Jerry Bologna, JEDCO, Receives New Economic Development Professional Award

Jerry Bologna, Deputy Director of Economic Development Services at the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) was awarded with the Outstanding New Economic Developer of the Year Award by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for his noteworthy emergence as a new force in the field.  The honor was presented at an awards ceremony on Monday, September 19 during the IEDC Annual Conference, September 18-21 in Charlotte, NC.

In addition, Bologna recently completed the requirements to become a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a leading industry designation also awarded by IEDC.

“The Outstanding New Economic Developer of the Year Award honors a professional for exceptional achievements at the dawn of his or her career in economic development, and Mr. Bologna has launched many a triumphant endeavor since his entrée into the business of economic development,” said Dennis Coleman, IEDC chair.

Bologna has been with JEDCO for over 12 years serving in various capacities. Currently, he is responsible for JEDCO’s Business Retention and Expansion Program, a program which garnered international acclaim in 2004 from the IEDC.

“As one of only 29 IEDC accredited economic development organizations, JEDCO is already considered one of the premier organizations in the country. Having Jerry Bologna recognized in this matter, complements the mission of our organization,” said Lucien Gunter, Executive Director, JEDCO.

His contributions to the region’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina have been recognized by both business and political leadership, including members of the US Senate.  He was invited by the Business Civic Leadership Center of the US Chamber of Commerce and the International Economic Development Council to assist in the development of a business and economic recovery plan for Galveston, Texas following Hurricane Ike.  More recently, he was invited again to visit some of the Florida communities hardest hit by the BP oil spill to help craft business recovery recommendations as requested by the White House.

In addition to his work at JEDCO, Bologna serves on the Boards of the Jefferson Chamber and Café Hope. In 2004, he was named by New Orleans Citybusiness as one of the “Top 40 Under Forty.”  He regularly lectures to entrepreneurship classes at the University of New Orleans as well as speaking to various business and civic groups throughout Southeast Louisiana.

Bologna is a graduate of Jesuit High School and the University of New Orleans having received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Major in Management.  He was also a 2004 graduate of Leadership Jefferson.

The IEDC is the premier membership organization dedicated to helping economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions.  Serving more than 4,500 members, IEDC represents the largest network of economic development professionals in the world. IEDC provides a diverse range of services, including conferences, certification, professional development, publications, research, advisory services and legislative tracking.

JEDCO is an independent, yet complementary arm of Jefferson Parish government with the main objective of attracting, growing and creating new business. JEDCO’s mission is to proactively influence the economy through the retention and creation of quality jobs, entrepreneurship and investment in Jefferson Parish.