JEDCO announces 2024 Economic Development Week event lineup

Taking place from May 6-10, 2024, Economic Development Week was created by the International Economic Development Council to raise awareness of economic development progress and impact

(JEFFERSON, La) – The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) is proud to announce its participation in 2024 Economic Development Week, a global initiative created to recognize and honor the dedicated work of economic developers and their contributions to communities around the world. Sponsored by Avondale Global Gateway, Economic Development Week in Jefferson Parish will create unique opportunities for connection, education, and celebration through a variety of local events.

“We are excited to continue our tradition of joining hundreds of economic development organizations around the country to reflect on our collective achievements and plan for a resilient future,” said JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna. “As one of only 73 accredited economic development organizations in North America, JEDCO is a leader in its industry and a driving force for economic growth in Jefferson Parish. We welcome the opportunity to showcase the important work that this team does to drive innovation, progress, and impact in Jefferson Parish.”

Avondale Global Gateway’s local sponsorship of Economic Development Week has allowed JEDCO to create an impactful event lineup to further its reach with the Jefferson Parish business community.  HOST acquired the former Avondale Shipyard property in 2018 and continues to position the development as a global multimodal logistics hub. It has become a key player in the local economy.

“Over the past five years, since our initial purchase of Avondale, we have valued JEDCO’s partnership at every step as we worked together to revitalize the West Bank of Jefferson Parish,” said HOST Chairman and CEO Adam Anderson. “We are thrilled to sponsor Economic Development Week to highlight hard-working entrepreneurs and the promising future of Jefferson Parish.”

JEDCO has organized events and initiatives designed to coincide with 2024 Economic Development Week, offering a range of seminars and networking events to generate meaningful discussions, build relationships, and answer pressing questions about doing business in Jefferson Parish.

Event Highlights:

Monday, May 6, from 8:30am-10:00am – Java with JEDCO sponsored by Drago’s Seafood: The organization is kicking off Economic Development Week with a morning mixer designed for open dialogue. Mingle with economic development leaders, partners, and other business owners over a steaming cup of coffee and light breakfast offerings from Drago’s Seafood. Space is limited, so sign up early!  REGISTER HERE

Tuesday, May 7, from 9am-noon – Start Here! Your Roadmap to Opening a Business in Jefferson Parish: JEDCO and Jefferson Parish teamed up to host a seminar aimed at helping business owners launch their next business venture in Jefferson as painlessly as possible. Parish officials will break down business owners’ biggest questions and provide the most up-to-date information about how to effectively open, operate, and expand in Jefferson Parish. REGISTER HERE

Thursday, May 9, from 4-6:30pm – JEDCO Happy Hour: Raise a glass to growth as JEDCO toasts to a thriving economy! This special networking event will be held at Stained Glass Wine House in Gretna. Space is limited, so sign up early! REGISTER HERE

All events are made possible through the partnership of local businesses, including Title Sponsor Avondale Global Gateway, and Event Sponsors Drago’s Seafood, ECS Limited, and Stained Glass Wine House.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) created Economic Development Week in 2016 to recognize the work that economic development organizations and professionals do in their communities. IEDC celebrates Economic Development Week every year, highlighting the programs, best practices and exceptional individuals that positively impact life in their communities. In just a few years the event has become one of the most widely recognized awareness weeks of its kind, validating the work of the economic development profession.

“As the local and regional economies evolve, the economic development profession must remain agile and responsive to change. The expertise of dedicated economic development professionals and organizations is vital in cultivating sustainable growth and prosperity,” said IEDC President & CEO Nathan Ohle. “This year’s Economic Development Week will showcase innovative community leadership driving collaboration and creating opportunities in their communities. I hope our communities and economic developers around the world will join us in celebrating the accomplishments of a profession full of passionate changemakers and community builders.”

ABOUT HOST
HOST is a total solutions provider for the maritime industry, specializing in agency services, terminal operations, stevedoring and marine assets. Founded in 1923 and guided by its Core Principles, the company has developed a strong reputation for its expertise, transparency and high standards of service. The entire HOST team focuses on customer needs while adding value to every operation with increased efficiency and tenacity. In 2018, HOST acquired the former Avondale Shipyard located at mile 108 of the Mississippi River with the vision to reestablish its former prominence as a model of redevelopment and ingenuity. In 2022, HOST reopened the site as Avondale Global Gateway, a center of multimodal commerce, employing 300 Louisianians. In 2023, recognizing the success and centrality of the Louisiana sites to HOST’s business, the company relocated its headquarters to Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. Learn more at www.tparkerhost.com.

About the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers typically work for cities, counties, states, public-private partnerships, and chambers of commerce to promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding high-quality jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development work to develop vibrant communities.