JEDCO

Press Releases

Jerry Bologna Wins “40 Under 40” Award in Economic Development

Orlando, Fla. – Jerry Bologna, the executive director of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO), has been selected as a winner in the economic development profession’s “40 Under 40” awards, the first-ever awards program recognizing young talent in the economic development profession.

A five-member selection committee chose the winners from a pool of more than 150 candidates based on their exceptional contributions to the economic development industry. The award’s program was managed by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based firm that specializes in economic development marketing.

A certified economic developer, Jerry has served JEDCO for more than twelve years in various capacities. In January, he was chosen to lead JEDCO as the new executive director of the organization.  Before accepting the new role, he was JEDCO’s Deputy Director, overseeing the JEDCO Business Innovation Center, Marketing, Financing and Economic Development Services, which includes the parish’s Business Retention and Expansion Program. That program previously garnered international acclaim from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). In 2011, Jerry was chosen as IEDC’s “Young Economic Development Professional of the Year.”

Jerry has played a vital role in some of the major business accomplishments in Jefferson Parish in recent years, including bringing the Smoothie King headquarters back to Jefferson Parish, keeping People’s Health in the area and assisting NOLA Motorsports in their plans to develop in Avondale.

Jerry has also been recognized by both business and political leadership for his contributions to business recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He was invited by the Business Civic Leadership Center of the US Chamber of Commerce and the IEDC to assist in the development of a business and economic recovery plan for Galveston, Texas following Hurricane Ike

DCI’s “40 Under 40” award was designed to discover the economic development profession’s rising stars.

“We are so proud that Jerry has been chosen as a recipient of this prestigious award,” says Stan Salathe, JEDCO Board Chairman. “Jerry is an asset to JEDCO and to the community. We are honored to have such a talented individual on our team.”

“The people chosen by the selection committee represent a bright future for the economic development world,” said Andy Levine, president of DCI. “They are a new breed of results-driven, place makers.  We’re very pleased to see Jerry among the winners.”

DCI officially announced the winners Sunday night at an awards reception during the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Leadership Summit in Orlando and will feature an in-depth profile of each on its website during 2013.

For more information on DCI’s “40 Under 40” winners, visit www.aboutdci.com/40under40.

About DCI: Considered the leader in marketing places, Development Counsellors International (DCI) specializes in economic development and tourism marketing.  The agency has worked for more than 400 cities, regions, states and countries since it was established in New York City in 1960. www.aboutdci.com

Close
loading...