LR Board of Directors Makes Pledge to Screen for Colorectal Cancer
LOUISIANA REALTORS • February 14, 2017
Governor John Bel Edwards has proclaimed March Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month as part of a nationwide movement to increase awareness and education about colorectal cancer. The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) has established a goal of seeing 80% of Americans age 50 years and older screened by the year 2018.
At LR's annual Leadership Conference, the 2017 Board of Directors in honor of esteemed colleague Dianne McAdams, a colorectal cancer survivor, approved a resolution to pledge and commit to embracing the shared goal of reaching 80% screened for colorectal cancer by 2018.
The Problem: Colorectal Cancer in Louisiana
- Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of cancer deaths for men and women in the United States.
- Between 2008 and 2012, Louisiana had the third highest rate of colorectal cancer in the nation.
- Louisiana was third in the nation for mortality rates due to this disease.
- Colorectal cancer affects men and women equally and in preventable, treatable, and beatable in most cases.
- One in three adults over the age of 50 is not getting tested as recommended by the guidelines.
- The vast majority of colon cancer deaths can be prevented through proper screening and early detection.
- Louisiana’s current screening rate for colorectal cancer is 64.3%. Louisiana has spent approximately $368,994,122 on treatments related to this disease.
If the goal of 80% screened is reached, Louisiana could avert 3,471 deaths due to colorectal cancer, prevent 277,000 new cases, and save millions of dollars associated with treatment costs.
Information and statistics provided by National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable and Louisiana Colorectal Cancer Roundtable. For more information on the initative click here!

Louisiana REALTORS® welcomes SpaceX’s announcement of a more than $100 billion investment to build its largest launch facility in Vermilion Parish, recognizing the historic project as an opportunity to create thousands of jobs while generating significant demand for housing, construction, infrastructure and commercial development across the Acadiana area and Louisiana. According to Louisiana Economic Development, the SpaceX project is expected to create more than 3,000 direct new jobs over the next 10 years, with an average annual salary of $92,600, as well as more than 8,100 indirect jobs. The project is also expected to generate 34,516 construction jobs at peak construction. For Louisiana REALTORS®, the significance of the investment extends beyond the jobs created at the SpaceX campus. Major economic development projects bring new workers, families and businesses to Louisiana, creating demand for homes, rental housing, commercial properties and the infrastructure necessary to support growing communities. “An investment of this magnitude creates opportunities that reach far beyond the project itself,” said Norman Morris, Chief Executive Officer for Louisiana REALTORS®. “Thousands of new jobs mean more families looking for places to live, more businesses needing space and more construction activity to support that growth. Louisiana REALTORS® welcomes this investment because a strong economy and a strong housing market go hand in hand.” The planned SpaceX campus is expected to become the largest spaceport in the world, with capacity to support thousands of launches annually. At full buildout, the site is expected to include five launch complexes with two launch pads each, propellant facilities, power generation, vehicle processing and residential housing for employees and their families. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with initial operations targeted for 2030. The construction component alone represents a significant opportunity for Louisiana's workforce and businesses. LED estimates that the project could support more than 34,000 construction jobs at peak construction, while SpaceX has joined Source Louisiana to provide Louisiana suppliers, contractors and service providers with a pathway to compete for project-related opportunities. “Louisiana has an opportunity to make sure this historic investment translates into lasting opportunities for Louisiana families and businesses,” Morris said. “That includes having enough housing available for the people coming to work here and creating an environment where builders, developers, contractors and real estate professionals can help meet the needs of growing communities.” Louisiana REALTORS® supports continued efforts to prepare Louisiana communities for the growth associated with major economic development investments. Ensuring adequate housing supply, encouraging responsible construction and development and maintaining infrastructure are essential to making Louisiana an attractive place for businesses, workers and families. SpaceX’s investment adds to a historic period of economic development in Louisiana and further establishes the state as a destination for advanced industries, manufacturing, technology and aerospace. LED describes the project as positioning Louisiana as a global hub for next-generation aerospace and a new center of private spaceflight activity. “Louisiana REALTORS® is excited to see what this investment can mean for the future of our state,” Morris said. “When Louisiana wins major economic development projects, our communities have the opportunity to grow with them. We want to see that growth supported by quality housing, strong communities and opportunities for Louisiana businesses.” Louisiana REALTORS® welcomes SpaceX to Louisiana and looks forward to the opportunities this transformational investment can create for Vermilion Parish, Acadiana and communities across the state. Enjoy the video below from the Louisiana Department of Economic Development .





