Impact

Nine Parishes.
One Acadiana.

Background

One Acadiana (1A) is a business-led organization launched in 2015 with a vision to make the Acadiana region one of the most sought-after places in the South for emerging businesses and professional talent.

1A serves as the regional economic development organization for Acadiana, representing over 800 businesses and individuals throughout Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Jeff Davis, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion parishes. In addition, we also serve as the central business organization for the city of Lafayette.

Thanks to the support of 1A investors and the regional business community, the organization has spent the past five years in the execution of a program of work designed to drive the region’s economic prosperity through economic development efforts and through an expansive menu of benefits provided to investors, members, partners, and the business community at large. Over the past five years, 1A has accomplished much with activity indicators such as:

• Engaging with over 720 regional businesses to discuss growth and expansion plans
• Launching the Vibrant Acadiana initiative that focuses on community vibrancy and downtown development as essential to how we compete to attract and retain talent
• Promoting the South Louisiana marketing brand to continue increasing awareness nationally and internationally of our region’s location, assets, and welcoming business environment
• Earning distinctions as a reaccredited Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) and an accredited five-star Chamber of Commerce, making us only one of four organizations across the country to hold both distinctions

However, the most important metrics of 1A’s collective success are the outcomes those activities helped generate, such as:

• $1.6 Billion in New Capital Investment
• 7,188 Total Jobs = 3,291 Direct and 3,897 Indirect
• 1,976 Retained Jobs
• $155 Million in New Annual Payroll

These impactful results are the product of unified strategic efforts in coordination with regional partners throughout the public and private sectors. Going forward, it will take a concerted, consistent and professional effort to build on past success and achieve future results.

Making An Impact

In 2025, 1A will begin a new five-year campaign, focused on improving Acadiana’s business climate through marketing the region, making meaningful and visible improvements, and inspiring substantial community collaboration and engagement to grow our regional economy. Both measurable and accountable, this plan aligns financial and partner organization resources to achieve both synergy and an exponential return on investment.

One Acadiana is now seeking regional community leaders and investors that share in our vision of economic growth and prosperity.

Meet with 1A President & CEO Troy Wayman.