1	Cover A Historic Past, An Industrial Future
2	Page 1 When Valsin Broussard laid out the street plan in 1870 for a little village which would later be named Broussard, he began a new community which today has picturesque, historical charm and the industrial and commercial amenities of a large metropolitan area. The town's history dates back to the harsh winter of 1765 when the original Acadian settlers named the area Cote Gelee, meaning frozen ground. But the ground there is actually a hotbed of fertile activity, both industrially and agriculturally. Broussard has emerged through years of industrial growth as a quiet, but prosperous and thriving community playing an important role in the oil and gas industry for which this part of Louisiana is known worldwide.
3	Page 2
4	Page 3 The community draws on a work force from surrounding areas totaling 96,800 in technical, professional and blue collar trades. Its proximity to larger communities, Lafayette and New Iberia, is advantageous to employers seeking workers from a wide range of fields. Broussard’s businesses and industries enjoy a large number of inducements designed to attract even the most demanding and discriminating enterprises. Those inducements include an enterprise zone, tax exemptions, state-funded training, right-to-work laws, tax credits, two publicly owned industrial parks, links with venture capital sources, responsible workers compensation rates and industrial revenue bond financing. Nearby private, parochial and public schools offer high quality educational opportunities, as evidenced by high student scores on nationally standardized achievement tests. The Lafayette Parish Public School System is hailed nationwide for its educational excellence and its schools are fully accredited by the Louisiana Department of Colleges and schools.
5	Page 4 Industries old and new line the streets and highways of this thriving community. Along U.S. Highway 90 you will see retail merchants, oil field service companies, high-tech industry, building contractors, motor freight services, equipment and machinery sales, fabrication, industrial supply sales and oil field drilling companies. Wind your way back from Highway 90 into the main part of town and your pass through gently rolling soybean and sugar cane fields. These rich, fertile agricultural lands also have the potential for commercial and industrial development. Like the weather, the business climate in the area is pleasant and warm. Financial institutions and private sources provide ample availability of funding for plant construction or expansions. Research has shown that Louisiana is second in the nation, behind Arizona, in having a value added work force. Manufacturing employees, in other words, are adding much to the economy for every dollar they receive in their production payroll, providing significant contributions to business expansion and production. Manufacturing taxes in Louisiana are the sixth lowest nationwide and the state ranks fourth in the availability and productivity of resources. The state is well-suited for diversified industries and Broussard is the kind of community where industry and commerce can grow in an environment of political hospitality and cooperation. State, parish and city governments are eager to bring new industries into the area and will work to see that your move here is enjoyable and profitable.