On Thursday afternoon at the Petroleum Club, Rotary members heard a presentation about the economic state. The guest speaker highlighted areas of growth and decline in southwest Louisiana.

Adrienne Slack, Regional Executive of the Federal Reserve New Orleans branch, says tourism is up in Louisiana, as many people travel to and around the state for our many festivals each year. Real estate is another area where experts see continuous improvement since the recession. “The supply of existing housing that was on the market back in 2009 has come down significantly.”

As you may have heard these past few months, there has been a decline or contraction, in the stability of many oil industry jobs.

Slack says, “We are seeing that contraction in deep water, and delays in projects, there’s also been in adjustment in the workforce with oil service companies.” This means layoffs for thousands of employees.

The Louisiana Work Force Commission Diversity Job Fair could not have come at a better time as hundreds of Acadiana residents are hunting for work.

Randy Broussard with the commission says, “Its primary purpose is to meet the needs of our diverse workforce which will become more diverse in the next few years.”

Stephen Adcock, a ten-year oil field employee was laid off five months ago, and is looking forward to gaining employment with at least one of the 70 vendors. “I’ve been on the road heading businesses and businesses and this is just a much easier, more productive way to get across to all the employers.”

Rudolph Archoeis another experienced oil field worker affected by layoffs. After being out of work for several months, he’s confident following Thursday’s job fair. “I’ve seen a lot of people, spoke to them and they seem very interested. I enjoyed talking to them and it gives me hope.”

For more information about the Louisiana workforce commission or upcoming job fairs, visit their website at www.laworks.net.