News and Events

Date: August 28, 2025Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Location: St. Landry Economic Development5367 I-49 S. Service RoadOpelousas, LA 70570Sponsored by: St. Landry Economic DevelopmentContinue Reading

Super Bowl LIX brought more than football to New Orleans — it helped deliver one of the largest economic impacts in NFL history, serving as the centerfold of a historic era for Louisiana Economic Development, which has secured nearly $62 billion in new capital investment since the start of Governor...Continue Reading

Louisiana Economic Development, partners and small business leaders from across the state celebrated companies that exemplify Louisiana’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence at the 2025 Spotlight Louisiana Awards on Thursday evening.Held at the historic Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, Spotlight is the marquee event of the Louisiana Growth Network,...Continue Reading

Louisiana is close to doing something long overdue. House Bill (HB) 509 by Representative Pat Moore, which would enhance economic freedom and bring commonsense reform for Louisiana’s hair braiders, recently passed Louisiana’s House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The bill awaits a hearing in the Senate Committee on Commerce. Representative...Continue Reading

It’s one of the most pressing challenges facing communities across the United States: infrastructure readiness. What’s really at stake in the world of pipelines, utilities and energy grids – and how is it impacting site selection?At the Site Selectors Guild 2025 Annual Conference, leading site selectors came together for the...Continue Reading

Accelerate St. Landry provided valuable training to local entrepreneurs in March and April. Participants enjoyed a six-week program of weekly sessions designed to provide each with a firm background on the fundamentals of starting, growing, and scaling a business. St. Landry Economic Development provided the program in partnership with the...Continue Reading

An April seminar held at the St. Landry Economic Development office in Opelousas provided disadvantaged business enterprises, or DBEs, the information they need to access unique growth opportunities fulfilling public contracts. Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, or DBEs, are small businesses with at least 51% ownership by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals...Continue Reading

Vision St. Landry honored local students for their achievements in the Jobs for American Graduates (JAG) program. The event, held at Our Savior’s Church in Opelousas on Tuesday, March 25, celebrated the hard work and dedication of students in St. Landry Parish.JAG offers specialized elective classes and programs to help...Continue Reading

Business Summit 2025 from the St. Landry Chamber of Commerce served as a February highlight in the St. Landry Parish business community. An annual event, this year’s summit convened on Thursday, February 21 at Our Saviors Church in Opelousas and featured panel discussions, a dynamic keynote, and time to connect...Continue Reading

A new $13 million industrial coating plant is set to open in Washington, a town of just over 1,100 residents. Local officials and business owners anticipate a major economic boost as Southland Industrial Coatings brings jobs and investment to the area.The 109-acre facility, currently under construction, will specialize in metalizing,...Continue Reading

Long-awaited renovations are finally getting underway at Donald Gardner Stadium in Opelousas.The groundbreaking took place on Wednesday, February 26, on the multi-million dollar project. It will enhance the facility for high school athletes and the community.The historic stadium is getting a long overdue facelift. Officials said it will spark positive...Continue Reading

Infrastructure and security enhancements across St. Landry Parish are progressing with financial support from the Central St. Landry Economic Development District (CSLEDD). Projects such as improved lighting and security cameras along I-49, water main extensions, and wastewater treatment upgrades are laying the foundation for economic growth and future development. In...Continue Reading

The St. Landry-Evangeline United Way VITA tax season is fast approaching and will offer free tax preparation to residents of both St. Landry and Evangeline parishes. This year, United Way will be offering drop-off/pick-up only.Super Tax Day is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025, with appointments and walk-ins available from...Continue Reading

St. Landry Economic Development, in partnership with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette LEED Center, is excited to announce Accelerate St. Landry 2025 – a comprehensive program designed to support and empower entrepreneurs and small businesses in St. Landry Parish.This program provides valuable resources to help local business owners thrive,...Continue Reading