JEDCO

About JEDCO

The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) is an independent, yet complementary arm of Jefferson Parish government. JEDCO’s mission is to build a resilient, equitable, diverse and competitive economy by driving the retention and creation of quality jobs, entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment in Jefferson Parish.  From directing broad economic development initiatives to delivering small business financing, JEDCO is your partner in progress.

JEDCO CORE VALUES

INTEGRITY: We pride ourselves in demonstrating integrity in all that we do with respect and responsibility. By following up and following through, we generate trust within our business community.

DYNAMIC APPROACH: JEDCO is adaptable and progressive. We consistently seek opportunities to deliver creative, innovative solutions to serve the needs of the Jefferson Parish business community.

COLLABORATIVE: JEDCO works to enrich and empower our community through collaborating with key partners and connecting businesses with resources to prosper Jefferson Parish.

SERVICE-ORIENTED: We are funded by the community and serve the community equitably, inclusively, and with dedication to empower all Jefferson Parish companies.

JEDCO’s Role

The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) is committed to helping businesses thrive in Jefferson Parish. Since its inception in 1987, JEDCO has aided thousands of companies through business incubator and loan programs, tax incentives and rebate programs, workforce development and information services. While dedicated to assisting existing Jefferson Parish businesses, JEDCO’s efforts also target the recruitment of new businesses for the area. For more information, please call 504.875.3908.

Business Financing

Resident businesses and companies in Jefferson Parish are eligible for loan programs administered by JEDCO that are designed to meet many financing requirements, including real estate, working capital and equipment. For more information, please call 504.875.3908.

Business Outreach

  • Job Retention and Expansion
    Keeping resident businesses satisfied and healthy, while encouraging them to expand in Jefferson Parish helps create new jobs and private investment. JEDCO’s one-on-one meetings, surveys, referrals and customized assistance are designed to help. For more information, contact Kate Wendel at 504.875.3912.
  • Business Attraction
    Attracting businesses from outside the region is highly competitive. JEDCO develops strategies and incentive packages to promote Jefferson Parish’s positive business climate and attractive quality of life to encourage companies to locate here. For more information, contact Kate Wendel at 504.875.3912.
  • Tax Incentive/Credits/Exemptions/Rebates
    Tax credits for job creation, tax exemptions for manufacturers, rebates of new payroll for qualifying companies, or inventory tax credits for wholesalers and distributors can provide significant savings for qualifying businesses moving to or expanding in Jefferson Parish. Find out if your business qualifies. For more information, contact Margo Ruiz at 504.875.3920.

Economic Development Services

  • Marketing Database
    JEDCO’s marketing database contains a detailed, up-to-date, computerized listing of Jefferson Parish business. This database can help businesses identify local suppliers and buyers, as well as aid you with your company’s marketing efforts. For more information, contact Margo Ruiz at 504.875.3920.
  • New Business List
    JEDCO also publishes a monthly list of new Jefferson Parish businesses. Lists may be purchased individually or as an annual subscription. For more information, contact Margo Ruiz at 504.875.3920.
  • Demographics
    Demographic data is available from JEDCO to aid you in preparing your business plan or deciding on your target market. Census data, traffic counts and Jefferson Parish statistics can also be provided. Additional demographic information is available here on our website. For more information, call (504) 875-3908.
  • Real Estate Database
    Businesses seeking information about available commercial and industrial properties may access this database. The up-to-date listings include warehouse, retail and office space; industrial buildings; and available parcels of land. For further assistance, complete the Sites & Buildings form. For more information, call (504) 875-3908.

Marketing & Public Relations

JEDCO promotes Jefferson Parish’s positive business climate locally, regionally and nationally through targeted media campaigns, tradeshow participation and regular press announcements. Our businesses can also benefit from JEDCO’s marketing expertise, such as the planning of grand openings and ribbon cutting events. Additionally, JEDCO routinely nominates small and large companies for various awards and recognition. For more information, of if you have a media inquiry, contact Kelsey Scram at 504.875.3927.

Forward Jefferson Corporation

Forward Jefferson Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was organized to operate and assist in the economic growth and development of business concerns in the Jefferson Parish area and thereby lessen the burdens of government.  Collaborating with JEDCO, the principle economic development agency for Jefferson Parish, the mission is to proactively influence the economy through the retention and creation of quality jobs, entrepreneurship and investment in Jefferson Parish.  Learn More -> 

Board of Commissioners

The Jefferson Parish Council nominates seven members, the Jefferson Parish president appoints one representative, and 13 board appointees represent area business organizations. Business representatives serve five years, with representatives of the parish council and president serving for the duration of their nominator’s term in office.


Mayra Pineda
Chairwoman
Nominating Entity:
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana

Josline Gosserand Frank
Vice Chairwoman
Nominating Entity:
Greater New Orleans Black Chamber of Commerce

Jim Martin
Treasurer
Nominating Entity:
Jefferson Business Council

Stephen Robinson
Secretary
Nominating Entity:
Parish President Cynthia Lee-Sheng

Mickal Adler
Nominating Entity:
Jefferson Chamber of Commerce East Bank

Jimmy Baum
Nominating Entity:
Councilman Deano Bonano, District 2

Kenneth Bertucci
Nominating Entity:
Elmwood Business Association

Paula Polito
Nominating Entity:
Councilman Hans J. Liljeberg, District 5

Joe Ewell
Nominating Entity:
Councilman Byron Lee, District 3

Michael Fahrenholt
Nominating Entity:
Jefferson Chamber of Commerce West Bank

Billy Douglass
Nominating Entity:
Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken, At-Large Div. A

Brian Heiden
Nominating Entity:
Councilman Marion F. Edwards, District 1

Shondra Williams
Nominating Entity:
Jefferson Business Council

Teresa Lawrence
Nominating Entity:
Women’s Business Enterprise Council South

Melissa O’Neal
Nominating Entity:
Apartment Association of Greater New Orleans

Joseph Riccobono
Nominating Entity:
Metairie Business Development District

Robert Stevens
Nominating Entity:
New Orleans Metropolitan Assn of Realtors

Gene Sausse
Nominating Entity:
Councilman Scott Walker, At-Large Div. B

Melissa Bennett Simeon
Nominating Entity:
Home Builders Association

Teri Tucker
Nominating Entity:
Westbank Business & Industry Association

Lynda Nugent-Smith
Nominating Entity:
Councilwoman Arita M.L. Bohannan, District 4

 

Jefferson Parish Council

The Honorable Cynthia Lee-Sheng: Parish President

1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., 10th Floor
Jefferson, LA 70123
Tel. (504) 736-6400
Fax. (504) 736-6638

The Honorable Jennifer Van Vrancken: At-Large Councilwoman, Division A

1221 Elmwood Park Blvd, 10th Floor
Jefferson, LA  70123
Tel. (504) 736-6615 or (504) 364-2616 (Westbank Office)
Fax. (504) 731-4646

The Honorable Scott Walker: At-Large Councilman, Division B

1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., 10th Floor
Jefferson, LA 70123
Tel. (504) 736-6016 or (504) 364-2624 (Westbank Office)
Fax. (504) 736-6598

The Honorable Marion F. Edwards: Councilman, District 1

200 Derbigny Street, 6th Floor
Gretna, LA 70053
Tel. (504) 364-2607
Fax. (504) 364-2615

The Honorable Deano Bonano: Councilman, District 2

1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., 10th Floor
Jefferson, LA 70123
Tel. (504) 736-6607 or (504) 364-3446 (Westbank Office)
Fax. (504) 731-4433

The Honorable Byron Lee: Councilman, District 3

200 Derbigny Street, 6th Floor
Gretna, LA 70054
Tel. (504) 364-2603 or (504) 736-6591 (Eastbank Office)
Fax. (504) 364-3704

The Honorable Arita M.L. Bohannan Councilwoman, District 4

1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., 10th Floor
Jefferson, LA 70123
Tel. (504) 736-6622
Fax. (504) 736-6639

The Honorable Hans J. Liljeberg: Councilman, District 5

1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., Suite 1014
Jefferson, LA 70123
Tel. (504) 736-6634
Fax. (504) 736-6632

JEDCO Staff


Jerry Bologna
President & CEO

Penny Weeks
Director of Administration and Executive Assistant to President & CEO

Lynnette O’Baugh
Administrative Assistant and Accounting Coordinator

JEDCO Administration


Lacey G. Bordelon
Vice President & COO

Jennifer Wollfarth
Chief Financial Officer

Scott Rojas
Director of Facilities and IT

Neil Scheinder
Director of Churchill Technology & Business Park

Dianne Sclafani
Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Lauren Cashio
Senior Accountant

Economic Development Services


Kate Wendel
Director of Economic and Workforce Development

Margo Ruiz
Economic Information and Incentives Manager

Stacy Rhone
Business Expansion and Retention Specialist

Paul Fischer
Economic Development Specialist

Strategic Initiatives


Annalisa Kelly
Director of Strategic Initiatives and Policy

Bryan Ontario
Strategic Initiatives & Research Specialist

Todd Pereira
Community & Municipal Relations Manager

Industry Recruitment


Janet Galati
Director of Industry Recruitment

Small Business Financing


Jennifer Lapeyrouse
Director of Finance

Huyen Nguyen
Business Development Officer

Jessica Lobue
Finance Operations Manager

Lisa Cabrera
Loan Specialist

Marketing/Public Relations


Kelsey Scram
Director of Marketing and Communications

Anthea Smith
Marketing and Communication Strategist

 

JOIN OUR TEAM

For 35 years, JEDCO has played a key role in the economic vitality of our community. We’re always looking for dynamic, innovative people to join our team.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Public Notifications

2024 Agendas, Meeting Minutes and Recordings

Meeting Date
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Meeting Recordings
September 26, 2024
Meeting Minutes
October 31, 2024
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Meeting Recordings
November 14, 2024
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Meeting Recordings
November 21, 2024
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Meeting Recordings
December 19, 2024
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Meeting Recordings

Click here to view 2023 Agendas, Meeting Minutes and Recordings

Public Notices/Meetings

Meeting Notices
The JEDCO Development Corporation Board of Directors Meeting will be October 8, 2024 at 8:30 AM. Click Here for Notice ->>
The JEDCO Finance Committee Meeting will be October 8, 2024 at 8:35 AM. Click Here for Notice ->>
The JEDCO Nominating Committee Meeting is scheduled for October 31, 2024 at 9:30 AM. Click Here for Agenda ->>

ADA Statement

In accordance with provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2008, as amended, JEDCO shall not discriminate against individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs or activities. If you require auxiliary aids or devices, or other reasonable accommodation under the ADA Amendments Act, please submit your request to the ADA Coordinator of JEDCO at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance or as soon as practical. A seventy-two (72) hour advanced notice is required to request Certified ASL interpreters. JEDCO shall allow any member of the public with a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a designated caregiver of such a person to participate in its meetings via teleconference or video conference as defined in R.S. 42:17.2 when a request for accommodation is made prior to the meeting. Questions and comments will be allowed during the “Public Comments” section of the agenda. Questions and comments may be emailed to the ADA Coordinator in advance of the meeting.

ADA Coordinator/ JEDCO-Scott Rojas 700 Churchill Parkway, Avondale, LA 70094
(504) 875-3916, srojas@jedco.org

Sexual Harassment Policy

JEDCO is committed to a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, which includes harassment on the basis of race, color, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, citizenship status, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, or any other protected status or classification under federal, state and local law. While all forms of harassment are prohibited, it is the policy of JEDCO to emphasize that sexual harassment is specifically prohibited. Click Here for full policy >>>

Contact JEDCO

Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission
700 Churchill Parkway
Avondale, LA 70094 (Get Directions)
Phone: 504-875-3908
Fax: 504-875-3923
Email

Media Inquiries should be directed to Kelsey Scram, Director of Marketing & Innovation
504-875-3927
kscram@jedco.org

SMS Disclaimer:
By providing my phone number to JEDCO, I agree and acknowledge that JEDCO may send text messages to my wireless phone number for any purpose. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency will vary, and you will be able to Opt-out by replying “STOP”. For more information on how your data will be handled please visit Contact – JEDCO.

Privacy Policy:
No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes.