About 40 Eunice leaders began the process that may lead to a comprehensive plan for the city at a meeting at Acadian Medical Center, according to Bill Rodier, executive director of the St. Landry Parish Economic Development.
The session on Monday was to develop the community’s SWOT analysis — Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
“It was the first of what we hope will be multiple sessions,” Rodier said.
The session lasted about two and half hours and was facilitated by Rodier along with LSUE, Eunice Chamber of Commerce, City of Eunice and Acadian Medical Center.
Rodier described the session as an abridged planning meeting, which he expects will yield two or five priorities for strategies that can affect change in five to 10 years.
“That should be the first step,” he said. “We want to have a second phase some time before the Thanksgiving holiday.”
St. Landry Economic Development is supporting the effort by absorbing some of the cost and providing resources not available locally, he said.
The sessions should result in a written document, he said.
Rodier said the meeting came about through discussions with leaders from the various Eunice organizations.
Drake Aguillard, Eunice Chamber of Commerce Board president, said the session was a good start and he would like to see more depth in the future.
The session covered several issues from education, road and litter, which are all pointed at developing jobs, he said.
Eunice is a key part of St. Landry Parish and the sessions are a way to draw in Rodier’s expertise, he said.
Rodier and the St. Landry Economic Development’s Board have created several development districts along Interstate 49.
Aguillard said the districts may provide a method for Eunice to develop its economy.
