Please allow me to express my gratitude towards all of the business community and citizens throughout the region who supported our May 8-13 participation in the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) National Economic Development Week.

I would like to recognize Parish President Natalie Robottom and the Parish Council for their support of Economic Development in St. John Parish. We are grateful for L’OBSERVATEUR guest columnist participation from Jeff Finkle CEcD, CEO of IEDC, Don Pierson CEcD, Louisiana Secretary of Economic Development, as well as, Chassity McComack Executive Director of River Region Chamber of Commerce.

All are extremely respected in the field of Economic/Small Business Development.

We also would like to recognize the contributions that the Economic Development and St. John National Economic Development Week Committees provided in support of the weeklong programming.

Their support for the preparation of the events, along with their participation, made it a success.

I’m personally appreciative for the tenacity my department staff, as well as the entire St. John staff showed this past week. When we perform these types of events, it takes a collective effort beyond the Economic Development Department.

We would like to take this time to say thanks to the facility management and leadership who served as a host for any of the following events:

Monday – ED Committee Meeting, St. John Community Center, LaPlace

Tuesday – ED Panel Discussion on Technical Colleges, SCL Technical College, Reserve

Wednesday – Port of South Louisiana and ED, Port of South LA Executive Regional Airport

Thursday – Business Regional Networking, Acadiana Cinemas, LaPlace

Saturday- ED & Tourism Week Celebration, San Francisco Plantation, Garyville

The IEDC National Economic Development Week was held during the week of the organization’s 91st anniversary as the largest professional membership organization for economic developers. Typically economic development can be described in terms of objectives.

These most commonly include the creation of jobs and wealth and the improvement of quality of life.

Economic Development can also be described as a process that influences growth and restructuring of an economy to enhance the economic wellbeing of a community.

Although 2017 was the first year Economic Development Week was recognized in St. John the Baptist Parish, this was the second year it was coordinated by IEDC.

More than 75 communities participated in the 2016 campaign and we anticipate when the report for 2017 comes out we will see an increase.

Our partners at IEDC recognized St. John the Baptist Parish on their social media accounts. We anticipate doing more to invigorate the creativity and provide opportunities to assist our business community and entrepreneurial-minded citizens with how to channel their business ideas.

The month of May marks my one year anniversary serving in the Director Role of the Economic Development Department. I am appreciative for the support and participation of the St. John the Baptist Parish small businesses and citizens throughout the duration of this past year.

I ask that before you move forward with starting your business or you are in a slow down period in your business and need assistance, please give me a call. Our department is here to serve you and your business.

Once again thanks.

Jerry W. Jones Jr. is St. John the Baptist Parish Economic Development Director. He can be reached at jerry.jones@stjohn-la.gov. For more information about St. John Economic Development and other available resources, visit opportunitystjohn.com.