CHALMETTE, LA— The St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) has welcomed Walmart Neighborhood Market to the Parish.
The brand new 42,000 square foot grocery opened Wednesday, January 27, 2016, in Meraux, LA. Immediately adding 95 jobs to the local economy, the market will expand fresh food and grocery shopping options for St. Bernard residents. Walmart’s expansion in St. Bernard demonstrates the Parish’s economic growth and opportunity for business.
“We are thrilled to welcome Walmart Neighborhood Market to St. Bernard,” said Andrew Jacques, the executive director of the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation. “We are keen on improving the quality of life for our residents, and increasing the shopping options for fresh produce and groceries is paramount in those efforts.”
SBEDF reps said they worked closely with the developer of the project, Skilken Properties Co., by connecting them with key contacts in the parish, helping plan the opening ceremony, and linking the developer with local businesses to assist in their marketing efforts.
SBEDF reps said St. Bernard is ripe for commercial development, with a 70% increase in residential construction permits from 2014 to 2015. St. Bernard also had the highest population growth percentage in the state according to the latest U.S. Census estimates released March 26, 2015.
SBEDF is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005 to promote economic development and commercial growth of St. Bernard Parish and to lead the initiation of partnering organizations seeking to improve the quality of life for St. Bernard Parish citizens. To achieve this mission, SBEDF primarily engages in business attraction, retention, and expansion. Additionally, workforce development and policy development are pursued as key initiatives to drive economic development activities. The Board of Directors consists of 28 voting members and 8 non-voting honorary members and public officials, all of which serve as volunteers to the organization. SBEDF’s work is made possible through the general support of its investors, St. Bernard Parish Government, St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District, the Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation and Cox Communications at the Champion Level and the Law Offices of Sidney Torres, III and Associated Terminals at the Pillars Level.
