AVONDALE, LA – As the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) releases its 2016 Annual Report, 2016 JEDCO Chairman Mark Madderra outlines the organization’s accomplishments in the following statement:
It was an honor to serve as the Chairman of the JEDCO Board of Commissioners in 2016. This organization certainly kept me busy last year with the implementation of action items outlined in the Jefferson EDGE 2020, development of new initiatives, the introduction of prospective businesses, and the addition of new and completed projects to JEDCO's long list of economic development wins.
For example, JEDCO celebrated the commissioning of the Dyno Nobel ammonia production plant at the Cornerstone Chemical Complex. This project was years in the making, starting with a very competitive selection process and the announcement of a feasibility study five years ago. We are proud that Dyno Nobel chose Jefferson Parish for its state-of-the-art facility and thrilled to see the project come to fruition.
JEDCO also spent much of 2016 working on the development of its Housing Stock Enhancement Strategic Plan, which was born out of the Jefferson EDGE 2020. A group of local business leaders with diverse backgrounds spent months identifying opportunities to improve the housing stock in Jefferson Parish. The plan will help our community stay competitive while also meeting the needs of current and future residents.
The JEDCO team deserves credit for an exceptional year; I'm always amazed by how much this organization can accomplish with such a small staff. This group is incredibly dedicated, innovative, and passionate about positively influencing the economy in Jefferson Parish. In 2016, the JEDCO team met with over 110 businesses, financed nine projects for a combined total project cost of $13.1 million, and rolled out its bold new brand. Ninety-eight percent of action items outlined in the Jefferson EDGE 2020 are already underway, a testament to the hard work and vision of this incredible team.
Of course, JEDCO could not move forward without support from our partners. We pride ourselves on our collaboration with elected officials, parish departments, and the business and civic organizations that represent the companies and residents located in Jefferson Parish. With strong community partners, we are able to effect change in our community and develop a stronger, more creative action plan to help Jefferson Parish become the preferred destination for all businesses. The 2016 Annual Report theme, "Infinite Possibilities. One Jefferson," embodies the spirit of unity that makes Jefferson Parish such an excellent place to do business.
2017 marks JEDCO's 30th anniversary. All this year, you can be sure we'll be celebrating the many milestones that have helped shape JEDCO into the dynamic, impactful entity it is today. For 30 years, JEDCO has stayed the course, focusing on its mission to support our local businesses. Retention, expansion and job creation have powered every decision the group has made and that will continue to be the mission moving into the future. We are dedicated to our local businesses and proud to serve them. Thank you for your continued support.
View the 2016 Annual Report here
