Jefferson Review Mid-Year 2019

review JEFFERSON

Jefferson Chamber Mid-Year Report 2019

2019 JeffersonChamber.org

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Jefferson Review 2019

Contents 4 Teacher Pay Raises

10 Business Leadership Awards

5 Legislative Session Recap

11 Leadership Jefferson /

6 Metairie Garden Flag 7 High Investor Signature Boxes 8 Washington Mardi Gras 9 Mayoral Luncheon

Young Professionals

12 Prosper Jefferson 13 Elmwood Development 14 Social Media

Executive Editor Emily Anderson Custom Publishing Editor Topher Balfer Art Director Ali Sullivan Vice President of Sales Colleen Monaghan Account Executive Shelby Harper Traffic Coordinator Lane Brocato Production Manager Emily Andras Production Designers Rosa Balaguer, Meghan Rooney Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne

About Us What started in 1997 with a few people and some great ideas has transformed into the premier business organization of the Parish.

Today, we are a Five Star Accredited chamber representing more than 900 companies in working to improve the business climate and create business initiatives and opportunities. Through our business advocacy, we have proven to be a strong force in tackling quality-of-life issues.

As we have grown, we have created other important venues and organizations along the way. In 2001, we recognized the need for a Political Action Committee (PAC). This has allowed us to put strength in endorsements of pro-business minded political candidates. Our Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, began in 2007. The Foundation is also the namesake and founder of the Jefferson Chamber Foundation Academy, a high school that gives Jefferson students a second chance at graduation. The JCFA is now autonomous from the Jefferson Chamber.

In 2017, the Chamber formed LiveWell Jefferson, a new initiative focused on creating and cultivating a culture of health and wellness among the business community and residents of Jefferson Parish. Working with our partners at JEDCO, GNO, Inc., the Regional Planning Commission and others, our organization will continue to be a great influence in legislation, planning, and “big picture” type thinking. Whether local, state or federal, legislators respect our positions and passion for policies, laws and principles that support our mission of “Improving Business. Improving Lives.”

P: (504) 835-3880 | F: (504) 835-3828 3421 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 203 Metairie, LA 70002

Executive Vice President/ Editor in Chief Errol Laborde President Alan Campbell Contributors Fritz Esker, Drew Hawkins, Misty Milioto

Custom Published By

Published by Renaissance Publishing LLC 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 • www.myneworleans.com Copyright 2019 Jefferson Review, Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and Renaissance Publishing LLC. Postage Paid at New Orleans and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Jefferson Chamber, 3421 N. Causeway Blvd, Suite 203, Metairie, La, 70002. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher.

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine’s managers, owners or publisher. The Jefferson Chamber is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self addressed stamped envelope.

2019 JeffersonChamber.org

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Jefferson Parish Voters Embrace New Direction of Schools

by Fritz Esker

JEFFERSON PARISH VOTERS MADE AN INVESTMENT in their future on May 4th when voters chose to raise property taxes by $28.8 million to benefit public education. Jefferson Parish has the largest public-school system in Louisiana with almost 50,000 students. The tax increase, plus $4.5 million in cuts from other expenditures, will give a raise to most employees within the parish’s school system. Cade Brumley, superintendent of the Jefferson Parish Public School System, said the vote was a big vote of confidence from the people of Jefferson Parish. Not long after taking over as superintendent in 2018, Brumley worked to establish a new strategic plan titled “2024: The Future Our Kids Deserve.” However, Brumley felt his plan, which calls for an improvement of the district’s performance score from a C to an A by 2024, would be unattainable without the changes that voters approved. “The vote is an expression of the parish as a whole believing in the direction we’re going,” Brumley said.

While the pay raise for teachers and support staff is important, Brumley emphasized that it is not just about an across-the-board teacher raise. Early career teachers will receive a pay bump, which will make it easier for recruiters to bring young talent into the school system. Schools where 90% of the students are classified as economically disadvantaged or have a significant ESL (English as a Second Language) population will offer a $2,000 hiring incentive Additional stipends will be given to teachers who run after-school, summer and weekend programs with their students. Educators who fill the areas of greatest need in the schools will also be offered hiring incentives.

Brumley said these positions include math, ESL, special education and

Starting Teacher Salaries

Plaquemines

$46,300

Jefferson Now

$46,000

St. Charles

$44,565

East Baton Rouge

$44,500

St. Tammany

$44,300

SE Louisiana Average

$44,168

Ascension

$43,683

Louisiana Average

$43,345

Livingston

$42,317

Jefferson Before Vote

$41,199

Graphic and information adapted from the Bureau of Governmental Research via NOL A.com

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Jefferson Review 2019

science. Teachers in those fields will receive a $1,000 per year supplement for their work. Teachers who earn good evaluations throughout the year and whose students do well on the state tests will receive a performance payout.

As important as the pay is for teachers, Brumley said it’s just as important for Jefferson Parish as a whole. When public education is strong, crime rates go down, the healthcare service system improves and property values increase.

“As the quality of education improves, so does the standard of living,” Brumley said.

Local business leaders agree with the superintendent. The vote was welcome news for the Jefferson Business Council. Tony Ligi, executive director for Jefferson Business Council, said there are many reasons to be happy with the voters’ choice. “Having a better system of public education is important in attracting businesses to Jefferson Parish,” Ligi said. “It provides us with a better-educated workforce.”

In addition, Ligi said strong public schools mean local employees will not have to worry about spending several thousand dollars a year to send their children to private schools. If an area’s public schools are not viable, then employers have to take that into account when paying their employees, which costs companies more money. Ligi added that he liked how the new policy includes incentives to encourage teachers to pursue continuing education while teaching, which will attract not just teachers to Jefferson Parish, but better qualified teachers with a desire to improve themselves along the way.

It is important to remember that continuing education in the form of certification and advanced degrees costs money. Liz Basta, an ESL teacher at Riverdale High School, said her pay raise would help pay off the master’s degree she earned in order to becoming highly qualified in her high-need area of education. Basta added that the vote was not only about the money: “The pay raise is more than just about money or a living wage,” Basta said. “It was really important for the morale of our faculty and staff.

For many of us, I believe it was a vote of confidence from the people of Jefferson Parish. It sent the message to us that we are valued for our work.”

A living wage and morale are important components to not just attracting motivated teachers, but to keeping them. A sense of continuity and community is valuable to students at any school.

“I can’t begin to describe the detriment academically and emotionally to our students who see teachers leave year after year, and sometimes midyear,” said Basta. “Most of my students are surprised when I sincerely promise them in May that I will be there in August because they are so used to seeing teachers leave.”

Brumley echoed Basta’s sentiment about the importance of retaining teachers. He said the Jefferson Parish Public School System loses 40% of its new teachers after just one year of teaching and loses 30% of its experienced teachers every year. The new salaries and incentives will help improve those numbers.

The superintendent is hopeful for the future of Jefferson Parish Schools.

With a new plan, a newly elected school board, and the funding to attract and retain high-quality teachers, he believes that better days lie ahead.

“We’re at a crossroads,” Brumley said. “We have to capitalize on the energy we have right now to get better outcomes for our kids.” •

Legislative Session Recap

IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR, HB575 WAS SIGNED INTO LAW as Act No. 286, the new bill that will bring a statewide framework for ridesharing to Louisiana. Similar legislation has been deferred twice by the Senate Judiciary A committee in the past two years.

“Louisiana was one of just five states that did not have a clear framework to allow consistent standards for Transportation Network Companies, such as Uber and Lyft to operate in the state,” Christy Marino, Director of Advocacy and Special Programs at the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, said. “Instead, a patchwork of inconsistent local regulations provided for some communities to have access to ridesharing while others do not.”

The ridesharing bill, backed by Houma Republican Rep. Tanner

Magee, was supported by the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce through the “Let’s Geaux Louisiana” coalition, a group of organizations that advocated for statewide ridesharing regulation.

“Let’s Geaux Louisiana” stands in favor of bringing ridesharing opportunities to suburban and rural communities to reduce the incidence of drunk driving, provide a larger community with access to easy transportation, and to allow the state to reap the economic benefits of the ridesharing industry.

“Benefits include increased job opportunities, a boost to tourism, more patrons for local businesses and safer streets,” Marino said.

The bill went into effect on July 1, 2019 and is being overseen by the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).

2019 LEGISLATIVE SESSION WINS

TRIAL ATTORNEY ADVERTISING EDUCATION Early Childhood Education: An overall increase of $15 million plus in new money allocated to early childhood care and education. This is the first time new money has been allocated to early education in 10 years!

Teacher Pay: A $1,000 pay raise to teachers as well as a $39 million increase for schools to use at their discretion.

A resolution requesting the Louisiana Supreme Court and Louisiana State Bar Association to review rules governing solicitation advertising by attorneys. This resolution passed both chambers with zero opposition!

RIDE SHARING TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Leading into the upcoming races and the 2020 legislative session, discussion was elevated on infrastructure, early care education and tort reform.

An allocation of $700 million to fund 10 key infrastructure projects throughout the state. Using funds diverted out of the BP Oil Spill money, this is the biggest investment in roads and bridges in more than three decades.

SCR37 by Representative Gerald Long

HB578 by Representative Tanner Magee

The passage of this bill provides a framework for ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft.

Not only will this bill help to further connect local communities, but it will also have an impact in reducing instances of driving under the influence.

HB575 By Representative Tanner MageeMagee

2019 JeffersonChamber.org

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Symbol of Pride A new garden version of the Metairie flag helps to further unite communities.

By Misty Milioto

THE JEFFERSON CHAMBER Young Professionals recently debuted a new f lag to represent Metairie in a project spearheaded by Jeffrey Simno, Jefferson Parish Council Aide, District 5. The design process, which took almost two years, resulted in a blue and red f lag with a white diagonal stripe, and three f leurs-delis and three coeurs-de-lis in gold detail.

The demand for the f lag has been so high that Simno and the JCYP recently debuted a new garden version of the f lag.

The garden f lag features all of the same elements as the original version, but it is smaller and designed vertically.

“Not everybody has a f lag pole mounted in t heir front yard or at t ached to t heir home, but most everyone can find a place for a garden f lag,” Simno said. “It’s small, it ’s cute, it ’s affordable and it showcases pride in the place we call home.”

The original version of the f lag retails for $50, and the garden version retails for $20.

Both versions of the f lag are available at jeffersonchamber.org/metairieflag or at the Jefferson Chamber office. One hundred percent of the proceeds goes directly back into the community.

“We’re working to create a f lag-inspired bike rack that can be placed along the waterfront and throughout the community, and hopefully businesses will sponsor the bike rack outside their buildings,” Simno said. “We want people to have fun and to engage one another.”

Community engagement is entirely what the flag represents. Simno originally proposed the idea of the Metairie flag as a way to unite Metairie and Metairie Ridge (composed of

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Jefferson Review 2019

Jefferson, Elmwood and River Ridge).

“We’re a sister city to New Orleans with our own thriving economy, our own central business district, a fantastic culture, a diverse population, quality services, safe neighborhoods, smooth streets, reliable drainage and the list goes on,” Simno said.

“I’d like for residents throughout Metairie and the Metairie Ridge to unite under one banner.”

Simno also hopes that local businesses will create their own f lag-inspired merchandise to further tout community pride.

“If someone has a business and would like to create a product, we welcome them,” he said.

“The more f lag-inspired products that people want to create, the better.” •

Elevated Education Critical thinking reaches new heights at St. Martin’s Episcopal School.

By Misty Milioto

THE JEFFERSON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECENTLY collaborated with students at St. Martin’s Episcopal School to create custom gift boxes for each of its major investors. The partnership came about when Todd Murphy, president of the Chamber, and Alex Zarookian, director of investor relations and special events for the Chamber, spoke with Denise Altobello, director for the school’s Innovation + Design class, about a possible project. Once Murphy and Zarookian saw the resources and capabilities of The Gibbs Family Center for Innovation + Design, they asked to proceed with the partnership, and gave Makerspace Coordinator Robby Stanley’s students the lead as designers and makers for the project.

The Chamber tasked the 21 students in Stanley’s class to design and build boxes made of sustainable wood, and possibly with acrylic or metal accents, that would fit the Chamber’s signature marketing materials.

“The Chamber shared with us their needs of what design elements should go on the box and what physical items should go in the box,” Stanley said. “It helped give the design teams some key parameters to meet the clients’ wishes. If the students didn’t plan for one of the gift items to fit in the box, they had to redesign to meet those size requirements.”

The boxes needed to hold round leather coasters that would display the Chamber’s branding. In order to create the coasters and cut the wood for the boxes, the students learned how to design for a laser cutter using professional-quality vector graphics software. In addition to physical design parameters, the students were required to stick to a budget. The entire class was broken up into groups, and each group pitched their design to the Chamber last October. The Chamber then provided feedback on the prototypes and made a final decision on the winning design. The winning team, composed of Jenna DeLatte, Molly Rivas, Caroline Spiers and Zoe Tatum, took the lead on the project and guided the rest of the class on the production of the coasters and boxes. They delivered the final materials to the Chamber in November.

Throughout the project, the students learned the basics of project management, including setting goals and charting progress; breaking down tasks and setting deadlines; choosing and implementing specific strategies; and monitoring, adjusting and problem-solving.

“It is a great, real-world project that brought together classroom objectives such as teamwork production objectives like quality control, efficiency improvements [and] material choices,” Stanley said. “There wasn’t a test; it was a product that had a destination within the real world. When students take on projects like this, it builds initiative, teaches them to be go-getters and problem solvers, and empowers them to be self-directed and manage their own work.”

While other schools around the world are discovering the amazing benefits that makerspaces add to their curricula — even if it’s just a few 3D printers or virtual reality headsets — it is this kind of thinking that is revolutionizing the way students and teachers learn.

“What distinguishes the Innovation + Design program at St. Martin’s is

its increasing integration in the curriculum,” Stanley said. “Locally, we’re also just one of a few to incorporate entrepreneurism within a middle school program.”

Stanley and his class received positive feedback from both the Chamber and from the gift box recipients.“We appreciate the opportunity to stretch ourselves and find out what we can do in a scenario that very much puts students in a project they might see in the professional world,” Stanley said. “The students learned what they could do and had fun in the process.” •

2019 JeffersonChamber.org

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Washington Mardi Gras

WHAT BEGAN AS A “DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT OF MARDI GRAS” has grown into a celebration of Louisiana, its politics and its people each year at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. For more than 60 years, the Mystick Krewe of Louisianans has brought the pageantry, revelry and mystery of Mardi Gras to our nation’s capital through Washington Mardi Gras, a three-day celebration with more than 2,500 people in attendance. Like similar celebrations in the Crescent City, the krewe hosts a dinner-dance in which all of the Louisiana festival queens and krewe maids are introduced, pageantry style. Additionally, the black-tie carnival ball is traditional to those hosted by local krewes, just with smaller framed and non-motorized floats.

For two decades, the Jefferson Chamber has participated in the official krewe events mentioned above. The Chamber also participates in events that occur simultaneously, such as the huge Louisiana food and entertainment expo, known as Louisiana Alive, and the annual Economic Development Luncheon. In order to best promote and connect leaders in Jefferson Parish, the Chamber is very proud to host two Washington Mardi Gras signature events: the Cocktail Party before the Dinner-Dance and the Breakfast After the Ball.

As the Voice of Business for Jefferson Parish, we often profess that “if you are not at the table, you are on the menu,” and this Mardi Gras event in Washington, D.C. is truly an immense table.

“If you do business in Louisiana, this is an event that you simply should not miss. One cannot schedule as many face-to-face discussions with business and political leaders in one year as can be done in just three days at Washington Mardi Gras,” said Todd Murphy, President of the Jefferson Chamber.

The 2019 Washington Mardi Gras, held January 31-February 2, was attended by top business leaders and Louisiana Senatorial and Congressional delegations. The ball is completely self-sustaining, with costs covered by the sale of tickets, corporate sponsorships and krewe memberships. Washington Mardi Gras is one of the Chamber’s signature events.

The Chamber’s 100+ participants and sponsors consider Washington Mardi Gras a “must do” for Louisiana businesses. Special thanks to the Jefferson Chamber members who sponsored the 2019 Washington Mardi Gras: Peoples Health, AARP, AT&T, Select Properties, Adams and Reese, LLP, Rault Resources Group, Triton Stone Group, Hollis Companies, T Parker Host, CRC Global Solutions, IBERIABANK, Ochsner Health System, Plaquemines Port, Zito Companies, Gambel Communications, HUB International Gulf South, Urban Systems Associates, In., LD Holdings, LLC, Stacey & Michele Shane, JEDCO, Stokes & Associates, Inc., United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Virtual Business Solutions and Westbank Business & Industry Association.

Recent past kings of the Washington Mardi Gras, as well as Jefferson Chamber supporters, include Bill Oliver, formerly of AT&T Louisiana, Tommy Cvitanovich of Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Warner Thomas, CEO of Ochsner Health System, Todd Graves, CEO of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, and Ray Brandt, CEO of Ray Brandt Automotive. •

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Jefferson Review 2019

Mayoral Luncheon

By Topher Balfer

ON JUNE 25TH, REPRESENTATIVES FROM EACH municipality of Jefferson Parish gathered at Copeland Tower for the Mayoral Luncheon. The event, moderated by 2019 Chamber Chairman Ryan Daul, allowed mayors and representatives to discuss progress and challenges in their respective areas. The cities represented were Gretna, Harahan, Kenner, Lafitte & Westwego.

Mayor Tim Baudier, representing the city of Harahan, pointed to the development of Colonial Golf and Country Club as one of the key examples of the city’s progress. The project has been in the works more than a decade, but when finished, will bring more than 70 homes into the area, along with green space and a retention pond. Baudier said that the construction of Colonial Club, which is being planned and developed in partnership with J.W. Colonial Group, will also allow opportunity for repairing some of the infrastructure in Harahan. Because of the city’s positioning on the Mississippi River, Baudier said that the rising water levels have posed a threat to the sewerage and drainage systems. “The water table being so high is exposing everything for us, so our biggest challenge is figuring out these repairs that we need to get done and getting the city back on track, said Baudier.” Once that is complete, Baudier said that the city can focus on commercial development and bringing a stronger tax base into the area with positive changes. “Being a business owner, I understand that when you can’t change anymore, that’s when you have real problems, said Baudier.”

Mayor Belinda Constant, representing the city of Gretna, listed several new developments that support the city’s renewed focus on sustainability and resiliency. In addition to a new fire station on Lafayette Street and the completion of the 4th Street expansion, phase one of the Downtown Drainage project will soon commence in front of City Hall. The project is part of the city’s Downtown 2020 Program that aims to generate more activity in Downtown Gretna through “achievable design interventions.”

Constant said the City is working on catalyst projects like the 25th Street Resilience District, which seeks to alleviate potential flooding and loss of property in repetitive loss areas. A specific challenge, she said, is how to further develop rail systems in the city without loss of business and other properties. Constant said that dividing the city with new rail lines could pose a potential hazard by isolating parts of the community from emergency services, but the city is determined to find a way to considerately expand such developments in order to support the Port of Plaquemines.

While Mayor Timothy Kerner could not be present, Harry “Chip” Cahill represented the City of Lafitte. Cahill said that beautification projects — like first-time installation of sidewalks — are not only helping to improve the aesthetic value of the city, but they’re also making roads safer for travel. Lafitte is also developing a wetlands education center, where Cahill said visitors will be able to tour the wetlands and enjoy airboat rides, in addition to visiting an environmental center where they can learn about the area and surrounding water body. Future improvements will focus on coastal flooding, as Cahill said that the city has experienced 17 storm-related floods in 28 years. He said dangers from flooding do not just occur during hurricanes, but that “a tropical storm in Texas can cause flooding in Lafitte, which is why levee projects are so important.” He said these issues could be addressed with coastal surge levees, and that the administration is focused on addressing this issue and preventing further flooding incidents.

Mayor Joe Peoples, representing the city of Westwego, said the area is moving

forward and progressing in several different ways. He cited the repair of 176 broken fire hydrants — a project completed in just two years — and the construction of a new park with a bicycle path as physical representations of this progress. Peoples said the city is also in the bidding process for a $2 million upgrade to the wastewater treatment plan and has just completed resurfacing of one of their main streets, replacing waterlines to each house on that street. A project that has been in the works for over 30 years, the Wetlands Harbor and Recreation Facility Project (WHARF), is finally underway and will include fishing piers, nature trails and boating activities when completed. Peoples said that the city’s main issue is a crumbling infrastructure, with water and sewer lines that have been constantly repaired but never replaced. He said the administration is working with the Parish to find funds that will allow them to locate underground utilities, which will at least allow for easier repairs.

Mayor Ben Zahn, representing the city of Kenner, said that he is focused on economic development in the area, which is largely supported by sales taxes. He said development is both a symbol of progress and the city’s greatest challenge at the moment. In addition to the new airport opening this year, Zahn said that 70 businesses have opened since he has taken office, with several hundred new license applications pending review. Some recreation programs have moved into the Esplanade Mall in an effort to drive retail traffic. Laketown and Rivertown might also see new developments, he said, due to a partnership with the Atlantis Corporation, which has expressed interest in the construction of condos, concert areas, and restaurants. Two schools, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Kenner Discovery, are moving into new locations on Loyola in District 5, and Zahn said this will also help attract people into Kenner. The city has received a Class 1 fire rating for the first time in its history, and this has the potential to result in insurance discounts. Moving forward, Kenner will continue to prioritize development and beautification to ensure growth and sustainability in the area.

Held biennially, the Jefferson Mayoral Luncheon gives Jefferson Chamber members and the Jefferson Parish community an opportunity to hear from the mayors of each district about their respective communities. • 2019 JeffersonChamber.org

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Business Leadership Awards

The Jefferson Chamber hosted the Business Leadership Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, May 8 at the Hilton New Orleans Airport Hotel to honor the accomplishments of individuals and businesses and the impact they have made on the Jefferson Parish business community.

The Luncheon featured a panel of women business owners.

Kristi Brocato of The Basketry and Patricia Besselman-Main of Besselman Wealth Planners shared about what it takes to be a small business owner in today’s economic environment. The panel was moderated by Christel Slaughter of SSA Consultants.

2019 RECIPIENTS : ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Julie Couret, 7602 Coach SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Uniformity LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Pond & Company WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Magnolia Physical Therapy FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR The National WWII Museum BUSINESS PROGRESS AWARD Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport JOSEPH RAULT COMMUNITY LEADER OF THE YEAR Ray Seamon, benefitsone COMMUNITY ADVANCEMENT Brandy Christian, The Port of New Orleans

Healthy Business Awards The LiveWell Jefferson Healthy Business Awards were created in 2016 to highlight and celebrate members of the Jefferson Chamber actively engaged in healthy initiatives in the workplace.

2019 RECIPIENTS : HEALTHY BUSINESS AWARD, MOST CREATIVE Sparkhound HEALTHY BUSINESS AWARD, BEST EMPLOYEE LED Gambel Communications HEALTHY BUSINESS AWARD, UP AND COMER Bergeron Automotive

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Jefferson Review 2019

Congratulations to the Leadership Jefferson Class of 2019!

Leadership Jefferson is a nine-month program designed to develop a diverse network of dedicated business and community leaders. The program consists of various sessions including Healthcare, Governance, Education and Quality of Life. Leadership Jefferson starts and ends with a retreat, and all Chamber members are invited to attend and support the class each year at their Graduation Ceremony.

The application process is held each June and is open to all members of the Jefferson Chamber. The Leadership Jefferson Class of 2020 will be announced in August!

To learn more about Leadership Jefferson visit jeffersonchamber.org/about/foundation/leadershipjefferson

Join the Jefferson Chamber Young Professionals!

The mission of the Jefferson Chamber Young Professionals is to cultivate future civic and economic leaders of Jefferson Parish and the surrounding community through philanthropic initiatives, education, and leadership development opportunities. The opportunities offered to young professionals fall under four categories: Social, Eats & Edu., Power Lunch and Coffee & Community.

A JCYP social provides young professionals in the region the opportunity to meet up at the dog park, enjoy a poolside cocktail, or play laser tag.

During Eats & Edu., attendees enjoy a 3-4 course dinner at a fixed rate while learning from local leaders, industry tycoons and experienced professionals.

Held at a different restaurant each time, Power Lunch offers attendees the chance to talk one-on-one with an industry leader in the Greater New Orleans area. Attendance is capped at 14 to keep the lunch personal and informative.

Held in the morning before work, Coffee & Community provides the opportunity to learn from an important community member about his or her involvement on projects and initiatives while networking over breakfast with fellow young professionals.

Follow JCYP on Facebook and Instagram

@JCYoungProfessionals

Visit jeffersonchamber.org/youngprofessionals to learn more.

2019 JeffersonChamber.org

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Prosper Jefferson

THE PROSPER JEFFERSON SEMINAR SERIES IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN conjunction with The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO). Created in 2015, the Prosper Jefferson series was created in effort to support small business owners and help them reach the next level of success in Jefferson Parish.

Save the Dates for the remaining 2019 Prosper Jefferson Seminars: July 31 (West Bank) Social Media

Each seminar features different speakers from the Greater New Orleans region and highlights new informational topics to assist local businesses in achieving their goals.

The Jefferson Chamber also offers Virtual Prosper Jefferson seminars that can be accessed online. Prosper Jefferson online seminars are available to all members. The seminars are also livestreamed on Jefferson Chamber’s Facebook page.

Prosper Jefferson Seminars are held on the last Wednesday of the month from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. and alternate between being held at the JEDCO Conference Center in Avondale (West Bank) and the Entergy Offices on Jefferson Highway in Metairie (East Bank). Each session is $5 to attend and includes a hot breakfast.

jeffersonchamber.org/signature-events/prosper-jefferson

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August 28 (East Bank) Online Sales September 25 (West Bank) Leadership October 30 (East Bank) Sales November 27 (West Bank) Company Culture

Live, Work, Play, Shop: Elmwood Center Leads Jefferson Parish into a New Era of Urban Redevelopment

By Drew Hawkins

ELMWOOD CENTER , OWNED AND DE VELOPED BY Lauricella Land Company, LLC, has a unique history of being a premier location for retailers looking to break into the New Orleans-area market.

Currently, the site houses commercial giants such as Home Depot, World Market, Guitar Center and Hobby Lobby. The family-owned company has been a pioneer of savvy economic development in Jefferson Parish for the last twenty years and has called the next phase of growth a “game-changer.”

That’s not to say that the company hasn’t already been making innovations.

Recently, Elmwood Center underwent a $2.5M “facelift” of the major retail front, adding high-end retailers like Banana Republic Factory and Express Factory Outlet to its lineup. Plans have been released for La Madeleine to relocate to a brand-new building later this year, and Creole Cuisine Restaurant Group is opening its second Boulevard American Bistro in the former La Madeleine location. True to its nature, Elmwood Center will host the first New Orleans location of a national organic grocer set to open in 2020.

Now, Lauricella Land Company is bringing the concept of New Urbanism to Elmwood Center. The company plans to redevelop the Kmart site into a “town center,” complete with residential, dining and retail components, all within walking distance from each other.

“We’ve carefully studied trends in more dynamic markets and decided to bring some of these ideas to Elmwood,” said Louis V. Lauricella, Managing Member of Lauricella Land Company. “It will offer an authentic ‘live, work, play, shop’ environment that will simply exist nowhere else in Jefferson Parish.”

The company will release final plans for the town center by the end of this year and anticipates that construction will begin in the second quarter of 2020.

The estimated date of completion for the project is the fourth quarter of 2022, and will include upgrades to water management and external roadways.

For the residents of Jefferson Parish, Elmwood Center’s innovative developments offer many new opportunities. Lauricella explains that the town center structure of the new development will allow for walkability and greener spaces, promoting a sense of community and better lifestyle choices for its citizens. Plans for the ten-acre site include an apartment complex, covered parking, landscaping, and most likely a grocery store on the first floor of the building. Construction on this scale will provide hundreds of jobs to people in the area, and permanent jobs will be available once the development is complete. The company anticipates overall sales in Elmwood Center to dramatically rise within the next five years, in part due to the creation of the town center.

The Center will also help address housing needs in Jefferson Parish.

“Moreover, the development of the town center will help to redistribute the aging population trend of Jefferson Parish,” said Lauricella.

“We will likely witness aging baby boomers looking to downsize and relocate into these more walkable, vibrant and highly amenitized communities,” he said of the town center. “And, those family homes will become available for younger families to move into East Jefferson.”

The creation of the town center will likely cause a shift in the commercial layout of Jefferson Parish, too. As Elmwood Center develops high-quality retail and residential opportunities, the surrounding areas will likely follow suit. The distribution and manufacturing operations in East Jefferson will naturally migrate to the other side of the Huey P. Long Bridge, ceding their high value real estate to other high-quality retail and residential developers.

“All in all, it is my strong belief that Elmwood is the linchpin that will spur a new wave of real estate activity throughout Jefferson Parish,” Lauricella said. •

2019 JeffersonChamber.org

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Connect With Us On Social Media!

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Jefferson Review 2019