It is hard to believe February is already here. Our January news featured our shining stars, award winners, board members, and committee chairmen. The work that earned their recognition is now happening behind the scenes for 2022. We currently have 257 actively engaged Chamber member business representatives serving on one of our seven committees or board. Ninety percent of our members have renewed their investment in the Chamber, and several events are planned in the months ahead to provide learning opportunities, networking, and non-dues revenue to help support our work. Our Finance and Executive committees have met in the past two weeks and our full board will meet this week to finalize our budget and program of work for 2022. Thank you for your commitment to maintaining and growing a strong chamber for St. Tammany Parish businesses.

A draft of the parish's New Directions 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the Future Land Use Map are ready for your review! St. Tammany Parish invites your feedback and comments on the draft plan and map, which will be open for public comment for a 30-day review period until February 28, 2022. 

New Directions 2040 describes a vision for the future of St. Tammany Parish. Your input at this stage will help to ensure that your voice is reflected in that vision. The draft plan, draft future land use map and comment form is available online at NewDirections2040.com.

Join St. Tammany’s leaders in workforce development and education for a dynamic panel discussion at the State of Workforce Breakfast presented by Slidell Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, February 16. The panelists will share their insights about the current workforce landscape, innovative and collaborative educational programs, customized industry training initiatives, ongoing talent retention strategies, and exploring the workforce needs on the horizon. Ashley Llewellyn, Director of Strategic Initiatives at St. Tammany Corporation, will moderate the panel discussion featuring:

Register below.

Congratulations to TitlePlus, LLC on their opening in Covington at 506 S. Tyler Street.

Tri-Parish Works was recognized during the 2021 Workforce Technology Conference with an award for "Resiliency in Navigating the Pandemic."

Gavin Jobe with Meribo in Covington noticed people weathering the cold and decided to do something about it, organizing a blanket drive to benefit the less fortunate and unhoused in his community. Thank you, Meribo!

Sen. Patrick McMath (also Chairman of the Louisiana Senate Committee of Transportation, Highways, and Public Works) wrote about St. Tammany's most pressing issue--infrastructure in a Letter to the Editor of the St. Tammany Farmer. Click here to read the letter.

‣The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PAR) is The PAR Perspective webinar, Mapping the Future: A Look at Redistricting, on Friday, February 4, at 12:15 PM. Click here to register.

‣The Northshore Community Foundation is seeking nominations for their Fifth Annual Dick Knight Award, a $5,000 award recognizing individuals for their commitment and service to the charitable, nonprofit sector in the four parish Northshore region. Click here to learn more or to nominate an individual.

‣Register for the inaugural IT Summit at Northshore Technical Community College to be held on February 10 at the Lacombe Campus. Businesses are invited to showcase their company and promote hiring opportunities. Click here to register.

‣Healthier Northshore and COAST are hosting a free health fair in Covington on February 11 for people over 50.

‣Breast and Colorectal Screenings offered on February 14 by Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. 

‣The Small Business Development Center and its partners are offering a free virtual workshop on February 15 on "Strategies for Defining Your Ideal Customer and Building Relationships. Click here to register.