Keys to Success
Workforce & Talent Development
Contract Talent Leader-Four of the top five contractor firms in the country are based in Louisiana [Associated Builders & Contractors; 2026 Top Performers Report] 2026
No. 3 Tech Talent Pipeline [Business Facilities; Higher ed training partnerships with technology companies recognized as the nation’s best] 2025
No. 2 Workforce Training [Business Facilities, LED FastStart Talent Attraction program was ranked No. 2 in the nation for Customized Workforce Training.] 2025
No. 2 Digital Media Program [International Economic Development Council Gold Award, LED FastStart Virtual Reality Workforce Training Program] 2023
Innovation & Education
No. 8 Business Environment [WalletHub, Best State to Start a Business ranking] 2026
Largest NSF Grant Ever Awarded [U.S. National Science Foundation, LSU’s FUEL team; In January 2024, LSU’s Future Use of Energy in LA (FUEL) team won the largest grant ever awarded by the U.S. National Science Foundation] 2024
No. 1 Partnerships with Educational Institutions [International Economic Development Council, Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Program] 2023
No. 1 Innovation Programs and Initiatives [International Economic Development Council, Entertainment Development Fund] 2023
No. 1 Special Purpose Website [International Economic Development Council, LouisianaEntertainment.com] 2023
Capital Investment & Economic Performance
Platinum Deal of the Year [Business Facilities, only state with consecutive wins] 2024 and 2025
Gold Shovel Award for Capital Investment and Job Creation [Area Development] 2024 and 2025
Green Shovel Award for Capital Investment and Job Creation [Area Development] 2024 and 2025
No. 9 Top State for Doing Business [Area Development, First top 10 performance in over 10 years] 2025
No. 8 State Economic Competitiveness [Site Selection, 8th in Prosperity Cup performance] 2025
Energy & Infrastructure
No. 1 Exporter of Liquid Natural Gas [U.S. Department of Energy, Louisiana responsible for 63% of U.S. LNG exports] 2025
No. 3 Lowest Industrial Electricity Prices [U.S. Energy Information Administration] 2025
No. 4 Energy Availability [Area Development] 2025
No. 4 Lowest Industrial Natural Gas Prices [U.S. Energy Information Administration] 2025
