St. Landry Economic Development Celebrates Economic Development Week with Full Lineup of Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OPELOUSAS, LA – St. Landry Economic Development is proud to celebrate Economic Development Week, May 4 through 8, 2026, marking 100 years of impact across communities nationwide. This milestone represents a century of growth, opportunity, and collaboration, and SLED is excited to bring a week of engaging events designed to support and strengthen the local business community. 

Throughout the week, SLED will host a series of Lunch and Learn sessions and a networking breakfast aimed at equipping business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders with valuable tools, resources, and connections to move their businesses forward. All events will take place at the Louisiana Equine Sales and Event Center, located at 372 Harry Guilbeau Road in Opelousas. 

Event Schedule: 

May 5, 2026: Lunch and Learn 

• Time: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM 
• Session: Your Workforce Advantage: Practical Programs That Strengthen Your Business Now 
• Presented by Brenda Foulcard, Workforce Director, Workforce Investment Board 40 
• Register here: https://forms.gle/UViM1yp3sxYqLwdL9 

May 6, 2026: Lunch and Learn 

• Time: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM 
• Session: From Idea to Investment: Exploring Funding Opportunities for Entrepreneurs 
• Presented by Heidi Melancon, Louisiana Small Business Development Center 
• Register here: https://forms.gle/iPCAPr8D7wQaoSS39 

May 7, 2026: Networking Breakfast 

• Time: 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM 
• Session: Economic Development Isn’t Just Big Business: St. Landry Parish Cultivating Entrepreneurs 
• Featuring Bill Rodier, St. Landry Economic Development • Lena Charles, Opelousas Downtown Development District • Frank Buddy Helton, Central St. Landry Economic Development District • Brandy Ledet, Louisiana Economic Development 
• Register here: https://forms.gle/Z1tcv3upbbcMmCaJ9 

“This week is about more than celebrating the past; it is about investing in the future of St. Landry Parish,” said Bill Rodier, CEO of St. Landry Economic Development. “We are bringing together resources, expertise, and partnerships that empower our local businesses and entrepreneurs to grow and succeed.” 

Whether you are a business owner, entrepreneur, or community leader, Economic Development Week offers opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. 

SLED encourages the community to take part in this exciting week of events and help celebrate 100 years of economic development by continuing to build a stronger, more vibrant St. Landry Parish. 

For more information, please contact St. Landry Economic Development.

Media Contact: 

St. Landry Economic Development 
Brittany Cretchain 
337-331-2247 
brittanyc@stlandryed.com