CHALMETTE, LA – At a recent gathering of professionals from several public agencies and nonprofits at Docville Farm the message was clear: It is time to take another look at St. Bernard Parish.
St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce reps said the narrative coming from New Orleans’ neighbor post-Katrina has been one of recovery and resilience, but participants identified a shifting tide within the community that has largely been underrepresented. Community advocates and residents alike believe it is time to stop comparing where St. Bernard is coming from and start looking at where it is going, the reps said. The Parish is home to one of the highest ranked school systems in the state, affordable paths to homeownership, the lowest crime rate in the metropolitan area, and most recently, a boom in the creative economy with the implementation of the Arabi Cultural Arts District.
A recent effort spearheaded by Danielle Martin with St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce and Alex LaPres Schneider of St. Bernard Public School District show these facts are more than just talking points for St. Bernard representatives, but the promise of what the future can hold.
“We observed a need in our Parish to more effectively communicate not only to our residents, but to the Greater New Orleans area that St. Bernard is truly a great place to live, work, and play,” Schneider said.
The summit was the first step towards an on-going partnership between St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce, St. Bernard Parish Public Schools, St. Bernard Parish Government, Nunez Community College, The Arlene and Joseph Meraux Foundation, St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation and St. Bernard Parish Tourism aimed at more effective collaboration with one common goal – to grow and better represent St. Bernard Parish.
“The St. Bernard Parish Public Relations Summit was called to capitalize on a new energy that can be observed respectively from all agencies involved,” Martin said, “From rebranding campaigns, changes in leadership, and budding partnerships, it is evident that our organizations not only want to move forward, but also usher in a new era for our residents, businesses, and community.”
The gathering included discussions of public relations best practices, implementation of digital strategies, and directives for cross-organizational support in upcoming events and initiatives.
Alex Schneider leads participants through exercise aimed at identifying overlapping interests.
