AVONDALE, LA – The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) is joining thousands of economic development organizations around the country and internationally to celebrate Economic Development Week – Sunday, May 8, through Saturday, May 14, 2016.
JEDCO reps said the economic development industry has had a major impact all over the world. Economic developers help to create jobs and investment, attracting new businesses and identifying creative ways to retain the companies already in their communities, they said.
This year, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) reached its 90th anniversary. This milestone compelled IEDC to name 2016 the "Year of the Economic Developer."
JEDCO reps said they have supported local businesses for 29 years. They achieved Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) status again in 2015 and has held this prestigious designation since 2008, a recognition shared by only 46 economic development organizations in North America.
JEDCO spearheaded the development of the Jefferson EDGE 2020, the Parish's long-term economic development strategic plan, and reps said they regularly work with local businesses to ensure they have all the tools they need to grow and find success.
How JEDCO is celebrating Economic Development Week:
• On Wednesday, May 11, the Jefferson Parish Council issued a proclamation recognizing this year as the "Year of the Economic Developer" and highlighted JEDCO's achievements.
• Jerry Bologna, JEDCO’s President and CEO, received a 2016 Merit Award from the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) for Excellence in Government. Bologna has been with the organization since 2000, serving JEDCO in a number of capacities. He has been JEDCO’s President/ CEO since 2013.
View a list of other award winners here: www.bgr.org/files/announcements/BGR_Excellence_MediaRelease.pdf
• FreshCane, the 2016 JEDCO Challenge winner, was recognized at the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce's Business Leadership Awards Luncheon. JEDCO reps said they place an emphasis on entrepreneurship and always look for new ways to elevate opportunities for local startups.
• Kate Moreano, JEDCO’s Economic Development Manager, graduated from the Leadership Jefferson Class of 2016 Thursday, May 12. Leadership Jefferson is a nine-month program designed to develop a diverse network of dedicated business and community leaders. Many of JEDCO's employees have gone through this program, including Jerry Bologna (President/CEO), Lacey Bordelon (Vice President), Alberto Queral (Director of Finance), and Kelsey Scram (Marketing & PR Manager).
The next Prosper Jefferson event takes place Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at the JEDCO Conference Center, 701A Churchill Technology & Business Park, from from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Speakers from six organizations dedicated to supporting small business growth in a variety of ways will talk about business resources.
The event is free and open to the public.
