New Orleans Collaborative for Early Childhood Research

Jen Roberts, CEO of Agenda for Children

Thanks to member George Messina for catering this week’s networking event at Rooftop on Basin.

Ms. Roberts, a non-profit executive with twenty plus years of experience building access to high-quality opportunities for young children.  Celebrating forty years in 2024, Roberts works with and oversees 750 childcare centers across a thirteen parish footprint. Louisiana is ranked 49th in the country for overall child well-being and she continues the fight to help move Louisiana in the right direction. Investing in the care and education of young children is the most efficient use of public resources. It is believed that early childhood education (ECE) programs benefit the economy, the workforce & children, with a thirteen percent annual return on investment to society for every $1 invested in high-quality birth-to-five programs.  In 2022, New Orleans voters approved a millage to provide >$21M to ECE every year over 20 years and Jefferson and St. Tammany are now considering doing the same. The millage will help to increase the number of seats available to young children.

What can you do?
â—‹ Learn more at www.agendaforchildren.org
â—‹ Enroll children at www.enrollnolaps.com
○ Give – School Readiness Tax Credits!

In closing, Roberts encouraged all to learn more about the 80 for 80 challenge, a school readiness tax credit program for businesses. Businesses donating up to five thousand dollars will receive a dollar for dollar tax credit. Learn more about 80 for 80 in this YouTube video.

Members: Visit the archive to view Jen’s complete presentation.

Membership

The board has approved and recommended Andrew Legrand for membership in the classification of General Business Attorney. The membership has 5 days for opposition before inviting him to become a new member.  If you wish to submit an objection, please do so on or before June 21st.

If you have a prospect, please have them connect with Jacquie Bonano, membership chair at membership@gnoea.com.

Thank You & Announcements

Catherine Shreves, Image Video Solutions, thanked Marcus Azzarello, Franklynn Pest Controls, for treating her property for termites and thanked Paul Cosma, Uptown Auto Specialist, for the use of a motorcycle for a photo shoot.

Introduction of Guests:

Ralph Davis, Mike’s Golden Cleaners, guest of Duaine Duffy

Cameron Kershaw, IT Solutions, guest of John Zollinger

President Jesse Hoppes, announced the July 2023 – December 2023 Board nominations. There were no nominations from the floor. A motion by Duaine Duffy, seconded by Brian Lundin, approved the slate as presented.

Alison Barrios – President

Chad Perrier – President Elect

John Zollinger – Treasurer

Past President – Jesse Hoppes

Replace the following directors for the July 2023 – December 2024 term:

George Rojas with David Raymond

Marcus Azzarello with Glenn Landrum

Chad Perrier with Trey Babin

Directors remaining on the board until December 2023:

Duaine Duffy

Paul Cosma

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

  • June 13th – No Meeting
  • June 20th – No Meeting
  • June 27th – Update on Jefferson Parish – Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng – Board meeting follows
  • July 4th – Happy 4th of July
  • July 11th – Jim Patterson, LABI – Board meeting to follow
  • July 18th – Rebecca Comwell, President & CEO – UNO Research and Technology Foundation

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