BIZ Magazine - August 2014

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BIZ. Goes Green

New Publisher Takes Reins

2014 Real Estate Report How Are Things Selling?

August 2014

Saving the SHOTGUNS

Nonprofit Aims to Revitalize, Repurpose Old Structures Near Downtown

BIZ. Tools Books, Podcasts, Apps & More

LISTEN UP! Podcast of the Month Page 9 DELIVERED TO BUSINESS LEADERS THROUGHOUT SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER

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*Designation received by only 1% of all Chambers of Commerce in the U.S.

shreveportchamber.org /join-today shreveportchamber.org/join-today 318.6777.2500 318.677.2500 2

Biz. Magazine • August 2014

The First Word

T

New publisher shares vision for BIZ. as things move forward

oday is the first day of my new gig as publisher of BIZ. And it’s a little scary. Scary in a good way, though. The response to BIZ. and all of our projects, efforts, and outreach has been overwhelmingly positive and that is something that has surprised us, honestly. I believe BIZ. Magazine does a fantastic job already and with that in mind, I see it as my responsibility to merely not sink the ship.

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I see my new position as a responsibility to keep raising the bar with this magazine, our BIZ. Tools Podcast, our BIZ. Breakfast series, our new online courses that will launch next month, and our new website — www.thebiztools.com — coming later this month.

It’s Official

I’d like to say I feel prepared, but I don’t know if you can ever be Read the official 100% ready for anything. I can say, however, I’ve spent more than a announcement year with a phenomenal mentor showing me how it should be of Sean Green’s done. David Specht has taught me more than I thought possible and it’s all the information and guidance he’s shared with me that promotion. See Page 12 I’ll take and add to as I move further down the road. And I thank him greatly for his past tutelage and all he will continue to offer in the future (FYI David’s not going anywhere, he’s still going to be involved). To appreciate where today, I wanted to look back to where this all began in May 2010 — I was leaving Specht Newspapers, Inc. as editor of the Bossier Press-Tribune. What would become BIZ. Magazine began life earlier that year as NWLA Business Monthly and one of my last conversations with David was that if he ever needed help with it, to give me a call. Well, 18 months on from then, I returned as editor of the BPT and then in May 2013, we rebranded, expanded, refocused, and relaunched NWLA Business Monthly as BIZ. Magazine. I, having an interest in it from the start, helped David with logos, layouts, ideas, content, and so-on; I guess you could say the die was cast from there. Shortly after the rebrand, David informed me that he wanted me to be his legs on BIZ. and step up my involvement. I jumped at the chance and hoped it would lead to better things. Now, here we are. I appreciate the belief David and everyone at SNI had in me to help carry this thing and I am so grateful to them for deciding to put it in my hands by naming me publisher. I’m ready to embrace this responsibility and become a better leader, team member, and do more to help our business community. Ever since David explained the vision behind BIZ., it’s something I’ve tried to run with, and it’s something I will continue to push, not only among our team members, but in the business community and to anyone who will listen, really.

Sean Green Sean is vice president/publisher of BIZ. You can follow him on twitter @editorsean.

I look forward to working with you, our readers, and I know you will enjoy and get a lot out of what comes next. I guess when it comes down to it, I really I don’t have time to be scared because there is too much I want to get to.

Emergencies Emergencies ca cann hhappen appen aanytime, ny time, aanywhere ny where A Are re Yo Y Your our Medical Medical Records Records Available? Av Available? An An electronic electronic health health record, r e c o r d, or or EHR, EHR, ensures ensures that that your your medical medical information information is is quickly quickly and and securely securely accessible accessible tto o you doctors. you aand nd your your d octors.

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Mr. Green Has the Conn

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225-334-9299 225 -334 -9299 or visit or v isit lhcqf.org. lhcqf.org.

Thank you for believing in us and I hope you’ll stick around.

August 2014 • Biz. Magazine

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Contents 20

Adventure Tourism Arrives

From drag racing to “fly boarding,” pulse-pounding experiences are available in ShreveportBossier

On the Cover

16-17

Real Estate - By the Numbers

Find out how both residential and commercial realestate performed in 2012.

Once a staple of housing in urban Shreveport, shotgun houses are disappearing at an alarming rate. One nonprofit aims to repurpose some into a tourist destination. Starting on Page 14.

27

Spotlight: Decades of Knowledge

Linc Coleman credits success to market stability and quality of people

Regulars

1= N +

BIZ. News Online

The BIZ. website at www.nwlabusiness.com is Shreveport-Bossier’s home for business news, updated as it happens. In addition, users can sign up for a free BIZ. Daily Report to keep up with BIZ. news from the comfort of their Inbox.

Want to advertise? http://bizmagsb.com/adrates/ Volume 5, Number 5 | ©Copyright 2013 by Specht Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved. BIZ. is published each month by Specht Newspapers, Inc. at 4250 Viking Drive, Bossier City, LA 71111. Telephone (318) 747-7900. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed.

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Biz. Magazine • August 2014

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Mr. Green Has the Conn

5

Defining Things

6

Effective Listening

11

A Wealth of Knowledge

13

What if...

31

Might As Well Get Comfortable

New publisher shares vision for BIZ. as things move forward

What do you want people to remember about you?

Listening is an art form, and must be intentional

Entrepreneurs have plenty of local options to expand their knowledge

Historic school building on the market poses interesting idea for possible use

Soul Food Buffet Is One-of-A-Kind

Win-Win Powertools

Tools You Can Use When it comes to winning in Business, it helps to have the right “tools” for the job.

Defining F Things

What do you want people to remember about you?

or a recent “BIZ Breakfast”** and “BIZ Podcast”*** publisher, David Specht, assigned as topics of discussion: “Ethics”, “Integrity” and “A Moral Compass”. They seemed like outstanding topics for David’s goal of providing direction and advice to business owners, entrepreneurs, business students and managers. As I prepared my notes for both events, it became apparent that I needed to return to the dictionary for a refresher on definitions. I confess that I use words I would be hard pressed to define exactly. Off to the dictionary.

Ethics

A system of moral principles. The rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc. That branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions. *

Integrity

Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.*

Moral

Pertaining to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong; ethical: Moral Attitudes.* For me, this was a time to pause and reflect on the meaning all of these important words. The faces at the free BIZ Breakfast were in agreement. We all got serious about life and business. The discussion turned to times when members of the audience experienced transactions where integrity was lacking and how easily the negative emotions related to that experience came roaring back. I couldn’t help but recall this wonderful quote from a great woman: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou David shared that quote with the BIZ Breakfast audience and all agreed to its wisdom. In your business today customers and potential customers are reading and noticing how you and your employees conduct business. Your integrity should be obvious. Here’s the question: “How do you want your employees to conduct business on your behalf?” Maybe it’s time for you to make a list of your values and make the terms of business operations clear to your employees before they make something unintended clear to your customers. Remember, your customers will remember and share with others how they felt doing business with you and your staff. Good Selling, Jerry *from Dictionary.com

Jerry Frentress Speaker & Coach, Win-Win Power(ful) Tools for Sales, Service and Employee Interviewing. Website: www.WinWinPowerTools.com. Business Facebook: www.Facebook.com/WinWinPowerTools . 453-6080 / Bossier City

** In Shreveport/Bossier, learn more about the BIZ Breakfast from Sean Green a Sean@nwlabusiness.com ***Listen to the BIZ. Tools Podcast at: biztoolspodcast.com

August 2014 • Biz. Magazine

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Marketing B-S (Bossier-Shreveport)

Effective Listening

A

Listening is an art form, and must be intentional

Randy Brown

Advertising/Marketing Guru He is the Advertising Director for Bossier Newspaper Publishing Company, Inc., publishers of the Bossier Press-Tribune and BIZ. Magazine, as well as Publisher of the BPT. Randy may be reached at rbrown@bossierpress.com

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Biz. Magazine • August 2014

few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending a Franklin Covey workshop. The topic was “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” Having been to a Franklin Covey workshop on time management years ago, I knew this too would be a great investment of my time.

messages in the communication process. Without this skill , communication completely breaks down and messages can be completely misunderstood or misinterpreted. Essentially, proper communication does not take place when this happens. Thus, both effectiveness and performance suffer.

We will discuss all of the seven habits at some point in future columns but for right now, I want to focus on my personal favorite (Habit 5) Seek First To Understand, Then To Be Understood. To be a good communicator you have to be a good listener. Many times, I have been more interested in giving my advice than I have been willing to first listen to what was being said, and then give my input.

Good listening skills can also lead to better customer satisfaction. From the sales perspective, our customers will tell us how to sell them, if we just listen. Good listening skills can lead to greater productivity with fewer mistakes. From the leadership perspective, our team members so often can be highly motivated and energized simply by having someone listen to what they have to say. Many leaders and entrepreneurs give good listening skills most of the the credit for their success!

Listening is an art. By most definitions, listening is the ability to accurately receive and interpret

From the sales perspective, our customers will tell us how to sell them, if we just listen.

Lets face it, we have all been there! Being a good listener and continuously sharpening and improving our listening and communication skills will definitely boost the performance of our team! Our future success depends upon it!

August 2014 • Biz. Magazine

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Biz Tools

Do Something The speed of business is ever increasing. The successful business leader stays on top of the tools and information to help his company grow.

E

Book of the Month ntrepreneurs often suffer from ”superhero syndrome”—the misconception that to be successful, they must do everything themselves. Not only are they the boss, but also the salesperson, HR manager, copywriter, operations manager, online marketing guru, and so much more. It’s no wonder why so many people give up the dream of starting a business—it’s just too much for one person to handle.

But outsourcing expert and ”Virtual CEO,” Chris Ducker knows how you can get the help you need with resources you can afford. Small business owners, consultants, and online entrepreneurs don’t have to go it alone when they discover the power of building teams of virtual employees to help run, support, and grow their businesses. Virtual Freedom: How to Work with Virtual Staff to Buy More Time, Become More Productive, and Build Your Dream Business is the step-by-step guide every entrepreneur needs to build his or her business with the asset of working with virtual employees. Focusing on business growth, Ducker explains every detail you need to grasp, from figuring out which jobs you should outsource to finding, hiring, training, motivating, and managing virtual assistants. With additional tactics and online resources, Virtual Freedom is the ultimate resource of the knowledge and tools necessary for building your dream business with the help of virtual staff. — Amazon.com

Come See BIZ. Live! App of the Month Udemy

While not an app, Udemy.com is a platform or marketplace for online learning. Unlike academic programs driven by traditional collegiate coursework, Udemy provides a platform for experts of any kind to create courses which can be offered to the public, Udemy has made a special effort to attract corporate trainers seeking to create coursework for employees of their company. Users can sign up at www.udemy.com 8

Biz. Magazine • August 2014

More Tools

Podcast of the Month Smart Passive Income Pat Flynn from The Smart Passive Income Blog reveals all of his online business and blogging strategies, income sources and killer marketing tips and tricks so you can be ahead of the curve with your online business or blog. Discover how you can create multiple passive income streams that work for you so that you can have the time and freedom to do what you love, whether it's traveling the world, or just living comfortably at home.

On the BIZ. Tools Podcast This Month: Why a Chamber of Commerce? BIZ Book Club

Last Month Higher Education Helping Business Business Ethics Listen to the BIZ. Tools Podcast at: boztoolspodcast.com

#WorthFollowing @editorsean @davidaspecht @bizmagsb @cohab @Entreleadership

August 2014 • Biz. Magazine

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Put us to work for you.

While LCI Workers’ Comp has never loosened a single lug nut, we have worked alongside local business owners for more than 25 years—providing expert guidance, exceptional service and free training programs like QuickBooksTM , online marketing, and safety education all across the state. :: lciwc.com :: 985-612-1230 10 Biz. Magazine • August 2014

Uncommon Sense Marketing

A Wealth of Knowledge

“I

Entrepreneurs have plenty of local options to expand their knowledge

Amy Kinnaird

Marketing Strategist Trainer and Speaker With over 35 years experience in marketing and training, Amy helps business owners put together the right plan. If you struggle with your marketing and don’t know where to start… If what you used to do for marketing isn’t working anymore…If it’s time to get clear about your business and come up with a good plan…call Amy at 318-795-0520 or visit her website: www.UnCommonSenseMarketing.com

f you want to build wealth, you must first build a wealth of knowledge.” ~ Sandra Yancey, Founder & CEO of eWomenNetwork. Luckily, there are many resources available to build a wealth of knowledge here in northwest Louisiana. We’ve become very entrepreneur-minded.

Commerce. There are monthly events to meetand-greet, as well as opportunities for promotion through ribbon cuttings or sponsoring events. Another option is the Greater Shreveport Leadership Program. And if you’re part of the under 40 crowd, don’t miss out on the YPI (Young Professional Initiative) group sponsored by the Chambers.

Check out our traditional colleges and universities. They offer a wide range of continuing education courses, as well as online courses. You might like the Ed-2-Go classes; they’re self paced, inexpensive, and may be just what you’re looking for.

If you haven’t visited CoHab lately, give them another look. This downtown work spot may be just the place to work from, hold a meeting, collaborate with other entrepreneurs, or get the feedback and resources you need for your next project. I learned from a lot of smart people when I was a member. Several mornings each week they have programs aimed at local business owners. Come every Wednesday morning to 1Million Cups and participate in the feedback sessions after a local shares their invention or product. There are some fascinating businesses in this community! Stop by on Friday mornings for the BIZ Breakfast and collaborate with the locals. You don’t have to be a member to attend.

If you want to start a new, or grow an existing business, schedule a meeting with a local SCORE representative or the Small Business Development Center. Both organizations offer great free counseling, and have occasional classes for a small fee. You should definitely be networking in the community to build on your business knowledge. A good place to start is with your local Chambers of

If you haven’t visited CoHab lately, give them another look.

Find a local civic, industry or trade association to join. Some meet weekly and some meet monthly. These are wonderful places to mingle with your peers, learn from the pros, and build invaluable relationships. If you aren’t eating lunch (or breakfast) with business colleagues multiple times a month, you may be missing out on a great resource. We have many wonderful things going on in our local business community and many smart and accomplished business people here. It’s a great place to live, work and share the wealth!

August 2014 • Biz. Magazine

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BIZ. Newz

S

Specht Names Green BIZ. Magazine Publisher

pecht Newspapers, Inc. (SNI) has named Sean Green as the new publisher of BIZ. Magazine. Sean is the current vice president of BIZ. and editor of the Bossier Press-Tribune. He has worked for SNI for almost five years, across two different periods, and served as VP of BIZ. since May 2013. “I’m very grateful to have been chosen to maintain the excellence BIZ. is known for across Shreveport-Bossier,” he said. “I am passionate about our business community here and want to keep giving business leaders advice and guidance, doing our part to help this market grow.” Sean is taking over for SNI President David Specht, who will still serve as President of BIZ. while focusing on the company as a whole and developing new projects within SNI. “I want to thank David for taking me under his wing and giving me a wealth of guidance and counsel over these years. It his mentorship that has helped me become the professional I am today and I can never repay him for all of his belief that he has shown, and continues to show with this announcement,” Sean said. Sean’s goals for BIZ. include developing new ways to reach and help the business market through public and online events, as well as continuing to stress a high standard on all editorial projects. “The future is very bright,” said Sean. “BIZ.’s quick growth and notoriety has surprised even us, but we know there is always room to grow and a new bar to set. I can’t wait to see what new ways we can educate our business community and what new tools we can develop to help them.” Sean is a 2007 mass communication graduate of Southern Arkansas University. A native of El Dorado, Ark., he has been a resident of northwest Louisiana for six years. He has been married for two and a half years to his wife, Jamie. He enjoys exercise, soccer, comic books, and playing guitar. He can be reached at sean@nwlabusiness.com

Randy Brown named publisher of Bossier Press-Tribune

12 Biz. Magazine • August 2014

Specht Newspapers, Inc. (SNI) has named Randy Brown as the new publisher of the Bossier Press-Tribune (BPT). Mr. Brown was handpicked by SNI President and former BPT publisher David Specht. He brings a wealth of experience as BPT Advertising Manger and working for SNI for the past 13 years. “When I first started here, I never saw myself in this type of role. However, over the last several years, my vision has changed. During my time here at the Bossier Press-Tribune, becoming publisher slowly became both a dream and a major goal of mine,” said Mr. Brown. “It has been my sincere pleasure to work for Specht Newspapers for the past 13 years and most especially with SNI President David Specht, to whom I owe so much and without whom I would be nowhere close to capable of fulfilling my new role as Pub-

lisher of the Bossier Press-Tribune.” The move comes after the BPT moved to a once-a-week publication in June. Mr. Specht is stepping aside to focus wholly on SNI and develop new investments within the company. Mr. Brown’s new goals for the BPT under his guidance include continuing to serve its current subscribers as well as gaining a new audience through the recent emphasis on daily online coverage. We all have a great deal to accomplish,” said Mr. Brown. “The media world is changing and evolving each and every minute as a result of constant technological advancements and improvements. We definitely have to do our part to keep up as a service to both our readers, our advertisers and also to fulfill our role as Bossier's community newspaper.” “I think our mission statement says it best: ‘Our goal is to be a locally minded, unified team, serving God and our community to the utmost of our abilities and resources. Utilizing an atmosphere that encourages fun, progressiveness, and focussed effort as we aspire to a level of profitability that will improve our team members, their families and our community at large,’” Mr. Brown added. He is adamant that readers will continue to see the same type of focus on the Bossier community the BPT is known for. “With our recent move to a weekly newspaper publication, we are continuously working to provide expanded in-depth community coverage of Bossier Parish, our schools, youth and high school sports, our local governing bodies and legislative issues, etc. Furthermore, we will also grow our digital footprint by focussing on our website, social media presence and taking advantage of the opportunities presented in other electronic media areas as well. We want the Bossier community to know that we are here for you and that we are your hometown newspaper!” said Mr. Brown. The Bossier Press-Tribune and it's preceding newspapers have enjoyed a great and remarkable history as Bossier Parish's newspaper over the last 157 years. SNI purchased the Bossier Press in 1997 and acquired the Bossier Banner Progress and Bossier Post soon thereafter, merging the publications to form the Bossier Press-Tribune. Randy is a native of Shreveport, having spent most of his life in the ShreveportBossier area. He is a 1985 graduate of LSUS and earned his MBA from Centenary College in 1994. He serves as publicity chair for the American Cancer Society Bossier Relay for Life, VP of Finance for Shreveport Journalism Foundation, Bossier District Chair for Norwela Council Boy Scouts of America, a LSU Shreveport Alumni Board member, a Keep Bossier Beautiful board member, and is drummer on the First Connect Worship Team at First United Methodist Church in Marshall, Texas. His hobbies include music, running, gardening, tennis and golf. He can be reached at rbrown@bossierpress.com

Business Development

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Photo by Jill Macchiaverna

What if...

O

Historic school building on the market poses interesting idea for possible use

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ne piece of real estate that’s for sale in Caddo Parish has fascinated me ever since I heard it was on the market: the Hamilton Terrace school campus at 1105 Louisiana Avenue. Downtown-ish. Historic. Beautiful. Rambling. The Caddo Parish School Board first released the property for sale in 2013 for its appraised value of $1.3 million. CPSB’s Assistant Director of Marketing and Media Services Mary Nash Wood says the cost to renovate the campus to serve as a school again is estimated at $5 million.

Over time, the price was lowered to $650,000 before being taken off the market. Wood says CPSB is taking time to see if there’s a way to use the campus in the district’s long-range plans. The school opened in 1925 as Louisiana Avenue Elementary School. It was eventually a middle school and then an alternative school. I hope it can become a learning institution again, and – with education – bring jobs. This is a list of ‘what ifs’ that I hope will reach the eyes of someone who has the resources to answer them: What If: …We had a community college in Shreveport that trained contractors, carpenters, and masons? …The students worked on school building repairs as part of their assignments? …A materials course trained students to safely dismantle a rundown property for its salvageable parts? …Those reusable pieces were available for purchase at the school? …We knew a trade worker to be a trustworthy hire because he/she had been trained at Hamilton Terrace? I like this idea because carpentry and masonry are an incredible mix of art and science. Because there are many job opportunities for people with skills like these in any community. Because jobs like these will be sustainable as long as humans live in homes that need repairs.

Jill Macchiaverna Jill is Publicity Chair, Business Development Connection for the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce.

What do you think? I’d love to hear what we can do to help move an idea like this forward, or to hear why it wouldn’t work. Please, email me at jill@socialstructure.biz if you have any thoughts.

August 2014 • Biz. Magazine

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Cover Story

A SHOTGUNS

Kelly Rich of NORLA examines the condition of some shotgun houses near downtown Shreveport.

Saving the

Non-profit looks to revitalize, repurpose vanishing buildings

14 Biz. Magazine • August 2014

local non-profit is looking to not only save some of Shreveport’s history, but turn it into a commercial development for downtown. The NORLA Preservation Project aims to promote the preservation, restoration and revitalization of north Louisiana’s historic architecture and neighborhoods. Their ambitious mission will be achieved by acquiring historic properties and giving them new purpose through adaptive reuse. “We’re really hoping to do something unique. I’ve called all over the US to get guidance and I keep hearing this is new and different. So we’re making it up as we go,” said Kelly Rich, director of NORLA. Specifically, the group has plans to turn six shotgun homes in the Bottoms area into a single retail and restaurant development with a joint courtyard and entertainment area. “We want local, small businesses. Someone had said something about Starbucks and that’s not really the vibe we want to go with. There are so many local businesses that don’t have an outlet,” said Rich. The dilapidated homes will be moved wholesale and renovated to create a shopping area behind First United Methodist Church, between Millennium Studios and Oakland Cemetery. In giving the go ahead, the City of Shreveport stipulated

that the homes not be used for housing. However, Rich was already way ahead of them. “When I first saw them, I immediately thought, ‘Wouldn’t those be great as little shops?!?’” she exclaimed. This opportunity to virtually create something out of nothing takes on a whole new meaning when you consider the homes needed to be moved and repurposed, or be torn down. “That gives us so much opportunity to do something brand new,” said Rich. The plan with the commercial concept is to treat it as a single property, just as if you were shopping at the Outlets at the Louisiana Boardwalk. “When you get there, you will probably go to more than one shop. You’ll grab a cup of coffee, look through the market, stick your head in the gallery — I want to create a sense of place,” Rich said. The types of businesses will be varied, with plans for three retail shops and three restaurants. Rich also hopes to include a small, local grocery store for residents living in downtown Shreveport. “I’d love for there to be a market…There’s a little bit of local

Continued on Page 25

B R O W N

B U I L D E R S

is one of the largest general contractors in Louisiana. We are proud to be a major contractor with Walbridge on the Benteler Steel Tube Shreveport-Bossier City Port Project. w w w. b r o w n b u i l d e r s . c o m

BROWNBUILDERS

August 2014 • Biz. Magazine

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Real Estate Report

Commercial Real Estate When it comes to locations, Shreveport-Bossier’s market continues on a steady pace

Office Market

Retail Market

Industrial Market

Downtown: U. l. Coleman Properties, llC conducts surveys at the end of the first and third quarter of each year, of the 21 multi-tenant office buildings composing 2.14 million rentable square feet in the Shreveport Central Business District. The latest survey indicates an overall occupancy rate of 83.1%, which is down 2.4% compared to third quarter of 2012. Average rental rates range from $12.72 to $13.53 per square foot.

Occupancy for the overall retail market was 92.5% in the fourth quarter of 2013. There were two sales of inventoried properties in 2013; king’s Crossing Shopping Center sold for $35,595,000. The sale included 138,362 of the 284,344 rentable square feet, five outparcel ground leases and 2.9 acres of adjoining undeveloped land. louisiana Boardwalk, in Bossier City, sold for $67,600,000 or $123.51 per square foot. In 2012, University Shopping Center sold for 29,571,400 or $146.64 per square foot. Two ouparcels in the kings Crossing Shopping Center were completed, which added 9,344 square feet of retail space. Phase v of Stirling Bossier was completed in 2012, which added an additional 6,981 square feet. Also in 2012, the 300 section of the Shoppes at Bellmead was added for an increase of 19,712 square feet of inventoried retail space. Phase vI of Stirling Bossier is underway and we will continue to monitor this and other new retail developments.

The industrial market is comprised of two categories: office/ service center and multi-tenant warehouse. The current survey contains 83 properties of which 66 are bulk warehouses and 17 are office/service center properties. The quarterly survey now samples 502,631 square feet of office/service center space, and 7,716,155 square feet of bulk warehouse space. The lower than average bulk warehouse occupancy is due to a number of large buildings at the Slack Industrial Park having available space as well as multiple general Motors supplier buildings being vacant during this period. The table is provided to show trends in rental rates and occupancy for these two property types from 2007 through the fourth quarter 2013.

There has been one sale of an inventoried CBD office building in 2013; Spring Street Office Plaza sold for $1,170,000 or $68.17 per square foot. Suburban: The suburban market incorporates 42 multi-tenant office buildings with a total of 1.68 million square feet of rentable space, including 251,978 vacant square feet. The suburban office building market indicates an overall occupancy rate of 85.0%, which was up 2.7% compared to third quarter of 2012. Rental rates decreased slightly during this period, with a $0.12 per square foot drop in the average rent quoted. There has been one sale of an inventoried suburban office building in 2013; the line Olive building sold for $920,000 or $40.22 per square foot.

16 Biz. Magazine • August 2014

Source: U.L. Coleman Company

Real Estate Report

By the Numbers — Residential Single Family Dwelling Construction In 2013, a total of 470 new home permits were issued in the Shreveport-Bossier City combined market, a 21.1% decrease compared to the same period in 2012. During the fourth quarter of 2013, 99 permits for new homes were issued, compared to 112 permits in the same time period of the previous year. The following table displays a history of the building permit activity in value and number for 2007 through the fourth quarter of 2013. Our market survey includes 100 subdivisions, selected to represent the development of new single-family homes in the ShreveportBossier City area. This is not intended to represent the entire single-family market, but gives a good indication of themarket’s strength by reporting development within new single-family subdivisions. Data is drawn from public records for reported home and lot sales. Please keep in mind that the above-mentioned building permits represent the total area home construction through the fourth quarter of 2013. The table below, “houses and lots Sold,” presents sales from the 100 subdivisions with new construction. A total of 17 new subdivisions have been added to the inventory in 2013. In Shreveport, kings Pointe, lake Shreve estates, Twelve Oaks-Bienville Path, Twelve Oaks-Charleston Court and Twelve Oaks-Orleans Court were added. In greenwood, Cherry hill was added. In Bossier City, Cypress Bend, Cypress Bend garden District, Cypress Place, legacy-Cattail Point, Magnolia Chase, St. Charles Court village, and The Crossing at wemple were added. In Benton, Mckenzie Place and Turtle Creek were added. In haughton, Fox Crossing and Olde Oaks were added. As of the fourth quarter 2013, the average house price is down to $251,638 and the average lot price is up to $51,428 when compared to the fourth quarter 2012 figures. Source: U.L. Coleman Company

Apartment Report The Shreveport-Bossier City area apartment occupancy was 89.7% at the end of the fourth quarter 2013, a decrease of 0.2% when compared to the fourth quarter of 2012. Our apartment market survey examines 96 properties in the Shreveport-Bossier City area containing 17,919 units. Market-wide rental rates decreased from $0.844 per square foot to $0.825 per square foot from the fourth quarter 2012 to the fourth quarter 2013.

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In 2013, one class A apartment property in Bossier City was added to the survey; leRivage, with 240 units. Jamestown Place phase II, with 132 units, was added, bringing the total number of available units at Jamestown Place to 344. villa norte, a 200 unit class D property, was removed from the survey in 2013. In 2012, one class A apartment property in Shreveport was added to the survey; Reflections of Island Park, with 168 units. Ten apartment properties were reclassified as of the first quarter of 2012. This is the first reclassification of the apartment properties since March 2005. Factors affecting reclassification include, but are not limited to, rental rates, age of property, and overall condition. Due to the reclassification, the following changes were reflected in the data as of the first quarter of 2012: Class A decreased 5.7% or 223 units, Class B decreased 8.8% or 474 units, Class C increased 8.0% or 506 units, and Class D decreased 18.3% or 509 units. Six apartment complexes totaling 868 units were removed from the survey. These complexes no longer met the criteria for market rate apartments. The chart shows the increase in rental rates compared to changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with the rental rates decreasing 2.3% over the past year, while the CPI rose 1.2% during the same period.

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Home/Land Sales According to the Northwest Louisiana Association of Realtors, 4,369 (adjusted) closing took place, totaling $742,622,000 in 2013. That figure is up from 4102 closings in 2012.

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August 2014 • Biz. Magazine

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18 Biz. Magazine • August 2014

BIZ. Newz

You Can Trust.

Experience

Business & Real Estate Attorney Residental and Commercial Development Work Assists Developers With Covenants and Restrictions Establishment of Partnerships and Corporations in Louisiana

NLEP Unveils 5-year Plan for Growth

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orth Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) unveiled Wednesday its new five year strategic plan that provides a road map for new economic growth for the region. The plan offers a new vision for North Louisiana, three broad goals for NLEP and new industry sectors to target for business recruitment. “We are very excited about this comprehensive strategic plan which we believe will point the way for a new era of growth for the region. The plan outlines a course of action which we can implement to bring new jobs to the region,” said Scott Martinez, NLEP President. Under this plan, Martinez NLEP will continue to focus on economic development as its primary goal but also adds workforce development as a secondary goal, and economic development advocacy as NLEP’s third goal. The plan also identifies advanced manufacturing, professional services and information technology as the broad industry categories for NLEP to target. Under advanced manufacturing, NLEP would go after companies in transportation, industrial machinery, fabricated metals, petrochemicals and value-added agricultural processing. Under professional services and IT, NLEP would target cybersecurity companies, business support services, data centers, and defense intelligence businesses. “After assessing the region’s assets, reviewing other employers and the talent pool in the area, TIP Strategies believes the sectors we’ve identified for North Louisiana have favorable growth prospects. The region also displays comparative advantages in these sectors,” said Tom Stellman, President/CEO of TIP Strategies. “Historically, North Louisiana is very strong in manufacturing, but we also believe that professional

services and IT support the region’s transition to a knowledge economy and capitalize on recent announcements with CenturyLink and CSC, and draw on assets like Cyber Innovation Center and Louisiana Tech University.” The comprehensive strategic plan was developed by nationally known TIP Strategies, based in Austin, Texas. Established in 1995, TIP Strategies, Inc., has worked with communities throughout the country to develop innovative, publicly supported economic development strategies. “This five year strategic plan for NLEP is one of the best strategic plans I have ever seen. I have participated in the development of many strategic plans over my career, and I really like the depth in analysis and attention to detail that this plan includes. The plan itself is dead on with what I believe it will take to attract new business while supporting the needs of existing business. I am especially excited about the talent goal of developing a strong pipeline of talent to support current and future employers,” applauded Frank Russell, Libbey-Shreveport Plant Manager “We applaud NLEP’s efforts to spur economic growth in our region with the implementation of a strategic plan focused on recruiting and job retention,” said Arthur Martinez, CenturyLink Director of Public Policy – Legislative Policy. To implement this five year strategic plan, NLEP will launch a new investment campaign called Regional Works 1.5 to supplement the existing investments from the original Regionalism Work investment campaign. Currently, NLEP’s nearly 170 investors contribute approximately $1 million annually to support the group’s economic development efforts. Additional funds will be sought to provide resources for the expanded scope of work under the new strategic plan. To invest in NLEP, please call NLEP President Scott Martinez at 318.677.2512 or email him at smartinez@nlep.org or visit www.nlep.org and click on Invest In NLEP.

Lance G. Mosley, Attorney

Mosley Title Company Residential Closings Sales Builder Interim Financing New Mortgage Loans Refinances Commercial Title Insurance Residential Title Insurance

MOSLEY TITLE COMPANY 1014 Citizens Bank Drive Bossier City, LA 71111

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August 2014 • Biz. Magazine

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NWLA Tourism

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STORY BY Chris Jay

Adventure Tourism Arrives

From drag racing to “fly boarding,” pulse-pounding experiences are available in Shreveport-Bossier n recent years, several new outdoor adventure experiences have debuted in Shreveport-Bossier. These pulse-pounding experiences, which cater to locals and visitors alike, have greatly enhanced the diversity of things to see, do and experience in Shreveport-Bossier.

The newest adventure tourism offering to debut locally is Ark-La-Tex Flyboard, a company based on Cross Lake that allows thrillseekers of all ages to participate in an emerging watersport called “flyboarding.” Flyboarding involves using a water-powered jetpack to propel a rider, who can choose to dive underneath the surface of the water or soar above it. ArkLa-Tex Flyboard is a locally owned venture run by two couples, Rich and Paula McGahan and Randy and Lisa Arendell. While on vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama, Paula McGahan said that the family “stumbled upon” a flyboarding operation. Im-

20 Biz. Magazine • August 2014

pressed with the sport, they saw an opportunity to be the first to bring the activity to northern Louisiana. “Once someone experiences flyboarding, they immediately want to do it again,” said Paula McGahan. “I’ve been on the water my entire life, wakeboarding and just hanging out on the lake. But I’ve never experienced anything like flyboarding.” Flyboarding experiences last about 30 minutes per flight and range from $70-$99 per person, depending on the size of the group. Outings depart from Melvin’s Landing on Cross Lake, located at 1550 Cross Lake Boulevard in Shreveport, and must be booked in advance by calling 844-TRY-2FLY (844879-2359) or visiting the company’s website at arklatexflyboard.com. Adventure-seekers who prefer to remain on dry land will find a unique adrenaline rush at Thunder Road Raceway, located at 5700 Thunder Road in Gilliam. More than just a spectator venue for racing fans, the race track offers visitors the rare opportunity to strap in for “the ultimate drag racing experience.” For a fee of $125, the general public can ride-along in the 1,000 horsepower Driven 2 Win two-seat dragster, which takes passengers from 0 to 100 miles per hour in less than three seconds. Those interested in booking a ride should con-

Photo By SBCTB Gators and Friends in Greenwood offers ziplining.

tact Thunder Road Raceway at (318) 296-4466. Since opening in 2013, the Zipline Adventure at Gators and Friends Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo has attracted thrillseekers from across the United States. One of only two zipline courses in the U.S. to carry riders over a park filled with live alligators, the Zipline Adventure is a seven-line course reaching speeds of about 35 miles per hour. “The zip line is something that could be for the whole family and provides a whole new experience for visitors that they can’t get anywhere else,” said Jim Willett, owner of Gators and Friends Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo. Gators and Friends Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo is located at 11441 Hwy. 80 in Greenwood, La., approximately 10 minutes west of Shreveport via I-20. Zip line admission prices range from $34.95-$74.95, depending on the number of lines. For more information, visit gatorsandfriends.com. For more information on things to see and do in Shreveport-Bossier, visit www.shreveport-bossier.org or www.sbfunguide.com.

Applied Knowledge

No You Can’t

Six rights leaders give up if they want to be successful in the long term Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

— Ephesians 4:32 NIV

I heard a sermon recently on the rights of a Christian. He spoke about how we lose some of our perceived rights the more we try to live the Christian life. As I was taking notes, I realized these same rights applied to leaders. Here they are, with their leadership applications.

1. The right to be a jerk.

No one really has the right to be a jerk. However, some people are given a “pass” because of their position, or lack of position in an organization. However, when the leader is a jerk, the ripple effects reach a lot farther.

2. The right to be right.

Sometimes, we are right — dead right. It may be a political view or a customer service issue, but leaders do not have the right to just speak their mind. We have to “count the cost” in how we handle situations. Our actions (and words) have consequences.

3. The right to criticize and complain.

In the workplace, this is called gossip. Dave Ramsey defines gossip as as discussing anything negative with someone who can’t help solve the problem. For leaders, this can include venting to close subordinates or co-workers. All problems should be handled either laterally or vertically. Anything else is unacceptable. If you need to vent, do it with a non-work friend or your spouse.

4. The right to justify your actions based on who you are.

This is one of the most difficult for leaders. They deal with pressures that many team members have no clue about. However, just because you are under pressure does not give you the right to fly off the handle at the drop of a hat. Nor does it give you the right to treat others as if they were somehow inferior.

5. The right to be late.

Chronic tardiness to scheduled meetings and events is one of the most selfish things a leader can do. This action screams, “My time is more valuable than yours!” Chronic lateness is a slap in the face to every member of your team. In addition, it erodes any accountability for your team’s promptness.

6. The right to not care about people.

David Specht Jr. President of Specht Newspapers, Inc. Read his blog about leadership at www.DavidASpecht.com He may be reached via email at dspecht@bossierpress.com.

True leaders realize their teams are more than the skills they bring to the job at hand. They are husbands, wives, families and others — all relying on the organization for their livelihood. They are not numbers on a financial statement. They are people and every decision should have them as one of the — if not THE — highest priorities. The same is true for customers and clients. If we lose sight of them as people, we lose our business. The higher up you rise in leadership, the less rights you have, but the satisfaction and difference you can make as a result it well worth it.

August 2014 • Biz. Magazine

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22 Biz. Magazine • August 2014

Downtown Development

A Place with Meaning History behind downtown buildings makes for great stories, locations

O

“A place without meaning is no place to be.”

Liz Swaine

Downtown Development Authority Executive Director

- Wayne Gerard Trotman

ne of the things I love about downtown Shreveport is that it’s full of meaning, rich history, and in a world of cookie-cutter, it stands out. Recent national trends show people returning to downtown in droves. City centers with shuttered buildings and high vacancies have transformed themselves into art-filled, Bohemian hotspots with high rent residential, retail shops and trendy office space. Shreveport’s downtown is making those same moves after years of relative quiet. For years, the history of our city center was little more than

words in dusty books. The fact that downtown Shreveport was the downtown of the region and was the center of finance, banking, the courts, local government and the arts was interesting, but only marginally so. The architectural diversity of the area created by modern steel and glass high rises standing next to 100-year-old Gothic towers was nothing to remark on. Silly us. How can one not be fascinated with downtown’s Shreveport’s history? We were a rough-and-ready place filled with people creating not only a livelihood for themselves, but a city and a future. Those scrappy pioneers are gone, but the buildings they constructed are not. These buildings, made of brick, heavy wooden beams, big slabs of granite and marble and thick plaster held up by metal lathe with the consistency and heft of concrete, are still standing and

many are still open for business. In the 600 block of Texas Street, the old Fiebleman’s- then Sear’s- department store is getting a new life as a retail space with a live music venue, 57 market-rate apartments and a penthouse on top. It’s hard to believe that when the building was first constructed, there were still living Civil War veterans and the first World War hadn’t yet been fought. Two doors down, the Zodiag building, named after its owner who also happened to be the father of Shreveport’s electric trolley car system, is also returning to its former glory. All across downtown, former office buildings, toy stores, car dealerships, paint stores and fire stations are finding new life as art galleries, trendy office space and residences. This fits the national trend of downtowns once again becoming the place to live and work. Building by building, we’re seeing it happen in downtown Shreveport. With luck, we can take the meaning and history of the past to create a vibrant and exciting future.

August 2014 • Biz. Magazine

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Business Etiquette

I Scream!!!

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Raising your voice does not build your case, but rather erodes your effectiveness oliticians regularly throw verbal mud at each other. People speak in the “hating” tone of voice to each other, even in casual conversation. The far left and far right of any given hot topic spew misinformation and hatred at the opposing side. What is wrong here? Let’s think about ice cream for a moment. I bet you have a favorite flavor. Chocolate? Vanilla, or Strawberry? Perhaps rainbow sherbet? Consider all the other types of ice cream treats such as Nutty Buddies, Push-ups, sorbet, popsicles, and fudge bars. Is it good to have all these delicious varieties or should we have only one flavor —- the one you prefer? Of course ice cream is a light and fun topic, not serious and polarizing like some issues these days. Yet, should different opinions be so polarizing? It seems we are seriously lacking respect for other people’s opinions, beliefs, and preferences. If there is no harm, why should we care what their favorite ice cream, I mean political party, is? Can’t we all allow each other to enjoy our preferred treat, I mean religion? If it doesn’t affect you and no one is harmed, can’t people eat sorbet, I mean choose their own close friends? The next time either you or someone else begins expressing an opinion with a little too much passion, think about ice cream. n Opinions are like ice cream. Everyone thinks their favorite flavor is the best. n Your flavor/opinion/preference is best for you, not everyone else. n There are more than 31 flavors of ice cream for a reason. A multi-flavored, I mean multicultural world, is so much more interesting than only vanilla. n If we offer to sample each other’s ice cream, I mean respectfully share our opinions with each other, we may learn something and in the process enjoy a new flavor, I mean make a new friend. n Keep it cool, I mean live and let live.

Teri Haynes Owner of Business Interactions, LLC Employee trainer and business etiquette coach www.BusinessInteractions.Net

24 Biz. Magazine • August 2014

When I scream and you scream, no one wins. When we respect each other’s opinions and strive to understand without trying to change the other person’s opinions, we all win. The golden rule is “do onto others as you would have them do unto you,” not “do unto others then split.” I mean banana split.

Cover Story

Shotgun houses are in various states of disrepair. NORLA aims to rejuvenate these structures.

Project in line with other initiatives From Page 14 produce, some ready-made meals. If you talk to anyone who lives downtown, anything after 5 p.m., options are very limited. It would be great to offer that opportunity.” This development comes at a time when the city’s Downtown Development Authority has put its weight behind repurposing and adapting existing historic structures to be used as new business ventures, apartment buildings, and more. “The stars are all aligning. If this were 10 years ago, we would’ve been dead in the water within a week. But this now fits in with Shreveport’s master plan and they’ll work with us, but at the same time, they want to see what we can do,” said Rich. Speaking passionately, Rich has a grand scope for her ambition. One that includes not only launching NORLA as a full, 501c3 non-profit organization, but making this pro-

posed development the first of many. She hopes to create a self-sustaining commercial piece of land that will create a property management division. This in addition to their preservation and education mission, their bread and butter. “Our mission is to promote preservation awareness and this is our tool — we’ll take the other properties everyone else has given up on and creating something new out of them,” she said. Currently, NORLA is in the research and planning stage and should receive funding to launch the project, depending on its approval of legal documents and applications. However, Kelly notes that she has several businesses who are eager to fill the spots. “I’ve got several people who would write me a check tomorrow,” she said. For local philanthropists, there is also a sponsorship opportunity: The houses will be dedicated to famous musicians who were significant to the Bottoms area and local businesses can sponsor these dedications. To take advantage of this opportunity, Rich encourages you to stay up to date with the project by signing up for the NORLA newsletter at their website www.norlapreservationproject.com August 2014 • Biz. Magazine

25

Dave Says — On Business

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Dear Dave, My wife is a very energetic entrepreneur. I’m a little more laid back, so we have very dierent personality styles. What’s the best way to encourage and communicate with her, and not hold her back from her ambitions? Charles Dear Charles, This is a great question! You’ve already taken the ďŹ rst step in recognizing and identifying your personality styles. If she’s a hard-charging entrepreneur, there’s a good chance God sent you into her life to slow her down enough so she can keep it between the ditches. That’s what my wife does for me. She doesn’t hold me back at all. But sometimes I’ll get to a point where I’m so wrapped up in a project or new opportunity that I can’t turn it loose. That’s when she knows to step in and say, “Honey, did you ever think about this possibility?â€? or simply, “Dave, slow down!â€?

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The fact that you’re wired a little dierently, that you can go slow enough to be observant and wise when things in her professional life are hectic, is one of the most valuable beneďŹ ts you bring to your relationship. Once she understands and respects this, the more you guys — together — are going to win. It’s going to make a positive impact on your lives, because you’ll be Ablmhkr <aZgg^e l ; H Y KolY f jkY bm f making steady progress that’s more predictable and reasonable versus sudden launches into <hf^ [kbg` rhnk ngbjn^ bm^fl mh [^ ZiikZbl^] the stratosphere that are usually followed by crashes. Zg] ihllb[er ink\aZl^] _khf <Zcng IZpg LmZkl I love these discussions about family and business. As you grow to better understand the other’s thinking – and how each is necessary for success — a beautiful piece of music will be created. Your encouraging, but cautionary, due diligence side, and her energy and passion to pull things forward, can be the key to you guys making great things happen together! ;Zr hn Zm ^ L m —Dave

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Client is out of bounds Dear Dave, My wife and I own a small business, and we run it debt-free. We only accept cash or checks in payment. Recently, we’ve had a client start pushing us to accept credit cards. What is your take on this situation? David Dear David,

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For starters, that client is out of bounds. It’s not his, or her, place to tell you two how to run your business. In a way, you’re kind of lucky to only have one person getting pushy about the whole credit card deal. I have a bunch of people who are mad at me because I won’t accept credit cards. But in my case it’s not just a business decision. I teach people all the time not to use credit cards, so I’d be the world’s biggest hypocrite if I accepted them.

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O ^ g ] h k l % \ h g m ^ l m l % ] h h k Your i case k isb s ^ l % bg _h k f a little dierent. Still, if you and your wife ; h n g \ b ^ l [ k h n ` a m m h r h n [ have ra Bor g _issue ewith Z accepting m Z credit [ cards, e^ > moral values

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that’s ďŹ ne. It’s okay for you not to accept them for payment. You’ll probably have a few people turn up their noses at the idea of not being able to pay with credit, but if you’ve got great products and services, that will only amount to an occasional bump in the road.

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a m m i 3 ( ( l [ \ l i h k m l fDaveZRamsey g l ^ q i h + ) * - '^ o ^ g m :oZbeZ[e^ ngmbe Mankl]Zr% :n`nlm +*% +)*-% . i'f' Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted

But it’s not okay for someone to give you grief over how your business is structured by saying, “You know, you ought to take credit cards so things will be easier for me.� Ahnkl3 :n`' ++ & -if&1if :n`' +, & *)Zf&0if :n`'+- & **Zf&.if Dude, did you forget how to write a check? I mean, really. It’s not that hard! —Dave

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voice on money and business. He’s authored four New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 6 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

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Spotlight

Decades of Knowledge

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Linc Coleman credits success to market stability and quality of people

n the world of real estate, there is a local business leader who brings more than 4 decades worth of knowledge. Linc Coleman, President of the U.L. Coleman Companies, has experience in commercial and investment real estate services, including commercial brokerage and leasing, asset and property management, construction, and development. He has received his Bachelor’s degree from Centenary College in Mathematics, Economics, and Business; and his Master Degree in Business Administration. Linc also graduated from Harvard University Graduate School of Design Office of Executive Education’s Advanced Management Development Program in Real Estate in the summer of 2004. Linc Coleman has achieved the CCIM® (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation by the REALTORS® National Marketing Institute, and the CPM® (Certified Property Manager) designation by IREM® (Institute of Real Estate Management). Mr. Coleman started in the real estate business in 1972 and formed the U.L. Coleman Companies in 1973. Under his direction, the U.L. Coleman Companies have successfully competed against large nationally recognized companies to develop and manage facilities for, among others, IBM and Federal Express Corporations. His management expertise is exemplified by the diversification of development types which include: Multi-Use, Office Buildings and Service Centers, Parks, Industrial Buildings, Retail Centers, and Multifamily Communities. In his 40-plus years of real estate, Mr. Coleman has found the ShreveportBossier market to be very stable. “It hasn’t been as boom and bust as other markets around the country. You have to seek niches but there are good opportunities there.” At the same time, there are challenges. These challenges, however, aren’t unique to Shreveport-Bossier, and he offers some quiet wisdom on being successful in any market. “I think you have to be agile to adjust your business plan, be patient, and seek the best people and associates to align yourself with,” said Mr. Coleman. Patience is a trait he repeats, along with perseverance, to form a mantra for his company. But it’s one that business

Regardless of what industry you work in, you have to become a real student of that industry and do your homework.

leaders can utilize across all industries. “A statistical survey of entrepreneurs found one of the most important characteristics was perseverance,” said Mr. Coleman. When asked what steps he took to build the U.L. Coleman Companies into what it is today, he credits the success to his people and his product. “I think it’s working with the best people. We try to advertise with bricks and mortar – we try to have the best in class in product. We want to exceed expectations, we try to under-promise and over-perform.” Mr. Coleman gave an example of his philosophy paying off when they built for IBM in 1987. “The company started in 1973, so it was a 14-year work in progress to bring that to fruition. That’s some of the patience and perseverance I was talking about. They were very complimentary of the product we delivered, one of them commented, ‘It actually looks like the rendering,’” Mr. Coleman laughed. With a wealth of knowledge available, Mr. Coleman offered what he would consider the most important piece of advice for entrepreneurs and business leaders — do your homework. “Regardless of what industry you work in, you have to become a real student of that industry and do your homework, as we say here. Become the most knowledgable you can.”

August 2014 • Biz. Magazine

27

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Daily Business News. Delivered. The BIZ. Daily Report.

Sign Up at www.bizmagsb.com/dailyreport 28 Biz. Magazine • August 2014

From the Bossier Chamber

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On the Move to Bossier

Bossier Chamber builds relocation resource to support business growth

ver the course of the last few years Bossier Parish has been at the hub of new business development. The phrase “Bossier Innovates” has been coined, and for good reason. More and more companies are expanding and relocating to the area for a number of reasons and quality of life ranks high on the list when it comes to attracting them. For example, according to the City of Bossier’s 2013 annual report, last year Bossier Parish approved the plans for 292 new residential lots across five neighborhoods and awarded 316 new resident construction permits. 2013 also brought 46 new commercial buildings in Bossier totaling over $87,405,734 in construction cost value. New resident construction continues to grow outside the city limits as well. Because of the sustained growth, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce has been proactive about promoting a consistent message for the community. Bossier Innovates, or maybe more commonly seen in the form of a hashtag #BossierInnovates, is the phrase that unites us, gives us a sense of community pride and enables our city and parish to position itself as a leader. This message of innovation is not new. Our community has been doing it for some time now. Bossier Parish has so many high points we must share within our region and beyond in order to position our area in the best light possible. These highpoints exists in many things we take for granted in our own backyard. They are the fabric of our community and include threads such as the high quality of life we experience each day, the access to arts and culture, the community partnerships that strengthen us and the excellent public education system that prepares students for the future through programs both inside and outside the classroom. In keeping up with area growth the Bossier Chamber launched a relocation and quality of life resource, “Move to Bossier”. Providing tools such as the new website “Move to Bossier” helps to connect newcomers to the area and is aimed at both businesses and the individual looking to learn more. The site will meet the needs of companies looking to invest in the region by providing assistance in the recruitment and relocation of employees. It displays a comprehensive look at life in Bossier, featuring aspects from work to play, learning and living. Users will have an interactive tool to help guide them when making decisions on relocating such as choosing where to live, what schools to attend, and how to ‘get settled’ in the community. As we continue to see the community transform, tools such as “Move to Bossier” will play a supporting role in sustaining growth. Online resources like “Move to Bossier” help to further the voice of Bossier Parish by attracting top companies such as CSC, a global, Fortune 200 company who recently announced their expansion to Bossier City where they will make their home at the Cyber Innovation Center. Companies such as these have a large Millennial employee base and need to be engaged through mobile, digital, interactive resources. They want to see and experience the local culture when making decisions. “Move to Bossier” is a one-stop-shop tool that makes it easy.

Ginger Collier

Director of Communications, Bossier Chamber of Commerce

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“Move to Bossier” is a tool for business growth. We encourage the business community to utilize this as they welcome new employees to the area. Visit www.movetobossier.com to see first-hand how the Bossier Chamber is working to put Northwest Louisiana on the forefront of development by supporting business’ needs. August 2014 • Biz. Magazine

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30 Biz. Magazine • August 2014

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Soul Food Buffet Is One-of-A-Kind ’Shanae’s Magnolia Tea, a soul food buffet located at 7601 Pines Road in Shreveport, is unlike most local soul food restaurants in several noteworthy ways. For starters, J’Shanae’s Magnolia Tea is an all-you-care-to-eat buffet. Buffet features change daily and, for the most part, run the gamut of traditional soul food/Southern cooking staples.

Chris Jay Public Relations and Social Media Manager, Shreveport Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. He is a monthly contributor to Biz. Magazine. He may be reached via email at cjay@sbctb.org.

There are chicken fried steaks, fried chicken, meat loaf, smothered turkey necks, beef tips and rice, hot water cornbread, red beans and rice, macaroni and cheese and more. On any given day, there’s usually a surprise or two thrown in; during my most recent visit, a platter of salmon croquettes was wedged between the turkey necks and the fried chicken. Dessert is included in the surprisingly low price ($6.95-$8.50, depending on the day), and usually consists of a few different types of cake. Speaking of unexpected surprises: Every Friday,

the restaurant hosts “Feel Good Fridays,” during which the buffet includes fried catfish and gumbo and live jazz music is performed in the dining room by Mr. Albert Lattier, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The first Sunday of each month is “Super Soul Sunday,” featuring a menu about three times as large as the average daily menu – a steal at $7.95. Some food items obviously receive more personal attention than others (the mac and cheese is the Kraft mac and cheese of your childhood), but when you’re given an entire buffet of options, it’s just a matter of skipping the items that aren’t homemade. And for $6.95 (the buffet price on Tuesdays), it’s hard to complain. The hours do seem a little random: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.; and the first Sunday of each month, 12-3 p.m. It may be worth calling the restaurant at (318) 505-7052 before your visit to make sure that they’re open…and to see what’s on the buffet.

The exterior of J’Shanae’s Magnolia Tea Restaurant, which is tucked away in a shopping plaza off of Pines Road in Shreveport.

Chris Jay reviews local food every Tuesday at www.20x49.com.

August 2014 • Biz. Magazine

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