KEY TAKEAWAYS: Jefferson Chamber will hold its annual State of Jefferson luncheon Oct. 21 in Westwego. Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng, Council Chairwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken and Sheriff Joseph Lopinto are scheduled to speak. Topics will include economic development, public safety, workfo rce issues and quality of life. Registration begins at 11:15 a.m., with the program running from noon to 1:30 p.m.   The Jefferson Chamber of Commerce will bring together parish government and law enforcement leaders next month for its annual State of Jefferson luncheon, focusing on issues and priorities affecting Jefferson Parish businesses and residents. The 2026 event is scheduled for Oct. 21 at the John A. Alario Sr. Event Center in Westwego. Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng, Jefferson Parish Council Chairwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken and Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto are scheduled to speak. The luncheon will provide updates on parish government, public safety, economic development, quality of life and workforce issues. Lee Sheng is expected to discuss Jefferson Parish government and priorities affecting residents and businesses, while Van Vrancken will provide the Parish Council’s perspective on community issues and investments. Lopinto will address law enforcement and public safety priorities. “State of Jefferson gives our business community an opportunity to hear directly from the leaders making decisions that impact our parish every day,” Jefferson Chamber President Ruth Lawson said. “Strong local government and safe, thriving communities are essential to Jefferson Parish’s continued growth. Bringing these perspectives together allows us to better understand the priorities shaping our parish and how we can work together to keep Jefferson moving forward.” State of Jefferson is one of the chamber’s signature annual events and draws business leaders, elected officials and other community stakeholders from across the region. Registration and networking will begin at 11:15 a.m., followed by the program from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Alario Center, 2000 Segnette Blvd. in Westwego. The Jefferson Chamber is a nonprofit, membership-based organization representing businesses in Jefferson Parish. The organization has served the local business community for more than 25 years and focuses on advocacy, business connections and economic growth. ...read more read less