Local economy to get more retail outlets

January 04, 2007 at 11:18 am  | Mobile Reader | Print 

Not that one of the world’s biggest steel mills employing some 3,000 regular workers is coming here. That would go to St. James Parish if it comes to Louisiana.

It will be that more retail businesses are zeroing in on the local front. According to Corey Faucheux, director of economic development and tourism, several national retail outlets including shoe and clothing stores, small grocery stores, a wine bar and two restaurant chains are eyeing the parish.

Also, manufacturing, light industrial and construction companies could land here in the future.

St. Charles residents have suffered in the past with too few retail outlets at home. They have had to go to Jefferson, New Orleans or Houma to buy many of their needs.

For some time, our industrial economy has been good with many of largest chemical companies in the world and one of the largest ports in the country bringing good-paying jobs.

In fact, we have the highest average income in the state.  It is only natural that it should bring an increase in business on the small front. It will make us more of a complete community.