Collection:LPB

Genre: Panel

Place Covered: Monroe, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2009-02-25

Duration: 00:56:58

Subjects: Filmed panel discussions | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Economy | Employment | Workforce development

Contributors:

• Courtney, Beth Host
• Freeman, Craig Host
• Godoy, Al Producer
• Gautreaux, Kevin Producer
• Moret, Stephen Interviewee
• Hawkins, Clarence Interviewee
• Eisenstadt, Robert Interviewee
• Trichel, Tana Interviewee
• Walsworth, Mike Interviewee
• Ewing, Stewart, Jr. Interviewee
• Caldwell, Sara Speaker
• Burks, Myrtle Speaker
• Elliott, Mark Speaker
• Staten, Carrie Speaker
• Hargiss, Dennis Speaker
• Solley, Kenny Speaker
• Peterson, Betty Maria Speaker
• Pasceri, Christine Speaker
• Goodling, Louanne Speaker
• Freeland, Kathy Speaker
• Greer, Michael Speaker
• Pennington, Mike Speaker
• Thompson, Francis Panelist
• Mayo, Jamie Panelist
• Moret, Stephen Panelist
• Norris, David, Jr. Panelist

This episode of the series “Louisiana Public Square” from February 25, 2009, features Craig Freeman leading a discussion between the audience members and panelists on economic development in Louisiana. A background report on the topic precedes the discussion. It includes interviews with: Secretary Stephen Moret of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development (LED); Bastrop Mayor Clarence Hawkins; Dr. Robert Eisenstadt, an associate professor of economics at the University of Louisiana-Monroe; Tana Trichel of the Northeast Louisiana Economic Alliance; State Senator Mike Walsworth; and Stewart Ewing, Jr., of CenturyTel. The audience members then discuss: the state of the economy in North Louisiana; the importance of job training at the high school level; and workforce re-training. A panel of experts then joins the audience to answer their questions. The panelists are: State Senator Francis Thompson; Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo; LED Secretary Stephen Moret; and David Norris, Jr., the executive director of the Louisiana Tech Enterprise Center. They discuss: filling job vacancies statewide; the Jindal Administration’s workforce development reform plan; the status of the industrial park in Monroe; the need for the state to prepare for changes in the energy sector; the Louisiana Fast Start program; and how the state can afford to attract businesses. This episode was recorded in Monroe, Louisiana. Hosts: Beth Courtney and Craig Freeman