St. Landry Economic Development

09/05/2026

🇺🇸 Labor Day Holiday Closure

Our offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

This closure applies to St. Landry Economic Development (SLED), Opelousas Downtown Development District (ODDD), and Central St. Landry Economic Development District (CSLEDD).

We will reopen Tuesday, September 8, 2026, for our regular business hours.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!

09/03/2026

🏆 Celebrating the Legacy of Bill Rodier

At the 2026 Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development (LEAD) Annual Summit on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, LEAD honored Bill Rodier, former CEO of St. Landry Economic Development (SLED), with the LEAD Lifetime Achievement Recognition.

This prestigious recognition honors Bill for his extraordinary contributions to Louisiana’s economic development profession and a legacy of leadership that continues to inspire future generations.

Bill dedicated his career to advancing economic development and strengthening communities across Louisiana. His leadership, vision, and commitment to serving others left a lasting impact on the profession and on the many people fortunate enough to work alongside him.

SLED is proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition of Bill’s remarkable career and lasting contributions to Louisiana’s economic development community.

Congratulations to Bill Rodier on this distinguished honor and the legacy he leaves behind. His impact will continue to inspire generations of economic development professionals.

09/01/2026

Another great example of economic development in action!

We’re proud to see Opelousas continuing to strengthen its role in Louisiana’s equine industry. The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s annual sale at the Louisiana Equine Sales & Event Center showcases the economic impact and opportunities this growing industry brings to our community.

Read more from CSLEDD about Opelousas’ growing role in Louisiana’s equine economy.

As the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association prepares for its annual sale, the event will once again bring breeders, owners, trainers, buyers and equine industry professionals to Opelousas, reinforcing the city’s growing role as a destination for Louisiana’s horse industry.

08/31/2026

Opelousas is a 2026 Main Street America Accredited community. Celebrate this milestone and discover opportunities for growth in St. Landry Parish. Connect with SLED today! https://www.opportunitystlandry.com/news-and-events/p/item/69068/opelousas-receives-2026-main-street-america-accreditation-honor

08/25/2026

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS — READY FOR MORE CUSTOMERS?

It’s time to turn your goals into action! Join us for “30 Days to More Customers: A Practical Growth Challenge for Small Businesses” — a hands-on workshop designed to help you create a clear plan for growing your business.

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: St. Landry Economic Development
5367 I-49 S. Service Road
Opelousas, LA 70570

Presented by Shawnee Milburn, Owner of Precise Tax & Financial Services, LLC

OPEN TO ALL SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS!

During this workshop, you’ll:
✅ Create a 30-day action plan to attract more customers
✅ Learn practical marketing strategies that work
✅ Build consistency and momentum for lasting growth
✅ Leave with tools, templates, and clear next steps

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take your business to the next level, this workshop will give you practical strategies you can put to work immediately.

Save the date and come ready to grow!

REGISTER HERE:
https://forms.gle/ySRwd8EU2g7sK2Wz6

08/25/2026

BIG NEWS FOR LOUISIANA & ACADIANA!

SpaceX has announced plans for a $100 billion launch facility in Vermilion Parish, creating a major new hub for aerospace and commercial spaceflight.

The project is expected to create 3,000 direct jobs and more than 8,100 indirect jobs, bringing over 11,100 new job opportunities to Acadiana.

This historic investment represents a tremendous opportunity for Louisiana’s economy, workforce, and future. 🌎🚀

08/22/2026

📣✨ YOUR RESUME COULD BE THE KEY TO YOUR NEXT OPPORTUNITY! ✨📣

Is your resume ready for your next job opportunity? Let’s RESUME REFRESH!

St. Landry Economic Development is partnering with Acadiana Workforce Solutions WIB #40 to provide FREE, hands on resume assistance for job seekers!

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: St. Landry Economic Development
(5367 I 49 S. Service Rd., Opelousas, LA)

Bring your current resume and get personalized assistance with:
✅ Resume review and formatting
✅ Highlighting your skills and accomplishments
✅ Tailoring your resume to specific jobs
✅ Making your experience stand out to employers
💻 Laptops and printing will be available!

Whether you’re actively searching for a new job, looking to make your next career move, or simply want to make sure your resume is working for you, this opportunity is FREE and OPEN TO ALL JOB SEEKERS!
Don’t just apply. Make your resume stand out!

For more information: 337-948-1391
Join us and give your resume the refresh it deserves! 💼✨

08/18/2026

📢 SLED IS HIRING: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

St. Landry Parish Economic and Industrial Development District (SLED) is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and results oriented leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer.

This is more than a leadership position. It is an opportunity to help shape the economic future of St. Landry Parish.

The next CEO will lead SLED’s economic development strategy, serve as a chief economic development ambassador for St. Landry Parish, build relationships with business and community leaders, recruit new investment, support existing industries, and advance workforce, entrepreneurship, redevelopment, and community development initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have:
✔️ A passion for economic and community development
✔️ Proven executive leadership experience
✔️ Strong relationship and consensus building skills
✔️ Excellent communication and public speaking abilities
✔️ Experience working with boards, elected officials, and public private partnerships
✔️ Strong business development and project management skills
✔️ Financial and organizational management experience

A bachelor's degree in a related field and a minimum of five years of economic development organizational leadership experience at the executive, director, or senior management level are required. A master's degree and professional economic development certifications are highly desirable.

Base Salary: $125,000 minimum, with higher compensation considered based on experience and qualifications, plus a competitive benefits package.

Local Residency: Preference will be given to candidates who reside in St. Landry Parish or the greater Acadiana region, or who are willing to relocate within six months of their start date.

Application Deadline: October 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and current resume to [email protected]. The letter should address your interest in the position, experience that prepares you for the role, and your vision for advancing economic development in St. Landry Parish.

View the full position announcement and application details:
https://www.sedc.org/news/chief-executive-officer-st-landry-parish-economic-and-industrial-development-district-sledSLED

Help us spread the word and share this opportunity with qualified economic development leaders who are ready to help shape the next chapter of St. Landry Parish.

The St. Landry Parish Economic and Industrial Development District (SLED) in Louisiana is hiring a Chief Executive Officer to direct parishwide growth initiatives. www.sedc.org/news/career-center

08/03/2026

Congratulations to Champagne's Marché-Leonville on 100 Years of Service!

St. Landry Economic Development proudly congratulates Champagne's Marché Leonville on celebrating an incredible 100 years of serving the community during its Centennial Celebration!

For a century, the Champagne family has been a cornerstone of Leonville, providing quality service, building lasting relationships, and making a meaningful impact on generations of residents.
Reaching this remarkable milestone is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the people of St. Landry Parish.

This celebration was a special morning filled with gratitude, honoring not only the Champagne family but also the loyal customers, employees, and community members who have supported the business throughout the past 100 years.

Longstanding businesses like Champagne's Marché are essential to the continued growth and success of our local economy. Their longevity reflects the strength and resilience of St. Landry Parish and serves as an inspiration for future generations of entrepreneurs. Milestones like this remind us that locally owned businesses are the heart of our communities and play a vital role in driving economic development across our parish.

Please join us in congratulating Champagne's Marché Leonville and the entire Champagne family on this extraordinary achievement. Here's to celebrating 100 years of success and wishing them many more years to come! 🎉St. Landry Chamber of Commerce

07/31/2026