The United Stated Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration recently awarded a $40,000 matching grant through the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission to support ongoing economic development initiatives in St. Bernard Parish which will have a New Orleans regional impact. The principal partners in this grant, the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) and the Nunez Community College Foundation Board, will each contribute a $20,000 match to the grant.
The grant is being awarded to support SBEDF’s Fisheries Moving Forward Project which has the objective of identifying reemployment opportunities for fishermen whose work and employment were displaced by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. This initiative identified three key fields of alternative or ancillary work; namely, Coastal Restoration, Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Fisheries.
Amber Seely-Marks, Director of Economic Development for the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission (NORPC), noted, “ The Fisheries Moving Forward Project has revealed a number of business opportunities which supports the idea that working on the water is an interconnected endeavor that crosses many fields of practice. The diversity of skills and opportunities that exist in working on the water can make a notable impact on economic development if nurtured properly. The NORPC has confidence in the leadership demonstrated by the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation, Nunez Community College, and the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce in leading economic development initiatives and strategies for implementation of the Fisheries Moving Forward Project.”
Ed Shedlock, Assistant Director of the Nunez Community College Entrepreneurship Center stated, “Nunez Community College is committed to developing a center of excellence in St. Bernard Parish focused on modernizing the fishing industry and expanding employment opportunities on the water far beyond traditional fishing activities. The Center will offer training programs to improve the profitability of businesses, as well as provide certification programs that are needed to work in and around the water in eco-tourism and coastal restoration.”
Stephen Reuther, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce, commented, “The St. Bernard Chamber is eager to participate in this initiative knowing that small businesses will have an excellent opportunity to expand and develop, especially in the Eastern part of St. Bernard Parish. The Chamber will support outreach efforts of our partners, and we will lead in the development of a communication platform and materials, using our network and membership to increase the impact of this initiative.” Danny Bourgeois, Executive Director of the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation remarked, “SBEDF’s primary responsibility with this project is to coordinate the work sponsored through this grant funding with the Fisheries Moving Forward Project’s on-going programs. The SBEDF will continue to serve as the primary facilitator for this project through event planning, professional support, and communications with the fishing community.”
There are many other key stakeholders who will serve in an advisory capacity and support the initiatives where appropriate. Specifically, the St. Bernard Parish Government Department of Tourism, The St. Bernard Tourist Commission, Workforce investment Board, Region 1, TruFund, Financial, Louisiana Small Business Development Center, and Louisiana Sea Grant/LSU AgCenter will champion the project by offering experienced personnel and valuable resources.
The project coordinating committee expects the work initiative to commence by August 2014 and continue through December 2015. For additional information on this project, please contact the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation office at 504-277-4009.