Lake Charles, Louisiana

LAKE CHARLES LOUISIANA ECONOMY  

2011 Economic News

Southwest Louisiana and Lake Charles in particular is projected to have top economic growth in the State in 2011.  With new jobs and industry expansion will come the need for more housing. 

Economic Outlook for Southwest Louisiana is optimistic with new projects within our economy.  The petrochemical plants are being turnarounds and maintenance work which will employ many from various trades and crafts.

The Lake Charles Real Estate Market  remains strong. 

 Lake Charles' strength includes it's petro-chemical industries, the Port of Lake Charles, and it's growing stature in the United States' biggest hub  for importation of Liquified National Gas (LNG).  Soaring oil prices have pumped life into the Southwest Louisiana economy.   

The city's Port is the 12th largest in the United States and  is the leading center for offshore drilling and extraction technologies used on platforms around the world.  The Petrochemical industries, Citgo, Conoco Phillips, and several other players in the energy industry have also expanded operations in the Lake Charles, Westlake and Sulphur area.  Southwest Louisiana already boasts one liquified natural gas facility and three more are under construction.  When those come online in a few years, it is estimated that as much as a quarter of all natural gas used  in the U.S. will flow through Lake Charles.

Lake Charles Tourism continues to grow. According to the Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau. Tourism economy is strong 10 months out of the year due to meetings, conventions, sport fishing tournaments, hunting, festivals, casino play and local unique cuisine.

The latest addition to the Audubon Golf Trail, is the 18 hole 72 Par Dave-Bennett designed golf course in Westlake, The National Golf Club of Louisiana.   Shaw-Westinghouse is building a $100 million nuclear modular manufacturing plant in South Lake Charles which will employ 1400 people locally.  The local jobs are expected to come with an average pay of $50,000 annually.  According to an economic-impact analysis performed by LSU, the Shaw-Westinghouse agreement will result in $17.8 billion in new sales, $4.5 billion in new earnings and 9,205 new Louisiana jobs, including indirect jobs over 15 years.

 VIEW DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT TO THE LAKEFRONT IN LAKE CHARLES LOUISIANA

 

LIVING IN LAKE CHARLES LOUISIANA

Visit the Calcasieu Connection Facebook Page I created to gather information about events in Lake Charles

Calcasieu Parish’s rich history combined with a modern, diversified economy and numerous recreational opportunities  make this area  a wonderful place to live and visit. The petrochemical industry is the mainstay economically for the parish, and the past decade has seen the aerospace and gaming industries broaden that base.

Lake Charles is the home of McNeese State University, a four year, fully accredited university, as well as Sowela Technical Community College, one of Louisiana's largest vocational schools.

Lake Charles offers Vegas-style gaming,  museums  art galleries, historic tours of  the downtown Lake Charles Charpentier District and enjoyment of  a variety of festivals  including Mardi Gras!  "laissez les bons temps rouler-let the good times roll!"  Visitors to Southwest Louisiana will find an abundance of streams, rivers and lakes and outdoor activities in the Lake Area making the parish a true paradise.

 For more information on recreation, arts and humanities check out the Concierge page.  You will also enjoy the culinary delights Southwest Louisiana has to offer!