Judy,

Our economy in Louisiana seems to be somewhat insulated in that we are still experiencing the positive effects of the rebuilding effort after Katrina and Rita.  Other than the New Orleans area, it seems that foreclosures are pretty low and building is still booming.  Of course, we also have lots of offshore drilling and oil  refinery or two so the price of oil is actually helping our ecomony.

We are still experiencing a manpower shortage, so if any of you have friends looking for jobs send them down here.  Our emergency services techs and paramedics are being offered help with training and a $20,000 sign-on bonus (Acaduab Ambulance, I believe) as we still have a shortage. 

For college students looking for summer work, or someone just starting out or rebuilding from an economic crisis there are lots of oilfield jobs.  Seven or 14 days on and then that same number of days off.  While you work you are fed and housed and then you can go home or find other work on your days off. 

For more information they can contact LEDA (Louisiana Economic Development Authority) in the Lafayette or Baton Rouge areas as that department is charged with assisting businesses in finding the skilled and unskilled labor needed during this shortage.

Debbie Thibodeaux

TENSTAR Corporation