Jefferson Parish Pulse Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO)

This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we feature an interview with Lisa Barback, Executive Director of the Westbank Business & Industry Association (WBIA). Lisa has been the executive director of the organization for over nine years. WBIA is the premier business organization for the West bank, serving businesses in Jefferson Parish and beyond. This is a member driven organization and the members are so actively engaged in a wide variety of initiatives.
On this episode of the Jefferson Parish Pulse, Lisa talks about some of the hot button issues that the WBIA has set their sights on in recent years, including workforce development and insurance. She also discusses what sets Jefferson Parish apart as a premier destination for business and highlights some of the trends she has seen during her tenure as executive director of this important local business organization.
CLICK HERE to learn more about WBIA.

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On this episode of the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we feature an interview with Dr. Arlanda Williams, Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development and Dean of Delgado's River City Campus. Dr. Williams is an avid champion of economic development and a long-time JEDCO partner. Under her leadership, Delgado continues to lay the foundation for a strong, skilled workforce in Jefferson Parish and around the region. During the interview, Dr. Williams talks about Delgado's vital role in workforce development, the college's out-of-the-box approach to changing the mindset about trade programs, and the value of developing industry partnerships to drive curricula.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Delgado Community College.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Delgado's River City campus.
If you'd like to learn more about JEDCO, CLICK HERE.
To provide feedback about the show or to recommend a guest, email Kelsey Scram, JEDCO Director of Marketing and Communications, at kscram@jedco.org.

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This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we feature an interview with Jefferson Performing Arts Society executive director, Rob DeViney. Rob joined the non-profit arts organization in May 2023. He oversees the JPAS’s day-to-day operations, strategic initiatives, and community partnerships.
JPAS was founded in 1978. It is in its 46th season!! Dedicated to the artistic and cultural enrichment of the entire Gulf South, the organization has kept Jefferson Parish entertained and engaged with a revolving door of plays, musicals, comedy shows, concerts, and more for years. Many of those performances are run right out of the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, a beautiful facility off of Airline Highway.
On this episode of the Jefferson Parish Pulse, Rob and Kelsey had a great conversation about the importance of the arts within educational programming, the value of the arts as an economic development driver, and what Rob is most excited about as he enters his first full season as the JPAS Executive Director.
Want to check out what this season has in store? CLICK HERE to visit Jefferson Performing Arts Society website.
Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube!
Visit JEDCO at www.JEDCO.org.
We would LOVE your feedback. Please send your thoughts, questions and show requests to Kelsey Scram at kscram@jedco.org.

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This week on Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we're excited to rerelease 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 DIANNE SCLAFANI
Dianne is a business speaker, trainer, and consultant specializing in food businesses. She has over 25 years of practical experience in restaurants, foodservice, culinary education, and food manufacturing industries. Dianne has helped approximately 1,000 new and established local business owners strengthen and expand their businesses. She continues to consultant and coach many industries in developing loan packages and investment pitches. In 2015, she developed and instructed the first New Orleans Culinary Entrepreneur Training Program for Capital One’s Investment for Good Program. The following year she created the first Jazz and Heritage Foundation’s Catapult Culinary Entrepreneur Program in 2016, which was repeated in 2018. She also creates restaurant and food manufacturing seminars for the LSBDC clients across the State of Louisiana. Dianne was honored with the prestigious 2016 Louisiana SBDC State Star Award. Her passion is in building relationships with business owners to help them achieve their business vision for success.
Learn more about the LSBDC here. 
Learn more about JEDCO’s Financing options here.
Learn more about JEDCO here.

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This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse powered by JEDCO, we feature an interview with Dr. Daniel Caplan, Medical Director and CEO of Caplan Eye Clinic, and his Director of Surgery, Dr. Brendon Sumich. Caplan Eye Clinic is the oldest eye care practice in the state of Louisiana. The small business, which has changed the lives of hundreds of patients since its inception, was founded in 1938 and is currently celebrating its 85th year in business. 
While it may the oldest eye care practice in the state, the clinic's focus is very much on the future.  Caplan strives to be the leader in eye care, offering the latest and greatest in technology to its patients. In fact, Caplan offers the only office-based cataract surgery suite in the state, drawing patients from all over Louisiana to utilize its quick, efficient, comfortable, and more affordable experience.
Caplan was featured earlier this year on our social media channels. CLICK HERE to see inside Caplan Eye Clinic through this short Small Business Spotlight video. If you're interested in learning more, you can visit their website HERE.
Learn more about JEDCO at www.JEDCO.org.

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This week on the Jefferson Parish Pulse podcast powered by JEDCO, we feature an interview with Jesse Hoppes, co-owner of Leaaf Environmental, a recognized leader in soil, groundwater, and air quality investigations. Leaaf has a long history of minimizing environmental risk for its clients across the Gulf Coast. Jesse had lots to say about Leaaf's work in the Brownfield arena as well as why their work is so important to the economy, how Leaaf's stellar company culture helps attract and retain quality employees, and what makes Gretna a great place to do business.
Want to learn more about Leaaf? CLICK HERE to visit their website.
Interested in learning more about JEDCO? Visit www.JEDCO.org for more information.

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