About Us
The mission of the Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation (GBEDF) is clear: to market the Bossier community in Northwest Louisiana. By marketing this area for business and tourism jobs, we help build up the state's economy and in turn keep our tax base healthy and growing.
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 Film Industry's growth in our market, GBEDF has played a part in many success stories in our area. GBEDF had an integral role in the growth of filming here, initially being a member of the team to site the first major film of our area, "The Guardian" and forming teams to move that effort forward into an industry that provides well between $100 and $200 Million in local investment annually. In the last five years of filmmaking, over $1 Billion has been spent in the area. GBEDF worked with BAFB to begin what were the initial stages of Cyber Command by being a 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, most recently being the new FED EX distribution facility in Bossier, the reopening of the former Northwest Pipe Oil Field division plant, and Quality Transport in the Commerce Industrial Park.
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, and the BassMaster Tournament.
The Bossier future continues to look prosperous. Born from great works and strong leadership, we will continue to capture our great opportunities.
