According to Atlanta-based consulting firm Garner Economics, Acadiana isn’t prepared for new development because it lacks industry space and sites for offices and other commercial growth.
The Advertiser reports One Acadiana commissioned the firm to study the region’s economy as part of the organization’s focus on business development. The firm recently released its findings at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s student union during an event organized by One Acadiana.
According to Garner, Acadiana is “asset rich” with strong “access to markets, labor and resources, as well as significant quality of place.” The region’s weaknesses, according to the study, is in the “availability of industrial space, including sites and buildings, as well as office space and sites, which is why increasing the amount of development-ready sites in the region,” has been a major focus for One Acadiana since it launched in mid-February.
The concern for One Acadiana, formerly called the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, is that a lack of development-ready sites could mean Acadiana will be passed up by major companies that look toward other areas of the state or country.
The study analyzed the region using variables that a company looking for a new location, expansion, consolidation or closure would use, the firm says.
Looking ahead, One Acadiana says it will “take the lead” in supporting five target industries: aviation and avionics, informatics and engineering services, food and beverage processing and related support industries, high-value business services, and marine and heavy industries. The organization adds that heritage tourism will also be a priority.
