JEDCO Recognizes 2025 Business Award Winners at Annual Luncheon

Local economic development wins, job creation, and business milestones took center stage at JEDCO’s year-end celebration

LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois, GNO, Inc. President & CEO Michael Hecht, and JEDCO President & CEO Jerry Bologna discuss aligning state, regional, and local economic development priorities at the 2025 JEDCO Annual Luncheon.
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(Kenner, LA) — The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) celebrated one of its most impactful years yet at the 2025 JEDCO Annual Luncheon, presented by Gulf Coast Bank & Trust. Held at the Pontchartrain Civic and Convention Center, the event hosted approximately 480 elected officials, regional business leaders, and partners from across the state. Attendees gathered to recognize JEDCO’s award winners and reflect on a year defined by major investment, transformative redevelopment, and strong collaboration.

Each year, JEDCO gives tremendous thought to nominating businesses and individuals that best represent Jefferson Parish’s standard for success. This year’s award recipients played a critical role in driving economic progress and shining a spotlight on Jefferson Parish as an ideal location for business growth.

The HEART Award, representing a Hub for Expansion, Attraction, Retention, and Talent, was presented jointly to Andrew Vincent and Joshua Meche of the Jefferson Parish Schools Workforce Development and Career & Technical Education Team. Serving the largest and most diverse school district in the state, they oversee 11 schools offering high-quality career pathways, dual-enrollment opportunities, and hands-on training aligned with high-demand industries. Their leadership strengthens the parish’s talent pipeline and ensures students graduate truly college and career ready.

JEDCO also recognized Swaybox Studios as Small Business of the Year. Based in Jefferson Parish, Swaybox has pioneered an inventive blend of animation and puppetry used in major films and national commercial productions. The studio is rapidly expanding, with plans for additional space and an in-house training program to cultivate local talent. Swaybox is currently producing a full-length feature film for DC Studios, a project expected to create up to 250 jobs over the next three years. With a potential trilogy deal on the horizon and long-term interest from Warner Brothers, the company is poised to bring even greater visibility and opportunity to the region.

The Chairwoman’s Champion Award was presented by 2025 JEDCO Chairwoman Josline Gosserand Frank to Brad Richard, the Deputy Jefferson Parish Attorney. Known for his responsiveness, ethical leadership, and deep commitment to public service, Richard has played a critical role in advancing numerous economic development projects this year. His work includes supporting the establishment of the new Design District in Old Jefferson; crafting incentive agreements for major investments; developing contracts for the Food & Beverage Innovation Center; supporting federal grant applications; creating procurement documents to attract the first private-sector project in Churchill Park; and guiding the parish through key legal considerations tied to site development and redevelopment. A licensed attorney since 2010 and longtime public servant, Richard also gives back to the community through his service on the Board of Directors for Project Lazarus.

“This year’s honorees set a powerful example of what can be achieved through dedication, innovation, and a shared commitment to community progress,” said JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna. “We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and deeply appreciative of the role they play in advancing Jefferson Parish.”

As a centerpiece of the luncheon, JEDCO premiered an original video developed in partnership with Deep Fried Advertising. The short comedic skit follows Rick and Sandy Fipp, “The Jingle Kings,” as they attempt to craft jingles for some of Jefferson Parish’s most innovative companies. Through this lighthearted storytelling approach, the video highlights the creative spirit and economic impact of JEDCO, Swaybox Studios, Camellia Beans, and Gulf Wind Technology.

WATCH THE JEDCO JINGLE!

The 2025 JEDCO Annual Luncheon underscored the organization’s commitment to driving investment, supporting small businesses, strengthening the workforce pipeline, and positioning Jefferson Parish for long-term prosperity. As JEDCO looks to the future, the organization remains focused on building upon this year’s momentum to continue attracting jobs, expanding opportunities, and making Jefferson Parish a premier destination for business and talent. Major projects and initiatives include:

• UBE Corporation broke ground on its first U.S. manufacturing facility, a $500 million foreign direct investment to produce lithium-ion battery components and strengthen the domestic EV supply chain.
• RNGD opened its new $25 million headquarters in Jefferson Parish, adding 130 new jobs, retaining 265, and establishing a 14-acre campus that includes a 25,000-square-foot Training Academy for the construction workforce.
• Reily Foods relocated its corporate headquarters to Elmwood, retaining 500 jobs and reinforcing the parish as a regional center for food and beverage manufacturing.
• Amazon launched the state’s first Same Day Delivery facility in Jefferson Parish, a 150,000-square-foot investment that has already hired 80 employees and represents continued confidence in the region.
• JEDCO launched Grand Isle Jewels, the new brand for Grand Isle off-bottom oysters, helping revive a once-declining industry and elevate local farmers. Since the launch, national distributor Inland Seafood began working directly with producers, and JEDCO continues to promote the brand statewide and beyond. The project was featured at a national seafood summit.
• JEDCO created the 320-acre Design District to support a growing cluster of design-focused businesses. Companies in the district now have access to specialized JEDCO loans and the Restoration Tax Abatement program to fuel expansion.
• JEDCO advanced several key initiatives at the 480-acre at the Churchill campus, including securing funding for two new roads, preparing an RFQ for a hotel, supporting redevelopment of the Alario Sports Complex to attract youth sports, and completing a new brand and marketing strategy set to launch next year.
• JEDCO selected Eskew Dumez Ripple to design the Greater New Orleans Food + Beverage Incubator, which will offer commercial kitchens and technical support for local food entrepreneurs.

The program included a panel discussion featuring LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois, GNO, Inc. President and CEO Michael Hecht, and JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna. Moderated by Lauren Siegel with TrepWise, the panel centered around how state, regional, and local priorities are aligned to support business growth and community prosperity. The economic leaders discussed emerging opportunities, collaborative strategies, and their collective vision for strengthening Louisiana’s economic future.

Additionally, as part of the event experience, guests were invited to explore the story behind Grand Isle Jewels, the new umbrella brand for off-bottom oysters cultivated off the barrier island. With support from Blue Plate Creamy Cocktail Sauce, JEDCO hosted a “Shuck n’ Tell” raw bar, featuring five Grand Isle off-bottom oyster farmers who shared insights on their craft while serving their harvest fresh from the Gulf. Nearly 500 attendees had the opportunity to sample the Grand Isle Jewels oysters and connect with the coastal heritage that shapes Jefferson Parish’s seafood economy.

JEDCO extends its sincere appreciation to all event sponsors: ArtCo, Bonvenu Bank, Boomtown Casino & Hotel, Clearview City Center, DDG, The Francis in Elmwood, Home Bank, IMTT, Laitram, Metairie Bank, OnPath Federal Credit Union, Perrone & Sons, Reily Foods, RNGD, Treasure Chest Casino, and UBE, and to our longstanding title sponsor, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust, whose continued partnership and generosity help make this event possible.

Need more JEDCO Jingle in your life? You’re in luck. Check out our post-credit sequence with some songs that didn’t make the original cut!