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U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces Louisiana State University as Excellence in Economic Development Award Recipient

June 5, 2009
Contact: Bryan Borlik, (202) 482-4085

Louisiana Business & Technology Center at Louisiana State University of Baton Rouge, Louisiana Wins Award for Rural Economic Development Efforts

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced that the Louisiana Business & Technology Center at Louisiana State University of Baton Rouge, La., received the 2009 Excellence in Economic Development Award for Excellence in Rural Economic Development for their commitment to research-based, market driven economic development in helping grow the local economy.

"The Louisiana Business & Technology Center represents the best and brightest in 21st century economic development," Locke said. "Excellence Award winners exemplify the importance of supporting regional strategies to ensure American communities succeed in the global marketplace and create higher-skill, higher-wage jobs."

"The Louisiana Business & Technology Center is well-deserving of this Department of Commerce award," Senator Mary Landrieu said. "During my visit to the Center last year, I saw first-hand the impact LBTC and its Mobile Classroom is having on Louisiana's small businesses, particularly those in rural areas. By taking training and technology expertise to underserved parishes in our state, LBTC is fostering an entrepreneurial spirit in all corners of Louisiana. Their programs not only empower aspiring business owners, but provide critical resources to help hurricane-impacted businesses get back on their feet. I congratulate the Louisiana Business & Technology Center on this award and will continue to support their efforts in the future."

Nominations are made annually in different categories and are evaluated by a Selection Panel appointed by the Assistant Commerce Secretary for Economic Development.

This year's categories were:

  • Excellence in Urban or Suburban Economic Development

  • Excellence in Rural Economic Development

  • Excellence in Environmental or Energy Economic Development

  • Excellence in University-led Economic Development

  • Excellence in Economic Diversification Strategies

  • Excellence in Community and Faith-based Social Entrepreneurship

  • Excellence in Historic Preservation-led Strategies.

  • EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.