HAPPY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK May 8-12, 2023

This week, JEDCO joins hundreds of economic development organizations around the world to celebrate the work we do to create jobs, investment, and opportunities in our community. Created by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Economic Development Week recognizes the contributions made by professional economic developers to create more economically vibrant and livable communities. At JEDCO, we not only work to attract new businesses and support the growth and vitality of our existing businesses, but we are also heavily involved in workforce development, education, and quality of life. For over 35 years, JEDCO has helped to shape Jefferson Parish into a destination for global business and a hub for innovation. JEDCO is the longest continuously Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) in Louisiana and the second longest-running AEDO in the Gulf South. It is one of only 71 economic development organizations in North America to receive this prestigious designation. Recent wins include: Working to bring the former Avondale Shipyard site back into commerce. Renamed Avondale Global Gateway, the iconic site is poised to become a multi-modal logistics hub. Global developer T. Parker Host announced plans to moves its headquarters to Avondale Global Gateway earlier this year. Shell and Gulf Wind Technology also announced a partnership to bring a wind power accelerator to the site, which positions Jefferson Parish as a major player in wind power. Attracting and retaining global and national brands like US Foods, Sleep Number, Inland Seafood, and more Financing small businesses and celebrating as they open their doors in Jefferson Parish, including (most recently) Yakuza House, McCord Butchery, and Studio KP. Debbie on the Levee and Kingfish Cider (where we'll be hosting events later this week) were also financed by JEDCO! Supporting the iconic seafood industry with strategic support and the Seafood Assistance Enterprise (SEA) Fund. Assisting in the development of a 1,500-square-foot mid-century model home in Terrytown, part of the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategic Plan to make our neighborhoods and housing stock more desirable for current and prospective residents Driving growth in Churchill Park, a 480-acre, master-planned site on the West Bank that was born out of the first iteration of the Jefferson EDGE, Jefferson Parish's long term economic development strategic plan. JEDCO owns roughly 25 acres of shovel-ready property with big plans for the future. We know that economic development is so much more than business retention and attraction. Our work is about building the foundation of a community where businesses want to be. We're looking at housing, mobility, infrastructure, education, accessibility, and policy. We're connected with partners in all of those areas and so many more. We know that the work we're doing now will have a long-term impact on the future of our business community and economy.

Watch our 2022 Year in Review video for a brief look at some of our most recent wins.

We are proud to be a leader in our industry and honored to serve the Jefferson Parish business community. This would not be possible without our Partners in Progess, the many business leaders, elected officials, organizations, and employees who help drive our economy forward. All week long, we will be hosting events to show our appreciation for the many people who make Jefferson Parish an extraordinary community with vibrant industry and global reach. Be sure to check out our events calendar below to see how we're celebrating. We hope to see you around town!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK EVENTS CALENDAR

JAVA WITH JEDCO SPONSORED BY HELM PAINT

Start your day with JEDCO! We're hosting two buzzworthy events that are all about caffeine, connections, and community – and we’d love for you to be a part of it. At Java with JEDCO, mingle with economic development leaders, partners, and other business owners. Expect engaging conversation, resource sharing, and, of course, free coffee and pastries. We promise it will be a latte fun! Event highlights to perk your interest: FREE coffee and pastries from JEDCO-supported businesses Insider tips from JEDCO experts about how to fuel your business growth  Valuable conversations that could spark your next big collaboration Stop by to say hi and your coffee and pastries are on JEDCO. You can grab your cup of Joe to go or stick around for caffeinated convos. Don’t hit the snooze on this one!

Toast in Gretna Tuesday, May 9, 2023 8am-10am 1711 Hancock St. Gretna, LA 70053 Be one of the first to check out Toast's newest location on the West Bank.

REGISTER HERE

Debbie on the Levee in Kenner Wednesday, May 10, 2023 8am-10am 2118 Reverend Richard Wilson Dr. Kenner, LA 70062 From the makers of Debbie Does Doberge, this Kenner coffee and cocktail shop ups the cool factor in the area.

REGISTER HERE

POURS & PROGRESS AT KINGFISH CIDER SPONSORED BY ECS SOUTHEAST LIMITED Raise a glass to growth as we toast to a thriving economy! You’re cordially invited to join us for an economic elixir mixer as we showcase our recipe for success. This special networking event will be held at Kingfish Cider, a one-of-a-kind, woman-owned, Jefferson Parish gem. Kingfish Cider Thursday, May 11, 2023 4pm-6pm 355 Iris Ave Suite A, Jefferson, LA 70121 Get ready to sip and socialize with economic development partners and changemakers as we celebrate Jefferson Parish’s economic successes, foster connections, and drink to an orchard of opportunities.    Event highlights include:  A taste of Kingfish Cider’s finest craft ciders. First round of drinks is FREE for the first 50 people to arrive, compliments of our sponsor. Be sure to arrive early! Uglee Pizza will be on-site serving up savory wood-fired pies throughout the entire event Engaging conversations with Jefferson Parish’s economic leaders Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to strengthen your network, expand your knowledge, and contribute to the flourishing future of our beloved Parish. Help us get a headcount by registering below! We can’t wait to see you there.

REGISTER HERE

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Follow JEDCO on our social media channels as we spotlight our success stories and impact all week long. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. We'd love to hear what Economic Development Week means to you! Share your business success story or highlight how your organization works with JEDCO to power progress in our Parish. Be sure to use the #EconDevWeek hashtag and tag JEDCO in your comments. We'll be sure to share and spread the word!

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK SPONSORS

About JEDCO The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) is the economic development organization for the parish with the main objective of attracting, growing, and creating new business in the area. JEDCO's mission is to proactively influence the economy through the retention and creation of quality jobs, entrepreneurship, and investment in Jefferson Parish. Located in the growing Churchill Technology & Business Park, JEDCO supports the Jefferson Parish economy through its award-winning economic development services program and a dynamic small business financing arm. Since inception, JEDCO has attracted global brands to the community, including Fuji Vegetable Oil, Sleep Number, Dyno Nobel, and US Foods in recent years. The organization has generated millions of dollars in investment and thousands of jobs in Jefferson Parish. For more information, visit JEDCO.org. About IEDC The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IDCs members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. www.iedconline.org.

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