We hear it all the time and know how very important communication is at all levels! The best form of communication is one-on-one, in person, where we feel assured that we are being heard. That was our mission when inviting representatives of our top investors to the Chamber last week. We asked what benefits they expected for their investment—they spoke, we listened.

Another in-person meeting was held among leaders of our Advocacy and Public Policy Committee, leaders of S.T.E.P., and some parish council members regarding notice of permit applications and improved methods of communication among council members and permit applicants. Economic development and business stakeholders value the work of our elected leaders and seek collaboration on matters that can positively impact our parish. We plan to increase in-person communications with our elected officials in 2024.

There is so much happening in St. Tammany, it can be difficult to be aware of issues that impact businesses and all of us as individual citizens. Our parish president sends a weekly “Parish Update” e-newsletter with the latest information on what happened that week at St. Tammany Parish Government. The email has grown subscribers from approximately 3,500 in January 2022 to nearly 12,000 today. Want to be more informed? Click here to sign up. The Parish Council does the same. Click here to sign up for their updates.

Early voting for the November 18 election begins this Saturday. There are runoffs in Parish Council Districts 2, 4, 5 and 9, and in Legislative Districts 89 and 90. If you remain undecided and are voting for candidates in these districts, click on the graphic to view candidate presentations by district.

In the Saturday, November 18 election, the citizens of St. Tammany Parish will vote on an important millage renewal supporting mental health services within our community.

The proposition is to renew the Public Health millage at 1.78 mills, which has been in place since 1984, for a 10-year term. The millage generates an estimated $4.4 million to support the Safe Haven campus and jail medical expenses. For a $300,000 home, this $33 annual investment will maintain the current level of care in our community. For more information and a brochure, please click here.

Congratulations to Xplore Federal Credit Union on the opening of their location in St. Tammany Parish at 1404 N. Highway 190 in Covington. Xplore FCU has been serving the greater New Orleans area for more than 70 years.

Congratulations to Chamber Board Member Barbara Doyle, the new owner of Sophisticated Woman Magazine and its sister publication, the Northshore's Best. Read more here.

It is that time of the year—membership renewal time! Next Monday, November 6, you will receive your 2024 renewal invoice via email. The invoice will be due January 1, 2024. Thank you for your continued support.