What’s the story—and strategy—behind Ascension Parish’s rapid rise as an economic heavyweight? That’s the focus of this episode of Strictly Business featuring Ascension Economic Development Council President and CEO Kate MacArthur. She breaks down how Ascension quietly became one of Loui siana’s most consequential growth stories—and what business leaders across the Capital Region and beyond should be watching next. The conversation spans everything from the scale and strategy behind the RiverPlex MegaPark to the ripple effects of Hyundai Steel’s multibillion-dollar investment and the growing industrial momentum along the Mississippi River corridor. The episode digs into the harder questions that come with fast growth: how to balance heavy industry with fast-growing residential communities, how infrastructure timing can make or break a deal, and how workforce and power constraints are shaping the next decade of development. MacArthur, who is one of Business Report‘s Influential Women in Business, also addresses why Ascension’s strong school performance and quality-of-life considerations increasingly factor into corporate site-selection decisions. ...read more read less