The International Paper Mill in Bastrop received a Lantern Award Tuesday for its spirit of excellence in business and impact on Louisiana's economy for reversing the plant's fortunes in the face of a possible total shutdown in 2007.

The award from Louisiana Economic Development and the Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association was presented in a ceremony at the Governor's Mansion by LED Secretary Stephen Moret.

Accepting the award was International Paper Communications Specialist Rebecca Hudson.

"We are so proud to continue to be a part of economic lifeblood of northeast Louisiana," Hudson told attendees.

Kay King, president of the Morehouse Economic Development Corporation, said, "Becky did a great job representing the mill and accepting the award for International Paper."

The mill has operated continuously since its start-up as a major manufacturing facility in Morehouse Parish in the mid 1920s. Market conditions in the region forced a possible shutdown last year until the company offered to convert the mill to an all-pulp facility, eliminating its long line of paper products and to begin marketing on a global scale.

In October of last year, Moret said employees of the mill voted to take wage reductions and forego planned future increases in exchange for the company's promise to invest money to convert the mill to an all-pulp facility.

The conversion will provide about 540 jobs and generate opportunities for local businesses supporting plant operations.

The mill was also cited Tuesday for providing ongoing community support through extensive donations and community service over the years.

"The mill is a part of the fiber that holds us together," King said. "It was wonderful they could have statewide recognition and we could show our appreciation."

Also representing International Paper was Lee Pittman of company governmental affairs in Memphis. He said the company will invest $10 to $15 million to modernize the plant and redevelop marketing efforts.

Eight Lantern Award recipients were selected from Louisiana's Regional Planning and Development Districts, based on levels of contributions to community growth, job growth and contributions to the community over the past three years.

International Paper received the award for District 8, the North Delta Regional Planning and Development District.

Winners received copper lanterns made by craftsmen from Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights in New Orleans.