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Why NELA?

Northeast Louisiana (NELA) combines accessible development sites, affordable utilities, and skilled labor to foster business growth along the I-20 corridor. Institutions like the University of Louisiana Monroe and Louisiana Delta Community College further enhance its business appeal.

Sites & Buildings

Entergy partners with state agencies, local communities and global businesses to attract new industry – which has led to thousands of new jobs throughout Louisiana. Click here to view certified sites.

Our Economy

Grow NELA is the driving force behind economic growth in Northeast Louisiana, representing 10 parishes and over 300,000 residents. As the Regional Economic Development Authority, Grow NELA delivers impactful results that attract new jobs, expand the tax base, grow the population, and create long-term prosperity in the region.

NELA News

Mid South Extrusion Announces Second Expansion in Seven Months With $12.5 Million Investment in Monroe Manufacturing Facility

04/09/2025

Mid South Extrusion (MSE), a family-owned flexible film and bag manufacturing company, is investing $12.5 million to expand production capacity with the addition of two new, state-of-the-art polyethylene extrusion lines at its facility in northeast Louisiana.

Northeast Louisiana Remains in Global Spotlight Following Meta Data Center Announcement

04/08/2025

Northeast Louisiana is experiencing unprecedented global attention following the Meta announcement of a $10 billion investment to construct an artificial intelligence (AI) data center in Richland Parish. This monumental project is already transforming the region’s economic landscape and will create over 500 direct jobs and bring approximately 6,000 construction workers at its peak.

Meta’s $10 Billion Data Center Project Wins 2024 Platinum Deal of the Year

01/07/2025

In a landmark economic development move, Louisiana has secured Meta’s newest and largest AI-optimized data center, a $10 billion investment in Richland Parish. This project, which recently earned the Platinum Award from Business Facilities’ 2024 Deals of the Year, represents a transformative opportunity for the state’s economy and workforce.

Louisiana Economic Development strengthens the state’s business environment and drives economic growth through a team of dedicated professionals. Their mission is to cultivate jobs and economic opportunities by supporting business relocation and expansion with valuable resources and strategic strategies.