On January 17, the Plaquemines Association of Business & Industry (PABI) hosted their annual Officer Installation Banquet at the English Turn Golf & Country Club. Stepping into the role of 2025 PABI chairman is Tray Ansardi of The Ansardi Group. Working alongside him as vice-chairman is Robert Morgan Jr. of Inframark. Jamie Rogers of Camnetar and Company will serve as Secretary/ Treasurer. And Patrick Mathes of High Tide Consultants was chosen as Chairman-Elect, meaning he is slated to become chairman in 2026.
State Representative Jacob Braud was the keynote speaker at the event and updated attendees on the recent special sessions dealing with taxes and the upcoming constitutional amendments where voters will decide on some of the taxing measures. (Look for an interview with Braud on the upcoming amendments before the March 29 election.)
Being a financial advisor at The Ansardi Group, Tray Ansardi is also a co-owner of the company alongside his mother Danica Ansardi. In an interview, Tray Ansardi stated that the company has been a part of PABI since its inception back in the early 2000s, and he had been on the board for “at least the last 3 years.”
“It’s a huge honor to be appointed to this position. There’s lots of exciting things going in the parish with the Belle Chasse Bridge almost being completed, the Venture Global project starting to operate, and much more,” Ansardi stated. “But there’s also many projects still coming our way. With the Peters Road Bypass project getting renewed interest and the port continuing to develop and considering a change in governance, a lot of new and encouraging developments are about to happen in the parish.”
“It’s definitely a lot of responsibility serving as the PABI chairman, especially this year, and I’ll do my best to play a positive role in it,” he added.
For specific initiatives he plans to focus on, Ansardi noted that increasing membership engagement will be heavily emphasized. He explained that PABI plans to re-introduce its quarterly newsletter so that information on what PABI and the parish are accomplishing can be more effectively spread through the association and parish generally. In terms of actual projects, Ansardi stated that continuing the development of the Peters Road Bypass project will be a major priority for PABI.
Additionally, he noted that the March 29 election is also an important point of focus for him and PABI. This election will feature a charter amendment to change the port’s governance from 9 elected commissioners to 7 appointed commissioners on the ballot. Ansardi stated that PABI will be looking to provide further education on this proposal to businesses and residents in the coming months.
Beyond just advocating for more membership engagement or advocating for various projects/ initiatives within Plaquemines, Ansardi—in a letter written to PABI members—also noted that PABI will be putting on its inaugural golf tournament in May. This event, Ansardi stated, will offer an opportunity for both members and prospective members “to visit…to see PABI as a collective.”
“PABI as an organization represents the businesses in the community and serves as a resource for them. We’re here to advocate for these businesses and help address any concerns they may have,” Ansardi stated. “I’m truly thankful and honored that I get to help lead an organization like this.”
