Several prestigious awards, including the Tammany Award, the Community Leadership Award and two Community Partner Awards, were given during our annual Installation & Awards Luncheon held last week with more than 200 members and guests in attendance.

The 2023 Tammany Award was presented to In-Telecom, a St. Tammany business that demonstrates leadership and drive and advocates for the betterment of our community. Rick Dennie was honored with the 2023 Community Leadership Award in recognition of his prominent role in improving the community’s quality of life through exemplary service, leadership and outstanding accomplishments. St. Tammany Corporation and Visit The Northshore were recognized with 2023 Community Partner Awards in recognition of their collaboration with the Chamber and other parish-wide business organizations for the betterment of our parish, businesses, citizens and overall quality of life. Both are part of the St. Tammany Economic Partnership which also includes the Chamber.

Congratulations! Click here to read about these award recipients.

The St. Tammany business community is extremely proud that our own Susan Bonnett Bourgeois, former board chair of Greater New Orleans, Inc. and president emeritus of the Northshore Community Foundation, has been named Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development (LED) by Gov. Landry.

“Susan is exactly what this department needs to move Louisiana’s economy forward and put us on the playing field with our southern neighbors,” said Landry in a press release. “I look forward to the great work she will do for our state.” Click here to read Gov. Landry's press release.

Nearly 150 business and elected leaders from around the region attended the St. Tammany Parish reception last week during the early hours of the five-day celebration. Sponsors of 2024 St. Tammany Mardi Gras were (pictured above left, l-r) Bill and Mimi Dossett of Money Hill Golf & Country Club; St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper; Adam Acquistapace of Acquistapace’s; Kim Carver of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company; and Chris Hnatyshyn of Kyle Associates. Not pictured is Chef Pat Gallagher with Pat Gallagher's Rest Awhile.

St. Tammany Parish was well represented by more than 80 travelers during the five days of meetings, receptions and Krewe of Louisianians supper dance and ball. When asked to describe the power and effectiveness of Washington Mardi Gras, first timer Mike Saucier, President of Gulf States Real Estate Services, said, “We were able to expand our footprint among a team of politicians, economic development officials, financial service providers, designers and other influencers throughout the events. The festive party atmosphere greatly lowers peoples’ inhibitions to connect even with others who hold different views and perspectives. I see now why people get hooked on this event and want to share it and see it grow. Our Chamber’s co- sponsorship of the well-attended Economic Development Luncheon invigorated my commitment to doing business in Louisiana. Governor Jeff Landry and each member of our congressional delegation spoke briefly, all with a sincere consolidated message touting Louisiana resilience, and greatness combined with our historic new political alignment at state, local, and federal levels."

Another highlight of the week were topics discussed at the annual U.S. Chamber Policy Briefing. Topics included presentations on international trade policy, a federal legislative update and political outlook, and cybersecurity. Chamber leaders from across the state were impressed with the character and knowledge of the U.S. Chamber officials. Pictured above right, l-r, attending the U.S. Chamber Policy Briefing were Chamber Board Members Mike Saucier with Gulf States Real Estate Services, Past Chair David Landry with Carver Darden and Alan Thriffiley with Total Insurance Planning.

Be on the lookout for a complete album of Washington Mardi Gras photos on our Facebook page.

On behalf of your Board of Directors, today we recognize these businesses who have already renewed their membership for 2024. The following list represents businesses that recently renewed memberships from January 9 through January 29. Click here for the full membership renewal list. We will continue to recognize renewing members as we kick off the new year. Thank you for your loyal support.

‣Ace Insurance Agency

‣Altitude Trampoline Park - Mandeville

‣Arbor Lending Group, LLC

‣Artovia Engineering

‣Attaway Trophies & Awards

‣Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Preferred REALTORS®

‣Bourgeois Bennett CPAs

‣Buisson Creative Strategies, LLC

‣Cedarwood School

‣Children's Museum of St. Tammany

‣Citizens National Bank

‣City of Mandeville

‣ComForCare Home Care

‣Covington Country Club

‣Crescent Tek

‣Direct Laboratory Services, LLC

‣Dr. Mary Speed Individual, Marriage & Family Therapist

‣Duplantis Design Group, PC

‣E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, Inc.

‣Fleur-de-lis Insurance, LLC

‣Fradella's Collision Center - Slidell

‣Hannis T. Bourgeois

‣Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union

‣Made in the Shade Northshore

‣Movie Tavern Northshore

‣New York Life - Richard Dennie, Agent

‣Northshore Office Equipment, LLC

‣Northshore Toyota

‣Once In A While Gift Shop

‣Pontchartrain Conservancy

‣Pool Corporation

‣RE/MAX Alliance

‣Regions Bank - NorthPark Covington

‣REV Business

‣Richard C Lambert Consultants, LLC

‣Rock-It Productions DJ & Photo Booth Entertainment

‣St. Tammany Health System

‣St. Tammany Parish Fire Protection, Dist. 1

‣St. Tammany Parish Government

‣Tangipahoa Parish Economic Development

‣The Backpacker

‣Total Insurance Planning

It’s no secret that Mardi Gras season is filled with nutritional land mines for folks who are watching calories or have specific health concerns. Fortunately, the Ochsner Eat Fit team of registered dietitians has worked with restaurants across the New Orleans area to incorporate nutritious options onto menus, including many along the parade routes. Click here for a list of East Fit-approved restaurants along parade routes around the Greater New Orleans area.