With the final adjournment of the Louisiana State Legislature on June 2, 2014, Leadership St. Bernard has reviewed and discussed the success of the St. Bernard Day at the Capitol. On May 12, 2014, St. Bernard Parish hosted the St. Bernard Parish Day at the Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Located on the grounds of the Pentagon Barracks and the Lieutenant Governor’s Apartment, the event brought together Civic, Business and Elected leadership from across St. Bernard Parish to celebrate the unique culture and assets of the community while building relationships with elected leadership from around the state.
The Day at the Capitol centered on networking and socializing over food and drinks in the evening after the legislative session of the day let out. Legislators and leaders from around the state were invited to partake in local chargrilled oysters, Rocky and Carlo’s Baked Macaroni, fresh fried fish from Today’s Ketch Seafood Restaurant, King Cakes from Nonna Randazzo’s, savory soup from MeMe’s Bar and Grille, Delacroix Ale from 40 Arpent Brewing Company, plus a host of other delicacies from around St. Bernard Parish. The event was widely supported through sponsorships, donations, and volunteers from across St. Bernard Parish.
The assortment of food and drinks attracted State Senators, Representatives, and legislative aides from around the state. Additional distinguished guests who took the opportunity to mingle and meet with the St. Bernard delegation included Mayor Mitch Landrieu of New Orleans and Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne. In all, it is estimated that 200 local and state leaders attended the event. On behalf of St. Bernard Parish, President Dave Peralta, Representative Ray Garofalo, Senator A.G. Crowe, and Senator J.P. Morrell all played host and ambassador, welcoming and networking with colleagues from around the state.
The event was conceived and coordinated by Leadership St. Bernard, a Leadership Program supported by the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation and St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce. Kerri Lubrano, Chairwoman of Leadership St. Bernard, said “We decided that organizing a Day at the Capitol would be a great way for our Leadership St. Bernard class to build relationships while making an impact for the betterment of St. Bernard. We reached out and received incredible support and partnership with St. Bernard Parish Government, private industry, and public entities. Everyone seemed to realize the potential of networking and promoting our Parish to leaders around the state. While Leadership St. Bernard did much of the early planning and coordination, it was a truly parish wide effort. We want St. Bernard to own this event and make the most out of it – and that requires collaboration, input, and partnership from everyone.”
Danny Bourgeois, Executive Director of the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation, commented, “This event gives St. Bernard the opportunity to showcase our culture, our cuisine, and most importantly, our legislative priorities. In every legislative session bills covering a wide range of subjects, including public policies, education, crime, and economic development are introduced and debated and ultimately voted upon. The voting results very often significantly impact the future growth and direction of St. Bernard Parish. Our St. Bernard Day at the Legislature allows us an opportunity to express our concerns and priorities to the legislators outside of our local delegation. Events like this are critical to our future.”