Baton Rouge Business

Baton Rouge's business leaders have pursued opportunities for growth and economic development for many years. Over the past few years, however, several factors have contributed to the progress that is currently underway.

In 2004 area business leaders revitalized the Chamber of Commerce and made a significant investment in new leadership. A re-invented Baton Rouge Area Chamber has successfully won the support and financial commitment of the areas largest employers and has put in place an aggressive economic development program.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita accelerated a process that was already underway. Until the next census there is no way of knowing how many people live here. Most of us believe the estimates are understated and most agree that the outlook for Baton Rouge continues to be favorable even in light of the national economic downturn.

The areas largest employers include The Shaw Group, Turner Industries, ExxonMobil, and Dow Chemical. Health care is a major part of the local economy. The largest providers and employers in the area are Our Lady of the Lake, General Health, Woman's Hospital, Ochsner Clinic, and the Baton Rouge Clinic. Universities are another major employment sector. In addition to Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge is home to Southern University and Baton Rouge Community College. And, of course, Baton Rouge is the Louisiana's capital city.

If you are new to Baton Rouge or thinking of moving here the links provided will help get you connected to the business community. For a comprehensive list of companies in Baton Rouge, with company descriptions and contact information, visit the Hoover's Company Directory. The Baton Rouge Area Chamber's website contains valuable information about business events, opportunities for participation, and area demographics. The Business Report is a local publication that provides outstanding coverage of business issues and commentary. You might want to subscribe to the Daily Report, an e-mail newsletter that crosses the desktops of most business leaders and employers across the capital area.

Two other very noteworthy resources include LSU's E.J. Ourso College of Business. The Ourso College of Business is a valuable community resource providing outstanding college graduates and opportunities for learning. The Louisiana Office of Economic Development is a catalyst for growth and a resource for those wanting to learn more about the incentives for bringing business and industry to Baton Rouge and Louisiana.

Business Links:

Hoover's Baton Rouge Company Directory
Baton Rouge Area Chamber
Daily Report by BusinessReport.com
LSU's E.J. Ourso College of Business
Louisiana Economic Development