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On this episode of the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we feature an interview with Marguerite Oestreicher, Executive Director of the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. Margurite and her team are driving new and impactful projects across Jefferson Parish. Habitat for Humanity, with support from its many partners, volunteers and donors, is helping to improve housing stock in the area and creating opportunities to make dreams of safe, affordable home ownership possible for more of our residents. Marguerite and talked about several major Habitat for Humanity projects happening in Jefferson Parish right now as well as the urgency surrounding the rebuild in Jean Lafitte, the power of partnerships, and how housing and economic development are directly tied together.  CLICK HERE more information about New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. CLICK HERE to learn more about JEDCO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we interviewed Lisa Barback, Vice Chair of the Jefferson Parish Workforce Development Board, and Darrel Lewis, the One Stop Operator for Jefferson Parish. They talked about the important work being driven by the Workforce Development Board and highlighted the many ways they are serving both job seekers and employers through their vast array of programs. They talked about their employee training programs, access to funding to support job opportunities, and what to expect at the newly reopened Jefferson Parish American Job Center at the Delgado River City Campus. LINKS from today's show: Louisiana Works My Life/My Way Jefferson Parish American Job Center Jefferson Parish Workforce Development Board And don't miss the next Informational Session for employers, training providers, and community organizations, scheduled for September 21, 2022. There are two sessions you can choose from: 9am-10:30am 1pm-2:30pm Both at the JEDCO Conference Center Email NMcKinney@JeffParish.net to sign up. Walk-ins welcome. Learn more about JEDCO here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we interview Ruth Lawson, Jefferson Chamber of Commerce President. The Jefferson Chamber is a Five-Star Accredited organization with a long history of advocating for, educating, and connecting the Jefferson Parish business community. Ruth stepped into the role of President less than a year ago. She has done a tremendous job of carrying the organization forward in its 25th year. We talked about the path that led Ruth to the Jefferson Chamber and the goals she has for the future of the organization. She spoke about how the Chamber works in tandem with JEDCO to support the economic health of the community, which includes a focus on workplace wellness, education, and quality of life. In her role, Ruth is driving advocacy and policy change that helps support and elevate the Jefferson Parish business community. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Jefferson Chamber. CLICK HERE to learn more about JEDCO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we interviewed Jimmy Nguyen, founder and owner of Crawlins Seafood, a new Viet-Cajun seafood restaurant based in Terrytown. The business serves up heaping platters of boiled and fried  seafood, poboys, gumbos, and a rotating lunch menu of specialty items, ranging from red beans and rice and spaghetti and meatballs. Jimmy, a hairstylist-turned restauranteur, worked with JEDCO to launch his new business, bringing to life his longtime dream of owning a restaurant. JEDO team financed approximately 65% of the project. The loan covered purchase of new equipment, leasehold improvements, working capital and inventory costs. Crawlins helped create 15 new jobs in Jefferson Parish. We recorded the interview at Crawlins Seafood, a brightly lit gathering space with a floor-to-ceiling mural depicting key New Orleans landmarks. The business was open at the time, so you may hear the sounds of a swinging kitchen door throughout the interview - among other kitchen sounds. Jimmy talked about how he went from styling hair to running a restaurant, the importance of celebrating his Vietnamese culture through his recipes, and what visitors should try when they stop by Crawlins for lunch or dinner. Follow Crawlins on social media: Instagram Facebook Yelp Learn more about JEDCO at JEDCO.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse, we interviewed Annalisa Kelly, JEDCO Director of Strategic Initiatives and Policy. On any single day, Annalisa may be digging into a project that supports one of Jefferson Parish's targeted industry clusters or focuses in on enhancing transit options for our workforce - and everything in between. Annalisa has hand in many projects - big developments, housing enhancements, new programs for the local seafood industry, transit, Brownfield assessment, and so much more. Annalisa shared some of the major projects she's been working on in recent years and highlighted some of her favorite projects. Annalisa brings a unique perspective and a deep enthusiasm for her work to the organization. Because of that, she has become a key player in the regional economic development industry. Biz New Orleans Magazine took note of Annalisa's role in enhancing the local economy and named her one of the region's most New and Notable leaders, class of 2022. Way to go, Annalisa! New & Notables Article linked HERE. Learn more about JEDCO at JEDCO.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we feature an interview with Kate Wendel, Director of Economic and Workforce Development for JEDCO. Kate has been on the JEDCO team for over five years. She oversees the Economic Development Services Department, or as it was recently rebranded, HEART. The acronym - Hub for Expansion, Attraction, Retention, and Talent - conveys a multi-layer approach to economic development, one that spans everything from recruitment efforts to workforce training. Kate talked about the meaning behind the new brand and how that work impacts businesses across the parish. She also discussed some of her favorite projects, what it's like to have a "JEDCO HEART to HEART," and the many assets that set Jefferson Parish apart from other communities. For more information about HEART, visit the webpage at JEDCO.org/HEART. If you'd like to connect with Kate, email kwendel@jedco.org or call 504.875.3908. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse, JEDCO features an interview with Kyle Gregore, co-founder of Stained Glass Wine House. This military-owned and woman-owned business is a customer-centric, community-focused wine bar based in downtown historic Gretna. The business, which founders say is "upscale, not pretentious", offers a comfortable gathering space where visitors can connect with friends and taste wine from around the world. Kyle talked about how the business came to be, lessons learned after a year of operation, and what it’s like to do business in the City of Gretna. He even offered up a few of his favorite wine and spirit recommendations. Interested in learning more about Stained Glass Wine House? Follow them on social media or check out their website. Links below. Website Facebook Instagram TikTok To learn more about JEDCO, visit our website at JEDCO.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse, JEDCO features an interview with Linn Atiyah, the founder and CEO of Bemana. Founded locally in 2014, Bemana is a recruitment firm specializing in finding and matching the right employees with a long list of equipment, power generation, and industrial businesses across the country. Clients include the nation's leading equipment manufacturers, distributors and dealers, service and repair companies, and industrial end-users. Linn and Kelsey talked about how the business found its unique focus, the value of good company culture, and where Bemana is headed in the future. Bemana Website: LINKED HERE JEDCO Website: LINKED HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we're excited to introduce you to Janet Galati. Janet is JEDCO's Director of Industry Recruitment, a newly-created position to help bring jobs and investment to Jefferson Parish. Janet started out as JEDCO's Strategic Initiatives Specialist over 3.5 years ago and moved into this new role earlier this year. On the show, Janet talks about creating community champions to help Jefferson Parish's story. She also dives deep into the many assets that make Jefferson Parish a global destination for business. Visit JEDCO's website here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse, JEDCO joins communities across the globe to celebrate Economic Development Week. We are excited to relaunch the podcast during such an important week for the economic development industry. Our guest this week is JEDCO President & CEO Jerry Bologna. He talks about how JEDCO helps to create jobs and investment, advance career development opportunities, and improve quality of life in Jefferson Parish. Tune in to hear why JEDCO has become a Hub for Expansion, Attraction, Retention, and Talent and why Jefferson Parish has become a destination for global business. Learn more at JEDCO.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a long hiatus, the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO is back. We're kicking off new full episodes starting next Thursday in conjunction with Economic Development Week. A quick change to our programming schedule. We will be releasing the podcast every OTHER week instead of on a weekly basis, which will help ensure that we can sustain this show for the long run. Expect interviews with the dynamic leaders who help drive the Jefferson Parish economy - from business owners to organization leaders to elected officials. We're excited to be back! Check out our website at JEDCO.org for more about JEDCO's work and how we can support your business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the Season 4 Finale of the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we feature an interview with Dianne Sclafani, a business consultant for the Louisiana Small Business Development Center. Dianne has helped guide many, many businesses to success over the years. She's very good at helping business owners craft their business plans and secure financing. During the interview, Dianne talks about the 5 C's of financing, how to secure access to capital, finding opportunity in the midst of challenges and the many ways that business owners can work with the LSBDC to start up, grow and thrive in Jefferson Parish and beyond. Learn more about the LSBDC here. Learn more about JEDCO's Financing options here. Learn more about JEDCO here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we feature an interview with Lori Weil, owner and director of Creative Dance and Music Studio, which has been in business on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish since 1985. Lori took over the business from her mother in 2004 and has continued to grow it over the years. For a long time, Lori leased a studio space, but she had always dreamed of owning a building. Just a few years ago, that dream became a reality. Lori worked with JEDCO to finance the purchase of land and construction of a studio with lots of space to grow. During this interview, Lori talks about growing up around dance, taking over her mother's business, and learning some big lessons along the way. Learn more about Creative Dance and Music Studio here. Learn more about JEDCO here. Learn more about JEDCO's financing options here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we feature Rafael Carmona, founder of Nola Sports Center. Nola Sports Center is an indoor soccer facility based in the City of Kenner. Rafael's startup story is full of advice for other entrepreneurs. During this interview, Rafael talks about how he navigated the pandemic and kept his doors open, how he made the tough decisions, assumed the risks, and why it has all been worth it. Learn more about Nola Sports Center here. Learn more about JEDCO here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we feature an interview with Carol and Myron LeBrane, founders of LeBrane's Creole Cuisine and Catering. This dynamic husband and wife duo had dreamed of owning a restaurant for years. Timing, fate and faith brought them together and helped them launch and grow their business. Carol and Myron shared how they sought a loan with JEDCO for a small portion of their business. Then, they switched gears when the building they'd been eyeing for years became available. Their vision for a bread pudding business snowballed into a full-service restaurant and event facility on the West Bank. In today's interview, Carol and Myron talk about how their faith is embedded in their work, what it was like to open their business in the midst of a pandemic, and why they chose to launch their business on the West Bank.   Learn more about LeBrane's Creole Cuisine and Catering here. Learn more about JEDCO's financing options here. Learn more about JEDCO here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we feature an interview with Colleen Keogh, founder of Kingfish Cider. This is the first-of-its-kind in Jefferson Parish and one of the few solely woman-owned alcohol producers in the US. In today's interview, you'll learn about how Colleen stumbled upon the hard cider industry while traveling and decided she wanted to bring the concept home to Louisiana. She learned how to make cider and then spent years perfecting it and building the business from the ground up. Last month, Colleen celebrated the grand opening of the cidery with much fanfare. She talks about how she learned the art of cider making, what it means to see her business come to fruition after so many years of planning, and why she chose the name "Kingfish" for the company. Learn more about Kingfish Cider here. Check out the Kingfish Cider Instagram here. Interested in JEDCO's loan programs? Visit our website! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we feature an interview with Jahida Lewis Crawford, owner of the Law Office of Lewis-Crawford. Jahida is an attorney. It is her mission to positively impact and support the people in her community. She has always wanted a career in the justice system. When she decided to open her business, JEDCO loaned her the money to make it happen. On the show, Jahida talks about how she juggles work and family, how her faith guides her decisions, the tramautic medical situation that drove her to launch her own business, and her goals for the future. Learn more about The Law Office of Lewis-Crawford here. Learn more about JEDCO's financing options here. Learn more about JEDCO here.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we feature an interview with Francisco Gutierrez, founder and owner of Agua Fresca Coffee. Francisco owns and operates a coffee farm in Nicaragua and he imports that coffee to New Orleans coffee companies for distribution. Francisco talks about fulfilling his dream of owning a coffee farm, pursuing his many passions in business and juggling multiple jobs. Learn more about JEDCO here. Learn more about JEDCO's loans here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse, we interview Hieu Doan, owner of Boil Seafood House and Hieux Boil Seafood House. Both restaurants offer Viet-Cajun cuisine, a unique spin on traditional Cajun and Vietnamese dishes. JEDCO helped Hieu open Boil Seafood House with an SBA 504 loan, which was used to turn a dilapidated historical building on Magazine Street into a bustling restaurant on one of New Orlean's busiest corridors. Hieu talks about how his childhood informed his decision to open and operate restaurants, how the pandemic impacted business, and what it has been like to see his businesses capture the attention of national foodies. Learn more about Boil Seafood House and Hieux Boil Seafood House. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of the Jefferson Parish Pulse, we interview Jennifer Perkins and Andrew Blackwell, a brother and sister duo who own and operate several Main Squeeze Juice Company franchise locations in the Greater New Orleans region. Andrew and Jennifer got a JEDgrow Loan to help with startup costs for one franchise location and it grew into several more over the years. On the show, we talk about how they got into the world of franchising, their best advice for entrepreneurs, and what it is like to work with JEDCO. Of course, they also answer the very important question regarding their favorite items on the Main Squeeze menu. To learn more about JEDCO, visit our website at JEDCO.org. To learn more about our JEDgrow Loan Program, click here. Craving a delicious smoothie? Main Squeeze Juice Company has got you covered. Check them out here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.