LEED News & Updates
Tough Issues and Best Practices Addressed at Louisiana Fisheries Foward Summit 2020
Highlights of the findings of a comprehensive seafood supply chain study of Louisiana’s coastal parishes will be given by Dr. Geoff Stewart, The Moody Company/BORSF Endowed Chair in Regional Business Development and associate professor of marketing, at the upcoming Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit on March 11, 2020.
Read more at the Gulf Seafood Foundation
Community Economic Development in Rural Coastal Acadiana Parishes: An In-Depth Review of the Vermilion, St. Mary, and Iberia Parish Seafood Supply Chains
Seafood is foundational to the culture and economy of Louisiana. It flavors Louisiana cuisine, informs Louisiana’s regional identity, and drives economic development in rural coastal parishes. With funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Louisiana Rural Economic Development Office, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration, Louisiana Sea Grant, and the Meridian Institute partnered to examine how Louisiana can bolster its seafood industry to create jobs, food, and opportunities for new business development.
By mapping the seafood supply chain through economic data analysis and interviews with seafood industry leaders and government officials, the research team identified ways public and private investment can catalyze seafood business development in Louisiana. This report summarizes the research findings from an evaluation of the seafood supply chain in Coastal Acadiana. It features a methodological overview of the research; a description of key findings and recommendations on cold storage; transportation; labor and succession; entrepreneurship; marketing and branding; and aligning the industry with economic development in the state. The report also describes future research. Included is an appendix listing economic development programs that can support seafood business development in Louisiana.
Download Report: Community Economic Development in Rural Coastal Acadiana Parishes
Download Presentation: Research Findings
Read more at the Gulf Seafood Foundation
Read more in The Advocate
Read more in Refrigerated & Frozen Foods Magazine
Ville Platte, Evangeline Parish have the potential for an economic rebound with industry, tourism, UL students say
Students in Dr. Geoff Stewart's MBA class identify strengths and opportunities from their project that could help to improve Ville Platte's main street, industry, and tourism. This project is just the beginning of a multi-semester project that will continue to develop by different MBA students in upcoming semesters.
University snags $250K state grant to expand seafood industry study
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, University administrators, and Dr. Geoff Stewart announced a $250,000 grant from the Louisiana Seafood Promotion. This grant will enable University researchers to examine Louisiana's seafood supply chain.
In this poor Louisiana city, leaders joining forces with UL students to revitalize downtown
The Louisiana Entrepreneurship & Economic Development Center is working with leaders in Ville Platte to develop strategies for economic development and identify areas of growth. Students and faculty held town meetings, and students will create a plan to revive downtown, lure industrial developments, and focus on tourism.