Northeast Louisiana Economic Alliance

Exciting Update!
We are growing something good! We have a NEW page! Our current page will no longer be in use, so we encourage everyone to head over and follow us on our new page to stay up-to-date with the latest news, events, and everything happening in the Grow NELA community.

👉 Follow us now at Grow NELA!
Thank you for your continued support! 🌟

🚨 Meet and Greet Event Postponed Due to Weather 🚨

The Meet and Greet with NELEA's new President and CEO, Rob Cleveland scheduled for September 12th has been postponed. We will update with a new date soon!

We look forward to introducing Rob Cleveland at a later time. Stay tuned for further details!

Great news for Northeast Louisiana! Mid South Extrusion is investing $17 million in its Monroe facility, adding two new production lines and creating more than 20 new jobs, while retaining nearly 200 positions. This expansion will boost our region’s manufacturing capacity and drive local growth. Learn more about this exciting development below!

Mid South Extrusion Announces $17 Million Investment for Continued Growth at Monroe Facility - LED | Louisiana Economic Development MONROE, La. – Mid South Extrusion, a flexible film and bag manufacturer, announced it is investing $17 million at its facility in Ouachita Parish to install two new state-of-the-art blown film extrusion lines to support growing demand from customers.

Meryl Kennedy Farr has been selected by Governor Landry to represent Northeast Louisiana as part of the LEDP appointees. Below is the full list of appointees who will help guide the state's economic development efforts:
✨ Leah Brown, Chevron, Southeast RegionWilliam
✨“Bill” Fontenot, Cleco, Central Region
✨Jay Johnson, General Dynamics Information Technology, Northwest Region
✨Meryl Kennedy Farr, Kennedy Rice Mill, Northeast Region
✨Brandon Landry, Walk On’s/Smalls Sliders/BranLand Hospitality, Capital Region
✨Dave Roberts, EXCEL Group, Capital Region/At-Large
✨Donny Rouse, Rouses Markets, Bayou Region
✨Gray Stream, M. Stream Management, Southwest Region
✨Matt Stuller, Stuller, Inc., Acadiana RegionSenate President Cameron Henry’s appointee
✨Greg Bensel, New Orleans Saints/Pelicans, Southeast RegionSpeaker of the House Phillip Devillier’s appointee
✨Alicia Smith Mire, City of Eunice/St. Landry Parish, Acadiana Region LEPD is one of several organizational and operational changes authorized by Act 590 that integrate economic development best practices that have proven successful elsewhere.

“The states that are winning are guided by a strategic plan that sets a clear path forward, establishes priorities and defines how success is measured,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “LEDP will provide our team with insights and accountability as we pursue our mission to cultivate jobs and opportunity for the people of Louisiana.”

Join us for a special Meet & Greet with Rob Cleveland, the new President & CEO of the Northeast Louisiana Economic Alliance (NELEA). Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Clarke M. Williams Innovation Campus.📅

Please RSVP to Michelle Boothe at [email protected].

Today, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson met with regional leaders in Ouachita Parish. During the meeting, Amanda Edge, NELEA Board Chair, and Rob Cleveland, NELEA CEO, discussed Northeast Louisiana's economic development priorities with Speaker Johnson.

The City of West Monroe held its ‘Next Level’ Breakfast event at the West Monroe Convention Center featuring our very own, President Rob Cleveland of the Northeast Louisiana Economic Alliance (NELEA). Check out the story below.

NELEA president presents economic growth opportunities in northeast Louisiana The City of West Monroe invited the public to be a part of an economic development discussion Tuesday (Aug. 27) morning during a community breakfast.

This morning, the City of West Monroe hosted a fantastic "Next Level" breakfast, featuring our President/CEO, Rob Cleveland. Rob shared insights into the exciting economic development efforts happening across Northeast Louisiana and highlighted how our community can come together to support continued growth.
Together, we're building a brighter future for Northeast Louisiana. 🌟

On Wednesday, new NELEA CEO Rob Cleveland met with community leaders throughout the Northeast Louisiana Region. The day started with Cleveland speaking to the current Monroe Chamber of Commerce Leadership Ouachita Group, where he detailed the process of business attraction and the steps NELEA is taking to partner with LED, Entergy, and area property owners to raise awareness of NELA sites.

Cleveland finished the day in Franklin Parish, where Samantha Sheppard convened leaders in Winnsboro for a community tour and discussion on ways to grow Franklin Parish!

Today, Jon McKinnie from the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce welcomed partners from Louisiana Economic Development, Billy Nungesser Lt. Governor of Louisiana's office, and NELEA. Mike Walsworth, Dean Baugh, Rob Cleveland, and Jon visited some of the region’s most significant and unique employers, including Foster Farms, Enviro Services, and supporters from Origin Bank. The focus of the day was on expanding economic opportunities for Northeast Louisiana residents and businesses, with these companies playing a crucial role in the future prosperity of our region.