Press Releases

Louisiana State University Receives High Honors from the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration

Louisiana Business & Technology Center is Presented with Prestigious Award

Baton Rouge, La. - The U.S. Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Senior Advisor and Director of Strategic Initiatives Barry Johnson presented the 2009 EDA Excellence in Economic Development Award for Rural Economic Development to Louisiana State University's Louisiana Business & Technology Center (LBTC). The award recognizes LBTC's commitment to advancing regional competitiveness and helping grow the local economy.

"I am pleased to present the Louisiana Business & Technology Center with the 2009 EDA Excellence in Economic Development Award for Rural Economic Development," said Johnson. "LBTC's Mobile Classroom program provides Louisiana residents and businesses in underserved parishes with training and technology, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship to create higher-skill, higher-wage jobs."

"LSU and the Louisiana Business & Technology Center are extremely excited about this recognition as it solidifies the hard work and dedication of our organization's efforts in fostering economic growth through entrepreneurial services in our state," said Charles F. D'Agostino, Executive Director, LBTC.

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

This year's categories included:

•    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. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster economic growth and job creation.

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 global 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.