Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation (GBEDF)
The Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation (GBEDF) is the leadership organization for econo The Bossier future continues to look prosperous.
In today’s economy, local communities find themselves competing not as much against each other, as they are competing against other states. GBEDF works to help pool community resources and go after jobs on a regional basis, spreading the success across the area. Whether through efforts to secure Barksdale’s future in Global Strike or aiding the training of the manufacturing workforce in our market
, GBEDF has played a part in many success stories in the area. GBEDF had an integral role in the growth of filming here, as well as manufacturing and other prosperous industries. GBEDF worked with BAFB to begin what were the initial stages of Cyber Command by being part of the team that created and worked to locate what is now the National Cyber Research Park in Bossier. GBEDF has also assisted small businesses in providing training dollars to grow the workforce in NW Louisiana and partnering with institutions such as Bossier Parish Community College, by providing funding to begin training programs that cater to the working public. GBEDF provides land sale opportunities in industrial parks throughout Bossier Parish, where in Bossier City, Benton, Plain Dealing, or Haughton. GBEDF has also participated in numerous community events, such as being a major sponsor of the Independence Bowl, efforts for I-49 and I-69, the Barksdale Air Show, Bass Master Tournament, and support for local BAFB advocates. Born from great works and strong leadership, we will continue to capture our great opportunities proving Bossier Means Business. Recent Accolades:
• Bossier City named No. 7 for “Best Places to Find a New Job” – Money magazine
• Shreveport-Bossier named a “Game Changing Community” because of its economic potential- Southern Business Development
• Shreveport-Bossier ranked among the “Best Opportunity Cities” – Forbes magazine
• Bossier City ranked as one of Louisiana’s top ten most successful cities.
02/23/2026
Great Investment and News for Northwest Louisiana
Amazon is investing $12B to build state-of-the-art data centers in Caddo and Bossier Parishes, creating 540 direct new jobs and 1,700 additional across Northwest Louisiana.
Louisiana delivers with prime sites, strong infrastructure and a skilled workforce, powering the future of cloud and AI innovation.
GDIT, a business unit of General Dynamics, announced today it has delivered a significant economic impact to Louisiana through its operations in five locations in the state, according to an independent study by Louisiana Tech University’s Center for Economic Research
11/09/2024
BOSSIER CITY, La. -- Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana has launched an recruitment campaign to begin filling more than 750 new jobs at the $270 million gaming, dining, hotel and
06/15/2024
Check out our recent discussion on film and the future in NW Louisiana
02/10/2024
05/05/2023
Welcome and thank you for choosing Bossier and the LOUISIANA BOARDWALK
Happy Cinco de Mayo! 🌮🎉
And Congratulations to The III Amigos for their GRAND OPENING today!
They will be open at 3pm! Come enjoy great food and entertainment
04/11/2023
07/27/2022
07/12/2022
A $110.5 million sawmill broke ground Monday. This new mill will supports new jobs, product and workforce development.
07/12/2022
PLAIN DEALING, La.- Gov. John Bel Edwards joined other state and local officials Monday morning at a groundbreaking ceremony for a multi-million dollar lumber plant in Plain Dealing, Louisiana.
07/11/2022
Great things happening in Plain Dealing today. Come be a part of a great opportunity and international investment.
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Contact The Organization
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENDA & COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
The Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation (GBEDF) is the leadership organization for economic development in Bossier City and Bossier Parish. Our goal is to position Bossier to be competitive in securing new jobs and investment. Beyond our partnership with local governments, we also support regional efforts sponsored by the Port of Caddo Bossier, BRF, Cyber Innovation Center, Barksdale Air Force Base and the North Louisiana Economic Partnership in order to diversify our local economy.
We place emphasis on funding projects and initiatives that create jobs for the local economy. Our community investment impacts workforce development, manufacturing, quality of life, infrastructure upgrades, and assists Bossier’s rural communities in economic development.
Over the past three decades, the GBEDF has impacted the community by enhancing business development in our regional economy thanks to our stewardship of investment dollars entrusted to us by our membership and the local business community. Below is a brief snapshot of a few of GBEDF’s investments in the community throughout our history:
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT // $750,000 investment in education and training.
GBEDF supports workforce development and education initiatives from K-12 all the way through higher education. Over the past 10 years alone we have invested nearly $750,000 in innovative, local education projects such as the Center for Advanced Manufacturing at BPCC and the Bio Tech Program at Bossier High School.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOCAL BUSINESS // $452,318 investment in infrastructure for business.
Manufacturers, businesses and consumers benefit from infrastructure investments and developments. The GBEDF has provided nearly half a million dollars over the last decade to local businesses needing upgrades to enhance production. Working through Bossier City, the foundation has funded various projects such as the Viking Drive Expansion and the Commerce Park Road and Drainage. The foundation actively supports long-range plans for the I-49 and I-69 corridors.
JOB CREATION // $523,000 investment for job creation and retention.
The GBEDF supports existing industries crucial for the diversification of our local economy. GBEDF is an active partner on the issues involving the health and strength of Barksdale Air Force Base and was critical in the development of the foundation of Bossier City’s National Cyber Research Park and the Cyber Innovation Center. The GBEDF also partners with incubators like Cohab across the region to help nurture “homegrown” talent. The foundation has also provided the funds for economic impact studies that help the City and Parish to plan for future trends.
QUALITY OF LIFE AND TOURISM // $675,000 investment in quality of life events and regional promotion.
Quality of life issues are critical to economic development. The type of community that will attract and retain a productive workforce and be suitable for long term commercial investments must be one that demonstrates a commitment to culture and recreation. Tourism and entertainment also play a significant role in economic development. GBEDF sponsors events such as the Camping World Independence Bowl, Rockets Over the Red, and the Barksdale Air Show to stimulate travel and tourism activity. GBEDF has invested in a digital presence for Bossier with the recent production of an area quality of life video used by our members to recruit employees to the area.