The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce welcomed enterprise and group leaders Friday for its 2026 Spring Luncheon, that includes keynote remarks from Gayle Benson, together with a chat with Justin Reid and Derik Queen.

Held on the New Orleans Marriott, the luncheon targeted on the financial influence {of professional} sports activities throughout the Higher New Orleans area and the position the Saints and Pelicans play in supporting enterprise development, tourism and group improvement.

Throughout the dialogue, Benson thanked the enterprise group for its continued help of each franchises and highlighted the organizations’ broader group influence past athletics.

Reid spoke concerning the work of the JReid InDeed Basis, which helps youth and group initiatives in underfunded neighborhoods throughout Louisiana and different cities the place he has performed professionally, together with with the Houston Texans and Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. Queen known as on the enterprise group to simply accept interns of their respective fields to present actual world expertise.

The south Louisiana native additionally shared a lighter second in the course of the dialog, joking that he enjoys enjoying chess on-line earlier than large video games. Queen mentioned his personal pregame routine, saying he prefers taking a nap earlier than stepping onto the basketball court docket.

Chamber President and CEO Sandra Lindquist additionally introduced that the Chamber has surpassed 1,500 members, marking a major milestone because the group continues rebounding from membership declines skilled in the course of the pandemic.