The Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Report

Ruth Lawson, President Jefferson Chamber of Commerce

This week’s breakfast meeting, was held at the Rooftop on Basin and catered by Messina’s (George Messina, member) with guest speaker Ms. Ruth Lawson, President of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.

Following a nationwide search and as one of more than 100 candidates, Lawson was selected as President of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce by its Board of Directors in December 2021.  Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Jefferson Chamber is in the top two percent of 7,000 chambers nationwide who have been distinguished with a 5-Star Accreditation by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce.  The Jefferson Chamber works in tandem with the Jefferson Chamber Foundation and Jefferson Chamber Political Action Committee and is funded by private investments.

Lawson provided an overview of what the chamber does to help business owners thrive. She encouraged members to consider attending their nine month program for emerging leaders in Jefferson that helps business owners better understand Jefferson Parish operations. The Chamber hosts 150+ events a year along with educational programs such as Leadership Jefferson, Live Well Jefferson and Prosper Jefferson. An annual meeting, Gala, Golf Classic and other networking events are held to help businesses connect with other businesses.

Visit the Archives under Resources to view the presentation.

More about our speaker: R. Lawson Bio

Membership

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

Thank You & Announcements

John Zollinger, Home Bank, invited the business community to attend a meeting at GNO, Inc. on Wednesday, June 15th at 4:30 to share ideas on how to engage with the Mayor  to present postive solutions for the city of New Orleans. Details will be emailed to the membership.

Kevin Pedeaux, CR Coffee announced openings for two membership categories: Plumbing and Car Dealer to replace Carl Bourgeois Plumbing and Robert Weinmann Auto dealer. He then introduced, guest and membership applicants, Galen Hair, Insurance Claim HQ (3rd meeting), and Glenn Landrum, Magelland Group, LLC Commercial /Residential builders (2 meetings) Additional membership applicants: Jenifer Navard, Eskew Dumez Ripple and Courtney Davis, Barts Office and Stosh Kozlowski, Benton Tree Service are also going through the vetting process.

The following membership applications were approved by the board on Tuesday. The membership has until June 22nd (five days) to present any conflicts/rejections.

Brad Schaus, Exeter Architectural Products

David Raymond, Clean Fleet Auto Body

Galen Hair, Insurance Claim HQ

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

  • June 21st – No Meeting
  • June 28th – Jordan Jernigan, FBI Special Agent in Charge New Orleans
  • July 5th – No Meeting – Happy Fourth of July
  • July 12th – Jim Donelon, Insurance Commissioner
  • July 19th – TBA
  • July 26th – Representative Aimee Freemna

Check website for updates and bulletins that include upcoming events. Meeting events are on the calendar.