IBM Locates in Monroe to Partner with CenturyLink

The IBM Center in Monroe represents a multifaceted, transformational partnership that will include expanded higher-education programs related to computer science, as well as a major new technology park that will catalyze new economic growth opportunities in Monroe. On February 15, 2015, IBM announced it would locate a 400-Job Application Development and Innovation Center in Monroe, across from CenturyLink on U.S. 165 North. 

The IBM Center will employ a broad range of college graduates and experienced professionals with backgrounds in computer science and other quantitative-intense fields, such as engineering, mathematics and science. NLEP facilitated meetings with higher education partners to support a workforce pipeline of knowledge workers for our emerging technology sector. The IBM announcement highlights the continued influx of technology companies moving to North Louisiana's Innovation Corridor, which stretches from Monroe to Shreveport, LA.  

The IBM Center in Monroe will anchor a new 88-acre, mixed-use development, employing smart-growth principles and will include a complementary mix of residential, commercial and recreational uses. The new development will be located along U.S. Highway 165 directly across from CenturyLink’s corporate headquarters. The State of Louisiana will provide $12 million for construction of new office space for use by IBM, which will become an anchor tenant of the privately developed mixed-use complex. A University of Louisiana at Monroe foundation will own the IBM space and lease that space to the company.