WWW.CITYOFDERIDDER.ORG DeRidder LOUISIANA A JEWEL IN BEAUREGARD PARISH
DERIDDER, LA A JEWEL IN BEAUREGARD P AT A GLANCE DERIDDER, LOUISIANA WHAT: A forward thinking and determined city with growth in the forecast WHERE: Beauregard Parish, Louisiana WEBSITE: www.cityofderidder.org FORWARD THINKING LEADERSHIP AND BOLD INITIATIVES ARE DRIVING THIS DYNAMIC CITY 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
PARISH A true jewel in the heart of Beauregard Parish, DeRidder is a city that cherishes its rich history while leveraging its strategic location and forward-thinking leadership to ensure exceptional opportunities and amenities for its residents.The city strives to create an environment that people want to enjoy living in, raise families, and make 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
memories. By fostering a positive quality of life for everyone, DeRidder aims to attract new residents, new businesses, and new industries. INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE Ongoing efforts are emphasized to keep DeRidder in top shape, highlighting the necessity of addressing infrastructure issues such as water, sewer, and streets. Local, state, and federal funding is crucial, with a constant grant-seeking process to ensure the city’s infrastructure is well-prepared. DeRidder’s successes in expanding internet access are noted, despite initial difficulties with installing underground fiber. Residents now enjoy multiple service options. Given the city’s location in hurricane central, the importance of internet access became clear when electricity and cell coverage relied heavily on it. In partnership with Beauregard Parish, DeRidder is working on plans to prepare an industrial site in the community. Infrastructure is a key component of these plans.A comprehensive plan has been formed, partners have been secured, and the parish is wellpositioned to implement the necessary infrastructure when needed. DEVELOPING A SKILLED WORKFORCE As a Work Ready community, workforce development is a cornerstone of DeRidder’s economic strategy, driven by a commitment to equip residents with the skills needed for today’s job market. “We were certified back in 2017,” expands Lisa Adams, Executive Director of the Greater Beauregard Chamber of Commerce.“Our workforce is made up of good men and women who are loyal. We tell new companies coming in, the people you hire today at 18 and 19 years old, will be with your company until they retire. Our people are hard workers, they’re going to go above and beyond.” Strong partnerships between the city, chamber, and local education institutions help to bring forward specialized training opportunities that align with industry demands. Superintendent of Beauregard Schools, Larry Hollie notes that due to the rural nature of the district, and the local job options, there 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 DERIDDER, LA
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Sowela University, and Louisiana State University, provide students with the skills needed to enter the workforce. Beauregard Schools also partners with businesses to provide internships and apprenticeships, providing hands-on experience for learners. Looking to the future, Hollie says it is a dream of the current school board to transform a historic former elementary building into a Career and Technical Education Center for the district. He elaborates,“We is an even split between college bound graduates, and those who are preparing to enter the workforce right after graduation. “Starting at sophomore year, the JumpStart program provides for students to move into a career pathway, learning skills in particular areas,” he relays.“Within our parish we offer welding, carpentry, website design, culinary, pipe fitting, and several other smaller courses such as registered truck drivers.” Additionally, partnerships with institutions such as 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 DERIDDER, LA
Headquartered in Pineville, Louisiana, Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC is a regional energy holding company that conducts its business operations through Cleco Power (Cleco), a regulated electric utility that serves approximately 295,000 customers across 24 parishes in Louisiana. Cleco Power owns eight generating units with a total rated capacity of 2,676 megawatts and operates 946 megawatts on behalf of its generation partners. The company’s assets also include approximately 1,386 miles of transmission lines and approximately 12,288 miles of distribution lines. Cleco has been a cornerstone of Louisiana’s energy infrastructure since 1935 and attributes its decades of service to a dedicated workforce, strong customer service and a commitment to Louisiana’s economic growth. As Cleco approaches its 90th anniversary in 2025, the company continues to be guided by its core values of safety, respect, community, integrity and excellence and focused on its mission to deliver safe, reliable and affordable power while positioning itself as the leading clean energy company in the state. Industry electrification and renewable energy impacts require a strategy reset. As companies prioritize a clean energy future, Cleco Power is reinvigorating its economic development strategy and is here to support your corporate goals. Cleco and its dedicated economic development team are laser-focused on preparedness, making significant investments to offer clean and renewable energy, and engaging with local educational and talent initiatives to power Louisiana’s present and future. Plug into Powerful Support YOUR PARTNER IN POWERING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT State-spanning service across 24 parishes Flexible, reliable and responsive Developing a clean and green energy future Nearly 100 development-ready sites clecodev.com Connor Bradford Economic Development Project Manager 661-713-2445 | connor.bradford@cleco.com Amy Thibodeaux Economic Development Project Manager 337-277-4950 | amy.thibodeaux@cleco.com Richard Cornelison Director, Marketing and Economic Development 405-823-4135 | richard.cornelison@cleco.com CONTACT
Meyer & Associates, Inc. have been preparing planning studies, designing and preparing construction contract documents and providing construction phase services for: 1) port and marine facilities from a basic transit shed project to comprehensive new wharf structures involving both bulk handling facilities and state-of-art automated bag loading facilities; 2) water/wastewater projects that have ranged from a small complete system for a community of 200, to a comprehensive improvement program for a regional metropolitan area; 3) roadways from a multi-lane federal highway to subdivision streets; 4) drainage improvements ranging from roadside ditches to major channel improvements on the Calcasieu River and its many tributaries; 5) airport improvements for small general aviation airports to planning and improvements for a major industrial airpark/ airfield; 6) offsite and onsite product pipelines and metering systems for heavy industrial facilities to also include industrial onsite water, fire water and wastewater facilities; and 7) site civil projects including roadways, grading, drainage, parking and utilities for small industrial parks to major heavy industrial manufacturing plants; major land development projects from simple retail business to a regional mall, a major state owned resort, several large casino resorts, and major master planned communities. Additionally, the firm, with in-house staff, has planned and designed numerous buildings in support of the infrastructure projects engineered by the firm including administration buildings, laboratories, control buildings, terminals and hangars, manufacturing buildings, pump stations, fire stations, public works garages, transit sheds and warehouses. Program Management | Preliminary Studies & Reports | Planning & Enviromental Studies Public Works Utility Infrastructure | Public Works Surface Transportation Infrastructure Public Works Water Transportation Infrastructure | Public Works Air Transportation Infrastructure Environmental Engineering | Water Resources & Flood Control | Land & Site Development Surveying & Mapping | Buildings | Waste Management | Industrial Infrastructure | Construction Management Meyer & Associates, Inc. (MAI) is a full-service civil consulting engineering firm providing professional management and technical services for all infrastructure needs for nearly 60 years. 600 N. Cities Service Hwy. Sulphur, LA 70663 337-625-8353 contact@meyerassociates.com www.meyerassociates.com DERIDDER, LA
are going to expand hopefully, with the help of some of our other business partners, and bring in med tech services such as CNR, LPN’s, maybe two year RN’s, cosmetology, and various others.” EXPANDING HEALTHCARE ACCESS Traci Thibodeaux, CEO of Beauregard Health, talks about the pivotal role of healthcare, as the city has continued to face challenges like major weather events and workforce shortages. Referring to the most recent hurricanes, she recounts, “We were the first inland acute care hospital that remained open and servicing its community in the aftermath of the storm, and we’re very proud of that. But we couldn’t have done that without the support of the city and our emergency response partners.” Thibodeaux acknowledges the workforce challenges in healthcare, including competition from nearby facilities like the Army Community Hospital and Vernon Parish. “We definitely have opportunities for synergy with the school board in this vocational 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
program,” she conveys.“We currently have five travel nurses, and we have requested five international nurses.The struggle is real, and I definitely see value and look forward to partnering with them for this vision for a vocational program in the parish.” Currently Beauregard Health offers rural health clinics and a general acute care hospital offering emergency, surgical, and specialized services. Partnering with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine the hospital hosts medical students in their third and fourth year clinical rotations. “We are the smallest community that serves as a primary partner for that school,” says Thibodeaux. “So that means we have a year long rotation with our assigned medical students, and as a result, we currently have three medical students on scholarship with us who want to practice in our community.” Beauregard Health System is also driving economic growth in the parish, embarking on a $34 million expansion project, featuring a new emergency department, a much needed investment. “We BEAUREGARD PARISH POLICE JURY One of the ‘Jewels in the Crown’ DeRidder, LA 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 DERIDDER, LA
currently see over 20,000 patients a year in a space that’s designed for 13,000. So, we’re busting at the seams and answering the call of our community,” Thibodeaux reports. This expansion is intended to address critical issues in patient throughput and emergency care, as well as improving other areas of service for the community, including obstetrics.“We know that women typically make health care decisions for their families, and so when and where we have the opportunity to provide a good experience for moms, there too goes the family. So, it’s a little bit of a loss leader, but it is a vital service,” she adds. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Adams underscores the importance of local voices in driving economic development. By forming the Beauregard Economic Expansion Coalition, community leaders are actively promoting the parish’s potential, sharing its strategic location and
readiness for new business ventures.“We’re a hidden jewel,” she boasts.“You can hop in the car and be in a big city in less than 45 minutes. You can go and reach across the Texas state line in 30 minutes. We wanted to show that you can thrive, your company can grow here, and you can pull all that workforce in from other areas. So, we’re really showcasing our city.” Through these efforts, DeRidder has successfully attracted attention and business investment, including the addition of Canfor Southern Pine, a sawmill, to the community.This marked the first time in many years that a new company chose to build in DeRidder, offering new employment opportunities. This experience served as an awakening for the new leadership, providing the opportunity to engage with Canfor and promote the community. RESILIENCE AND VISION FOR THE FUTURE Reflecting on DeRidder’s proactive approach, the city showcases robust growth and diverse housing options. With over 430 homes added in recent 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 DERIDDER, LA
years, DeRidder caters to various income levels and lifestyles and is currently engaged in a significant housing project with the state, bringing more affordable yet high-quality living options. DeRidder’s Parks and Recreation department has also experienced a transformation, growing from nothing only four years ago to hiring a director and a full team to maintain city parks, a pool, and sports facilities. Quality of life opportunities are always top of mind in the city, demonstrated by multiple concerts and festivals each year, a wonderful museum featuring the best of Beauregard Parish, and a city-owned art gallery run by local volunteer artists. The cultural amenities in DeRidder rival those of larger cities. Despite numerous challenges, including hurricanes, industry closures, wildfires, and the pandemic, the community has continually rebuilt and protected its residents. The resilience of the city and parish is evident in their ability to be knocked down and built back up, regardless of the challenges faced. Our Vision as a Competitive Mid-Size Cultural and Economic Powerhouse Leading Louisiana www.growingbeauregard.com www.beauchamber.org 12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
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PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Cleco www.clecodev.com Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC is a regional energy company that conducts its business operations through Cleco Power LLC (Cleco), a regulated electric utility that serves approximately 295,000 customers across 24 parishes in Louisiana. Cleco is headquartered in Pineville, Louisiana and has approximately 1,200 employees. n Meyer & Associates contact@meyerassociates.com Meyer & Associates, Inc. (MAI) is a broad-based firm with considerable in-house strength in the port, transportation, water resources, drainage, environmental, site civil, and utility infrastructure fields from complete program/ project management services to project engineering and construction management services. n South Beau Hardware & Supply www.sbhardwarestore.com South Beau Hardware & Supply, a family-run business in Longville, LA, opened in October 2022. Founded by Trent and Diana Taylor, we provide high-quality hardware products and exceptional service to residential and commercial customers. Our knowledgeable staff offers tools, plumbing supplies, electrical equipment, lawn and garden products, paint, and more, meeting the needs of our growing local market. n Beauregard Parish Police Jury www.beauparish.org DeRidder, LA is one of the “Jewels in the Crown” of Southwest Louisiana. Situated conveniently north of Interstate 10 and South of Interstate 20, its location provides area business with access to rural, peaceful life with the modern conveniences while larger, urban experiences nearby. DeRidder area is where you’ve longed to be! Schedule a weekend to see Quality of Life with the Southern Louisiana culture. n Today’s Country 105-7 www.westcentralsbest.com n DeRidder Property Partners cgreen_dpp@outlook.com DeRidder Property Partner’s first started in 2017 as a small-town family business that has quickly turned into a US$7 million real estate business that has acquired nine diverse long hold properties all over Southwest Louisiana. Our focus is to continue our endeavor by expanding this into buying multiple other properties to further our growth. n CSE Federal Credit Union www.csefcu.org CSE Federal Credit Union (CSE) celebrates 80 years with a new DeRidder Branch. Led by Michele Chapman, CSE offers personal accounts, loans, and digital services. Beauregard Parish residents who live, work, or worship in the area can become Members and enjoy up-to-date financial solutions. n Bardin Vending Service, Inc. www.bardinvending.com Bardin Vending Service is a full-line refreshment services company specializing in Vending Machines, Micro-Markets, and Office Coffee. We service seven parishes in Louisiana and four counties in Texas. The types of accounts we service range from Healthcare to Education, Military, and Industrial. n Greater Beauregard Chamber of Commerce www.growingbeauregard.com Beauregard Parish aims to boost economic growth by promoting and educating the community, broadening industries, and providing opportunities for future generations. The Beauregard Economic Expansion Coalition, formed by local organizations and business owners, focuses on strategic planning to enhance the area’s economic value. 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
WWW.CITYOFDERIDDER.ORG WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM AS FEATURED IN DeRidder LA
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