A significant milestone awaits the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce in 2024: 20 years of dedicated service to the business community of Greater New Orleans. Our 20th anniversary is an occasion to commemorate our journey and contributions while sharing our vision for a future full of impact. For two decades, the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce has been the catalyst behind countless connections, partnerships, and collaborations.
As we evaluate what the next 20 years will look like for the Chamber, strategic plans are underway to continue the growth of our network because local businesses are the backbone of a strong economy and the New Orleans way of life.
In time for our 20th anniversary, we will launch a Businesses Belong Here campaign to advance collaboration and partnerships, advocate for an environment where businesses can prosper, amplify the voice of the business community and support an elevated quality of life.
Collaborate
We understand that a connected business community is a stronger one. With that in mind, the chamber hosts more than 75 networking events annually. Attendees share that our events are a friendly, welcoming environment where our staff and volunteers cultivate and foster productive networking. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a longtime member, you’ll find a sense of belonging that’s hard to match.
The chamber collaborates with and supports our local economic development partners including GNO, Inc., New Orleans Business Alliance and Downtown Development District to create an environment where businesses can thrive. We partner with other local organizations and co-host events to bring people and businesses together. This year, we united with other chambers of commerce across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana to form a united front called the I-10 Gulf Coast Chamber Coalition.
Advocate
The Chamber also serves as a unified voice of the business community to provide a powerful influence on local, state, and federal policies and regulations. We promote economic growth and prosperity and work to create a business-friendly environment that encourages entrepreneurship, job creation and investment. It’s critical that businesses have access to resources, information and opportunities that they otherwise may not be informed of, and we serve as that source.
Amplify
The Chamber will host its second annual Washington Mardi Gras event in 2024, gathering business, civic and governmental leaders in the nation’s capital where more than 2,000 people come together to advocate for the collective interests of Louisiana. This year, our CEO participated in a D.C. fly-in to present topics of concern and ideas for change to the federal delegation. The fly-in focused on five areas, including disaster response and recovery, flood insurance, coastal protection issues, fisheries, and public safety. Plans are also underway to host a New Orleans Chamber Day at our state Capitol to provide our members with the opportunity to learn about the legislative process and status of legislation critical to Orleans Parish.
Elevate
Advocacy goes beyond business interests. Public safety, infrastructure, workforce development, housing, education, healthcare, sustainability, accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion are all issues that affect the overall quality of life for the people who live and work in New Orleans. We are proud members of the NOLA Coalition, spearheaded by GNO, Inc., to harness the collective resources of the community to reduce violence and drive generational change.
Businesses Belong Here
We believe businesses belong here and invite them to invest in Chamber membership to become a part of a group of like-minded professionals focused on the betterment of our community. Together we can create a thriving business ecosystem that continues to make an impact for years to come. Find out more at neworleanschamber.org.
Paige Davis is the director of development for the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce. With a network of more than 1,200 member businesses, the Chamber is a driving force in the Greater New Orleans business community. She may be reached at (504) 799-4260 or paige@neworleanschamber.org.
