Community survey responses being collected through February 21
Baton Rouge, La. (February 4, 2020) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) is seeking community input in the planning process for its new regional, five-year strategic plan that will guide the organization’s work from 2021-2025. A community survey to gather responses will be available online through Friday, February 21 at brac.org/communityinput.
“We will spend the better part of this year working with the business community, partner organizations, and state and local governmental bodies to craft priorities for increasing economic growth and prosperity for the region,” said Adam Knapp, president and CEO of BRAC. “Widespread participation in the process is critical for its success.”
Participation is sought by residents, businesses, and community leaders in the Baton Rouge Area.
The new five-year strategy will build upon the success of the current plan, Think Bigger. The Think Bigger strategy focuses on four overarching goals:
- Grow and diversify the Baton Rouge Area economy
- Cultivate the region’s talent
- Transform the Baton Rouge Area’s quality of life
- Elevate the region’s external image
Through the end of 2019, the Think Bigger plan had produced significant results for the Capital Region, including:
- 53 project wins representing $172 million in new payroll, nearly 3,400 permanent jobs, and capital investment of $4.6 billion
- $1.7+ billion committed for infrastructure improvements, including $350 million on the I-10 widening in East Baton Rouge and Ascension parishes and $1 billion on capacity improvements through the MOVEBR plan
- Policy improvements aimed at reducing blight by clearing the path for reinvestment in adjudicated properties
- Transformative public education choices through nationally-recognized charter schools that will add over 13,000 high-quality seats in East Baton Rouge
- Coordinated, consistent PR efforts to place positive stories about the region in national publications, resulting in over 100 placements
Updates to the strategic planning process will be shared online at brac.org/communityinput. The new strategic plan will be unveiled in early 2021.
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 1,500 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.