We recently attended JEDCO’s Annual Luncheon and walked away inspired by the incredible economic development projects shaping 2025. Here are the key takeaways that have us excited for Jefferson Parish’s bright future:
UBE Corporation
A Japanese chemical company
$500M foreign direct investment, creating 58 direct jobs
First U.S. manufacturing facility for EV lithium-ion battery ingredients—enhancing the domestic supply chain and reducing reliance on foreign imports
Gulf Wind Technology
A $10M investment creating 30 direct jobs with an $83K average salary
Positions Jefferson Parish as a global player in offshore wind power innovation
RNGD
Consolidating operations and establishing its headquarters in Jefferson Parish, set to open in February
$25M investment with 130 jobs created, including a training academy for workforce development
Birdon
A JP-based defense contractor expanding its operations in Elmwood
Secured a $1.1B, 10-year Coast Guard contract, adding 25 new jobs and retaining 12 existing positions
Reily Foods Company
The 123-year-old company behind iconic local food brands is relocating its headquarters to Elmwood
Kingfish Development
Transforming Gretna with a two-story lifestyle development, future home to Port Orleans Brewing Company and Avo Taco
A major public-private partnership anchoring historic downtown Gretna
Bunge
A global agribusiness leader expanding its Avondale facility
$86M investment will increase the local workforce by 10%
Ochsner Health System
Major Projects:
New Children’s Hospital in Jefferson Parish
State-of-the-art Neuroscience Center on Jefferson Highway
A 10-year partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center
Opened the Ochsner Super Clinic at Clearview City Center last year
LCMC Health
$220M in upgrades to East Jefferson General Hospital and other facilities
Added 500 Tulane physicians and medical residents to EJGH
Significant investments in Lakeside Hospital
Treasure Chest Casino
A new land-based casino at Laketown in Kenner
Features 8,000 SF of convention space, four restaurants, and revitalizes the Laketown area with jobs and opportunities
Primary Workspace
A new coworking space in historic downtown Gretna
Located in a transformed schoolhouse vacant for 50+ years
Designed to serve local businesses and drive traffic to the area
The Francis at Elmwood
Redeveloping the former K-Mart at Elmwood Shopping Center into a mixed-use, high-end apartment complex
Aligns with the trend of reimagining shopping centers into walkable, amenity-rich neighborhoods
Swaybox Studios
Announced plans for a big-budget DC Studios film
Will create 240 jobs over three years, opening new opportunities in the local film industry
Rising Oaks
A 40-acre walkable neighborhood in Terrytown
Offers approx. 150 single-family homes and senior housing, with units available through a first-time homebuyer program
Includes schools, healthcare, childcare, retail, and critical services
Greater New Orleans Food & Beverage Incubator
Secured $4.2M in funding for design and construction:
$2M from the Economic Development Administration
$1.5M from Jefferson Parish Council
$500K from Louisiana Economic Development
$200K from JEDCO Development Corporation
These exciting projects demonstrate the strength and innovation driving Jefferson Parish forward!
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