Many business in Jefferson Parish have been spared the devastation that others in the greater New Orleans Region (GNO) have been forced to deal with.  Some businesses have actually seen major benefits from the lack of competition.

 

Where in the short term this benefit of Jefferson parish businesses is as appreciated as finding a twenty dollar bill in last years coat, the long term effects will be a much greater challenge.

 

The effects have already begun. 

I challenge anyone to check out the strip malls around Jefferson parish.  Very few do not have at least one store front that has been left dark and bare.  This is not only the death of one of our neighbor’s dreams but also another client or customer of ours that will not be visiting our store or office. 

This is less a call for Jefferson parish businesses charity and more a call to their self preservation instincts. We cannot allow the void of small business to be filled with large corporate interests that draw dollars away from the local economy and who have much greater buying power than their local counterparts.  The result will be similar to the last time the Saints faced the Indianapolis Colts and Subway makes a horrible fried shrimp poboy.

Business owners in Jefferson parish can lead the recovery of our area.  Lead the karmic revolution in the GNO.   If we as Jefferson parish businesses position ourselves as the launching dock for this area we will emerge not only economically stronger but we will also be preserving our culture for our children. 

Michael C. Sauviac
Jefferson Parish Business owner