Caddo Parish is teaming up with the City of Shreveport to grow area business. The Shreveport-Caddo Economic Development Authority is very close to forming. Officials are nearing an end to contract agreements. The authority will be headed by a board of local business owners chosen by city and parish leaders. Their job will be to recruit businesses to the area and help sustain and grow those already here.

"We are in competition with other parishes in Louisiana," Caddo Commissioner Lindora Baker said. "So, what we're doing here in Caddo Parish is letting them know we also have something to offer."

The authority will cost $500,000 for salaries and other expenses, like traveling. The city and parish will split the cost.