The C4 Report

   Central Strong!

    The last two weeks I presented articles entitled “Louisiana Strong”!  These articles were based on a presentation given by Louisiana Secretary of Economic Development, Stephen Moret, at the June Membership Luncheon.  Based on some of the points Mr. Moret brought out, you can’t help but be hopefully optimistic about the future of Central and our surrounding areas. Here are a few reasons why.

1. Education.  Louisiana is adopting educational reforms but we are already well on our way!  The school systems of Central and Zachary are already producing state rankings that are casting a bright light on our area.  When companies begin to look at our area as a possible location to establish new businesses and young families are looking for a place to settle, our educational systems and newly constructed facilities can provide a strong incentive select Central!

2. Road Development.  True, on most weekdays, we all have a variety of not so kind thoughts about Greenwell Springs and Hooper from about 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.  However, Joor Road has been redone, the Central Thruway is projected to be opened up to Sullivan Road by summer of 2013 and there are also plans underway to widen parts of Hooper Road and ongoing studies to widen Hooper all the way through Central. Keep your fingers crossed!  The Central Thruway will give us quick access to the interstate, give us another exit out of the city, provide access to other services, and open up the possibilities for further development. 

3. Proximity.  Central is “Centrally” located from Zachary, Baton Rouge, and Denham Springs.  As previously stated, the Central Thruway will give us access to the interstate in about 15 minutes, traveling on Hooper you can be at the Baton Rouge Airport, if traffic cooperates, in about 20 minutes and you can be at the State Capitol in 25-30 minutes.  This access, while still living in a rural community, makes Central a great place to reside.

4. Land.  Our city limits cover 66 square miles of mostly undeveloped land. The possibilities abound as to what could find its way to Central!  Parks, agribusiness, recreational facilities, technologies, film industry, services, continuing educational institutions, and so much more could come to our city in the future.

5. Commerce.  We have several businesses such as retail, services, manufacturing, restaurants, and so many other types that have already chosen to make Central home.  They have invested in our community because they believe in our future!  These small businesses provide economic stability for our community by providing jobs, and by paying sales and property taxes.  These businesses also provide most of the products you need on a day to day basis as well as provide personal services important to many families. To them we say thank you!

There are many other reasons we can have hope in our future.  Granted, it is much easier to find the things we think are wrong with our community and make that the main focus of our attention.  However, we live in a great city that is made up of tremendous people.  So, since it is summertime and everyone likes to take a summer vacation, I challenge you to take a vacation to the sunnier side and see all that Central has to offer that makes it so strong.  Who knows, you might become so hopeful and impressed that you decide to stay!