Lafayette Economic Development Authority LEDA

🎉 Congratulations to Acadian Companies on being named one of the Best Companies in Louisiana by Forbes Magazine!

Acadian ranked #8 on Forbes' inaugural statewide list. From a single ambulance in Lafayette back in 1971, Acadian has grown into the largest employee-owned ambulance service in the nation, serving our communities every single day.

This recognition is a testament to the incredible team at Acadian and to the kind of homegrown, Lafayette-based businesses that make Acadiana's economy so strong. We are proud to call Acadian one of our own.

Thank you, Acadian, for over 50 years of investing in our people, our region, and our future. Here's to many more milestones ahead!

See the full list: https://loom.ly/eTHaw9c

Chicken fingers, billboards, ships: See the top 15 companies in Louisiana, according to Forbes The companies that took the No. 1 and 2 spots were based in New Orleans, but cities across the state are represented in the list.

Last week our team traveled to Lansing, Michigan alongside South Louisiana Community College and a great group of local education and workforce leaders. And we learned a lot! 🙌

From touring career and technical education programs at Lansing Community College, to visiting high schools with thriving apprenticeship and work-based learning programs, to watching elementary students explore career paths through fun classroom activities — it was two packed days of big ideas and real inspiration.

We're bringing those ideas home to Lafayette. Our goal: stronger career pathways, better connections between classrooms and careers, and a workforce pipeline that works for every student in Acadiana. 💼🎓

Louisiana earned a Top 10 national ranking — No. 8 in the country — in Site Selection Magazine's 2026 Prosperity Cup.

This achievement reflects the leadership and long-term strategic vision that Louisiana Economic Development brings to economic development across Louisiana. From workforce investment to business attraction and retention, LED's efforts are creating real results for communities across the state.

LEDA is honored to be partners in this work and committed to continuing to grow opportunity right here in Acadiana.

Read the full 2026 Prosperity Cup report: https://loom.ly/iyJ2VA8

Yesterday, LEDA hosted the 31st annual LEDA Job Fair—the largest recruitment event in the region. This year’s event had 128 registered employers with over 300 employer recruiters and hiring managers. The event attracted 1,220 job seekers, the largest turnout since 2019.

Did you miss the job fair? View the list of participating employers: https://loom.ly/f0AvnwY