Although the Pelican State is well-known as an enticing vacation spot, Louisiana is also touting itself as a state which is being run like a business, where the economy can prosper and grow.

The companies settling in the Bayou area are as diverse as the region's residents. Although farming is the true staple of the state, other primary industries include commercial fishing, ship building and petroleum refining.

However, Louisiana is becoming a preferred location for many other industries, such as aerospace and engineering, biotechnology, and information technologies.

Louisiana is a right-to-work state where the work force is regarded as one of the best in the United States, as measured by value-added per dollar of payroll.

Telecom attraction
West TeleServices Corp. is one company that is taking advantage of Louisiana's work force.

It was announced in June of '98 that the company will open a call center in Baton Rouge, which will create more than 1,000 full- and part-time jobs.

The presence of Louisiana State University and Southern University were major reasons the company chose Baton Rouge, according to Carol Padon, vice president of investor and public relations for the Omaha, Neb.,-based firm.

She also noted that college students have flexible schedules which make them a good fit for the jobs.

The Baton Rouge facility will be the second Louisiana business site for West TeleServices. In February of '98, the company opened a call marketing center in Lafayette, where more than 300 are employed.

In the last three years, several other call centers have been opened in Baton Rouge. Hamilton Telecommunications, United Companies Financial Corp., and Impac Hotel Group are just a few of the telecommunications newcomers.

Distribution
Glazer's Wholesale Drug Co. of New Orleans has announced that it will build a state-of-the-art 175,000 square foot distribution center in St. Charles Parish. The facility will be located in the Riverbend Business Park and will initially employ 170-180 people.

Glazer is Louisiana's second largest distributor of fine wines, spirits and malts.

The company's selection of St. Charles Parish stemmed from community and governmental support, transportation issues and the availability of a large parcel (13 acres), according to Jack Westenborg, vice president of operations.

"Their interest in our business and their support for high quality economic development in the Parish were important factors in our selection of the Riverbend site," said Westenborg.

It is the state's pro-business attitude that is helping Louisiana to travel the road of success.

The state has made a commitment to business and has funded improvements in education and infrastructure while managing to reduce taxes. Major incentives include an industrial tax exemption, training assistance, inventory tax credit, and the Quality Jobs Act. Businesses may be eligible for several programs simultaneously.

Against a backdrop of one of America's most colorful lifestyles, Louisiana provides a business climate suitable for a diverse range of industries.