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Are we looking forward for improving economic future of our Parish with new jobs. Jobs come with businesses. As we continue to grow as a community post Katrina, Covid, and the current economic woes, it is critical for St. Bernard to facilitate good jobs not just any kind of jobs. We need jobs not just for tax revenues but as a way to retain the youth of the parish that have been so well educated in our public school system. Yes, we do not have very many good jobs after college or career education to come home to, as compared to other states like Texas. So, how do we resolve the problem? The answer may lie on two levels expanding existing businesses and finding new startup businesses. Garey Forster, who was a State Representative and Secretary of Labor for Louisiana suggests it is easier at first to expand an already existing business. Secondly he noted, it is critical in attracting new or expanding current businesses to have not only the physical needs such as location, equipment, and buildings but the skilled work force to fill the jobs. In the past decades with shipyards and oil field work, Louisiana was growing with the labor talent. Nunez College has done well training and offering career education for a skilled workforce. Unfortunately, Louisiana has had in recent years a continuous out flow of skilled middle income labor force. We have lost over 36,000 residents between July 1, 2021, and July 1, 2022, according to the US Census Bureau. If that number is not shocking then the total estimated loss of 67,000 plus from Louisiana between April 1, 2020, and July 1, 2022, should give you a sense of mass exodus. Can the tide be changed statewide ? Yes, but the real concern is our Parish of St. Bernard and its future. There is no doubt that parents would like to see their children return from their post high school education and raise a family near them.