Celebrate Canal
Sandra Herman, President & CEO
Thanks to GNOEA member George Messing, Owner Messina’s Catering, for hosting this week’s networking event for GNOEA members at the Rooftop on Basin St!
Sandra Thompson Herman is a visionary leader, trailblazing public servant, and passionate advocate for the cultural and economic vitality of New Orleans. With a career spanning decades in government, business, and nonprofit leadership, she has been a driving force behind some of Louisiana’s most impactful public policy and development efforts. She made history as the first cabinet-level Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, which she helped establish. She later led the Atchafalaya Basin Program, securing more than $330 million in federal and state funding for transformative water management and recreation projects across eight parishes. Sandra’s private-sector accomplishments are equally notable—from founding an oil field services company to serving as a key political strategist and liaison for the redevelopment of the World Trade Center into the Four Seasons Hotel.
In 2024, she founded Celebrate Canal!, a bold, citizen-led initiative to reimagine Canal Street as a vibrant, inclusive destination. Under her leadership, the project has become a powerful platform for civic engagement, economic development, and cultural celebration—revitalizing one of New Orleans’ most iconic corridors and honoring its rich heritage.
Sandra reported that their vision is to transform Canal Street into a world-renowned vibrant, diverse, and pedestrian-friendly hub that celebrates its rich cultural heritage, fosters economic growth, and creates a welcoming experience for residents and visitors alike.
Restoring Canal Street in New Orleans will attract visitors and locals alike, boost the local economy, and create a vibrant and bustling atmosphere reflective of the Crescent City. Working closely with the City Planning Commission, Downtown Development District, New Orleans & Co., New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, New Orleans Business Alliance and GNO, Inc., the Celebrate Canal! Coalition will bring together a cross-section of citizens, business owners, and city leaders to accomplish its goals.
Celebrate Canal will focus on public safety, improving transportation to Canal St., develop diverse retail stores, and creating an engaging, culturally rich public spaces.
To learn more about Canal St. Coalition please click here.
Membership
If you have a prospect, please have them connect with Jacquie Bonano, membership chair at membership@gnoea.com.
Thank You & Announcements
Charles Carriere, Carriere Consulting, thanked Paul Cosma, Uptown Auto Repair to fixing his sons car.
Nick Wall, KTE Analytics, thanked Jesse Hoppes, Leaaf Environmental for a customer referral.
Jesse Hoppes, Leaaf Environmental, thanked Jason Hernandez, Crescent Title for helping with some title work on a project and Bobby Ramsey, Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers, for helping with a gift for his mom.
Chris Hosch, W.J.S Enterprise, thanked Kenny Knoblach, Help! Air Conditioning and Heating for having him take care of their branches.
Paul Cosma, Uptown Auto Repair, thanked Kenny Knoblach, Help! Air Conditioning & Heating for helping with his a/c.
Q3 dues reminder.
Reminder to register for meetings
Reminder for membership referral program
New member announced, Otto Briede, Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home.
Upcoming Meeting Schedule
- July 29- No Meeting
- August 5- Harry Kelleher, Harry Kelleher, & Co
- August 12- No Meeting
- August 19- Tom Martin, Converse Digital, “Life’s a Pitch”- Board meeting to follow
- August 26- No Meeting
Check the website for updates and bulletins that include upcoming events. Meeting events are on the calendar. Speaker suggestions: contact Program Chairman, Jason Hernandez at jason@crescenttitle.com
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