City of Abbeville Named Louisiana Development Ready Community

ABBEVILLE, La. – Louisiana Economic Development recognized the City of Abbeville as the state’s newest Louisiana Development Ready Community in a ceremony on the Vermilion riverfront Wednesday. The city becomes the 49th participant in the community development program, now in its 14th year.

The Louisiana Development Ready Communities program helps participants prepare and become more competitive for new investment and jobs. The program guides selected communities through the creation and implementation of a strategic plan. By following its plan for multiple years, participants leverage their assets and address their particular challenges to become more competitive in attracting growth to their communities.

“Leaders and public officials in Abbeville have participated in our program and gained knowledge and insights to better position this community for new business attraction and existing business retention,” LED Secretary Don Pierson said. “Across our state, the Louisiana Development Ready Communities program is making a difference. This program is key to building new business investments and securing quality jobs. On behalf of LED, I extend my congratulations to all community and business leaders who have participated in this rigorous program, and who are now better prepared to foster economic growth in Abbeville.”

Abbeville administration and council members, the Vermilion Economic Development Alliance and numerous local civic organizations and business owners were part of the working group that helped secure the LDRC designation. Through the distribution of community surveys, town hall meetings and multiple committee meetings, the team identified strengths and opportunities for additional growth, all directed at positioning the parish for enhanced economic momentum.

“A comprehensive plan is always a good foundation for decision-making policies by every city,” Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza said. “This plan recently adapted by the city council is well organized, assembled through community input and focuses on numerous city services. I look forward to its introduction to our citizens and members of the business community and thank LED for its assistance.”

“I believe this plan is an important first step in tackling the challenges that face our community and impact our local economy,” Councilwoman Roslyn White said. “I will prioritize these goals as we work to better position Abbeville for economic growth.”

“The Vermilion Economic Development Alliance is committed to initiatives like these that improve our community’s overall competitiveness and maximize our chances for success,” said Anne Falgout, director of Vermilion Economic Development Alliance. “The collaboration between our local government, residents and businesses has yielded a great plan for Abbeville that will increase our ability to attract new opportunities and build excitement around our unique assets. We are excited to incorporate the LDRC tools and best practices that Louisiana Economic Development has provided into our economic development strategy.”

For more information about the LDRC program, visit the LED website or contact LED Director of Community Competitiveness Stacey Neal at stacey.neal@la.gov or 225.342.4703.