BGR Discusses Parish Council Size, Should It Shrink
Pictured (l-r) Mike Lorino, Jr., Rebecca Mowbray, Kevin Davis and William Aaron, Jr.
The size of the 14-member St. Tammany Parish Council was the topic of discussion when the Bureau of Governmental Research (BRG) recently met. Panelists included Mike Lorino, Jr. who represents District 4 and has advanced the idea of reducing the council’s size; William Aaron, Jr. with Aaron & Gianna PLC and an expert on local government charter issues; and Kevin Davis, former parish president who helped create the parish charter that went into effect in 2000. BRG President and CEO Rebecca Mowbray moderated the panel discussion focused on helping citizens and policymakers learn about the issues involved with changing the council structure.

Click here to view a recording of the discussion and click here to read an article written about the discussion by The Times-Picayune’s Bob Warren.
Report Highlights Positive Impact on Parish
A new report from St. Tammany Corporation shows that the organization’s efforts have resulted in over $173 million in investment and 895 new and retained jobs in the local economy from July 2020 through the end of 2022. In addition to jobs and investment numbers derived from directly supporting local businesses, the organization created and implemented multiple strategic initiatives that bolster key industry sectors, support entrepreneurs and small businesses, and help the residents of St. Tammany Parish access quality jobs. Click here to read the report.
Cancer Treatment Advances

Congratulations to Ochsner Health and St. Tammany Health System on their partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center to form the Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center in southeastern Louisiana! Cancer patients in our region now have access to cancer treatments that are among the most advanced in the nation. Click here to learn more.
Legislators Wrap Up 2023 Regular Session

Our tradition of bringing together the Northshore legislative delegation to allow our members to hear firsthand about their efforts during the regular legislative session continued last Wednesday at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. Nearly 150 attendees attentively listened to each legislator’s presentation.
We thank the following legislators for their participation. Their servant leadership makes our state a better place in which to live and work.
‣Sen. Sharon Hewitt, District 1
‣Sen. Patrick McMath, District 11
‣Sen. Beth Mizell, District 12
‣Rep. Mary DuBuission, District 90
‣Rep. Larry Frieman, District 74
‣Rep. Bob Owen, District 76
‣Rep. Richard Nelson, District 89

Click here to read more about the session in the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana's report.
Pictured (l-r) Board Chairman David Landry, Chamber CEO Lacey Osborne, McMath, Mizell, Hewitt, Owens, DuBuisson, Frieman, Nelson and Panel Moderator Dr. Michael Sprague.
2023 RESET Discussed with Northshore Legislative Candidates

Our Chamber has a strong partnership with statewide organizations that enables us to have a stronger voice for our business community. This was evident last week as the leadership of the Council for A Better Louisiana (CABL), the Committee of 100 for Economic Development (C100) and the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PAR) met together at our Covington office. During the meeting they presented their 2023 RESET Louisiana Election Issues Initiative to Northshore legislative candidates. Click here to read more about 2023 RESET and click here to read legislative reports from these organizations.

Pictured (l-r) are C100 CEO Michael Olivier, Mary DuBuisson, CABL President & CEO Barry Erwin, PAR President Steven Procopio, Ph.D., Joshua Allison, Jay Galle, Brian Glorioso, Stephanie Berault and Kim Carver.
On the Calendar
Featured Event
Tuesday, July 11
11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting for
El Patron Mexican Grill
Thursday, July 13
11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting for Automotive Center of Mandeville
Friday, July 21
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
The Greystone
Be in That Number, Take a Chance on Saints Season Tickets!

Be in THAT NUMBER when the Saints play in the Dome this year! Win a pair of Plaza Level 2023 Saints Season Tickets valued at $2,928! The drawing will be at the Fan-Up Luncheon on August 30.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased from a Chamber board member, advisory board member or by calling 985-892-3216.
Small Business Peer-to-Peer Learning Available

Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Roundtables is an innovative peer-to-peer learning program that brings small and emerging business leaders together for a yearlong experience of collaborative learning, problem-solving and professional development.

Click here to learn more about the program and complete an application.
Causeway Toll Increases Likely

A toll increase for crossing the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is almost a certainty, but the top official at the agency that runs the 24-mile-long bridge says the exact amount is still unknown. Read more here.
Have a Safe Fourth of July!
Big Savings at Office Depot for Chamber members!
 
Please register for your account here. All orders must be placed online and can be either shipped directly to you or set for in-store pickup. Free delivery on orders of $50 or more. Shop online and get free next business day delivery when you place an order by noon local time. (Some exclusions apply.)
Join Chamber Members Only Facebook Group
 
Click here to join our members-only Facebook group to connect with other Chamber members, share information and specials—and more. 
Your voice of business in St. Tammany Parish!