St. Bernard Economic Development

GNOEA members attended an in-person breakfast meeting on November 9th with guest speaker Jason Stopa, Urban Development Planner and Director of St. Bernard Economic Development.

In 2020, the Census Bureau reported that St. Bernard Parish was the fastest growing parish in Louisiana, said Stopa. The parish’s marketing campaign “Sold on St. Bernard” has gotten the attention from people who are looking for space in close proximity to downtown New Orleans. With reinforced flood protection post Katrina St. Bernard’s quality of life is being compared in some ways, to the Northshore. Projects such as The Chenier Nature Trail, made possible from the donation of some property by the Mereaux Foundation, will connect people with nature.  Other large areas of development are near the Ochsner Hospital, Old Arabie Revitalization and the St. Claude Art Market. Local Economic incentives for Film St. Bernard and Digital Interactive Media and Software are slated for 2022.

Presentation can be accessed in the meeting archives.

A special thanks to our gracious member and host – George Messina at Rooftop on Basin  

More about our speaker Jason Stopa

__________________________________________________________________________

Membership

Tim Scott announced that the board approved Honorary Life Member Status for Ron Blitch, Blitch Architects and Charlotte Binnings, Town and Country Travel. Both will be acknowledged at the Christmas Party. He added that the board voted to combine commercial and residential architects as one membership category.

Jacquie Bonano, JBL Communications suggested reviewing the list of membership categories and consider newer categories that may not be listed.

If you have a prospect, please have them connect with Jacquie Bonano (interim membership chairman) at membership@gnoea.com


Thank You & Announcements

Invocation by Kevin Pedeaux, CR Coffee Shops

Re-qualification forms for 2022 – Please complete or note “no change” and return to Cathy Vienne by email.

Q4 dues invoices have been emailed. Electronic payment is preferred.

Tim Scott asked members to consider partnering with a local charity or participate in a community activity to create awareness of  GNOEA. Suggestions are welcome.

Tim announced that the board agreed to host future meetings at Rooftop on Basin when available. Centralized location, complimentary parking and supports a GNOEA member, George Messina.

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

November 16th – Duaine Duffy, Benefit Analyst – Rooftop on Basin, Board meeting follows

November 23rd – Off – Happy Thanksgiving

November 30th – Tour Universal Data. Details to follow.

December 9th – Christmas Party and GNOEA 50 Year Celebration 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. – The Crab Trap Room across parking lot from The Blue Crab Restaurant – Spouses are invited to attend.

December 14th – Philip Rebowe, CPA – Tax Update – Rooftop on Basin

December 21st & 28th – Off – Christmas Holidays!