LAFAYETTE, La. – Today, St. Martin Economic Development Authority (SMEDA) with One Acadiana (1A) and SLEMCO announced two sites in St. Martin Parish, totaling 79.80 acres, have been certified under the Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Certified Sites program.
The North Schaefer Site (27.32 acres) and the South Schaefer Site (52.48 acres) bring Acadiana’s total number of certified sites to 27.
Working with partners across the region, One Acadiana’s site development efforts respond to the needs of site selectors’ and relocating businesses. Establishing a landing pad for businesses is crucial to attracting jobs and investment to the Acadiana Region.
“We are thrilled with the addition of the two Schaefer sites to St. Martin Parish’s Portfolio of certified sites,” said Jennifer Stelly, SMEDA’s Executive Director. “SMEDA has made a conscious effort to prioritize site quality in our certification program, and it was a no-brainer when considering these sites. Their proximity to major transportation routes, infrastructure, and established industrial parks make the Schaefer sites extremely attractive and prime for development.”
One Acadiana, SMEDA, and SLEMCO worked together closely to secure the certification of the Schaefer sites. One Acadiana’s Site Development program is designed to increase the region’s portfolio of marketable, development-ready sites by certifying land within the nine-parish region. This is achieved through partnership between One Acadiana, local economic development partners, Louisiana Economic Development, and landowners.
“We congratulate our partners in St. Martin Parish on the certification two Schaefer sites,” said Troy Wayman, President & CEO of One Acadiana. “The site certification program ensures that businesses looking to start, relocate, or expand are presented with marketable sites, which is a critical element in improving Acadiana’s economic competitiveness.”
“Shovel ready Certified Sites are a key component of a community’s economic development arsenal that set them apart from competing locales. SLEMCO congratulates One Acadiana and St. Martin Parish on two Certified Sites that are sure to offer a competitive advantage for new businesses looking to move into the Acadiana area. When a community provides opportunities for job growth, quality of life for it’s citizens closely follows. We appreciate our long-standing community partnership and stand ready to provide reliable and affordable electric power to new and expanding businesses at the new North and South Schaefer Sites.”
Landowners interested in learning more about how the site certification process can make their property more marketable can contact 1A Economic Development Senior Manager, Emile Lege ,at Emile@OneAcadiana.org.
About One Acadiana
One Acadiana is the chamber of commerce for Lafayette and leading economic development organization for the nine-parish Acadiana region located in south Louisiana. The organization is recognized as one of four across the country to hold both an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) accreditation and a five-star U.S. Chamber of Commerce accreditation.
With more than 800 investors, members, and partners, One Acadiana serves as the voice of the regional business community. The organization is located in the city of Lafayette and serves a region of nearly 700,000 people with a vibrant culture and unique entrepreneurial spirit. Learn more at OneAcadiana.org.
About One Acadiana’s Site Development Program
One Acadiana’s Site Development program is designed to increase the region’s portfolio of marketable, development-ready sites by certifying land within our nine-parish region. This is achieved through partnership between One Acadiana, the local economic development partners, Louisiana Economic Development (LED), and landowner.
About St. Martin Economic Development Authority
Established in 1994, the St. Martin Economic Development Authority (SMEDA) is a vital organization committed to fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana. With a mission to stimulate economic development, expand the local tax base, and create sustainable job opportunities, SMEDA plays a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape of St. Martin Parish. Over the past 30 years, SMEDA has worked tirelessly to meet our goals to drive economic development, enhance business opportunities, and build a prosperous future for everyone. For more information please visit www.stmartinparish.biz.