BRF opens state-of-the-art molecular imaging center
In July, BRF positioned Shreveport as a leader in molecular imaging with the opening of its new $19.5 million, 23,000 square foot Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT).
The CMIT project, which included construction of the facility and acquisition of equipment, was supported by BRF, the State of Louisiana, state and national organizations, community groups and private donors. CMIT is now one of only a handful of privately operated facilities in the nation with similar capabilities and suite of services. CMIT’s three key services include:
Clinical services enabling patients to receive the highest quality molecular imaging and therapy care available;
Manufacturing services providing hospitals and research centers with the most up-to-date radiopharmaceuticals available; and
Basic and preclinical research capabilities and services including personnel and equipment to develop new radiopharmaceuticals and support collaborations with higher education institutions and pharmaceutical companies.
The new CMIT, which consolidates three older CMIT facilities into one while providing upgraded and expanded equipment, will promote economic development with a projected workforce expansion of up to 25 highly trained and specialized employees within the next five years.
“The new Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy will enhance Louisiana’s position in the increasingly competitive life sciences sector by attracting contracts from out-of-state entities that drive revenue streams and create high-paying jobs,” Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson said. “I congratulate BRF on advancing molecular imaging care for Louisiana patients while promoting the kind of groundbreaking research and collaboration that the healthcare industry has come to expect from our state.”
PET imaging is used in the early diagnosis and therapeutic assessment of many diseases such as cancer, dementia and cardiac disease. PET imaging is also used to watch for recurrence of many cancers and is a critical imaging technology in modern healthcare.
Ochsner LSU Health sees growth, expansion over fall 2021 through summer 2022
Ochsner LSU Health opened its first multispecialty center in Bossier City in November 2021. The center is located at 4481 Viking Drive and services at the new facility include primary care, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurosurgery, rehabilitation, laboratory, and advanced imaging.
The 25,000 square foot facility overs care in a state-of-the-art facility with updated technology in a healing environment. Ochsner LSU Health – Viking Drive will offer patient check-in kiosks, turf field for rehabilitation and athletic injury services, rehabilitation gym with dedicated areas for physical therapy and occupational therapy, annual physicals and screening, on-site lab services and more.
Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport opened an Interventional Pain Management Clinic in November 2021 at the St. Mary Medical Center campus, Fairfield Medical Office Building. The pain clinic will treat patients suffering from low back pain, neck pain, cancer pain, joint pain and more.
Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport announced in December 2021 the opening of Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport – Spring Lake, located at 8445 Line Avenue, Suite 100. The new location provides primary care services to patients of all ages. It also offers lifestyle management services, full laboratory, and x-ray services.
The Spring Lake Primary Care location will offer curbside arrival, patient check-in kiosks for convenient registration, virtual visits, and digital medicine. Patients will have access to the MyChart application and can schedule appointments, manage prescriptions, view lab and test results, communicate with their care team, complete virtual visits and e-precheck. The state-of-the-art facility advanced technology also includes the area’s most advanced electronic health record system, providing continuity of care and convenience for patients.
Regional Urology announced it was joining Ochsner LSU Health in March 2022.
Regional Urology and Ochsner LSU Health signed an agreement that will combine the organizations and expand services and resources. Physicians and providers at Regional Urology will continue services at its existing locations, which include a clinic, surgery center and cancer treatment center on Bert Kouns Industrial Loop in Shreveport and clinics in Natchitoches and West Monroe, La.
By combining with a regional health system, the patients, providers and staff at Regional Urology will benefit from additional resources and integration opportunities through technology, quality initiatives, human resources, supply chain, research, and more. With more than 70 specialties in the Ochsner LSU Health System, the move also facilitates more multidisciplinary collaboration and treatment.
Also in March, Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport opened its Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Institute at 1715 Marycrest Street, West Entrance.
The physicians are experienced in all aspects of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport – Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Institute strives to provide the best care in a comfortable environment using state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Services include dental extractions, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, facial cosmetic surgery, cleft lip and palate surgery, and treatment of many other conditions of the mouth, jaws, and face.
Rubenstein and Lanford Buildings in downtown to be redeveloped
For more than 35 years, two historic buildings have sat empty, devoid of life; creating no jobs, opportunities and no real tax base. All that ended June 21, 2022.
The 107-year-old Rubenstein’s Building and the 115-year-old Lanford Building, 513-519 Milam Street in downtown Shreveport, were recently purchased by developer Isaiah Lee of Leeson Real Estate Investment Firm.
Lee is a General Contractor who, to date, has rehabbed nearly 200 houses and buildings, many in Shreveport’s Highland neighborhood. But Lee also has experience in much bigger projects, all of which he will be bringing to bear on the Rubenstein project.
Lee’s plan is to create 36 Class A units for apartment use and 12 units for Airbnb-style shorter term leasing, all ranging in size from 400SF to 1100SF. The building will also have space for 45 self-storage units, retail, restaurant and office options as well as a multi-use event space for up to 75 people.
Louisiana Boardwalk sold to Texas-based Routh Group
Louisiana Boardwalk, Northwest Louisiana’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment destination, announced in August that it has been sold to a new ownership group, Boardwalk Routh, LLC, part of the Routh Group out of Texas.
The partnership with Routh Group marks an exciting next step for Louisiana Boardwalk, as they will collaborate with the Boardwalk’s local leadership and the community to identify opportunities for growth and investment.
“Building the Routh Group into the company it is today has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my life, and I am proud of the support we have been shown through this transition,” said Todd Routh, owner. “This decision was made with the utmost care for the Boardwalk’s future. I am confident that the Louisiana Boardwalk is set up for continued success with the Routh Group.”
In addition, Ashley Warner has also been named General Manager of the Louisiana Boardwalk. Warner has been with the property for 14 years as the Marketing Manager and most recently, Assistant GM. She will be responsible for day-to-day operations, marketing and leasing the property. With the collective knowledge, expertise and resources, we look forward to great things for Louisiana Boardwalk.
“The Boardwalk’s reputation and resiliency is a testament to the team, our community leaders and operation that we have created,” said Ashley Warner. “I am very passionate about this property and look forward to future growth and interest along with our new company.”
Bossier City Council hears proposal on building new YMCA in North Bossier
The Bossier City Council will hear a presentation in early December 2021 regarding the building of a new YMCA in the North Bossier Park.
The meeting is open to the public and will be held at 3 p.m. at the Municipal Complex located at 620 Benton Road. The YMCA of Northwest Louisiana is in favor of the project and would like to publicly share their perspective. Please see
The proposal, by CEO of the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana Gary Lash, is that Bossier City will build and own the YMCA and operated by the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana.
Once approved, it will take approximately 12-18 months to construct the new YMCA. The YMCA of Northwest Louisiana estimates more than 150 jobs will be created at the YMCA in Bossier City.
In the discussed proposal the Bossier City YMCA will be 65,000 Square feet and contain a 50-meter Pool, Family Pool, Basketball Gym, Exercise Studios, Indoor Walking Track, Cardio and Strength Equipment, Conference Room and Child Watch. Bossier Parks and Recreation will have access to utilize the YMCA for its youth sports programs including basketball and volleyball
An emailed press release from the YMCA cites the growth of north Bossier City as a reason for the new facility and says its quality of life and economy would be boosted with the new facility. The release goes on to state there will be a $6-7M per year economic impact
“The Y will create jobs and draw countless families over numerous weekends, due to swim meets and other sports tournaments, to eat in Bossier City restaurants, shop in Bossier City shops and stay in Bossier City hotels. Even if Bossier City were only looking at the Y from the standpoint of a return on investment, building a new Y in North Bossier would be an astute and sound business decision,” the release said.
“It is alarming and not something you ever want to hear about the place where you have put down roots and decided to call home. We have to address this problem. Otherwise, long-term, we are going to face great difficulty recruiting people to come here and finding ways to retain them if they decide to come. It is from a quality of life perspective, in which Bossier City needs to evaluate building a Y in North Bossier,” the release said.
United Way invests $6M in NWLA
United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) and area businesses celebrated $2.2 million raised for Northwest Louisiana programs in March. These funds have an impact value of nearly $6 million for our community, helping more than 100,000 lives in need in our region. Allocations will be made to UWNWLA programs and nonprofit services that work to serve ALICE, (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) citizens.
Each year, UWNWLA unites with businesses to implement change in our community through workplace campaigns, volunteer engagement, and advocacy. The largest fundraising initiative is its annual campaign, where UWNWLA partners with companies to conduct workplace fundraisers. Campaigns allow employees to give back each year and come together to help those most in need.
In 2021, more than 100 presentations were made to 60 companies running workplace campaigns. A total of 4,000 donors gave, and 84 of these were leadership donors who donated $1,000 or more.
