(Shreveport-Bossier, LA) - The Shreveport-Bossier Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes all of Caddo, Bossier and DeSoto Parishes, is ranked No. 7 among mid-size metros in Forbes' annual "Best Cities for Jobs." According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Shreveport-Bossier MSA saw a .9% increase in job growth from January 2010 to January 2011, moving the MSA up from 12th place last year.

"This is outstanding news and is reflective of our area's commitment to strengthening our local economy by fostering an environment where businesses can flourish and subsequently spur job growth," said Mayor Lorenz "Lo" Walker, Bossier City

Rankings are based on recent growth trends, mid-term growth and long-term growth and momentum. They are further broken down by size — small, medium and large metro areas. Between 2009 and 2010, only 13 of 397 metropolitan areas experienced any growth at all. Once again the best places for jobs tended to be smaller communities where incremental improvements can have a relatively large impact.

"This is another example of how vibrant and attractive Shreveport-Bossier is not only to new businesses seeking to locate here but also to established companies that choose to stay here and expand their operations,'' said Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover. ``I'm encouraged by the positive impact the movie industry and natural gas operations are having in terms of creating new jobs for our area. I expect that trend to continue for years to come.''

In 2010, the North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP), a regional economic development marketing organization and its partners assisted 12 companies that expect to create an estimated 1084 new and retained jobs and invest a projected $150.6 million in capital in the coming years.

"We are fortunate that North Louisiana has a diverse economy, allowing us to weather the recession better than other parts of the country. Where other metros have been losing jobs, North Louisiana experienced a modest job growth due to the uptick in the Haynesville Shale; new business expansions at companies like CQMS Razer, Schlumberger and FracTech; and the rise of the film/digital media industry," said Kurt Foreman, President of the North Louisiana Economic Partnership.

NLEP is a non-profit economic development marketing organization, promoting 14 parishes in North Louisiana as a desirable and profitable business location. The NLEP and its many partners work with both existing companies and prospective employers to encourage incremental capital investment and job creation as a way to build a strong and thriving economy.