Regional economic development organization to build on momentum for recovery
Baton Rouge, La. (January 11, 2021) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) today announced its 2021 strategic priorities at a presentation to the Baton Rouge Press Club. These priorities and BRAC’s regional, five-year strategic plan can be found at brac.org/strategicplan.
“As businesses across the nation continue to deal with the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, BRAC is committed to meeting the moment to assist local business recovery, while also building the foundation for the future of economic prosperity in the Capital Region,” said Adam Knapp, president and CEO of BRAC. “We’re entering this new year with positive momentum around project activity that has the potential to be transformative for Baton Rouge’s economic diversification, and we’re hitting the ground running to ensure that those opportunities are realized.”
The organization reported 12 project expansions or entries into the market in 2020, representing $1.46B in capital expenditure and 1,096 new direct jobs. Not included in that tally are three potential major economic development manufacturing projects that announced feasibility studies within the region, representing over $10B in capital expenditure and over 1,000 new direct jobs. Robust project activity last year led to the region being named Major Market of the Year by Southern Business & Development magazine.
The organization will build on last year’s successes with a focus on five overarching priorities in 2021:
- Support business recovery: Continue to be nimble to support businesses rebounding from COVID’s economic effects
- Champion the need for the new Mississippi River bridge: Advance and support the bridge project, the bridge district, and funding options through the proposed gas tax
- Prioritize North Baton Rouge and diversity and inclusion efforts: Drive reinvestment in North Baton Rouge and champion diversity and inclusion initiatives
- Seize business development opportunities: Pursue strategies for business recruitment and economic diversification opened up by post-COVID opportunities
- Retain college graduates: Retain the region’s talent by getting more businesses and students using the Handshake platform to connect local job seekers and employers
BRAC’s 2021 strategic priorities may be viewed at brac.org/strategicplan. BRAC will release its 2020 Annual Report in March and will launch a new regional strategic plan in 2022.
About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) leads economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area, working to grow jobs and wealth and to improve the business climate and competitiveness in the region. Today, BRAC investors include more than 1,400 small businesses, mid-sized firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as individuals and organizations that support business and economic development. In this capacity, BRAC serves as the voice of the business community, providing knowledge, access, services and advocacy. More information is available at www.brac.org.
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