Ambassadors:
Recognizable as “meeters and greeters” at Jefferson Chamber events, the Ambassadors are considered an extension of the Jefferson Chamber team for time that they dedicate to volunteering throughout the year. This application-based committee meets the first Friday of each month, at which time they sign up for new member welcome bag deliveries and upcoming events, make member to member check-in calls, and sign renewal thank you cards.
Chair: Richelle Chategnier, Crescent Payroll Solutions
Staff: Amanda Hoerner, amandah@jeffersonchamber.org
In 2022, our Ambassadors delivered 140 new member bags, attended 30 ribbon cuttings, co-hosted six Business & Breakfast networking events. and volunteered at every signature event conducted by the Jefferson Chamber including Annual Meeting, Legislative Breakfast, Black & Gold Gala, Crawfish Boil, Tour de Jefferson, Golf Classic, State of Jefferson, and Sterling Moments Gala. Thank you, 2022 Ambassadors for your enthusiasm and dedication!
Education & Workforce Development:
The Education and Workforce Development Committee actively engages in the local education system to strengthen tomorrow’s workforce. This committee generally meets on the second Wednesday of the month.
Chair: Sam Briuglio, Pond & Company
Staff: Caroline Starlight, caroline@jeffersonchamber.org
In 2022, the Education Committee voted to change its name to the Education and Workforce Development Committee. The result was a broadened scope to reflect the ongoing workforce shortages in Jefferson Parish. Throughout the year, the Committee heard from leaders in the education and workforce development community including University of New Orleans President, Dr. John Nicklow, the Executive Director of the Jefferson Ready Start Network, Dr. Sarintha Stricklin, the Business and Industry Development Manager for Workforce Development at Delgado Community College Khalid Gross and more. Additionally, the committee had the opportunity to tour the Dr. John Ochsner Discovery Health Sciences Academy to see the partnership between schools and businesses in the parish.
Government:
The Government Committee briefs membership on current political issues and makes recommendations to the Chamber’s Board of Directors. This committee generally meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month.
Chair: Ryan Rodrigue, HUB International
Staff: Caroline Starlight, caroline@jeffersonchamber.org
The Government Committee heard from local and statewide elected officials including Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, State Treasurer John Schroder, Nick Lorusso – the Chief Deputy for Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon, and more. The committee was briefed on the constitutional amendments the residents of Jefferson and Orleans parish saw on the November 8 ballot by the research director of PAR (Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana). Committee members also heard from Representative Polly Thomas on redistricting, as well as Dr. James Gray, who gave an update of the parish’s public schools.
Health & Wellness:
The Health and Wellness Committee educates businesses on the benefits of a healthier workforce and encourages and provides support for healthier lifestyles in Jefferson Parish. This committee meets on the first Wednesday of every other month.
Chair: Coretta LaGarde, American Heart Association
Staff: Amanda Hoerner, amanda@jeffersonchamber.org
Special Events:
The Special Events Committee assists Jefferson Chamber Staff with event brainstorming, coordinating donations, volunteering, and other event specific duties for Signature Events. The primary responsibility of this committee is our Annual Black & Gold Gala every Spring. Committee meetings are scheduled, as needed, between January – April.
The Special Events Committee met bi-weekly to assist Jefferson Chamber staff with planning its annual Black & Gold Gala on April 8, 2022. This committee solicited Chamber members to secure donations for the gala’s Silent Auction, Parade of Prizes, Punch Wall and Wine Raffle while securing more than 100 items for the silent auction, an additional 150 gift cards for the punch wall, and 30 bottles of wine for the wine raffle. The silent auction and raffle games raised over $26,000 toward the Jefferson Chamber’s mission.
Staff: Melissa Chesterman, melissa@jeffersonchamber.org
Young Professionals:
The Young Professionals Board targets young professionals in the community and plans and executes educational events, networking events, and leadership development opportunities. Applications and the selection process occurs every Fall. The Young Professionals Board meets on the first Tuesday of the month.
Chair: Amanda Schott, Favrot & Shane
Staff: Carlos Garcia, carlos@jeffersonchamber.org
The Jefferson Chamber Young Professionals (JCYP) saw one of their past accomplishments come to even brighter lights when part of their design for what is now the Metairie flag was used as the canopy for the first Fit Lot outdoor fitness park in Jefferson Parish located at the Bonnabel Boat Launch. Additionally, six JCYP members graduated from Leadership Jefferson’s Class of 2022 (Barcley Steib, Shelby Wynne, Philip Giorlando, Ryan Estaris, Caroline Starlight and Ryan LeJeune).
