Blog

This year’s EXCEL Class found themselves immersing into Economic Development for their 3rd session of the 2023 program! The class was greeted by Katie Chiasson, Chiasson Consulting and the founder of Leadership EXCEL upon arriving at the Cleco – ULL Alternative Energy Center, a facility conducting research on natural waste products, like rice hulls andRead more

CROWLEY, La. – Supreme Rice, one of the largest rice-milling operations in Louisiana, is investing $16.2 million to develop parboil facilities in Crowley and Mermentau for a new line of ready-to-eat products. The expansion will create 20 direct new jobs, and LED estimates the project will result in 79 indirect jobs, for a total ofRead more

This year’s EXCEL Class found themselves diving into Economic Development for their 3rd session of the 2022 program! The class was greeted by Katie Chiasson, Chiasson Consulting and the founder of Leadership EXCEL upon arriving at the Cleco – ULL Alternative Energy Center, a facility conducting research on natural waste products, like rice hulls andRead more

One Acadiana (1A)’s leadership has announced new appointments to the board. The Board of Directors of the economic development organization and chamber of commerce will focus in 2022 on business development, policy, and membership initiatives. The region’s business leaders invested in 1A have elected 2022 Officers: Chair: Charles Fenstermaker, FENSTERMAKER Chair-Elect: Kathy Healy-Collier, Our LadyRead more

One Acadiana announced on Thursday, June 24, that they, in collaboration with Louisiana Economic Development, will host the sixth cohort of the Acadiana CEO Roundtable program. The 2021 Acadiana CEO Roundtable program will begin on August 5, 2021. CEO Roundtables bring together groups of 15-18 key decision makers from Louisiana-based small businesses 10 times overRead more

Help is available for restaurants, bars, and other similar businesses impacted by COVID-19. The recently passed American Rescue Plan created a new $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), which provides grants to eligible entities like restaurants and bars to cover certain pandemic-related expenses. Date / Time: Monday, May 17 3:30 – 5 p.m. CDT JoinRead more

LAFAYETTE, La. – One Acadiana (1A) and the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center at UL Lafayette (Blanco Center) have signed an agreement to form a strategic partnership to advance the two organizations’ shared missions. Both organizations are engaged on work to improve the policy environment at the local, regional, and state level, and thisRead more

From Chad LaComb, J.D., Economic Development Planner for APC The Acadiana Planning Commission (APC) is excited to announce the publication and release of the new Church Point Opportunity Zone (OZ) Prospectus as part of the InvestAcadiana Opportunity Zone Initiative. InvestAcadiana is a joint initiative of the APC and One Acadiana to promote revitalization investment throughoutRead more

The Acadiana Planning Commission recently hosted a virtual Opportunity Zone Asset Mapping meeting for the Town of Church Point. Kade Jones with APC, “Why are we meeting?  The Acadiana Planning Commission serves the public sector in the planning and implantation of economic, community and transportation development throughout the region known as Acadiana, including the Louisiana parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette,Read more

Company to retain 150 jobs statewide, expand existing facility as 85th anniversary approaches CROWLEY, La. — Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards and Supreme Rice President and CEO Bobby Hanks announced a $20 million expansion of the rice mill’s facilities in Crowley, Louisiana. The project will secure the company’s position as a leading rice processor byRead more