AVONDALE, La. -- As T. Parker Host (HOST) celebrates 100 years of providing service and solutions to the maritime and commercial shipping industries, the shipping titan announced its plans to relocate its headquarters to Jefferson Parish during their 100-year anniversary celebration. The company is currently headquartered in Norfolk, Va.
 
“This announcement is a significant one for JEDCO and Jefferson Parish,” said JEDCO President & CEO Jerry Bologna. “Four years ago, we entered into an agreement with T. Parker Host to repurpose the iconic Avondale Shipyard site. From the time of the acquisition, we discussed the eventual attraction of the company’s headquarters to our community. JEDCO’s strong partnership with T. Parker Host and our long-term work to turn Avondale Global Gateway into a multi-modal manufacturing and logistics hub has led us to today’s announcement. It is further evidence that Jefferson Parish is a destination for global headquarters relocations and a literal gateway to the rest of the world. We look forward to our continued partnership with T. Parker Host.” 
 
Since its founding, HOST has become known for its integrity and quality service. By continuously earning the confidence and trust of hundreds of customers, partners and consumers, HOST has grown its operations to cover the American coast from Philadelphia to Brownsville, Texas, and processed billions of tons of cargo. 
 
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Adam Anderson stated, "In 1923, T. Parker Host began as a family business focused on shipping along the Eastern Seaboard. Today, 100 years later, we have built a legacy of service to the global maritime industry and the communities in which we operate. We will always remember our roots in Virginia and are excited for what the next century holds, as we chart a new course on the Mississippi River in Jefferson Parish. Since we began operations in Louisiana in 1989, our business has steadily refocused to be centered on the Mississippi River and the significant opportunities for growth in the region. The past 100 years of success, development and innovation would not have been possible without the support and trust of our customers, partners and employees – we sincerely thank you for your loyalty and remain committed to serving you for the next 100 years.”
 
In Louisiana alone, Host employs more than 300 Louisianians and supports more than $22 million in direct employee payroll. In 2022, Host contributed $156,500 to local organizations and charities including the Bridge City Gumbo Festival, the NOLA Coalition, United Way and more.

Now, under the leadership of CEO and Chairman Adam Anderson, HOST is forging a new path by positioning its headquarters in Jefferson Parish.
 
“With its proximity to the Panama Canal, ever-expanding energy industry, and location on the Mississippi River, the Greater New Orleans region holds significant opportunity for HOST to reach new heights of success in our next 100 years. As evidenced by our investments in Avondale and Davant, La., we believe the future for HOST is on the Mississippi River,” said Anderson. 
 
In 2018, HOST acquired and invested in transforming Avondale Global Gateway, which rapidly solidified HOST’s place along the Mississippi River and in South Louisiana. The upcoming sale of Avondale Global Gateway to the Port of South Louisiana, with HOST retaining operational responsibility, will establish Avondale as a premier gateway for U.S. import and export traffic and aligns with HOST’s goals of supporting economic development in the River Parishes and Southeast Louisiana through waterborne commerce.
 
“The announcement continues to position Jefferson Parish as key player in the international economy,” said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng. “Attracting a headquarters of this caliber signals to the world that Jefferson Parish has the infrastructure, assets, and healthy business climate to support global brands. We commend T. Parker Host for their continued commitment to Jefferson Parish.”
 
JEDCO and key strategic partners from Jefferson Parish, Greater New Orleans, Inc., and Louisiana Economic Development played an integral role in bringing the Avondale acquisition to fruition. JEDCO and the Jefferson Parish Council structured a local incentive package to support the company’s plans for the site. Over the past four years, JEDCO has played a key role in attracting prospective tenants and supporting major improvements to the site. JEDCO served as the public entity sponsor to receive state capital outlay funds to construct a $1.5 million secure gate complex and a $3.8 million rail project reestablishing Union Pacific rail connections to the site.

“We are proud that T. Parker Host has chosen to bring its headquarters to Jefferson Parish,” added District 2 Councilman Deano Bonano. “For years, the Jefferson Parish Council has worked in lockstep with T. Parker Host to bring the former Avondale Shipyard site back into commerce. The company’s decision to fully locate in our community builds additional momentum and excitement around the development of the Avondale Global Gateway site. We are committed to ensuring the long-term success of the site.”
 
“It is wonderful news that T. Parker Host is relocating its headquarters from Virginia to Jefferson Parish in Greater New Orleans,” said Michael Hecht, GNO, Inc. President & CEO. “HOST has already made an immense impact on the region, by revitalizing Avondale Shipyards, employing hundreds, and investing hundreds of thousands in local efforts like The NOLA Coalition. I am sure, now that the HOST headquarters is here, that their impact will only grow.”

ABOUT T. PARKER HOST
T. Parker Host is a total solutions provider for the maritime industry, specializing in agency services, terminal operations, stevedoring and marine assets. Founded in 1923 and guided by its Core Principles, the company has developed a strong reputation in the maritime community for its expertise, transparency and high standards of service. The entire HOST team focuses on customer needs while adding value to every operation. In 2018, HOST acquired the former Avondale Shipyard located at mile 108 of the Mississippi River. Learn more at www.tparkerhost.com.