Louisiana Central

06/05/2026

Louisiana Central staff celebrated UTLX Manufacturing’s unveiling of the “Built to Keep America Rolling” commemorative tank car celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and recognizing 135 years of Union Tank Car excellence, with 20 years in their Alexandria location.

Hosted by UTLX General Manager Randy McDougal, the event showcased the incredible talent and craftsmanship of UTLX employees while honoring team members who have dedicated 20+ years to the company. We also appreciated hearing remarks from Louisiana Economic Development's Andrew Bays, Partnerships & Engagement Director of Engagement, highlighting the importance of manufacturing and industry across Louisiana.

Events like this serve as a powerful reminder of what we already know in Central Louisiana: WE MAKE GOOD STUFF! The products built here help keep America moving. 🇺🇸

06/05/2026

As interest continues to grow around the proposed Applied Digital data center project, communities across Central Louisiana have been asking important questions.and access to accurate information matters.

To help residents, businesses, educators, and community leaders stay informed, Louisiana Central worked with Applied Digital, Cleco, and regional partners to launch RapidesDataCenter.com, a resource hub featuring frequently asked questions, informational videos, project updates, and educational materials about data centers and how Applied Digital operates.

Our goal is simple: provide facts, increase understanding, and support informed conversations about opportunities that could impact our region for generations to come.

Visit the site, explore the resources, and learn more about what this project could mean for Central Louisiana's future.

The Delta Forge 1 Data Center is an initiative focused on establishing advanced technology and computing infrastructure in Central Louisiana. The state-of-the-art development is designed to support innovation, secure data operations, research opportunities, and long-term economic growth throughout t...

06/04/2026

Across our 10-parish region, businesses, educators, workforce partners, elected leaders, and community organizations are aligning around a shared vision for growth. From strengthening manufacturing and expanding educational opportunities to developing local talent pipelines and attracting new investment, the momentum we're seeing today is the result of collaboration at every level.

Economic development isn't about one project, one parish, or one organization, it's about a region working together to create opportunities for current and future generations.

Together, we're creating opportunities, growing industries, and building a stronger Central Louisiana.

🎥 BontonMedia

06/04/2026

🚨 LAST CHANCE: 2 Spots Just Opened for the June 8-12, 2026 Rapides Parish Manufacturing Career Camp!

A couple of unexpected openings mean TWO lucky students can still join this one-of-a-kind summer experience!

The Manufacturing Career Camp gives high school students exclusive access to Central Louisiana’s manufacturing industry through:

🔹 Behind-the-scenes facility tours
🔹 Hands-on learning experiences
🔹 Networking with industry professionals
🔹 Exploration of high-demand, high-wage career opportunities

Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and scholarships ARE available.

Interested families should contact Keisha Hamilton immediately at [email protected].

This camp is made possible in-part by Central Louisiana Technical Community College and Rapides Parish School Board.

06/03/2026

Louisiana Central recently met with representatives from Beard Construction Group, LLC to learn more about their work as general contractors and their growing involvement in our region. We appreciate their commitment to supporting the communities where they work and their enthusiasm for being part of Central Louisiana’s future.

Strong communities are built through partnerships, and it’s encouraging to see businesses investing not only in projects, but also in the people and places that make our region thrive. We look forward to working together to support continued growth and opportunity across Central Louisiana.

06/02/2026

Don't delay... only a few spots remain!
June 15-17: LaSalle Parish
- Rod Brady Campus
•
8:30am - 4:40pm
$100/Student with Scholarships Available!
This amazing experience, brought to you by Central Louisiana Technical Community College and Louisiana Central, is designed to give students a deep dive in to local manufacturing and the career opportunities available in our region.

Start your process, today: https://tinyurl.com/lasallemfgcamp

05/29/2026

We’re still energized from Rally the Region with Mark C. Perna, Nathan Ohle, President & CEO of International Economic Development Council, and the incredible conversations happening across Central Louisiana about workforce development, education, and the future of our region.

All of this was made possible with the help of our incredible partners at Central Louisiana Technical Community College, Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce, England Airpark/Alexandria International Airport & The Rapides Parish School Board.

Thank you to every educator, business leader, student, and community partner who helped make this event a success. Together, we are building stronger pathways from the classroom to careers and creating new opportunities for the next generation.

A very special "thank you" goes out to M&M Sound and Media for all of our quality audio/video needs over this two-day event!

05/28/2026

Lindsay Green, Vice President of Strategic Programs & Community Partnerships, attended a press conference in Baton Rouge where Governor Jeff Landry announced two major initiatives focused on strengthening Louisiana’s future.

The Governor signed legislation expanding the state’s Fortify Homes roof grant program and launched a $1.4 billion rural healthcare initiative, supported through the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill,” aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure and reforms across Louisiana.

For Central Louisiana, this means stronger communities, greater resiliency for homeowners, expanded access to rural healthcare, and new opportunities to improve quality of life across our region. Louisiana Central remains committed to supporting initiatives that help our communities grow, compete, and thrive.

05/28/2026

From Chris Masingill, President & CEO:

Tuesday's MAIN EVENT was a defining moment for Central Louisiana, and it would not have been possible without those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. I want to personally thank the hundreds who attended, our regional and state partners, and those who helped worked tirelessly to make this special event possible.

The announcement of Applied Digital’s investment in Central Louisiana represents more than a project, it represents opportunity and momentum in the future of our region.

Applied's transformational investment creates jobs, strengthens infrastructure, expands workforce opportunities, and positions Central Louisiana as a leader in advanced technology and innovation for generations to come.

Our regional partners: The Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office/Sheriff Mark Wood, The Rapides Parish School Board, Rapides Parish Police Jury, Cleco, Applied Digital & The England Economic & Industrial Development District (England Airpark/Alexandria International Airport) deserve the credit for believing in this vision and working tirelessly to bring it to reality. Thank you to everyone who invested their time and leadership to this effort.

These moments only happen through teamwork and countless hours of preparation.

I want to extend a special "thank you" to our event coordinators and vendors: Visual Concepts & Designs, Emergent Method, GatorBooth & Rentals, Panaroma Catering, PSS (Premier Production & Sound Services), Euro Caffe and the countless others who dedicated their time and efforts.

To our incredible sponsors: Cleco, LEMOINE, Five S Group, Applied Digital, Bernhard Capital Partners, MMR, & Stonepeak - your support cannot go unrecognized.

This week is proof of what is possible when our region comes together with a shared vision and purpose.

– Chris

05/27/2026

Today marked a historic moment for Central Louisiana as leaders from across our state came together for a transformational announcement that will shape the future of our economy, workforce, and communities for generations to come.

Louisiana Central extends our gratitude to everyone who attended and helped make today possible, including Governor Jeff Landry, the England Economic & Industrial Development District, England Airpark/Alexandria International Airport, Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Mark Wood, the Rapides Parish Police Jury, the Rapides Parish School Board, Applied Digital, Cleco, and Louisiana Economic Development,and the hundreds of local and regional business and community members who joined us for this milestone occasion.

This is more than an investment, it’s a bold step forward for Central Louisiana. The future is here, it's time to picture it, and we are proud to move forward together.

Stay tuned as we continue the celebration!