February 10, 2026

A Year of Advocacy, Connection and Impact

We celebrate a year of meaningful impact in 2025. From advocating for pro-business policies to connecting members through programs, events and networking, and launching the new Chamber Foundation Fund, our Chamber strengthened businesses and our community. See how your membership supported initiatives, partnerships and programs that drove economic growth, celebrated member success and strengthened our region. We look forward to 2026 with exciting opportunities to continue advancing business, fostering connections and supporting community growth. Read the Annual Report.

District Attorney Collin Sims Discusses Northshore Criminal Justice Funding on WWL Radio

As part of the Chamber’s ongoing updates with The Newell Normand Show on WWL Radio, District Attorney Collin Sims of the 22nd Judicial District Court joined Newell Normand last Friday for a timely conversation on financial challenges impacting St. Tammany Parish’s criminal justice system.

During the interview, Sims discussed the current financial situation, findings from recent financial reviews that point to challenges within the current tax structure, and ongoing efforts to identify short- and long-term solutions to sustainably fund the criminal justice system. The conversation underscored the importance of informed dialogue around public safety, tax structure considerations, fiscal responsibility and long-term community sustainability. Click here to listen to interview.

President Cooper Shares Why He Will Not Seek Third Term

Parish President Mike Cooper cited family considerations, age and the demands of public office as reasons for not seeking a third term in 2027. He emphasized spending time with loved ones and preparing to pass leadership to the next generation. Read more.

Slidell Prepares for City Elections, Mayor’s Contest Yet to Be Determined

It’s campaign time in Slidell, but whether there will be a contested mayoral race remains uncertain until qualifying ends February 13. In addition to mayor, voters will see police chief and multiple City Council seats on the May 16 ballot. Read more.

Colliers Report Highlights Redevelopment Potential for Northshore Square Mall

A new Colliers study outlines multiple redevelopment paths for the 54-acre Northshore Square Mall site, highlighting opportunities to drive economic growth in Slidell and eastern St. Tammany Parish through jobs, community space and strategic public-private planning. Read more.

Gov. Landry, Sec. Lutnick Highlight Louisiana’s Bright Future During Economic Development Luncheon

Gov. Landry and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick spoke during the Washington Mardi Gras Economic Development Luncheon, an invitation-only event attended by more than 800 Louisiana business, civic and government leaders. They highlighted the state’s energy sector, infrastructure, assets, talent and leadership as drivers of future economic growth. Read more.

BGR Dashboards Show Property Tax Trends in St. Tammany and Beyond

The Bureau of Governmental Research's updated 2026 Property Tax Dashboards reveal that St. Tammany Parish property tax rates have declined for a second consecutive year, while rates in Orleans and Jefferson parishes rose slightly. The dashboards help residents and business owners understand local tax rates, structures and funding for public services. Read more.

National Civics Bee® Deadline Extended to February 17

The National Civics Bee® essay submission deadline has been extended to February 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. HST due to widespread storm impacts. Open to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students, the civics bee encourages youth to explore community issues and propose solutions. Hosted locally by our Chamber in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this program leads to live competitions and prize opportunities. Application details and resources are available on our website—click here to have students you know apply today.

Check out the video to see how adults performed on a civics test and what they had to say about the experience.

Featured Event: Register here

This Thursday, February 12

4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Haven Coffee & Cocktails

534 N. New Hampshire St.,

Covington

Wednesday, February 25

8:30 AM to 9:30 AM

Towers Building, 6th Floor

520 Old Spanish Trail,

Slidell

Wednesday, March 4

Networking: 7:30 AM

Program: 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

The Greenwood

75082 Hwy. 25,

Covington

Wednesday, March 11

11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Louisiana State Capital Building Rotunda

900 North Third St.,

Baton Rouge

Thursday, March 12

4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Community Center

at Christwood

100 Christwood Blvd.,

Covington

Thursday, March 19

Registration: 10:30 AM

Shotgun Start: 11:30 AM

Money Hill Country Club

100 Country Club Dr.,

Abita Springs

Parish Council Legislative Highlights of 2025

Congratulations to the St. Tammany Parish Council on a productive 2025, advancing legislation that strengthens infrastructure, protects our environment and improves quality of life for all residents. Accomplishments include establishing the LA 1088 Economic Development District and forming committees to promote greater governmental efficiency. The Council also advanced coastal resilience planning and drainage accountability measures. These actions reflect a continued commitment to serving the nearly 270,000 people who live and work in St. Tammany Parish. Read the full list here.

Congratulations to Legacy Construction and Development on the grand opening of their new headquarters at 35297 Home Estate Dr. in Slidell! Legacy specializes in Commercial and Residential construction and development, is licensed in six states, and delivers projects from planning through completion.

Congratulations to Chamber Advisory Board Member Michelle Schellinger for being named St. Tammany Parish Market President for Renasant Bank, which has more than 280 offices across the Southeast. Michelle also serves as an Ambassador and was Ambassadors Council Chair last year.

Thank You for Renewing Your Chamber Membership

Thank you to the businesses that have renewed their Chamber membership for 2026. The members listed below renewed between January 19 and February 2. Click here to view the full renewal list. Your continued engagement plays a vital role in supporting a strong, connected business community.

• Atmosphere Enterprises, LLC DBA Atmosphere Movers 
• Beacon Healing and Wellness
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of LA
• Bonvenu Bank
• C M Combs Construction, LLC
• Carver Darden, LLC 
• Colliers
• Cultivate Landscape, LLC
• Desi Vega's Steakhouse Covington
• Exit Momentum 
• Florida Marine Transporters
• Hancock Whitney 
• Hannis T. Bourgeois
• Liz's Where Y'at Diner
• New American Funding

• New Millennium Construction, LLC.
• New York Life - Richard Dennie, Agent 
• Pleasure Pools
• Pontchartrain Investment Management 
• ProLift Garage Doors of St. Tammany
• Ramos Leadership Co.
• Resurge Veterinary Surgical Specialists and Rehabilitation, LLC 
• Smile Doctors by DN Orthodontics
• Smith Sconzert, LLC
• The Rotary Club of Slidell
• The Village Executive Office Suites and The Village Shopping Center
• Tod Klotzbach
• Velvet Pines Developers

Registration Open for Love the Boot Week, April 18–26, 2026

Registration is now open for Love the Boot Week, Louisiana’s largest litter removal and beautification effort, running April 18–26, 2026! In honor of America’s 250th birthday, volunteers will clean and beautify communities statewide. The first 800 groups to register receive supply boxes with t-shirts, gloves and trash bags. Join thousands of citizens making an impact, or explore sponsorship opportunities to support this statewide movement. Sign up today! Learn more.