Jefferson Review Mid-Year 2018

2018 JeffersonChamber.org

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Jefferson Review 2018

Contents

On The Cover

4 PAC Endorsements

10 Business Awards Luncheon

6 Sheriff Lopinto

11 Young Professionals

7 New JPPSS Superintendent

12 Tom Benson

8 Legislative Victories in

13 Attractions in

Education

9 Annual Meeting Recap

14 Prosper Jefferson

Jefferson Parish

In June 2018, the U.S. Chamber awarded the Jefferson Chamber with 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.

The Jefferson Chamber is proud of its 5-Star designation making it one of 116 chambers in the United States to achieve this status (out of 7,000 organizations). In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive self-review took nine months to complete.

Executive Editor Emily Anderson

About Us

Custom Publishing Manager Jessica DeBold

What started in 1997 with a few people and some great ideas has transformed into the premier business organization of the Parish.

Today, we are a Five Star Accredited chamber representing more than 900 companies in working to improve the business climate and create business initiatives and opportunities. Through our business advocacy, we have proven to be a strong force in tackling quality-of-life issues.

As we have grown, we have created other important venues and organizations along the way. In 2001, we recognized the need for a Political Action Committee (PAC). This has allowed us to put strength in endorsements of pro-business minded political candidates.

Our Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, began in 2007.

The Foundation is also the namesake and founder of the Jefferson Chamber Foundation Academy, a high school that gives Jefferson students a second chance at graduation. The JCFA is now autonomous from the Jefferson Chamber.

In 2017, the Chamber formed LiveWell Jefferson, a new initiative focused on creating and cultivating a culture of health and wellness among the business community and residents of Jefferson Parish. Working with our partners at JEDCO, GNO, Inc., the Regional Planning Commission and others, our organization will continue to be a great influence in legislation, planning, and “big picture” type thinking. Whether local, state or federal, legislators respect our positions and passion for policies, laws and principles that support our mission of “Improving Business. Improving Lives.”

P: (504) 835-3880 | F: (504) 835-3828 3421 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 203 Metairie, LA 70002

Art Director Ali Sullivan Vice President of Sales Colleen Monaghan Account Executive Brennan Manale (504) 830-7298 Brennan@myneworleans.com Traffic Manager Topher Balfer Production Designer Emily Andras Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne Executive Vice President/ Editor in Chief Errol Laborde President Alan Campbell Contributors Emily Andras, Andrea Blumenstein, Sam Lucio, Kevin O’Sullivan Custom Published By

Published by Renaissance Publishing LLC 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 • www.myneworleans.com Copyright 2018 Jefferson Review, Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and Renaissance Publishing LLC. Postage Paid at New Orleans and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Jefferson Chamber, 3421 N. Causeway Blvd, Suite 203, Metairie, La, 70002. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine’s managers, owners or publisher. The Jefferson Chamber is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self addressed stamped envelope.

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Leaders of the PAC PAC-Endorsed Winning Candidates Compiled by Andrea Blumenstein

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n endorsement from the Jefferson Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) supplies voters with the confidence that the candidate supports the Jefferson Chamber’s mission to improve the business climate and quality of life in Jefferson Parish.

The Jefferson Chamber PAC is an independent, not-for-profit organization composed of members of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. The current chairman, Fred Preis, inherited the role as is the tradition after one serves as chairman of the Chamber.

The PAC looks for business-minded people and representatives that are focused on improving hot ticket items like jobs and the economy.

The entire selection process takes place in a relatively short period of time. After a full day of candidate interviews, the PAC board members vote on endorsements.

Gregory Carroll, Councilman District 1, City of Kenner

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As I enter into my next four years as District 1 Councilman, my goals and the goals of the City of Kenner both coincide, my priorities to finalize and ensure traffic and drainage solutions for the Veterans Highway corridor, to improve Rivertown, Laketown and city-wide marketing plans and bring in new business are my priorities for District 1, but also are beneficial for all of the citizens of Kenner.”

First elected Nov 14, 2009, then re-elected in 2010 and 2014. His third four-year term starts July 1.

• Fifth-generation South Kenner resident • Attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help School • Graduate of Alfred Bonnabel High School • Received a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration from the University of New Orleans • Served two terms as a member of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission • Held two terms as a member of the Jefferson Parish Executive Committee

Jefferson Parish relies heavily on income generated through sales, and candidates who are economically and job-minded stand out.

“We don’t just go with the status quo, either. This past year, we actually endorsed two newcomers who were running against two incumbents and they both won,” said Preis.

The PAC isn’t limited to supporting one candidate over another. In the past, the PAC endorsed both candidates if they were all people who would, if elected, promote the ends that the Chamber stands for.

Most recently, the PAC endorsed six candidates for the March 2018 election. The Jefferson Chamber PAC is proud that all six of its endorsements were elected into Jefferson Parish government.

More information about the Jefferson Chamber PAC can be found online at jeffersonchamberpac.org.

George Branigan, Councilman District 4, City of Kenner

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I represent District 4, with the Esplanade Mall. There are commercial development issues because Wal-Mart moved in, then Wal-Mart moved out. Commercial revitalization is one of my top priorities. Bottom line is we need to get this done in the City of Kenner. It seems to take an unnecessary long time in government and I’m going to be a proponent to make sure that I’m not going to let things take a year or two to get done.”

Elected for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2018.

• Graduated from Brother Martin High School • Attended Louisiana State University • Active volunteer for both Brother Martin High School and Mount Carmel Academy.

• Member of the Health Underwriters Association and the Kenner Business Association • Has lived in the City of Kenner, District 4 for 33 years • Key leader in raising over $100,000 for the Bertolino Baseball Complex • Served as president and sponsorship chairperson for the Muss Bertolino Playground booster club

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Joseph Lopinto, Jefferson Parish Sheriff

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My job is to make decisions about what is in our budget and what to prioritize to support our mission: prevent and solve crimes. Raising my two kids are my two biggest accomplishments. I am going to do my best to make sure the citizens of Jefferson Parish, and my family and kids, have a safe place to grow up in.”

Glenn Hayes, Sr., Councilman District 3, City of Kenner

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I bring the hope and the business development that we need. We live on sales taxes; they are a good portion of our budget. I represent District 3 where smart development is urgent to get what we need. My focus is economic. I have the sales tax issue, small business and the development of Laketown.”

Elected on March 24, 2018 for a 4-year term.

Elected to a four-year term starting July 1, 2018.

• Joined law enforcement in 1997 • Associate’s degree from Delgado • Bachelor’s degree from Loyola • Law degree from Loyola University of New Orleans • Lifelong resident of Jefferson Parish • Starting in 2007 he served on the House of Representatives for multiple terms

• Small business owner and lifetime banker • Led the Jefferson Chamber for seven years after working for 40 years as an executive banker • Has served on multiple boards, including as Chairman of Crime Stoppers and on the board of directors for Jefferson Dollars for Scholars

Kristi McKinney, Councilman at Large Division A, City of Kenner

Ben Zahn, Mayor, City of Kenner

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Along with the City Council and the Kenner Police and Fire departments, my administration is focused on the work we started in January 2017 – keeping up our aggressive fight on blight, continuing to clean up and beautify the city and working to attract new businesses and to bring a world-class commercial development to the Laketown area.”

I want to work with the Mayor and City Council members to continue to make Kenner a great place to live and raise a family by renewing the area, bringing in new businesses, and restoring pride in the City of Kenner. I was born and raised in Kenner and my vision for the City is have it become the premiere suburban City in the area.”

Elected for a four-year term, March 2018 • Born and raised in the City of Kenner.

• Graduated with honors from Bonnabel High School • Earned multiple degrees at Southern Mississippi University • Holds a master’s degree in Public Affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) School of Public Affairs • Previously worked as a consultant for the National Security Agency in Washington D.C. • Currently works as a consultant at Entergy

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Took office in January 2017. Mayoral seat is a four-year term starting July 1, 2018.

• Third-generation business owner • Former city and parish councilman • He’s focused on economic development, safety and beautification of parks and playgrounds.

• Attended John Curtis Christian School and University of New Orleans.

• Honorary member, past president and secretary of Kenner Rotary Club • Kenner resident • He and his family serve as parishioners of Divine Mercy Catholic Church

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Q&A with Sheriff Lopinto

PLANS AND INITIATIVES AT JPSO

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he Sheriff’s Office in Jefferson Parish has a lot of history with the two predecessors, Harry Lee and Newell Normand, each serving the parish for decades. Newly elected Sheriff Joseph Lopinto acknowledges their legacy while embracing the uniquely broad job duties of the office while staying true to his personality and values that the public voted into office.

Low crime statistics in recent years, particularly as compared to the parish to the east, continue to make Jefferson Parish a thriving place for business and a parish where families can enjoy strong protection and quick response times. Though Sheriff Lopinto feels strongly that you can’t accurately compare a very urban area like Orleans to a suburban area like Jefferson Parish, he is committed to promoting and developing the projects and programs that keep Jefferson Parish safe.

The Sheriff’s Office is multifaceted, with Lopinto overseeing tax collection, personnel out on the street and the tools that they use. It the Sheriff’s job to make decisions about what is in the budget and what to prioritize in service of the mission to prevent and solve crimes. Lopinto brings to the position years of legislative experience, as well as his experience as a deputy that he plans to leverage to make sure that the Sheriff’s Office is accurately communicating to officers and support staff to prevent a new person from becoming a victim.

Are there any community partnerships that you feel are important and/or could be expanded to continue the fight against crime?

How do we continue to be the parish where families can enjoy strong protection and quick response times?

All three of us were attorneys, but my start, and my career, was a deputy on the street. I have a unique perspective as a former narcotics detective. We all had our good moments in life, but the reality is that I’ve got to make decisions that are going to affect us going forward and those decisions didn’t even exist 20 years ago.

I understand the big picture of the Sheriff’s Office, that we are not just law enforcement. That I am the CEO of a large corporation and I have duties that take me out of law enforcement: monitoring legislation within the Louisiana legislature, taxes, crime civil issues, they can all affect the sheriff’s office.

Things change in law enforcement and you can’t police like you did in the 80s and 90s. At the end of the day, people want to go home knowing that the system works. I will uphold this legacy by being abreast of new opportunities and new situations to uphold and improve the quality of life for our residents and businesses. •

Our goal is to solve crimes quickly. Thieves don’t get a chance to commit another crime if we are doing our part in catching them early using the modern tools available.

Tomorrow isn’t here yet so what it will look like isn’t clear.

Today we have digital forensics to refine crime scene videos and analyze digital evidence. They didn’t have that 20 years ago. Twenty years ago, they didn’t have resource officers in schools. We are one of the leaders in the field.

Our offices are embedded; they become mentors and counselors to a generation of kids. We don’t have a lot of turnover, these officers know what the job is, they like the job and contribute to a better learning environment and build relationships so that kids can succeed.

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We have partnerships with outside agencies like the Louisiana Heart Association and Louisiana Special Olympics. We are a community leader and need to be involved with these organizations to have a better place for our kids to grow up and live.

The bottom line is that you are always prioritizing. We have a great Cops and Clergy program that supplies grants to offer tutoring programs and summer camp. We also have a young marines program run in-house.

Our Band of Excellence program we started a few years ago allows high school and middle school students who have an interest in music to receive musical training and engage youth in positive activity. We are currently issuing seven scholarships that are band members, giving kids a chance at not only participating in the community, but a shot at college and a future of their choosing.

I want people to know about the good that we do, the good calls we go on, not just crime alerts. We honor our centenarians, residents turning 100 years, with an embroidered blanket and plaque. Barron’s Bears, named after a deputy who used to carry teddy bears in the back of his car to help with trauma, now sends bears to support programs and agencies around the country.

In general, how do you align or differ from the management and style of your predecessors, Newell Normand and Harry Lee?

The First 100 Days Introducing Cade Brumley, New JPPSS Superintendent

By Kevin O’Sullivan

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s Jefferson Parish Public School System’s new Superintendent, Cade Brumley has visited over 20 schools, implemented a new, consistent curriculum across Jefferson Parish and has conducted interviews with teachers and students alike to create a community and data backed plan to make Jefferson Parish schools thrive. All of this in his first 39 days.

Prior to his role as Jefferson Parish School Board’s Superintendent, Brumley was the Superintendent for the Desoto Parish School Board. Under Brumley’s direction, the Desoto school system’s state ranking in academic performance improved from 49 out of 70 systems in 2010, to 9 today. During this time, the graduation rate increased from 70% to around 95%. Additionally, Desoto had the largest ACT score improvement in the state in 2016.

Since his induction into the JPSB, Brumley has hit the ground running. He has been collecting and absorbing critical data as part of his 100 day entry plan he calls “Love to Learn; Learn to Lead.” This plan outlines the data, statistics and individual testimonials that Brumley needs to make informed and innovative plans to lead Jefferson Parish schools into the future.

“The work in Jefferson Parish is the most important in the State of Louisiana right now,” expressed Brumley. “That’s why I’m here. We have the largest

we have to make sure we are recruiting and retaining the best; and pay is a big part of that alongside strong leadership and professional development.

To ensure this, the school system must have a clear strategy: it must cultivate talent and it must engage the community for support.”

A clear strategy is exactly why the JPSB sought Brumley’s professionalism.

Even before starting at his role as superintendent, he brought to the table a set of five commitments: • Create a transformation zone to provide extra resources and support to the schools with the highest needs.

• Implement a student advisory council that will inform him from the student perspective.

• Engage with data collected by an educator’s compensation working group.

• Establish a graduate profile defining the skills and competencies every student should hold upon graduation.

• Perform an external review of the system budget to review inefficiencies in the use of financial resources.

“Beyond these five commitments, I’m already developing additional plans based on stakeholder feedback,” added Brumley. “I’m really optimistic about

school system in the state and so much opportunity to improve. So far, from the data I’ve been collecting, patterns are emerging of where the system is succeeding and where growth is needed.”

Another area of growth that Brumley is passionate about is teacher pay and retention. Currently, about 30% of veteran teachers and 40% of first year teachers are leaving Jefferson Parish; mostly to other school districts with better pay.

“The rubber meets the road with the classroom teachers,” said Brumley. “So

the future of the school system and truly believe that the best is yet to come for Jefferson Parish.”

Brumley, a Louisiana native, is married with two sons, teaches Sunday school and is a deacon at Brookwood Church in Shreveport. •

Photo Above: Cade Brumley’s Discover y Days visit to Pitre Elementar y.

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VICTORIOUS LEGISLATION

In Support of Our Children, Parents and Local Economy Ready Louisiana and Jefferson Chamber team up in making children a priority during legislative session

By Kevin O’Sullivan

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n the past seven years, state funding for Louisiana child care programs has been cut by 70 percent. The direct impact: Local child care tuition has increased to between $8,000 and $12,000 a year, 25,000 children have been dropped from public child care assistance and an aggregate impact of $1.1 billion is neglected from the state economy annually.

“Since 2009, we’ve gone from supporting 40,000 children in early care programs to just 15,000 today,” said the Executive Director of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children and one of the main organizers of Ready Louisiana, Melanie Bronfin. “So, we’re determined to push our state and local legislature to create policies that better support our child care programs.”

Ready Louisiana is a statewide, non-partisan, non-profit coalition made up of 45 business and community organizations, including the Jefferson Chamber and United Way, that collects data, influences policy makers and advocates for bills in legislature that will benefit the accessibility and quality of child care.

They have seen the incredible power of data research in the last year after releasing a nationally cited report titled Losing Ground. The report, which was quoted in Forbes and the Wall Street Journal, highlighted a swell of daunting statistics that showed, among other things, that Louisiana is spending half of 1 percent of its general funds on early care and education, the effect being that only 15 percent of eligible children have access to publicly funded early care programs.

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Contrastingly, 75 percent of all the children in this age group have both of their parents, or their single parent, in the workforce. This fact, especially when you tack on the exorbitant costs of early child care, amounts to a heavy toll on our current and future workforce.

“Parents are missing time, going from full-time to part-time and refusing promotions so that they can care for their children,” said Bronfin.

“This has amounted to a loss of $84 million in Louisiana’s tax revenue and over $1.1 billion neglected from our state economy.”

All of these factors have a direct impact on children. “We’ve come to a scientific understanding as a country that 90 percent of brain development occurs within the first four years of our lives,” said Bronfin, “and a child who starts kindergarten educationally behind his peers will statistically stay behind. In Louisiana, that’s 43 percent of children.”

Though this data seems bleak, Jefferson Chamber and Ready Louisiana have been working hard in non-partisan efforts to support intuitive bills and garnish community support around child care reform.

This year, the Jefferson Chamber is using its strengths to spearhead the Ready Louisiana movement by educating the importance of passing Legislation including House Bill 676 (which passed in late May 2018).

Ready Louisiana is an open coalition accepting donations and support from businesses and individuals alike. To learn more about various ways to get involved, visit readylouisiana.org. •

House Bill 676 by Rep. Stephanie Hilferty was signed into law by Gov. John Bel Edwards on May 31, 2018, as Act #636.

The Act creates a Commission to make recommendations for a Master Plan for Early Care and Education in Louisiana prior to the 2019 Legislative Session. The Commission will consist of 26 early education specialists responsible for gathering data, considering research, and determining a foundational infrastructure to ensure access to early childhood education programs in Louisiana. The Commission will produce a report and make recommendations to the legislature in the 2019 Legislative Session.

Prior to the 2020 Legislative Session, the Commission will give an account of the status of the implementation of its recommendations.

The Bill also permits the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to broaden access and increase the quality of early childhood education programs.

The Action Plan includes establishing pilot programs that study best practices in early childhood education to broaden access to those who are the most in need.

Annual Meeting Recap

Linda Rutherford, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer of Southwest Airlines

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he Jefferson Chamber hosted its Annual Meeting, presented by Ochsner Health System, on February 2 at the Crowne Plaza New Orleans Airport Hotel. The sold-out event featured Linda Rutherford, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer of Southwest Airlines, who discussed Southwest’s corporate culture and communication strategy, along with their plans for the new airport terminal at the Louis Armstrong International Airport.

Speaking to a room of Chamber members, business owners and community leaders, Rutherford explained Southwest’s processes, policies and tools for serving the airline’s growing and diverse workforce.

Kristina Bennett-Holmes, Deputy Director of Aviation for the Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, spoke about the plans and progress on the airport expansion and terminal opening early 2019.

The $90 million flyover ramp from I-10 at Loyola Drive is considered a crucial component of the new terminal, which will increase the airport’s capacity and therefore traffic is going to and coming from New Orleans’ international airport. It would replace the existing flyover at Williams Boulevard, which brings traffic to a service road that leads to the airport’s south-facing entrances on Airline Highway. The new terminal is being built on the north side of the airport property.

Two temporary roads are currently under construction, one by Barriere street and the other on the South of I-10, where the four-lane Loyola Drive will be widened to six lanes, and the Loyola intersection at Veterans Memorial Boulevard will be redesigned. The temporary roads are set for completion just before the new airport’s opening. •

By The Numbers: The New MSY The new airport is slated to open in February 2019, and estimated to include:

$534 million in state and local tax revenue 972,000-square-foot terminal 35 total airline gates $6.4 billion in local spending $2.4 Billion in local earnings 64,000+Jobs

Bayou to Beltway

Jefferson Chamber of Commerce plans trip to D.C. to discuss legislative agenda

By Sam Lucio AFTER A SPRING FULL OF SPECIAL sessions in Baton Rouge, the Jefferson Chamber plans to continue their advocacy in Washington D.C. Each year, Chamber members travel to Washington, D.C. to promote and discuss the Chamber’s legislative agenda. During these visits, Chamber members meet directly with elected officials and key staff members to share their feedback and make recommendations for improvements in Jefferson Parish.

“We will address a number of federal issues affecting Jefferson Parish including flood insurance, infrastructure, coastal restoration and healthcare to name a few,” said Christy Marino, the Jefferson Chamber’s Advocacy and Special Programs Manager.

Regarding healthcare, Marino said that the Chamber will be supporting a “cost-effective, competitive health care market as an incentive to economic growth and development while assuring that consumers in Louisiana continue to receive high quality, accessible and affordable health care.”

The Chamber’s flood insurance efforts will support the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance (CSFI), which works to make sure that flood insurance is both affordable and sustainable.

For coastal restoration, the Chamber plans to support policies that would provide additional funding for coastal restoration efforts.

The Chamber’s Advocacy department states that “The Jefferson Chamber is the voice of the business community in Jefferson Parish...Our organization continues to work tirelessly to defend business interests at the Parish, State and Federal level.”

Business leaders and local elected officials, along with the Louisiana Congressional Delegation, key departmental staff and representatives of the U.S. Chamber, will be among the attendees during the Fly-In on September 5-7. • 2018 JeffersonChamber.org

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Business Leadership Awards

The Jefferson Chamber hosted the Business Leadership Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, May 9 at the Hilton New Orleans Airport Hotel to celebrate entrepreneurship, achievement, perseverance and community service.

The Luncheon honored the accomplishments of both small and large businesses and the impact they have made on the Jefferson Parish business community.

2018 RECIPIENTS : ENTREPRENEURS OF THE YEAR Andrew Prat and Adrian Nikdast, Southern City Farm SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Chronos BHW LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sleep Number WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR The Basketry FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR Loft18 BUSINESS PROGRESS AWARD Jerry Bologna, JEDCO JOSEPH RAULT COMMUNITY LEADER OF THE YEAR Lynne Burkart, Postlethwaite & Netterville, APAC COMMUNITY ADVANCEMENT Joe Georgusis, Park Investments, Ltd.

Healthy Business Awards The LiveWell Jefferson Healthy Business Awards were created in 2016 to highlight and celebrate members of the Jefferson Chamber that are actively engaged in healthy initiatives in the workplace and also provide ideas for healthy changes that can be made. For more information on how to apply for a Healthy Business Award, visit www.livewelljefferson.org

2018 RECIPIENTS : HEALTHY BUSINESS AWARD, MOST CREATIVE Cox Enterprises HEALTHY BUSINESS AWARD, BEST EMPLOYEE LED Jefferson Parish Government HEALTHY BUSINESS AWARD, UP AND COMER University of New Orleans

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Congratulations to the Leadership Jefferson Class of 2018!

Leadership Jefferson is a nine-month program designed to develop a diverse network of dedicated business and community leaders. The application process is held in June and is open to members and non-members of the Jefferson Chamber.

To learn more about Leadership Jefferson, visit jeffersonchamber.org/ about/foundation/leadershipjefferson

Join the Young Professionals The mission of the Jefferson Chamber Young Professionals is to cultivate future civic and economic leaders of Jefferson Parish and the surrounding community through philanthropic initiatives, education, and leadership development opportunities. These opportunities include power lunches, “How to be a Grown Up” seminars, happy hours and activities at businesses around Jefferson Parish.

Follow JCYP on Facebook and Instagram

@JCYoungProfessionals

Visit jeffersonchamber.org/jefferson-chamber-young-professionals to learn more.

RIGHT Each month, the JCYP hosts a Power Lunch where a top- level executive sits down to have

lunch with 10-12 young professionals. This casual setting allows for young professionals to learn about the featured executive and ask questions about successes and growth in the executive’s personal life and career. BOTTOM LEFT JCYP happy hours allow young professionals to meet up after work and get to know fellow young professionals in the area. The happy hours are free to attend, and YP’s are encouraged to bring co-workers and friends to help build new connections. BOTTOM RIGHT The “How to be a Grown Up” series a bi-monthly seminar series focused on bringing young professionals information to help with both professional and personal topics. In the Spring, young professionals gathered for a Wine Etiquette Dinner at Fleming’s Steakhouse as part of the series.

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In Memoriam of Tom Benson Tom Benson’s support for local businesses has led to a stronger community and legacy that will live on for generations to come

By Emily Andras

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PHOTO BY MICHAEL C. HEBERT

om Benson began his business career as a car salesman — and when presented with the challenge of a poorly performing dealership in San Antonio, he used his homegrown education from Loyola University New Orleans to turn the dealership around. It became Tom Benson Chevrolet, his first fully-owned car dealership, but certainly not his last. His businesses grew from car dealerships to banks and, finally, to the Saints and Pelicans organizations.

A common thread through all of Mr. Benson’s businesses was his dedication to the communities his businesses called home, according to Mike Stanfield, Senior Vice President of Sales for the Saints and the Pelicans and Jefferson Chamber Board Member.

“It’s part of what Mr. Benson did and part of what he knew. When you go back to Katrina, where Mr. Benson was the business leader who brought the Saints back, who bought the Pelicans, he wanted to keep that business here,” Stanfield said, also saying that this is a philosophy the Chamber shares. “We have a lot of businesses here now that we’re involved with, and what we’re trying to do, what he believed in, was in growing everyone together as part of the economy.”

“Because we’re a regional organization, we want to help people get more businesses involved here. Some of that is with the Chamber of Commerce event we host here in the practice facility,” said Stanfield, referring to the Jefferson Chamber Gala, held annually at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center, on the turf of the New Orleans Saints Indoor Training Field.

The Gala, with this year following a Casino Royale theme to celebrate the Chamber’s 21st anniversary, raises money to support Chamber efforts in public policy, advocacy and quality of life initiatives in the Parish.

Ochsner has been another key player in Mr. Benson’s role within the city. Tom and Gayle’s philanthropic involvement with the health system, a fixture of the New Orleans area, has also been a notable part of the legacy of bettering the community he sought to establish.

“Tom Benson was a man of principle, powerful role model and voice for our community and for Ochsner Health System,” said Warner Thomas, President and CEO of Ochsner Health System. “He created a legacy that will endure for generations and will literally help thousands of people live better lives.”

Last November, Tom and Gayle Benson, along with Ochsner Health System, celebrated the official ground-breaking on the multimilliondollar expansion of the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center at Ochsner Medical Center on Jefferson Highway.

The expansion will double the size of the facility at Ochsner Medical Center on Jefferson Highway, creating hundreds of jobs and opening beds and introducing innovative healthcare programs for an additional several thousand residents per year in Jefferson Parish and surrounding areas.

“Tom Benson wanted local people to be able to stay local and receive game-changing treatments. That is our commitment, and it will now become a piece of his legacy,” said Thomas.

A commitment to Louisianians being able to stay in their community was one that Mr. Benson sought to further with every one of his enterprises, entrepreneurial and philanthropic, and one that his organizations

continue to uphold today, which has, in turn, boosted the businesses and the surrounding community’s economy.

“Here in the facility, everybody eats in the cafeteria, doesn’t matter if you’re Drew Brees or someone brand new to the organization. It was very important to Mr. Benson and is very important to us, and to Mrs. Benson that we keep it as that one community organization. We have a lot of pride in carrying on his legacy here, and it’s very evident that everybody here has bought into the sense of community,” said Stanfield.

The Pelicans, the Saints and Ochsner all expressed interest in continuing to uphold Mr. Benson’s legacy, both in their operations and in their relationship with the Chamber.

“The support of remarkable individuals like Mr. Benson and community organizations like the Jefferson Chamber gives our organization the ability to create jobs and transform the lives of the people we serve,” said Thomas. “By working together and creating solutions to the challenges facing our families and neighbors, we’re able to create a stronger, healthier community for generations to come.”

“We want more business, better business, here in the city,” adds Stanfield. “We want to partner with the best, and we feel like the Jefferson Chamber is the best around.” •

Explore Jefferson Parish Provided by Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (JCVB) As the official marketing organization for Jefferson Parish, the JCVB invites you to explore your own hometown!

For information on the attractions below, and more, visit their website or download their app.

BARATARIA PRESERVE, JEAN LAFITTE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK & PRESERVE Explore a live gallery of wetland creatures when you tour the Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte. Stride along a boardwalk and nature trails through hardwood forest, marsh, and swamp that provide a glimpse of all the wetlands just minutes from New Orleans. Learn how Louisiana’s Cajuns coined the phrase “Acadians,” and enjoy a ranger guided tour.

DAVID CROCKETT STEAM FIRE COMPANY NO. 1 Organized in 1841, the David Crockett Steam Fire Company No. 1 is the oldest, continuously active volunteer fire company in the U.S. The museum houses two floors of historical artifacts that educate visitors on the history of firefighting. Nestled in the Gretna historic district, the museum is adjacent to the Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop and historic homes.

RIVERTOWN SPACE SCIENCE COMPLEX Travel beyond earth and discover outer space! Explore a timeline of space explorations of the 20th century aboard a NASA prototype. Discover a science center where you can explore a variety of exhibits relating to weather, minerals, optical illusions and more.

Soar to new heights at the Planetarium. From discovering the milky way to experiencing a musical laser display, it’s out of this world!

LAFITTE’S BARATARIA MUSEUM AND WETLAND TRACE Lafitte’s Barataria Museum tells the story of the 200-year-old fishing community by showcasing the beauty of the bayou, and its rich heritage. The museum features a multi-media theatre presentation and an animated museum exhibition. Showcasing the life of the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte, the stories and traditions of its residents, and the realities of coastal erosion. Exit the museum to a wetland trace, a mile and a half board walk trail over a Cypress swamp teeming with exotic birds, snakes, gators and other wildlife.

BAYOU SEGNETTE & GRAND ISLE STATE PARKS Bayou Segnette State Park offers an array of recreational activities and facilities. Test your wave handling skills when you visit one of Bayou Segnette’s most popular park amenities, the 22,000 square foot wave pool. Cast your line for salt or fresh water fishing or stay overnight in a furnished floating cabin! Grand Isle State Park features 2 miles of sandy beach, an observation tower and lagoon where you can also enjoy deep sea salt water fishing, boating, swimming and crabbing.

NOLA MOTORSPORTS PARK For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Nola Motorsports Park is your go to attraction!

Fulfill your need for speed when you visit Nola Motorsports Park, the largest karting facility in North America that is proudly located in Jefferson. Nola Motorsports offers a wide range of activities from go karting, an open track experience to race cars or motorcycles, and an XTREME Xperience where drivers can test drive exotic cars such as a Ferrari or Lamborghini.

JEFFERSON PARISH LOUISIANA OYSTER TRAIL Jefferson is your oyster along the Jefferson Parish Louisiana Oyster Trail! Savor both iconic and innovative Louisiana oyster dishes ranging from raw, charbroiled, and fried, to sautéed and baked. Participating restaurants have a unique 3ft tall oyster sculpture hand painted by a local artist.

Visit www.louisianaoystertrail.com for a list of participating restaurants and signature dishes.

www.visitjeffersonparish.com #VisitJeffersonParish

2018 JeffersonChamber.org

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Prosper Jefferson

T

he Prosper Jefferson seminar series is held in conjunction with Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and is an educational series that was created in 2015 in effort to support small business owners and help them reach the next level of success in Jefferson Parish.

Save the dates for the remaining 2018 Prosper Jefferson seminars:

The seminars are held on the last Wednesday of every month and feature different speakers from the Greater New Orleans region.

The Prosper Jefferson seminars highlight new informational topics to assist local businesses in achieving their goals.

August 29 Sales

The seminars are $ 5 to attend which covers a hot breakfast.

Both members and non-members of the Jefferson Chamber are welcome to attend.

Virtual Prosper Jefferson seminars can be accessed online through the Chamber’s website as a benefit to members.

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Jefferson Review 2018

July 25 Building Your Brand: Public Relations 101

September 26 Happy, Healthy Workplace Part 1: Leadership October 31 Happy, Healthy Workplace Part 2: Company Culture November 29 Happy, Healthy Workplace Part 3: Business Initiatives

2018 JeffersonChamber.org

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