Taimerica Management Company, an economic development firm serving global markets, is working with the community to develop a strategic plan for a new direction forward as it recovers from losing its largest employer and diversifies into a new economy.   

In its first phase, Taimerica identified industry targets based on the strengths of the parish including the natural resources, transportation access, and technically skilled workforce in and around Morehouse Parish. 

Target industries that have a high requirement for skilled trade workers severed by International Paper:

• Basic chemicals
• Ag chemicals
• Animal food
• Steel products
• Boilers and tanks
• Bio-energy companies including ethanol and biodiesel
• Synthetic fuels

One significant aspect of the agricultural base of the community identifies shifting trends toward grain production in the area that may be attractive to emerging industries.