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SPONSORED
NEW ORLEANS CHAMBER MEMBER SINCE 2019
ARGENT TRUST
201 St Charles Ave #2420 | New Orleans | (504) 291-8800 | argentfinancial.com/subsidiary/argent-trust
This year, Argent Trust Company celebrates its 30th anniversary as a leading, independent, fiduciary wealth management firm providing comprehensive wealth management solutions to individuals, families, businesses, and institutions. Well known in North Louisiana, the Ruston-based company expanded with a New Orleans office a few years ago and is proud to be the state’s only independent, nonbank affiliated trust company. “Our goal to protect, manage, and grow our clients’ wealth is accomplished through humble confidence, integrity, and independence,” says Jill Knight Nalty, Business Development Officer at Argent. Argent manages over $30 billion in client assets in 31 markets across 12 southeastern states. In 2019, the company was recognized as an INC 5000 Honoree for its exceptional growth, and this year Argent received a PAM (Private Asset Management) Award for Best Philanthropic/Educational Initiative. A new
member of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Argent joined in 2019 when it opened its new offices in Place St. Charles. Its membership has helped grow the company’s brand across Greater New Orleans while helping Argent network and partner with other local businesses. While relatively new to the New Orleans area, Argent has already established itself as a forward-thinking, community-minded company by sponsoring or partnering with a variety of local businesses and organizations such as Children’s Hospital New Orleans, KIDsmART, PRC Julia Jump, NOMA Art in Bloom, Crimestoppers, New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, Louisiana Children’s Museum, Jewish Endowment Foundation, and various professional associations.
Pictured: Jim Breaux, Jill Nalty, Mark Milton and Cathy Gotzkowsky
“Our goal to protect, manage, and grow our clients’ wealth is accomplished through humble confidence, integrity, and independence.”
SPONSORED
NEW ORLEANS CHAMBER MEMBER SINCE 2018
AVEXON, LLC
141 Robert E. Lee Blvd, #206 | New Orleans | (504) 218-8664 | avexon.com
Businesses, organizations, and individuals make and implement world-changing decisions every day using technology. Having access to reliable Information Technology (IT) personnel and proven IT solutions can make all the difference, whether providing a product or service to a defined customer base or the entire community. Avexon, LLC, is a local, certified WomanOwned Small Business with an experienced and highly specialized team of advisors that provide a variety of IT services and support, such as engineering services, project management, and industry-leading hardware and software products. “To continue to grow such richness of talent, we constantly invest in our Avexon network,” says Kimee Boudreaux, President. Avexon’s advisors are trusted by customers, thanks to their client-focused approach to collaboration and communication as well as the company’s reputation for quality results. The team, whose management is made up of all New Orleans natives, enjoys using IT solutions
to help grow the local infrastructure and benefit the community at large. A significant portion of Avexon’s customer base is made up of state and local government agencies and area educational institutions. “Part of our mission is to improve their technological foundation with cost-effective solutions,” says Ted Nass, Director of Engineering. Already involved in a number of parish chambers, Avexon joined the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce to grow its local business network while promoting women working in technology and the benefits of a diverse team. Avexon supports a number of charitable organizations and advocacy groups—like Women in Technology—and those that empower children in technology and assist children in need. Pictured left to right: Ted Nass, Director of Engineering; Kimee Boudreaux, President; Kerri Glynn, Director of Administration
“Part of our mission is to improve their technological foundation with cost-effective solutions”
SPONSORED
NEW ORLEANS CHAMBER MEMBER SINCE 2010
COX
(504) 304-8444 | cox.com
Just like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Cox is deeply invested in the New Orleans community. Cox was one of the first companies to support the Chamber following Hurricane Katrina, and just as the company was committed to reimagining a better, stronger future then, Cox remains committed now with a mission to bring residents closer than ever before. With 30 years of history in New Orleans, Cox is a Founding Chairman’s Council member in the Chamber of Commerce, actively advancing a strong New Orleans. Recently, Cox announced a $10 billion nationwide investment in its products and infrastructure, offering New Orleanians a new world of possibilities through smart and connected devices. “Cox is in the connections business and, now more than ever, we are helping people and businesses use technology in ways they never imagined,” says Kevin Monroe, vice president
of the New Orleans market. “We are excited to leverage these same robust resources to reimagine the possibilities that bring us closer.” Part of Cox’s commitment to New Orleans also includes being a philanthropic partner for area organizations. Since the COVID pandemic began Cox has donated meals to frontline healthcare workers, provided $25,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank to help feed area families, and donated $180,000 in PPE supplies to Ochsner Health System—all on top of its regular charitable donations. Since March, Cox has provided more than 36,000 families in need with reduced-cost wifi through the Connect2Compete program aimed at closing the digital divide. Together with the Chamber of Commerce, Cox looks forward to helping South Louisiana emerge stronger and closer than ever from recent challenges. Pictured: Kevin Monroe
“Cox is in the connections business and, now more than ever, we are helping people and businesses use technology in ways they never imagined.”
SPONSORED
NEW ORLEANS CHAMBER MEMBER SINCE 2017
ENERGY SMART PROGRAM (504) 229-6868 | energysmartnola.info
Energy Smart is a comprehensive energy efficiency program developed by the New Orleans City Council and implemented by Aptim Environmental & Infrastructure. The program helps residential and business electric customers save energy and money by reducing the upfront cost of energy efficiency upgrades to their homes and facilities through financial incentives. For nearly 10 years, Energy Smart has worked with numerous business customers throughout Orleans Parish to reduce their energy usage and save money through installing more energy-efficient building equipment, systems, and products. “Energy Smart helps make the economy stronger and our real estate more sustainable,” says Kristin McKee, Program Director with APTIM. “We help customers from all market sectors, size and location, and we work hard to ensure equity throughout the city,” adds Derek Mills, Entergy New Orleans’ DSM Program Manager.
Energy Smart provides cash incentives to existing and new buildings for a variety of projects such as LED lighting, lighting controls, HVAC, building automation, chillers, motors, retro-commissioning and demand response. To date, Energy Smart has paid approximately $29M in incentives to over 86,000 participants, saving those customers nearly 236M kWh. McKee and Mills, along with Ross Thevenot, Energy Smart Program Manager, have enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and helped to build awareness of the program and its incentives. Pictured left to right: Derek Mills, Entergy New Orleans, DSM Program Manager; Kristin McKee, Aptim Environmental & Infrastructure, Program Director; Ross Thevenot, Entergy New Orleans, Energy Smart Program Manager
“Energy Smart helps make the economy stronger and our real estate more sustainable.”
SPONSORED
NEW ORLEANS CHAMBER MEMBER SINCE 2014
CHRIS FERRIS Fidelity Bank
bankwithfidelity.com | 1-800-220-2497
With a century-long history of serving the residents and businesses of New Orleans, Fidelity Bank operates with a mission of being “Here For Good,” a three-part undertaking that involves giving back to the community, making decisions that support long-term commitment, and taking a consultative approach to meeting clients’ goals. A $900M community bank with 17 branch locations, Fidelity also makes the dream of home ownership possible for thousands of locals each year through its mortgage division, NOLA Lending Group. Chris Ferris joined the Fidelity Bank team six years ago. His commitment to excellence quickly led to his being named Chief Banking and Operations Officer and later assuming the top role as President and CEO. Today, Chris drives engagement with the local community by maintaining a values-based organization focused on the needs of the community.
Fidelity Bank has a long history of being a Chairmen’s Council Member with the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, and Chris currently serves as a Chamber board member. “I love the spirit of New Orleans in that everybody wants the city to succeed,” says Chris. “Our business community has a deep understanding of what’s good for the city is good for them—we have a competitive marketplace but our business community wants all businesses to survive and thrive,” he says. Recently, the Fidelity Bank POWER program— a nearly 1,000-member program for women-owned businesses—sponsored the Chamber’s highly impactful Woman’s Leadership Conference. Additionally, Fidelity Bank works with hundreds of non-profits through its community partner program while serving as the Official Bank of the Zurich Classic. NOLA Lending Group is a proud partner of the New Orleans Saints.
“Our business community has a deep understanding of what’s good for the city is good for them.”
SPONSORED
NEW ORLEANS CHAMBER MEMBER SINCE 2018
DOUG MATTHEWS Matthews Construction
doug@matthewsnola.com | matthewsnola.com | (504) 453-0902
Doug Matthews, Owner of Matthews Construction, has been in or around the construction business for all of his adult life, and as someone who is drawn to the diversity of people and buildings, he couldn’t be in a better city for it. Doug and his team have over 150 years of combined experience in construction, ranging from residential and commercial custom builds to renovations, additions and remodeling. Matthews Construction also offers fabricating from its in-house, full-service mill shop and high-end stair builders. “We are extremely fortunate to work with and be inspired by the city’s great architects, homeowners, and business owners,” says Doug, who joined the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce to be involved in the business community in a more formal setting. He describes his Chamber membership as educational, fun, and a great way to get to know and support local organizations.
Often sought for its historic building expertise, Matthews Construction recently won an Award for Excellence from the Louisiana Landmark Society for its historic renovation of the Il Mercato building at Magazine and Race Streets, and the company is currently restoring two historically significant buildings on Children’s Hospital’s campus. “Our mission is to perform the highest possible degree of quality work at the best possible price,” says Doug. Community-minded, the Matthews Construction team has been involved in helping Greater New Orleans navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are the lucky ones, having been deemed essential,” says Doug. As a way of giving back, Doug encourages volunteerism among the team by paying for their time volunteering with meal delivery programs and donating blood.
“Our mission is to perform the highest possible degree of quality work at the best possible price.”
SPONSORED
NEW ORLEANS CHAMBER MEMBER SINCE 2009
NOCCI
1340 Poydras St #2130 | New Orleans | (504) 888-7608 | nocci.com Excellent event design and management is what NOCCI has been known for across its more than 30 years of dedicated service to the association, hospitality, and meeting community—and now, the company is excited to exceed client expectations in a virtual world as the only certified Virtual Event & Meeting Management Specialists in Louisiana. Despite the ever-changing times, Ashley Stagg, VP of External Operations, Gillian Stagg, VP of Internal Operations, and Nicole Tusa, VP of Sales & Marketing, are continually creating the innovative, engaging experiences that elevate audience impressions while infusing New Orleans’ unique culture into its award-winning event designs. According to Tusa, NOCCI’s exclusive certification highly qualifies NOCCI to plan, manage, and provide any virtual event or meeting completely turnkey. “We have done the research and hard work so that our clients can achieve their goals stress free,” she says.
While the company will still be positioned to manage in-person events and logistics for conventions, festivals, galas, and more, NOCCI will also expand the business of designing and producing memorable events to online platforms, whether the smallest board meeting or a multiday extravaganza. A proud member of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce since 2009, NOCCI sees the Chamber as a driving force behind the local business community and the foundation for countless connections and business opportunities. According to Ashley Hilsman, Events Director for the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, NOCCI was invaluable in transforming its Women’s Leadership Conference from an in-person event with over 600 attendees to a completely virtual experience. NOCCI helped the Chamber with everything from developing new sponsor benefits to setting up its virtual platform and mobile app. Pictured left to right: Nicole Tusa, Gillian Stagg, Ashley Stagg
“We have done the research and hard work so that our clients can achieve their goals stress free.”
SPONSORED
NEW ORLEANS CHAMBER MEMBER SINCE 2010
STEVEN DUGAL
Northwestern Mutual 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Suite 940 | Metairie | steven.dugal@nm.com | neworleans.nm.com | (504) 831-8146
Steven Dugal, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CLF is the managing partner for Northwestern Mutual, Louisiana-Mississippi. Over his 31 years at Northwestern, and throughout the last 12 as a managing partner, he’s come to a full understanding of the importance of a robust local business network, which led him to the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce. Northwestern Mutual’s network covers areas across Louisiana and most of Mississippi, and its network office is also located regionally. After exploring the Chamber, Dugal found himself extremely impressed with the large membership base (over 1,000 companies strong) and robust events calendar. Northwestern Mutual is a financial securities firm with a focus on lifestyle protection—it works with individual clients on a one-on-one basis to offer life, disability, and long-term care insurances that best suit clients’ needs. The firm pairs these offerings with services in growing assets for retirement, education, and other life events to ensure that clients can grow toward and continue to thrive in the lifestyles that best suit them.
“Matching Northwestern with the Chamber— with its large base of employers, opportunities and membership—felt like the ideal decision,” says Dugal. Dugal has found membership in the Chamber to be productive and effortless. The Chamber makes it easy for members to be active and involved by providing a large-scale and diverse breadth of events to suit member needs. What’s more, Dugal says, they serve a membership that looks and feels like the community—which is one of many reasons he is a proud member of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce. In addition to supporting the Chamber, Northwestern is also proud to support the New Orleans Pelicans, now serving as the team’s official financial planning partner. Pictured: (Top, left to right): Anitra Nicole Blue-Francis, Anjea Vindel, Christine Hunger, Jeff Goldberg (Middle) Bill Ball, Steven Dugal, Avril Habetz, Katy Simpson (Bottom) Paige Held, Kristinia Dupuy, Annie Juttner, Jordyn Eaton
“Matching Northwestern with the Chamber—with its large base of employers, opportunities and membership—felt like the ideal decision”
SPONSORED
NEW ORLEANS CHAMBER MEMBER SINCE 2010
TODD MATHERNE CEO, Renaissance Publishing
110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 123, Metairie | (504) 828-1380
Todd Matherne, CEO of Renaissance Publishing, initially joined the New Orleans Chamber to take advantage of the networking opportunities—but soon Matherne saw just how much more the Chamber brought to the table. He cited the wide variety of offerings the Chamber provides to their members, from learning events with specialty speakers to educational luncheons focused on both individual and corporate improvement—all of which make Matherne and Renaissance proud to be a Chamber member. Renaissance, a niche publishing enterprise that furnishes the region with titles including New Orleans Magazine, Biz New Orleans, New Orleans Bride and others, also works with businesses to produce custom in-house titles on demand. These custom partnerships include Ochsner, the New Orleans Saints, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and other organizations across the city and region. Renaissance’s publications specialize
in cutting through the general media noise to get directly to the heart of the topic, ensuring that their readers get a true sense of place on every page. Matherne credited the Chamber’s networking prowess and quarterly luncheons as helping the publishing house keep an ear to the ground and stay informed about the personality, trends and topics that are important to the business community and the city as a whole. His position on the Chairman’s Council gives him a unique insight to the behind-the-scenes networking and inner workings of the Chamber, which has given him a stronger understanding of the Chamber’s role in strengthening the greater New Orleans community. There is a value, Matherne said, in creating a welcoming business environment— encouraging local businesses to develop and grow ultimately grows the city, the economy and the future of New Orleans.
“Matherne credited the Chamber’s networking prowess and quarterly luncheons as helping the publishing house”
SPONSORED
NEW ORLEANS CHAMBER MEMBER SINCE 2019
TRICIA KING
2727 Prytania Street, Suite 20 | New Orleans | CELL (504) 722-7640 | OFFICE (504) 891-6400 | TRICIAKING.com
A native New Orleanian, Tricia King lives and breathes this city and its wide swath of diverse neighborhoods and properties. With more than a decade of real estate experience and long list of awards of recognitions to her name, Tricia is known for both her hospitable approach and real estate prowess. She has also been honored for her community involvement, recently receiving the Gardner Realtors Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to community service. A proud member of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Tricia is also a sustaining member of the Junior League of New Orleans, Orléans Club of New Orleans, and the Preservation Resource Center. “Real estate is all about relationship building, and so is the Chamber,” says Tricia. Tricia loves having a front-row seat to the fascinating inner workings of the local business community and being able to grow her network. Additionally, she and her clients
benefit from firsthand knowledge of various projects and developments being planned around the city. “This information and these connections are invaluable to me as I help my clients achieve their real estate goals. Chamber membership has expanded my network and community even more,” she says. A top-producing REALTOR® with Gardner Realtors and owner of Tricia King Exquisite Properties, Tricia offers clients—whether buying or selling—the added expertise of being a Historic Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyers Representative, Seller Representative Specialist, and Real Estate Negotiation Expert. She has been awarded nationally for her innovative use of technology, and delivers high-profile media promotion and effective marketing. Tricia King Exquisite Properties Gardner Realtors
“Real estate is all about relationship building, and so is the Chamber.”
SPONSORED
NEWEST MEMBER
MATT HAHNE
WestWind Coaching Co. 4603 S Carrollton Ave., New Orleans | (504) 250-3807 | westwindcoaching.com
Matt Hahne has a simple mission: “I help entrepreneurs get everything they want from their business,” he says. The Owner of WestWind Coaching Co., Matt is a Professional EOS Implementer®. He uses the Entrepreneurial Operating System® to help business owners get their time back while improving the organization’s accountability, discipline, and focus. Passionate and enthusiastic, Matt uses his insights from over 35 years in local businesses—including four of his own—to build companies stronger. “When everyone in the organization is crystal clear on your vision, executing that vision with more discipline and accountability, and advancing as a healthy, cohesive team—that’s not a dream,” says Matt. “That’s a very realistic goal for every business.”
A serial entrepreneur since the age of seven, Matt is locally known for solving crisis problems in the maritime industry and as a U.S. Navy Reservist. WestWind Coaching Co. recently joined the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce because its goal aligns with his: help the small businesses of our region. “Entrepreneurial, family, and small businesses are the lifeblood of South Louisiana,” he says. “So many companies are trying to navigate the tricky transition from one generation to the next—I want to help with that in order to keep that lifeblood flowing.” In addition to membership in the Chamber, Matt belongs to numerous veterans’ and maritime associations. He co-founded the Louisiana Financial Executive Group and is launching Visionary and Integrator peer groups this month.
“I help entrepreneurs get everything they want from their business.”