National mag touts parish to industry

Businesses looking to expand operations are again looking to St. Charles Parish and the surrounding region thanks to a new article in Expansion Solutions Magazine.

The magazine was launched in June of 2002 and is designed to inform key site selection consultants and corporate real estate brokers about progressive communities and the benefits that are offered by each community.

A writer for the magazine toured the area during an economic-minded “familiarization tour’ earlier this year.

The magazine said that the River Region offers a comprehensive and competitive package of business incentives for new and existing businesses. It adds that both the state of Louisiana and the parishes of St. Charles, St. John and St. James have dedicated funds available for major infrastructure and capital purchases for companies considering locating to the River Region.

“During my visit of the River Region, I found it to be an outstanding place to do business,” Kimberly Merkel, the article’s author, said. “Not only are factors like an available, highly-skilled workforce, strategic location, an excellent transportation infrastructure and a pro-business climate in place to help businesses grow and prosper, but there is also ample, prime riverfront acreage ready for development.

“Businesses become part of the community and local leaders are true partners in success.”

Dow St. Charles spokesman Tommy Faucheux echoed those thoughts.

“Dow St. Charles Operations enjoys great support in St. Charles Parish,” he said. “Spanning a mile on the Mississippi River, we have marine, rail and interstate access. This allows our 20 production units to connect with customers near and far.

“The river parishes of Louisiana present opportunity to grow businesses and attract customers. Real estate, welcoming governmental agencies and a strong spirit of cooperation are a perfect mix for Dow St. Charles Operations and others.”