Our Chamber leaders strengthened key relationships in Washington, D.C., during the 2026 Washington Mardi Gras celebration—highlighted by our Chamber’s second annual reception, “It’s a Shore Thing,” which welcomed more than 150 elected officials and business leaders from across Louisiana.
Hosted in partnership with St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation and Visit The Northshore, the reception showcased St. Tammany’s economic strengths, quality of life and leadership. During the event, Parish President Mike Cooper; Councilmembers Joe Impastato and Kathy Seiden; members of the parish’s legislative delegation; Chamber President and CEO Lacey Osborne; Chamber Vice President Michelle Biggs; and volunteer leaders engaged in meaningful conversations with Commissioner of Insurance Tim Temple, Department of Transportation Secretary Glenn Ledet, Jr.; and former State Representative Scott Simon, now leading the Louisiana chapter of Americans for Prosperity.
We extends our appreciation to event sponsors St. Tammany Parish Government, LOPA, Acquistapace’s, Money Hill Golf & Country Club, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Co. and Kyle Associates, LLC for their generous support.
Throughout the multi-day Washington Mardi Gras events — a more than 75-year tradition that brings together Louisiana’s congressional delegation, state officials and business leaders—St. Tammany representatives participated in additional networking and economic development activities.
Our delegation also joined more than 900 attendees at the annual economic development luncheon, where U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized Louisiana’s potential to be an economic powerhouse.
Through participation in Washington Mardi Gras and the hosting of “It’s a Shore Thing,” our Chamber leaders elevated the parish’s visibility and reinforced its commitment to advancing economic opportunity at the state and federal levels.