COVINGTON, La. — From the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce:
The St. Tammany Chamber presented several awards, including the Tammany Award, the Community Leadership Award and two Community Partner Awards, during its annual Installation & Awards Luncheon at The Greystone with more than 200 members and guests in attendance.
Leadership Awards
The 2023 Tammany Award was presented to In-Telecom, a St. Tammany business that demonstrates leadership and drive and advocates for the betterment of our community. Accepting the honor on behalf of the business were CEO Shawn Torres and COO Jimmy Burns. Since its founding in 2009, this Slidell business has evolved into a full-service technology company providing customized solutions for cloud telephone, voice over IP, managed IT services, video conferencing, cybersecurity, data backup, internet services and more. Today In-Telecom is a leading cybersecurity and internet connectivity organization with offices throughout the country’s southeast region and more than 5,000 clients. And it still gives back to the community as an active participant and supporter of many community organizations, including STARC of Louisiana, the Slidell Memorial Hospital Foundation and its events, United Way, the Friends of Slidell Police Foundation and Hospice House.
Rick Dennie was honored with the 2023 Community Leadership Award in recognition of his prominent role in improving the community’s quality of life through exemplary service, leadership and outstanding accomplishments. He has been an integral part of our community since the early 2000s. In 2001 and 2002, he played a pivotal role as a founding member of the Old Mandeville Business Association, taking the mantle of leadership serving as president from 2002 to 2003. A testament to his passion for community welfare is his 15-year commitment as the Committee Chair for the association’s Empty Bowl fundraiser, raising vital funds and fostering a sense of unity within the community. His community engagement also extends to the Chamber, which he joined 23 years ago, serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board for a combined six years and on the Governmental Affairs Committee—now known as the Advocacy and Public Policy Committee—for more than 12 years.
Community Partner Awards
St. Tammany Corporation and Visit The Northshore were recognized with 2023 Community Partner Awards in recognition of their collaboration with the Chamber and other parish-wide business organizations for the betterment of our parish, businesses, citizens and overall quality of life. Both are part of the St. Tammany Economic Partnership which also includes the Chamber. Since its inception in 2018, St. Tammany Corporation has facilitated business expansion and attraction announcements totaling over $279.4 million in capital investment and 2,166 new and retained jobs. This outstanding track record culminated in January when they achieved recognition as an Accredited Economic Development Organization through the International Economic Development Council—a distinction held by only 76 elite economic development organizations in North America. Visit The Northshore’s impact on our parish is truly transformative. In 2022, they welcomed over 2.9 million visitors, marking a 15% increase over 2020 and generating a staggering $1.03 billion in spending—a 33% surge from 2019. This economic prosperity translated into 11,472 jobs and contributed over $339 million in employment earnings, solidifying their place as a key driver of local economic growth.
Membership Awards
The Chamber also recognized outstanding individuals who volunteer on its board and committees to carry out the organization’s mission and programs.
Louis Ochoa with The Sadie Jane was recognized as 2023 Board Member of the Year for his willingness to share advice and experience—and for making things happen. As Events Committee Chairman, he steered the committee to not only meet but exceed budget expectations for each event he was involved in, including our annual Southern Nights soiree and Explore Northshore Business and Community Expo.
Elizabeth Garland with Start Corporation received the 2023 Ambassador of the Year Award for her enthusiasm and dedication in promoting the Chamber’s mission. She has been an ambassador of the month numerous times for recruiting new members, assisting with Chamber events and representing the Chamber in the community.
Joel Treadwell with Joel Treadwell Fine Portraiture is the 2023 Member of the Year for giving his time and talent to the Chamber since joining nine years ago. He has served on the Ambassadors Council for three years, been an active member of the Small Business Council for six years and served as its chairman in 2022 when he diligently worked to increase the Small Business Council’s post-COVID engagement. He is a great supporter of the Chamber and the community and is always there to lend his services.
The 2023 Committee of the Year Award went to the Northshore Young Professionals. This dynamic committee orchestrated a series of events that benefited our young professionals and our community. From hosting six lively pop-up happy hour networking events and three enriching professional development luncheons to engaging in two philanthropic endeavors, they demonstrated a passion for connection and a commitment to growth and development, both personally and professionally. Co-Chairman Elizabeth Lee with St. Tammany Corporation and Matt Guidry with The St. Tammany Farmer/NOLA.com accepted the award on the committee’s behalf.
