Ascension Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)

11/05/2026

11/04/2026

The RiverPlex MegaPark is one of the most significant initiatives AEDC has brought from concept to reality.
From the early planning stages, our team has been at the center of creating a site that can compete for major industry on an international level. We’re proud of that work and grateful to Ascension Parish Government for being a committed partner every step of the way.
Thank you to CAO Ricky Compton for sharing the vision. This is what it looks like when economic development and local government pull in the same direction.

10/08/2026

Capital Region Planning Commission is inviting everyone to participate in a survey to help update the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, MOVE 2050.

MOVEBR 2050 is the Metropolitan Transportation Plan for Ascension, EBR, Iberville, Livingston and West Baton Rouge Parishes being updated by the Capital Region Planning Commission

The MOVEBR 2050 Draft Plan is ready for public review. The Capital Region Planning Commission is kicking off a 30-day public comment period on Monday, October 12th would like to share how you can review the plan and provide your final comments for consideration.

As a valuable stakeholder, you are invited to attend an in-person meeting at our office, or if you would prefer, a virtual meeting. For your convenience, they are offering 4 meetings – two in person and two virtual.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Capital Region Planning Commission offices
14734 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road, Suite B
Baton Rouge, LA 70816

Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Via Zoom
(Zoom Link will be posted on their website Monday, Oct 12th)

Wednesday, October 28, 2026
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Capital Region Planning Commission offices
14734 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road, Suite B,
Baton Rouge, LA 70816

Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Via Zoom
(Zoom Link will be posted on Monday, Oct 12th)

A Zoom link to join the virtual meetings will be posted on the CPRC website at www.crpcla.org (Link will be posted on Monday, Oct 12th).

10/07/2026

Ascension Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacob Cheatwood as Project Manager.

Cheatwood joins AEDC after serving as Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, where he supported regional economic development initiatives, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications.

In his new role, Cheatwood will support AEDC’s business attraction and project development efforts, while working with companies, property owners and local, regional and state partners to advance investment and job creation opportunities throughout Ascension Parish.

“We are excited to welcome Jacob to the AEDC team,” said Kate MacArthur, President and CEO of AEDC. “His economic development experience, project management skills and ability to work effectively with partners will be a great asset as we continue building on Ascension Parish’s strong economic momentum.”

A Louisiana native and graduate of Louisiana State University, Cheatwood earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in Sociology. He has worked professionally in Baton Rouge and Southwest Louisiana and has remained actively involved in civic and leadership initiatives across the state.

“I’m excited to join AEDC and contribute to the continued growth of Ascension Parish,” Cheatwood said. “I look forward to working with the team and our partners to help move projects forward and create new opportunities for the community.”

Cheatwood began his role with AEDC on October 5, 2026.

09/23/2026

Congratulations to the Ascension Chamber of Commerce on being named Louisiana Association of Business and Industry - LABI’s 2026 Economic Development Partner of the Year!

The Chamber’s leadership in business advocacy, infrastructure advocacy, industry/community alignment, legislative engagement, small-business connectivity, and promotion of Ascension's overall business climate is outstanding. Economic development is a team effort, and strong partnerships play an important role in telling Ascension’s story, advancing key priorities, and supporting continued growth across the parish.

Congratulations again to the Chamber team and its members on this statewide recognition!

08/26/2026

Blue Point One is officially underway in Ascension Parish.

CF Industries, JERA and Mitsui broke ground on the world’s largest low carbon ammonia plant, marking a major step toward creating new manufacturing opportunities, strengthening domestic supply chains and expanding Louisiana’s role in producing the essential products America and the world depend on.

Learn more ➡️: https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/news/icymi-cf-industries-jera-co-and-mitsui-co-ltd-break-ground-on-blue-point-one-the-worlds-largest-low-carbon-ammonia-plant-in-louisiana

07/23/2026

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✅ General Knowledge
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✅ Combination Vehicles

Whether you're planning to attend CDL school at RPCC or another training provider, this course can help you build the confidence you need before class begins.

In-Person Classes
• Gonzales Campus
• Reserve Campus

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⚠️ Space is limited!

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to view upcoming class dates and register, or visit: https://bit.ly/4atXhJH

📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]

Tag someone who's ready to start a career in commercial driving! 🚚

06/22/2026

Please join us in congratulating our President & CEO, Kate MacArthur, on being named to the Capital Region’s 500 Most Powerful and Influential Business and Community Leaders.

05/13/2026

Dear Ascension Families,

Today’s release of the national Education Scorecard by researchers from Harvard University, Stanford University, and Dartmouth College brings exciting news for Louisiana and powerful validation for Ascension Public Schools.

The 2026 report ranks Louisiana as first among states in the nation for reading growth and second in math. Even more notably, Louisiana is the only state where average student performance has surpassed 2019 levels in both reading and math.

Here at home, this data confirms what we have long known about Ascension Public Schools.

For the past three years, our district has ranked number one in Louisiana for the percentage of students scoring at the Advanced and Mastery levels on state assessments. At times, questions have been raised about how those results compare nationally. Today’s report provides a clear answer. Ascension Public Schools is not only leading at the state level but also outperforming the national average in math and reading for Grades 3 through 8.

Since 2012, our students have consistently outperformed the national average in Grades 3 through 8 in both math and reading. That is a reflection of something special happening across our schools. It is the result of high expectations, strong instruction, and a relentless commitment to helping every child succeed.

We are incredibly proud of our students for rising to the challenge and delivering at such a high level. We are equally proud of our teachers, staff, and leaders who pour their energy and expertise into making this success possible every single day.

To our families and community: Thank you! Your support, your trust, and your continued investment in our public schools make a lasting difference. Ascension is strong because of you, and together we are creating opportunities that prepare our students for success far beyond the classroom.

This is a moment to celebrate, but it is also motivation to keep pushing forward for all students. The best is yet to come for Ascension Public Schools.

Respectfully,

Dr. Edith M. Walker
Superintendent
Ascension Public Schools