Destination Elmwood: New retailers arrive on the scene

Article originally appeared in Elmwood Business Association Winter Newsletter

Elmwood Shopping Center plays a vital role in the Jefferson Parish economy. Due to its dozens of retailers and restaurants, the Elmwood Business District is one of Jefferson Parish’s most lucrative shopping locations! In October, Elmwood brought in over $3.6 million in sales tax. That number is estimated to increase in December as shoppers flock to the area to buy holiday gifts.

While the Elmwood Shopping Center is particularly busy during the holiday months, the area always enjoys a steady flow of people shopping, eating, and taking advantage of nearby amenities. Elmwood’s high-traffic location is just one of the reasons why new businesses choose to locate in the area. District Donuts. Sliders. Brew. is one such business.

The New Orleans restaurant, which features a fresh menu of specialty donuts and sliders every day, has started construction on its newest retail location in Elmwood. It is the fourth of its kind in the region and the first to be built in Jefferson Parish.  The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) worked with the District Donuts team to finance nearly 90% of the project, covering leasehold improvements, equipment and working capital.

Retailers and restaurants, like District Donuts, help to drive other types of businesses, such as corporate headquarters, tech companies, wholesalers, and distributors, to the Elmwood area. These businesses enjoy easy access to main thoroughfares and proximity to Elmwood’s many amenities, which include shops and restaurants. Elmwood and Harahan boast a diverse range of industries and businesses, including Panavision, Green Cooling Tower Solutions, SLS Arts, Big Easy Blends, and TriWest Healthcare Alliance.

JEDCO attracted TriWest to Jefferson Parish in early 2016. The company, which provides veterans with access to quality healthcare, hired 285 in its first month of operations. It places a priority on hiring veterans and has been an excellent asset to the community.

JEDCO is an excellent resource for all businesses.  The organization focuses on bringing new business to the region, creating jobs, and supporting existing businesses in the area through a wide array of services, such as site selection, demographic data, tax incentive support, parish interface, and financing.  JEDCO’s staff of economic developers meet with business owners on a yearly basis to assess their companies’ needs and determine the best approach for support. In 2016, JEDCO met with over 100 companies in Jefferson Parish, 13 of them being in Elmwood and Harahan.

JEDCO is available to all Jefferson Parish businesses. If you are interested in learning about how JEDCO can help your business, visit www.jedco.org.