DeRidder, Louisiana

A Jewel In Beauregard Parish Police Jury

Forward thinking leadership and bold initiatives are driving this dynamic city

A true jewel in the heart of Beauregard Parish Police Jury, 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 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 Police Jury, 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 well-positioned 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Police Jury, 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.

AT A GLANCE

DeRidder Louisiana

What: A forward thinking and determined city with growth in the forecast

Where: Beauregard Parish Police Jury, Louisiana

Website: www.cityofderidder.org