Noted economist Dr. Loren Scott, of Loren C. Scott and Associates in Baton Rouge, presented an optimistic economic outlook for Louisiana for 2025-2026 during a presentation on Friday, Oct. 4, at the Regional Commerce Center at the Port of Caddo-Bossier. The event, hosted by the Port of Caddo-Bossier and Business First (b1) Bank, covered key factors influencing economic growth in the Shreveport-Bossier City region.
Dr. Scott’s report highlighted job creation, industry growth, and overall economic trends, offering a hopeful forecast for local officials and residents eager to see economic expansion in Northwest Louisiana.
In his presentation, Dr. Scott reviewed the region’s major economic contributors, including the Haynesville Shale, the new Amazon facility, and the forthcoming Heirloom plant at the Port of Caddo-Bossier. “We’re seeing a lot of positive movement,” Scott noted. “There are no negative numbers in our findings, and the outlook remains strong.”
Dr. Scott pointed to several specific growth drivers, such as Fibrebond in Webster Parish, which is expanding its facilities and workforce, and Troubled Muse in Bossier Parish, which is expected to create 800 new jobs over the next two years. “Fibrebond is in the middle of a great growth spurt. Located in Webster Parish, Fibrebond builds modular electrical enclosures for data and large industrial buildings on its 254-acre campus. The company now employs 640 Fibrebond employees and 360 contract electricians—right at 1,000 employees. A $50 million plant expansion and other enhancements started this summer, in addition to $40 million in facility upgrades already underway. Fibrebond expects to have 1,300 employees by 2026,” Scott added.
Scott also expressed optimism for the Haynesville Shale, noting that the increasing global demand for natural gas, driven by liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, could lead to a resurgence in the industry. “The Haynesville Shale is poised to take off again,” he said.
While gross gaming revenue in Shreveport-Bossier has declined in recent years, Scott believes the opening of the new Live! Casino and Hotel in Bossier City could bring positive changes in 2025. “It will be interesting to see whether the market stabilizes or starts growing again with this new addition. We should have a clearer picture a year from now,” he remarked.
“The newly branded Live! Casino and Hotel will have 47,000 square feet of gaming space, a 550-room hotel, and entertainment and event space. Its opening will also bring 750 new jobs to the MSA when it opens in 2025,” he added.
Dr. Scott’s report predicts the creation of at least 5,300 new jobs in the Shreveport-Bossier area over the next two years, signaling a bright future for the region.
— By Stacey Tinsley, BIZ. Magazine