City of Shreveport a Great Place to Call Home 2018-2019 Economic Profile

City of Shreveport A Great Place to Call Home 2018-2019 Economic Profile

SHREVEPORT • CADDO PARISH • MSA OFFICE OF THE MAYOR SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA Greetings and welcome to Shreveport!

Shreveport serves as the economic driver and engine of our region We are proud to be home to LSU School of Medicine, one of America’s top-notch and is commonly called the Capital of the Ark-La-Tex. We are the academic schools that includes medicine, graduate studies, and allied health professions. third largest city in Louisiana, leading the community in progressive To meet the needs of our workforce development for business and industry, Northwest growth and development. Shreveport is the seat of Caddo Parish Louisiana Technical College offers extensive and customized vocational training and serves as the financial, medical, commercial, industrial, and programs. governmental hub of the Ark-La-Tex. Our city is definitely open for business, and the increasing number of businesses opening Our team is a one-stop assembly for all required planning, construction requirements, each month is evident. Shreveport is a city with nearly 200,000 residents, serving and processes. In addition to the support services offered through the Economic a metropolitan statistical area of more than 440,000. Development Department, all of the city’s departments are here to assist as well.

Our centralized geographic location, situated at the crossroads of three major interstate I invite you to experience Shreveport firsthand and enjoy the clean air, the beautiful highways: I-20, I-49, and I-220, makes it an ideal commercial distribution hub in the scenery, and the many amenities that we have to offer. Our city is truly a community United States. Our location also makes travel a breeze getting from one side of town like none other, which is why more and more companies are making Shreveport home. to the other in fifteen to twenty minutes. We have a diverse, productive workforce with very strong work ethics. Warmest regards, We are home to some of the highest-rated public schools in the state. Caddo boasts 16 National Blue Schools of Excellence honors; Centenary College, one of the best private colleges in the United States; Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA); Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS); and Northwestern State University’s School Ollie S. Tyler of Nursing. Mayor of Shreveport

Photo courtesy of Jim Noetzel and Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mayor’s Welcome...... 2 Area Sports Area Education Sound Recording Investor Tax Credit...... 37 Shreveport Rankings...... 4 NCAA Collegiate Bowl...... 18 Caddo Parish Schools...... 27 Live Performance Production Program...... 37 Shreveport Mudbugs...... 18 Public and Private Education Enrollment...... 28 Motion Picture Production Tax Credit...... 38 Radius Map...... 5 Shreveport Rafters...... 18 Higher Education...... 28 Qualified Entertainment Company...... 38 Four Parish Population Map...... 6 Other Events...... 18 LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine..... 28 Digital Interactive Media & Software North Louisiana Regional Map...... 7 Area Arts and Museums Specialized Training Development Incentive...... 38 Cost of Living Performing Arts...... 19 Aerospace Technology Program...... 29 Downtown Shreveport Incentives...... 38 ACCRA Cost of Living Index...... 8 Galleries and Museums...... 19 Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance...... 29 Taxes Cost of Business Index...... 9 Area Festivals and Recreation Digital Media Institute...... 29 Louisiana Corporate Income Tax Rates...... 39 Corporate Franchise Tax...... 39 ...... 10 Festivals, Events and Parades...... 20 Industrial Parks Population and Demographics Personal State Income Tax...... 39 Shreveport and MSA Public Events Venues...... 20 The Port of Caddo-Bossier...... 30 Casino Gaming...... 20 Shrevepark...... 31 Property Tax...... 40 Workforce Industry Snapshot...... 11 Racing...... 20 Aeropark...... 32 Sales/Use Tax...... 40 Major Employers - MSA...... 12 Outdoor Activities...... 21 Other Parks...... 32 Unemployment Insurance Tax...... 40 Construction and Real Estate Golf Courses...... 21 Area Military Installations...... 33 Utilities Industrial Building Prices...... 13 American Rose Center...... 21 Electric Power...... 41 Job Training Programs Industrial Market Lease/Rental...... 13 Tennis Facilities...... 21 Natural Gas...... 41 LED FastStart...... 34 Office Market Lease/Rental...... 13 Aquarium...... 21 Sewer...... 41 Workforce Investment Opportunity Act...... 34 Retail Market Lease/Rental...... 13 Other Attractions...... 21 Water...... 41 Incumbent Worker Training Program...... 34 Transportation Area Health Care Facilities Data/Telecommunications...... 41 Business & Industry Incentives Airports...... 14 Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport...... 22 Our Economic Partners Restoration Tax Abatement...... 35 Highways...... 15 LSU Health Shreveport...... 23 Louisiana Economic Development...... 42 Enterprise Zone...... 35 Railroads...... 15 Willis-Knighton Health System...... 24 North Louisiana Economic Partnership...... 42 Research & Development Tax Credit ...... 35 Motor Freight...... 15 Christus Health Shreveport-Bossier...... 25 Southwestern Electric Power Company...... 42 Louisiana Quality Jobs Rebate...... 36 Port of Caddo-Bossier...... 16 Overton Brooks VA Medical Center...... 26 Louisiana Small Business Foreign Trade Zone...... 36 SporTran...... 16 Shriners Hospital for Children...... 26 Development Center...... 43 Angel Investor Tax Credit...... 36 Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program...... 43 Climate Other Area Facilities...... 26 Industrial Ad Valorem BRF...... 43 Average Temperature...... 17 Tax Exemption Program...... 36 Average Precipitation...... 17

3 SHREVEPORT RANKINGS/CERTIFICATIONS Shreveport and the MSA residents enjoy a cost of living Shreveport ranked as One of the Best Cities in the Entire that’s only 89.1 percent of the national average. U.S. for getting the most out of your paycheck. Cost of Living Index, 2018-2nd QTR GOBankingRates, 4-2017

Shreveport ranked as a Prime Area in the U.S. for North Louisiana Ranks as the No. 1 Most Cost Competitive Teachers to live and work in the 3rd Annual “Best Manufacturing Market Cities for K-12 Teachers” report. KPMG Competitive Alternatives, 2016 GoodCall.com 5-2017 Shreveport Ranked No. 5 out of 113 major U.S. Cities Shreveport is an AEROready Certified Community as “Best Cities for Retirement in 2017” Criteria were Tucson Atlantic Consulting 9-2017 personal safety, low property taxes, affordable cost of living, and climate. Shreveport Ranked No.5 out of the top 250 Cities in the GetRichSlowly.org, 2017 U.S. that present the ideal conditions for postgraduates looking to find their first home. Shreveport ranked No. 18 out of 150 cities in the United LendEDU, 5-2017 States as the Best Place to Start a Business in 2016. WalletHub, 2016 Shreveport Ranked No. 3 out of the top 10 cities nationally for Affordable Housing and above average salaries for Shreveport is the Most Cost-Friendly City to do business 18-to-34 year-olds. among the 27 small-sized U.S. metro city areas. Money Under 30, 2016 KPMG LLP, 2016

Shreveport-Bossier Lauded for Tech Growth on industry Shreveport Ranks 17 out of the top 25 cities with the news website: https://innotechtoday.com/innovation-in- Lowest Cost of Living shreveport Business Insider (8-2016) innotechtoday.com, 6-2017 Ranked No. 1 out 150 Cities in the United States as the best Shreveport Ranked No. 1 Nationally for having the lowest place to start a business in 2015. manufacturing costs in the U.S. WalletHub, 2015 KPMG National Real Estate Management Company, 2016 City of Shreveport About the Data 505 Travis Street, Suite 200, Shreveport, LA 71101 The information presented in this profile represents the Arlena Acree, most reliable and current data available for the Shreveport Director of Economic Development Metropolitan area gathered from recognized credible sources. (318) 673-7515 • [email protected]

4 RADIUS MAP SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA

50 Miles - 563,075 30 Million 100 Miles - 2,033,493 Radius Population 200 Miles - 12,229,215 Arlena Acree, Consumers 300 Miles - 34,198,877 Director of Economic Development live within a day’s drive of Shreveport (318) 673-7515 • [email protected] Source: July 2017, www.StatsAmerica.org

5 FOUR-PARISH MAP

Red River

71 49 CADDO WEBSTER

BOSSIER

220 20 Shreveport

Bossier City

BIE

KCS

49 Union Paci c RED RIVER 84 Regional Airport DESOTO Multi-Modal Port

Tole Map developed by the North Louisiana Economic Partnership. Population for Parishes 2018 Caddo 246,000 Bossier 127,343 Webster 39,250 Desoto 27,246 Source: Claritas - Pop-Facts Premier 2018 Drive-Time Distance/ Population of Workforce July 2018 Working-age Population Caddo 107,943 30 Minutes 45 Minutes 60 Minutes Bossier 57,934 Webster 15,083 2018 238,051 302,186 380,438 Desoto 10,903 2023 235,323 297,687 374,090 Source: Workforce Commission, Labor Market Statistics, not seasonally adjusted, July 2018 Source: ESRI Forecasts for 2018 and 2023, NLEP

6 NORTH LOUISIANA REGIONAL MAP

Red River

iver

71 Boeuf R

River hita 49 167 ac CLAIBORNE UNION Ou CADDO WEBSTER 69 MOREHOUSE BOSSIER

LINCOLN Shreveport 220 20 Monroe HAUGHTON 20 79 80 Bossier City 20

BIENVILLE OUACHITA JACKSON 69 167 165 49

84 RED RIVER DESOTO

Toledo Bend Res.

SABINE

171 KCS Regional Airport

NATCHITOCHES Multi-Modal Port

Short Line / Regional

Map developed by the North Louisiana Economic Partnership.

Source: www.NLEP.org

7 COST OF LIVING ACCRA COST OF LIVING INDEX

Shreveport Metropolitan Area

The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) produces Shreveport-Bossier, LA 89.1 the ACCRA Cost of Living Index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure to compare cost of living differences among urban areas. Items on which the Index is based have been carefully chosen Louisville, KY 92.2 to reflect the different categories of consumer expenditures. Weights assigned to relative costs are based on government survey data on Little Rock, AR 92.5 expenditure patterns for mid-management households. All items are priced in each place at a specified time and according to standardized Mobile, AL 93.2 specifications.

The index is based on the following categories: Richmond, VA 94.6 Grocery (13.47%) Charlotte, NC 95.9 Housing (28.15%) Utilities (9.90%) Chattanooga, TN 97.3 Transportation (8.99%) Health (4.57%) Cleveland, OH 97.8 Miscellaneous (34.92%) Austin, TX 98.0

Colorado Springs, CO 98.4

Atlanta, GA 102.6

Dallas, TX 105.1

Source: C2ER - 2018 QTR 2, NLEP

8 COST OF BUSINESS INDEX Ranked as the #1 most cost competitive place to do business in Louisiana claims the title for the lowest cost U.S. state, with three the southeast region by KPMG Competitive Alternatives (2016). cities — Shreveport, Baton Rouge and New Orleans — ranking The southeast represents the lowest cost region in the United States among the top four cities in this region. Shreveport is the lowest and all cities in the region have business costs more than 4.5% cost city in the Southeast Region. below the US baseline. The range of variation in business costs among cities in this region (from lowest cost to highest cost) is also less than in other regions of the US. Business Index (U.S. Baseline = 100)

SHREVEPORT, LA 91.7 BATON ROUGE, LA 92.8 SAVANNAH, GA 93.1 NEW ORLEANS, LA 93.1 LITTLE ROCK , AR 93.3 GULFPORT-BILOXI, MS 93.3 JACKSON, MS 93.3 MONTGOMERY, AL 93.4 MOBILE, AL 93.7 NASHVILLE, TN 93.8 MEMPHIS TN 94.4 ORLANDO, FL 94.4 SPARTANBURG, SC 94.5 TAMPA, FL 94.6 RALEIGH, NC 95.1 ATLANTA, GA 95.1

88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 Source: KPMG Competitive Alternatives, 2016

9 POPULATION & DEMOGRAPHICS SHREVEPORT AREA • MSA Shreveport Demographics Metropolitan Statistical Area

Demographics Demographics 2010 Census 2018 Estimate 2022 Estimate 2010 Census 2018 Estimate 2023 Estimate Population 199,311 189,972 186,958 Population 439,811 439,839 441,635 Households 80,683 78,168 77,400 Households 174,453 176,838 178,560 Median Age (2017) 35.98 Median Age (2017) 36.98 Race (2018 Estimate) Race (2018 Estimate) African American 56.80% White 55.54% White 37.94% African American 38.92% Other 3.20% Other 3.67% Asian 1.66% Asian 1.34% American Indian or Alaska Native .39% American Indian or Alaska Native .52% Income (2018 Estimate) Income (2018 Estimate) Median Household Income $40,287 Median Household Income $47,025 Average Household Income $62,008 Average Household Income $67,467

Percent Population by Age Group Percent Population by Age Group Age City USA Age City USA 0-14 21.06% 18.69% 0-14 20.46% 18.69% 15-24 13.05% 13.58% 15-24 12.82% 13.58% 25-34 14.58% 13.44% 25-34 13.82% 13.44% 35-44 12.47% 12.62% 35-44 12.49% 12.62% 45-54 11.06% 12.88% 45-54 11.72% 12.88% 55-64 12.16% 12.93% 55-64 12.63% 12.93% 65-74 8.97% 9.37% 65-74 9.35% 9.37% 75+ 6.65% 6.49% 75+ 6.69% 6.49%

Source: Environics Analytics (EA), Claritas - Pop-Facts Premier 2018, Claritas, NLEP

10 WORKFORCE

Industry Snapshot in Caddo Parish, Louisiana Government

Current Four Quarters Ending with 2018 q3 Metropolitan Statistical Area Avg. Annual Location Manufacturing Industry Employment Wages Quotient* Construction Other Services Wholesale Trade Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 277 $45,954 0.18 Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction 1,706 $70,987 3.44 Retail Trade Utilities 542 $89,190 1.25 Accomodation Construction 5,937 $44,116 0.87 and Food Service Manufacturing 6,415 $60,001 0.65 Transportation Wholesale Trade 4,994 $56,909 1.06 Professional, FinanceSceintific & Insurance Retail Trade 13,792 $28,380 1.07 Entertainment & Technical Transportation and Warehousing 3,982 $51,723 0.91 Waste Management Information 1,536 $48,343 0.66 Finance and Insurance 3,328 $63,035 0.66

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 2,340 $39,278 1.11 Education Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 4,677 $56,312 0.58

Management of Companies and Enterprises 852 $71,793 0.48 Health Care &

Administrative and Support and Waste Management 8,059 $25,274 1.03 Social Assistance and Remediation Services Educational Services 1,886 $28,513 0.58 Health Care and Social Assistance 24,787 $48,522 1.57 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 2,264 $23,149 1.05 Accommodation and Food Services 10,974 $16,410 1.02 Other Services (except Public Administration) 7,718 $23,644 1.29 Government 19,257 $48,252 1.01 Unclassified Industry 11 $28,289 0.05 Total - All Industries 125,334 $46,100 1.00

Location quotient (LQ) is a way of quantifying how concentrated a particular industry, *Quotient - cluster, occupation, or demographic group is in a region as compared to the nation. It can reveal what makes a particular region “unique.” For example, if the leather products manufacturing industry accounts for 10% of jobs in your area but 1% of jobs nationally, then the area’s leather-producing industry has an LQ of 10. So in your area, leather manufacturing accounts for a larger than average “share” of total jobs— the share is ten times larger than normal. Source: EMSI; Q3 2018 - QCEW Employees, Non-QCEW Employees, and Self-Employed & NLEP Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding

11 BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT Major Employers - Shreveport, MSA

Barksdale Airforce Base Government 14,023 Willis-Knighton Medical Center Hospitals 7,374 Caddo Parish Public Schools Educational Services 5,600 Bossier Parish School Board Educational Services 3,000 University Health-Shreveport Hospitals 2,673 LSU Health-Shreveport Educational Services 2,613 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. General General Merchandise Stores 2,606 City of Shreveport Public Administration 2,600 Horseshoe Bossier City Gambling 2,532 State of Louisiana Civil Service Public Administration 2,380 U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Public Administration 1,682 Teleperformance, Inc. Admin. and Support Services 1,620 Christus Schumpert Highland Hospital Hospitals 1,300 Sam’s Town Casino Gambling 1,265 Eldorado Resort Casino Gambling 1,214 Diamond Jacks Casino & Resort Gambling 1,200 General Dynamics Intergrated Technology Information Technology 1,100 Margaritaville Resort Casino Gambling 1,052 State of Louisiana, Excl. Higher Education Public Administration 965 Port of Caddo-Bossier Webster Parish School Board Public Schools - K-12 861 Boomtown Bossier City Gambling 800 United States Postal Service (USPS) Public Administration 800 Caddo Parish Sheriff ’s Office Public Administration 761 Southwestern Electric Power Company Utilities 732 International Paper Company Paper Mills 725 Calumet Lubricants Co., Limited Partnership Petroleum Refining 713 City of Bossier City Municipal Government 670 Red River Sanitors, Inc. Admin. and Support Services 650 Kansas City Southern Railway Company Transportation - Rail 630 Ivan Smith Furniture, Co., LLC Furniture and Home Furnishing Store 628 Frost Industries (ARC of Caddo-Bossier) Educational Services 627 AT&T Services, Inc. Telecommunications 625 Fibrebond Corporation Contractors 590 Parish of Bossier Government 584 Libbey Glass, Inc. Manufacturing - Non-metallic Mineral 582 Brookshire Grocery Company Food & Beverage Store 578 Benteler Steel Manufacturing - Steel 470 Frymaster L.L.C. Manufacturing - Machinery 469 Libbey Glass Source: NLEP & City of Shreveport

12 CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE Real Estate INDUSTRIAL BUILDING PRICES (Estimated Prices listed in average dollars per square foot)

Building Size/sq ft Lease Price/sq ft Sales Price/sq ft Survey 5 Year Average Past Year 5 Year Average 5,000 - 19,999 $7.95 $5.52 $32.00 $32.00 20,000 - 39,999 $3.65 $3.87 $18.00 $45.00 40,000 - 59,999 $3.42 $2.93 $ - $29.00 60,000 - 99,999 $3.34 $2.68 $ - $14.00 100,000 and over $2.75 $2.54 $ 7.00 $7.00 Source: CoStar Realty Information, Inc., NLEP INDUSTRIAL MARKET-LEASE/RENTAL OFFICE/SERVICE CENTER 2014 2015 2016 2017 Occupancy 84.9% 91.7% 91.6% 84.1% Upper Rent, Avg. $6.32 $7.12 $7.12 $7.00 Lower Rent, Avg. $5.73 $6.75 $6.75 $5.25

MULTI‐TENANT BULK WAREHOUSE Occupancy 59.9% 72.7% 79.8% 81.4% RETAIL MARKET-LEASE/RENTAL Upper Rent, Avg. $2.73 $2.96 $2.85 $3.18 OCCUPANCY BY TYPE 2014 2015 2016 2017 Lower Rent, Avg. $2.73 $2.81 $2.51 $2.55 Regional 94.5% 92.3% 93.4% 99.7% Community 91.3% 93.5% 92.8% 93.8% Source: U.L.Coleman Properties, LLC Quarterly Market Report as of the 4th quarter, 2017 Neighborhood 94.5% 89.7% 90.7% 91.1% OFFICE MARKET-LEASE/RENTAL Specialty 86.6% 84.0% 90.5% 89.5% DOWNTOWN OFFICE MARKET 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 RENTAL RANGE BY TYPE 2Q16 4Q16 2Q17 4Q17 Occupancy 80.0% 80.4% 79.2% 79.5% 79.7% Regional High $29.00 $37.50 $ $25.00 Upper Rent, Avg. $13.26 $13.22 $14.45 $14.34 $15.22 Low: $16.00 $17.50 $ $25.00 Lower Rent, Avg. $12.32 $12.72 $13.23 $12.20 $12.18 Community High: $15.63 $13.13 $16.23 $16.23 SUBURBAN OFFICE MARKET Low: $12.42 $7.78 $7.88 $7.92 Occupancy 84.1% 84.3% 88.7% 91.3% 79.6% Neighborhood High: $14.48 $14.18 $12.88 $13.50 Upper Rent, Avg. $15.25 $16.10 $15.13 $15.35 $15.63 Low: $12.98 $12.48 $11.59 $11.34 Lower Rent, Avg. $13.88 $13.52 $14.40 $14.39 $14.41 Specialty High: $15.71 $16.13 $16.66 $17.15 Source: U.L.Coleman Properties, LLC, Quarterly Market Report Low: $14.76 $15.04 $14.66 $14.74 Note: Office sampling is done in the 1st and 3rd quarters, 2018 Source: U.L.Coleman Properties, LLC Quarterly Market Report as of the 4th quarter, 2017

13 TRANSPORTATION Shreveport Downtown Airport Airports • General Aviation/reliever airport • Houses privately owned and corporate aircraft Shreveport Regional Airport • Houses aircraft maintenance The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has honored Shreveport Regional • Southern University Shreveport airframe and power plant Airport with two awards for its efforts mechanics certification school to promote safety and efficiency. In SHREVEPORT • Primary runway is 5,018 feet addition to being named Louisiana Airport of the Year multiple times, REGIONAL • Convenient downtown location SHV was singled out among • Largest general aviation airport in Louisiana by based aircraft airports in the five-state Southwest • Restaurant on site Region for an Excellence in AIRPORT Source: Shreveport Airport Authority Construction Safety award. The FAA’s Southwest Region includes Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Shreveport Regional Airport • Designated a small hub airport served by four airlines to seven non-stop destinations • Over 40 scheduled flights each day • Service provided by – American Airlines to Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT) & Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas (DFW) – Allegiant to Orlando, Florida (SFB) & Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) – Delta Air Lines to Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) – United Airlines to Denver, Colorado (DEN) & Houston, Texas (IAH) • U.S. Customs & Border Protection Office on site – Port of Entry • Foreign Trade Zone • Shreveport area and region are AEROready Certified

Air Cargo Carriers and Handlers • Federal Express • United Parcel Service • Worldwide Flight Services • Mountain Air Cargo

14 49 CLAIBORNE49 CLAIBORNE 167 167 KCS KCS CSX Transportation CSX Transportation WEBSTER UNION UNION WEBSTER 79 79 65 65 BOSSIER BOSSIER CADDO MOREHOUSE 220 LINCOLN MOREHOUSE Burlington Northern & CADDO 20 Monroe Norfolk Southern 220 Shreveport LINCOLN 80 SantaBurlington Fe Northern & TRANSPORTATION Bossier City Monroe Norfolk Southern 20 20 80 Shreveport BIENVILLE OUACHITA Santa Fe Bossier City JACKSON Union Paci c Short Line / Regional 167 20 BIENVILLE RED RIVER OUACHITA JACKSON 165 65 CanadianUnion National Paci c Regional Airport Short Line / Regional Greater Shreveport 84 DESOTO 167 49 84 49 RED RIVER CLAIBORNE KCS CSX Transportation Multi-Modal Port 167 UNION WEBSTER 79 SABINE 65 71165 65 Canadian National Regional Airport BOSSIER 84 Metro Area Highways DESOTO MOREHOUSE CADDO 171 220 LINCOLN 84 NATCHITOCHES Burlington Northern & 20 49 Monroe Norfolk Southern Shreveport 80 Bossier City AlexandriaSanta Fe 20 Multi-Modal Port Shreveport is connected to the rest of the world through a superior BIENVILLE OUACHITA JACKSON Union Paci c Short Line / Regional SABINE 71 interstate system. 167 RED RIVER 171 165 167 55 65 Canadian National61 Regional Airport 84 DESOTO NATCHITOCHES 171 165 49 49 84 • I-20 is a major east-west Interstate Highway that touches six states in the 71 Alexandria 190 Multi-Modal Port 190 Baton Rouge South and connects to seven of the ten primary north-south Interstates. SABINE 71 12

171 Lake Charles 10 59 • I-49 is an Interstate Highway running north-south, touching NATCHITOCHES Lafayette 10 90 Alexandria 10 New Orleans Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri. 167 167 55 61 171 • I-220 is an east-west bypass route around Shreveport, 165 49 167 55 61 171 71 efficiently expediting traffic flow around the city. 165 49 90 71 190 190 Baton Rouge 190 190 Baton Rouge 12 • Louisiana Transportation Trust fund was established in 1989 12 Lake Charles 10 10 59 59 Lake CharlesLafayette Map developedLafayette by the North Louisiana Economic Partnership. • All taxes levied on fuels are invested in the trust fund 10 90 10 10 90 New Orleans 10 167 New Orleans • Funds are dedicated for 167 - Construction and maintenance of roads and bridges of the state and federal highways 90

- State Flood-Control Program 90

- Ports, airports, transit, state police for traffic control Map developed by the North Louisiana Economic Partnership. - Parish Transportation Fund

Map developed by the North Louisiana Economic Partnership. Railroads Motor Freight Service • Rail service by – Kansas City Southern Railroad (KCS) • Next day and second day motor freight delivery from Northwest – Union Pacific Railroad Louisiana encompasses most of the Sunbelt and Midwest U. S. • Shreveport intermodal container loading/unloading at the Kansas City Southern Deramus Yard • Northwest Louisiana has convenient access to I-20 (east-west) and to I-49 (north-south) which connects Shreveport to I-10 (east-west) in South Louisiana • Next-day, second-day and third-day rail service to the Sunbelt and Midwest regions • Overnight delivery service can reach more than 43 million people

15 TRANSPORTATION The Port of Caddo-Bossier SporTran • Port of Entry for Foreign Trade Zone • Both static rail/truck and weigh-in-motion rail and U.S. Customs certified on site. • 3,200 LF Slack Water Harbor has a 400 ft. • Port owns approximately 2,600 acres in Caddo and concrete dock and a 200-ton crawler crane. Bossier Parishes at the head of navigation on the Red River Waterway with 9 ft. inland river system draft. • Daily service by Union Pacific Railroad, Class I Approximately 225 acres have direct access to the Rail, with local connection to Kansas City river. Southern Railway, Class I Rail. • General Cargo Dock has a roll-on/roll-off ramp with • 4-lane access to I-49 (North-South) and I-20 rail on dock and 30-ton and a 60-ton cantilever (East-West) with a Record of Decision for the bridge cranes. future I-69 corridor crossing at the Port. • Rail switch yard on-site with 23+ miles of rail on • SporTran sports a fleet of over 50 modern buses the Port complex. Rail access to industrial sites. equipped to handle all passengers, including those with disabilities. Our newest buses are equipped with the latest emission reduction systems and include Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). In 2017, SporTran placed in service the first buses powered by All Electric Battery Technology.

• Discount fares accommodate students, senior citizens and monthly riders

SporTran Intermodal Terminal 1237 Murphy St., Shreveport, LA 71101

SporTran Main Office 1115 Jack Wells Blvd., Shreveport, LA 71107

16 CLIMATE SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA

The Shreveport area has a humid, subtropical climate. Rainfall TEMPERATURE is abundant, with the normal annual precipitation averaging • Average high temperature - June-August 92.5°F – 2018 51.4 inches in 2017, with monthly averages ranging from 2.7 inch in August to 5.4 inches in June. • The average coolest month is January - 36.2°F – 2018 PRECIPITATION The winter months are normally mild with possible ice and sleet. Summer months are hot and humid, with maximum • Annual rainfall per year – 2017: 51.4 inches temperatures exceeding 90 degrees an average of 87.7 days • Measurable annual snowfall – 2017: 1 inches per year, with high to very high relative average humidity, sometimes exceeding the 90% level. Source: www.weatherbase.com, 2018

17 AREA SPORTS Shreveport Rafters FC The Shreveport Rafters FC is the Premier Men’s Soccer Team in Shreveport. As a part of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the Rafters compete in the South Region’s Lonestar Conference. The team was created from the desire to bring quality and competitive match play to Northwest Louisiana. The club is led by owner Montgomery Cole and after two years of existence, the Rafters boast 4 trophies, consecutive playoff berths, and a Conference Championship Independence Bowl appearance. Contact: Raftersfc.com The Walk-On’s Independence Bowl is one of the NCAA’s post-season football bowl games featuring two top collegiate football teams representing the Other Area Sports Events Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). (318) 221-0712 www.Independencebowl.org • Red River Balloon Rally • River Cities Triathlon Shreveport Mudbugs • Fit For Life Sports Weekend • Taekwondo Alliance Grand Nationals Shreveport Mudbugs Hockey has been a part of this community since 1997. • Battle on the Border High School Football Showcase The Mudbugs play in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and recruit players of the highest character from all around the world. There has been a • Battle on the Hardwood High School Basketball long standing tradition of hardworking, hard-hitting, and • Shreveport-Bossier Holiday Classic College Basketball successful Mudbugs teams to roll through this area. Not • Major Nationals Bass Fishing Events including only is Mudbugs hockey top quality but also the players and (B.A.S.S.; FLW and other nationally sanctioned tournaments) staff will continue to be diligent members of the Shreveport- • Brookshires + Super One Foods Heroes Run Bossier community. Mudbugs hockey is not the only event hosted on George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum; there is • Boxing, Archery, Soccer, Baseball/Softball, Bowling & Tennis Tournaments ETBU collegiate hockey, youth hockey, adult hockey, public Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission skating, figure skating, birthday parties, corporate events, Kelly Wells, Executive Director concerts, etc. Contact: (318) 636-7094 mudbugshockey.com (318) 222-9391 • (800) 551-8682 • [email protected] • shreveportbossiersports.com

18 AREA ARTS & MUSEUMS Galleries & Museums • Agora Borealis • Artspace • Barksdale AFB Global Power Museum • Bossier Parish Library Historical Society • East Bank Gallery • Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum • Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Museum • Louisiana State Exhibit Museum • Louisiana State Oil & Gas Museum • Louisiana State University in Shreveport Gallery • Marlene Yu Museum Performing Arts • Meadows Museum of Art

• Shreveport Regional Arts Council • Multicultural Center of the South • Company Repertory Theatre, Inc. • Noel Collection - LSUS • Gilbert & Sullivan Society • Norsworthy Gallery • Louisiana Dance Foundation • Pioneer Heritage Center • Mahoney Ensemble Theatre • R. W. Norton Art Gallery • Marjorie Lyons Playhouse • Red River Crossroads Museum • Shreveport Little Theatre • Shreveport Railroad Museum • Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet • Shreveport Water Works Museum • Shreveport Metropolitan Concert • Spring Street Historical Museum Band at LSU in Shreveport • Southern University Museum of Art • Shreveport Opera • Stephens African-American Museum • Shreveport Symphony Orchestra • Talbot Museum • Strand Theatre • Theatre of Performing Arts • Touchstone Wildlife and Art Museum Recreation & The Arts • Vivian Railroad Station Museum

19 AREA FESTIVALS & RECREATION Festivals • Events • Parades Public Events Venues • African American History Month • Krewe of Barkus & Meoux • Shreveport Aquarium Parade Mardi Gras Parade • Shreveport Civic Theatre • American Rose Center • Krewe of Centaur Mardi Gras Parade • Shreveport Convention Center • ArtBreak • Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Parade • Shreveport Riverview Hall & Theater • Ark-La-Tex Ambassadors • Krewe of Harambee Mardi Gras Parade • Bossier Civic Center BBQ Cook-Off • Krewe of Highland Mardi Gras Parade • CenturyLink Center • Ark-La-Tex Music Heritage Festival • Krewe of Sobek Mardi Gras Parade • Festival Plaza • ASEANA Festival • KTBS 3 Independence Day Festival • Hirsch Memorial Coliseum (George’s Pond Ice Rink) • Barksdale AFB Air Show • Let the Good Times Roll Festival • Independence Stadium • Battle of the Gumbo Gladiators • Louisiana Prize Festival • LSUS Theatre • Municipal Auditorium • Benton Christmas on the • Louisiana Red Bud Festival • Robinson Film Center of Louisiana Square Festival • Mooringsport Cypress Festival • State Fair Grounds • BREW: A Premier Beer Tasting • Mudbug Madness Festival • Strand Theatre • Christmas in Roseland • Pioneer Heritage Festival • Christmas on Caddo • Poke Salad Festival Fireworks Festival • Pumpkin Shine on Line • Cinco de Mayo Fiesta • Red River Revel Arts Festival Casino Gaming • CORK: Red River Revel Wine Event • Rockets Over the Red • Eldorado Resort Casino • Cross Lake Flotilla • Shreveport Spirit of the Season • Gusher Days Festival • Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino • State Fair of Louisiana • Boomtown Casino & Hotel • Highland Jazz & Blues Festival • Sunflower Trail & Festival • Diamond Jacks Casino & Resort • Holiday in Dixie • SuperDerby Festival • Harrah’s Horseshoe Casino & Hotel • Holiday Trail of Lights • Twelfth Night Celebration • Harrah’s Louisiana Downs • Margaritaville Resort Casino Racing • Ark-La-Tex Speedway - Stock Cars • Bayou Kajun Raceway - Go Karts • Boothill Speedway - Stock Cars • Harrah’s LA Downs-Horse Racing

Photo courtesy of Michael Greer • Thunder Road Raceway Park

20 AREA FESTIVALS & RECREATION Outdoor Recreation Tennis Facilities • Bodcau Wildlife Management Area • Airport Park Tennis Center • Caddo Lake • Bossier Tennis Center • Clyde Fant Disc Golf Course • Cockrell Tennis Center • Clyde Fant Parkway Park • East Ridge Country Club • Cross Lake • Cypress-Black Bayou Park and Recreation Area • Indoors Racquet Club • Eddie D. Jones Park • Pierremont Oaks Tennis Club • Lake Bistineau • Querbes Tennis Center • RiverView Park • Southern Hills Tennis Center • Red River • Southern Trace Country Club • Stoner Skateboard Park • Stonebridge Swim & Tennis Club • Shreveport Dog Park • Wallace Lake • Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park Aquarium

• Shreveport Aquarium Golf Courses www.shreveportaquarium.com • Alpine Meadows Golf Club 318-383-0601 • Crooked Hollow Golf Club • East Ridge Country Club • Huntington Park Golf Course Other Attractions • Lakeside Park Golf Course • American Rose Center • Meadowlake Golf Club • iFlyH20 Water Sports • Northwood Hills Country Club • Chimp Haven • Olde Oaks Golf Club • Querbes Park Golf Course • Cypress Nature Study Center • Southern Trace Country Club • Gator & Friends Alligator Park • Stonebridge Golf Club and Exotic Zoo • David Toms Golf Academy • Party Central Family Fun Center • Planet Fun • Shreveport Indoor Soccer Center American Rose Center • SciPort Discovery Center • American Rose Center/American Rose Society • Splash Kingdom Water Town www.rose.org David Toms • Yogi & Friends Exotic Cat Sanctuary 318-938-5402 Professional Golfer

21 AREA HEALTH CARE FACILITIES Healthcare is the area’s leading industry, employing more than 18,000 long-term acute care, acute psychiatric, chemical dependency, care people. Shreveport serves as the medical hub for North Louisiana, East research and surgical specialties. Shreveport’s healthcare industry Texas, and South Arkansas. Our area hospitals provide a variety of utilizes state of the art medical treatment and research facilities critical healthcare services, including acute care, rehabilitation, providing many thousands of high paying jobs for the area.

Employees: 2,690 Hospital Beds: 452

Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport combines the resources of Ochsner Health System, the Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport extensively renovated its birthing suites to provide state’s largest healthcare system, with the expertise of LSU physicians, to deliver quality mothers with a comfortable birthing experience and the ability to have their newborns patient care in an environment that is optimal for the continued teaching and training room-in and bond. The hospital is a Blue Distinction Center for maternity care and is of medical students and residents. designated as a Gift Birthing Facility by the Louisiana Department of Health. The hospital also has the only pediatric transport team in North Louisiana made up of doctors The Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport health system upholds a strong commitment to and nurses specially trained to take care of children with severe illness or injury. state-of-the-art treatment, clinical research and community education and prevention programs. As the only academic medical center in North Louisiana, Ochsner LSU Patient-Centered Technology and Digital Medicine Health Shreveport is proud to train the next generation of healthcare professionals and build a strong pipeline of physicians to care for Louisiana citizens. To ensure that patients have access to the latest treatment options, Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport has and will continue to invest in critical technology and expand digital and Centers of Excellence & Recognitions virtual capabilities. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport is dedicated to saving and changing more lives by The hospital recently installed a state-of-the-art Elekta Versa HD™ Linear Accelerator for building upon its strong legacy of care and commitment to innovation. cancer treatment and has the only Gamma Knife® that delivers radiation with pinpoint accuracy to treat brain tumors and other neurological disorders. It is home to the only Level 1 Trauma Center and Burn Center in North Louisiana. The Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport - Academic Medical Center was the first in North- Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport’s team of cardiologists has introduced some of the latest west Louisiana to achieve advanced certification as a Primary Stroke Center and the technology to the area, including the world’s smallest pacemaker that is placed directly first hospital in Louisiana and only the tenth in the country to recently earn Advanced in the heart. It was the first hospital to use cryoablation, the use of cold instead of heat, Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center certification from The Joint Commission. to treat patients with atrial fibrillation, or rapid, irregular heart rate. The Feist-Weiller Cancer Center at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport is a state-designated The Shreveport hospital is also a hub for telemedicine and digital medicine programs. Center of Excellence. Here, the youngest cancer patients can remain close to home while A specialized, secure online network enables doctors based at Ochsner LSU Health undergoing treatment because the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center is one of only a handful Shreveport to communicate with other doctors around the state to ensure the most of hospitals across the country to house a St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital clinic. comprehensive approach to care. This virtual technology is also personalized for physi- The team here has also received internationally recognized accreditation from the cian to patient consults and can enable something as precise as a physician listening to a Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) at the University of Ne- patient’s heartbeat even if they are hundreds of miles apart. braska for its Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program.

22 AREA HEALTH CARE FACILITIES LSU Health Shreveport

Employees - 2,613 Hospital beds - 421 LSU Health Shreveport: Each year, thousands of patients from around the region rely on LSU Health Shreveport for • 1 of only 140 academic health specialized surgeries, life-saving care, and complex science centers in the USA treatments. It is are a teaching hospital where medical knowledge is continually evolving, and • Economic impact on north new cures and treatments are found. The hospital Louisiana including practicing is accredited by The Joint Commission. It recently alumni - $2.9 billion became the first in the area to receive advanced stroke certification from The Joint Commission. • Comprehensive research enterprise with funded clinical LSU Health Shreveport is the proud clinical partner and basic science research of the distinguished LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine. As an academic hospital, LSU Health • Nationally acclaimed faculty Shreveport upholds a strong commitment to who bring specialized care state-of-the art treatment, clinical research, and not found elsewhere in community education and prevention programs. community LSU Health Shreveport is home to state-designated • Comprised of three Centers of Excellence, including the Feist-Weiller professional schools with Cancer Center and a Center of Excellence in over 1,450 students plus Arthritis and Rheumatology. On the main campus, graduate medical education there is an accredited Children’s Hospital, a regional (over 550 residents &fellows) Burn Center and the only Level 1 Trauma Center in

North Louisiana. – School of Medicine

LSU Health Shreveport is one of only six hospitals – School of Allied Health in the nation affiliated with St. Jude Children’s Professions Research Hospital. BRF owns and operates LSU

Health Shreveport. – School of Graduate Studies

23 AREA HEALTH CARE FACILITIES Willis-Knighton Health Care Center Employees – 7,374 • Hospital Beds - 903 Major Awards and Recognitions The health system continues to garner local, regional and national Willis-Knighton Health System (WK) recognition. U.S. News & World Report has consistently recognized Since 1924 Willis-Knighton Health System has been caring for Willis-Knighton among the top hospitals in the state and the top residents of Northwest Louisiana and beyond. This history of hospital northwest Louisiana. In 2017 and 2018 Willis-Knighton healing for more than 90 years has established Willis-Knighton as Health System had the only five-star hospital in the state of the region’s largest healthcare provider. The health system includes Louisiana as ranked by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid four full-service acute care hospitals in Shreveport and Bossier City: Service (CMS). Further, it is routinely recognized by quality Willis-Knighton Medical Center, Willis-Knighton South & the programs of insurance providers for the level of care available Center for Women’s Health, WK Bossier Health Center and WK through the health system. In addition to standard accreditation Pierremont Health Center. Other locations include a stand-alone from The Joint Commission, Willis-Knighton holds unique rehabilitation facility, the WK Rehabilitation Institute, the WK qualifications from specialized accrediting organizations, including: Innovation Center with its virtual hospital for teaching and • Chest Pain Accreditation training, and The Oaks of Louisiana, a comprehensive active • Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers adult senior living community. The system is also allied with three • Dual accreditation for its radiation oncology affiliated rural hospitals: Springhill Medical Center, DeSoto by both the American College of Radiology Regional Health System and North Caddo Medical Center. As and the American College of Radiation a not-for-profit health system, Willis-Knighton is directed by • Oncology a volunteer board of trustees who have helped guide its growth • Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society in response to community needs. That growth has expanded its Accreditation (the only facility in the state employment to its 7374 employees, making Willis-Knighton the with this designation). largest nongovernmental employer in the region and the second largest in the state. The health system offers access to state-of-the- Scope of Services art medical technology and services in a compassionate setting, and that is reflected by its broad range of services and numerous access • Addiction Recovery • Hyperbarics & Wound Care - Pediatric Pulmonology - Assisted Living • Imaging/Radiology Services - Pediatric Surgery points throughout the community. As a not-for-profit health • Audiology • Independent Senior Living • Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (Level II) system, it extends charitable care to the underserved, but it is • Bariatric Surgery • Laboratory - Pediatric Therapy unique in offering an additional gift of 10% of its earnings to • Behavioral Medicine - Maternal/Fetal Medicine - Pediatric Tracheostomy/Ventilator Care philanthropic organizations each year, a tithe of its bottom line. • Breast Centers - Medical Transport Services - Pediatric Urgent Care (Quick Care Kids) These contributions enhance the health, educational, humanitarian • Cancer Care - MRI-Guided Brain Surgery • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and cultural life of the community, enriching the lives of residents • Cardiac Rehabilitation • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - Proton Therapy in Northwest Louisiana and throughout the state. As part of its • Clinical Trials (Level III Regional) - Psychiatry charitable outreach, Willis-Knighton also operates medical • Community Education • Obstetrics & Gynecology - Psychology clinics for the medically indigent through its Project • Critical Care/Intensive Care • Occupational Medicine (Work Kare) • Pulmonary Rehabilitation • Diabetes & Nutritional Counseling • Organ Transplantation Ornish Lifestyle • Reference Laboratory NeighborHealth initiative. • Dialysis (Outpatient & Inpatient) Medicine • Respiratory Therapy WKHS Centers of Excellence • Emergency Services • Orthopedics • Skilled Nursing In addition to Willis-Knighton’s full continuum of services, the • Extended Care Center • Palliative Consult Services • Sleep Disorder Center health system operates several centers of excellence for specialty • Eye Institute/Surgery • Pediatrics • Spine Institute • Fertility/Reproductive Care - Pediatric Audiology • Sports Medicine care. These include organ transplantation, fertility services, • Fitness & Wellness • Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (Level II) - Stroke Unit cardiovascular care, cancer care, eye surgery, bariatric surgery, • Gastroenterology - Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat • Surgical Services laparoscopic and robotic surgery, obstetrical care, neonatology • Geriatric Psychiatry Heart Hospital - Pediatric Endocrinology • Tobacco Treatment Clinic services, hyperbaric medicine, pediatric subspecialties, hepatobiliary • Heart and Vascular Care - Pediatric Gastroenterology • Urgent Care (Quick Care) service, stroke unit, as well as physical rehabilitation and behavioral • Home Health - Pediatric Infectious Diseases • Weight & Wellness Solutions medicine programs. • Hospice - Pediatric Nephrology • Women’s Services

24 AREA HEALTH CARE FACILITIES Christus Health Shreveport-Bossier

Employees – 1,300 • Hospital Beds - 193

CHRISTUS SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER Health System has a proud history of providing healthcare in northwest Louisiana for over 120 years. With approximately 1100 associates, over 600 affiliated providers and over 200 volunteers, the system provides comprehensive care in general surgery, orthopedic surgery, cancer, cardiovascular services, obstetrics and general medical care.

CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System operates CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center and CHRISTUS Bossier Emergency Hospital and is also the region’s only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital (CMN). Urgent care services are provided through three Velocity Care Clinics. Diagnostic imaging services are provided at Advanced Diagnostics Open MRI, Ashley Ridge Imaging and CHRISTUS Bossier Outpatient Imaging and Lab. Exercise and wellness services are provided for the entire family at CHRISTUS Louisiana Athletic Club.

CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System is part of CHRISTUS Health a Catholic, not-for- profit system made up of more than 600 centers, including long-term care facilities, community hospitals, walk-in clinics and health ministries. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the In- carnate Word in Houston and San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve.

25 AREA HEALTH CARE Shriners Hospitals for Children - Shreveport

• Founded in 1922 as the world’s first Shriners Hospital • 45-bed pediatric orthopaedic and cleft lip/palate facility • Comprehensive specialty care all housed under one roof • All care provided regardless of a family’s ability to pay • Serves a six-state area in the southern U.S. as well as the Republic of Panama • Part of an international system of 22 specialty hospitals www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org Overton Brooks VA Additional Health Care Options Brentwood Hospital Medical Center Acute Psychiatric/Chemical Dependency Facility, 236 Beds

Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (OBVAMC) consists of one VHA tertiary Cornerstone Hospital of Bossier City care facility and three community-based outpatient clinics serving Veterans in the Long Term Acute Care/Rehab Facility, 62 Beds Ark-La-Tex. The 111-bed medical center is classified as a Clinical Referral Level 1C Facility which accepts referrals from the Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System. Lifecare Hospitals, Inc. OBVAMC is a teaching hospital, providing a complete range of patient care Long Term Acute Care Facility, 119 Beds services, with state-of-the-art technology, as well as education and research. Comprehensive health care is provided through primary and specialty care in Physicians Behavioral Hospital the areas of medicine, surgery, mental health, physical medicine and rehabilitation, Psychiatric, 24 Beds dentistry, radiation oncology, pathology, audiology and imaging. OBVAMC is part of the South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16) which is one of 21 Promise Hospital of Louisiana Bossier Campus Veterans Service Networks (VISNs) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Long Term Acute Care, 50 Beds VISN 16 covers a vast area of 170,000 square miles, serving Veterans in the states Promise Hospital of Louisiana Shreveport Campus of Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and parts of Texas, Missouri, Long Term Acute Care/Rehab Facility, 146 Beds Alabama and Florida.

26 AREA EDUCATION Caddo Parish Public Schools currently has a total enrollment of 38,630 for 2018-2019. Caddo Schools Accolades: • Internationally accredited school district through AdvancED, the worldwide leader in K-12 and higher education accreditation • 16 National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Awards • 9 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists • 10 Students Earning Perfect Score on the ACT between (2016-present) • 1 National School Innovation and Change Winner • 5 Milken Educator Award Winners • 1 U.S. Presidential Scholar • 2 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Winners Caddo Parish Schools: Serving the needs of students from all walks of life, Caddo Parish Public Schools is a school Elementary & Secondary system which embraces the uniqueness of northwest Louisiana while serving the diverse needs of more than 38,000 students. The public school system is comprised of 62 schools Education representing students from rural, suburban and urban areas of Caddo Parish. Caddo is Public and Charter Total PK-8 9-12 also the state leader in National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Awards with 16 honors from the U.S. Department of Education. Schools: 63 Enrollment: 39,561* 27,522 12,039 As one of the largest school districts in Louisiana, Caddo is home to some of the top educators in the nation, including five Milken Educator Award winners – the premiere award for teachers *Includes all area charter data as well. in the country. Understanding the integral role education plays in the success of a community, Source: labelieves.com Caddo Parish Public Schools embraces the challenge of serving as a central architect in propel- ling the city, parish and state in a progressive direction. With a staff of more than 5,200, Caddo Private Total PK-8 9-12 Parish Public Schools is one of the top largest employers in the parish with a total annual operating budget of $489 million. Additionally, the district is the longstanding leader in Schools: 25 National Merit Scholarship Winners with nine recipients in the most recent round. Ten Enrollment: 5,558 2,715 2,843 students from Caddo’s high schools also have scored perfectly on the ACT assessment. To learn more about Caddo Parish Public Schools, visit http://www.caddoschools.org. Source: privateschoolreview.com

27 AREA EDUCATION 1-Year or Less Certificate Career College 2018 Enrollment Ayers Career College 253

4-Year Colleges Enrollment

Centenary College (2018-2019) 585 Grambling State University* 4,803 Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport* 876 LSU Health Shreveport Louisiana State University in Shreveport* 6,069 School of Medicine (See page 23 for more information) Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA* 10,939 Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA* 10,103

2-Year Colleges Enrollment

Bossier Parish Community College* 6,363 Northwest Louisiana Technical College* 890 Percent of High School & College Graduates Southern University - Shreveport* 2,471 % of Shreveport % of US Remington College - Shreveport (2018) 265 High School Diplomas 85.8% 86.0% Virginia College (2018) 392 Bachelor’s Degree 24.8% 28.8% Source: *Louisiana Board of Regents Spring Semester Quarter 2017-2018 & City of Shreveport Source: U.S. Census American Community Survey 2017

28 SPECIALIZED TRAINING Aerospace Technology Program

Southern University at Shreveport offers Technology Diploma Programs for students who desire to enter the field of aviation as aviation maintenance technicians. The maintenance technician keeps the aircraft in peak operating condition by performing scheduled maintenance, making repairs and conducting inspections as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Students in the Aerospace Technology Program are expected to pursue aerospace technology courses on a continuous basis. The order of course progression may vary depending on when the student enters the program. Special course scheduling may be necessary to ensure continuity of student training between the academic and technical components. These schedules may be approved by the program director. Digital Media Institute at InterTech (DMII)

DMII offers two exciting one-year certificate programs in Animation, Technical Diploma In Airframe and Visual Effects & Interactive Content and Interactive Software Development. This institute is the only one of its kind, in the region that allows students Powerplant Maintenance Technology get quality rapid training in a professional environment. Facilities include industry-grade hardware and software and a 1,600-square foot studio The Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance Technology Diploma Program, which that is available to students. The stage at DMII also boasts a multi-actor is certified by the FAA under Air Agency Certificate No. XSUT020K, offers the non- motion capture system experienced student a carefully selected blend of theory and practical applications. pared with high quality The training will give the student an opportunity to enter the Aviation Maintenance digital cinema cameras profession. Once the training requirements are completed, the student will become capable of producing eligible to take the FAA airframe and/or powerplant examinations for the Aviation stunning 4K footage, Maintenance Technician’s License. Licensing is not a function of the University, but and can be used for room scale Virtual Reality. DMII of the FAA. Students in this program perform actual repairs on the aircraft as well as supports collaborative overhaul the engines and accessories. Facilities for the technology training are located efforts with enterprises in the Aerospace Technology Center at the Downtown Airport in Shreveport. within the industry. DMII

is nationally accredited and Contact: Timothy Banks, Program Director is authorized to accept Aerospace Technology federal student aid and the Downtown Airport, Hangar # 20 Contact: (318) 213-0788 GI Bill. See dmi.edu for 318-670-9592 • [email protected] [email protected] more info.

29 INDUSTRIAL PARKS The Port of Caddo-Bossier

• 2,600+ acre development at the head of navigation on the J. Bennett Johnston Red River Waterway with land available for lease • Foreign Trade Zone, U.S. Customs Port of Entry • Located 4 miles south of Shreveport on LA Highway 1 • 225 acres with direct river access • 4+ acres open storage with a rail spur • 30,000 and 60,000 sq. ft. transit warehouses • Warehousing and transloading available • General cargo docks and liquid wharves • Sites within Port complex are serviced by the Port’s Railroad Benteler Steel • Liquid Terminals and docks

• City water, sewerage and fire protection E S LA CK W N S ATE R H JOHN W • Port tenants eligible for Class 1 Insurance Ratings 7 ARBO R W . HOL 17 T JR. BL 6 13 VD • Electric Power Supplier: Southwestern Electric Power (AEP/Swepco) . R T .

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PRIVATE T 25 A PROPERTY 14 G 22 24 U PROP OSED ROBERT G. HARRIS JR. DRIVE 21 6 O PRIVATE D I- 69 28 PROPERTY 14 CORRIDO R 6 4 30 PRIVATE 19 13 PROPERTY 16 6 FRANCIS BICKHAM BL LA HWY 1

PRIVATE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD L A GATE A GATE B PROPERTY GATE C GATE D GATE E 175 5

AVAILABLE SITES SWEPCO SUBSTATIONS PORT TENANTS CONT. THE PORT: 1 North Whittington 13 SWEPCO Substations 24 Davison Trans. Serv., Inc. • FOREIGN TRADE ZONE - #145 2 Scopini Island 25 RRT South • US CUSTOMS PORT OF ENTRY • 3 Ron Bean PORT TENANTS 26 Oakley ATTAINMENT AREA FOR AIR PERMITTING 4 Tensas-Delta 27 Blount Bros. Construction 8 ADS Logistics 5 Cupples 28 BENTELER Steel/Tube 14 Specialty Distributor 6 Information Available Upon Request 15 Ternium PORT FACILITIES 16 Omni DOING BUSINESS AT THE PORT 7 Slack Water Harbor & Dock 17 West Louisiana Aggregates 29 Industrial Complex 8 100,000 sf Warehouse 18 Pratt Industries 30 Industrial Complex For more information about the 9 Regional Commerce Center 19 Calumet Packaging Port of Caddo-Bossier, please visit Ronpak 10 General Cargo Dock/Roll-On, 20 PROPOSED I-69 CORRIDOR Roll-Off/Transit Shed 21 Hexion, Inc. our website at www.portcb.com. 11 60,000 sf Warehouse 22 RRT North 12 Hardstand 23 CARBO Ceramics

30 INDUSTRIAL PARKS SHREVEPARK Frymaster SHREVEPARK Ivan Smith SHREVEPARK Industrial Campus is owned and operated by the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce that operates for the interests of its 1,600+ LA Tech members, 26 governing Board of Directors and Executive Leadership. The park currently has 300 acres left for development with a concentration on High Growth Industries, Corporate Headquarters and Light Industrial. The campus is a place of vision, where enterprising leaders are making the Tire Rack Williams technology of the future today’s reality. It offers all the resources you’ll need including a powerful transportation network of water, air, and interstate Coca-Cola highways, in a convenient location off the four-lane divided Inner Loop Expressway (Highway 3132) in West Shreveport, just one mile south of Interstate 20 and five miles from Shreveport Regional Airport. SHREVEPARK is close to Interstate 49, Union Pacific Railroad Facilities and the Port of Shreveport/Bossier. The Park is strategically located 15 miles from the Texas border and 30 miles from the Arkansas border.

Contact: Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, 318-677-2500

Coca-Cola

31 INDUSTRIAL PARKS AEROPARK - Shreveport

• 250 acres available for development Additional Space: Warehouse District • All infrastructure in place, including • 50 acres available for development sewer, water, gas and electrical • All infrastructure in place, including • Foreign Trade Zone classification sewer, water, gas and electrical • U.S. Customs and Border Protection on site • Foreign Trade Zone classification Aeropark • Fiber Optic Network Available • U.S. Customs and Border Protection • Economic incentives from State of Louisiana on site Director of Airports, Shreveport Airport Authority • Railspur expansion for rail service available • Fiber Optic Network Available Henry Thompson • Near three interstate highways • Economic incentives from (318) 673-5370 State of Louisiana [email protected] • Located 15 miles from the Port of Shreveport-Bossier • Railspur expansion for rail service available • Louisiana Economic Development Certified Sites • Near three interstate highways • Shreveport area and region • Located 15 miles from the is AEROready Certified Port of Shreveport-Bossier

Shreveport Regional Airport Offers: • Two Runways: • Passenger Airlines: - 14/32 - 8,351 feet long, ILS CAT I, II Allegiant, American, Delta, United - 6/24 - 6,202 feet long • Air Cargo: (being expanded to 7,000 feet) FedEx, UPS, Worldwide Flight Services, • 24-Hour Control Tower Mountain Air Cargo Aeropark • Easy access to I-20, I-220 & I-49 • U.S. Customs & U.S. Border Protection • Six miles from Downtown Shreveport • 24/7 air traffic control tower • Seven non-stop destinations: • Enterprise Zone Other Industrial Parks Charlotte, Denver, Orlando, • 2 Fire Stations on site • InterTech Science Park • West Shreveport Industrial Park Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Houston • North Shreveport Industrial Park • Slack Industrial Park

32 AREA MILITARY INSTALLATIONS Barksdale Airforce Base Facts: Barksdale Air Force Base • Largest Employer in the Shreveport-Bossier City MSA Barksdale has proudly served the Ark-La-Tex • Annual payroll of $507,867,108.00 since 1933. As a key Air Force Global Strike • Total Economic Impact of $821,945,371.00 Command base, Barksdale has a pivotal role • Barksdale medical care, commissary, in providing a large part of the nation’s and base exchange services support deterrent force. • Over 40,000 retirees and their family members Barksdale is home to the Air Force’s newest • Air Force Global Strike Command headquarters command, Air Force Global Strike Command. • 8th Air Force headquarters AFGSC was activated August, 2009, and is responsible for the nation’s three interconti- • 2nd Bomb Wing host unit nental ballistic missile wings, the Air Force’s • B-52 Stratofortress operations entire bomber force, to include B-52, B-1 and • B-52 bomber crew training B-2 wings, the Long Range Strike Bomber program, and operational and maintenance • 307th Bomb Wing Headquarters support to organizations within the nuclear enterprise. Personnel Total – 14,023 As early as 1924, the citizens of Shreveport became The “Mighty Eighth” Air Force, of World War II fame, is Military: interested in hosting a military flying field. In 1926, headquartered at the base. Barksdale is home to the 2nd Active Duty Military...... 5,307 Shreveport citizens learned that the 3rd Attack Wing Bomb Wing, 2nd Operations Group, 2nd Maintenance stationed at Fort Crockett, Texas, would be enlarged Reservists...... 1,302 Group, 2nd Mission Support Group, the 2nd Medical Total Military...... 6,609 by 500 percent and would require approximately Group, Eighth Air Force Museum (which maintains the 20,000 acres to support aerial gunnery and a bombing historical aircraft and artifacts that grace the base) and Civilians: range. The site selection committee, representing the the Air Force Reserve’s 917th Wing. Appropriated Fund Civilians...... 1,695 wealthiest taxpayers in the city, unanimously agreed Non-Appropriated Fund Civilians...... 332 upon the Barksdale Field location. A delegation of Base Exchange...... 128 citizens traveled to Washington, D.C., to personally Commissary...... 68 present the advantages of the proposed site to the War Private Business...... 5 Department. Following the return of this delegation, Contract Civilians...... 366 a special Army board visited Shreveport and reported Total Civilians...... 2,584 the location met all requirements of the Air Corps. Emerging from the cotton fields of Northwestern Dependents: Louisiana in the early 1930s, Barksdale Air Force Total Dependents...... 4,830 Base has grown into a major source of revenue and employment for the region. Source: Barksdale AFB Public Affairs, Economic impact analysis as of 30 September 2017

33 JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS LED FastStart No. 1 State Workforce Development Program “Probably the most notable statewide workforce-development initiative comes from Louisiana. Its FastStart programme, launched in 2008, helps companies recruit and train workers.” Recognized for its innovation, effectiveness, flexibility and The FastStart team includes dozens of experienced efficiency, LED FastStart® is the nation’s best state workforce professionals from a range of businesses — manufacturing training program, according to Business Facilities magazine. to corporate headquarters, digital media to customer support centers and R&D. FastStart has designed and FastStart provides customized employee recruitment, delivered comprehensive workforce solutions for a wide screening, training development and training delivery for variety of Fortune 500 companies, as well as high-tech eligible, new or expanding companies — all at no cost. Based companies funded by leading venture capital firms. on a company’s immediate and long-term workforce needs, the FastStart team crafts unique programs that ensure high- Paul Helton quality, flexible workers are prepared on day one and beyond. Executive Director of Workforce Development Programs [email protected] • 225.342.5600 Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA)

WIOA is a program established to prepare youth of the workforce and enhancing the productivity • Designed to stimulate employment, training and retraining of unemployed and and adults facing serious barriers to employment and competitiveness of the Nation. WIOA economically disadvantaged persons for participation in the labor force by providing supports the development of strong vibrant • Federal funds pay 50% of wages for newly hired, eligible employees job training and other services that will result in regional economies where businesses thrive • Program pays for tuition, books and training supplies increased employment and earnings, increased and people want to live and work. • Customized training available for new hires combining on-the-job training and educational and occupational skills, and decreased For additional information contact: vocational classroom training welfare dependency, thereby improving the quality Herman Vital, (318) 673-7500. • Locally administered by the City of Shreveport and the Coordinating and Development Corporation Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP) The Incumbent Worker Training Program Funding 3. Request training to either: a) prevent job • Training Providers selected by employers must (IWTP) is a partnership between the Louisiana The program is funded by a social charge loss caused by obsolete skills, technological demonstrate a history of: Workforce Commission (LWC), business and Assessed on employers that is paid along with change, or national or global competition; 1. Successful training through its placement, industry, and training providers. The IWTP is Unemployment Insurance tax contributions. b) create, update, or retain jobs in a labor retention, and satisfaction rates; designed to benefit business and industry by demand occupation; or c) update or retain 2. Collaboration with the targeted industry assisting in the skill development of existing Eligibility Criteria: jobs in an occupation which is not a labor in the development of the training program employees and thereby increasing employee • Employers: demand occupation, if the administrator curriculum; and productivity and the growth of the company. 1. Must have been in business in the state for determines that the services are necessary 3. Use of a current industry standard as the These improvements are expected to result in at least three years, contributing and in full to prevent the likely loss of jobs. basis for programs utilized to train students the creation of new jobs, the retention of jobs compliance with state UI tax laws; that otherwise may have been eliminated, and • Trainees must be incumbent workers for whom for employment in the targeted industry. 2. Must have at least 15 employees to be an increase in wages for trained workers. trained (employers can form consortiums the employer incurs a Louisiana UI tax liability; Contact: Jay Cook, IWTP Program Advisor to meet this requirement); and Phone (318) 741-7371 • [email protected]

34 BUSINESS & INDUSTRY INCENTIVES LOUISIANA Restoration Tax Abatement

The Restoration Tax Abatement (RTA) program provides an up to 10 year abatement of ad valorem property taxes on the renovations and improvements of existing commercial structures and owner-occupied residences.

• Five-year contract; option for a five-year renewal with local governing authority approval.

Becky Lambert Program Administrator [email protected] • 225.342.6070 Enterprise Zone

The Enterprise Zone, or EZ program is a jobs incentive program that provides Louisiana income and franchise tax credits to a new or existing business located in Louisiana creating permanent net new full-time jobs, and hiring Research & Development at least 50% of those net new jobs from one of four targeted groups. The benefit provides: Tax Credit

• Either a one-time $3,500 or $1,000 tax credit for each net new job created. The Research and Development Tax Credit encourages existing businesses with operating facilities in Louisiana to establish or continue research and • A rebate of state sales and use taxes paid on qualifying materials, machinery, development activities within the state. furniture, and/or equipment purchased or a 1.5% refundable investment tax credit on the total capital investment, excluding tax exempted items. • Provides up to a 30% tax credit on qualified research expenditures The rebate shall not exceed $100,000 per net new job. incurred in Louisiana — with no cap and no minimum requirement.

Joyce Metoyer Shamelda Pete Program Administrator Program Administrator [email protected] • 225.342.0485 [email protected] • 225.342.5341

35 BUSINESS & INDUSTRY INCENTIVES Louisiana Quality Jobs Rebate Industrial Ad Valorem The Quality Jobs, or QJ, program provides a cash rebate to companies Starting in July 2018, all forms that create well-paid jobs and promote economic development. and documents related to this Tax Exemption Program program (with the exception • The program provides up to a 6% cash rebate of annual gross of Additional Period Sales and Use Tax Advance Notification (ITEP) payroll for new direct jobs for up to 10 years. and Application) must be • Provides a state sales/use tax rebate on capital expenditures submitted online via the next generation of FastLane. The Industrial Tax Exemption or a 1.5% project facility expense rebate on the total capital Therefore, we will no longer Program (ITEP) serves as investment, excluding tax exempted items. be accepting paper forms after one of the state’s strongest June 25th. Any documents re- incentives for manufacturing Frank Favaloro, Program Administrator ceived after that date will investment and employment [email protected], • 225.342.5340 be mailed back to the sender. growth. Four out of every five states offer a similar program, which makes ITEP key to Foreign Trade Zone Louisiana’s ability to continue • Imported materials/components into the U. S. pay no duty until they enter the market to win new jobs and capital investment. With local approval, • Goods shipped out of the country, from the foreign trade zone, are duty free provides an 80 percent property • Located at the Port of Caddo-Bossier & Shreveport Regional Airport tax abatement for an initial term of five years and the option to renew for five additional years at 80 percent Angel Investor Tax Credit tax abatement on a manufac- turers qualifying capital Louisiana’s Angel Investor Tax Credit (AITC) encourages accredited investors to invest in early investments. stage, small wealth-creating Louisiana businesses that seek startup and expansion capital. Starting in July 2018, all forms • Provides a 25% tax credit on investments by accredited investors who invest in businesses and documents related to this certified by Louisiana Economic Development as Louisiana Entrepreneurial Businesses (LEB). program must be submitted Hyundai Glovis • $3.6 million annual program cap. online via the next generation of FastLane. Therefore, we will • Investors can invest $720,000 per business per year and $1.44 million per business over the no longer be accepting paper forms after June 25th. Any documents life of the program. received after that date will be mailed back to the sender. • The AITC Program sunsets on July 1, 2021. Kristin Cheng, Program Administrator Marissa Doin, Program Administrator [email protected] [email protected] • 225.342.5883 225.342.2083

36 BUSINESS & INDUSTRY INCENTIVES Sound Recording Investor Tax Credit

The Sound Recording Investor Tax Credit provides an 18% tax credit for sound recording projects made in the State of Louisiana. Louisiana also offers some of the world’s finest talent and great recording studios to complement the attractive financial benefits of recording in state. Sound recording investor tax credits are issued as rebates. The Sound Recording Investor Tax Credit provides: Live Performance • A project based production credit of 18% for eligible production expenditures. • Program is subject to a cap of $2.16 million per year. Projects are subject to a $100,000 cap, per year. Production Program

Lacey McRight Chataignier Whether you’re launching a national concert tour or staging a new theatrical Assistant Director, Live Performance & Music Industry Development production, the Live Performance Production Program, statutorily known as [email protected] the Musical and Theatrical Production Income Tax Credit, will help you hit 225.342.5553 your mark. Louisiana offers a unique tax incentive for musical and theatrical productions. • Provides a 7% tax credit for certified Louisiana expenditures between $100,000 and $300,000. • Provides a 14% tax credit for certified Louisiana expenditures between $300,000 and $1,000,000. • Provides an 18% tax credit for certified Louisiana expenditures over $1,000,000. • Provides an additional 7% tax credit for payroll expenditures to Louisiana residents. • Program is subject to a $10 million cap per year (with 50% or $5 million being reserved for not-for-profit organizations). Projects are subject to a $1 million cap, per year. • The tax credit is refundable or transferable on a one time basis.

Lacey McRight Chataignier Assistant Director, Live Performance & Music Industry Development [email protected] 225.342.5553

37 BUSINESS & INDUSTRY INCENTIVES Motion Picture Production Digital Interactive Media & Tax Credit Software Development Incentive For applications received on or after July 1, 2017, Louisiana’s Motion Picture Louisiana’s Digital Interactive Media and Software Development tax credit — Production Tax Credit program provides motion picture productions up to a the strongest of its kind in the nation — is helping innovative digital media and 40% tax credit on total qualified in-state production expenditures, including software development companies of all sizes gain a competitive edge. resident and non-resident labor. • Provides a 25% tax credit on qualified payroll for in-state labor and 18% • Provides up to a 40% tax credit (25% base credit; 10% increase for Louisiana for qualified production expenditures. screenplay productions, 5% increase if outside of the New Orleans Metro • No cap and no minimum requirement. Statistical Area). • Tax credit can be applied to state income tax liability and the state will • $50,000 minimum in-state expenditure requirement for Louisiana screenplay refund any overages OR applicants can opt for 85% of the value earned productions. as a rebate any time during the year. • $300,000 minimum in-state expenditure requirement on all other eligible

productions. Eric Burton • The maximum amount of credits that can be issued is $150 million per fiscal year. Director of Digital Interactive Media & Software Development • The maximum amount of credits that can be claimed is $180 million per fiscal year. [email protected] • Tax credits may be used to offset personal or corporate income tax liability in 225.342.5340 Louisiana. • Tax credits may be transferred back to the State for 90% of face value (requires a 2% transfer fee which results in an 88% net).

Stephen Hamner Division Director, Film & Television [email protected] Downtown Shreveport Incentives 225.342.4838 • Historic Tax Credits. Federal and State Historic Tax Credits can return up to 45% of all qualified rehabilitation costs up to $5 million on many historic buildings in the Downtown Qualified Entertainment Development District. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) can walk you through the process. • Low Interest Revolving Loan Fund- the Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation Company (DSDC) offers a low interest loan of up to $100,000 to those opening or expanding a business or rehabbing a historic building downtown. Some restrictions apply. The Qualified Entertainment Company, or QEC, program provides a tax credit on annual • Performance Code Assistance - the Downtown Development Authority works with the W2 wages to entertainment companies that create well-paid jobs for Louisiana residents. State Fire Marshal and City Building Officials to provide advice and assistance prior to • The program provides a 15% credit for each new job whose QEC payroll is equal plans being drawn and money spent. Equivalencies can be used to save money on life to or greater than $45,000 per year, up to $66,000 per year safety requirements and owners can be alerted to potential issues ahead of time. • Provides a 20% credit for each new job whose QEC payroll is equal to or greater than • Construction Permit Fees Waived- Permits for work to a historic building in the $66,000 per year, but no greater than $200,000 per year Downtown Development District are waived for any building built prior to 1960.

Chris Stelly Contact the Downtown Development Authority at 318-222-7403 or at Executive Group Director, Entertainment & Digital Media [email protected] [email protected]. Information is available at www.downtownshreveport.com 225.342.5555

38 TAXES Louisiana Corporate Income Tax Rates

Federal income taxes are an allowable deduction in computing Louisiana taxable income. The tax structure is: • 4% on the first $25,000 of net income Personal State Income Tax • 5% on the second $25,000 (Effective January 1, 2009) • 6% on the next $50,000 • 7% on the next $100,000 Who Must File • 8% on the excess over $200,000 1) Louisiana residents, part-year residents of Louisiana, and nonresidents with income Source: tax-rates.org from Louisiana sources who are required to file a federal income tax return must file a Louisiana Individual Income Tax Return. Corporate Franchise Tax 2) Taxpayers who have overpaid their tax through withholding or declaration of estimated tax must file a return to obtain a refund or credit. Franchise tax is assessed on the value of all real and 3) Military personnel whose domicile (home of record) is Louisiana and who is required personal property in the state, or the amount of issued to file a federal income tax return must file a return and report all of their income and outstanding capital stock, surplus, undivided profits regardless of where they were stationed. and borrowed capital. The rates are: Determination of Tax • $1.50 per $1,000, or major fraction thereof The tax is determined using tax tables furnished by the Louisiana Department of Revenue. up to $300,000 of capital employed in Louisiana The tax rate is applied in a graduated scale using the taxpayer’s filing status and the taxpayer’s • $3.00 per $1,000, or major fraction thereof Louisiana taxable income. Recent changes to the tax rate are reflected as follows: in excess of $300,000 of capital employed in Louisiana Source: revenue.louisiana.gov Single, married filing separately, or head of household: 2% First $12,500 4% Next $37,500 6% Over $50,000

Married filing jointly or qualified surviving spouse: 2% First $25,000 4% Next $75,000 6% Over $100,000 Source: revenue.louisiana.gov

39 TAXES Property Tax • No state property tax. Local taxes are levied annually by local and parish (county) authorities via millages • Taxes are calculated by multiplying millage rate x assessed value of property • Capital assets are assessed at 15% of fair market value • Land is assessed at 10% of fair market value • 75,000 parish homestead exemption is allowed on residences occupied by the owner • Caddo Parish and City of Shreveport combined millage rate: 164.28 mills • Caddo Parish millage rate: 128.47 mills • City of Shreveport millage rate: 35.81 mills Sales/Use Tax Shreveport Caddo Parish • 4.45% Louisiana state sales tax • 4.45% Louisiana state sales tax • Shreveport sales and use tax • 3.35% Caddo Parish 2.75% City of Shreveport sales tax • Louisiana and Caddo Parish sales tax 1.50% School Board sales tax Total – 7.80% .35% Law enforcement sales tax 4.60% Total • Louisiana and Shreveport sales tax Total – 9.05% Unemployment Insurance Tax

• Taxable base is $7,700 per employee • Standard rate range is .10 - 6.2% • Rate for new employers is the average rate for the particular industry • Maximum unemployment weekly benefit is $247 for a maximum of 26 weeks

40 UTILITIES Electric Power Data/Telecommunications • Provided by Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) • EATEL Business -By revitalizing the abandoned, historic Selber Bros. building downtown • Serving more than 529,805 customers in the Ark-La-Tex. The region consist and converting it into a state-of-the-art data center, EATEL Business made its mark on of Northwest Louisiana (229,976), Northeast Texas (183,705) and Western both the Shreveport visual and business landscapes. With the Tier III data facility in place, local businesses can now leverage EATEL’s reliable disaster recovery solutions, expert Arkansas (116,124) managed-IT offerings, and invincible data-protection capabilities. For more information, Source: Southwestern Electric Power Company, www.swepco.com contact Mark Crews at 318-678-3106 or visit us at www.eatelbusiness.com. Residential – 1,000 kWh/month , Commercial – 500 kW demand; 10,000 kWh/month, Industrial – 1,000 kW demand; 400,000 kWh/month • AT&T Louisiana - With more than 1.97 million strand miles of fiber optics in Louisiana, Industrial Electric Billing Comparisons AT&T has more fiber connecting more buildings and more business customer locations than anyone else. We have also extended AT&T Fiber to residential customers in parts of City Electric Utility kW Demand Cents/kWh Shreveport. There are also a number of AT&T Fiber Ready buildings in the Shreveport Shreveport, LA Southwestern Electric Power $32,726 8.2 area, where tenants have access to AT&T’s fiber-based, high-speed services that can improve Louisville, KY Louisville Gas & Electric Co. $33,898 8.3 productivity and spur business success. Contact: Robert F. Vinet, Regional Director, Evansville, IN Southern Indiana Gas & Electric $35,180 8.8 318-670-5001, Columbus, SC South Carolina Electric & Gas $37,946 9.5 [email protected] Atlanta, GA Georgia Power Company $40,756 10.2 Kansas City, MO Kansas City Power & Light $44,306 11.1 • CenturyLink - From connected co-location to hybrid-ready cloud, our comprehensive Source: Typical industrial bills, investor-owned utilities, January 1, 2018. Edison Electric Institute, Washington D.C. portfolio of Hybrid IT solutions is purpose-built to accelerate business performance throughout your organization. CenturyLink provides total communication solutions to large and small Business in Shreveport/Bossier. With local sales professionals and the Natural Gas ability to provide local dial tone, Internet, network and data security, Big Data analysis. Natural gas service is provided by CenterPoint Energy to over 130,000 customers in 13 Northwest Call 1-800-485-1402 or on the web at www.centurylink.com Louisiana parishes. Retail service is provided as well as competitive transportation service to larger customers meeting minimum volume requirements. www.centerpointenergy.com • Comcast - Offering advanced internet solutions with speeds up to 150Mb. As a Microsoft partner, they offer Office 365 and many other applications. Their voice solutions include Mobility platforms, cloud-based voice and unified communication solutions, as well as Sewer PRI for medium and large applications. Comcast Business TV provides reliable and cost-effective video solutions. Contact Demetrius Jones, Business Services Manager, • Supplied by City of Shreveport 501-366-9275, [email protected], www.comcastbusiness.com • Activated sludge aeration treatment plants Lucas & North Regional Treatment Plants • 26,000,000 gpd Average Daily Load • Conterra Networks (formerly Network Communications) – Fiber-optic based provider • 37,000,000 gpd Design Capacity of high-performance communications services, including advanced voice services, internet • 5,000,000 gpd Excess Capacity access services and private networks. For more than 25 years, Conterra has delivered a comprehensive suite of telecom services, including leading-edge converged services. Their local-based operations provide responsive, reliable, and innovative solutions backed by Water expert and personal service. 318-585-7000, www.networkcommunications.com • Supplied by City of Shreveport • 16,000,000 gpd Ground Storage Capacity • 78,000,000 gpd Water Plant Capacity • 6,00,000 gpd Elevated Storage Capacity • Uniti Fiber - Offering Shreveport businesses exceptional communications solutions including VOIP phone services, high speed Internet and Ethernet, and unrivaled • 40,000,000 gpd Average Daily Consumption • 5,000,000 gpd Excess Capacity customer care, all delivered via our state of the art fiber optic network. • 65,000,000 gpd Peak Consumption • 40 to 70 psi Pressure in Mains 251.662.1170 or [email protected] for more information.

41 OUR ECONOMIC PARTNERS LED Louisiana Economic Development Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for strengthening the state’s business environment and creating a more vibrant Louisiana economy. Vision: Louisiana consistently outperforms the South and the U.S. in creating jobs and economic opportunities for its citizens. Mission: Cultivate jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana through nine integrated economic development strategies: • Strategically improve state economic competitiveness • Engage with local partners to enhance community competitiveness • Forge partnerships to enhance regional economic development assets • Expand and retain in-state businesses • Execute a strong business recruitment program • Cultivate small business, innovation and entrepreneurship • Enhance workforce development solutions • Promote Louisiana’s robust business advantages SWEPCO • Attract foreign direct investments and grow international trade Southwestern Electric Power Company Don Pierson, CEcD, Secretary – 225-342-3000 www.opportunitylouisiana.com North Louisiana Economic Partnership, an Accredited Economic Development Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) serves 535,000 customers in northwestern and central Louisiana, western Arkansas, East Texas and the Panhandle area of North Texas. Its headquarters is in Shreveport, with regulatory and external affairs offices in Shreveport, Baton Rouge, La. and Little Rock, Ark. SWEPCO is an NLEP operating company of American Electric Power (AEP). AEP is one of the largest North Louisiana Economic Partnership electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity and custom energy solutions to nearly 5.4 million customers in 11 states. AEP owns the nation’s largest electricity North Louisiana Economic Partnership, an Accredited Economic Development transmission system, a more than 40,000-mile network. AEP’s headquarters are in Organization, provides professional economic development services to the 14 Columbus, Ohio. Giving back to our communities by investing in our local economies parish region of North Louisiana, including lead generation and prospect is a fundamental component of our company vision of powering a new and brighter management. The organization also represents the interests of North Louisiana future for our customers and communities. SWEPCO is proud to support the vibrancy with a unified voice and as a single point of contact. It acts as a catalyst, a convener, and resilience of the communities that we serve — as an energy company, as a utility and a connector in the region to ensure that North Louisiana’s economic and as a system of community support and economic development. development potential is realized. Their vision is for North Louisiana to be a thriving region-a destination for high quality talent, innovative companies, Eric S. Basinger, Economic and Business Development Manager and global investment. SWEPCO.com Scott Martinez, CEcD, President – 318-677-2536 [email protected] www.nlep.org 318-673-3170

42 OUR ECONOMIC PARTNERS LSBDC Louisiana Small Business Development Center The state’s largest and most accessible source of assistance for entrepreneurs and the only statewide nationally accredited program that provides business consulting to entrepreneurs at no cost. Through a network of 10 centers, the LSBDC provides high quality one-on-one consulting, training and information resources to help your business start, grow and succeed. The LSBDC empowers businesses by providing: Metro Aviation • On-going consulting help for the duration of the business. • Cutting-edge and contemporary business solutions. • Resources that can address any aspect of a business’ operations. • Access to capital and other resources necessary to grow a business. • Honest and forthright advice Dana Cawthon, MBA, Regional Director- 318-357-5611 – [email protected] Amy Jones, Business Counselor (Alexandria) Jack Sharp, Business Counselor - 318-677-2500 - [email protected] www.lsbdc.org EAP Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program The Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program, an initiative of BRF, is a public/private partnership between BRF, Frymaster the Caddo Parish Commission and the City of Shreveport to diversify the regional economy, create jobs and expand the area’s tax base by providing services to innovative startups that have high growth potential. EAP analyzes the viability of ideas and products, matches them with informed investors and nurtures them through the critical steps toward market. EAP provides a suite of services to build sustainable and profitable companies in Northwest Louisiana while stimulating economic development and enhancing the regional innovation entrepreneurial ecosystem. Dave Smith, Executive Director – 318-716-4171, www.eapla.com BRF BRF is an economic development organization establishing North Louisiana as a preferred destination for high growth initiatives. Diversifying the region’s economy is its mission. It fulfills this mission through initiatives that support community, regional and national needs in health and medicine, resources for entrepreneurs, and the development of a science and technology-based workforce. John F. George, Jr. M.D., President and CEO, 318. 675.4100 • www.brfla.org BRF

43 The Capital of the Ark-La-Tex

City of Shreveport, 505 Travis St., Suite 200 • Shreveport, LA 71101 • (318) 673-7515 • www.shreveportla.gov Ollie S. Tyler, Mayor • Arlena Acree, Director of Economic Development