Connected for Commerce
Perfectly located along the I-10 corridor with major US Highways, railways, waterways, a port and airports, Acadia Parish offers the transportation resources needed for productive commerce. Cost of living and sites for business are affordable. This humble community is home to a culturally diverse and devoted population whose work ethic is as strong now as it was when their Cajun forefathers first settled here. Acadia Parish’s quaint charm makes it a great place to live, work and retire.
From the largest rice mill in Louisiana, to Francis Drilling Fluids and Jaguar Energy Services, Acadia Parish hosts a unique and innovative mix of agriculture and industry. Research centers of excellence also call Acadia home including the University of Louisiana-Lafayette/CLECO Alternative Energy Research Facility and the LSU Rice Research Station, which has a global impact on the ever-changing rice industry.
Progressive Economic Growth
This thriving community offers an abundant, affordable and dedicated workforce for existing and emerging opportunities. Its location along I-10 and major US Highways with access to water, rail and air makes Acadia Parish ideal for reaching markets far beyond its borders.
Rich Heritage
Steeped in history, Acadia Parish prides itself in its blended Cajun, German and French heritage. The suburban community comes alive when hundreds of thousands visit to experience cultural festivals including authentic Mardi Gras celebrations, Cajun Woodstock, Germanfest, the Frog Festival and the beloved International Rice Festival.
Until you visit, you won’t believe the unexpected treasures this land of wide-open spaces holds: historic districts lined with majestic oaks, remarkable Main Streets, and celebrated venues like the Rice Theatre and the Grand Opera House of the South – a breathtaking century-old landmark that hosts international acts throughout the year.
A Real Cajun Experience
Acadia Parish is noted for its numerous festivals year-round which draw international crowds. These family-friendly gatherings give locals and visitors alike a taste of the joie de vivre Acadia is known for, and provide entertainment for all. There is no shortage of festivals in Acadia Parish to enjoy:
- Rayne Frog Festival – This annual festival boasts a full schedule of music, delicious foods and drinks, signature events such as frog racing and jumping, selection of the Rayne Lions Club Derby Queen, Diaper Derby, Arts & Crafts show at the Rayne Civic Center and the Grand Parade.
- International Rice Festival – The oldest and largest agricultural festival in Louisiana. Held every October in the historical downtown area of Crowley, this celebration pays tribute to the rice industry that has played an integral part in the economic growth and culture of Southwest Louisiana and to the rice farmers responsible for that success.
- Germanfest – Enjoy live entertainment, authentic German food, a large selection of German beer on tap, folklore demonstrations and children’s activities. This family friendly environment makes the festival a great place to visit! Young or old, this festival will leave you with memories that you will never forget.
- Rice Capital Championship Gumbo Cook-off – Each year, the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce hosts a gumbo cook-off drawing in several thousand individuals to taste numerous delicious gumbos, a traditional delicacy.
- Iota – Tee Mamou Mardi Gras Folklife Festival – This festival kicks off on Mardi Gras Day. Throughout the day, Cajun and Zydeco bands play on the main stage featuring the only raised dance floor in the area. The youth musicians’ tent features the area’s finest young musicians playing Cajun music. The festival also offers the most delicious Cajun foods and a variety of Cajun crafts.
- Courir de Mardi Gras – Each year in Church Point, thousands gather for the last “traditional” Cajun Mardi Gras. In keeping with this tradition, the Capitaine requests that all ‘Mardi Gras’ be dressed in full traditional costume (capichon, mask, traditional outfit).
- Cajun Woodstock – This family-friendly event is fun for the community and gives back at the same time. “Cajun Woodstock for St. Jude Children’s Hospital” raises awareness as well as funds for local families who are fighting childhood disease.
Contact
ELIZABETH I. MILLER
Elizabeth@acadiaparishchamber.org
337-788-0177
The Right Location is Waiting for You
We’ve got acres of opportunity
Acadia Parish Partners
Acadia Parish’s local and area agencies and organizations work collaboratively, leveraging the strengths of each entity to create opportunities for business expansion and to bring new businesses into the area, both of which will create better paying jobs; thereby, improve living standards and ensuring sustainable growth.
Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce
The Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce strives to be an advocate for and to serve the business community, to enhance the economic, civic and cultural environment and to advance the quality of life in Crowley.
The Chamber is a member-driven organization that is committed to the growth and betterment of the business community, as well as the overall quality of life in Crowley and Acadia Parish. Numerous events are hosted throughout the year that seek to improve specific issues that affect the business owners and citizens of Acadia Parish.
The Chamber continues to be mindful that Crowley is successful when Acadia Parish and all of Acadiana is successful. We work toward a regional coalition where we believe many voices are stronger than one.
Acadia Parish Tourism
Rayne Chamber of Commerce
Members of the Board of Directors, along with Rayne Chamber members, work to foster and improve life in Rayne in many areas, including education, safety, civic beautification, retail, industrial, professional, agriculture, service-oriented business, as well as organizations, tourism and legislation. Rayne’s economic well-being is the Chamber’s major responsibility. It works to increase wealth and prosperity by helping with the growth of existing businesses and fostering new ones.
Acadia Parish is great place to work and raise a family. The current footprint of the agriculture infrastructure allows us to produce and transport product with great efficiency, which makes us competitive in the market place. In addition, the values, culture and food of the people make us stand out from any other region in the country, and Falcon Rice is fortunate to do our part to preserve and expose the rest of the country to our unique region.
Explore Our Region
- acadia
- Evangeline
- Iberia
- Jeff Davis
- Lafayette
- St. Landry
- St. Martin
- St. Mary
- Vermilion
Vermilion Parish
Vermilion Parish is known for its fresh seafood, bountiful agriculture, great access via road and waterways, and a rich history of cultural and eco tourism. This bilingual (English/French), coastal parish is large and diverse with wandering bayous and farmlands, authentic local cuisine, family-friendly festivals and Cajun towns connecting it all. Vermilion is centrally located in the southern part of Louisiana immediately adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico. This proximity to the Gulf makes the parish an ideal location for the numerous companies needed to serve this region’s oil and gas industry.
St. Mary Parish
In St. Mary Parish – or “The Cajun Coast” – the blending of French, Italian, Spanish, English, African, Native American, and Cajun traditions created a rich and flavorful “gumbo” of communities. The Atchafalaya River basin and the Gulf of Mexico serve as the lifeblood for the parish, which is composed of five municipalities: Morgan City, Berwick, Patterson, Franklin, and Baldwin, as well as the Chitimacha Nation in Charenton.
St. Martin Parish
With a population of approximately 53,000, St. Martin Parish is part of the Lafayette MSA and sits at the corridor of both Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 90. St. Martin Parish is the only parish to have non-contiguous parts, in that, there are three major geographical areas dividing the 740 square mile parish, including the Atchafalaya Basin, the prairie, and the Bayou Teche area, on which several noteworthy cities, including the parish seat of St. Martinville, are located.
St. Landry Parish
St. Landry Parish is moving forward. Located in the heart of Cajun and Creole heritage, this culturally diverse parish (county) in Southern Louisiana is a unique place both to live and do business – where hard-working people “live their culture” and are building a thriving economic base along with a high-quality trained workforce.
Jeff Davis Parish
People from all over the world visit Jefferson Davis Parish to enjoy and experience rich Cajun and Indian culture. Jeff Davis Parish’s location, natural beauty, climate and small-town atmosphere offer a unique place for your family or business. The parish’s economic base includes health care services, shipbuilding, construction, agriculture, and oil field services. The parish has many industrial sites including the Lacassine Industrial Park on I-10.
Iberia Parish
Iberia Parish, Louisiana and its progressive communities are the place for exciting opportunities. Iberia Parish offers a unique mix of southern fun and hospitality nestled in the heart of “Cajun Country.” Moss-draped Live Oak trees and beautiful antebellum homes serve as the backdrop for a hard-working labor force, cutting edge medical and industrial technology along with worldwide leaders in the exploration of oil and natural gas.
Evangeline Parish
Perhaps no parish in Acadiana is more possessive of its heritage than Evangeline. Its citizens will tell you (seriously, but with a humorous touch, too) that they have the best gumbo, the best boudin (a sausage-like local favorite), and other Cajun delicacies. When it comes to Louisiana French country flavor, no parish surpasses this parish in the northwest corner of central Acadiana.
Acadia Parish
Perfectly located along the I-10 corridor with major US Highways, railways, waterways, a port and airports, Acadia Parish offers the transportation resources needed for productive commerce. Cost of living and sites for business are affordable. This humble community is home to a culturally diverse and devoted population whose work ethic is as strong now as it was when their Cajun forefathers first settled here. Acadia Parish’s quaint charm makes it a great place to live, work and retire.
Lafayette Parish
Affectionately known as the "Hub-City" of Acadiana, Lafayette, LA offers the essential elements needed to ensure the growth and development of its business community. Lafayette is set apart by its strategic location, a world-class workforce, a pro-business climate, and an unmatched quality of life. These attributes, complemented by a high-tech infrastructure and quality real estate, make Lafayette a unique place to live, work, play and do business.
