News and Events

Central St. Landry Economic Development District

Monday, May 27, 2019

The Central St. Landry Economic Development District is creating more opportunities for growth in the Opelousas and St. Landry Parish area by expanding the Economic Development District (EDD). Recent expansion of this district will lead to the development of commercial space for things like shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses. This will increase the workforce and provide more jobs for local and commuting residents. There will also be room for growth in entertainment and leisure for the surrounding communities within the St. Landry Parish region, including room for new entertainment facilities, RV parks, and more! The Central St. Landry Economic...

St. Landry Parish: Follow Us!

Friday, May 24, 2019

The community of St. Landry Parish, located in the heart of Louisiana, has a vibrant culture and is full of opportunities for families and businesses! Whether a business is brand new to the community or is well established, St. Landry Parish prides itself in giving these businesses all the support they need to be successful. Social media is one of the ways we help businesses - by spreading the word about them and our success. We have a Facebook page people can visit to find out more about local businesses and the community in general. We also have a Twitter where...

Industries That Are Thriving in The Parish!

Monday, May 13, 2019

There are several businesses and industries thriving in St. Landry Parish! Located just a few hours from New Orleans, the Parish is home to several communities and businesses that are succeeding and growing. The industries that are thriving in St. Landry Parish are healthcare, startups, food production, retail, advanced manufacturing, and distribution. St. Landry prides itself on being a great place for new entrepreneurs to start a business and encourages forward-thinking and innovative businesses in the region. The industries mentioned are thriving in the parish, and are in competitive fields, but they aren’t the only ones. Support industries are growing around...

New Louisiana Residential Construction Program Begins Registration

Friday, May 10, 2019

Ten-week accreditation course for residential contractors will start in June BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana’s innovative contractor training program is expanding this year to cover the high-demand residential construction field. The Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute will launch a Residential Contractors Seminar to provide foundational technical knowledge essential for a contractor to take advantage of business opportunities within the residential construction industry, from new residential construction to home improvement projects. The program for general contractors debuted in 2016, and its success led to the new seminar that starts in June through the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, or LCTCS. Louisiana Economic Development,...

Community Colleges Teaming With Amazon Web Services To Support Cloud Computing Opportunities Across Louisiana

Thursday, May 09, 2019

LCTCS will work with AWS Educate to create two-year degree program in cloud computing BATON ROUGE, La. — Gov. John Bel Edwards announced a collaboration with Amazon Web Services to unlock new opportunities in cloud computing across Louisiana. As part of the collaboration, each of the 12 colleges in the Louisiana Community and Technical College System will implement AWS Educate, Amazon Web Services’ global effort to support cloud learning for students and faculty across the world. In addition, LCTCS will work with AWS Educate to create an associate degree in cloud computing. The two-year cloud computing degree program will be offered to...

There’s a lot going on in St. Landry Parish!

Monday, May 06, 2019

St. Landry Parish has a lot going on with a growing business sector, professionals growing their careers and young families choosing to make our Parish home! This is the place to read about their successes. The Parish is home to twelve different unique and vibrant communities with a total population of over 86,000 residents and home to more than 2,600 local businesses. Businesses, Entrepreneurs, and Investors alike are encouraged to read about the success of businesses and professionals within the Parish. Our success stories include the building of a $400 million-dollar Hazelwood Energy Hub that will store custom crude oil for...

Louisiana’s historic tax credit is preserving culture

Thursday, May 02, 2019

Program leads to more than $3.7 billion in investments in the rehabilitation of historic buildings over last decade Over the last ten years, from 2009-2018, the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program and the State Commercial Tax Credit Program have resulted in more than $3.7 billion in investments rehabilitation projects in Louisiana. These tax credit programs encourage the preservation and continued use of historic buildings by offering economic incentives for their rehabilitation. A study by PlaceEconomics, from 2007-2016, revealed that every $1 dollar the state of Louisiana provides in commercial tax credits spurs nearly $9 dollars in additional economic activity. That same study showed...

Louisiana’s Agribusiness Sector Expands

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

From sustainable row crops such as sugarcane and soybeans, to world-class fisheries, livestock production and vast forestlands, Louisiana is advancing its agribusiness industry through value-added projects. Home to a strong range of farm and forest firms, Louisiana’s $12 billion agribusiness sector also encompasses food processing, wood and paper manufacturing, and fuel generation. Led by Hunt Forest Products and RoyOMartin expansions, the state’s forest products sector experienced steady growth in 2018. Value-added food projects emerged as well, with US Foods, Riceland Crawfish and Richard’s Cajun Foods launching expansions across Louisiana. Read full article. These insights are brought to you by Bill Rodier, Executive Director, and...

Opelousas mayor explains progress in his first 100 days

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

In Opelousas, Mayor Julius Alsandor addressed the public about the progress made in his first 100 days in office. Alsandor, who was a longtime member of the city council, took office as mayor on January 1. Alsandor says there has been a lot of progress, but some challenges are still present. Read full article. These insights are brought to you by Bill Rodier, Executive Director, and Brandy Ledot, Economic Development Specialist III, of St. Landry Parish Economic Development.

St. Landry Parish Community Profiles

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

St. Landry Parish contains several communities - all are vibrant and unique in our own way. This is why we have created in-depth and informative community profiles for each community located within the parish. On our website, you can find an overview of each community, its demographics and local atmosphere. Readers can view location information, transportation routes and general geographical information for the community. There is also historical information provided along with a brief overview of the culture that thrives in each community. Local business and industry information is also provided. Each community profile also details demographic information such as data on...

Riceland Crawfish Breaks Ground On $3 Million Expansion Of Eunice Facility

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Expansion will include a new 33,000 square-foot facility; project to retain 50 jobs and create 10 new jobs in Acadiana EUNICE, La. — Gov. John Bel Edwards highlighted the announcement from Riceland Crawfish President Dexter Guillory that the company will make a $3 million capital investment to expand its facility in Eunice. Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain joined company leadership, as well as local and regional leaders and economic developers, to break ground on the new expansion. With the new investment, the company will retain 50 jobs and create 10 new direct jobs in Acadiana. Riceland Crawfish is...

LED says robust IT sector is critical for future of state

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Louisiana has scored nearly 100 economic development wins since 2016, creating more than 25,000 new jobs and representing more than $26 billion in capital investment for the state, says Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson. Speaking at the American Council of Engineering Companies of Louisiana’s Project Outlook event this afternoon, Pierson touted those wins as evidence of the state’s vibrant and growing economy and of the success of its support organizations, such as LED, whose goal is to attract and sustain business in the state. “We are hard at work creating more work for you,” Pierson said to the audience of engineering...

Economic Gardening - Jim Malsch

Wednesday, January 09, 2019

LED is encouraging Louisiana companies to apply for the nationally acclaimed Economic Gardening Initiative, which helps second-stage firms gain new markets in other states, thereby generating new sales and importing greater value and income to Louisiana communities. These insights are brought to you by Bill Rodier, Executive Director, and Brandy Ledot, Economic Development Specialist III, of St. Landry Parish Economic Development.

Louisiana Named Top 10 Business State For Eighth Consecutive Year

Wednesday, January 02, 2019

Area Development magazine ranks Louisiana No. 7 among business-friendly states BATON ROUGE, La. — Area Development ranked Louisiana No. 7 in the magazine’s annual Top States for Doing Business report, with the state earning a Top 10 position for the eighth consecutive year. Area Developmentsurveys the nation’s top site selection consultants to produce the annual report. Louisiana, which ranked No. 5 in 2016 and 2017, also placed No. 3 in the nation for Leading Workforce Development programs, and No. 6 in three other categories: Favorable General Regulatory Environment; Business Incentive Programs; and Cooperative and Responsive State Government. “The consistent strength of Louisiana’s business climate...

Parish launches campaign to tell it's 'good' stories

Monday, August 31, 2015

What you're reading now isn't the only place to find good news. Representatives of business, civic, nonprofit, educational and religious institutions in St. Landry Parish have banded together to tell their upbeat stories in a coordinated branding campaign called "We're Moving Forward." "We're going to start telling the good stories about St. Landry Parish," Bill Rodier, director of St. Landry Economic Development, proclaimed during a Thursday morning open house and reception. Click here to read the full artcile »

St. Landry Economic Development Focus on Positives

Monday, August 31, 2015

St. Landry Parish political and business leaders need to forget the days of lost economic opportunities and focus on promoting the area’s attributes, parish economic director Bill Rodier said Thursday. Speaking at a news conference at the St. Landry Economic Industrial Development District office, Rodier announced the launch of a combined effort of parish officials to promote what he said are the “good things” happening in St. Landry. Click here to read the full artcile »

Acadiana Businesses awarded tax incentives

Friday, May 15, 2015

Businesses in nine Acadiana parishes were granted more than $30 million in state tax incentives in 2013 by Louisiana Economic Development, much of them in the form of local property tax exemptions. Click here to read the full artcile »

St. Landry Parish: An Ideal Location for Any Business!

Monday, April 29, 2019

Located in the heart of Louisiana, just an hour away from Baton Rouge and a few hours away from New Orleans, St. Landry Parish is an ideal location for any business! Whether you need to travel to these major cities for work, or your business needs to send products throughout the country, St. Landry has your business covered! The Parish has several major highways running through the region, making ground transportation easier. St. Landry’s Parish also has a busy airport that is located in Opelousas, making air travel easy for businesses and residents of the area. With port channels and active...

LEDA Job Fair 2015

Wednesday, May 06, 2015

Please see link below for further information. Click here to read the full artcile »

Economic development makes plans for property purchase

Thursday, April 23, 2015

With a unanimous decision by its board, St. Landry Parish Economic Development will begin to negotiate for the purchase of property. Click here to read the full artcile »

Young professionals group takes shape

Thursday, April 23, 2015

St. Landry Parish Economic Development (SLED) wants to win over that demographic group, too. Click here to read the full artcile »

SLED, Creating Development Pathways

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Click here to read the full artcile »

Waffle House: Perfect Coffee and Perfect Job

Monday, March 02, 2015

As it relates to economic development, Waffle House to create in excess of 50 direct jobs within the City of Opelousas, La, increasing commerce and value to the city, resulting in positive outlook for future retail growth. Click here to read the full artcile »

St. Landry Parish Event Center project continues to move forward

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

A major expo center for St. Landry Parish is advancing, although state budget issues could become a problem. Click here to read the full artcile »

St. Landry Parish seeks to attract major manufacturing firm

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

St. Landry Economic Development has voted to offer an incentive package that supporters hope will attract a major new business to the south side of the parish. Click here to read the full artcile »

Economic Development seeks to expand rail access

Thursday, December 18, 2014

The arrival of the railroad 120 years ago transformed St. Landry Parish’s economy. Railroads — or at least more railroad spurs —could play an important part in its economic rebirth. Parish Economic Development Director Bill Rodier told his board Tuesday that he is working with four clients interested in locating new businesses in the Opelousas Industrial Park in the coming year, but only if he can help them acquire rail access. Click here to read the full artcile »

Economic development nominates its 2015 leadership

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

The vote won’t happen until December, but it appears the St. Landry Economic Development board will have the same leadership next year as this. Tuesday, the nominating committee issued a unanimous report recommending Andy Dakin to serve as board chairman, Anthony Baltakis as vice-chairman, Roma Dominick as secretary and Tina Vidrine as treasurer. Click here to read the full artcile »

St. Landry Parish Economic Development District seeks Board Members

Wednesday, November 05, 2014

Now that the Opelousas city and St. Landry Parish councils have approved an economic development district for the Harry Guilbeau Road area, the next step will be to name a board to oversee the project. St. Landry Economic Development Director Bill Rodier, who has helped shepherd the project for years, said that should happen later this year or early next year. Click here to read the full artcile »

St. Landry Parish Council Approves Economic District

Monday, November 03, 2014

Please view link below for complete details. Click here to read the full artcile »

Corporation considers Opelousas

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

St. Landry Economic Development has voted to offer a $125,000 incentive in the hopes of attracting a major new corporate headquarters to the parish. “This would almost be a game changer,” said SLED Executive Director Bill Rodier. He argued that “Project Shield” could be as big an economic plum for the parish as the Wal-Mart Distribution Center. Click here to read the full artcile »

Noble Plastics, Inc Business Expansion

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

St. Landry Parish Economic Development (SLED) is proud to announce the expansion of Noble Plastics Inc. Demonstrating perpetual growth since its inception in 2000. Noble Plastics Inc., relocation into the former Yoo-Hoo facility is seen as the next phase in the growing demand of its services. This expansion is great news for St. Landry Parish and shows that our economy is strong, multifaceted and growing. We are proud of Noble Plastics

Unanimously Moving Forward

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

With a unanimous vote the City of Opelousas voted to recommend the creation of the "Harry Guilbeau Area Economic Development District." As a result, the vision for Crowne Parc Community is within our reach. For complete details surrounding Tuesday's meeting please see link below. Click here to read the full artcile »

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