Regional economic development organization releases 2019 highlights, 2020 goals
Baton Rouge, La. (January 28, 2020) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber today reported securing 27 economic development projects in 2019, the most in its history. The projects, representing both expansions of local businesses and attractions of new enterprise, will lead to the creation of 1,200 permanent direct jobs, and represent $3.1 billion in capital investment across the region.
“We take our mission to lead economic development in the nine-parish region seriously,” said Adam Knapp, president and CEO of BRAC. “Our team’s work, on securing projects, but also on the advocacy and marketing that create the environment for those projects to happen, doesn’t occur in a vacuum. It takes vision and cooperation with partners, the business community, and government agencies. As we look to 2020, we all need to play a part and work in unison to drive the kind of transformative change we all want to see.”
Additional notable outcomes from 2019 include:
- Secured more than $145 million in regional infrastructure investment
- Supported legislation that increased funding for early childhood education for at-risk children
- Secured approval of three new high-performing charter schools in East Baton Rouge
- Developed and led passage of a bill to help clear the path for reinvestment in blighted properties
BRAC will release its full 2019 Annual Report in March.
The organization will focus on five overarching priorities in 2020, the last year in its five-year, regional strategic plan.
- Secure increased statewide funding and reforms for Louisiana’s transportation infrastructure, including a new Mississippi River Bridge and connectors
- Galvanize a public sense of urgency on the need for proactive litter, blight, and maintenance to make the issue an East Baton Rouge election priority
- Drive advances in education outcomes and financial restructuring through selection of a revolutionary East Baton Rouge Schools’ Superintendent
- Elevate positive Baton Rouge Area storylines within the region
- Lead discussions on fiscal and governance reforms in East Baton Rouge City-Parish Government
For more information on BRAC’s regional strategic plan, Think Bigger, visit brac.org.
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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Morgan is the Marketing Manager for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. In her role, she manages writing organizational publications and materials, oversees BRAC’s social media and blog, and coordinates timelines for all internal marketing projects.