St. John the Baptist Parish will celebrate Economic Development Week, May 7-12.

This celebration was created and is coordinated by the International Economic Development Council and will be the organization’s 92nd anniversary as the largest professional membership organization for economic developers.

Economic development commonly includes the creation of jobs and wealth, and the improvement of quality of life. It also influences growth and restructuring of an economy to enhance the economic well-being of a community.

The week is designed to increase an understanding of economic development’s contribution to the business climate, job retention and growth, tax base and the overall quality of life in Louisiana.

Through the efforts of Louisiana Economic Development, SJBP Economic Development, state and local stakeholders are being connected to a skilled workforce and job seekers to employment that leads to self-sufficiency.

We are getting closer to reaching the goal of providing employment and training skills for all ages, backgrounds and educational levels.

This is indeed something to celebrate and we encourage residents and business owners to join us in the celebration by attending some of the events listed below:

• Monday (May 7) – Economic Development Committee Meeting, noon in the Percy Hebert Building, LaPlace

• Monday (May 7) – Kick-off Reception, 6 p.m., Petra’s Restaurant, LaPlace

• Tuesday (May 8) – Job & Career Fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., REGALA Gym, Reserve

• Wednesday (May 9) – “Taste of Tourism”, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Belle Terre Country Club, LaPlace

• Thursday (May 10) – “A Night of Networking”, 6 to 9 p.m., St. John Theatre, Reserve

• Friday (May 11) – Port of South LA Breakfast, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Port of South LA Guesthouse, Reserve

Please call the Economic Development Department at 985-652-9569 to RSVP and help us spread the word on social media. Use #stjohned and #eddevweek then don’t forget to tag St. John the Baptist Parish in your posts!

Our partnerships in the community and state enable us to provide the best resources possible to our residents and businesses, and we urge everyone to take advantage of all that we have to offer.

For more information, visit laworks.net.

Natalie Robottom is St. John the Baptist Parish President. She can be reached at communications@stjohn-la.gov.