JEDCO Finance Center
700 Churchill Parkway, Avondale
jedco.org // facebook.com/jeffersonparisheconomicdevelopment
For 35 years, the economic development agency JEDCO has served Jefferson Parish’s business community. Originally, its finance center at 700 Churchill Parkway in Avondale was designed for the organization’s staff, but with a remodel this year, the focus has grown to include clientele. To achieve its vision, the leadership at JEDCO worked with AOS Interior Environments. The modern space is open, with an emphasis on function and with collaboration at the heart of the design.
Biz New Orleans: How would you describe JEDCO Finance Center and its core clientele?
Scott Rojas: It is a modern yet timeless space to allow for creative thinking. While the facility was originally designed with staff as its focus, it has also become a big draw for JEDCO’s clientele. The Finance Center is very welcoming and open, which is helpful for the many small business owners and entrepreneurs who visit the facility to seek financing from JEDCO.
What were your goals for the design?
Jerry Bologna: One of the goals of the space was to create a collaborative environment for the JEDCO staff.
Rojas: We also wanted to design a functional modern space that is inviting to staff and guests.
What was the biggest design challenge?
Rojas: The largest challenge was our budget, and we were able to overcome it by repurposing the Dirtt walls. The space used to have 10 small cubicle-like offices in the center of the building with walkways on the outside. We took down the Dirtt walls and reinstalled them along the outside windows to create an open, collaborative environment. The new offices along the outside walls are larger and much more functional.
What is the standout feature of the design?
Rojas: The public area is the central hub of the space. We brought in design elements and colors from JEDCO’s logo to ensure that the space felt on brand. Stadium seating and comfortable couches allow staff to hold informal meetings and brainstorming sessions.
How do you set yourselves apart from organizations doing similar work?
Rojas: JEDCO cultivates an environment in which the team really feels like a family, and they work together as such.
Bologna: As an organization that is dedicated to serving the local business community, customer service is No. 1. This group is dynamic, engaged and service-oriented, which has allowed JEDCO to become a leader in the economic development industry. JEDCO is an internationally accredited, award-winning economic development agency.
Jennifer Lapeyrouse: One of the finance department’s missions is to serve small minority-owned and woman-owned, -controlled, and -operated businesses. It is wrapped into our mission and our vision for the organization. In 2021, 74% of funded loans went to minority-owned and/or woman-owned businesses.
How do you promote a positive work atmosphere for the staff?
Bologna: The JEDCO team is self-motivated and project driven. Leadership creates many opportunities for team building and creative thinking.
Lapeyrouse: The JEDCO finance team is driven by the desire to serve. Our ability to provide small business loans can create the financial opportunities for a business to start up, grow, and thrive in Jefferson Parish and across the state. The work that we do has serious impacts on the lives of small business owners, and we take that charge very seriously.
What are your biggest challenges?
Bologna: JEDCO’s scope of services continues to expand. As we grow our reach, our impact and our services, we also need to grow the JEDCO team. Maintaining the high level of service that the business community has come to know and appreciate while also augmenting staff will be critical for JEDCO’s continued success.
What goals are you looking to meet in the next 12 months?
Bologna: We plan to expand the staff to meet the demands of our current and future Jefferson Parish businesses.
Quick Look
Date of opening
Building opened in 2011, remodeled in 2022
Square footage
12,899 total/4,369 renovated
Persons in Charge
Jerry Bologna, JEDCO president and CEO; Scott Rojas, director of facilities and information technology; Jennifer Lapeyrouse, JEDCO finance director
Architect and Interior Design
VergesRome Architects
Interior Construction and Furnishings
AOS Interior Environments
Project Managers
Matt Rome, AOS Interior Environments
Jacqueline Hemphill, AOS Interior Environments
