May 7, 2024
Join Us
Washington Mardi Gras Luncheon Nets $182,425 for Louisiana Charity

Our Chamber CEO recently traveled to Monroe to participate in their Chamber’s congressional update luncheon featuring Sen. John Kennedy, where she participated in the presentation of a $182,425 check to officials from the Boys and Girls Club of Louisiana.

The funds were raised from proceeds remaining from the annual Economic Development Luncheon at Washington Mardi Gras.
(l-r) Monroe Chamber CEO Roy Heatherly, Sen. John Kennedy and St. Tammany Chamber CEO Lacey Osborne
Sen. Kennedy chose the Monroe Chamber and the St. Tammany Chamber to co-host this year’s luncheon in conjunction with the 75th Washington Mardi Gras. “The luncheon’s goal is to celebrate business in Louisiana,” said Roy Heatherly, Monroe Chamber CEO. “A tradition that began a few years ago is that any proceeds from the lunch, anything we have left over, go to the chair’s charity of choice.” As the 2024 Chair of Washington Mardi Gras, Sen. Kennedy selected the Boys and Girls Club of Louisiana as his charity. The $182,425 donation was a record amount.

Lacey Osborne stated that the 2024 Economic Development Luncheon was the first time two chambers hosted the event, and that together, the two chambers upgraded the event. “We made a lot of changes and were able to seat about 200 more people than any previous year for a total of nearly 900,” Osborne said. “It was a great experience, and we were happy to hear that Sen. Kennedy had chosen the Boys and Girls Club as his charity. As part of most Chambers’ and economic development organizations’ missions, supporting our youth is part of workforce development,” Osborne added.
Welcome April New Members!
Issues Making News
Coroner Recall Organizers Grateful for Chamber Support

Organizers of an effort to force a recall election for St. Tammany Parish’s coroner got a boost last week when our board of directors announced its decision to support the recall and urged members to sign the recall petition.

“We are absolutely grateful for their help,” said Jean Cefalu, a Slidell resident and one of the organizers. Read more here:
Northshore SANE Program Funded by Jefferson Parish

Jefferson Parish says it will take over the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) program for St. Tammany Parish effective May 20.

A Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the coroner's offices of the two parishes states that Jefferson will take over the exams after newly elected St. Tammany Coroner, Dr. Christopher Tape, eliminated the program in March due to financial costs. Read more here:
BGR Opposes Bill Limiting Access to Public Records

The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR), founded in 1932, is a private, nonprofit, independent research organization dedicated to informed public policy making and the effective use of public resources for the improvement of government in the New Orleans metropolitan area.

Their work to inform citizens about problems and solutions in local government depends on access to public records. Click here to read why they oppose SB 482 limiting access to public records.
Poll Reveals Louisiana Voters Approve of Gov. Landry

Gov. Landry is enjoying a political honeymoon with Louisiana voters after 100 days in office, with strong public backing for his conservative positions on crime and education, according to a statewide poll conducted for The Times-Picayune | The Advocate.

Voters gave the governor a 56% favorable rating overall during the April 22-26 poll, driven by their support for his tough-on-crime agenda and his push for parental rights on school and medical issues. Landry’s unfavorable rating was only 33%. Read more here.
Member Shout-Outs
Congratulations to Dr. Lauren Agnew, OD on the opening of the Eye Wares location in Covington at 13130 Hwy. 1085! The optometry practice offers innovative vision diagnostic eye exams, experienced optometrists, and a premier optical store with the largest selection of luxury eyewear and affordable glasses. Welcome to Covington!
Congratulations to American Bank, a 2024 Louisiana Small Business Award recipient as “Lender of the Year" by Louisiana Economic Development and the U.S. Small Business Administration! They are a president level member. Read more here.
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office opened its new 5,500 square foot Third District Patrol Station at 16189 East Brewster Road in Covington just off Highway 21 and I-12. Thank you for continuing to keep us safe! Read more here.
Congratulations to Northshore Food Bank on the celebration of their 40th anniversary! The food bank provides food assistance to more than 300 individuals and families each week who live at or below the federal poverty guidelines.
On The Calendar
Check out Member Events on the Community Calendar!
Click here to post your events.
This Thursday, May 9
8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Chamber's Slidell Office
Tuesday, May 14
11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting for
Tuesday, May 21
11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting for
UNO to Hold Economic Outlook and Real Estate Seminar on Northshore

UNO’s Institute for Economic Development & Real Estate Research is hosting a seminar, “2024 Dr. Ivan Miestchovich Economic Outlook & Real Estate Forecast” on May 14th at Benedict’s in Mandeville. Click here to learn more and register.
Update from the Legislature
 
In case you missed it, each Friday during the regular session, we send a Legislative Update to our entire membership as a way to keep you informed about what is happening at the Capitol. We are thankful to Louisiana Association for Business and Industry (LABI) for providing this important information. Click here to read the May 3rd update.
Learn How NASA Explores, Innovates and Inspires

The NASA Stennis Lagniappe is a free monthly newsletter featuring an easy-to-read scroll of NASA Stennis news and activities. Send your name, location, and email address to the NASA Stennis Office of Communications to receive it each month. Together, we are going back to the Moon! 
 
Click here to read the May issue.
Your voice of business in St. Tammany Parish!