We can't forget the size of our medical community. We are becoming a major health care provider. It is not just the two hospitals - we are seeing a lot of specialists moving into our area.

Tommy gave me my first chance on stage. And I won't forget it.

When things happen in the core, it has a ripple effect throughout the parish.

You see them clear the land for a subdivision one day, then you see roofs and then they're full. It is not taking years, it is happening practically overnight.

We have been seeing this movement for some time now - our hotels are full, our restaurants, the track is doing great business and not just from locals. We are seeing a lot of people from outside our area coming here. They are shopping in our stores, buying gas at our stations.

This is so significant, but I'm not surprised.