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LAFAYETTE – On Friday, January 10, One Acadiana (1A) will join partners from across the region and state at the UL Student Union for a summit to kick off year two of the 55 by 25 educational attainment initiative.

The Acadiana Advocate will host its 2020 Economic Outlook Summit at 8 a.m. Jan. 15 with a panel of state and local business leaders. Managing editor Kristin Askelson and business editor Adam Daigle will host the event, which will be held at Acadiana Center for the Arts, 101 W. Vermilion St., Lafayette.

Continental breakfast will be available at 7:30 a.m. and panel discussion starts at 8. Seating is limited and tickets are available at TheAcadianaAdvocate/EconomicOutlook.

Gov. John Bel Edwards and Supreme Rice President and CEO Bobby Hanks announced a $20 million expansion of the rice mill’s facilities in Crowley, Louisiana. The project will secure the company’s position as a leading rice processor by adding 25,000 square feet of manufacturing space, bringing the facility to 75,000 square feet.

Company to retain 150 jobs statewide, expand existing facility as 85th anniversary approaches

CROWLEY, La. — Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards and Supreme Rice President and CEO Bobby Hanks announced a $20 million expansion of the rice mill’s facilities in Crowley, Louisiana. The project will secure the company’s position as a leading rice processor by adding 25,000 square feet of manufacturing space, bringing the facility to 75,000 square feet.

Invest Acadiana, a joint initiative between One Acadiana and the Acadiana Planning Commission aimed at promoting Opportunity Zone investment, has been recognized as being "committed to achieving equitable economic growth in underserved and overlooked communities."

The Forbes OZ 20: Top Opportunity Zone Catalysts released a list recognizing 20 community organizations and Opportunity Zone funds. The list is a partnership between Forbes and the Sorenson Impact Center, a think tank.

Invest Acadiana, a joint initiative of Acadiana Planning Commission and One Acadiana, was recognized as a leading Opportunity Zone Community in new national list

The Forbes OZ 20: Top Opportunity Zone Catalysts, a partnership between the Sorenson Impact Center and Forbes, recognized Invest Acadiana among 20 community organizations and OZ Funds that are committed to achieving equitable economic growth in underserved and overlooked communities.

Two Louisiana-based magazines, Louisiana Life and Acadiana Profile, made journalistic history in 2019 when they tied for first place in a nationwide magazine competition. The publications were each awarded “Magazine of the Year” designation by the International and Regional Magazine Association (IRMA). This was the first time that the 59-year-old Association has ever had a tie for its most prestigious award. Adding to the surprise is that both magazines are published by the same company, Renaissance Publishing.

Invest Acadiana — a joint initiative between the Acadiana Planning Commission and One Acadiana to promote Opportunity Zones — is hosting a "Shark Tank" style pitch competition for potential opportunity zone projects.

The competition, which will be April 22, the opening night of Festival International de Louisiane, is aimed at connecting local Opportunity Zone projects with local and national investors. There will be an interest meeting Dec. 11 from 8 to 9 a.m. at Jefferson Street Pub in Lafayette.