About NELEA
Our History
Northeast Louisiana Economic Alliance started as a membership organization of a handful of Parishes whose leadership recognized that our region had little strength in economic development as separate entities. None of the original Parishes (Concordia, Tensas, Franklin, Catahoula, Madison, East Carroll) had the financial ability in and of itself to hire a professional economic developer. Yet the need for an organized effort and the desire to create jobs was common among all.
The organizers saw an opportunity to mutually benefit though applying for an Empowerment Zone designation. The award gave the newly organized effort a defined mission and wherewithal and with the management of the Region an opportunity to grow that effort. The effort was named Macon Ridge Economic Development Region, Inc., as members were located along the Macon Ridge, a large ridge that traversed Northeast Louisiana.
The organization grew in membership of Parishes, scope and ability. Under the Vision 2020 of Louisiana, regions of the state joined Louisiana Economic Development to solidify economic development efforts throughout the state. In 2003, the organization refined the mission, adopted strategies and charted a stronger course. In 2004, recognizing that branding the Region and a stronger identity was needed. The name was changed to Northeast Louisiana Economic Alliance to better reflect the mission, the location and the effort.
We are now 13 Parishes strong and support our local economic development efforts, our joint objectives, and a strong regional effort. Importantly, we work together with Louisiana Economic Development framework, mission and vision to grow Louisiana together.
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Print ThisWho we are
Northeast Louisiana Economic Alliance is a private membership, not-for-profit corporation utilizing local, state, federal and private resources and programs to enhance the available economic elements present in our region to promote and grow.
What we do
We provide technical assistance, loan programs, technical communication, education and preside as the Coordinating Responsible Authority for the Northern and Central Renewal Communities.
Case studies
NELEA was deeply involved in bringing the Conagra Foods plant to the Delhi, LA community.
Find out what we did & current news »
Media center
NELEA recently produced a video detailing the economic opportunities still available in Louisiana during the current economic conditions.
View more video presentations »
Useful Links
Explore related websites that assist in providing information associated with the economic development efforts and progress in Northeast Louisiana.
Renewal Louisiana
Renewal Community information, facts, Q&A's, form links and much more about the Renewal Community Inititive in Louisiana.
Louisiana Community Progress
This site is a source for information about Northeast Louisiana and economic opportunities in the region.
Social Media
Connect with NELEA on Facebook.
