(Shreveport-Monroe, LA) Kurt Foreman, President of the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, is named among an illustrious group of area leaders in The Shreveport Time's "Ten Leaders Worth Noting." Foreman was honored for his efforts to bring 14 parishes across North Louisiana together to create more opportunities for our region.

"This honor is not really about me. This recognition pays tribute to the work of the NLEP Board of Directors, investors, staff and partners to build a regional economic development group to create new jobs and new possibilities for our communities," said Foreman.

Two local economic groups, one based in Shreveport and another based in Monroe, merged effective January 1st to create the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, a regional economic development marketing group. NLEP's mission is to recruit prospective companies and support existing businesses to encourage more job creation and capital investments in North Louisiana.

"Kurt does an outstanding job in leading NLEP by ensuring he and NLEP market our region effectively," said Kyle McDonald, NLEP Board Chair. "Kurt has built a talented staff that serves a 14-parish region as our primary ‘sales force' for the region."

Among other leaders named in The Time's "Ten Leaders Worth Noting" are Sandi Kallenberg, an avid arts advocate; Lola Kendrick, a champion for education inside Caddo schools; Ginger Clarke, a businesswoman and community volunteer; Jim Henderson, Chancellor for Bossier Parish Community College; Dr. Bernard Kimble, Pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Shreveport; Joe Duke, a juvenile justice reform advocate; Laurie Boswell, an advocate for people with developmental disabilities; Sabrina Brown, Oak Park MicroSociety Elementary School Principal in Shreveport; and John Grindley, co-founder of CoHabitat, which nurtures up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

"It is such an honor for me to be named among such a tremendous group of leaders and visionaries," said Foreman. "All of us in our own way are seeking to build something better for the next generation."

For the last 20 years, The Times has recognized outstanding leaders in the community. The slate of ten was selected by The Times Editorial Board, chosen from nominees put forth by readers and former honorees. The articles featuring Foreman and other leaders appeared in the Sunday, February 6th edition of The Times newspaper.