What a year 2021 has been! From borrowed blooms to biofuel, medical marvels to meat production, South Louisiana has spent this year building better businesses and better lives. As we look forward to a new year of growth, let’s take a brief look back at a few of the major highlights of 2021.
South Louisiana Means Business
In the US, South Louisiana has the
No. 1 Workforce Training Program
No. 2 Lowest Industrial Electricity Rates
No. 6 Speed of Permitting
No. 9 Most Favorable Regulatory Environment
Innovate South attracts innovators, job seekers and medical visionaries
November 3-5, 2021
In its third year, Innovate South attracted innovators, job seekers, and medical visionaries from across the country for its digital three-day event resulting in a total of 222 attendees, 115 job seekers, and seven nationwide healthcare startups. In a shark-tank style pitch competition, Get Started Medical invited the country’s best up-and-coming businesses in the medical industry to pitch their medical device inventions for the chance to win a cash prize. The winner, Kinnos, presented a product which temporarily dyes bleach blue, allowing for a more thorough cleaning process in medical facilities requiring frequent sanitation.
New $150M Lafayette airport terminal to open in January
November 1, 2021
The terminal at the Lafayette Regional Airport could welcome its first flights early next year. Expected to open in January 2022, the new 120,000 sqft terminal will feature more TSA lines, updated bagging equipment, and gates for Delta Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and two additional gates.
Coastal Plains Meat Company Announces $3.5 Million Acquisition and Expansion of Processing Facility in Eunice
September 14, 2021
Coastal Plains Meat Company is making a $3.5 million capital investment in the acquisition and expansion of a meat processing facility in Eunice, Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards and Coastal Plains owner and Chief Operating Officer Chip Perrin announced. The company plans to create 13 new direct jobs and retain 19 employees. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 21 indirect jobs, for a total of 34 new jobs in the Acadiana Region. Coastal Plains estimates its average annual payroll will increase by $1 million.
$3.5M CAPX 13 New Jobs $1,000,000 Payroll
Cajun food products buys $1.2M north Lafayette warehouse
August 24, 2021
After their Broussard facility took damage during Hurricane Delta, Acadian Kitchens was looking to make a move. CEO Paul Leleux decided to consolidate its operations into a building in north Lafayette with plans of adding approximately 30 jobs. Acadian Kitchens produces a variety of Cajun products such as box dinners, seasonings and condiments. This expansion will allow for growth in their offerings with a greater focus on home prepared meals.
Delta Biofuel Proposes $70 Million Renewable Fuel Plant In Jeanerette
July 9, 2021
Gov. John Bel Edwards and Delta Biofuel CEO Philip Keating announced the company is evaluating Iberia Parish, Louisiana, for a planned $70 million renewable fuel plant. The planned production facility would produce biomass fuel pellets made from residual sugarcane fiber, known as bagasse. If located in Louisiana, Delta would create 126 new direct jobs with an average salary of $62,500, plus benefits. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project would also result in 149 indirect jobs, for a total 275 new jobs in the Acadiana region. The production facility’s peak construction would generate up to 100 construction jobs.
$70M CAPX 126 New Jobs $7,875,000 Payroll
LHC Group and SCP Health Partner to Provide Advanced Clinical Care in the Home
July 7, 2021
LHC Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: LHCG) – a national provider of in-home healthcare services and innovations for communities around the nation, and SCP Health – a national clinical leader in acute unscheduled care, announced the formation of a strategic partnership to jointly develop and deliver advanced clinical care services in the home. The partnership will provide a comprehensive offering of clinicians covering all aspects of home health care, including skilled nursing facility (SNF)-at-home and hospital-at-home programs.
Something Borrowed Blooms Announces $1.5M in Series A Funding Led by Callais Capital
June 10, 2021
Something Borrowed Blooms, an online company renting silk flower arrangements for events at a fraction of the cost of a traditional florist, announced a $1.5M Series A funding round led by Callais Capital. Fuding will support the company’s rapid expansion with non-traditional flower arrangements gaining popularity post-covid.
Gov. Edwards, SafeSource Direct And Ochsner Health Announce PPE Production Facilities In Lafayette, St. Martin Parishes
May 3, 2021
Gov. John Bel Edwards joined Ochsner Health President and CEO Warner Thomas, SafeSource Direct CEO Justin Hollingsworth and other officials to announce the development of two manufacturing facilities for personal protective equipment, or PPE. The Acadiana Region projects will create a combined 1,221 new direct jobs, and Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in a combined 992 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 2,200 new jobs.
$150M CAPX 1,221 New Jobs $48,186,500 Payroll
Closing a Chapter
South Louisiana is a region that appreciates its past while looking to the future. As 2021 comes to a close, we recognize the challenges as well as celebrate the opportunities and successes that have been found in South Louisiana.