Economy
Industrial Base
A hard working labor force, an excellent transportation network, abundant raw materials and land for commercial and industrial development make Jefferson Davis Parish an ideal prospect for business investment.
The parish's economic base is composed of health care services, shipbuilding, construction, agriculture, and oil field services. The Jennings American Legion Hospital and Jennings Manufacturing Company provide the greatest employment opportunities for citizens of the area, with shipbuilding, construction, and oil field services following.
Overview of Industries
Medical Services
The Jennings American Legion Hospital is the largest private employer for the parish, with 400 employees.
website: www.jalh.com
Marine Activities
LEEVAC Shipyards, Inc., has 250 employees LEEVAC is a leading Louisiana Shipyard and Shipbuilder located near the Gulf of Mexico. Over the past century, LEEVAC has built a strong reputation as a steel fabrication and USA shipyard for providing the highest quality design, construction and repair services in the maritime industry for a wide range of steel-hulled vessels.
website: www.leevac.com
Talen's Marine & Fuel began operation June 1, 1988 after purchasing the working assets of Talen's Landing, Inc. Talen's is engaged in wholesale and retail distribution of fuels and lubricants to various commercial customers. Talen's Landing, Inc. was involved in the same business since 1970. Since 1970, our company has grown to over 230 employees. Over our long history, Talen's has shown that we have the ability to adapt our business to changing conditions in the market place, while keeping our focus on long-term relationships with our customers. That long-term commitment and the exceptional service we provide continues to be the foundation of who we are.
website: www.talensmarine.com
Oilfield Services
A number of companies are involved in the oil industry: The three largest are Holston, Inc., with 100 employees; the Manifold Valve Company has 45 workers building oil field equipment; and Gauthier Brothers/Tuboscope in Lake Arthur with 75 employees.
Others
Tourist facilities, electrical utility companies, and non-hazardous waste disposal comprise some of the other businesses of Jefferson Davis Parish. 162 workers are distributed between these businesses. The Jefferson Davis Parish school system and the City of Jennings provide jobs through educational services (850 employees) and in governmental positions (145 employees).
Economic Development
At the Jennings Airport, there are 20 acres of land suited for commercial/industrial development. This acreage has excellent access to I-10 and state highway 26.
Targeted Industries
Agriculture
At present, the parish supports several agricultural enterprises. The quality of the soil, the land mass itself, and a history of farming make Jefferson Davis Parish a farming mecca.
Commercial Fishing
As natural resources, the regional seafood industry and fresh-water fisheries can be developed by enterprising individuals and companies.
Marine Activities
There is currently one shipyard located between two ports. All marine-related businesses are slated for development.
Oil, Natural Gas, Minerals
These industries are currently active, but are also slated for future expansion.
