Over 80 Civic, Business, and Education Leaders Engage with State Officials on Regional Priorities
Baton Rouge, La. — More than 80 public and private sector leaders from Caddo Parish traveled to Baton Rouge on Thursday, April 24, for the inaugural Caddo Parish Day at the Capitol, a coordinated effort to bring local priorities directly to state leaders and agencies.
The delegation represented a wide range of organizations, including local governments, school districts, law enforcement, economic development groups, higher education institutions, and regional chambers of commerce.
“This is the first time in recent memory that we have brought the needs of Shreveport and Caddo Parish to Baton Rouge as a group,” said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux. “We were delighted to bring so many of our local leaders together for this important effort.”
A Unified Voice for Northwest Louisiana
Participating organizations included the Parish of Caddo, City of Shreveport, Shreveport Police and Fire Departments, Caddo Parish Schools, Port of Caddo-Bossier, LSU Shreveport, North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP), Red River Waterway Commission, Caddo Levee District, Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber, and Greater Shreveport Chamber, among others.
“Caddo Parish Day is all about collaboration,” said Erica R. Bryant, Caddo Parish Administrator and CEO. “Bringing together leaders from across our parish allows us to align our priorities and work toward solutions that improve the quality of life for our residents.”
Engaging with State Leadership
Delegates held meetings with several key state leaders, including:
- Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser
- State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley
- LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois
- Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson
- Representatives from the Office of the Governor, Attorney General, Department of Juvenile Justice, and Department of Transportation and Development
“Education is the foundation of a strong Louisiana,” said Keith Burton, Superintendent of Caddo Parish Schools. “This event gave our school leaders a seat at the table to advocate directly for the needs of our students.”
In addition to agency meetings, the delegation toured the Capitol, witnessed live legislative activity, and met with members of the Northwest Louisiana Legislative Delegation to share specific priorities and funding requests.
Business Community Support
Corporate sponsors and participants included Lincoln Builders, Ochsner LSU Health, SWEPCO, Trinity Operating, LAMP, AT&T, Heirloom, and Southern Components, demonstrating a strong alignment between the public and private sectors in regional advocacy.
“By aligning the outreach of our School Board, City Council, and Parish Commission with our business community, we’re showing state leaders the collaborative approach we’re taking to move our region forward,” said Dr. Timothy Magner, President of the Greater Shreveport Chamber. “Our goal is to make this an annual event that grows in size and impact each year.”