Breathing New Life into Campti, Louisiana — A Story of Hope, Resilience, and Renewal

A Town at a Crossroads

Since the summer of 2025, ABS Consulting Services has been honored to embark on a transformative journey with the small, historic town of Campti, Louisiana. Nestled in the heart of rural Louisiana, Campti is a community of roughly 1,000 residents — entrepreneurs, farmers, families — all bound together by a rich heritage and a deep sense of belonging.

But earlier this year, the town faced a devastating blow. The local paper mill, which had been the backbone of the town’s economy for decades, shut its doors. Over 700 residents within city limits suddenly found themselves out of work. The ripple effects were immediate and profound: with jobs lost, basic services became harder to maintain. The town struggled with frequent electricity blackouts and water shutoffs caused by aging infrastructure, and

essential conveniences like grocery stores and gas stations were nowhere to be found nearby.

Mayor Katrina Evans: Visionary Leadership for a New Beginning

Into this challenge stepped Mayor Katrina Evans, a visionary leader determined to not just patch up the town’s problems, but to reimagine Campti as a sustainable, self-sufficient community — one where residents can thrive on their own terms. Her vision was clear: build a resilient city that taps into its unique strengths and resources, creating meaningful opportunities and a better quality of life for its people.

ABS Consulting Services answered that call. We knew this wouldn’t be about quick fixes or temporary band-aids. Instead, our work would focus on creating lasting solutions that empower the community and foster growth from the ground up.

ABS Consulting Services: Partnering for Real, Sustainable Change

From the outset, ABS has worked closely with Mayor Katrina and community stakeholders to bring technology access to the forefront, knowing that in today’s world, connectivity is key to economic progress. We’ve been assisting with grant applications, opening doors to much-needed funding that can support infrastructure improvements and innovative projects.

But perhaps the most exciting part of this journey has been our partnership with Wise Butterfly, a nonprofit specializing in sustainable agriculture. Together, we’re introducing new farming initiatives that bring fresh crops and soil regeneration techniques to Campti’s land. This isn’t just farming — it’s a path toward food security, job creation, and economic independence.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Campti

Mayor Katrina’s vision is not just to open a grocery store within Campti’s limits but to transform the town into a regional hub for quality, locally-grown goods. The plan is to supply neighboring towns and parishes, generating internal revenue that supports municipal services and community development.

What makes this effort truly inspiring is how it builds on Campti’s existing assets. The town still holds many of the licenses and certifications from its paper mill days, as well as the knowledge and skills of residents who know the land and the industry inside and out. By

leveraging these strengths, ABS and Campti are collaborating to create an ecosystem where entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, and community pride grow hand in hand.

This is a story of resilience — of a town determined to rise from hardship and craft a future that’s not only viable but vibrant and self-sustaining. ABS Consulting Services is proud to be part of this ongoing journey, providing strategic support, resources, and partnership that aim to create a new chapter in Campti’s rich history.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue helping Campti take these vital steps toward renewal, sustainability, and hope.