ECONOMY:

Iberville is powered by a wide range of commercial and industrial businesses, including international corporations and small family-owned businesses. They flocked to the parish because of its excellent transportation routes, abundant raw materials, strong labor force and land availability.  The transportation network includes easy interstate access, Mississippi River access, and railroad access in both East Iberville and West Iberville (the parish is divided by the Mississippi River).

Iberville still has significant agricultural operations, especially in the north Iberville communities of Rosedale, Grosse Tete and Maringouin and in the White Castle area; and the fishing industry plays an important role in the rural areas of Bayou Sorrel and Bayou Pigeon.

The parish is situated in the industrial corridor, just 15 miles from Baton Rouge, the capital of the State of Louisiana. Therefore, it offers easy access to state government and the economic engine that it provides.

Dow Chemical Co. is the largest employer in the parish, providing about 3,000 Dow and contract jobs. Other major employers include Georgia Gulf Corp. and other chemical industrial plants, River West Medical Center (hospital) and government agencies, such as the Iberville Parish School Board and the Iberville Parish Council.

Shintech Corp. is already a major employer, and is now constructing a new $1 billion facility in Iberville that will provide 2,000 jobs during construction, and another 150 permanent jobs once it is complete in 2007. In addition, a new hotel is being constructed along Bayou Plaquemine, and other economic development initiatives are underway.

The parish’s economic development efforts are led by the Iberville Chamber of Commerce, an organization that is funded in part by the business community and in part by parish government.

For more information, check the Chamber’s website at www.ibervillechamber.org, or call 225-687-3560.