DeRidder was built on timber, logging, and the hardworking people who made this town what it is today. That history is still visible in many of the buildings that line our downtown streets. Over the years we’ve watched pieces of that history disappear, sometimes from neglect, some from fire, and sometimes simply from time.

Very recently, we lost one of the most recognizable landmarks in town, known as Friendly Corner. I stood there alongside my friend and watched his building burn to the ground. His dreams disappeared in a matter of minutes. It’s a terrible feeling to watch something that has stood for generations simply vanish, not to mention the vision he had for this building.

Once it’s gone, it’s gone. That moment reinforced something I’ve believed for years: Our history is worth protecting.

That’s one reason I’ve personally invested in downtown DeRidder by purchasing four buildings so far and renovating three of them so they can once again serve local businesses and our community. The fourth will be started soon! When we restore these buildings, we aren’t just fixing old brick and mortar.

We’re preserving the story of our town.

And when people travel through DeRidder, or when someone visits here for the first time, they should notice that OUR town takes pride in its downtown. When they see the care, the preservation, and the effort we put into maintaining these historic buildings, it tells them something important about our community.

It tells them we care.

That matters to families passing through.
And it matters to businesses and industries that may be considering DeRidder as a place to invest.

We’ve done a great job downtown, and Louisiana Main Street has been an important partner in that effort, helping us preserve our historic character while promoting business, community events, and togetherness.

I fully support new development and new business in DeRidder. Growth is important. But growth and preservation can, and should go hand in hand.

If we care about where we’re going, we must also care about where we came from. Some things cannot be saved, but we should do everything we can to protect the history we still have.

I’ve done my part as an investor in this town, and I’ll continue doing it as long as I am able.

Our heritage deserves to stand just as strong as our future.