Ray Gregson, River Region Chamber of Commerce

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!

Ray Gregson serves as CEO of the River Region Chamber of Commerce, where he champions regional collaboration to enhance competitiveness and foster business growth. A dedicated advocate for future investment, business retention, and revitalization, Ray promotes pro-business policies that drive economic progress in St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, and St. James Parishes. In addition to his role at the Chamber, Ray also serves as President of the St. Charles Parish School Board. Elected in 2022, Ray has worked with board members, the superintendent, and executive staff to implement a comprehensive salary structure in 2024, followed by a 5% teacher pay increase in 2025. Ray is also noted for his collaboration with parish officials and taxing bodies to reduce the financial burden on both businesses and residents, lowering mileages to a 30-year low. A former professional and current SEC baseball umpire, Ray brings discipline, integrity, and a collaborative spirit to his work, building bridges across the River Parishes. His leadership delivers tangible results that benefit not only businesses, but also families, students, and the wider community throughout the River Region.

Ray informed the GNOEA members that the River Region consist of St Charles Parish, St John Parish, and St James Parish. The River Region provides businesses of all sizes a multitude of valuable benefits and tools that will enhance their respective markets to further business growth.

The mission of the River Region Chamber of Commerce is to grow, strengthen, and unify businesses by building relationships to advocate for a pro-business environment in St. James, St. John, and St. Charles parishes, to serve as the voice of all business in the River Region and to be the catalyst for business support by offering a regional approach to networking opportunities and collaboration that will ensure growth and sustainability.

Ray also informed the GNOEA members the “Cancer Alley” rumor has been proven false. They collected data back to the 1980’s and found that cancer rates in these Industrial Corridor remain at or below the state average.  You can view the information here.

Membership

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

Thank You & Announcements

Q4 dues reminder will be sent in October.

Member referral program

Thank You’s

Guests- Louis David, Blue Marsh Consulting, guest of Lola Lass, Adeeta Staffing.

Ruth Ragusa, Benefit Analyst, guest of Duaine Duffy, Benefit Analyst in his absense.

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

  • September 23- No Meeting
  • September 30- Membership Social- Juan’s Flying Burrito
  • October 7- Erroll Williams, New Orleans Parish Assessor
  • October 14- Kyle Monti, CEO, Haptech Inc
  • October 21- Ewell Smith, Close the Deal, Board meeting
  • October 28- 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