St. Tammany Parish is synonymous with economic growth, quality of life, and a great system of education. As our culture and identity evolves it requires us to be stewards of this change and use the most experienced of us to shepherd our Parish through this growth. Part of this responsibility requires thatbusiness leaders, public servants and economic development professionals work collaboratively as individuals and institutions to bring about a coordinated effort to manage the growth. 

In order for parish government to fulfill its responsibilities as a partner in job creation, we are creating and staffing a new St. Tammany Parish Department of Economic Development. The critical work of this department will require them to be an advocate for businesses and:

• Work with parish government departments to navigate the regulatory process and ensure infrastructure needs are met

• Work with private property owners for site selection process

• Travel to solicit new businesses and promote job creation in the parish

• Be the liaison with Louisiana Economic Development (LED) and other regional partners

• Executive Director will serve as an ad hoc member of the Northshore Business Council to ensure the coordination of private, public and non-profit groups

Economic Development will finally complete the necessary formula for a comprehensive, competitive and forward thinking job creation effort. As with every great business model, the required investment of money, donated professional services and dedicated energies will pay off with huge benefits. We will cultivate a better trained workforce; gain a competitive edge by having business partners closer and with shorter supply lines; and create an atmosphere where angel and capital financiers are interested in a long term investment. But most of all, we will capitalize on our intrinsic strengths of location, quality of life and a pool of educated professionals who not only want to live, but also work in St. Tammany Parish.