March 11, 2025

Chamber Votes Yes on Sales Tax District #3 Rededication

The St. Tammany Chamber Board of Directors has officially voted to support the Sales Tax District #3's two-cent sales tax rededication and extension on the March 29 ballot, which will help fund critical parish criminal justice operations. "It is important to support public safety in our Parish and encourage voters to vote yes to expand the use of this existing tax," states Chamber President and CEO Lacey Osborne, following extensive research and discussions with key parish leaders. Read the full press release for more details.

A recent Chamber breakfast brought together St. Tammany Parish leaders—President Mike Cooper, DA Collin Sims, Council Chair Joe Impastato, Chief Judge Alan Zaunbrecher and Sheriff Randy Smith—for a valuable discussion on the rededication proposal. Watch the full video to learn how this restructuring will impact funding for public safety and infrastructure that directly affects our community's quality of life.

• Early voting starts this Saturday, March 15. Click here for locations and times.

• The deadline to request an absentee ballot is March 25 by 4:30 PM, and the deadline to return an absentee ballot is March 28 by 4:30 PM. Click here·   

•  Click here to view your sample ballot.

• The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana releases an annual, nonpartisan guide explaining the constitutional amendments. Four proposed amendments to the Louisiana Constitution will be on the March 29 election ballot. Click here to learn what it means to vote "for" or "against" these amendments.

Legislature Targets Crime with New Bills

Louisiana's 2025 legislative session features critical justice reform bills including stricter penalties for utility fund misuse, tougher sentences for repeat violent offenders, stricter hemp product regulations, and changes to inmate releases during emergencies. Read more here.

DOTD Improvement Plan to Address Inconsistencies and Inefficiencies

An internal review of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) agency that maintains Louisiana's roads and highways has found it too often allows construction to go past deadline and over budget, has flawed internal communication and lacks a good process for selecting projects, among other problems. The review is a response to Gov. Landry's executive order last year that called on agency leaders to "reform the department as expeditiously as possible." To help fix the problems, DOTD has set up a "transformation office" and is considering plans to restructure its departments, outsource some functions and redo how it handles permits and project bids, the report says. Read more here.

Welcome New Members!

We are happy to welcome our newest Chamber members! These businesses and professionals add new perspectives and talents to our growing network. We look forward to supporting their successes and encouraging meaningful connections.

• Advanced Eyecare
• Bayou Treasures Seafood
• Big Picture Painting 
• Brown & Mary, LLC
• BZRK, LLC
• Cantaloupe AI
• Greater New Orleans Federal Credit Union

• Lettuce Media
• Perma Power Generator Sales and Service
• Rotolo Consultants, Inc.
• St Tammany Early Childhood Ready Start Network
• Stephen Rue & Associates, LLC
• Velvet Pines Developers

Chamber Leaders Advocate for Childcare Funding

Recently, our President and CEO Lacey Osborne joined forces with 20 other Chamber executives from across the nation for a crucial advocacy mission to Washington DC. The delegation met with senators and congressmen to address critical childcare funding issues, including employer-provided childcare credits, childcare availability and overall affordability. Read more here.

Members of the Events Committee have been busy finalizing plans for our annual golf tournament on March 20 and working on plans for our Southern Nights Soirée on July 18.

Northshore Young Professionals gathered recently at Sirincci Coffee Company in Slidell for a Pop-Up event. Plan to attend the next Pop-Up at Loft 18 in Mandeville on March 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Featured Event: Register here

Tuesday, March 18

9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Chamber's Covington Office

610 Hollycrest Blvd.,

Covington

Tuesday, March 18

11:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Ribbon Cutting for

Express Employment Professionals

100 Louis Prima Dr., Covington

Wednesday, March 19

4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Cash Bar, Admission sponsored by Handock Bank

Loft 18 Mandeville

1619 N. Causeway Blvd.,

Mandeville

Thursday, March 20

10:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Money Hill Golf/Country Club

100 Country Club Dr.,

Abita Springs

Tuesday, March 25

11:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Ribbon Cutting for

LA Guns and Range Training Academy

1954 Hwy. 22 West, Mandeville

Wednesday, March 26

Networking 11:30 AM

Program Noon to 1:00 PM

Zea's Rotisserie & Bar

110 Lake Dr.,

Covington

Congratulations to our valued partner on their exciting rebrand from St. Tammany Corporation to St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation! This strategic name change better reflects their mission while supporting their comprehensive THRIVE2029 strategic plan. Under CEO Chris Masingill's leadership, St. Tammany EDC remains committed to business retention, expansion efforts, and securing investments that enhance our economic landscape. Visit their redesigned website to explore their bold new vision for our community's future. Read more here.

Congratulations to Ashley Llewellyn, Vice President of St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation, on receiving the prestigious 2025 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award! This biennial recognition celebrates rising stars under 40 who demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment, and innovation in economic development. Ashley's impactful work since 2013 has been instrumental in advancing St. Tammany's economic growth. Read more here.

Congratulations to Coastal Chiropractic and Wellness! We joined them to celebrate their grand opening with a ribbon cutting. Visit them at 4880 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville to find chiropractic solutions to address your needs, whether you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, headaches or even muscle tightness and tension.

We were happy to help OnPath Credit Union in Covington celebrate their Re-Grand Opening yesterday! Stop by their location at 122 E. 32nd Avenue for all your financial needs. As a valued Chamber member, OnPath Credit Union offers personalized service and competitive financial solutions for individuals and businesses in our community.