Leesville Economic Development leaders have enlisted a national community development firm to help them develop and execute a retail recruitment strategy for the city, according to officials.

Officials with the city’s Planning, Zoning, and Community Development Department announced they have partnered with Retail Strategies to receive guidance in recruiting and expanding businesses within Leesville.

“We have a one-year contract with Retail Strategies to collect economic leakage data and available sites and assist the city in contacting and recruiting businesses to the city of Leesville,” Grant Bush, the city’s director of planning, said.

Bush said Retail Strategies will, on the city’s behalf, attend business summits with Leesville data in an effort to recruit businesses looking to expand. He said that information will include real estate market analysis that identifies areas of opportunity.

“This partnership furthers Leesville’s pursuit to support and build our community resulting in an overall improved quality of life,” Bush said.

Lacey Bacchus, business developer at Retail Strategies, said she believed the city of Leesville has multiple opportunities for new business recruitment.

“Retail Strategies’ partnership will produce positive momentum that will stimulate growth around the city of Leesville,” Bacchus said.