METAIRIE, LA – The Jefferson Chamber of Commerce 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 Jefferson Chamber also announced the recipients of the 2017 Chamber Awards.
Ambassador of the Year: Peggy Kennedy, Merchants Security Services
Board Member of the Year: Donna Austin, Peoples Health
Chairman’s Award: Chuck Mutz, CenturyLink Communications
President’s Award: Dennis Assaf, Jefferson Performing Arts Society
Community Leadership Award: Ricky Burke, Atmos Energy Louisiana
Emerging Leader Award (presented by RICHARD CPAS): Todd Pereira, Xplore Federal Credit Union
In addition, the Annual Meeting serves as the change in Chamber leadership for the upcoming year. The 2017 Chairman, Fred Preis of Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP, passed the gavel to 2018 Chairman, Nick Karl of Peoples Health.
Proceeds from the event support the Jefferson Chamber’s efforts in pro-business advocacy and quality of life initiatives.
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About the Jefferson Chamber:
The Jefferson Chamber is a leading voice for Jefferson Parish’s business community. As a non-profit, membership-driven organization, the Chamber is an effective advocate for small and large businesses at the local, state and federal levels. The Chamber’s mission is to work for the advancement of the business community; to enhance the economic, civic and cultural environment; and to improve the quality of life in Jefferson Parish. The Jefferson Chamber is Four-Star Accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the 2013 and 2015 Chamber of the Year Award by the Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in the Large Chamber Category.
For more information about the Jefferson Chamber, visit www.jeffersonchamber.org, and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
