The Jefferson Chamber celebrated a quarter century of advocating, educating, and connecting business in Jefferson Parish in 2022. What started in 1997 with a few people with some great ideas has led to the Chamber’s transformation into the premier business organization in the parish and one of the leaders in the Greater New Orleans region. This timeline highlights many of the landmark moments and quality of life initiatives that laid the foundation, and subsequently, evolved Jefferson Parish into the best place to do business.
1997
Founded by investments from 100 local businesses later becoming known as Charter Members
First Crawfish Boil hosted by Select Properties, Ltd. at 2121 Airline Drive in Metairie
1998
Angelle LaBorde named first Chamber President & CEO
Created beautification committee, ImageWorks, under belief well-maintained neighborhoods and streets are an important factor in attracting and maintaining development.
Rallied elected officials, PSC commissioners and the media to successfully preserve the 504 area code for region.
1999
First annual Chamber Golf Tournament takes place at Timberlane Golf and Country Club in Gretna
Chamber establishes a Tourism and Cultural Events Task Force to promote tourism in the parish
First Washington Fly-In consists of 26 Chamber members flying to D.C. to address Southeast Louisiana flood control and transportation issues
2000
Chamber creates tourism bureau known as the Jefferson Convention and Visitors Bureau
Chamber hosts first “Day at the Legislature” in Baton Rouge
2001
Chamber participates in Louisiana NFL Stadium Committee too keep the Saints in the city
Chamber launches first website, www.jeffersonchamber.org
Improving Business. Improving Lives. Tagline adopted as part of rebrand with new logo
2003
East Bank and West Bank Councils merge the New Orleans Regional & River Region Chambers
Advocated to Louisiana DOT for Huey P. Long Bridge expansion through “Hurry the Huey” campaign
Leadership Jefferson program graduates first class
2005
Chamber teams up with JEDCO and JBC to open two Business Recovery Centers and established the Jefferson Back to Business Call Center in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
2006
Achieved U.S. Chamber of Commerce accreditation
Glenn Hayes named second Chamber President
2007
The Jefferson Chamber celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary.
Jefferson Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, established and develops into backbone of workforce development grants that were catalysts in the rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina. In its infancy, the Foundation secured $3.3 million in educational grants.
2008
Receives 4-Star Accreditation, previously the highest rating bestowed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
First Washington D.C. Mardi Gras with Jefferson Chamber Krewe after first participating in event in 2001
First Tour de Jefferson
2009
Jefferson Chamber Foundation Academy (JCFA) established; a high school that gives Jefferson Parish students a second chance at graduation.
The Jefferson Chamber attends Washington Mardi Gras
2012
Todd Murphy named third Chamber President
Chamber hosts first Grand Prix go-kart race
The Jefferson Chamber attends the annual DC Fly In
2013
Jefferson Chamber rebrands with new logos
Earns first LACCE Chamber of the Year Award
Chamber receives 4-Star Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
2014
Jefferson Chamber moves to current offices at on N. Causeway Boulevard in Metairie
2015
Receives second LACCE Chamber of the Year Award
2016
Chamber supports/brokers agreement with Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing services to legally operate in Jefferson Parish
2017
Completes Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses program
LiveWell Jefferson founded
2018
Receives 5-star Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the first time
Named Economic Development Partner of the Year by LABI
Receives ACCE Communications Award of Excellence
2019
Earns third LACCE Chamber of the Year Award
Conducts inaugural LiveWell Jefferson Worksite Wellness Summit
Jefferson Chamber Young Professionals create Metairie Flag
2020
Chamber presents 12-part live video series “Vision & Voice: Engage 2020” featuring local leaders to connect JP residents with valuable information and critical updates on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jefferson Chamber Foundation creates Bites for Knights program for meal donations supporting local essential workers and first responders working on the front lines of the Covid-19 pandemic.
2021
Jefferson Parish Council approved a new emblem and flag. The rebranding project was a joint effort with the Jefferson Chamber Young Professionals Board.
Ruth Lawson named fourth Chamber President
2022
Leadership Jefferson graduates 20th class
All 11 Jefferson Chamber PAC-endorsed candidates in the Kenner, Harahan and School Board elections won their races
Jefferson Chamber celebrates 25th Anniversary
Jefferson Chamber Foundation partnership leads to the opening of the first three FitLot Outdoor Fitness Park in Jefferson Parish
