Louisiana Central

high school students will explore local manufacturing career paths

4.10.2024

Louisiana Central Program Coordinator, Keisha Hamilton, and Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Grant Development at Central Louisiana Technical Community College, Lindsay Green, talk about the upcoming summer camp - Manufacturing Career Camp 2024!

Manufacturing Career Camp 2024 is designed to introduce high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to manufacturing careers available in our region while showing students the exciting educational opportunities in manufacturing at local colleges. Students will engage in several areas in manufacturing including welding, forest products, construction, electronics/technology, and energy.

Keisha and Lindsay discuss how students will have the opportunity to tour local manufacturing facilities, engage in hands-on activities, discover products made in Central Louisiana, and witness the manufacturing process firsthand!

Workforce Resources for Employers

2.28.24

Lafe Jones, Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations at Louisiana Central, along with Keisha Hamilton, Program Coordinator, provide a comprehensive recap of the recent Cenla Work Ready Network Workforce Summit held on February 8th.

This summit attracted approximately 200 attendees, including education professionals, economic development professionals, and community workforce partners from the 10 parishes across Central Louisiana!

Employers gained insights into the array of tools and resources offered by the Cenla Work Ready Network. These resources aim to mitigate turnover, enhance safety protocols, streamline selection processes, and optimize training investments. Additionally, educators and workforce professionals were equipped with valuable information on assisting students and job seekers in identifying work-ready skills and preparing for success in the workplace.

Learn more about the Cenla Work Ready Network at cenlaworkready.org.
Guest Interview: Randy McDougal, General Manager at UTLX Manufacturing (Union Tank Car)

2.14.24

We're thrilled to have Randy McDougal, General Manager at UTLX Manufacturing (Union Tank Car Company), as our guest for this Industry Update!

Louisiana Central's Vice President, Lafe Jones, talks with Randy to get the inside scoop on all the latest happenings at Alexandria's UTLX location.
The Orchard Foundation, The Rapides Foundation, and Louisiana Central Present the Cenla Work Ready Network Workforce Summit

1.17.24

Lafe Jones, Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations at Louisiana Central, and Keisha Hamilton, Program Coordinator, discuss the 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐚 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭. This free, one-day event was presented by The Orchard Foundation, The Rapides Foundation, and Louisiana Central.

Tune in to learn why business owners, hiring managers, human resource personnel, and education professionals learned at this event.

Learn more about the Cenla Work Ready Network at https://www.cenlaworkready.org/
Louisiana Central Receives Grant to Assist Rural Communities with Retail and Community Development Initiatives

1.3.24

Vice President of Louisiana Central, Lafe Jones, and Program Coordinator, Javonti Thomas, talk with Lacey Bacchus, Senior Director for Community Partnerships with Retail Strategies, an organization that exists to give communities across the United States an advantage in attracting businesses. During this Industry Update, they discuss the grant Louisiana Central recently received to assist rural communities with retail and community development initiatives.

Lacey offers valuable insights into Retail Strategies and discusses the positive impact this grant will have on businesses in Central Louisiana.
Louisiana Central Year in Review

12.20.23

Vice President of Louisiana Central, Lafe Jones, gives review of 2023! He also shares how 2023 has shaped what's ahead in the new year and how our region is positioned for a dynamic economic outlook for the next few years!
Celebrating Excellence: Ad Central's Jorge Rocha, #WeMakeGoodStuff Winner

11.22.23

Lafe Jones, Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations at Louisiana Central, talks with special guest Jorge Rocha, the recipient of this year's #WeMakeGoodStuff Award that was presented at the 2023 Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce Bizzy Awards last Friday.

Jorge is the Owner of Ad Central, a renowned agency specializing in political and corporate advertising based in Pineville. Additionally, Jorge is a proud Pineville resident actively contributing to positive impact in his local community.

Listen they delve into the significance of receiving the #WeMakeGoodStuff Award. Discover why Jorge Rocha was selected for this recognition and gain insights into the workings of Ad Central and his newest business endeavors on Main Street in Downtown Pineville. It's a conversation you don't want to miss!
Jason Hayes Returns to give An Update on Hayes Manufacturing

11.8.2023

Louisiana Central's Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, talks with President of Hayes Manufacturing, Jason Hayes, as they catch up on all the developments since their last Industry Update interview in December 2022.

Learn more about Hayes Manufacturing at https://hayesmanufacturing.com/
The Future of Central Louisiana's Workforce

10.11.23

Louisiana Central's Lafe Jones delves into a conversation with Program Coordinator, Javonti Thomas, and United Way of Central Louisiana's President & CEO, Michelle Purl, where they discuss continued efforts in workforce attraction and development in Central Louisiana, as well as preview the Second Chance Job Fair happening on October 20!
How Louisiana Central Will Celebrate Manufacturing Month

9.27.23

Louisiana Central's Program Coordinator, Javonti Thomas, and Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, talk about Manufacturing Month, the significance of celebrating our manufacturers throughout the month of October, and how Louisiana Central is participating!

Listen in to understand how we will put a spotlight on Central Louisiana’s powerful manufacturing industry while showcasing the reality and future of this sector while highlighting its profound impact on Central Louisiana. With goals of celebrating local manufacturing companies, highlighting new investments, emphasizing lucrative career opportunities, and exposing students to education opportunities and the vast potential within the manufacturing sector, Manufacturing Month promises to be a month-long celebration of growth and opportunity.

Check out Cenla Focus cover story for October here.
Louisiana Central Launches Healthcare Career Central

9.13.23

Louisiana Central's Director of Healthcare Career Central, Krystal Rachal, and Program Coordinator, Keisha Hamilton discuss the launch of Healthcare Career Central!

They explain the purpose of Healthcare Career Central, and how this resource hub will support middle school and high school students, parents/guardians, teachers and counselors by linking them to the healthcare career paths and necessary resources in Central Louisiana. Healthcare Career Central aims to address the growing need for healthcare workers throughout our region by empowering and equipping students pursuing healthcare careers through our central website, social media, and outreach in our communities.

Follow Healthcare Career Central on Facebook.
Visit www.healthcarecareer-central.com
Louisiana Central Shares 2023 Progress Recap

8.30.23

Louisiana Central's VP & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, shares a 2023 Progress Recap! From Ucore's announcement of investing $75m and creating 100 direct jobs in Alexandria to the recent announcement of SunGas Renewables investing nearly $2 billion and creating more than 100 local jobs in Pineville, there is a lot of #GoodStuff to talk about!

Make sure you follow us on social media!
Vexus Fiber's Alexandria Location Grand Opening & Construction Updates

8.16.23

Louisiana Central VP & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, welcomes Chris Fontenot, Regional General Manager for Vexus Fiber. Listen as they discuss the recent grand opening of their Alexandria office and share construction updates!

Reliable high-speed internet availability is beneficial for quality businesses, education, healthcare, communications, and more. We are excited to have Vexus on the Louisiana Central Industry update to share their progress.
Louisiana Central Discusses Beaver Lake Renewable Energy Announcement

8.2.23

Louisiana Central President & CEO, Jim Clinton, as well as VP & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, discuss the BIG announcement about SunGas Renewables!

The company is to invest nearly $2 billion in Rapides Parish to construct a new green methanol production facility in Pineville, LA called Beaver Lake Renewable Energy (BLRE), and is expected to generate from the facility nearly 400,000 metric tons of green methanol per year for marine fuel while creating more than 1,150 jobs during construction and more than 100 local jobs during operation.

Learn more about Beaver Lake Renewable Energy at www.beaverlakerenewable.com
Louisiana Central Shares Talent Pipeline Initiatives

7.19.2023

Louisiana Central's Program Coordinators Javonti Thomas and Keisha Hamilton share the Louisiana Central team's efforts in helping regional employers develop and retain the Central Louisiana workforce.

Learn about the ACT WorkKeys assessment and its benefits to students and local employers. They will also discuss how Louisiana Central is building career pipelines in the healthcare and manufacturing industries!
GUEST INTERVIEW: Louisiana Economic Development's Business Development Manager - Kelly A. Raney, MBA, CWS

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
7.5.2023

Louisiana Central's Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, welcomes Louisiana Economic Development's Business Development Manager, Kelly A. Raney, MBA, CWS, and talks about loan and equity programs for small businesses!

Kelly leads LED’s Business Incentives Services division and SSBCI (State Small Business Credit Initiative) Programs. We are excited to have her on the radio show as she expands on the programs and resources for our small business owners!

Click here to visit LED's site page for Small Business Incentive Programs!
GUEST INTERVIEW: CenlaSTEM Director, Jennifer Depriest

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
6.6.2023

Louisiana Central's Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, welcomes Jennifer Depriest, CenlaSTEM Director, and talks about collaborative efforts focusing on healthcare and manufacturing talent pipelines.

As the director of CenlaSTEM, Jennifer connects the dots between all things STEM within Region 6 by assessing what is taking place in schools, then meeting with teachers and administrators to see what CenlaSTEM can do to help. Working with industry partners, she is continually researching to determine what STEM skills are needed for industry and the regional workforce.

Follow Region 6 STEM Center on Facebook!
GUEST INTERVIEW: Legal Analyst, Thomas Watkins, Jr., J.D.

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
5.24.2023

Louisiana Central's Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, talks with Legal Analyst, Thomas Watkins, Jr., J.D., about Restore Louisiana support/loans that are available to businesses in our local parishes!

Assistance is now available for small businesses impacted by 2020-21 disaster so make sure you listen in and learn about the qualifications and more!

Click here for Restore Louisiana details.
Click here for Restore Louisiana brochure.
Guest Interview: Louisiana Central Executive Director of Business Development, Dan Purvis

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
5.10.2023

Louisiana Central's Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, introduces our Executive Director of Business Development, Dan Purvis as they discuss real estate sites and development opportunities throughout Central Louisiana.

As Executive Director of Business Development, Dan supports Louisiana Central’s business retention and expansion initiatives and leads our business recruitment efforts, as well as builds effective collaborative relationships with state, regional, and local economic development partners.
Louisiana Central shares workforce development efforts

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
4.26.2023

Louisiana Central's Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, welcomes Program Coordinator, Javonti Thomas, and Director of Healthcare Career Central, Krystal Williams Rachal .

The Louisiana Central team gives exciting details about the team's efforts in attracting talent and developing workforce in the manufacturing and healthcare sectors in Central Louisiana.

You'll hear more about Manufacturing Camp that will provide high school sophomores and juniors with engaging experiences with regional manufacturing careers while also being introduced to educational opportunities in manufacturing available locally, to preparing for the full launch of Healthcare Career Central's program that will expose students to the diverse local careers in healthcare, the pathways to those careers, and the resources available along the way.
Guest Interview - Dr. Cathy Cormier from LSUA

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
3.29.23

Louisiana Central's Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, talks with LSUA's Student Success Coordinator and Program Director for Nursing Grants, Dr. Cathy Cormier.

They discuss the five-year grant LSU Alexandria received from The Rapides Foundation to address the critical nursing shortage in the region by creating excitement and passion for a career in healthcare among youth in Central Louisiana. Grant activities include offering Future Nurse Summer Camps and establishing Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Chapters in middle/high schools.
Louisiana Central's BIG IDEA Luncheon - Outdoor Economic Opportunities

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
3.15.23

Louisiana Central's Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, talks with the Executive Director of Louisiana Central's Business Acceleration System, Gary Perkins, about our BIG IDEA Luncheon that is happening on March 22, 2023.

They discuss the focus of the luncheon, Outdoor Economic Opportunities in our region, and they take a deeper dive into the #entrepreneurial opportunities that our region's outdoor recreation assets have to offer!

DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER for the luncheon! Seats are LIMITED!
Register and find more information here https://hubs.li/Q01GTHZg0

Learn more about our Outdoor initiative here.
Learn more about our Business Acceleration System here.
Guest Interview - DRAX

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
2.15.2023

Louisiana Central's Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, talks with leadership from DRAX Biomass in Urania about their recent win of the 2023 Lantern Award for the Louisiana Central region! They discuss the significance of this award and the growth of the company.

Learn more about DRAX here!
GUEST INTERVIEW - DR. EAMON HALPIN FROM LSUA

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
2.1.2023

Louisiana Central's Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, talks with LSU Alexandria's Associate Vice Chancellor & Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Dr. Eamon Halpin, about the university's Professional Aviation program, why it's being offered right here in Central Louisiana, and what makes this program unique!

Learn more about LSUA's Proffesional Aviation program here!
GUEST INTERVIEW - Gregory Burke, Cameron Miller, and Kyle Alcorn with Vexus Fiber

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
1.18.2023

Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, talked with Greg Burke (Vexus Fiber General Manager for Alexandria/Pineville), Cameron Miller (Regional Vice-President | East Texas and Louisiana), and Kyle Alcorn (Vice-President for Marketing and Sales) about Vexus Fiber’s emergence into the Alexandria/Pineville market!
Lafe Jones - Louisiana Central's 2022 in review

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
1.4.2022

Louisiana Central's Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, gives a review of 2022 and looks ahead to all of the #GoodStuff in store for our region in 2023.
Bahia Nightengale on the impact of agriculture on our regional economy.

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
12.21.2022
Louisiana Central's Executive Director of Food & Farm Central, Bahia Nightengale, joins Lafe Jones, Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, to talk about all of the great things happening in our Food & Farm Central program and why she believes Central Louisiana is a great place to locate!

After having lived in 29 different locations within 30 years, Bahia chose the Central Louisiana region to locate, and she is always ready to talk about why our region is her choice. Bahia brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion to our region's efforts in prosperity and firmly believes in the restorative power of good food and the wisdom of always building a bigger table.

Follow our Food & Farm Facebook pages >>> Central Louisiana Local Foods Initiatives & Alexandria Farmers Market
Learn more about Food & Farm initiatives at the links below:
Guest Interview - Jason Hayes

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
12.7.2022

President of Hayes Manufacturing, Jason Hayes, talks with Louisiana Central's Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones. We are excited to have Jason share about what they do at Hayes Manufacturing and everything that's going on with the company!
Guest Interview - Keisha Hamilton

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
11.23.2022

Louisiana Central Program Coordinator, Keisha Hamilton, joins Lafe Jones, Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, to talk about the NEW Healthcare Career Central project and WorkKeys!

If you missed the media release about this new career pathway funded by a Future of HealthC.A.R.E. Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation, you can check it out here https://hubs.li/Q01sZqG40.
Jim Clinton on forecasted manufacturing job increase in our region!

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
11.9.2022

President & CEO of Louisiana Central, Jim Clinton, talks about the organization's recent media release that includes current reporting that forecasts an increase in manufacturing jobs in our region and how this will impact Central Louisiana. You can read the news release here!
Guest Interview - Laura Lyles

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
10.26.2022

Laura Lyles, President of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the Natchitoches Economic Development Alliance (NEDA) joined Lafe Jones to discuss the economic development in the Natchitoches area and the impact of manufacturing on the region, as well as how Louisiana Central and the Natchitoches Chamber work cooperatively to grow our region.
Larkin Simpson on why Central Louisiana is a great place to locate!

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
10.12.2022

Larkin Simpson joins Lafe Jones one last time before his move to Mississippi. During this segment, Lafe and Larkin talk about points Larkin covered during his presentation at Louisiana Central's Regional Economic Development Summit, including his particular insight on what makes Central Louisiana a great place to locate, and what our next steps should be after a successful event that has our community leaders motivated and inspired for growth.
The Big Idea Playbook : Get in the Game!

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
9.28.2022

Lafe Jones and Larkin Simpson share details about the Louisiana Central Regional Economic Development Summit that is happening on October 4-5 in Downtown Alexandria!. They talk about the intent of The Big Idea Playbook : Get in the Game, what our speakers will be sharing, and what you can expect when you attend!
What's the Big Idea?

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
9.14.2022

#Listen as Lafe Jones and Larkin Simpson from Louisiana Central chat with a few of our keynote speakers for the Regional Economic Development Summit happening next month in Downtown Alexandria! They'll be calling in and sharing what they'll be discussing at the event!
Guest Interview - Peter Orji

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
8.31.2022

Louisiana Central's Lafe Jones talks with Procter & Gamble Plant Manager/Senior Director, Peter Orji, about the local plant and P&G's impact on Central Louisiana.
Guest Interview - Dr. Beth Palmer

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
8.17.2022

Louisiana Central's Lafe Jones talks with Dr. Beth Palmer, LSU Alexandria's Assistant Vice Chancellor for Holistic Education and Career Development, about new initiatives to provide wraparound support for students during their academic experience and build partnerships with local businesses for internships and on-the-job training.
Guest Interview - Jason Cobb

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
8.3.2022

CEO of Rapides Regional Medical Center, Jason Cobb, talks with Louisiana Central's Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, on the impact of healthcare on our economy and the exciting work of the NEWLY created Louisiana Central Healthcare Alliance!
Guest Interview - Stacey Duvic

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
7.20.2022

Larkin Simpson and Lafe Jones talk with Stacey Duvic, Director of Community Competitiveness for Louisiana Economic Development.
Guest Interview - Jim Clinton

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
7.8.2022

Larkin Simpson talks with our very own President & CEO, Jim Clinton, about the study we initiated on the nursery industry in our region!
Guest Interview - Audrey Kolde

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
6.22.2022

Lafe Jones and Larkin Simpson with Louisiana Central talk with our very own Audrey Kolde, Director of Farm to Market Operations, about Rural Farmers Market Month activities and the success of the farmers markets throughout our region.
Guest Interview - Shannon Senviel

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
6.8.2022

Lafe Jones with Louisiana Central talks with Shannon Senviel, Talent Coordinator for Cleco, about manufacturing career opportunities and the Career Expo at Central Louisiana Technical Community College's Cleco Manufacturing Center.
Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Ucore Rare Metals Inc., Mike Schrider, talks about recent announcement of locating in Alexandria

Louisiana Central Industry Update on KSYL
4.12.23

Louisiana Central was excited to have Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Ucore Rare Metals Inc., Mike Schrider, just after the announcement of Ucore investing $75 million in establishing their first North American modern technology rare earth element separation and purification facility in Alexandria!

On April 6, 2023, Louisiana Central and England Airpark hosted an announcement event sharing this BIG news. You can read the full release here > https://hubs.li/Q01L0qg70

Louisiana Central's Vice President & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, talks with Mike about what is planned for 2023 and what's forecasted for the production timeline.
Vexus Fiber's Alexandria Grand Opening & Construction Updates

Louisiana Central VP & Executive Director of Industry Relations, Lafe Jones, welcomes Chris Fontenot, Regional General Manager for Vexus Fiber. Listen as they discuss the recent grand opening of their Alexandria office and share construction updates!

Reliable high-speed internet availability is beneficial for quality businesses, education, healthcare, communications, and more. We are excited to have Vexus on the Louisiana Central Industry update to share their progress.

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