A Vision For A Better Tomorrow
Claiborne Parish, Louisiana

Vision For Parish Includes Lakes, Recreation,
Tourists, Retirees

By Susan T. Herring, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

"Retirees are the cleanest industry we can attract," according to Dr. Nelson Philpot. "The average retired couple brings more than $54,000 to the parish each year." After that turns over, they will add more than $81,000 to the economy, most spent locally. At the first of five public meetings to be held over the next six weeks, Philpot presented an outline of the strategic plan for Claiborne Parish, "Vision for a Better Tomorrow," to about fifty people who attended the meeting held at the Claiborne Parish Fair Barn on Monday, June 16. He said the centerpiece of the plan is water resources, recreation, tourism, retirees, and the timber and poultry industry. Philpot said, "Our goal is to facilitate discussion and we need everyone involved."

The Visions book includes 80 recommendations for a parishwide strategic plan, the first 25 are prioritized, although some of the ideas will never be implemented. Among the list of assets in Claiborne Parish are its water resources which include the potential for several new lakes. Work is already underway in Webster Parish to expand the lake over the Sparta Aquifer recharge area in the west part of Claiborne Parish. This lake would not only ease the stress on the Aquifer, but could provide opportunities for retirees and recreation.

Meetings will be held at the Lisbon Civic Center on Thursday, July 10, at Mt. Olive Christian School in Athens on Thursday, July 31, and at Homer High School on Monday, August 18. All meetings begin at 7 PM and will include a Power Point presentation of the Strategic Plan followed by a question and answer session.

The Power Point presentation used in "Vision for a Better Tomorrow" meetings is available online (DSL or Cable connection and MS Internet Explorer recommended).

The abridged version of the Visions Book is also online (PDF format).

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Vision For A Better Tomorrow - Copies of the Strategic Plan for Economic Development of Claiborne Parish Will be Distributed and Discussed at a Series of Public Meetings. All Meetings Will be Held at 7:00 p.m. and Will be Open to the Entire Parish.

Following Introductory Comments by Parish Officials, a PowerPoint Presentation of the Strategic Plan Will be Made. The Public Will Then be Invited to participate in a Question and Answer Session Regarding Our Vision For A Better Tomorrow. These Meetings are Critically Important to the Future of Our Parish.

Please Plan to Attend and Participate. Copies of the Strategic Plan are Available at the Police Jury Office, Chamber of Commerce, Claiborne Parish Library, Banks, and Selected Businesses.

Strategic Plan, Tax Crucial To Economic Success

Loy Weaver, President of the Claiborne Economic Development Board, and Police Jury President Weldon Kilpatrick believe the economy of Claiborne Parish will continue to decline unless something is done soon to stop the downward spiral. Weaver said the population of Claiborne Parish has been falling for decades. Claiborne Parish has a richer history than most of its neighboring parishes. Up until about 1940, Claiborne Parish was more populated than either Lincoln or Webster Parish, but since that time the numbers have continued to decline and are projected to continue to do so through the year 2025. Weaver said, "We've got a wonderful past. It breaks my heart to see us slipping educationally, and in every other way."
 

Claiborne Parish....On The Grow

While Renewal Community tax incentives have been the key reason behind some of the new economic development underway in Claiborne Parish, others said they were unaware of the benefits associated with the economic development program, however, now they fully intend to take advantage of the savings. In 2002, Claiborne Parish was selected as part of one of the three areas in north and central Louisiana to receive the RC designation. For eight years or through December 31, 2009, new and existing businesses located anywhere in the Parish will have the opportunity to receive substantial tax incentives. Haynesville Mayor Mickey Mayfield and Homer Mayor Huey Dean are excited and thankful to see new construction underway. Besides several new business ventures, renovations and new construction is underway at public schools in both towns.
 

Money Available for New or Expanding Businesses in Claiborne Parish

The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce now has monies to lend through the Revolving Loan Program. Anyone who is interested in starting a business or enlarging an existing business within an eight mile radius of Homer may be eligible. These funds were received from the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program to assist small businesses and provide for jobs in Claiborne Parish. Loan preferences will be made on the basis of job creation. Further information may be obtained by contacting John Watson , Executive Director of the Claiborne Chamber of Commerce at (318) 927-3271. The Claiborne Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity provider. To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).