| E.J.B.A. --- Looking Back; Moving Forward |
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 by Mettery I. Sherry, Jr.Past President 1979-1980 (Sherry & Denton, Attorneys) East Jefferson Business Association, formerly the Veterans Boulevard Business Association, is a non-profit corporation that was established in 1960. It is composed of professional and business men and women who have joined together to promote the business development and civic progress of Veterans Boulevard and East Jefferson. The membership is kept informed of business and community affairs by outstanding speakers and programs at monthly meetings. When Jefferson Parish was small in population, it was content to be a step-child of its neighbor. The growth of the parish brought forward the need for a responsive organization sensitive to economic growth, education, taxation, recreation, transportation and regional planning. EJBA was formed to meet those needs and has demonstrated the courage and unhindered vision to help build a better and stronger Jefferson Parish. In the past, projects have included: - “Tip clubs” that provided members the chance to share leads and referrals for new business opportunities and economic development. - Charter member of the Liaison Committee for Industrial Expansion giving its business leadership an excellent forum to present views on issues affecting Jefferson Parish. - Inaugurating an annual EJBA Trade Show that became a show place to promote small business development in Jefferson Parish. - Leadership on the Jefferson Parish Recycling Task Force to foster education and recycling through community projects. - Participation on the East Jefferson General Hospital’s Citizen Advisory Committee to develop strategic and tactical plans to enhance hospital development and future growth. - Representation on the Private Industry Council that distributes federal funds for business retaining of the disadvantaged. Today’s Jefferson Parish offers new vistas for business, residents and industry. EJBA remains committed to implement new and continue current business and civic projects that benefit the membership and the community. Some of its long standing projects include: - Providing a strong voice on economic development through its members’ participation in the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission. - A Commerce on Parade program that allows members the opportunity to promote their businesses with displays and promotional materials at the monthly meetings. A vocational speaker is featured that permits the sharing of information about his or her business. - A scheduled Networking After Hours program that provides an opportunity for business leaders to meet and discuss a variety of business opportunities as well as foster a stronger fellowship within the membership. - The continued promotion of Lafreniere Park. The Association was one of the first groups to endorse the development of Lafreniere Park and was instrumental in organizing support for the Park bond issue that was overwhelmingly approved by the voters. - Backing of East Jefferson sewerage and drainage improvements and hurricane protection. EJBA has actively participated on the Jefferson Parish Drainage Funding Advisory Committee. - The initiation and continuation of litter control projects, including clean-ups, extensive publicity, emphasis on litter law enforcement and beautification of Veterans Memorial Boulevard. The Association was one of the leaders in the “Adopt a Parkway” program and maintained the median at Veterans and Severn for many years. - Supporting long range plans to improve traffic along the entire Veterans Memorial Boulevard area. Monitoring expansion plans of New Orleans International Airport and its economic impact on the region. - Instituting programs to recognize high ideals and real accomplishments in the future business and civic leaders of our community such as recognition of East Jefferson boys achieving rank of Eagle Scout and the establishment of scholarships to graduating seniors from East Jefferson high schools to a college of their choice in Louisiana and special recognition to fire fighters and sheriff deputies who make a significant contribution to the community beyond their normal duties. - Sponsorship and active participation in the “Jefferson Dollars for Scholars” program. Like many other aspects of the business community in Jefferson Parish, Hurricane Katrina took its toll on the membership of EJBA but with the dedication of a core group of members, the membership roster is rebuilding and EJBA is regaining its former status. Involvement of EJBA in the business and civic affairs of Jefferson Parish increases the vitality of the programs to which the club lends itself. The EJBA website, http://ejba.org, is an excellent communication tool for the membership and the general public. Membership in EJBA is an investment in leadership in both the Association and Jefferson Parish. As with any other successful association, if the past membership had not worked together to form a viable force in the development of the business and civic interests in the parish, the Association would not have survived the recent upheaval to be revitalized and brought back to the leading role it plays in the community. The challenges of today are the achievements of tomorrow. The end results reward handsome dividends to all involved. |
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