On February 11, 2025, JEDCO joined Jefferson Parish and key business and community leaders to celebrate the Bicentennial. The parish’s 200th birthday served as the official kickoff for a year of events, festivities and opportunities to commemorate the rich history and culture, diversity, innovation and resilience that have shaped the parish into a thriving hub for commerce and community.
Over the last 200 years, Jefferson Parish has emerged as the economic engine of the region. The community is distinguished by its rapid development and exponential growth. Strategically located at the crossroads of major international river, rail and air hubs, and spanning three significant bodies of water, JP has become an attractive destination for both national and international enterprises. The area’s unique geographic assets, pro-business climate and unmatched level of accessibility have helped shape Jefferson Parish into a thriving hub for manufacturing, logistics, distribution, healthcare and food production.
Since its founding in 1825, the Jefferson Parish business landscape has shifted to reflect the evolving economic climate. JEDCO expanded our targeted industry clusters to include tech companies and the quickly growing emerging energy sector. In alignment with Louisiana Economic Development, JEDCO and Jefferson Parish are taking an “all of the above” approach to energy, aiming to attract traditional oil and gas companies, as well as those in the renewable energy sectors.
For example, Gulf Wind Technology has become a hub for offshore wind energy development. Located at Avondale Global Gateway, the company positions Jefferson Parish as a leader in wind power. Through collaboration with Shell, Gulf Wind Technology aims to harness wind energy in the Gulf. Earlier this year, in the same week as the official Jefferson Parish Bicentennial, JEDCO joined Cornerstone Energy Park for the groundbreaking of UBE, a $500 million manufacturing facility that will serve the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain in the U.S and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
While Jefferson Parish is embracing new industries that are shaping our global economy, we’re also staying true to our roots. The robust culinary landscape in Jefferson Parish plays a key role in our history. Earlier this year, JEDCO helped cut the ribbon on a second production and distribution facility for Perrone & Sons, a 100-year-old food distributor and manufacturer based in Jefferson. We also launched a new brand for the off-bottom oyster industry in Grand Isle. The Grand Isle Jewels umbrella brand celebrates the history of oyster production on the coast while shining a spotlight on innovative techniques created to sustain the industry long-term.
Late last year, JEDCO received $4 million in grant funding for the design and construction of the Greater New Orleans Food & Beverage Incubator, which will be built in Churchill Technology & Business Park on the West Bank. The 15,000-square-foot facility will serve a critical need in the region and allow homegrown food and beverage companies to thrive.
In an effort to share Jefferson Parish’s story and to promote the area beyond the borders of Louisiana, JEDCO recently launched the “More Here” attraction campaign in coordination with the Jefferson Parish Bicentennial. Centered around the idea that MORE is possible in Jefferson Parish, the campaign shines a spotlight on JP as a renowned global competitor in a variety of industries and a culturally rich, welcoming home where residents can thrive.
We invite visitors to discover more and enjoy more here. We inspire businesses to invest more, build more, and innovate more here. We encourage residents to engage more, celebrate more, and be more here in Jefferson Parish.
Learn more about the Jefferson Parish Bicentennial and JEDCO’s role in the celebration at JEDCO.org/jp200.
Jerry Bologna is president and CEO of Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO). He may be reached via email at jbologna@jedco.org.
