A storage and logistics company, Agile Cold Storage, is set to build a $46 million, 150,000-square-foot cold storage facility in Pearl River. This development will create 100 new jobs and aligns with St. Tammany Parish’s economic development strategy of attracting logistics and distribution companies, economic development officials announced on Tuesday.

Agile Cold Storage, which serves food manufacturers, processors, and growers across the U.S., will construct the facility on 10 acres at the St. Joe Brick Works site, according to Chris Masingill, head of St. Tammany Corporation, the parish’s economic development agency.

Strategic Location

The new Agile warehouse will be strategically located near the Associated Wholesale Grocers distribution facility and Rooms To Go Outlet, just off Interstate 59. This location is expected to enhance logistical efficiency for the company.

Job Creation and Economic Impact

The 100 new direct jobs created by the facility will offer salaries around $53,000, according to a news release from St. Tammany Corporation. Additionally, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) estimates that the project will generate 95 new indirect jobs, further boosting the local economy.

“Agile Cold Storage’s investment in St. Tammany Parish demonstrates the unique logistical advantages Louisiana has to offer businesses that keep America’s supply chains flowing smoothly,” said LED Secretary Susan Bonnett Bourgeois, who resides in Covington. “This project is a win for the Northshore, the state economy, and the workers of Louisiana.”

Incentives and Support

The state has offered Agile Cold Storage an incentives package that includes a $1.5 million performance-based grant. This grant will reimburse the company for site improvement expenditures, contingent on board approval and the company meeting specific investment and payroll targets, according to the news release.

In addition to state incentives, Agile Cold Storage will benefit from workforce training through the LED FastStart program, which aims to provide customized recruitment, screening, and training solutions for businesses in Louisiana.

Masingill also mentioned that the company will take advantage of a St. Tammany Parish incentive, which reduces about two-thirds of the company’s parish property taxes for 10 years. In return, the company commits to reinvest that money into construction and other costs. The company is expected to have an annual payroll of $5.4 million.

Operations and Future Plans

Based in Gainesville, Georgia, Agile Cold Storage specializes in blast-freezing and packing food for shipping. The new Pearl River facility is expected to handle about 100 containers of food shipments per week, which will be sent to the Port of New Orleans for export, according to the news release.

“Agile Cold Storage’s investment is a testament to the robust infrastructure and economic potential of St. Tammany Parish,” Masingill said. “This facility will not only create jobs but also strengthen our position as a key player in the logistics and distribution sector.”

Site work for the new facility is expected to begin soon, with construction projected to take between eight to 14 months. Once completed, the facility will enhance the region’s capacity to handle and export food products efficiently, contributing to the local and state economy.

The new Agile Cold Storage facility marks a significant investment in St. Tammany Parish, reflecting the region’s growing appeal as a hub for logistics and distribution. This project is poised to provide substantial economic benefits and job opportunities for the local community while reinforcing Louisiana’s role in America’s supply chain infrastructure.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

Covington, Louisiana, once known as “the North Shore’s best kept secret,” is now heralded as the “North Shore’s Renaissance.” This quaint town, rich in history and charm, has become a beacon for new businesses, residents, and visitors alike. With the introduction of the “2030 Plan,” Covington is on a trajectory to foster growth while maintaining its beloved small-town feel.

Ashley Culicchia Cash, a local who returned to her roots after a decade, was immediately struck by the transformation of downtown Covington. “The growth has been unbelievable,” she remarks. “There’s more shopping, food, and fine dining. Even the streets seem bigger and wider. There’s so much more to do here than all those years ago.” It’s a sentiment echoed by many locals and visitors, who have voted it the best small town in Louisiana in the annual South’s Best Awards.

Covington’s charm is perhaps best experienced on foot. The historic downtown area, where Cash has set up her event-planning business, The Graceful Host Shop, is a hub of activity. Here, visitors can meander from boutique shops to wine bars to art galleries without ever needing a car. This accessibility and variety make Covington not just a place to visit, but a place to live.

Despite its proximity to the bustling city of New Orleans, just an hour’s drive across Lake Pontchartrain, Covington offers a serene escape. Its layout is unique, with small public areas known as ox lots dotting the town. These historic lots, originally used by tradesmen in the 1800s, now serve as convenient parking spaces that support the town’s bustling downtown commerce.

The historical richness of Covington is woven into the fabric of the town. Lisa Condrey Ward, co-owner of the Southern Hotel, emphasizes this blend of past and present, “You can’t ever really place Covington just in the present without also factoring in all that its past lends. It’s such a walkable, well-planned town and has a deep history of hospitality.” The Southern Hotel, a centerpiece of the town, epitomizes this spirit. Since its restoration in 2014, it has become a cultural and social nexus, hosting everything from casual cocktails to lavish weddings.

The burgeoning business scene in Covington is equally impressive. New enterprises and top-notch restaurants continue to populate the area, supported by enthusiastic local and external investors. BRG Hospitality, for example, is expanding its presence with new culinary ventures, reinforcing the town’s reputation as a burgeoning gastronomic hotspot.

Covington is not only a haven for business and pleasure but also a place of natural beauty and community activities. The Tammany Trace, a scenic biking and hiking path, invites residents and tourists to explore the lush landscapes. The town also celebrates its heritage and community spirit with events like the Covington Three Rivers Art Festival, attracting artists and visitors from across the region.

Moreover, Covington’s strategic plan for the future is focused on sustainability and thoughtful growth. This plan aims to bolster the local economy while preserving the quality of life that residents cherish. With community input and a clear vision, Covington is set to thrive as a model small town that balances progress with tradition.

In summary, Covington represents the quintessential small-town American dream, with its blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and a forward-thinking community. Whether you’re looking for a place to start a business, raise a family, or simply enjoy life, Covington offers a compelling argument to call it home. As it continues to evolve and grow, this little town on the North Shore remains a treasure worth discovering.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.