Citing a lower than average median home price, relatively low unemployment and a cost of living that is 6.5% lower than the national average. The article (read it here) suggests that Lafayette’s nationally recognized culinary scene and a variety of festivals make it an entertaining place to live.

The article also warns that high crime rates in Lafayette are a drawback though it does concede that “experts say the town is generally safe for retirees, and that criminal activity is concentrated in just a few rough neighborhoods, Lafayette ranked 8 on a scale of 1 to 10 for crime, according to Sperling’s Best Places. “

At a reception on March 15, the editor and publisher of Southern Living magazine announced what most of us already expected. Lafayette had won the magazine’s innaugural Tastiest Town of the South competition.

With more than 194,000 votes, Lafayette beat its nearest competitor Louisville by nearly 35,000 votes. Lafayette beat its in-state competitor of New Orleans (3rd place winner) with nearly 4 times as many votes. Also in the running were Birmingham, Ala., Houston, Raleigh, NC, Decatur, Ga., Charleston, SC, New Orleans, Charlottesville, Virg., and Baltimore.

This win comes on the heels of Lafayette being named Best of the Road for food in the nation by USA Today and Rand McNally.

When Site Selection magazine released its annual Governor’s Cup rankings in March, Louisiana was ranked No. 3 in the nation on the basis of per capita income and No. 10 on the basis of the expansion of corporate facilities.

In a statement released by the governor’s office, Governor Bobby Jindal said “ This ranking is yet another example of Louisiana’s strong economic momentum and positive business climate. By eliminating burdensome business taxes, reining in spending, overhauling ethics laws, and revamping our workforce development system, Louisiana now has one of the best business climates in the country. We’ve made great progress, but we must continue to make Louisiana more attractive to companies who want to expand or invest here, and that means pursuing bold education reforms to make sure we have a skilled workforce that is prepared for jobs in the 21st century workforce.”

Site Selection’s Governor’s Cup rankings are based on the quantity of new and expanded facilities as tracked by Conway Data Inc.’s New Plant Database, which focuses on new corporate location projects with significant impact. It does not track retail and government projects, schools or hospitals. New facilities and expansions included in the rankings must meet at least one of three criteria: (1) capital investment of at least $1 million; (2) creation of at least 50 new jobs; or (3) new construction of at least 20,000 square feet.

About Site Selection
Site Selection magazine, published by Conway Data Inc., delivers expansion-planning information to 44,000 executives of fast-growing firms. Read more about Site Selection’s Governor’s Cup Awards at www.siteselection.com.

According to the US Department of Commerce, sales of new homes fell 1.6% in February to an annual rate of 313,000. This is less than half of the 700,000 figure that economic experts consider to be a healthy number.

On a more positive note, the average sales price for new homes rose 8% to $233,700. This could suggest that builders are confident for the future and holding back in anticipation of future sales.

In regards to home resales, a mild winter and increase in job growth has positively affected the market. The number of home resales rose in February.

• Lafayette Economic Development Authority Luncheon-Wednesday, March 7th from 11:30 -1:00. Please RSVP 593-1400. Petroleum Club.

• Connections Women’s Networking Group-Friday, March 2nd from 11:30-1:00. Please RSVP 235-8252 .Buffet City.

• Networking Women in Business- Thursday, March 22nd from 6:30-9:00 PM. Please RSVP 981-0623. Copeland’s Restaurant.

• Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce -Building Community Conference ( Chamber Members Get First Tickets)- March 21st -23rd at L’Auberge du Lac in Lake Charles, La. For more information please call Angelle Theriot at (337)-408-3657.