SBEDF BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REFLECT ON 2016
CREATE & RETAIN JOBS . BUILD PROSPERITY . IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE
The past two years have generated promising growth for St. Bernard, with construction permits and population figures trending upward. Meanwhile, the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) rebranded, hired new staff, increased funding and won grants. SBEDF is proud of our catalytic role in the development of St. Bernard. Our business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts are robust, responsible for over 300 jobs, collectively. Proactive business concierge services are making “business friendly” synonymous with St. Bernard. And the new Film St. Bernard incentive is bolstering the burgeoning film industry.
Our two flagship programs are strong. Working on the Water, an initiative focused on supporting coastal businesses, hosted numerous events and became a trusted source of information. Startup St. Bernard, an entrepreneurship competition held in conjunction with the Meraux Foundation and The Idea Village, has put St. Bernard on the entrepreneurial ecosystem map and generated tangible business growth including 40 Arpent Brewing Company, Christie’s Dreams Seafood, The Coffee House, and Girls Gone Vegan.
SBEDF has increased St. Bernard’s prominence. Locally, we launched social media platforms and developed targeted email communications. Regionally, SBEDF hosted events to ensure leaders are acquainted with our parish. SBEDF is also well represented in the Super Region (New Orleans/Baton Roug), with participation in the Super Region Committee and Super Region Canvas events. Nationally, we market in farreaching publications targeting industry CEOs, and participate in annual Familiarization Tours with GNO, Inc. aimed at c‐suite executives and site selectors.
Looking forward to 2017, we will continue to build upon our momentum, and plan to introduce new efforts to market the parish for large scale development, help create the next home grown success stories, and attract new retail to improve quality of life.
Join us and follow our vision for a more prosperous St. Bernard. Think Opportunity, Think St Bernard!
Andrew Jacques l Executive Director
Joseph DiFatta l Board of Directors Chairman
