The growth of the Lake Charles economy.

Since 2008, Southwest Louisiana companies have announced more than $50 billion in capital investment projects that collectively are driving new business activity and making the Lake Charles economy a powerhouse of commerce in the region. In Lake Charles, Sasol Limited, a South African-based energy company, is currently overseeing the construction of a $19-to-$22 billion integrated gas-to-liquids and ethane cracker complex.

The thriving Lake Charles economy and its tremendous growth is supported by a quality, trained regional workforce. Area residents have easy access to high-paying jobs and an abundance of professional development opportunities, while companies benefit from programs such as a $20 million workforce training facility currently under construction at SOWELA Technical Community College and the newly constructed Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial & Economic Development (SEED) Center, a one-stop shop for regional economic development and business incubator for area startups.