Gov. Blanco is working hard to keep business in Louisiana and woo companies there as well. Her three-point economic development encompasses a number of areas. The following outline is from her 2003 campaign. Business Development & Economic Incentives *Appoint and lead a comprehensive business development group, to promote Louisiana regionally, nationally, and internationally as a 21st century business development location and a unique travel, tourism and retirement destination. The group would be comprised of economic, business and labor leaders who are already engaged in that activity in their respective cities and parishes. *Support and implement Louisiana Vision 2020. Our times require that we do things differently "recreating our state as a learning enterprise in which all businesses, institutions, and citizens are actively engaged." *Establish a strong and effective business retention and expansion strategy as stipulated in Louisiana Vision 2020. *Develop a "Building Business In Louisiana" marketing and public relations campaign, linked to the retention and expansion strategy above. *Continue development of the retirement industry in Louisiana, taking advantage of the consumer power of people 55 and over. *Phase out the corporate franchise tax on debt. *Phase out sales taxes on manufacturing machinery and equipment. *Develop a comprehensive statewide community education project that expands assistance to small businesses. *Expand business development programs that encourage the continued growth of small, minority, and women-owned businesses. *Expand business development programs that will assist Louisiana's agriculture community and work to ensure that federal trade policies help not hinder our state's farmers. *Attract business capital for Louisiana companies, through support of current and future legislation that provides incentives for venture capital participation and mandates the incentives benefit Louisiana start-up companies. [email protected]