LED launches statewide marketing campaign

The statewide invitation is a familiar one for southern Louisianians: “Laissez les bon temps rouler,” or let the good times roll.

But the Louisiana Economic Development has added its own twist in its latest statewide campaign: “Laissez le business rouler.”

Gov. Kathleen Blanco and the LED are launching a $1.2 million statewide marketing campaign intended to stimulate investment interest locally and to affirm businesses’ contributions to the state’s economy, according to LED Secretary Michael J. Olivier.

Playing on the familiar “Let the Good Times Roll” phrase, Olivier said the campaign’s main elements will offer variations on the theme incorporating business, progress and commitment.

The campaign targets potential business leaders across the state, he said, from veteran business leaders to aspiring entrepreneurs.

“Louisiana Economic Development and state government have set the stage for our businesses to put their innovation and commitment to work,” Olivier said. “The ‘Rouler’ campaign was designed to remind in-state business leaders that they can be proud of making the smart choice to invest at home n whether it’s starting a small business or expanding a larger one.”

The campaign slogans will be very visible in the coming months, Olivier said. The “Rouler” campaign is wide-reaching and includes billboards, airport signage, new elements for the LED’s Web site n LouisianaForward.com, collateral materials, online advertising and an LSU sports sponsorship.

The new campaign will also include a public relations push focusing on businesses that have taken advantage of Louisiana’s existing resources and new opportunities, similar to the campaign launched by the state in the New Orleans region shortly after Hurricane Katrina struck last year.

Olivier said the LED offers a wide range of options intended to help businesses maximize their investment. State-offered programs range from technical assistance to help small businesses succeed to incentives for creating jobs, expanding physical operations and worker training, he said.

The LED is designed to provide leadership, policy and programs in Louisiana to create a business climate that enables public and private links that result in capital investment, a diversified economic base and quality job opportunities within the state.

“Part of our mission at LED is to help sustain our existing businesses. Our incentives do that. Our small business programs do that. And we are challenging local business leaders and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the current climate and be part of the economic engine that moves Louisiana forward,” said Olivier.