Board Members Honored by Chamber of Commerce

Haines brothers honored by St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce

By Annette Phillips, NOLA.com I The Times-Picayune

American author Anthony J. D’Angelo said that “without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.”  The Haines brothers, Chris and Bill, have put a large amount of caring into the Chalmette neighborhood as well as the St. Bernard community in general. They have done this through their charitable donations, hands-on work, and educational programs as board members with the Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation.

The brothers were honored by the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce at the Roast of David Finley at the newly renovated Sterling Hall, a part of the Arc Community Center in Chalmette.

Chris Haines received the Chamber Member of the Year award, and Bill received the Citizen of the Year award.  Along with the honor, they both received a glass sculpture by Arabi artist Mitchell Gaudet.

The St. Bernard Chamber chooses a member every year as “Member of the Year” who is committed to growing the Chamber by being an “outspoken proponent of the organization, a volunteer, and an integral part of the business community,” said Claudette Reuther, former Member of the Year recipient.

“Nearly 15 years ago my wife, kids, and I moved here to help carry out my Great-aunt Arlene Meraux’s vision of leveraging the family’s landholdings to improve St. Bernard Parish,” Chris Haines said.  “I’m honored that I have been able to play a role in advancing that mission and to have become a member of this very special community.”

Joseph Meraux was one of the largest landowners in St Bernard Parish. When he died, he left his holding to Arlene Meraux, who established the Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation. Her vision was to use the landholdings to improve the quality of life in the parish. Mrs. Meraux especially wanted to support programs to care for seniors and children.  Her great-nephews, although not native to the parish, have made the community the centerpiece of their professional and personal lives.

Bill Haines received the Citizen of the Year award for his involvement, leadership, and volunteerism in the community. “I feel very honored to be recognized by the Chamber.  We have the privilege of working with the community in so many positive ways” Bill Haines said.  “My great-aunt was a no nonsense lady who wasn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and work.  I know she would be pleased.”

The brothers have definitely “rolled up their sleeves” to create positive initiatives in the parish like, Working on the Water, Blues in da Parish, LSU’s AgMagic by the River, and St. Bernard Start-up.  They could be seen at most community events either as attendees, organizers, hosts, or just volunteers.

One recent endeavor is the Waters to the Sea Mississippi River Delta Educational Initiative, which includes a three-day institute for educators, an interactive multimedia learning program, and a teacher exchange between St. Bernard Parish public schools and school districts across the nation.

“I know all the good things the parish has to offer, like safety, good schools, great people and culture,” Bill said.  “We are fortunate to have many members of the community who are great partners to work with.”