Accomplishments

St. Bernard Parish, LA. (November 10, 2017) – Canseco’s Market is opening its newest location on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at 6735 St. Claude Avenue in Arabi.  The 11,600-square-foot store will be the company’s fourth location throughout Greater New Orleans.

Tractor Supply Co., the largest rural lifestyle retail store in the U.S., has broken ground on a site in Meraux for a store that will open later this fall. The property was owned by the Meraux Foundation and identified as an ideal location for the new retail store through a site selection program managed by SBEDF.

Meraux Foundation and SBEDF pursued certification to enrich St. Bernard Parish’s economic development resources

What began as a home brewing hobby for Michael Naquin has blossomed into a 6,000 square foot micro-brewing operation nestled in the heart of Old Arabi on the bank of the Mississippi River.         

Founded in 2011, 40 Arpent Brewing Company has provided locally crafted beer to restaurants and bars throughout Southeast Louisiana, but with the completion of a 1,200 square foot taproom, Naquin and his staff look forward to serving their product on site.   

The St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF), the official economic development organization for St. Bernard Parish, today announced its new corporate brand and logo.

The Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation announced today that it has partnered with the artistic team of Erica and Mitchell Gaudet to develop a two block stretch of vacant and underused properties along St. Claude Avenue into Studio Arabi, an “arts campus” that will include studios, galleries, artist residences, and a theatre. Borrowing from creative placemaking approaches, the project will leverage arts and culture as a driver for economic development and enhanced livability in the parish.

Judges announced Christie's Dreams Seafood the winner of the second annual Startup St. Bernard. Christie's Dreams Seafood took home a $110,000 prize package of cash and in-kind services designed to help propel their business to the next level.

J&K Pawn and Jewelry hosted its grand opening featuring refreshments, giveaways and live entertainment the weekend of March 4, 2016.

On October 20, 2015, the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) Executive Director, Andrew Jacques, provided an update to the St. Bernard Parish Council.

Ten years have passed since Hurricane Katrina, and Southern Louisiana is emerging from the storm as a true leader in digital media, workforce development, infrastructure and much more.

SBEDF pens letter to the editor of the Times-Picayune in wake of stories published about St. Bernardians setting down roots elsewhere during coverage of the 10th anniversary of Katrina.

St. Bernard, La. (August 25, 2015) -- Marking the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Andrew Jacques and Chairman Joseph DiFatta provided an update on economic development in St. Bernard Parish to WWLTV.

St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation launches marketing campaign during the 2015 Parade of Homes.

Served as the fiscal agent for a $200,000 grant awarded from the federal Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce’s Recovery Program. This funding was used to assess and stimulate the recovery of commercial fisheries and related entities that were impacted by the Horizon- BP oil spill that occurred in April 2010.

Hosted Grant Business Seminars to assist both local government and non-profit entities with the “Best Practice Techniques” that are a must for securing grant funding. Estimated impact – Over $1 million in grant awards.

Served as the lead liaison for Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Tier’s I and II Grant Programs in promoting grants for local qualifying businesses. EDF hosted a series of business seminars spearheading initiatives whereby resulting in over 300 businesses qualifying to receive a $10,000 grant. Overall economic impact for St. Bernard’s business community over $3 million.