The oil and gas industry is struggling. But as pointed out by my counterpart from St. Landry Parish, the downturn has presented some opportunities for diversification, ingenuity and growth for several businesses in and out of the sector. Companies are tightening their belts and streamlining processes, finding new markets and adding new lines of business. […]
The Vermilion Economic Development Alliance has one obvious goal. While there are several steps in the process of growing the economy in Vermilion Parish, one of the major aspects is knowing the faces involved in the local business community. Anne Falgout, executive director of the Economic Development Alliance, said meeting the people who make business […]
With Vermilion Parish not immune to the effects of the downturn in the oil and gas industry, economic development will be paramount to the area’s future. Members of FUEL Vermilion gathered Friday at the Abbeville Library to receive some insight on the subject. Anne Falgout, the executive director of the Vermilion Economic Development Alliance, along […]
The Vermilion Parish Job Fair will host a job fair on March 30 at Abbeville High School. Job seekers should bring resumes and dress for success. There will be a job seekers training workshop on March 15 to help everyone prepare. Details on the workshop can be found here. The event will be held from […]
Looking back on 2015, I would define the Vermilion Economic Development Alliance as a “work in progress.” Our organization, and the work that we do, is ever-changing to meet the needs of the community. In the past year we’ve learned about key issues, ongoing problems, probable solutions, and met hundreds of concerned and impassioned people. […]
This has been one of the most exciting and challenging years of my life. Being a part of a fledgling organization that means so much to so many is both overwhelming and rewarding. It’s difficult for one person to set all the things in motion required for success. In fact, that sort of isolationism can […]
There is a resurgence in companies re-opening their United States operations. Whether it’s the weakening of other economies, or availability of opportunity locally, decision makers are increasingly re-shoring – or bringing operations and jobs back to where they originally started. This is great for the nation, state of Louisiana, and ultimately us. Because of this […]
When the goal is successful developing the economy in an area, it’s best when the people vested in that success see the area. One Acadiana, an economic development organization that serves the nine-parish region of Acadiana, allowed an opportunity for a close-up view of Iberia, St. Mary and Vermilion Parishes during its 2015 Building the […]
The old adage “If you’re not growing, you’re dying” is used so much in so many contexts that people often argue who said it. Regardless of who coined the phrase, they’re correct. In business, keeping things the same, or simply not fixing what isn’t broke is no way to succeed. Sure, businesses that value tradition […]
The Abbeville Harbor and Terminal recently received great news from the state. The harbor and terminal is getting a $1.1 million Capital Outlay Grant to help finish bulk heading along the Port of Vermilion. The cost to bulk head the remaining lots is just over $2 million. The harbor and terminal will pay just over […]