For the first time, the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) traveled to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) RECon, the world’s largest retail real estate convention from May 21-24 in Las Vegas. The annual conference attracted over 37,000 attendees from 58 countries.
Partnering with several local stakeholders, SBEDF showcased the development opportunities in St. Bernard Parish to numerous national retailers and developers. We shared our story of growth, with population and demographic figures all trending in the right direction. We made clear our location in Southeast Louisiana, as Orleans Parish’s closest neighbor and home to a growing number of young families. And we highlighted recent projects from national retailers in the Parish, in addition to sharing the striking number of imminent developments from big names in our pipeline.
Representing St. Bernard Parish at ICSC RECon signified another milestone for SBEDF. By adding this world-renowned conference to our list of major initiatives, the Parish is now competing at a new level in economic development. We are working tirelessly to ensure St. Bernard is front of mind for any retailer or developer expanding in Southeast Louisiana, and we are helping put the Parish on the radar in the long-term growth plans of countless stores.
SBEDF is excited to continue building upon our retail attraction strategy. The mission is simple: avoid sales tax leakage to neighboring parishes, help bring into commerce currently underutilized land, and ultimately improve quality of life for our residents and those living nearby.
We look forward to continuing to build on our momentum for years to come, and cannot wait to share our success stories!
Andrew P. Jacques
Executive Director
St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation
