Jefferson Davis EDC forms search committee, OKs interim staffing and reviews 90,000‑sq‑ft distribution center lead

The Jefferson Davis Economic Development Commission met at noon March 19 at First Guaranty Bank in Jennings and took steps to advance its executive search while approving routine business and hearing a public request for faster coordination on local projects.

Chairman Ronnie Petree opened the meeting, recognized outgoing trustees and presided as four new members — Chrystal Breaux, Beth Daigle, Kendal Henry and Will Hetzel — were sworn in by Rick Arceneaux. The board approved the meeting agenda, the minutes of Feb. 12, 2025, and the January 2025 financial reports by unanimous votes.

In new business, the commission voted to allow a budget amendment to create an interim assistant position to support operations while the body finalizes plans to hire a permanent director. Board members said the delay in posting the director’s position stemmed from outstanding decisions about which entity would hire and pay the director, what benefits (health insurance and retirement) would be offered and whether a probationary period would be required. The board did not set a salary range at the meeting.

The commission established a search committee to recruit a director, naming Kendal Henry to the committee and asking Carter Prejean to prepare an advertisement. The board approved a $6,000 search committee budget and authorized a $750 sponsorship payment for the SWAMP STOL event to support local promotion efforts.

During public comment, Jefferson Davis Parish Administrator Ben Boudreaux urged the EDC to step up communication with the parish’s governing bodies and stakeholders. Boudreaux asked the commission to assist with outreach and planning for a Silicone Ranch project lead, to help notify stakeholders about inventory tax matters, to research the feasibility of a sports complex, to pursue authority for a road sales tax, and to reactivate an Industrial Development Board that could offer incentives to businesses. He also urged prioritizing the director posting and holding an officers’ election.

Chairman Petree told members that the board serves the entirety of Jefferson Davis Parish and previewed next steps: nominations for a ninth board member were to be submitted to Petree by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025, and a special meeting would be called to appoint that seat. Petree also reported a potential lead for a 90,000‑square‑foot distribution center in the parish that the commission is pursuing; the lead was described as a main distribution facility that could employ about 60 workers plus seven middle managers and eight upper‑level managers.

Members also directed internal planning work: arranging a commissioners’ retreat, updating a policy handbook with an evaluation system, and creating a performance scorecard. The board deferred selecting a Secretary/Treasurer until the ninth board member is appointed. The commission adjourned; its next regular meeting is scheduled for noon Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at First Guaranty Bank.