About

Facilitating Growth in St. Martin Parish!

The St. Martin Economic Development Authority (SMEDA) maintains three primary roles for St. Martin Parish:

• Offer resources to stimulate growth of St. Martin Parish’s economy by creating and maintaining an optimum environment for both new and existing businesses.
• Offer services to facilitate growth and expansion of local businesses
• Generate opportunities to increase the sales tax base of the local communities.

A nine member Board of Directors representing the local economic drivers works together with the SMEDA Executive Director, in cooperative efforts with the parish government, to provide answers to problems unique to the parish, and provide information and assistance to businesses.

SMEDA is also a founding member of the Acadiana Economic Development Council (AEDC) which represents the seven parish area known as “Acadiana.”  

SMEDA is an active participant in the St. Martin business community, working closely with area Chambers of Commerce, state officials, parish officials, municipalities and other regional economic development organizations to provide assistance and incentive support for local businesses. In addition, SMEDA ensures the lines of communication between these organizations and local businesses are open to address challenges they are facing today. open to existing and prospective business clients.

Objectives

The Directors have set forth the following objectives for the St. Martin Economic Development Authority to evaluate existing resources, pursue development, and market the area to prospective clients:

• Promote the retention and expansion of existing business and industry
• Attract new business and industry by the development and improvement of infrastructure and through marketing and promotion
• Promote St. Martin Parish as a residential and retirement community