for the Southern hospitality, the food, conventions and sporting events, as well as the unique culture and heritage of south Louisiana, says Jill Kidder, president and CEO of Visit Baton Rouge. “We see ourselves as the melting pot of all that, of the best of Louisiana.”

East Baton Rouge Parish anchors employment, while the story of growth is increasingly suburban and distributed. Ascension Parish has expanded about 26% since 2010 to reach approximately 135,000 residents, driven by industry investment and proximity to the city. Livingston Parish added over 2,300 residents in 2024 alone and is experiencing a 7% increase since. With approximately 155,000 residents and a median household income of $78,617, Livingston represents the kind of affordable suburban expansion attracting young families and skilled workers. West Baton Rouge Parish is home to the Port of Greater Baton Rouge.

WELCOME: A CLOSER LOOK

Lamb chops at Gino’s Restaurant— an Italian staple in Capital Region dining—are marinated with rosemary and served with bow tie pasta.

Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

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WELCOME: A CLOSER LOOK The LSU Museum of Art at the Shaw Center for the Arts, photographed by Sean Gasser

A rendering of the proposed LSU Arena

While refineries and government offices concentrate along the river corridor, residential development pushes outward into these growing parishes and East and West Feliciana parishes, where rural character meets commuter convenience. Iberville, Pointe Coupee and St. Helena parishes round out the lineup.

FOUR PILLARS, ONE ECONOMY Lori Melancon, president and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, says one common misconception about the region is that Greater Baton Rouge is a midsized metro with limited reach. The reality, she says, is the opposite.

“The Capital Region sits at the center of one of the most important industrial corridors in the United States,” she says. “The materials produced here show up everywhere: in medical equipment, protective gear, packaging, electronics, vehicles, sporting goods and the everyday

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consumer goods people use without thinking twice.

“If you walk through a grocery store or a hospital anywhere in the country, you’ll see products that exist because of the people and facilities in this region. Our industrial base isn’t just supporting the region’s economy; it’s part of the supply chain that keeps the national economy running.”

Industry built the modern city.

Refineries, petrochemicals and heavy manufacturing line the river corridor, supported by rail, barge access and interstate connections. Now the

CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

base is evolving. “Many of our recent projects connect traditional industrial assets with emerging technologies such as clean fuels, carbon reduction, and complex systems support,” Melancon says. “This shows that the region is diversifying in a way that strengthens our core industries while positioning us for long-term global competitiveness.”

Government provides the foundation. As Louisiana’s political nerve center, Baton Rouge houses the state Capitol and the machinery of public administration. That means stability,

policy access and a cluster of professional services that follows power.

Education centers on LSU, which functions as a talent pipeline and research engine. Southern University, a historically Black university with deep roots in the region, adds educational breadth and cultural significance.

Regional colleges and workforce training programs round out a system trying to keep young professionals from leaving.

Health care continues expanding its footprint. Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge

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A PORT BUILT FOR WHAT’S NEXT Momentum on the Mississippi. You see it everywhere at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge – in the upgraded berths, the increase of tons moved, the influx of new partners. This is a port designed to meet tomorrow’s demands today.

Our deep-draft expansion will soon accommodate up to five ships simultaneously, unlocking greater liquid bulk and container capacity. Modernized grain-handling systems, enhanced cargo docks and advanced liquid bulk equipment streamline every move – reducing delays and increasing cargo volume.

An upcoming 50-foot draft on the Mississippi River will provide carriers with true competitive deep-water access to the heart of America’s inland waterway system. From here, goods flow efficiently to and from a majority of the U.S. and parts of Canada.

Industry leaders like Drax and Louis Dreyfus Commodities already move millions of tons of wood pellets and grain through our facilities, and ongoing infrastructure investments mean even greater opportunity ahead. Fewer bottlenecks. Faster turnarounds. Smarter logistics.

The Port of Greater Baton Rouge is your home for growth, efficiency and global reach.

For more information, contact GREG JOHNSON at 225.342.1660 or visit WWW.PORTGBR.COM A14

CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

WELCOME: A CLOSER LOOK

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital offers 99 patient beds and care across six floors. It is home to the region’s only Level II pediatric trauma program.

General Medical Center, and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center anchor a sector that offers employment stability and increasingly sophisticated services across parishes.

Together with education, it creates a knowledge sector that complements the region’s blue-collar roots.

A RIVER CITY RECONNECTING Community leaders are working to make downtown Baton Rouge the region’s thriving core.

Whitney Hoffman Sayal, executive director of the Downtown Development District, notes that the International Downtown Association classifies the city’s downtown as emerging, one that is experiencing renewed growth and development, but hasn’t reached the full potential or density of an established downtown. Between 2012 and 2022 the downtown residential population grew 16.4%, a notable surge, considering the parish and state population declined. Downtown apartment occupancy rates are at 95%.

Diversification of the downtown economy is one of the drivers of growth, Hoffman Sayal says. “We’ve seen growth in construction, engineering and architecture. We need that diversity in our market downtown in addition to always being catered toward our government institutions. But what we’re really lacking is retail. That offers a huge opportunity. The more residents

we’re able to attract downtown, the more retailers will realize the viability of the market.”

That transition from emerging to established is increasingly focused on the Mississippi River. Although it should be downtown’s major asset, the community consensus is that the city is not connected to the riverfront in the way that it could be, observes Hoffman Sayal. For decades, interstate infrastructure and industrial development created barriers between downtown and the waterfront.

Local developer and real estate attorney Charles Landry is negotiating for the development of what early on was referred to as “a string of pearls,”: a convention center expansion with a headquarters hotel, a Memorial Park

Fullness Farm grows vegetables, herbs and edible flowers organically in the heart of Baton Rouge.

project linking downtown to Southern University, and a new LSU arena, designed to draw the level of big-name entertainers who’ve bypassed Baton Rouge in the past.

As part of that plan and the broader Plan Baton Rouge III, led by community groups, the Raising Cane’s River Center would be not only expanded as a larger convention center, but repositioned to engage with the riverfront. The proposed headquarters hotel is vital to downtown economic growth. Kidder says. “We’re not even on the radar of some of the meetings and conventions that are of regional and national scope because we don’t have a headquarters hotel attached to our River Center.”

Joshua Brooks is principal lead

for planning and design firm Sasaki, which is drawing on community input to set priorities for Plan Baton Rouge III. He said during a community meeting in November that the goal is to turn downtown and the riverfront into the kind of authentic, pedestrianfriendly hub that is enough of a draw for residents to come downtown almost daily, rather than once every month or two.

And at the heart of it is the river.

“Nothing is more beautiful,” says Kidder, “than the view from Southern’s campus, on the bluff up there, watching the sun go down over that river. It’s spectacular. How many people are walking and jogging and biking and rolling strollers and walking dogs on our riverfront?

“But I think we’ve got a ways to go. Planners know people want to get back to the water, to see it, to experience it. Even watching the big tankers or barges, it’s theater. We’ve seen people getting engaged on the levee and certainly we want our businesses to turn their face back to the river. These next few years will be generational in change, if everything comes to fruition,” Kidder says.

If the Mississippi is destined to be the front porch of Baton Rouge, Kidder sees tourism as the front door to economic development in the Capital Region. If a visitor to an LSU game, a bowling tournament or a business convention experiences the region’s hospitality and culture, they may well return. Eventually, they may move to the region. More residents mean more business growth.

“It used to be that a business could locate in a place and attract employees to follow them,” Kidder notes.

“But now businesses are following the people, following the talent. We understand that we are that first date in the economic development cycle.”

Ileana Ledet, chief economic competitiveness officer for Louisiana Economic Development, says the region’s primary challenge is simply that not enough people know the true story. “Having people tell the positive things that are happening in Louisiana as a whole—that’s been our key challenge,” Ledet says. “Telling it and believing it. Everyone here should help tell the story of the great things, the tremendous things that are happening.”

Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

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More than a building.

A commitment to care.

As Baton Rouge grows, so does the demand for accessible, high-quality healthcare. At Ochsner Medical Complex – The Grove, we’re meeting that demand by expanding our facility and the services families rely on.

We’re doubling our operating rooms, adding a cardiac catheterization lab, offering advanced imaging, and expanding primary care alongside OB-GYN, pediatric, and musculoskeletal services. Our new fifth floor will add 30 exam and treatment rooms dedicated to women’s and children’s care.

This investment reflects our deep commitment not only to Baton Rouge, but also to the surrounding communities we serve. We’re proud to grow alongside this region and remain dedicated to bringing the best care close to home.

Learn more at ochsner.org/br.

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CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

WELCOME: VOICES

Greatest attributes THE CAPITAL REGION’S

Ask a resident about the Capital Region’s single greatest strength, and it’s hard not to find someone who will default to answering with “Our people.” But there’s more to it than that. Here’s what local leaders say make those bonds so strong.

“We have one of the most productive workforces in the country, and it’s because our folks are multitalented in layered ways.

They grow up tinkering with farm equipment, hunting and fishing. The challenges we’re exposed to in this part of the country allow us to think about problems in a very innovative way. If you’re a fisher stuck on a boat somewhere and you’re 20 miles from a highway, you’ve gotta find a solution. I call it Cajun-uity. We’ve figured out how to apply it to all the things we produce here, from isopropyl alcohol to fertilizer. I don’t think we have enough swagger about that as a people.”

—Lori Melancon, president and CEO, Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership

CULTURAL HERITAGE

“We have a long history of learning from the hardworking people who came before us and a dedication to keeping their traditions alive. Our grandparents grew up appreciating the richness of our land, and passed down farming and fishing skills. We learn from our parents how to make the dishes we love to eat. Even in the way we celebrate everything through food, there’s a sense of nostalgia and a deep connection with our pasts.”

—Paul Dupré, owner and chef, Elsie’s Plate & Pie

OUR SIZE

“When I first moved here, I felt like the city was simultaneously small enough to get to know your neighbors yet big enough to support a diverse collection of creative endeavors. Our community is a place where you can carve your own path, because it has the right amount of space for new ideas to flourish.”

—Garland Goodwin Wilson, artistic director, Of Moving Colors Productions

JORDAN HEFLER

INGENUITY

CHARITABILITY “When it comes to events and fundraising, people here show up. We are always down to party, and even more so if it’s for a good cause.

Before I launched Night Market BTR and Table Story Communications, I was volunteering at different events and I saw how supportive the city is. They donate to charitable causes. They come out to the farmers market every Saturday, and the Blues Festival or 225 Fest every spring.”

—Laura Siu Nguyen, CEO of Table Story Communications

HOSPITALITY

“We are really good at it. When it comes to inviting visitors into our home, we roll out the red carpet. Visitors often have nothing but nice things to say about how good the food is or how welcoming Baton Rouge natives are. We’re proud of who we are, and we want other people to experience how great this city is.”

—Jonathan Grimes, president and CEO, Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SKILLS “If you want to see if something works, test it in Baton Rouge. We have the assets of a big city with the proximity of a small town. Everybody is related, and you’re only three calls from the next opportunity.”

—Myra Richardson, chief development officer, Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and founder of Red Torch Consulting

—As told to Jennifer Tormo Alvarez Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

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COMMUNITY: CULTURE UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN THE

Capital Region

Hear them roar

Baton Rouge is a place where 100,000 fans shake a concrete stadium so enthusiastically it registers on seismographs, where pink flamingos stage midnight invasions of front lawns and where, twice a year, one of America’s most infamous prisons transforms into a rodeo arena and art show. The Capital Region delivers experiences that merge Louisiana’s quirky culture and Southern charm with a sense of discovery.

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BRIANNA PACIORKA

JORDAN HEFLER

The Human Jukebox It didn’t earn the nickname Human Jukebox for nothing—Southern University’s marching band can play any Top 40 hit on demand. This 215-member powerhouse from the Baton Rouge HBCU has dominated stages worldwide for more than 70 years, performing at three presidential inaugurations, five Super Bowls, and venues from Yankee Stadium to Radio City Music Hall. Featured in Spike Lee films, Lizzo’s Good as Hell video, and an NFL Films documentary, it has redefined collegiate marching bands with high-volume sound, soulful arrangements and electrifying showmanship.

CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

The roar of more than 100,000 fans inside Tiger Stadium on a Saturday night has been measured at a peak decibel level of 130 as sound bounces off the tiered seating in the 101-year-old concrete amphitheater. Even on a routine, non-record-setting day, noise level exceeds 100 decibels, making it equivalent to the rumble of a military jet takeoff. Mike, the live tiger mascot, has been known to contribute to the roar, as has the crowd’s full-throated rendition of the iconic opening theme song, “Callin’ Baton Rouge.” And of course, this year, the debut of much-celebrated offensive wizard Lane Kiffin as Tigers head football coach will stir up even more exuberant fanfare. Before the game, Tiger Stadium parking lots teem with hospitable tailgaters wearing over-the-top Tigers gear: tails and face paint, purple and gold wigs, bright yellow sunglasses and glitter that sparkles under stadium lights. On the menu? You can’t go wrong with jambalaya, gumbo and seafood boils that can feed a crowd.

BRIANNA PACIORKA

Don your wildest pink attire and prepare for pandemonium. What began in 1981 as a flamingo-themed procession has evolved into the city’s wildest Mardi Gras spectacle. The 2025 parade drew a record-breaking crowd of 250,000 and featured 75 floats. Spanish Town revels in satire, absurdity and politically charged humor. Residents lampoon themselves, their elected officials, and anyone taking south Louisiana traditions too earnestly. In the weeks leading up to the festivities, in a phenomenon known as the flocking, pink flamingos colonize the landscape. Five-foot-tall plywood birds appear overnight in the city, standing sentinel in City Park Lake, leaning against porches, and peering through windows, often dressed in bow ties or carnival masks. The community’s tongue-in-cheek motto captures its spirit perfectly: “Poor taste is better than no taste at all!”

Burden Museum and Gardens Treat your stressed-out, traffic-jammed urban self to 440 acres of cultivated tranquility where founder and landscape architect Steele Burden favored form over flash. The Windrush Gardens showcase his philosophy: semi-formal garden rooms framed by live oak and crape myrtles, where texture and structure trump showy blooms. It’s a place where birdsong and rustling leaves prevail over urban cacophony, where the shade under tree canopies softens afternoon sunlight. Come December, Louisiana Lights transforms the grounds into a spectacle with thousands of lights.

Death Valley Live

The Jacqueline Queen offers a fresh perspective on a city you thought you knew. These narrated Mississippi River cruises, available as simple tours or brunch or cocktail experiences, reveal Baton Rouge’s industrial backbone and natural beauty from angles impossible to appreciate from I-10. As Visit Baton Rouge President and CEO Jill Kidder notes, “Lifelong Baton Rouge residents who have never seen the city from the river, now have a new perspective. It makes people step back and view their city a little differently.”

Mid City’s largest art festival kicks off the holiday season by brightly illuminating Government Street while hundreds of vendors, musicians and makers take over the neighborhood. Expect original art, handmade crafts and live music that keeps crowds moving until late evening. It’s community-building as much as it is a party, and Mid City knows how to do both.

FILE PHOTO

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This contemporary, five-story facility occupies an entire downtown block, its distinctive glass façade designed to evoke the currents of the Mississippi River. Inside, find the Manship Theatre and the LSU Museum of Art and Glassell Gallery. The museum holds over 6,500 objects, including world-class Chinese jade and one of the most comprehensive public Louisiana art collections in the world. Top off the visit with a stop at Tsunami restaurant, offering fresh seafood, Asian specialties and sweeping river views from a 4,000-square-foot open rooftop terrace.

White Light Night

RAEGAN LABAT

Baton Rouge River Cruises

Shaw Center for the Arts

Singer-songwriter Zach Bryan (right) will headline a show at LSU’s Tiger Stadium in March, kicking off a series of events at Tiger Stadium called Death Valley Live. “Stadium shows are one component of the music ecosystem that we are building togethS er to make the Capital Region a more AS E TH N/ O I P attractive place to live, work and play,” says AU L IS R. G I U NTA/ I NV Lori Melancon, president and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership.” It’s a partnership between LSU athletics, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership and Visit Baton Rouge. Visit LSUsports. net/DeathValleyLive for specific event and ticket announcements.

FILE PHOTO

Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade: The Flocking

Culinary Adventures Baton Rouge has earned recognition as a vibrant food destination—tradition-rich but evolving. Michelin Guide recommended Elsie’s Plate and Pie in Mid City (above) takes comfort food seriously: crawfish hand pie for dinner, Boston cream pie for dessert, both entirely reasonable life choices here.

Zeeland Street Market earned The New York Times recognition as one of America’s 50 best restaurants for its Southern inspired dishes. Locals also give accolades to a wide variety of iconic favorites: Hallelujah Crab (fried soft shell with seafood stuffing) at Jubans; crawfish, blue crabs and oysters at Tony’s Seafood, Louisiana’s largest seafood market; Beignet fingers at Coffee Call; and burgers with vanilla malts at retro Dearman’s Diner.

Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

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The library’s Small Business Services continue

For more information about the Small Business

to make a measurable difference, supporting

Engine Series and all resources available for

more than 2,000 patrons this year. Reference

free with a library card, visit ebrpl.com.

Services Coordinator Andrew Tadman says the goal is simple – meet businesses where they are. “We offer free, customized training modules

options – from non-dilutive grants and competitions, to debt financing, to equity investment – and help business owners walk away with practical next steps.

Panelists:

Adam McCloskey - SBDC | Benjamin Vance - Faulk & Winkler Chris Meaux - QiMana | Craig Gehring - Mastery Prep | Julie Pleasant - Hancock Whitney | Kelly Raney - Louisiana Innovation | Layne Dodd - Home Bank | Stephen Loy - FUEL | Tony Zanders - NEXUS | Will Campbell - b1 Foundation

Budgeting for Growth: An essential skill for every entrepreneur. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your business, you’ll gain practical tips, expert insights and real-world strategies to take your business to the next level.

Panelists:

Adam McCloskey - Louisiana SBDC | Ben Vance - Faulk & Winkler | John Roberts - Attracct Accounting Advisors

Building Your Growth Pipeline: A hands-on

workshop to turn ideas into income, strengthen your sales strategy and build steady revenue growth for your business.

Panelists:

Gabe Murillo - Easton Digital | Julie Laparouse Screaming Peacock | Julio Melara - Melara Enterprises | Tressy Leindecker - REV

that guide entrepreneurs through everything from software tools and cybersecurity to AI and Beyond individual training sessions, the library also collaborates with businesses to develop complete, tailored learning plans.

SC A

essential workplace skills,” he explains.

N

WATCH TO

COMMUNITY: CULTURE

FILE PHOTO

13th Gate Haunted House

The Baton Rouge Blues Festival MADELINE BEARD

The free, family-friendly festival is produced by the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation in downtown every spring. Originating in 1981, it’s one of the oldest blues festivals in the U.S., with a strong focus on local talent.

The festival’s mission is to celebrate and advance swamp blues, a distinct style of blues music that originated in Louisiana’s capital city.

St. Francisville Day Trip

COURTESY ANGOLITE PRISON MAGAZINE

Meet pygmy hippos, bald eagles, bearded dragons and bobcats at Louisiana’s first sensory-certified facility, complete with noise-canceling headphones for visitors who need them. The zoo balances conservation FILE PHOTO education with family entertainment, offering close encounters with species ranging from common to critically endangered. Small enough to tour in a few hours, comprehensive enough to justify membership, it’s community recreation done right without a megazoo price tag: Adult admission is $10.

Angola Prison Rodeo Every April and October, the Louisiana State Penitentiary opens its gates for the wildest show in the South—inmates competing in bull riding, barrel racing and other rodeo events while selling their crafts, paintings and woodwork.

It’s equal parts adrenaline sport, redemption narrative and cultural artifact. Set against West Feliciana Parish’s rolling hills, it’s a tradition that defies easy categorization and forces visitors to think about Louisiana’s complex relationship with criminal justice.

COURTESY NOEL FAMILY DISTILLERY

BREC�s Baton Rouge Zoo

CR PHOTO/STEPHANIE LANDRY

North of Baton Rouge, rolling hills replace flatlands and antebellum charm meets supernatural folklore. The West Feliciana Antiques Mall anchors a cluster of vintage shops worth browsing before the tough call: chicken and waffles or shrimp and grits at the Michelin Guide-recommended St. Francisville Inn. Afterward, the Evening Mystery Tour at Myrtles Plantation (above) promises genuine eeriness in a boutique hotel setting. Ghostly Civil War soldiers reportedly roam the grounds.

Your leashed dog can join for moral support, provided it moonlights as a ghostbuster.

This 40,000-square-foot attraction draws horror enthusiasts nationwide with production values that rival Hollywood sets.

Navigate a pirate ship, slither and shriek past live snakes in hidden passageways, survive a zombieinfested graveyard, and wade through an unsettlingly realistic sewer system. During Halloween season, 160 professional actors and 40 crew members—backed by special effects makeup artists— transform the space nightly. Offseason, parent company Midnight Productions runs a year-round movie production crew to fine-tune the cinematic experience.

Jambalaya Festival – Gonzales

Noel Family Distillery Book ahead to tour this Donaldsonville operation where five generations of sugarcane heritage evolved into craft spirits. The Noel family produces smallbatch rum, vodka and Louisiana’s only 100% Blue Weber agave tequila—grown in Mexico but finished with local sensibility.

The tour reveals how sugarcane knowledge translates to distilling expertise while highlighting rural Louisiana’s capacity to compete in premium markets.

Gonzales has claimed “Jambalaya Capital of the World” status since 1968, and the annual May festival defends that title aggressively.

Cook-off competitions are accompanied by live music, pageants and carnival rides. It’s small-town Louisiana pageantry at peak intensity—where the aroma of smoked meat drifts for blocks and civic pride manifests in cast-iron pots.

— Eileen McClelland

Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

A21

COMMUNITY: VOICES

Why Baton Rouge?

C-suite leaders weigh in on our region’s distinctive competitive edge.

MIKE WAMPOLD Founder and CEO, Wampold Companies

The developer behind many of the buildings that shape the local skyline—from the towering Rivermark Centres I and II to the stylish Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel and Watermark hotel—Mike Wampold spends much of his time studying national building trends.

Strong local office and apartment occupancy rates make him glad to be here right now, he says—and not anywhere else.

“Jobs move everything. They bring people to town and keep them here. Baton Rouge is home to one of the largest oil refineries in the nation, ExxonMobil. The Mississippi River has us situated right on a major trade route.

We have two major universities that are economic engines. We’re becoming a major medical community. The Capital City brings legislators. Plan Baton Rouge III is really focused on growing downtown. All of that creates thousands of jobs. That is a big deal.”

LUCAS SPIELFOGEL

KRISTIN WALL

The Baton Rouge Youth Coalition has prepared nearly 1,000 underresourced youths for postsecondary education, with a 90% four-year degree completion rate. Even after 14 years leading BRYC, Lucas Spielfogel says he’s stunned by his students. Children’s voices are often the least represented in the community, he adds, but their perspectives arguably hold the most potential for the region’s future.

Kristin Wall has been a force at LWCC since its 1992 beginnings. As her career blossomed, landing her in the role of president nearly 20 years ago, the organization grew, too. Today, it’s the state’s largest workers’ comp insurance carrier, serving nearly 19,000 policyholders—and it’s a pivotal support system for local small businesses.

CEO, Baton Rouge Youth Coalition

“Statistically, we have a higher percentage of native-born residents than any state in the country. That is one of the most powerful advantages we have, because it means our kids are more likely to stay here. If we know most of our youths are going to stay, we can make more economically viable pathways for them after high school. It’s an incredible opportunity to show our more academically diverse population how to be successful, including in very technical spaces that promise not to be replaced by AI.” A22 CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

President and CEO, LWCC

“Baton Rouge is truly Louisiana’s meeting place. It brings together the state’s flagship university, the seat of government and a growing base of innovative businesses all in one region. That mix constantly attracts new people and fresh ideas. … Local culture, food and genuine hospitality create a strong sense of belonging, and that helps us attract and retain exceptional employees.”

You have what it takes.

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Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

A23

COMMUNITY: VOICES

CELTON HAYDEN JR.

KATE LIGHTFOOT

CC’s Coffee House is 30 and thriving. The south Louisiana-born brand, now with more than 40 locations, celebrated its milestone birthday in 2025. Celton Hayden Jr. has been part of the CC’s team for nearly 25 years. He attributes its staying power to its very DNA: It’s authentically Louisiana and sticks with the generations of customers that keep bringing their families back for another cup of Joe.

After more than two decades working with ExxonMobil throughout Texas, Kate Lightfoot became the first female chemical plant manager at the energy giant’s Baton Rouge complex last year. Directing one of the largest refineries in the nation has quickly given her a new perspective on our region.

President and CEO, CC’s Coffee House

“If you commute to work downtown or the Industrialplex, you can find yourself living in places like Denham Springs or Central, where you can be close enough to work yet still be comfortable living away from the city center. I moved to this region in 2004 with no large network of friends or family, and those communities have been very welcoming to my family.”

NORISHA KIRTS GLOVER

Founder and Owner, NRK Construction Norisha Kirts Glover is familiar with breaking ground. Her firm, NRK Construction, has transformed buildings into schools, restaurants, parks, offices and homes. And as a community figure who regularly serves on nonprofit boards and speaks at events, she’s also keen on constructing a new blueprint for our region.

Integrated Complex Manager, ExxonMobil Baton Rouge

“Baton Rouge has a workforce with unique skills that are hard to replicate.

At ExxonMobil, our teams are not just powering homes and businesses; they’re producing the essential building blocks for everyday life: medical supplies, electronics and food packaging. Our region’s greatest strength lies in its people. I’m proud to be on the same team as the incredible leaders and team members across the region.”

“We have three great colleges here preparing our children for the workforce.

I think there was a time when an industry might need a skill set, and a school might take years to match that. But now they are able to respond much more quickly and nimbly to create concentrations, certificate programs and extracurriculars and be really intentional about meeting needs in health care, IT, construction and industrial fields. While there is always room for improvement, how many other regions are home to three higher education institutions?”

—As told to Jennifer Tormo Alvarez

A24 CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

Rooted in relationship

As a growing bank, we are entering the new year with optimism. Recent data shows rising employment and strong economic and construction activity across the Capital Region. Statewide, reports indicate nearly $90 billion in active construction projects, with more than $100 billion planned. We are encouraged that this momentum—paired with anticipated federal rate cuts—will drive increased demand for banking services.

We are also excited to broaden our footprint in the Baton Rouge market with our newest location currently underway on Jefferson Highway. We look forward to strengthening existing relationships and building new ones as we continue to grow alongside the communities we serve.

— Douglas Dupont

EVP – Market President Baton Rouge

5700 Commerce Street St. Francisville

5505 Highland Road Baton Rouge Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, January 2026

A25

JORDAN HEFLER

COMMUNITY: QUALITY OF LIFE

The Capital Region is evolving into a better version of itself. Whether it’s innovative research, landmark health care programs, massive industrial developments or sustainable downtown initiatives, the city isn’t standing still.

BUILDING THE TIGERS’ NEXT ARENA Plans for a new LSU arena in Baton Rouge are moving forward, overseen by the Tiger Athletic Foundation and developer Oak View Group. The $400 million facility is set to replace the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, offering state-of-the-art features and a modern capacity for sports and concerts. A separate but related project will redevelop the River Center to focus on conventions and a new midsize music venue.

WHERE IDEAS MEET RISING TIDES The Water Campus is a 35-acre collaborative research and business campus in Baton Rouge dedicated to coastal restoration and water management. Located along the Mississippi River, it brings together scientists, engineers and professionals to address coastal threats and develop innovative solutions.

FROM SUBSTATION TO SENSATION The Electric Depot is a revitalized his-

toric power station in Baton Rouge’s Mid City that has been transformed into a dynamic mixed-use hub. The complex features trendy residential spaces, restaurants, retail shops and an event venue for dining and entertainment.

AMAZON REWRITES THE MALL STORY Since 2024, Amazon has operated a 3.4 million-square-foot, $200 million robotics fulfillment center at the former Cortana Mall site. The facility is designed to pick, pack and ship smaller customer orders, and its opening has been a clear catalyst for local economic growth.

A GREENER WAY FORWARD The Downtown Greenway in Baton Rouge is a 2.75-mile network of bike and pedestrian pathways designed to connect parks, cultural attractions and neighborhoods in the downtown area. Initiated as part of Plan Baton Rouge II, the greenway features a mix of new and

A26 CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

Plan Baton Rouge efforts have spurred major downtown gathering places such as the Shaw Center for the Arts, Rhorer Plaza and Main Street Market. Now, Plan Baton Rouge III, led by global design firm Sasaki, will guide housing and infrastructure upgrades and explore better uses of the city’s biggest asset: the Mississippi River.

existing infrastructure, such as bike lanes and sidewalks to provide more active transportation options.

MEGAPARK, MEGA POTENTIAL The RiverPlex MegaPark is a 17,000-acre planned industrial and mixed-use development site on the Mississippi River in Ascension Parish.

The site is ideally positioned to attract large-scale manufacturing and energy companies and is a key part of the parish’s strategy for economic growth.

JUBAN CROSSING Juban Crossing has grown from a cluster of big-box stores into one of the

Capital Region’s most talked-about corridors, blending shopping, dining and living in Livingston Parish. With national retailers like Barnes & Noble, Old Navy and a planned Target—plus popular restaurants—the development keeps residents closer to home for everyday needs. New apartments and a coming subdivision signal that Juban Crossing is becoming not just a place to shop, but a place to live.

YOUR NEW FAVORITE DOWNTOWN HANGOUT The East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s River Center Branch in downtown Baton Rouge has quickly become much more than a place to check out books— it’s a vibrant community living room where people of all ages come to learn, create and connect. The four-story, 48,000-plus-square-foot space features a dedicated children’s section, teen tech lab, maker spaces, digital media studio and collaborative workrooms, plus COLLIN RICHIE

Game changers

REIMAGINING LIFE ALONG THE RIVER

& Provisions and Prairieville favorites Frank’s and Hot Tails broaden the map for food lovers seeking something authentic and memorable close to home.

ALTERNATIVE PLACES TO CALL HOME

NIGHTS THAT BRING US TOGETHER

THE FOODIE GLOW-UP Once known for an overreliance on chain dining, the Capital Region has transformed into a destination for original, chef-driven restaurants that reflect a broad array of international and local flavors and personality.

Baton Rouge hot spots like Elsie’s Plate & Pie—recognized on the Michelin Guide’s 2025 Recommended List—along with destinations like Cocha and BLDG5 have helped anchor that shift, while Ascension Parish standouts such as Library Wine

NEW LIGHTS ON AN OLD CATHEDRAL Tiger Stadium marked its 100th birthday with a well-earned makeover— bigger video boards, crisper sound and new lighting that make Saturday nights feel even more electric. The upgrades add extra energy to the stands and help Death Valley keep pace with the tech arms race across the SEC, all while preserving the roar, rituals and traditions that make it one of college football’s most iconic venues. It’s still the same Tiger Stadium fans know— just tuned up for the next century of game days.

THE RISE OF SCHOOL CHOICE

THE CAPITAL REGION’S SURPRISE TECH HUB Hut 8’s plan to build a massive AI data center campus at River Bend marks a new kind of megaproject for the Capital Region—one that blends Louisiana’s energy assets with the booming tech economy. The first phase comes with up to $10 billion in investment and more than 200 jobs, backed by a 245-megawatt lease supported by Google and anchored by Anthropic as the main tenant. It positions West Feliciana Parish—better known for forests, farmland and the riverfront— as an unexpected player in next-generation computing infrastructure.

Charter schools have grown from a small experiment into a meaningful part of the Capital Region’s public education mix, giving families more choices and prompting the system to raise its game. Recent state data shows Baton Rouge charters boosted “high-quality” seats by 19% in one year—adding 2,476 spots so that more than half of charter students now attend top-rated campuses. Supporters point HYUNDAI’S BIG BET to high perON BATON ROUGE formers like A $5.8 billion investment BASIS Baton to build Hyundai Steel’s Rouge as first North American mill is evidence of bringing more than 1,300 faster gains new jobs to the Capital Refor some gion and enough capacity to students, L SU produce 2.7 million metric tons while noting AP TC N ME MO of steel a year for U.S. automakers charters remain one and beyond. It’s the kind of project tool—not a cure-all—for that doesn’t just add payroll—it plants strengthening public education. a flag, positioning the region as a RESTORING THE LAKES serious player in reshoring supply WE LOVE chains and giving south Louisiana a The University Lakes Project is stronger seat at the table in domestic reshaping one of Baton Rouge’s manufacturing. most visible landscapes by dredging —Sam Barnes RA PHY

New investments by SugarField Spirits in Gonzales and Noel Distillery in Donaldsonville signal a diversification in Ascension Parish’s manufacturing base and will likely create a new tourism opportunity.

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge has quickly become a cornerstone for pediatric health in the Capital Region, offering comprehensive care tailored just for kids—from routine checkups to highly specialized services with more than 60 pediatric specialists and a dedicated 24/7 emergency department.

Opened in 2019 as a frestanding children’s hospital, it’s also the region’s only Level II pediatric trauma center, ensuring critically injured children receive lifesaving treatment close to home rather than being transferred out of the area.

ExxonMobil’s recent upgrades and Shell’s Project BlueCat highlight how the Capital Region’s industrial corridor is retooling for its next chapter rather than standing still. ExxonMobil has completed a $230.5 million modernization and a $500 million Polypropylene Growth Project that doubled local production capacity, while Shell explores lower-carbon fuels and chemicals through BlueCat. Together, they signal a shift—legacy plants investing to stay competitive and position the region for the future of energy and manufacturing.

the silted-in lakes around City Park and LSU to improve water quality, reduce flooding risk and create safer shorelines. Phase one dredging at City Park Lake and Lake Erie is nearing completion, with University Lake expected to wrap by 2026. With new trails, landscaped edges and connections under May Street, the goal is to transform the lakes from a postcard backdrop into an everyday recreational space for walkers, runners, cyclists and paddlers.

O TO G

FILE PHOTO

CARING FOR CHILDREN, CLOSE TO HOME

BIG INDUSTRY, BIGGER TRANSITIONS

PH

The Capital Region’s calendar is filling up with grassroots events that bring neighbors together around food, art and culture—from Night Market BTR’s Asian street-festival vibe to White Light Night’s Mid City art scene under twinkling lights. Smaller experiences like Table Story Dinners foster shared meals and storytelling, while farmers markets and pop-ups round out a growing appetite for authentic, community-driven gatherings that make the region feel more connected and culturally rich.

E

The Capital Region is gaining a wider array of places to call home that go beyond traditional suburbs and subdivisions, with walkable mixed-use neighborhoods like Rouzan and The Settlement at Willow Grove blending residential, retail and dining experiences. Downtown living has also expanded with high-rise residences at Rivermark Centre offering luxury apartments steps from the Mississippi River and urban amenities, while large master-planned communities such as Harveston combine homes, nature and community spaces within Baton Rouge. Ascension and Livingston parishes and surrounding areas continue to grow with new communities and lifestyle-oriented developments.

SPIRITS RISE IN ASCENSION

COURTESY SHELL

free Wi-Fi and meeting spaces that host everything from author talks to job-help workshops. These offerings help support education, creativity and community engagement in the heart of downtown, reinforcing the library’s role as a cultural hub for residents and visitors alike.

Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

A27

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A28 CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

DOING BUSINESS: SNAPSHOT

ISTOCK.COM/PAOLA GIANNONI

BY EILEEN MCCLELLAND

A $5.8 BILLION steel mill. A $4 billion ammonia facility. Over $10.6 billion in capital investment in 2025 alone. Something is happening in Louisiana’s Capital Region—and site selectors are paying attention.

In March 2025, Hyundai Steel chose Ascension Parish over competing Gulf Coast locations for the largest single economic development project in the region’s history. The ultra-low-carbon steel mill will create 1,300 jobs.

One month later, CF Industries, Jera, and Mitsui committed $4 billion for the world’s largest ammonia facility at the same industrial park, adding 103 jobs. ExxonMobil announced $100 million in upgrades at its Baton Rouge Complex, and Pipe and Steel Industrial Fabricators announced its second Livingston Parish expansion in two years, which will mean a $5.1 million investment.

Average salaries associated with these new direct jobs range from $62,400 to $110,000.

“Together, these projects show a region that is growing, competitive and positioned for long-term success,” says Lori Melancon, president and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership.

Loren Scott, professor emeritus of economics at LSU and president of consulting firm Loren C. Scott & Associates, foresees the region adding 10,500 jobs in 2026 and another 11,100 in 2027, in his Louisiana Economic Forecast.

Site Selection magazine recently named Greater Baton Rouge a Top 10 U.S. Metro for economic development.

“If I had 30 seconds to persuade a CEO to pick the Capital Region, I would say, ‘Take a look at the recent expansions,’” says Ileana Ledet, chief economic competitiveness officer for Louisiana Economic Development. “When you see companies expanding, that’s based on experience. That is proof that this is the No. 1 place to do business.”

For executives evaluating where to locate or expand, here’s what’s driving those decisions.

BIG BUSINESS DEALS BATON ROUGE’S DEAL landscape in 2025 showed something important: Capital is still moving with confidence. The year brought headline-making acquisitions—like H&E and Amedisys—along with major banking and retail real estate deals that expanded market share and presence across the region. At the same time, a number of significant transactions in tech, consulting and commercial assets kept their terms under wraps, a reminder that not every deal plays out in public view.

ISTOCK.COM/NIKADA

Why global manufacturers are betting billions on this region

$10B

Hut 8’s plan to develop the River Bend artificial intelligence data center campus on 592 acres in West Feliciana Parish marks one of the Capital Region’s most ambitious technology investments to date. The energy infrastructure firm intends to invest up to $10 billion in phase one to build a high-capacity campus capable of supporting next-generation, energyintensive computing. Construction is underway, with operations targeted for 2027. A key element of the project is Hut 8’s agreement with Entergy Louisiana for 330 megawatts of utility capacity to power 245 megawatts of critical IT load. The campus’s anchor tenant, Fluidstack, is backed by Google through a financial guarantee covering lease and pass-through obligations—an arrangement that signals confidence from a major tech player in the site’s long-term potential.

Continued on page A31

Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

A29

A30 CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

JORDAN HEFLER

Trained workers ready to go

A view of downtown Baton Rouge

Lower costs than competing markets

Louisiana’s property tax rate is 0.55%—nearly three times lower than Texas at 1.58%. For a $100 million industrial facility, that translates into more than $1 million in annual savings.

Electricity costs are lower, too: Industrial rates average 6.8 cents per kilowatt-hour in the Capital Region versus 7.2 cents in Houston and 8.1 cents in Mobile, Alabama. For large manufacturers, that can mean $200,000 to $650,000 in yearly savings.

Louisiana’s personal income tax is now a flat 3%, the second lowest among states that levy one.

Corporate tax rates rank among the 10 lowest nationally.

Louisiana also layers incentives on top of low base costs. The Industrial Tax Exemption Program provides up to 10 years of property tax abatement for new manufacturing projects.

The High Impact Jobs Program offers cash grants of up to 22% of wages for jobs paying above the parish average.

“This program is creating job opportunities for

Melancon says the number of residents in the region with a bachelor’s degree grew 8% in 2024, driven primarily by in-migration of college-educated residents.

“These are early promising returns on talent retention and quality-of-life efforts the Partnership and other local organizations have undertaken,” she says. “While our geographic location certainly gives us a natural advantage in recruiting some industries, the demand for talent, particularly in high-wage positions, is strong across the country right now.

Our ability to train, retain and attract this talent puts us in a competitive position going into 2026.”

In Louisiana, more than 9,000 college students graduated with a STEM degree in 2024, up 98% since 2010, according to LED. LSU’s College of Engineering alone graduates more than 800 engineers each year.

A major differentiator is LED FastStart, ranked No. 2 nationally for workforce training by Business Facilities. FastStart recruits, screens and trains workers at no cost to employers. “Companies will not choose Louisiana if they think they won’t find the workers they need,” Ledet says.

For Hyundai Steel, FastStart is building a dedicated training center. When BBP Sales expanded its Baton Rouge headquarters with 75 new jobs in 2024, FastStart delivered job-ready employees within months, eliminating the usual sixmonth hiring delay.

The Capital Region’s nine parishes—Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston,

“Together, these projects show a region that is growing, competitive and positioned for long-term success.”

—Lori Melancon, president and CEO, Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership.

AN JOR D

HE

ER FL

$5.3B

In June 2025, Herc Rentals Inc. completed its $5.3 billion acquisition of homegrown and publicly traded H&E Rentals after disrupting United Rentals intention to purchase the firm. Under the terms, Herc Rentals acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of H&E’s common stock on a per-share basis for $78.75 in cash and 0.1287 shares of Herc Rentals common stock. Herc is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

$3.3B

In August 2025, UnitedHealth completed its purchase of Amedysis, a Baton Rouge home health and hospice care company founded by William Borne in 1982. Listed on the Nasdaq, it grew to become one of the largest home health providers and second-largest hospice care provider in the U.S. UnitedHealth bought Amedisys for $101 per share and will continue to run the company as a wholly owned subsidiary maintaining offices in Baton Rouge.

DON KADAIR

folks to stay here and live here and work here and make a very good living,” Ledet says. “That’s at the very top of our minds. Are those jobs paying higher wages and giving people a path toward a better livelihood here in Louisiana as opposed to somewhere else?”

The state is expanding its approach beyond traditional tax credits in other ways as well. For Hyundai Steel, Louisiana offered a $100 million infrastructure grant covering roads, rail, electric connections and pipeline upgrades—improvements that position the entire RiverPlex MegaPark for future investment. The 17,000-acre site is the largest undeveloped tract with deep-water Mississippi River access.

The state also offers incentives returning 25% of Louisiana workers’ salaries and 18% of production costs for digital media and software companies, part of a broader push toward economic diversification.

COURTESY H&E EQUIPMENT

DOING BUSINESS: SNAPSHOT

$700M

In a deal reportedly worth $700 million, South Carolina-based Hudson Automotive Group acquired All Star Automotive dealerships in the Capital Region. The deal involved 13 dealerships, collision centers, a parts warehouse and a used car superstore.

Continued on page A33 Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

A31

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A32 CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

DOING BUSINESS: SNAPSHOT

$83.6M

ISTOCK.COM/JACOB BOOMSMA

Much of the Capital Region lies alongside the busy Mississippi River.

Louisiana handles 20% of all U.S. cargo tonnage through five of the nation’s top 15 ports. The Port of Greater Baton Rouge ranks in North America’s top 10 and spans 85 miles along the Mississippi River with a 45-foot navigation channel.

Barge transport is substantially less expensive than rail transport, and both are significantly cheaper than over-the-road trucking.

For manufacturers moving millions of tons, river access is transformative.

The region sits 230 miles upriver from the Gulf of Mexico—close enough for deep-water shipping, far enough inland to avoid coastal constraints, such as storm surge.

Louisiana also maintains 50,000 miles of pipeline, the densest network outside The Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership is focused on economic

$79.9M

Baton Rouge-based Business First Bancshares Inc., the holding company for b1Bank, signed a definitive agreement in July 2025 to acquire Progressive Bancorp Inc. and its wholly owned bank subsidiary, Progressive Bank.

Progressive operates nine full-service branches across north Louisiana.

As of March 31, the bank Jude had $752 million in total assets, Melville $673 million in total deposits, $583 million in total loans and $65 million in shareholders’ equity. Once completed, the acquisition will increase the total assets of Business First to roughly $8.5 billion with more than $6.6 billion in total loans. The deal is expected to close in Q1 2026, pending approval by regulators and Progressive shareholders.

ALLIE APPEL

World-class transportation infrastructure

Houston, which gives chemical manufacturers near-immediate access to raw materials. That proximity typically reduces transportation costs by 15% to 20%.

The state’s FastSites program has invested $150 million to prepare key industrial sites with rail, port and utility connections. When Hyundai evaluated RiverPlex MegaPark, the deep-water dock infrastructure was already permitted and engineered. In other Gulf Coast markets, that process can take 18 to 36 months.

“It’s a whole of government approach,” Ledet says. “Businesses want to know that we’re talking to our sister agencies about permitting and regulations. Traditionally, when people talked about incentives and economic development, often they were talking about tax credits, sometimes tax rebates or grants. But I think it’s not a stretch to call Louisiana an innovator in how we are incentivizing businesses by enhancing the ease of doing business.”

$81M JORDAN HEFLER

Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana—function as one integrated labor market. Some 38% of Livingston Parish workers commute to East Baton Rouge, and 22% of Ascension’s industrial workforce commutes in from nearby parishes. Any facility can draw from more than 850,000 residents.

“Pipe and Steel sits in the epicenter of the best industrial labor pool in the state: Livingston Parish,” says Kylie Sparks, president and CEO of Pipe and Steel Industrial Fabricators. “The people of our parish are key in building the industrial sector in the Gulf Coast region and the state of Louisiana.”

Investar Bank will grow to more than $4 billion in assets and more than triple its branches in Texas with the acquisition of First National Bank. First John National, a subsidiary of Wichita D’Angelo Falls Bancshares Inc., operates seven branches and two mortgage offices in north Texas, with approximately $1.5 billion in assets as of March 31, 2025. Under the terms of the agreement, Wichita Falls shareholders received $7.2 million in cash and 3,955,334 shares of Investar common stock, or $134.67 per share.

Towne Center at Cedar Lodge, a shopping center anchored by Whole Foods Market at the corner of Jefferson Highway and Corporate Boulevard, was acquired by New York shopping center operator DLC Management. Towne Center opened its doors two decades ago and is home to a new Barnes & Noble location.

collaboration.

Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

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DOING BUSINESS: SNAPSHOT

COLLIN RICHIE

Homegrown companies ISTOCK.COM/PCESS609

MARUCCI SPORTS

LOUISIANA BLUE,

manufactures and sells highperformance baseball and fastpitch equipment, including bats, gloves and apparel.

It’s known for being the official bat of Major League Baseball.

also known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, is a $5 billion-plus mutually owned health insurance company with 2,983 employees. It was founded in 1934.

LAMAR ADVERTISING COMPANY is one of the largest

outdoor advertising companies in the world, specializing in providing a variety of advertising solutions across the U.S. and Canada.

COURTESY RAISING CANE’S

RAISING CANE’S is

TURNER INDUSTRIES

provides a comprehensive range of construction services to the petrochemical, refining, energy, pulp and paper, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

a fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in a simple menu of chicken fingers. Founded in Baton Rouge, it now boasts more than 900 locations internationally.

COMMUNITY COFFEE is the largest

family-owned retail coffee brand in America, and its operations extend beyond retail sales to include wholesale distribution and food service.

DON

LIPSEY’S is one of the nation’s top firearms distributors, with $902 million in sales in 2024.

ISTOCK.COM/AROAX

A34 CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

IR DA KA

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Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

A35

ROOTED IN COMMUNITY.

FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE.

Happy New Year from UCB With more than 60 years of providing Louisiana residents with the tools to achieve their financial goals, we understand the importance and challenges of creating a legacy of excellence. At UCB, we believe that everyone should be able to “bank big” without the hassle of using a big bank. We work to provide everything the big banks do, and we do it with the hospitality and service-based culture you’d expect from a local business.

UCBANKING.COM

1.866.505.3736

A36 CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

DOING BUSINESS: VOICES

Betting on business success Why growing companies set their sights on Greater Baton Rouge FROM CONSTRUCTION and logistics to fine art and megaproject recruitment, leaders across industries keep coming back to the same conclusion: The Capital Region is a place where companies can grow—and keep growing. In conversations with

executives who’ve doubled down on Greater Baton Rouge, a clear theme emerges: strong industries, strong talent and a business culture that rewards both ambition and relationships. Here’s why they’re placing their bets here.

CRAIG STEVENS CEO, Genesis 360

Genesis 360 manages projects across the country, but Craig Stevens wouldn’t want to run it from anywhere else. He cites Baton Rouge’s metropolitan market opportunities and tightknit community culture as the recipe for growth for his nearly 15-year-old business, which oversees construction, maintenance and IT initiatives for clients. And in recent years, it has cemented its status as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation, gracing The Inc. 5000 list in 2022 and 2023.

When you look at the Capital Region from a business standpoint, what’s the most compelling reason Genesis 360 chooses to grow here?

“For a company like ours, Baton Rouge provides both scale and access. The region is large enough to sustain complex service offerings—construction, facility management and tech-enabled solutions—yet small enough for businesses to build meaningful relationships that accelerate growth.”

What advantage does the Capital Region offer that leaders outside Louisiana often overlook or underestimate?

“Our combination of economic diversity and collaborative business culture. Our region isn’t defined by one industry. It spans industrial, health care, energy, higher education, logistics and government sectors. That creates consistent demand for highperformance companies.”

How has the Capital Region evolved—or improved—as a place to do business during your time in leadership?

“There’s greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation and building a strong talent pipeline. … We’ve also seen improvement in infrastructure, professional services, access to capital and support programs that help companies scale faster and compete nationally.”

If you had to make the business case for the Capital Region to another CEO or investor, what would be the headline of your pitch?

“Baton Rouge: Where strong industries, strong talent and strong relationships converge to fuel sustainable growth.”

Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

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DOING BUSINESS: VOICES

KATE MACARTHUR President/CEO, Ascension Economic Development Corp.

Much has changed since 2017, when Kate MacArthur took the helm at Ascension Economic Development Corp. Ascension has been the state’s fourth-fastest-growing parish since 2020, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. It simultaneously has generated a flurry of new development, including the 17,000-acre RiverPlex MegaPark set to house facilities for Hyundai Steel, CF Industries and more.

When you look at the Capital Region from a business standpoint, what are the most compelling reasons for organizations to choose to grow here?

“We consistently promote our market’s unique advantages for sustainable business operations.

In Ascension Parish, that includes strong local government support, robust infrastructure, skilled talent, superior education and training, a commitment to safety and efficient logistics.”

What advantage does our region offer that leaders outside Louisiana often overlook or underestimate?

“We have a proven track record of landing and supporting large-scale capital projects.”

How has the Capital Region evolved—or improved—as a place to do business during your time in leadership?

“There has been a growing emphasis on partnerships and collaborative policies over the last decade. It has significantly improved living and working locally.”

If you had to make the business case for the Capital Region to another CEO or investor, what would be the headline of your pitch?

“You can build here, hire here and grow here—faster and more competitively than almost anywhere else.”

JOHN SCHEMPF President, The Newtron Group

The Newtron Group has catapulted across the country since its founding more than 50 years ago, managing national projects and opening regional offices. The specialty electrical construction company reported nearly $1 billion in revenue in 2024, thanks to its contributions to a versatile collection of projects ranging from refineries and energy plants to data centers and electric vehicle production facilities. But its roots remain firmly planted at its Baton Rouge headquarters, notes President John Schempf.

When you look at the Capital Region from a business standpoint, what’s the most compelling reason The Newtron Group chooses to grow here?

“While we have also chosen to grow in other areas of the Gulf Coast and the country, being in Baton Rouge has never been anything but a positive for our company and its growth. We have so many committed employees in this area, and we have customers who we have worked with for many years in the area.”

What advantage does the Capital Region offer that leaders outside Louisiana often overlook or underestimate?

“This goes back to the people. Perhaps leaders from outside of this area don’t realize the amount of skilled labor that exists here. Baton Rouge is home to a number of highly qualified contractors, as well as many industrial owners.”

How has the Capital Region evolved—or improved—as a place to do business during your time in leadership?

“The state’s economic development arms have improved the incentives for companies to invest here. Political leaders have realized that these incentives promote growth in the state and create continued job opportunities for those coming out of school.”

If you had to make the business case for the Capital Region to another CEO or investor, what would be the headline of your pitch?

“Your company can achieve continued growth and be based in Baton Rouge, just like ours has.”

A38 CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

Healthcare with us, FMOLHealth.org

LOCAL PRIDE, SYSTEM STRENGTH FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake is part of the leading health system in the Gulf South. Our connected team is committed to delivering exceptional care, and we do it with great love. We believe that the best possible care is not just a job for us — it’s our calling.

FMOL HEALTH OUR LADY OF THE LAKE | FMOL HEALTH OUR LADY OF LOURDES | FMOL HEALTH ST. FRANCIS | FMOL HEALTH ST. DOMINIC

Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

A39

DOING BUSINESS: VOICES

ANN CONNELLY Founder, Ann Connelly Fine Art

Ann Connelly was ahead of her time. Long before today’s wave of interest in contemporary artists, she was celebrating them at shows in Baton Rouge. By the time she opened her first gallery in 1998, she had already begun to shift local perspectives on art. And in 2017, she and her husband, Paul Connelly, also changed the retail landscape with the opening of the 2.8-acre Studio Park development.

When you look at the Capital Region from a business standpoint, what’s the most compelling reason Studio Park and Ann Connelly Fine Art choose to grow here?

“We took a chance when we opened our first brick-and-mortar gallery nearly 28 years ago, and we were immediately embraced by the community. When we later developed Studio Park, I wanted to give something back to Baton Rouge—to preserve the tree canopy, celebrate our historic architecture and give people a space that might change the way people talked about the city.”

What advantage does the Capital Region offer that leaders outside Louisiana often overlook or underestimate?

“The talent of the creatives in the area. When we travel to Art Basel in Miami or to shows in Europe, we’re reminded that what we have here is not only special, but it belongs on a parallel international stage.

There are so many artists from this area humming on another level of creative intelligence. When I come home, I want to amplify the work of artists speaking our indigenous language.”

How has the Capital Region evolved—or improved— as a place to do business during your time in leadership?

“Art is now being embraced by so many industries—banks, hotels, hospitals. Leaders in this community now look to us as art consultants for projects in spaces like the Watermark hotel or Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.”

If you had to make the business case for Baton Rouge to another CEO or investor, what would be the headline of your pitch?

“We can create what we admire here.”

KYLIE SPARKS President, Pipe & Steel

At his company’s holiday party last year, Kylie Sparks shared his vision for 2026: a plan to make Pipe & Steel more efficient, safe and stable as it’s poised for massive growth in the new year. The Denham Springs steel fabrication business is on the cusp of its next big chapter, beginning construction on a $5.1 million facility expansion this year.

When you look at the Capital Region from a business standpoint, what’s the most compelling reason Pipe & Steel chooses to grow here?

“Our area has a very diverse set of industrial facilities, and we are gaining even more diversity as the abundance of natural gas evolves.”

What advantage does the Capital Region offer that leaders outside Louisiana often overlook or underestimate?

“We are situated far enough away from the Gulf Coast to avoid the worst effects of storms while maintaining access to energy. We’re ideally located among interstate systems, and a business like ours can service to the east and the west, from Pascagoula to Houston.”

How has the Capital Region evolved—or improved—as a place to do business during your time in leadership?

“Due to fluctuating energy prices, I think we’re becoming smarter about business diversification. And the Louisiana labor force remains second to none. We have generations of welders and craftsmen, and AI is not going to take those jobs easily.”

If you had to make the business case for the Capital Region to another CEO or investor, what would be the headline of your pitch?

“We’ve outgrown our competitive nature enough to understand that the more businesses that locate in our area, the better it is for our region.”

—As told to Jennifer Tormo Alvarez Quotes have been edited for brevity and clarity.

A40 CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

THE HEART OF HEALTHCARE LIVES IN YOUR HOMETOWN

Your local pharmacist is more than a healthcare provider, they’re your neighbor, your advocate, and often the only point of care for miles.

Pharmacists are the most trusted healthcare providers in their communities.

That’s why we always say, “Ask your pharmacist.” Whether it’s a question about your medication, your insurance, or your options, your local pharmacist is there to help.

LIPA is leading the way with strong legislation to curb abusive pharmacy benefit manager practices, protect patient choice, and ensure our pharmacies can continue to serve their communities.

Presented by Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association

ACCESS. TRUST. CHOICE. VISIT WWW.LIPA.ORG OR SCAN TO FIND A LOCAL PHARMACY NEAR YOU Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

A41

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ASK THE

EXPERT BANKING

How Does “Keyman Insurance” Af fect The Company’s Valuation In A Transaction Or Financing?

How Do Premiums And Potential Payouts Inf luence Ebitda, Cash Flow, And Debt Covenants?

How Do Investors Or Acquirers Typically View Keyman Insurance During Due Diligence?

Keyman insurance positively affects a company’s valuation and overall risk profile by mitigating the financial risk and instability that could arise from the loss of a critical individual. It provides a safety net that assures investors or buyers the business can continue operations and meet obligations during a transition period. This financial protection can reduce perceived risk, improve creditworthiness, and enhance investor confidence.

Premiums for key person insurance are typically treated as a non-deductible expense. Death benefits are normally received income tax-free, creating free cash flow. Key person insurance is often included as a debt covenant. By implementing this covenant, lenders reduce their risk when financing.

Investors or acquirers typically view key person insurance as evidence of risk management, protection for business continuity and as a means of assessing dependency on one or two individuals.

As a result, it may strengthen investor confidence and smooth negotiations related to valuation and post-acquisition integration.

Who Is Considered A “Key Person” In The Eyes Of Investors Or Acquirers, And How Is That Risk Quantified?

A key person is any individual whose loss would materially harm the business due to their unique skills, relationships, institutional knowledge, or ability to generate revenue.

This may include founders, top executives, or key sales and technical personnel.

How Is The Policy Structured And Who Should Be The Beneficiary — The Company, The Shareholders, Or A Trust?

In most cases, the company is both the policy owner and the beneficiary, since it directly bears the financial loss if a key person dies or becomes disabled. This structure ensures that the proceeds are available to stabilize operations, pay off debt, or fund the recruitment and training of a replacement.

With more than 28 years of experience at Hancock Whitney Bank, Keith brings a deep sense of loyalty, leadership, and purpose to his role in the investment services industry.

His career has been built on a commitment to doing what’s best for the client—always prioritizing integrity, transparency, and long-term financial well-being.

As Director of Investment Services, Keith is dedicated to supporting his advisors both professionally and personally. He works tirelessly to ensure they have the tools, training, and resources needed to provide comprehensive financial planning and exceptional client

KEITH LEBLANC Director Investment Services

service. Keith’s leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, continuous development, and empowering his team to reach their full potential—ultimately helping clients achieve their financial goals and dreams.

525 FLORIDA AVE SW DENHAM SPRINGS | 228-248-7317 | HANCOCKWHITNEY.COM Hancock Whitney Financial Consultants is a marketing name of Cetera Investment Services. Securities and insurance products offered through Registered Representatives of Cetera Investment Services LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFG STC Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Neither firm is affiliated with the financial institution where investments are offered. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

Investment products: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT FINANCIAL INSTITUTION GUARANTEED | NOT A DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

A42 CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

DOING BUSINESS: ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Startups to watch:

Baton Rouge’s entrepreneurial surge CODEGIG

CodeGig is a Baton Rouge software firm that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to help industrial companies predict and monitor their carbon emissions and track their tax credit incentives. At the Louisiana Energy Awards last year, founder and CEO Kellen Francis was honored as the 2025 Emerging Energy Leader.

company received funding from the FUEL program in early 2025 for its “Intelligent Carbon Sensor Network” project.

TIGERAIRE

In 2021, Tigeraire, a tech startup at the LSU Innovation Park, signed a deal with General Catalyst, the Silicon Valley venture capital firm behind Venmo, Stripe, Airbnb and TikTok, as their lead investor. That made Tigeraire the first company in the history of the state to attract seed funding from a global top 50 venture capital firm. Tigeraire manufactures interior helmet fans to improve air circulation, reduce fogging and lower sweat for athletes and industrial workers.

ZENTECH CONCRETE SOLUTIONS DON KADAIR

PUT RESEARCHERS, incubators and investors in the same ecosystem, and you get a region where innovation can thrive. That momentum is showing up in the number of Capital Region startups now drawing attention far beyond Louisiana.

Also located at the LSU Innovation Park, Zentech Concrete Solutions offers an alternative to traditional slurry seals, creating a protective pavement coating that produces zero or negative carbon emission.

ENCORECO2

EncoreCO2 is redefining chemical manufacturing with its carbon recycling technology. As one of Future Use of Energy in Louisiana’s, or FUEL’s, first proof-ofconcept awardees, EncoreCO2 is accelerating critical carbon solutions from lab to market.

APPLICARAD INC.

ApplicaRAD develops a commercial-grade, low-power sensor with onboard AI for tracking carbon emissions. The

WHAT BUILDERS AND BACKERS SAY

“The Baton Rouge region offers startups an affordable and supportive environment to grow. At LSU Innovation Park, we provide innovators and entrepreneurs with expert business coaching, tailored programs, mentorship and access to lab and office space. We connect emerging companies with the resources and relationships that accelerate their path to the marketplace.”

—Jason Boudreaux, LSU Innovation Park

ALVIN RAY’S BAYOU BEST PICKLES

The pickles produced by Alvin Ray’s, a participant in the Foodii business incubator at LSU, are sold at more than 700 stores in six states, with the brand continuing to grow. They’ve also been shipped as far away as Ireland, Australia, London, Canada and Kuwait.

IN CONVERSATION

TRE’S STREET KITCHEN

Another beneficiary of the Foodii business incubator, Tre’s Street Kitchen recently partnered with the Louisiana Office of Tourism and the Louisiana Travel Association to host an event and retail pop-up at the iconic Chelsea Market in New York City through TasteLouisiana.org.

—Sam Barnes

“CodeGig is a perfect example of why the Capital Region is a great place to start a company.

When Kellen Francis, the CEO and founder of CodeGig, decided to launch his company, he had a clear pathway to success.”

—William C. Ellison, CEO, Innovation Catalyst Inc.

Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

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DOING BUSINESS: ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Capital Region’s startup support squad The incubator Foodii helped Hanley’s grow exponentially.

EVERY STARTUP NEEDS a hype crew—and the Capital Region has a bench that’s building momentum. From investor matchmakers and campus-based incubators to statewide initiatives designed to keep good ideas from leaving Louisiana, this is the support squad helping founders turn big ideas into real companies.

NEXUSLA

A statewide initiative aimed at bolstering Louisiana’s technology and innovation ecosystem, NexusLA has launched programs such as “Tech Tailgates” to connect with and support tech entrepreneurs across the state.

IN CONVERSATION

FOODII BUSINESS INCUBATOR

Foodii is the official name for the LSU AgCenter Food Innovation Institute, a resource center and business incubator that helps entrepreneurs start and grow food businesses.

The LSU Innovation Park is a dedicated complex for research commercialization and technology innovation that provides entrepreneurs and companies with the resources, facilities and expertise they need to grow their businesses.

RED STICK ANGELS

A nonprofit venture development organization, Innovation Catalyst aims to strengthen the Louisiana entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting early-stage, high-growth companies with capital, coaching and connections.

LOUISIANA GROWTH FUND

THE ALLIANCE

The growth fund is an initiative of Louisiana Innovation, a new division of Louisiana Economic Development that was launched at the Super Bowl LIX Innovation Day event in New Orleans in early 2025. It’s designed to keep promising startups in Louisiana by supplying the capital they need to scale without leaving the state.

A44 CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

—Achyut Adhikari, interim director, Foodii

LSU INNOVATION PARK

An angel investor network, Red Stick Angels identifies, vets and funds early-stage, highgrowth companies throughout Louisiana. It operates as the wholly owned subsidiary of Innovation Catalyst Inc., a nonprofit venture development organization dedicated to fostering the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

INNOVATION CATALYST

“Baton Rouge offers a unique environment for aspiring entrepreneurs, combining a supportive business climate, access to world-class academic expertise from LSU and a rapidly growing consumer market.

Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage makes the city especially attractive for specialty food ventures.

Innovation thrives here, and new businesses … benefit from strong partnerships with LSU, the AgCenter, state agencies and local economic development organizations.”

Through The Alliance’s coaching groups and his “Muddy Waters Clear Vision” podcast, entrepreneur Stuart Gilly helps others navigate challenges, connect with peers and build stronger, more resilient companies.

—Sam Barnes

“Baton Rouge has an exceptionally strong community of talented and driven tech founders.

The diversity of startups and entrepreneurs here creates a network of support that you can rely on through both the highs and the lows of building and scaling a company.”

—Courtney Sparkman, founder and CEO, OfficerReports.com

Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

A45

SECTORS: TECHNOLOGY

Our tech moment is here MEET 15 DIGITAL ECONOMY LEADERS Hut 8

Tony Zanders NEARLY A YEAR ago, award-winning software entrepreneur Tony Zanders kicked off a mission as he took over the role of president and CEO of Nexus Louisiana: Launch 1,000 new tech founders by 2030.

In the months since, the Skilltype founder has steered the organization back to its original mission of accelerating the growth of high-potential technologyenabled companies by providing them with coaching, capital and connections.

It couldn’t come at a better time. The Capital Region’s tech scene is rising and thriving like never before.

The region soon will be home to a $10 billion data center backed by Google.

The IBM Client Innovation Center in downtown Baton Rouge has expanded its focus to cutting-edge technologies like AI and cloud computing, with IBM’s watsonx platform now playing a major role in its operations. In 2024, Louisiana ranked as the No. 2 Tech Talent Pipeline in the U.S. in Business Facilities magazine. And today, more than 7,600 tech professionals are working across Greater Baton Rouge.

Also of note: LSU and Southern University have teamed up to increase worldwide access to high-performance computing and earned a $1.5 million award from the National Science Foundation. The team’s goal is to build a bigger user community around HPX, a software library that developers can use to create faster, more powerful, and energy-efficient applications.

And LSU is also the first university in the nation to partner with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, and Idaho National Laboratory on a unique model for cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.

A46 CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026 | Business Report

Miami-based infrastructure firm Hut 8 has secured a multibillion-dollar partnership with Anthropic and Fluidstack, a deal that puts the company’s planned River Bend data center in West Feliciana Parish at the center of a large-scale push to accelerate the deployment of hyperscale AI infrastructure in the U.S.

365Labs

This homegrown firm serves up an all-inclusive public safety platform that works securely, wirelessly and when completely offline or out of network range. It uses artificial Mo Vij intelligence to dramatically simplify report writing, evidence collection, summons, autonomous drone deployment, case management and more.

Digi-Twin Global

Digi-Twin Global is a Baton Rouge company that develops digital twin technology for infrastructure and collaborates with LSU on training and workforce development in digital modeling. It was founded by LSU business professor James Scott Fargason and Russell J. “Joey” Coco Jr. of Forte & Tablada.

Minimus

audio workstation and StudioLive mixers. It remains headquartered in Baton Rouge and operates as a subsidiary of Fender Musical Instruments Corp.

IBM

IBM operates a services center in Baton Rouge as part of its North America Client Innovation Centers, where teams provide software development and digital services. The center was established through a major public–private initiative to expand technology jobs and strengthen ties with LSU.

LIGO

The LIGO Livingston Observatory is a major physics research facility located in the town of Livingston that detects gravitational waves using large-scale laser interferometers. It is operated by Caltech and MIT with support from the National Science Foundation.

Pixel Dash Studios

Pixel Dash Studios is a Baton Rouge game and interactive media company co-founded by Jason Tate and Evan Smith. The studio develops original video games and interactive projects, including simulations and VR experiences.

Minimus is an application security company co-founded by Ben Bernstein, Dima Stopel and John Morello that focuses on secure, minimal container images and virtual machines to reduce vulnerabilities. The company maintains a Baton Rouge presence in addition to offices in New York; Portland, Oregon; and Tel Aviv, Israel.

AppOne

Twistlock

Integer Technologies is a defense-focused technology company that partnered with LSU to establish operations in Baton Rouge under a contract supported by the Office of Naval Research.

The company focuses on autonomy and software systems for national security applications.

Twistlock was a cloud-native security startup cofounded by Baton Rouge–based technologist John Morello along with co-founder Ben Bernstein, and it specialized in securing containers and Kubernetes environments. It was acquired

by Palo Alto Networks in 2019 and became part of the Prisma Cloud platform. Its executives are also involved in Minimus.

PreSonus

PreSonus is a Baton Rouge– founded audio technology company known for products like the Studio One digital

AppOne is a Baton Rouge-founded software platform created by Lee Domingue to streamline indirect auto lending between dealers and lenders.

It was later acquired by Wolters Kluwer Financial Services.

Integer Technologies

Vigilus

Vigilus is a Baton Rouge cybersecurity and software firm led by CEO Alexander “Lex” Adams. The company provides services such as threat monitoring, vulnerability assessments and managed security support.

For over four decades, Delta Machine and Ironworks has been a leading Louisiana manufacturer of custom pipe supports, piping accessories, and plate products, and we’re renowned for our exceptional customer support. We’re large enough to deliver thousands of custom products each month, yet nimble enough to scale rapidly whenever our customers need us. Our experienced fabricators, welders, and machinists stand ready to support your industrial construction projects with precision and reliability. Above all, we guarantee that quality, integrity, and steadfast partnership remain at the core of everything we do.

CONNECT WITH DELTA TEL.: 225.356.2000 WEBSALES@TEAMDELTAUSA.COM TEAMDELTAUSA.COM BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

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E M I T N O .

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A47 12/16/25 5:59 PM

SECTORS: HEALTH CARE

The Baton Rouge Health District

JORDAN HEFLER

An ambitious build-out for better care THE HEALTH CARE community is a significant economic force in the Capital Region. More than $500 million in active investment is currently under way within the Baton Rouge Health District alone, reflecting major commitments to physical facilities, new technologies and workforce innovation. In the process, the region is positioning itself as a significant national health care corridor for vital research and groundbreaking treatments.

OCHSNER HEALTH Ochsner Health is expected to wrap up this spring on a $50 million investment in the region, which includes expansion of its hospital on O’Neal Lane and The Grove near the Mall of Louisiana. The health system will add more specialized care options and increase the number of patients it serves. At the Grove alone, the number of operating rooms will double, with the addition of a cardiac catheterization lab, advanced imaging space, expanded primary care, and services specific to OB-GYN, pediatric and musculoskeletal care.

The fifth floor of The Grove will be a dedicated OB-GYN and pediatrics space, adding 30 new exam and treatment rooms. The emergency room and interventional radiology services at O’Neal will expand to

reduce patient wait times and improve the overall care experience.

establish the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute.

FMOL HEALTH

BATON ROUGE GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER

The newly renamed FMOL Health has approved more than $425 million in capital projects at its Our Lady of the Lake Health campus, with a quarter-billion dollars allocated to projects in the Baton Rouge market alone. The money is earmarked for the expansion of the emergency department at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, development of new ambulatory properties, enhancements at Ollie Steele Burden Manor and the Tau Center, development of additional medical office buildings, and new overnight observational beds at the hospital’s Livingston campus.

PENNINGTON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER Recent investments by Pennington Biomedical Research Center include a new bioinformatics and computational biology facility and the launch of a bariatric/metabolic surgery program. Additionally, research funding has been allocated for research into childhood obesity, Type 2 diabetes and the cardiovascular risks of poor sleep.

Additionally, Pennington invested some $5.9 million in 2019 to

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Baton Rouge General recently invested in a 60,000-square-foot patient care unit expansion at its Bluebonnet campus, which added two floors and 64 patient rooms to the existing hospital. The hospital has made several other significant investments in recent years, including a new $50 million neighborhood hospital in Livingston Parish—announced in October 2024—a $12 million expansion and renovation of the Center for Health at its Bluebonnet campus, a $30 million, 10-bed neighborhood hospital in Prairieville, and a $40 million, 65,000-square-foot expansion of its critical care tower on Bluebonnet.

WOMAN’S HOSPITAL Anchored by its $350 million, 13-year-old campus in Baton Rouge, Woman’s Hospital is in growth mode as well, most recently investing in an $8 million inpatient perinatal mental health unit that opened in 2024. The hospital is also developing a specialized unit for pregnant and postpartum women experiencing mental health crises.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTERS There are a handful of new behavioral health centers across the Capital Region, including a new Avenues Recovery Center and an expanded adolescent unit at River Place Behavioral Health.

Additionally, Oceans Behavioral Hospital Baton Rouge opened in 2021, expanding access to behavioral health services. The new Avenues Recovery Center location opened in late 2024, marking the company’s third addiction rehabilitation center in Louisiana.

ACROSS THE REGION A host of new medical facilities and expansions are planned in the surrounding parishes as well—Baton Rouge General recently announced plans to open a new 40,000-squarefoot neighborhood hospital in Denham Springs. Additionally, Livingston HealthCare is planning a new 125,000-square-foot critical access hospital. In Ascension Parish, Mary Bird Perkins Ascension Cancer Center in Gonzales is adding 15 new semiprivate infusion and chemotherapy bays, while Baton Rouge General Ascension has plans to build a 40,000-square-foot neighborhood hospital in Prairieville.

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SECTORS: ENERGY

Energy’s next chapter The Capital Region is experiencing unprecedented investment in the industrial space. Existing industrial giants, as well as a host of new investors, are announcing expansions or grassroots projects.

EXXONMOBIL

The ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery and Chemical Plant constitute one of the largest and most integrated refining and petrochemical complexes in the world. In total, the facilities employ approximately 2,500 workers. It’s also leading in sustainability initiatives, most recently partnering with AtmosClear BR to provide carbon transportation and storage services for the company’s new biomass energy facility at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge.

DOW

Dow Louisiana Operations in Plaquemine employed nearly 1,300 workers in 2024, along with another 1,500 contractors. The local facility is investing heavily in carbon capture initiatives, including a partnership with Denbury to capture carbon dioxide from its ethylene oxide plant

of alternative fuels is increasing. In Ascension Parish, many of these investments are in the hydrogen space. Air Products is investing $4.5 billion in a blue hydrogen complex, and Clean Hydrogen Works has proposed a $7.5 billion hydrogenammonia project. Another significant investment is a proposed $426 million carbon-free hydrogen facility by Monarch Energy.

and transport it via pipeline for use in Denbury’s enhanced oil recovery operations.

BASF

BASF’s manufacturing complex in Geismar is the company’s largest site in North America, and the largest private employer in Ascension Parish with approximately 3,000 employees and contractors. In 2025, BASF began converting the production of its intermediates division’s standard grade amine portfolio to 100% renewable electricity through solar and wind renewable electricity credits. The transition began in the last quarter of 2025, with full implementation planned in 2026.

CARBON CAPTURE INVESTMENTS

Carbon capture initiatives are gaining traction across the Capital Region. The largest include an $800 million AtmosClear plant at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge and a $4 billion low-carbon ammonia facility

by CF Industries in Ascension Parish.

The AtmosClear project focuses on bioenergy with carbon capture and storage to remove carbon, while CF Industries’ ammonia facility will capture and sequester its own CO2 emissions.

HYDROGEN INVESTMENTS

As reducing carbon emissions becomes a primary goal of most industrial owners, the development

Dow

TIM MUELLER

RENEWABLES INVESTMENTS

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Leading the pack of large-scale investment in the renewables market will be the proposed Grön Fuels project, a potentially $9.2 billion facility for producing renewable fuels.

Additionally, Arbor Renewable Gas LLC is evaluating an $800 million renewable gasoline facility in West Baton Rouge Parish.

IN CONVERSATION “Our country is on the threshold of a new era of energy demand, and Louisiana finds itself well-positioned to lead this growing sector. As the need for more energy increases globally with the construction of new data centers and AI-driven technologies, at home we are investing in the technologies and infrastructure that support both longterm energy security and environmental progress.

With the growth of sustainable technologies such as carbon capture and sequestration and blue hydrogen production, we have the opportunity to become a national energy leader in a way that is both sustainable and economically strategic for the state.”

—David Cresson, president and CEO of LCA/LCIA

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SECTORS: CONSTRUCTION

ISTOCK.COM/EYEEM MOBILE GMBH

Welders are in high demand in the Capital Region

Powering the build

TURNER INDUSTRIES

This company founded in 1961 provides a comprehensive range of construction services to the petrochemical, refining, energy, pulp and paper, and advanced manufacturing sectors. The company has been ranked No. 1 on National Associated Builders and Contractors’ Top Performers list for multiple consecutive years and ranks No. 3 among Business Report’s Top 100 Private Companies, with $3.2 billion in revenue in 2024.

PERFORMANCE CONTRACTORS

Performance Contractors is a fullservice industrial contractor, skilled in construction, turnarounds and maintenance for civil, soft crafts, E&I, pipe fabrication and module fabrication projects.

MMR GROUP

This company founded by James “Pepper” Rutland is a key player in the onshore, offshore, energy, chemical, petrochemical, industrial manufacturing, heavy commercial, semiconductor, aerospace and theme park sectors. In October, the company announced it is growing its Louisiana footprint with a $55.2 million investment for a new assembly facility in Lafayette Parish that will expand production of electrical components used in high-growth sectors such as data centers and semiconductors.

COURTESY MMR

New Orleans 17th Street Canal project

LEMOINE

Lemoine is a prominent, fullservice construction management and general contracting firm headquartered in Baton Rouge. With a history spanning more than 50 years, the contractor offers services across the entire life cycle of a building and offers an expanding portfolio of services.

BERNHARD CAPITAL PARTNERS

Bernhard Capital Partners is a private equity firm in Baton Rouge specializing in the acquisition and growth of services and infrastructure companies. Founded in 2013, the firm focuses on companies in the energy, industrial and infrastructure sectors.

BCP has grown significantly, managing billions in assets and playing a key role in projects.

FILE PHOTO

THE CAPITAL REGION has emerged as a home base for globally recognized construction and industrial services leaders, anchoring some of the most complex projects in energy, petrochemicals, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. Firms headquartered here consistently rank among the top performers nationwide, generate billions in annual revenue and manage work that stretches far beyond Louisiana’s borders. Their scale, technical expertise and continued investment reinforce the region’s role as a center of influence and execution in the global construction economy.

IN CONVERSATION “Louisiana’s industrial construction and maintenance sectors are expanding rapidly alongside the state’s evolving energy industry.

Local firms are growing in size and capability, adding new branches and advanced services such as fabrication, drone inspections, rope access and digital scanning— technologies that improve safety, efficiency and precision. As a key partner to the state’s largest economic driver, industrial construction provides thousands of high-skill, high-wage jobs that keep Louisiana’s industrial facilities running safely and reliably. The pace of innovation in Louisiana’s industrial sector is impressive. Our companies are not only fueling economic growth but also creating lasting career opportunities for Louisiana residents.”

—Connie Fabre, president and CEO, Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance

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Amazon’s fulfillment center opened at the former site of the Cortana Mall in June 2024.

SECTORS: LOGISTICS

Secret weapon: THE CAPITAL REGION is rapidly becoming one of the South’s most strategic logistics and distribution centers, leveraging its geographic position, transportation infrastructure and deep-water port access to attract major national players.

“The Capital Region offers something rare: interstate highway access, rail connectivity and a deep-water port all within a compact geographic area,” explains Ileana Ledet, chief economic competitiveness officer for Louisiana Economic Development. “For logistics operators, that combination dramatically reduces transportation costs and delivery times.”

Louisiana’s logistics industry supports more than 110,000 jobs, playing a key role in the state’s economy. From ports and maritime freight to warehousing and transportation equipment, this sector helps keep goods moving across the country and around the world.

More than 14,400 people are employed across the Capital Region’s logistics, distribution, and transportation sectors, according to the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership. Over the past five years, logistics and transportation employment in the region has grown faster than overall employment.

LSU prepares talent for the sector through its bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, which emphasizes systems optimization, supply chain management and project efficiency. Advanced training is also available through graduate

JORDAN HEFLER

The Capital Region is becoming a critical node in the national supply chain network.

Southeast and beyond. programs in transportation Evan Scroggs, president engineering, supported and managing principal by the Louisiana for Lee & Associates in Transportation Research Baton Rouge, describes Center. the regional advantage Between 2022 and as “sitting at Main and 2025, jobs for captains Main—the intersection of and sailors in the water the Mississippi River with subsector experienced Interstate 10.” the largest growth of any Evan Scroggs This advantage is amplified by logistics jobs in the region, says the Port of Greater Baton Rouge at Lori Melancon, president and CEO of the convergence of the Mississippi the Greater Baton Rouge Economic River and the Gulf Intracoastal Partnership.

Waterway. It’s the farthest inland “This is a testament to our deep-water port on the Mississippi strength not only as a multimodal River, processing over 70 million tons transportation hub, but the of cargo annually and consistently geographic advantage we have as a ranked in the nation’s top 10 ports by metro with a major port, an airport, tonnage. significant rail capacity and two “Having deep-water access up interstates,” she says. to Baton Rouge and deep-water Also on the rise since 2022 are sites along the river that allow more traditional logistics jobs for for petrochemical development mobile heavy equipment mechanics manufacturing; you can’t discount and their supervisors, with 100 new that,” Scroggs says. “Our pipeline jobs in each category. network is another thing that is unique for us as more product moves A RARE GEOGRAPHIC underground, particularly natural gas.

ADVANTAGE And there’s the ability to move carbon Positioned at the intersection as well. That’s a big advantage we of Interstates 10 and 12, the area have in our market.” serves as a crossroads for east-west Louisiana has one of the most and north-south freight movement. advanced pipeline networks in the I-10 connects the region directly to world, Ledet says. The fully integrated Houston, New Orleans and Florida network carries some of the state’s markets, while I-12 provides efficient most lucrative natural resources from access to Mississippi and points the ground to refineries and process north. Within a day’s drive, logistics industry plants. The state’s nearly operations can reach approximately 50,000 miles of pipelines crisscross 45% of the U.S. population, making every major highway, railroad and it an ideal location for regional navigable waterway in the state. distribution centers serving the

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STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT

The Port of Greater Baton Rouge continues investing heavily, adding a new barge-mounted crane, expanding rail connectivity, deepening the river channel, and moving forward with a fifth berth.

One major advance is the development of the RiverPlex MegaPark and the surrounding area on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Ascension and Iberville parishes, Melancon says.

“The area is some of the last undeveloped land in the region that the Army Corps of Engineers has approved for deep-water port access, which is important for domestic and international distribution,” she says.

“As part of the announced Hyundai Steel project, the area will see significant rail development, as well as general infrastructure improvements to accommodate expected future economic development wins. Having more than 15,000 acres of greenfield to develop is good, but adding in significant public and private infrastructure investment makes it incredibly competitive for projects.”

As international demand continues to grow for fuel, steel and other products either made in or distributed by way of the Capital Region, Melancon notes, “we anticipate the Port of Greater Baton Rouge to see further growth to meet maritime demand.”

—Eileen McClelland

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EDUCATION: K-12

JORDAN HEFLER

St. Joseph’s Academy is one of the state’s most recognized Catholic high schools, consistently posting near 100% college acceptance rates, strong ACT averages and standout extracurricular opportunities.

A region rich in school choice CHOICE IS THE hallmark of K-12 education in the Capital Region, says Taylor Gast, administrative director of communications for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. Public, private and charter schools span the metro area, offering programs tailored to nearly every learning style and family preference. “You could attend a traditional school based on home address or opt into a specialized program,” Gast says.

“You’re not narrowed to a home attendance zone.”

ONE PARISH, MANY PATHWAYS

East Baton Rouge Parish operates one of Louisiana’s most expansive magnet systems, serving K–12 students through themed options that span STEM, business and law, foreign language, visual and performing arts, and gifted and talented programs. Baton Rouge Magnet High School is regularly ranked among Louisiana’s top public high schools and distinguished by its

combination of AP-level academics and unique programs.

Traditional public schools are also experimenting with innovative approaches. At Riveroaks Elementary School, a Harry Potter-like house system, inspired by the Ron Clark Academy, builds belonging and improves attendance through teambased incentives, demonstrating how creative thinking can transform school culture.

All of the district’s high schools offer programs with an industry or workforce focus. In 2025, the district partnered with Associated Builders and Contractors for education in trades such as welding and carpentry.

High school students also have the option of spending half a day at the Career and Technical Education Center, where they can learn coding, IT, cooking or emergency medical services skills.

“We want our children to be ready to enter the workforce right out of high school, or if they choose to go

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to college, to have those skills in their back pocket,” Gast says.

“We have a ton of opportunities for kids with special needs, for kids who have English as a second language,” Gast notes. “We’re making sure that any child coming into EBR has a home, where they will be educated and loved.”

CHARTERS FIND THEIR STRIDE

Meanwhile, charter schools continue gaining momentum. BASIS Baton Rouge Materra, the only openenrollment A-rated school in EBR in 2024, delivers a challenging, STEMinfused liberal arts program, plus specialties in engineering, Mandarin and the arts, designed for college prep.

Opening in fall 2026, the Louisiana Academy of Production, in partnership with Celtic Studios, will blend core academics with training in film, television, digital media, set design, editing, cinematography and the business of production.

Launching with 90 ninth graders, LAAP will eventually expand to approximately 550 students, creating a direct pipeline from classroom to career in Louisiana’s film industry.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS: WHERE RIGOR MEETS REPUTATION

The region’s secular and Catholic private schools remain a major draw for relocating families, with Catholic education forming a particularly strong pillar in East Baton Rouge Parish. St. Joseph’s Academy and Catholic High School, two of the state’s most recognized Catholic high schools, consistently post near 100% college acceptance rates, strong ACT averages and standout extracurricular opportunities. Episcopal School of Baton Rouge is known for its 10:1 student-teacher ratio and rigorous academics. The Dunham School offers a well-established college-prep environment featuring strong arts and athletics programs.

SUBURBS SET THE PACE

The broader Capital Region includes four of Louisiana’s 10 highest-performing districts: Zachary, West Feliciana, Central and Ascension Parish. West Feliciana Parish rose to the top of the state rankings in the 2024-2025 school year.

Ascension holds the top spot in a state progress index that measures student growth. It’s also the largest district to earn and maintain an “A” rating. A 2018 LSU economic impact study for Ascension Public Schools found that schools were the most important factor for families in deciding to live in Ascension Parish.

Superintendent Edith Walker points to small class sizes, regular student assessments and a technology millage that provides $13 million annually as key reasons for this success.

Fifty-three percent of students in grades 3-12 achieve mastery and advanced levels on state tests, the highest rate in the state. Mastery means students are ready for the next grade level. “Yes, we are No. 1 in the state,” Walker says. “But we are at 53% and for me that is not good enough. I will not be satisfied as a superintendent until we can

get all our students to mastery and advanced levels.”

Ascension also operates one of the state’s strongest career and technical education systems, offering more than 50 industry-based credentials in fields such as process technology, instrument technology, EMT and welding. Students can earn an associate’s degree through the district’s partnership with River Parishes Community College, creating a seamless transition from high school to higher education or the workforce.

Other top priorities for Walker are to continue to secure college funding for graduates, who earned more than $27 million in scholarships in 2025, and to improve the graduation rate, which is now at 91%. “I’d love it to be 95% or higher. I’d like it to be 100, but a realistic goal is 95%.”

Livingston Parish maintains an overall A rating from the state and offers robust extracurricular offerings and growing career-technical pathways. Zachary Community Schools, meanwhile, consistently rank among Louisiana’s best, earning one of the highest district performance scores statewide year after year.

—Eileen McClelland

BASIS Baton Rouge Materra, the only openenrollment A-rated school in EBR in 2024, delivers a challenging, STEM-infused liberal arts program, plus specialties in engineering, Mandarin and the arts, designed for college prep.

RESOURCES FOR RELOCATING FAMILIES Each major school district in the Capital Region provides online school-finder tools with searchable maps that allow families to view locations, program offerings and performance scores.

Most allow families to schedule campus tours and parent information sessions through their websites.

The East Baton Rouge Parish district has launched an AI-powered “Let’s Talk” chatbot to guide families through magnet options, attendance zones, specialeducation services, duallanguage programs and application timelines while linking directly to school profiles and availability.

Scan for more details

The Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership publishes annual School Report Cards— district comparisons and relocation guides tailored to employers and families—while also tracking application windows for magnets and charters.

Scan for more details

New Schools for Baton Rouge offers school performance dashboards, guides to A/B-rated schools, and timely updates on charter openings, expansions and waitlist timelines.

Scan for more details

The Louisiana Department of Education’s statewide School Finder tool displays school letter grades, growth scores, demographics and program offerings for every public school in Louisiana.

Scan for more details

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EDUCATION: RESEARCH

A research revolution is fueling innovation and talent

IN CONVERSATION

LSU ENERGY INSTITUTE The LSU Energy Institute conducts interdisciplinary research focused on advancing reliable, affordable and sustainable energy solutions through work on hydrogen, low-carbon fuels and carbon capture. Its research aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, assess the environmental impact of energy infrastructure and promote new energy technologies.

The institute is also involved in talent development, policy, economics and the transfer of technology and commercialization.

THERE ARE COUNTLESS ways for researchers to imagine, develop and implement new innovations in the Capital Region. LSU and Southern University are especially adept at nurturing groundbreaking initiatives and connecting them to real-world problems, then finding the financial backing to turn them into reality.

LSU INNOVATION PARK LSU Innovation Park is a dedicated research and technology complex that supports entrepreneurs and growing companies by providing them with necessary facilities, resources and connections to the university’s research and talent.

The park houses a diverse range of companies, including those focused on medical research and product development, data analytics and AI solutions, applied research and product development for national security, various consumer/ commercial products, and renewable energy and environmental sciences.

STEPHENSON ENTREPRENEURSHIP INSTITUTE The Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute is an integral part of the E.J. Ourso College of Business at LSU and is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurial practices through

education, outreach and research.

Its primary function is to foster an “entrepreneurial mindset” among students, faculty and the broader community, helping them identify needs and solve problems through innovative thinking.

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY STEM AND AGTECH PROGRAMS Southern University strongly focuses its research in mechanical engineering and other related STEM fields. Additionally, the university has an established and widely recognized agricultural science program. The campus also supports research in the sciences, which are often the basis for advanced research projects.

PENNINGTON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER Pennington Biomedical Research Center conducts basic, clinical and population-based studies to translate scientific discoveries into real-world solutions. Current research focuses on the root causes of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and dementia. LSU frequently collaborates with Pennington in researching healthy aging, specific chronic diseases and public health issues.

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FUTURE USE OF ENERGY IN LOUISIANA The Future Use of Energy in Louisiana, or FUEL, is a large-scale initiative led by LSU in partnership with the U.S. National Science Foundation and numerous other public and private organizations. Its mission is to transition Louisiana’s energy economy by fostering innovation, developing a skilled workforce and commercializing new technologies in areas such as direct air capture, sustainable fuels and geothermal energy.

LSU’S COLLEGE OF HUMAN SCIENCES & EDUCATION Under the umbrella of LSU’s College of Human Sciences & Education, the Healthy Aging Research Center conducts interdisciplinary research aimed at improving the health, well-being and independence of older adults and their caregivers.

Additionally, the Social Research & Evaluation Center focuses on fostering healthy social systems by designing, implementing and evaluating community and social programs.

LSU COLLEGE OF SCIENCE LSU’s Department of Biological Sciences offers research opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate researchers in areas such as biochemistry, cellular biology and ecology.

—Sam Barnes

“One of the core missions of a flagship research university like LSU is to build the talent and facilities that drive regional economic development. …

This is incredibly important in capital regions such as Baton Rouge, which anchors energy and chemical manufacturing industries, navigation and intermodal transportation, and health care services for our state and nation. LSU’s research talent and facilities bring the best students, post-docs and experts to the Capital Region to serve Louisiana— today, tomorrow and for generations.”

—Robert Twilley, vice president, LSU Office of Research & Economic Development

“As our academic institutions continue serving as anchors of regional innovation, FUEL is amplifying their impact by fostering customer-focused, use-inspired research that turns lab ideas into investable lowcarbon solutions.

Entering year three, FUEL builds on early successes and evidence-based projects. …

We’re also empowering our greatest asset— students— by equipping them with entrepreneurial skills to advance their technologies toward real-world success.”

—Ashwith Chilvery, director of use-inspired research and development, Future Use of Energy in Louisiana

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EDUCATION: WORKFORCE TRAINING

Programs powering the future workforce THE BATON ROUGE area has become especially adept at connecting potential workers with the training they need and the employers that need them. Various partnerships among private industry, educational institutions and other industry groups have created a host of training options for the area’s workforce.

LOUISIANA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FASTSTART LED’s FastStart program is a Louisiana-based, free workforce development initiative that provides customized employee recruitment, screening and training for new and expanding companies in the state.

It focuses on a “Recruit, Train and Sustain” approach to help businesses quickly build a qualified workforce for jobs in sectors such as manufacturing, IT and logistics.

BATON ROUGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRAINING PARTNERSHIPS Baton Rouge Community College’s craft training partnerships with the industrial sector fill a vital need in the Capital Region. For example, the North Baton Rouge Industrial Training Initiative with ExxonMobil (pictured above) provides tuition-free training for residents in high-demand skilled trades such as welding, electrical and pipefitting. Additionally, BRCC’s process technology program collaborates with Formosa Plastics, Dow and ExxonMobil to develop a curriculum that prepares graduates for immediate employment and internships.

RIVER PARISHES COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRAINING PARTNERSHIPS River Parishes Community College in Gonzales partners with Dow, BASF, Shell and other owners to provide customized training, internships and certifications for students and businesses. These partnerships provide a direct pipeline to highdemand jobs, ensuring graduates have the skills needed for careers in manufacturing and energy.

HIGH SCHOOL TECHNICAL ACADEMIES In Ascension Parish, they call it “pathways for a ‘hire’ education”: a career and technical education opportunity with industry-based credentials, giving students a jumpstart on additional education or practical training for a well-paying career upon graduation in fields such as architecture, construction, health sciences and manufacturing. In Livingston Parish, Walker High School students have gained practical job skills via school-based enterprises and Jobs for America’s Graduates Program, including working at The Green and White Cookie Site and campus locations of Neighbors Federal Credit Union and Papa John’s (pictured above). The East Baton Rouge Parish School System’s career and technical education program offers various career clusters and jump-start programs that lead to industry certifications. General opportunities in the program include business, IT, digital design, health sciences and advanced manufacturing.

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LSU AND SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY WORKFORCE INITIATIVES Last year, LSU and Southern University teamed up to increase access to high-performance computing, with the goal of building a bigger user community around HPX, a software library that developers can use to create faster, more powerful and energy-efficient applications.

Since then, the team has trained more than 50 students and faculty who’ve already begun training others. Additionally, studentfocused programs such as the LSU Olinde Career Center and collaborations with the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance are connecting students with energy sector jobs.

STATE AND CORPORATE PROGRAMS The Incumbent Worker Training Grant, managed by the Louisiana Workforce Commission, is a state program that helps companies upskill their current employees to prevent layoffs and ensure they have the necessary skills for advancement.

ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS – PELICAN CHAPTER CRAFT TRAINING PROGRAM The Associated Builders and Contractors – Pelican Chapter’s craft training program offers vocational training and registered apprenticeship programs in various trades, including electrical, heavy equipment, instrumentation and welding. Programs vary in length and format, with many requiring at least a two-night-per-week commitment.

LABOR UNION SPONSORED TRAINING Numerous labor unions in the Capital Region provide high-quality, handson apprenticeship programs that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. These programs are designed to develop skilled journey-level workers and offer benefits such as competitive wages, health insurance and pension plans.

—Sam Barnes

IN CONVERSATION “By partnering with industry and education leaders, we’re creating real opportunity for local residents and ensuring that Louisiana’s I N KA industrial workforce remains among the most skilled and sought-after in the nation.”

DO

—David Helveston, president and CEO, ABC Pelican Chapter

“From supporting STEM education in East Baton Rouge classrooms to hosting free STEM Saturdays for K-12 students and families, we aim to spark interest in the career pathways that make our industry possible. Our high school internship program offers students paid experience at our facilities, while our support for the North Baton Rouge Industrial Training Initiative at BRCC provides nocost training and job placement support in fields like welding, instrumentation and process technology.”

—Kate Lightfoot, ExxonMobil’s Integrated Complex manager, Baton Rouge

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LOOKING AHEAD The Ascension Fund rewards and inspires excellence in public education.

ILLUSTRATION: ISTOCK.COM/FG TRADE

CON N ECT

Join the movements shaping the community

THE WALLS PROJECT is a nonprofit that works to break down societal barriers like poverty and racism

Rouge, and West Feliciana parishes.

The Walls Project produced “On the Shoulders of Giants” at the Helix Mentorship & Maritime Academy, by artists Eduardo Mendieta, Jay Bellicchi and Paul Hughes. thewallsproject.org

A design by The Walls Project

THE ASCENSION FUND is an instrument for private sector leaders to reward and inspire excellence in public education. Investments go directly to the work of individual teachers and schools via grants for innovative ideas and programs in Ascension Parish public schools. ascensionfund.com ALLIE APPEL

NINE LOUISIANA PARISHES have chosen collaboration over competition—and it’s working.

The result is an ecosystem where business, entrepreneurship and social impact intersect to create opportunity.

Whether you’re interested in feeding families, building affordable housing, launching a startup or revitalizing neighborhoods, Greater Baton Rouge offers accessible entry points. The infrastructure is already here: established nonprofits, active investment networks and development initiatives ready for new players.

For professionals seeking to align profit with purpose, the Capital Region offers something increasingly rare: a place where your time, talent and capital can create meaningful impact. Here are a few examples.

through community-based initiatives that include public art, urban farming, and technology and entrepreneurship training for youth. Based in East Baton Rouge Parish, projects have expanded to Ascension, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, West Baton

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BATON ROUGE AREA FOUNDATION manages more than 300 charitable funds to address community challenges and opportunities. The foundation leads civic leadership projects including the Baton Rouge Health District, LSU Lakes Revitalization, and Plan Baton Rouge urban revitalization efforts focused on downtown Baton Rouge. Over

the years, donors have enabled the foundation to grant nearly $350 million to nonprofits and projects in the region. braf.org BATON ROOTS COMMUNITY FARM, a program of The Walls Project operating at Howell Park, expects to produce 200,000 pounds of fresh food annually due to a planned expansion to 4 acres in north Baton Rouge. In 2024, Baton Roots received $6 million from the U.S. Forest Service for an Agroforestry Apprenticeship Program that promotes tree equity, climate resilience and workforce readiness. thewallsproject.org/ batonroots DREAMS COME TRUE OF LOUISIANA was founded in 1982 by Denham Springs families for Louisiana children with life-threatening illnesses. Local businesses like Giles Automotive and Subaru of America have made the organization a beneficiary of charitable programs, donating

THE EMERGE CENTER empowers children with autism and individuals with communication challenges to achieve independence through an interdisciplinary therapy program.

The group’s 26,000-square-foot stateof-the-art home base opened in 2014, funded by community response to a capital campaign. emergela.org

GREATER BATON ROUGE FOOD BANK serves an 11-parish area by delivering more than 13 million pounds of food annually through 115 member agencies. The Food Bank recently received $450,000 to continue its Food Is Medicine program, collaborating with health care partners to screen patients for food insecurity and connect them to food assistance resources. brfoodbank.org

FORUM 225 invites young professionals to become involved with philanthropic organizations and support those dedicated to leading, improving and shaping Baton Rouge.

It hosts regular social events at hot spots around town and biannual Uncorked fundraising events, where members mix and mingle in casual settings. In 2024, it opened a free community pantry in north Baton Rouge stocked with nonperishable food, toiletries and household items available 24/7. forum225.org GREATER BATON ROUGE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP is a nonprofit, investor-driven organization with a mission to lead economic development in the nine-parish metropolitan area and work toward the goal of Baton Rouge becoming one of the premier business locations in the country. The organization hosts networking events and forums that are open to the public, providing

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREATER BATON ROUGE builds and renovates houses in partnership with the community, completing more than 400 homes in its 34-year history across a four-parish area. Habitat sells homes to partner families at no profit and finances them with no-interest mortgages. habitatbrla.org INNOVATION CATALYST is a nonprofit that manages The Catalyst Fund, the Red Stick Angel Network, the Venture Capital Apprentice Program, and Baton Rouge Entrepreneurial Week High-Stakes Pitch Competition. It serves as general partner for the Greaux Innovation Ventures fund, which supports companies throughout their early and growth stages. The BREW High-Stakes Pitch Competition awards a $100,000 investment prize from the Red Stick

Baton Roots Community Farm

COLLIN RICHIE

a way for individuals to connect with the business community. greaterbatonrouge.org

Angels to the winning entrepreneur.

Innovationcatalyst.us

leaders and strengthen community engagement. The group connects young professionals with networking, service and professional development opportunities, encourages involvement in civic initiatives, and supports projects that enhance quality of life across Livingston Parish. Through events, volunteer efforts and partnerships with local organizations, it provides a pathway for the next generation to lead and serve. livingstonparishchamber.org/ livingston-young-professionals

LEADERSHIP BATON ROUGE was founded as a program of the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership to prepare professionals for leadership in the community. More than 1,400 graduates serve on boards, commissions and in state and local public offices. leadershipbr.org LIVINGSTON YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ORGANIZATION is a local nonprofit formed through a collaboration between the Leadership Livingston program and the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce to cultivate emerging

LOVING OUR COMMUNITY’S CHILDREN is a local nonprofit, created through a collaboration between the Leadership Ascension program and the Ascension Parish Chamber of Commerce, that supports children who have experienced trauma—including those in foster care, at risk of removal, or transitioning back to their families.

LOCC provides essential items such as clothing, hygiene products, cribs, playpens and diapers, and accepts referrals from mandated reporters like teachers, police officers and church leaders. loccascension.org

The Emerge Center

ASHFORD HALLEY STUDIOS

$20,000 annually through initiatives like The Subaru Share the Love Event. dctofla.com

TEDXBATONROUGE is a communityconnecting, discussion-starting experience where leaders, thinkers, doers and dreamers gather to explore possibilities for the Capital Region and celebrate homegrown ideas. These local, self-organized events combine TED Talks video and live speakers to spark discussion and connection. tedxbatonrouge.com

—Eileen McClelland

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LOOKING AHEAD

How today’s plans build tomorrow’s success A VERY REAL and definitive framework for success is taking shape in the Capital Region. Leaders and visionaries are proactively laying the groundwork for the advancement of significant infrastructure, industrial and commercial developments that could transform and revitalize the region.

ENTERTAINMENT HUB Baton Rouge is considering a sweeping redevelopment vision that links three major civic assets into a unified sports, entertainment, and convention district. A privately funded, state-of-the-art LSU arena has been proposed, positioning the city to host major athletic and entertainment events. Complementing that effort, Memorial Stadium is being evaluated for redevelopment that could modernize the historic venue and better integrate it into nearby neighborhoods and recreational spaces. Downtown, proposals for the Raising Cane’s River Center envision transforming the complex into a premier convention and events facility—potentially paired with a new headquarters hotel—to attract larger conferences and energize riverfront activity. Together,

GRÖN GOES GREEN Grön Fuels’ $9.2 billion renewable fuels facility at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge will produce a variety of renewable fuels such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, along with green hydrogen, using feedstocks like animal fats, used cooking oil and forestry waste.

these concepts could reshape Baton Rouge’s destination appeal, spur economic development, and anchor a vibrant corridor connecting campus, downtown, and surrounding communities.

RETHINKING BATON ROUGE’S BUSIEST CORRIDOR This major infrastructure project is aimed at reducing congestion along the bustling corridor. The project involves adding lanes, rebuilding interchanges and improving the I-10/I-12 split. Originally expected to be finished in 2028, the completion date has been pushed back to 2031 due to ongoing property acquisition issues.

GETTING INTERCONNECTED Phase one of this $88 million infrastructure project on La. 415 in West Baton Rouge Parish will construct highways and bridges to reduce congestion and provide an additional hurricane evacuation route.

COMITE RIVER DIVERSION CANAL This critical 12-mile flood risk management project north of Baker is well underway, with 13 of 20 construction contracts already completed. The remaining approximately $250 million in contracts, however, are yet to be awarded.

PLANNING THE NEXT RIVER CROSSING The long-anticipated construction of a new Mississippi River bridge is currently in the environmental assessment phase. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is guiding the process and will likely determine the final location from a list of options south of Baton Rouge, with a goal of selecting a preferred site by 2026.

A proposal for the Raising Cane’s River Center envisions transforming the complex into a premier convention and events facility.

FILE PHOTO

THE MAKING OF A MEGASITE The sprawling 17,000-acre RiverPlex MegaPark on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Ascension Parish was only a glimmer of a concept nearly 15 years ago. Today, the stage is set for an industrial boom of historic proportions. Hyundai Steel, CF Industries, Linde and Ascension Clean Energy comprise a growing list of potential or announced megainvestors expected to locate there.

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A RESET FOR THE CITY’S CORE Downtown Baton Rouge is on the cusp of a transformation, led by significant investments in residential and mixed-use developments,

infrastructure improvements such as the Downtown Greenway, and the revitalization of riverfront and historic areas. Additionally, the Third Street Master Plan is shaping future public spaces and private investment in the historic corridor.

POSITIONING BATON ROUGE AS A MEDICAL HUB Several planned projects are part of a broad strategy by the Baton Rouge Health District to develop the Capital Region into a nationally recognized hub for health care innovation, education and research. Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center is engaged in a $55 million renovation of its emergency department; Baton Rouge General is expanding its network with new facilities in high-growth suburban areas; and Ochsner Health System is planning a new “Hospital of the Future,” a project estimated at $100 million in the High Grove development. Additionally, Lane Regional Medical Center in Zachary recently marked a major expansion with the opening of a new four-story patient tower and Woman’s Hospital has opened a new first-of-its-kind inpatient unit dedicated to mental health for pregnant and postpartum patients.

THE CAPITAL REGION’S DIGITAL MOMENT The Capital Region’s tech sector is positioned to gain from both the expansion of existing companies and the accelerating influence of global tech trends, particularly AI and data-driven infrastructure. IBM’s Baton Rouge office has integrated advanced AI and cloud technologies and continues to grow its capabilities through a long-standing partnership with LSU. At the same time, largescale data center investments—most notably Hut 8’s River Bend campus in the Capital Region—signal the area’s emergence as a player in nextgeneration digital infrastructure, with ripple effects expected across the regional and state economy.

S P O N S O RED C O N TEN T

THE

ROUNDTABLE Connections, Solutions, Ideas

S P O N S O R E D B Y:

Louisiana Chemical Association

Legacy of Growth and Revitalization A

Fishman Haygood is at the forefront of transforming Baton Rouge, and partner Charles A. Landry, a longtime resident, passionate community leader and seasoned real estate attorney and developer, is leading the charge. From innovative projects in business, research, technology, arts and culture to dynamic residential, hotel and retail developments, Charles has spent his 50-year career helping shape the future of our vibrant city.

Charles and the Fishman Haygood team continue to drive generational change with several exciting projects on the horizon. Get ready—Baton Rouge’s quality of life is about to be transformed through the creation of new community assets that will benefit residents, visitors and local businesses for generations.

City-Defining Projects: • LSU Arena Development (in progress): A state-of-the-art facility

designed to host university sports as well as major entertainment and music events. This new arena will be a hub for students, faculty, community residents, and visitors alike.

• River Center Revitalization and Expansion (in progress):

Reimagined as a premier convention space with meeting facilities and a new headquarters hotel, ready to welcome the crowds for the big events.

• Memorial Park Redevelopment (in progress): A vibrant, mixed-use space where Baton Rouge residents can live, work, and play — featuring professional sports, entertainment, wellness, hospitality, and commercial options.

M O M E N T U M I S O N B AT O N R O U G E ’ S S I D E

VISIT US AT:

100 North St., Ste. 800, Baton Rouge | fishmanhaygood.com | 225.706.4040 Dramatization. Results May Vary.

Charles A. Landry | LA-25-19796

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ROUNDTABLE PHOTOS BY DON KADAIR

S P O N S O RED C O N TEN T

MEET THE EXPERTS Charles Landry Partner Fishman Haygood

Chuck Daigle

Chief Executive Officer Ochsner Baton Rouge and Lake Charles

David Cresson

President and CEO Louisiana Chemical Association and Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance

Willie E. Smith, Sr. Chancellor Baton Rouge Community College

Jeff Conrad

Chief Executive Officer Pelican Credit Union

Connie Fabre (Not Pictured), President and CEO, Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance

Assets and Opportunities

WHILE HEADLINES often focus on challenges, Capital Region leaders are focused on advantages. Six executives from education, healthcare, finance, industry and economic development joined moderator

Mark Lorando in the Melara Enterprises Executive Conference Room to discuss Baton Rouge’s assets, workforce pipeline and fiveyear outlook. Different sectors, shared perspective: Baton Rouge’s best days

are still ahead. Edited excerpts of the two-hour Q&A begin on page 85. Dig deeper online at BusinessReport.com/ Roundtable.

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This ad design © Melara Enterprises, LLC. 2026. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700

BRCC: One of the Capital Region’s Best Assets Annual Economic Impact

$300M+

Local Jobs Supported

4,500+

1st Generation College Students

67%

Record-Breaking Enrollment

18,000+

BRCC Grads Working In LA

98%

Baton Rouge’s #1 Talent Developer • Affordable - Use TOPS or apply for financial aid, PELL grants and scholarships.

• Transferable - Earn an associate degree that transfers to Louisiana’s 4-year colleges.

• Employable - Earn a technical diploma or certificate in a high-wage, high-demand field.

Learn more at MyBRCC.edu

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Willie E. Smith Sr., Ed.D. Chancellor

S P O N S O RED C O N TEN T

O

ur greatest strength starts with the fact that Baton Rouge is a large city sitting right on the Mississippi River; we have a major port and six railroad services. The second strength is the petrochemical industry. At one time in the early ’70s, everybody worked for a plant—your dad, my dad, everybody. Houston’s probably number one in petrochemicals, but we’re right behind them as far as industry. The third thing is LSU. Baton Rouge is riding on the coattails of LSU. Everybody knows LSU. Those are the three things that shine more than anything else—assets that Baton Rouge has that others don’t have.

—Jeff Conrad

N

o downtown area in America is better situated than Baton Rouge for growth.

We have so many available assets, but we need to do more with them.

Between Plan Baton Rouge III, the New River Center, LSU Arena and Memorial Park, we’re in a spectacular place project-wise.

The LSU brand is also an incredible, but sometimes overlooked, asset that’s just as important to our state as Tabasco or crawfish. And then there’s water. What’s the one thing we have way too much of that becomes a problem every four or five years? Water. Water is going to put us on the map in the next 20 to 25 years. We’re going to be in a position to use existing pipelines to move water from where we have too much of it to places where they need it. Water rights can become a real initiative if we seize the opportunity.

—Charles Landry

O

T

he petrochemical industry is a cornerstone of our state, and one of the Capital Region’s extraordinary assets.

We are the number one direct manufacturing employer in Louisiana, with 35,000 or more employees and tens of thousands of contractors, plus an untold number of indirect jobs related to the industry. Much of that is thanks to our location along the Mississippi River and our abundant supply of natural resources, unparalleled by any other state in the nation. Our decades of industrial expertise and skilled workforce have enabled our state to establish a viable and prosperous industry founded on good chemistry. We have become a national leader in energy production. supporting high-paying jobs, strengthening local economies, and creating investments that benefit our communities.

—David Cresson

What do you see as Baton Rouge’s greatest assets – and biggest differentiators – in attracting investment and talent?

ur biggest assets are our central location and what has brought people here for hundreds of years — our infrastructure on the river: pipelines, the port system, and the rail network and natural resources. We are a crossroads for the nation, and that’s what makes our industrial base possible. We have a global reach, yet we’re not too big. Going somewhere like San Francisco, it’s overwhelming. Here, even though we’re globally connected in so many ways, we’re still a manageable, friendly city.

—Connie Fabre

B

aton Rouge has a thriving community college that is part of the Louisiana Community & Technical College System (LCTCS). Baton Rouge Community College is a tremendous asset right now. We produce more than 4,200 graduates a year, and less than 20% transfer to our universities.

Where do they go?

They go to work.

So, when you ask what our biggest asset is, I would say BRCC, especially in providing a direct workforce pipeline. For companies looking for reliability and value, BRCC offers both, specifically supporting the workforce needs in Baton Rouge and across the state. We make sure our students are ready for the workforce with short-term, industry-specific training for entry-level jobs quickly, and upskilling in higherpaying technical roles.

—Willie E. Smith

I

t starts with the people. They’re warm, they’re welcoming, and people here show up for each other. That sense of connectivity in this community is strong compared to other places. Second is higher education. Between LSU, Southern University and Baton Rouge Community College, we’ve got an education powerhouse and huge opportunities to attract new economic development. Third is healthcare innovation. You’ve got innovation leaders between Ochsner, Pennington, LSU, Southern and other providers that bring energy and investment in training and technology. And finally, we’ve got an asset we don’t always take advantage of: every statewide official is in this market for a growing portion of the year. That gives us exposure to the state’s decision-makers.

—Chuck Daigle

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Your health is our primary care

Levar G. | Primary Care Patient

At Ochsner Health, our primary care team partners with you to provide personalized, convenient care every step of the way.

Whether you’re looking to schedule your annual wellness visit or managing a long-term health condition, we’re here to guide and support your path to better health. With same-day, next-day, after-hour and weekend appointment options, getting the care you need has never been easier.

Visit ochsner.org/brprimarycare to schedule your visit today.

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S P O N S O RED C O N TEN T

O

f Louisiana’s many assets, the one piece we’re failing to leverage is our young people. We’ve got LSU, Southern and BRCC, and we’ve got some of the best engineering schools, law schools, and medical resources in the state. We want to set our kids up for success, and with the wave of new projects coming to Louisiana, we have the means to do so. Meta, Hyundai Steel, CF Industries, Venture Global, just to name a few—these are high-impact jobs coming over the next few years. Kids who are in middle school and high school now are going to be working those jobs. We need to start preparing them, especially for jobs in the trades. If we don’t, we’re failing. If Louisiana has to bring workers in from Texas or Mississippi to fill these positions, we’re missing a major opportunity for our own kids.

—David Cresson

W

e are leaving behind too many individuals because they don’t know what opportunities exist. Walk out of this room and ask someone on the street about these public-private programs, and they have no idea they’re available.

In our industry, we saw an opportunity to improve lives by starting with young people. We pay students for good grades and offer scholarships at every branch. The objective is reward for education. There are ideas like that in every company, but there’s no shared vision. We don’t say, “That’s a great idea—let’s do it together.”

We’re all busy doing our own thing, heads down, trying to help our employees and industries, but we’re not sharing them or collaborating across industries in the Baton Rouge Community. Because of that, the general population has no clue what’s available to them.

—Jeff Conrad

W

W

e have powerful assets — great colleges, strong industry corridors, and a vibrant culture — but we don’t package them as boldly as we should. There is an opportunity for us to engage more with the great colleges in our region to solve the workforce challenges of Baton Rouge. Greater coordination is needed, and no one college can go alone. LSU can’t go alone, Southern can’t go alone, and BRCC can’t go alone. The men and women who live in this city and cherish Baton Rouge don’t see us cooperating. They see rivalry—Tiger, Jaguar, Bear—but what difference does that make to our industry partners? They want talent and skills. We need to tighten those relationships and coordinate our efforts.

—Willie E. Smith

UNDERUTILIZED ASSETS

Are there assets the Capital Region needs to leverage more effectively?

e need to capture New Orleans as part of Baton Rouge, not the reverse.

You’ve got two professional teams, some of the finest dining in the world, and it’s a 45-minute drive from our city. The same applies to Lafayette. You’ve got the history and culture of Acadiana, fishing, hunting. We need to talk about all the amenities within an hour of Baton Rouge so we don’t have a fractured view of the region. Other than snow skiing, you can do about anything you want to do here, if we just think of Baton Rouge as something bigger.

—Charles Landry

W

e have to think more regionally—not just the city of Baton Rouge, but the areas around Baton Rouge, including New Orleans and all the assets that come with it. My youngest says, “I don’t want to visit any other college. I want to be at LSU. I want to stay in Louisiana.

I like the fishing, the sports, the culture.”

Another one may not come back, but that’s why exposure to our assets matters. Bringing all the pieces together to create a broader vision for the region is important as we sell what we have. I’m glasshalf-full. There are a lot of good things going on.

—Chuck Daigle

L

ouisiana is this unbelievable emerald jewel of green landscapes. I recently watched a video of someone who flew from Baton Rouge to Mobile along the Mississippi River, and all you could see was this beautiful green. What’s being portrayed all over the world by anti-industry activists is that we’re an industrial wasteland, and that is just not who we are at all. When I land in Baton Rouge, all you can see are trees and little lights twinkling. It’s beautiful. That’s our Sportsman’s Paradise. We have industry, but we also have all this wonderful nature. We have livestock and pastures, sugar cane and other crops growing right next door to manufacturing plants. Some of it is owned by industry and leased to farmers. We are coexisting and fostering a health community.

—Connie Fabre Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

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S P O N S O RED C O N TEN T

I

think there is an opportunity for us to seize the moment to provide the services that this community and this state need.

Attracting and keeping talent requires clear pathways.

People want to see where a short-term credential leads and how they can keep advancing. When employers, colleges, universities and community partners work together, we can build a talent pipeline that grows our economy for the long term. We were recently in a meeting with LSU, the Workforce Commission, LED, and industry partners. The dean of the LSU engineering program said there is an opportunity for them to work more closely with BRCC because of the tremendous demand for industrial construction talent. These conversations can be the solution to address the workforce challenges in Baton Rouge.

—Willie E. Smith

W

e have partnerships with nearly every two-year, four-year, and vo-tech system, but the goal over the next five years is ambitious. We need to graduate 1,500 new medical students, complete training for 850 new residents and fellows, graduate nearly 7,000 new nurses and prepare almost 1,000 allied health professionals.

The positions are open and ready to be filled. The challenge is that if we’re not getting in on the front end, we won’t have the applicants. With an aging population, those needs are only going to grow. We’ve got to continue alignment — not just with higher education, but with our public school systems. We have to expose young people to what jobs are available. There are thousands of open jobs in healthcare today.

A four-year degree may not always be the solution, but if people don’t know where the opportunities are, they won’t pursue them.

—Chuck Daigle

WORKFORCE

E

very company I’ve visited across the state has raised workforce as a top challenge—not just for future expansion, but for current day-to-day operations. There are many good efforts underway, but the issue is coordination. We’re going to need tens of thousands of construction workers to build the projects coming to Louisiana. If we pull that workforce from other states, that’s a missed opportunity for our communities. We also need to move past the stigma that success only comes from a four-year degree.

Trade careers offer excellent pay, benefits, and long-term stability.

Coordinating these efforts now will pay dividends for decades.

—David Cresson

D

What challenges must the Capital Region overcome to meet the workforce needs of the future economy?

uring COVID, about 50% of our frontline staff turned over. These weren’t back-office jobs — they were tellers and branch staff.

Many found remote work with out-of-state companies. The reality is banking has changed. Many jobs that once required only a high school education are disappearing. We’re replacing those roles with back-office positions that require computer science, data analytics, and accounting skills. We’ve struggled to fill those jobs locally. We primarily develop and promote talent from within, but we have had to recruit from out of state for some key positions. Students don’t realize the range of careers available in banking — CPAs, data analysts, IT professionals. Education and communication about existing career paths is a real gap, and that’s true not just in banking, but across Baton Rouge.

—Jeff Conrad

I

t’s exciting to see all the new projects coming to Louisiana, from carbon sequestration to new forms of energy. The challenge is that companies will bring in outside workers if they can’t find qualified people here.

Since around 2012, the state has made significant progress through High School Redesign, the community and technical college system, and investments in two-year degrees and certifications.

As a state, we recognized that most jobs don’t require a four-year degree.

High schools are now required to offer career and technical education.

Ninth graders select career pathways, and many graduate with certifications or two-year credentials. We need to expand our pool of skilled talent to meet the challenges of rising demand.

—Connie Fabre

I

believe Baton Rouge has one of the best-trained, hardestworking workforces in the country. However, we don’t have a deep enough bench. We need to retain our existing skilled workforce and recruit new people to our community. That is why all of these quality of life projects are so critical to the success of Baton Rouge.

—Charles Landry

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S P O N S O RED C O N TEN T

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e’ve talked about all of the assets that we have. To Jeff ’s point, it’s all about collaboration. To Willie’s point, it’s about creating that shared vision. To Charles’ point, it’s finding the right mechanism to convene.

Is it the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership now, or is it the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, or others? Probably all of the above. But we have to find a way to come together to prioritize how we market and sell our assets – not only to the general public, but also to the younger generations. That’s the future.

—Chuck Daigle

W

e’ve always been honest about our challenges. And it is not a bad thing to be honest about our challenges. But we forget to celebrate our wins. We don’t talk about the good. LSU, Southern, and BRCC are all doing amazing work for the people of Baton Rouge and our state. The remedy is simple: tell our success stories loudly and often, and pair them with real solutions. When people see progress and feel included in it, pride grows, and the entire community becomes more optimistic.

—Willie E. Smith

I

B

aton Rouge has so much to offer, such as great parks, family-friendly activities, and a welcoming community. Yet, too often, old negative headlines overshadow that reality.

The Better in BTR campaign is changing the narrative, and we need to keep that momentum going. People who move here love it, so why are we so hard on ourselves?

—Connie Fabre

Baton Rouge residents are notoriously selfcritical about their own city. Why is that, and how do we fix it?

n the mid-1980s, the term ‘Cancer Alley’ emerged through a national special-interest PR campaign. It was debunked in the early 1990s by health experts, but the label persists today, despite data that shows cancer incidence rates are actually 5.5% lower and life expectancy a full year higher in the industrial corridor than in parishes outside the corridor. Many factors contribute to health outcomes in Louisiana, including lifestyle and socioeconomic factors. Good jobs and educational opportunities reduce financial barriers to healthcare and other vital resources. Sustaining these opportunities must remain a priority in our region and our state. That is what makes the continued use of this insidious term so harmful. It influences how Louisiana is perceived nationally, and how we perceive ourselves. It undermines confidence and civic pride, and stifles growth and investment. It drives talented people from our state and sends business to our neighbors. We must change this perception, and we all have a role to play.

—David Cresson

W

hat we need in Baton Rouge is exclaimers, not complainers. We have got to let go of our inferiority complex and build some pride. Our community needs a brand. It needs to be true. And we need to be everywhere with it. The River Center redevelopment, the LSU Arena, Memorial Park, Plan Baton Rouge III—these projects will help us achieve that. But getting there isn’t a singular journey; we must do it together.

—Charles Landry

W

e give the bad actors the microphone.

We do it all the time. The newspaper does it. The TV stations do it. Radio does it. We are so bad about amplifying that one dissenting voice.

We’re not waving the Baton Rouge flag to promote the good things that are happening. Last week, for the first time, I got to see a downtown suite apartment overlooking the city and the river. It was amazing! I knew we were developing some areas downtown, but I had no idea of how impressive it turned out. It provides a great residential option for professionals. The owners of the apartment said, “We love it down here.

We walk our dogs; we go eat over here. Anytime there’s an event, we can walk to it.” It felt like the beginning of the Nashville and Austin experience in Baton Rouge. We’re just on the cusp. But it’s going to take more focus, more vision, and less focusing on the negative. Its time to change the narrative and highlight all the good things we have going on so that we inspire more goodness.

—Jeff Conrad Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

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• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hrs from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Melara Enterprises, LLC. 2026. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700

Stronger Together: Louisiana Industry, One Voice.

For over 55 years, the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance has united industry leaders, contractors, and suppliers to develop innovative solutions to shared challenges—advancing safety, workforce development, public affairs, and operational excellence across our region.

Now, through the New Orleans Industry Alliance, we’re expanding that collaboration across Southeast Louisiana.

Membership means a seat at the table where industry priorities are shaped, partnerships are built, and progress is driven.

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Join the conversation that’s shaping Louisiana industry visit www.gbria.org.

S P O N S O RED C O N TEN T

B

y 2030, we will have grown dramatically. Industrial projects that are planned today will be underway. More people who are currently in training will be working in industrial jobs and coming off state benefits. I’m optimistic we’ll have better traffic flow, the shovel will be in the ground for a new bridge, and I-10 widening will be complete. I also believe we’ll be recognized nationally as a model for environmental responsibility. We can do it!

—Connie Fabre

L

ooking at the next five years, I’m optimistic about where we’re heading. We need to focus on the positives and the good things happening in the region. Within healthcare, we need more collaboration and more teaching and training opportunities among providers statewide. We also need continued investment in information technology, digital solutions, access to care and using artificial intelligence to solve access challenges. Ultimately, it’s about creating a healthier, more stable population that produces a sustainable workforce. That takes leadership, celebrating wins and allocating resources to solutions that move us forward.

—Chuck Daigle

I

F

ive years from now, we’ll have a robust, leadership-centric community effort focused on creating momentum. We’ll have a new arena and a River Center that puts about 30% more heads in beds. We’ll have a downtown convention center, a headquarters hotel, and a completely transformed Memorial Park. We’ll have two professional sports teams and a far more vibrant downtown, with the right balance between restaurants, services, and entertainment. We need a walkable downtown after 9:30 that is safe, active, and intentional. This isn’t hard to do. We just have to plan to do it.

—Charles Landry

Get out your crystal balls. What is your five-year outlook for your organization and the Capital Region?

think we are at a pivotal moment. BRCC is entering a growth window. The college has grown significantly over the last six years under my leadership, but more importantly over 4,200 students are graduating and completing each year. That growth allows us to expand workforce and certified training that will strengthen the entire region’s future. Short-term, industry-based credentials are going to be gamechanging in the future.

—Willie E. Smith

O

ne of the top priorities over the next few years is continued financial education across the entire socioeconomic spectrum. The need is real, and under our current system, it’s not being met. We’ll continue testing and implementing new digital technologies so that consumers and businesses have faster and more efficient access to capital.

People will still buy things, and businesses will still need to borrow to grow. We’ve seen significant consolidation in the financial industry, and I don’t see that slowing down. At Pelican, we’ve completed 16 mergers, and I expect we’ll continue at least one per year.

In the long run, consumers will benefit from more services and more opportunities but all in a digital world.

—Jeff Conrad

W

ith all the investment that’s been announced, we have every reason to be optimistic. Louisiana needs to get out of its own way and embrace new technology, change, and projects. We have the opportunity to lead in innovative approaches to oil and gas, petrochemical, and chemical manufacturing through carbon capture, hydrogen, and other emerging technologies. Everything is lined up for us to be a national leader. We just have to be prepared to take the ball and run.

—David Cresson Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

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ONE MORE THING

The Capitol stands beneath a burst of color, signaling a region defined not by moments, but by momentum.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM MUELLER

Business Report | CAPITAL ASSETS, January 2026

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BUSINESS REPORT, January 2026 | BusinessReport.com