Jefferson Parish Pulse Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO)

On this episode of the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we feature an interview with Marguerite Oestreicher, Executive Director of the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. Margurite and her team are driving new and impactful projects across Jefferson Parish. Habitat for Humanity, with support from its many partners, volunteers and donors, is helping to improve housing stock in the area and creating opportunities to make dreams of safe, affordable home ownership possible for more of our residents.
Marguerite and talked about several major Habitat for Humanity projects happening in Jefferson Parish right now as well as the urgency surrounding the rebuild in Jean Lafitte, the power of partnerships, and how housing and economic development are directly tied together. 
CLICK HERE more information about New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity.
CLICK HERE to learn more about JEDCO.

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This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we interviewed Lisa Barback, Vice Chair of the Jefferson Parish Workforce Development Board, and Darrel Lewis, the One Stop Operator for Jefferson Parish. They talked about the important work being driven by the Workforce Development Board and highlighted the many ways they are serving both job seekers and employers through their vast array of programs. They talked about their employee training programs, access to funding to support job opportunities, and what to expect at the newly reopened Jefferson Parish American Job Center at the Delgado River City Campus.
LINKS from today's show:
Louisiana Works
My Life/My Way
Jefferson Parish American Job Center
Jefferson Parish Workforce Development Board
And don't miss the next Informational Session for employers, training providers, and community organizations, scheduled for September 21, 2022. There are two sessions you can choose from:
9am-10:30am
1pm-2:30pm
Both at the JEDCO Conference Center
Email NMcKinney@JeffParish.net to sign up. Walk-ins welcome.
Learn more about JEDCO here.

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This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we interview Ruth Lawson, Jefferson Chamber of Commerce President. The Jefferson Chamber is a Five-Star Accredited organization with a long history of advocating for, educating, and connecting the Jefferson Parish business community. Ruth stepped into the role of President less than a year ago. She has done a tremendous job of carrying the organization forward in its 25th year.
We talked about the path that led Ruth to the Jefferson Chamber and the goals she has for the future of the organization. She spoke about how the Chamber works in tandem with JEDCO to support the economic health of the community, which includes a focus on workplace wellness, education, and quality of life. In her role, Ruth is driving advocacy and policy change that helps support and elevate the Jefferson Parish business community.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Jefferson Chamber.
CLICK HERE to learn more about JEDCO.

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This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we interviewed Jimmy Nguyen, founder and owner of Crawlins Seafood, a new Viet-Cajun seafood restaurant based in Terrytown. The business serves up heaping platters of boiled and fried  seafood, poboys, gumbos, and a rotating lunch menu of specialty items, ranging from red beans and rice and spaghetti and meatballs. Jimmy, a hairstylist-turned restauranteur, worked with JEDCO to launch his new business, bringing to life his longtime dream of owning a restaurant. JEDO team financed approximately 65% of the project. The loan covered purchase of new equipment, leasehold improvements, working capital and inventory costs. Crawlins helped create 15 new jobs in Jefferson Parish.
We recorded the interview at Crawlins Seafood, a brightly lit gathering space with a floor-to-ceiling mural depicting key New Orleans landmarks. The business was open at the time, so you may hear the sounds of a swinging kitchen door throughout the interview - among other kitchen sounds. Jimmy talked about how he went from styling hair to running a restaurant, the importance of celebrating his Vietnamese culture through his recipes, and what visitors should try when they stop by Crawlins for lunch or dinner.
Follow Crawlins on social media:
Instagram
Facebook
Yelp
Learn more about JEDCO at JEDCO.org.

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This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse, we interviewed Annalisa Kelly, JEDCO Director of Strategic Initiatives and Policy. On any single day, Annalisa may be digging into a project that supports one of Jefferson Parish's targeted industry clusters or focuses in on enhancing transit options for our workforce - and everything in between. Annalisa has hand in many projects - big developments, housing enhancements, new programs for the local seafood industry, transit, Brownfield assessment, and so much more. Annalisa shared some of the major projects she's been working on in recent years and highlighted some of her favorite projects.
Annalisa brings a unique perspective and a deep enthusiasm for her work to the organization. Because of that, she has become a key player in the regional economic development industry. Biz New Orleans Magazine took note of Annalisa's role in enhancing the local economy and named her one of the region's most New and Notable leaders, class of 2022. Way to go, Annalisa!
New & Notables Article linked HERE.
Learn more about JEDCO at JEDCO.org.

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This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we feature an interview with Kate Wendel, Director of Economic and Workforce Development for JEDCO. Kate has been on the JEDCO team for over five years. She oversees the Economic Development Services Department, or as it was recently rebranded, HEART. The acronym - Hub for Expansion, Attraction, Retention, and Talent - conveys a multi-layer approach to economic development, one that spans everything from recruitment efforts to workforce training. Kate talked about the meaning behind the new brand and how that work impacts businesses across the parish. She also discussed some of her favorite projects, what it's like to have a "JEDCO HEART to HEART," and the many assets that set Jefferson Parish apart from other communities.
For more information about HEART, visit the webpage at JEDCO.org/HEART.
If you'd like to connect with Kate, email kwendel@jedco.org or call 504.875.3908.


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