STEP Fund

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2018 signified a reboot of economic development in St. Tammany with the launch of St. Tammany Corporation. A new, repositioned organization, with a new CEO, and new mission and vision began the first economic development strategic planning process in St. Tammany.

St. Tammany Corporation’s five-year economic development strategic plan, THRIVE2023, was adopted in February 2019. THRIVE2023 was diligently implemented with the plan serving as our organization’s North Star, even as we all navigated the pandemic, Hurricane Ida, and tornadoes. The four components of the THRIVE 2023 plan are Organizational Effectiveness, Business Development, Cross Cutting Strategies, and Marketing & Communications. Over 85% of THRIVE2023’s tactics and strategies were successfully implemented.

Key highlights from the implementation of THRIVE2023 include:

  • Implemented Advance St. Tammany, St. Tammany Corporation’s multi-layered business retention and expansion program providing business technical assistance services.

  • Since 2018, St. Tammany Corporation has helped facilitate $286.1 million in capital investment, representing 2,246 new and retained jobs.

  • Formalized and continues to lead the Workforce Roundtable comprised of economic development, workforce development, K-12, 2-year, and 4-year educational leadership who meet monthly to discuss strategy around workforce and education alignment and program and training development.

  • Led the creation of the first public-private collaborative for a major economic development land and site development initiative and serves as the lead project manager for the partnership, the Hwy. 1088 Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics Corridor featuring Gulf South Commerce Park.

  • Launched two 3-parish initiatives inclusive of St. Tammany, Washington, and Tangipahoa parishes.

  • Northshore Healthscape | A regional collaborative enhancing the pulse of our regional healthcare economy.

  • STartUP Northshore | An initiative catalyzing entrepreneurship, innovation, and business formation on the Northshore.

  • Recipient of over 20 professional industry awards since 2018, including recognition from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Southern Economic Development Council, Business Facilities, and Southern Business & Development.

  • Earned the designation of Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) by IEDC in January 2024.

  • Most recently recognized as an economic development organization of the year by IEDC.