I often get feedback regarding Chamber events, which provide information, education, and networking opportunities to promote your business. Behind the scenes, our staff and committees collaborate to ensure the purpose of each event is fulfilled. 

Because electing qualified leadership is critical to our personal and business bottom lines, we always encourage our members to be informed before going to the polls. So, the month of August saw three Chamber luncheons, with two featuring Legislative and Parish President candidates. Additionally, our staff planned two political stump-style Meet the Legislative Candidates events, with a third being held this Thursday. All have been or will be recorded for those not in attendance. Kudos to our staff for coordinating the 22 candidates vying for eight legislative seats for in-person introductions.

In addition to the legislative seats, there are 33 Parish Council candidates vying for seats in the 14 council districts. While there are plenty of political signs throughout the Parish, how can you choose the most qualified candidate to fill the very important leadership role? Which candidate will best serve not only your district, but the Parish as a whole?

For that reason, we offered each of the council candidates the opportunity to introduce themselves and present their qualifications in a four-minute Zoom video presentation. As of today, our vice-president, Michelle Biggs, has completed 26 videos of those who accepted this opportunity. 

Once all 20 videos are edited, we invite you to “meet the candidates” via YouTube. We encourage you to view the candidates in your specific district before heading to the polls on election day or during early voting.

Under the leadership of our Board of Directors our purpose is to provide a voice of business. Candidate videos fulfill that goal to inform our members and the public before going to the polls.

PS: Back to business—don’t miss our popular annual business support event—EXPO—NEXT THURSDAY, September 21, at the Harbor Center.

Five major candidates for governor sought to break through a crowded field and catch up to the absent frontrunner last week in the first televised debate ahead of an October primary. In the hourlong event candidates drew key distinctions on abortion, LGBTQ+ rights and the state’s insurance crisis. Read more here.

The race for Louisiana secretary of state, normally a low-key affair, has taken on a more political bent this year amid unproven claims of voter fraud, and the better-known candidates have sought to balance promises around election security with assurances that Louisiana’s system is strong. Read more here.

funding. On behalf of all St. Tammany citizens, we are grateful for Krieger’s leadership in pursuing these funds. Read more here.

Incoming Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says he wants the Legislature to meet for a special session in January to pass several laws that he hopes will attract new insurance companies to the state. Temple, a Republican who spent 20 years in the insurance business before winning a term to the post after his only challenger withdrew from the race, would tackle laws that he says make Louisiana an outlier compared to other states. Read more here.

Featured Event — This Thursday! Free admission & Open to Public

Meet the Senate Candidates in the West—Senate Districts 12 & 37

Free Admission/Open to the Public

Thurs., Sept. 14 • 5 PM to 7 PM • Covington Chamber Office • 610 Hollycrest Blvd.