For the past 20 years, the trailblazing efforts of the Algiers Economic Development Foundation (AEDF) have left an indelible impression on businesses and economic developments in Algiers and throughout the Greater New Orleans Region. This year alone, AEDF has played major roles in strengthening business and community alliances, local education, business retention and workforce development, the cultural economy, citizen engagement and respected relationships with elected officials.
For the past 20 years, the trailblazing efforts of the Algiers Economic Development Foundation (AEDF) have left an indelible impression on businesses and economic developments in Algiers and throughout the Greater New Orleans Region. This year alone, AEDF has played major roles in strengthening business and community alliances, local education, business retention and workforce development, the cultural economy, citizen engagement and respected relationships with elected officials.
AEDF will highlight recent and founding accomplishments, the future of Algiers and the critical role that public-private partnerships will have in strengthening New Orleans' economic blueprint at AEDF's Annual Business Luncheon on Wednesday, July 13, 2011. The luncheon will take place at English Turn Golf and Country Club, 1 Clubhouse Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70131. A networking reception will begin at 11:00AM. The annual program and lunch will commence at 11:45AM.
Rodrick Miller, President and CEO of the NOLA Business Alliance, will deliver the keynote address about his organization's mission and overall initiatives. WDSU-TV News Anchor Camille Whitworth will moderate the event.
"This is a pivotal moment for the Algiers Economic Development Foundation, the Algiers community and the City of New Orleans. Algiers currently has more than $1 billion in new and ongoing economic development projects, which will bolster our economic status, attract new businesses and increase workforce participation among various industries," said AEDF President Chris Kane.
Rodrick Miller, President and CEO of the New Orleans Business Alliance said, "The story unfolding in Algiers is an exciting one. With the new developments in Federal City and a diverse and engaged population of residents, the Algiers community is proving itself as an unstoppable force for driving economic improvements. The impact of this work will be felt throughout New Orleans and regionally — AEDF and others in the Algiers community cannot be applauded enough for their efforts."
AEDF will also recognize past presidents who have charted an unrivaled course for the organization and Algiers during the annual luncheon: Max Rabner, 1991-1992; Stephen Dickey, 1992-1994; Jim Neimeier, 1994-1996; Dwayne Lockett, 1996-1997; Belinda Little-Wood, 1997-1999; Elwood Cahill, Jr., 1999-2001; Paul Richard, 2001-2003; Tyrone Hubbard, 2003-2005; Glenn Orgeron, 2005-2007; and Clayton White, 2007-2009. AEDF will also introduce incoming board members for 2011-2012.
AEDF's 2010-2011 Highlights:
- Revived the Algiers holiday concert and lighting of the Bonfire.
- Hosted the 1st Algiers Education Summit.
- Partnered with the Louisiana Department of Transportation's Crescent City Connection Division (CCCD), Sen. David Heitmeier, State Speaker of the House Jim Tucker and Rep. Jeff Arnold to host a town hall meeting on General DeGaulle drainage projects and the future of the CCCD.
- Mobilized regional business and civic organization, which identified consensus on the need to analyze future operations and oversight of the CCCD; the Coalition of Business and Civic Organizations formed.
- With Coalition members, successfully lobbied the Louisiana legislature to pass SCR 47, which authorizes the creation of a task force to explore CCCD operations. As a result, AEDF and its Westbank partnering organizations will each have representation on the task force.
- Named awardee for a $200,000 grant from the NFL Grassroots Program for field enhancements to Behrman Stadium to be administered via partnerships with the NFL, the New Orleans Saints, the City of New Orleans, NORD and the New Orleans City Council. This initiative is a partnership between AEDF New Orleans City Councilmember Kristin G. Palmer — District C and New Orleans City Council President Jacquelyn Clarkson.
- Wednesdays on the Point (WOTP) riverfront concert series brings more than 1,000 attendees per week to Algiers Point during the Summer to increase awareness about Algiers. AEDF added a special 4th of July concert to the WOTP series, which complemented the annual fireworks show; more than 2,500 individuals attended.
- Secured trademark for Algiers Point to become recognized as "Little Hollywood of the South."
- AEDF Business mixers: partnered Project GRAD with business partners; and celebrated the local film industry.
- Partnered with New Orleans Business Council to help meet New Orleans Hornets attendance benchmarks.
Algiers New and Ongoing Developments
- Federal City - www.nolafederalcity.com
- Lakewood Golf Club - www.lakewoodgolf.com
- Brechtel Park - www.brechtelpark.us
- Algiers Regional Library - www.neworleanspubliclibrary.org
- Village Aurora Shopping Center - www.property-one.com
- Noble Outreach Hotel Development - www.nobleoutreach.com
- Ochsner Medical Center — Westbank Campus - www.ochsner.org
- Algiers Charter Schools Association (Alice Harte Construction) — www.acsa.org
- Recovery School District (L.B. Landry Reopening) - www.rsdla.net
- Orleans Parish School Board (Purchased Algiers Office Complex) - www.nops.k12.la.us
- Common Ground Health Clinic — www.commongroundclinic.org
- City of N.O. Blight Campaign — www.nola.gov
- Algiers Levee Bike / Hike Path - www.algiersdevelopment.com
- General DeGaulle Drainage Project - www.dotd.louisiana.gov
- Film Industry / Cultural Economy — www.nola.gov
- Behrman Sports Complex
The Algiers Economic Development Foundation was founded in 1991. AEDF's mission is to help the Algiers community grow and prosper by being a catalyst for economic development that provides for a vibrant business environment. For more information, visit www.AlgiersEconomic.com. To request a full copy of AEDF's 2010 annual report with more in depth information about AEDF and Algiers initiatives, contact Barbara Waiters at (504) 362-6436 or BWaiters@AlgiersEconomic.com.
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