St. Joe Brick Receives Lantern Award

St. Joe Brick, a longstanding manufacturing company based in Pearl River, and member of the St. Tammany HBA since 1979, was recognized on June 14, 2011 with the prestigious Lantern Award, given each year by Louisiana Economic Development for excellence in manufacturing.  Pictured are Christopher M. Schneider, Manager of Plant Operations; M.P. Schneider, IV, Distributions Manager (son of Pete III); Elizabeth L. Schneider, (wife of Pete III); M.P. “Pete” Schneider, III, President; Kathryn E. Schneider, (daughter of Pete and Elizabeth Schneider III); Brenda Reine-Bertus, Executive Director St. Tammany EDF; Kara Renné, Director of Economic Development for Regional Planning Commission–District 1.

The St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation nominated the company for the award which was presented in a private ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion. Lantern Award winners are selected by Regional Planning and Development Districts in Louisiana based on the businesses’ contributions to their local communities, including employment growth and facility expansion. Each business must also demonstrate sustainability by remaining in operation at least three years prior to the nomination. St. Joe Brick is a family-owned enterprise currently under the leadership of Pete Schneider.

The business has been owned and operated by the Schneider family for four generations. “St. Joe Brick and the Schneider Family are honored to be the recipient of the 2011 Lantern Award,” said Pete Schneider. “We have worked hard for 120 years to be an asset to the community and to promote St. Tammany Parish.”

“I want to commend the Lantern Award recipients for their achievements and contributions, which are helping Louisiana’s economy outperform the South and the U.S. on a regular basis,” said LED Secretary Stephen Moret. “As we continue to reposition Louisiana as one of the best states for business investment, supporting the growth of our existing businesses will remain our top priority.”

The Lantern Award is, itself, manufactured by Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights, another St. Tammany company and HBA Member.

“We’re delighted to have had a part in recognizing St. Joe Brick for its outstanding success and longevity,” said Brenda Reine Bertus, executive director of the STEDF. “In addition to providing quality materials to individuals and companies around the country, St. Joe Brick is a major employer and an outstanding corporate citizen.”