BIZ. October 2013

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Bossier Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Inside this Edition

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October 2013

When It Is Better to

GIVE

Business Philanthropy Not Only Offers Tax Breaks, It Helps the Community

The CoHab Way One Nonprofit Has Changed the Way Business Gets Done Locally

DELIVERED TO BUSINESS LEADERS THROUGHOUT SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER

LISTEN UP! Podcast of the Month Page 9

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Biz. Magazine • October 2013

The First Word

If You’re Happy and You Know it

H

The pursuit of happiness begins with attitude appiness. Is really all we want? To be happy? We do so many things in the “Pursuit of Happiness. ” I’ll be happy if… • I get a job• Change jobs• Lose weight • Quit this exercising to lose weight • Get married • Am no longer married • Have kids • If the kids will grow up and leave the house • If I buy this • If I get a new one of those. We chase happiness and chase happiness until we are completely miserable.

When Jesus preached the “Sermon on the Mount” he opened the door to happiness in this life.

Some people call them the “Be attitudes” – but they should probably be called the “be happy attitudes” When Jesus preached the “Sermon on the Mount” he opened the door to happiness in this life.

Some people call them the “Be attitudes” – but they should probably be called the “be happy attitudes.” In fact the Amplified Bible expands the word “Blessed” to “Happy and/or Happiness.)

Jesus is telling us that our happiness and our attitudes are connected.

You know, it’s real hard to be happy with a bad attitude. In fact it may be impossible.

YOUR ATTITUDE IS AN OUTWARD EXPRESSION OF AN INWARD FEELING Your attitude either draws people close to you or repels people from you. Your attitude will lead you to the promised land or keep you in the desert.

Approximately 2 million left Egypt – 2 of those actually possessed the promised land.

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.

We all have our reasons for our bad attitudes. Some people are just naturally critical. I can look at a page of writing and find the mistake almost immediately. This comes in handy in my profession, but does not bode well when your wife is asking you what you think of something she’s poured her heart into on paper and all you can do is show her the typos.

Change your attitude and happiness will come. Or, keep doing what you are doing and be miserable. The choice is yours.

October 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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Contents 20

It’s Festival Season

Fall activities abound in Shreveport-Bossier.

On the Cover

22

Corporate philanthropy offers many incentives, including certain tax breaks. However, which nonprofit provide great business returns? Learn how one has changed the way many do business in Shreveport-Bossier.

Starting on Page 14.

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Filling In the Gaps

Philanthropy often needed to help fund higher education efforts.

BIZ Tools

We share practical tools to help you and your business succeed.

Regulars

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BIZ. News Online

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The BIZ. website at www.bizmagsb.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/2013-advertising-kit/ Volume 4, Number 7 | ©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 • October 2013

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If You’re Happy and You Know it

5

Do You Hear What I hear?

6

Introducing: The Main Product

11

An Idea for Nonprofits

12

Disconnect to Reconnect

27

Dave On Small Business

The pursuit of happiness begins with attitude

Set yourself apart by mastering listening skills

In sales, the main product if you

LinkedIn can be valuable for raising awareness/funds

Don’t let your primary method of communication involve technology

When a silent partner is anything but

Win-Win Powertools

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

Do You Hear

What I hear?

A

Set yourself apart from others by mastering listening skills

morning this past August found me speaking to 70+ business owners and managers as they enjoyed their weekly “leads” breakfast. Once again, I was encouraging these leaders to focus their sales effort on the “Basics” of sales and service. I reminded them about things we had all heard during the challenging years starting in 2008. I remembered reading articles and watching video segments from large and small corporations that were restructuring their businesses. The quote I heard frequently was “We’ve got to get back to the basics!” As I have related to you before, I would sigh and ask myself “Why did you ever leave?”

One of the most powerful “basics” is…LISTENING. A key to my growth was realizing how powerful listening can be and how easy it is to learn…if you care about the client. When I forced myself to dial my presentation stuff down and maybe out, I listened to the client tell me how to sell them.

The client will tell the seller? Sure!

When you listen, you empower the prospect to vent and share their experiences from buying. They can sense that you might be different and really care about them instead of just making a sale. It’s all about the client…not the seller.

The wonderful thing about listening is that it will help you both in the business office and at home. If you care and want to grow a relationship, listening is a powerful skill. n Be patient and focus on the other person n Don’t interrupt n Don’t look like you want to interrupt n Be silent when they pause…the other person will fill in the space with more valuable information n Gain and maintain eye contact n Take notes after you ask permission n Take an open body position…resist folding your arms n Nod your head as you understand n Lean forward n Question for more clarification n Feedback what you think you are hearing n Turn off your cell phone n DND (do not disturb) your office phone n Ask not to be interrupted n Square up with the other person n Ask if there is anything else n Try not to show your approval or disapproval while they talk

Jerry Frentress Speaker & Coach, Win-Win Power(ful) Tools for Sales, Service and Employee Interviewing. Website: www.WinWinPowerTools.com.

The listening selling skill will pay dividends because you share it and so many others… don’t!

Good Selling!

Jerry

Business Facebook: www.Facebook.com/WinWinPowerTools . 453-6080 / Bossier City

October 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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Marketing B-S (Bossier-Shreveport)

I

Introducing: The Main Product have been in sales all of my professional career.... almost approaching 30 years at this point. There is an age old saying that I have heard ever since I started in sales "people are buying you," not necessarily just buying the product or just buying from any salesperson who happens to come along. From this point of view, as a salesperson, you are your main product. As such, how do we market ourselves? The obvious answer, of course, is very effectively!

Lets look at just a few of the methods by which we can effectively market ourselves using some of the wonderful tools that we have at our disposal in these modern and highly technological times.

Social Media 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 Randy may be reached at rbrown@bossierpress.com

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Biz. Magazine • October 2013

Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin - Essentially, this is a "must do" in today's environment. These forms of social media are being used to market companies, organizations, products and individuals. We are all very busy and it takes a lot of time these days just to keep up with emails, etc. This can be a real challenge. When you add the forms of social media mentioned above into the mix,

time becomes even more critical. However, once again, this is a "must do!" Make great use of social media. It will most definitely payoff!

Networking The best networking move that I ever made was getting involved in our local chamber of commerce. I met a world of influential business people, business owners, other salespeople, community leaders, etc. This turned out to be an extremely valuable and important part of my success. This was not the only organization that I became a part of - as I joined several professional and community organization groups.

These too turned out to be a great way to network and meet people that could help me along the way and most importantly, these particular groups became a great way to get involved in our community and to give something back.

Connect with influencers As stated above, meeting influential people through a professional organization or community group can really give you a boost in terms of marketing yourself. As a crucial part of this, mak-

ing use of the influence of those you meet can really take you to the next level. For example, tying in everything that we have talked about so far, just think about what will happen when the influential people that you meet start posting information, etc. about you and your company/product on Facebook! Soon, they will be “tweeting” things about you, etc. Some of the articles/material that I have read lately talk about the term ROI. No, this is not the accounting term Return on Investment. When used in this context, it means Return On Influence. What is your Return On Influence? This is definitely something to think about! This is huge!

Dare To Be Different Be Unique - Set Yourself apart. Don't be like everyone else. Don't do things in exactly the same ways that others do. Look for even little ways that you can do things differently. To be successful in your overall marketing endeavors, you MUST market and promote yourself properly!

We Make You (And Your Business)

Look Your Best Brochures Business Cards Posters Banners Need Anything Printed? Just Ask!

Webster Printing Company

716 Broadway, Minden, Louisiana 71055 | (318) 377-8518 | Open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday

October 2013 • 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.

Books

What are we reading?

In 2009, the U.S. unemployment rate approached ten percent. Today, when new work is found, it may not be traditional. Studies estimate half of the American workforce will soon consist of freelancers, consultants, independent contractors, entreprenuers, "electronic immigrants," and so forth. Are you ready for the new normal?

Dan Miller has seen it coming for years. But his thriving vocational best seller, 48 Days to the Work You Love, is not so much about finding a new job as it is learning about who we are really called to be in relation to our vocation-whatever shape that career may take in these changing times. According to the author, failing to make that fundamental discovery of calling is why so many people find themselves in jobs they hate. But now, thousands upon thousands are finding the work they love, thanks to practical advice from this leading career counselor.

Conversational and creative, Miller helps the reader understand one's Godgiven skills and abilities, personality traits, values, dreams, and passions. Doing so helps us recognize clear patterns that will point toward successful decisions along the career path. Step by step, this updated edition of 48 Days to the Work You Love reveals the process for creating a Life Plan and translating that plan into meaningful and fulfilling daily work. Let the countdown begin!

What are they reading?

The No A--hole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't, Robert Sutton Jill Macchiaverna

The Heart of a Leader (Insights on the Art of Influence), Ken Blanchard

Elements of Leaders of Character, Wayne Hogue David Specht Jr.

Jerry Frentress

App of the Month One Today is one of Google’s newest mobile apps. It’s aim is to make fundraising easier for nonprofits by linking charities to potential donors. With One Today, users can donate a single dollar per charity per day. Donors that want to contribute more than $1 can challenge friends to match their gift through social media. In this way, a small donation that’s easy on the user’s wallet can inspire hundreds, maybe even thousands, of contributions daily. One Today has value to donors as well, as it informs users about charities similar to the ones to which they have previously contributed.

The app allows users to donate to a number of different organizations they choose to support and then aggregates the donations for payment through Google Wallet. Nonprofits receive 98% of the proceeds, as 1.9 percent of each donation goes to pay for processing. The Android-exclusive application is currently invite-only, but individuals can request an invitation through Google’s site.

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Biz. Magazine • October 2013

When All Hail Breaks Loose Weathering The Storms of Life, Dr. Pat Day Randy Brown

More Tools Listen Up Podcast of the Month Manager Tools Podcast

Manager Tools the company is a management consulting and training firm owned by Michael Auzenne and Mark Horstman. They regularly consult to and train managers in Fortune 1000 companies around the world. Mike and Mark are both United States Military Academy graduates (West Point) and former Army officers.

Their free wekly podcast helps managers of any size business handle the day-to-day tasks better. From meeting planning, to employee feedback, these guys cover it all.

Worth Following

Blog of the Month Seth Blog http://sethgodin.typepad.com/ Seth Godin breaks nearly every rule when it comes to his blog. He doesn’t have an “about” page. He doesn’t have fancy graphics. But that doesn’t matter. He is still the best at what he does.

Seth's blog is one of the most popular in the world. He covers the new face of marketing, how ideas spread, the radical idea of treating people with respect and stuff from Purple Cow, The Dip and his other books.

October 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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o u r pplans Whatever W h a tev e r yyour la n s tthis h i s weekend, we e ke n d , we’re we’re ready rea d y ttoo join j o i n yyou. ou .

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rrates, a te s , ggreat r ea t service, s er v ic e, aand nd excellent e xc el len t coverage. c over age. So So w whether he t her you’re you’r e throwing t hr ow ing a lline ine oorr just ju s t roasting r o a s t in g marshmallows, we’re with a few f ew m ar s hm al low s , we ’r e w i t h you you LLouisiana. ou is ian a. lciwc.com lc iw c .c om :: :: 9985-612-1230 85- 612-12 30

10 Biz. Magazine • October 2013

Uncommon Sense Marketing

An Idea for Nonprofits

H

LinkedIn can be valuable for raising awareness/funds ave you thought about using LinkedIn to raise awareness for your organization? It’s also a great tool for building important connections. Your board members are on LinkedIn and they’re connected to hundreds or thousands of people. Your donors and potential donors are there, as well, and they are connected to hundreds or thousands of people. Tap into the wealth of data in LinkedIn and see how it positively impacts your non-profit, your association, or your business.

Here are a few ways to use LinkedIn to benefit your organization.

The obvious first thing to do is to publicize your fundraisers and activities through your LinkedIn posts. Ask your board members, supporters, and donors to help by posting, too. Plus, you should be posting articles designed to educate people about your cause.

Create a LinkedIn group for your donors and/or supporters. Start discussions inside your group, and participate in discussions that others begin. This is a great way to better understand any issues your supporters have or any needs that people believe should be addressed. Think of using LinkedIn as a research tool.

You can also join other appropriate LinkedIn groups. Your potential donors are somewhere, and you may find them in other groups.

Use the recommendation feature and write glowing comments about your key supporters and your board members. This is a win-win for both the organization and for those individuals.

Make sure your board members indicate somewhere in their LinkedIn profile that they are board members of your organization. People view these profiles often, and you will gain additional exposure and awareness this way.

One of the powerful features of LinkedIn is showing how people are connected. Use that to your advantage. If you want to meet or talk to a big, potential donor, find out if they are directly connected to someone who is also connected to you. Then ask the mutual friend to introduce you. You could reach out to them through LinkedIn, or pick up the phone and call, or send an email.

Amy Kinnaird

Social Media Evangelist She trains business owners and entrepreneurs how to use the latest marketing tools and techniques to attract and keep clients.

Finally, build your connections deliberately.

You might reach out to those you are already connected to in Facebook or Twitter. Find them in LinkedIn and send a connection request.

LinkedIn is filled with decision makers, and these members are both affluent and influential. Isn’t that just what your organization needs?

View Amy’s website at www.uncommonsensemarketing.com.

October 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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Join Us for an Economic Development Summit

Business Etiquette

Disconnect to Reconnect

L

Don’t let your primary method of communication involve technology ast week while responding to e-messages from multiple sources, I heard the employees down the hall chatting and laughing. Feeling left-out, I met them and enjoyed

catching up on new projects, successes, and generally reconnecting with each of them.

It was a great reminder of what I miss when my main method of communication is via technology. In our busy work lives, we forget the value of an actual break from the tasks at hand. The act of standing up, walking, and visiting with a live person at the

NLEP Regional Caravan Heads to

proverbial water cooler is not only physically and emotionally beneficial, it also relaxes and recharges our minds. It provides another opportunity to strengthen relationships so necessary to our success and wellbeing.

The technology tools that enable instant connection have also generated in us a love/hate relationship. We enjoy the connectivity to instant messaging and information. Yet we complain

Bossier Civic Center 620 Benton Road • Bossier City, LA 71111

about always being available for our employer, clients, family, and friends.

Studies show multi-tasking results in less productivity. Instead of focusing on one project and performing it well, we handle multiple tasks at once resulting in lower quality and late submittals. It seems everyone, including ourselves, has come to expect instant connectivity. What can we do about it? Put it down. Turn it off. Our employee deserves undivided attention. Our

Thursday, October 10, 2013 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

family needs support. Co-workers want our opinion. And, we often need uninterrupted time for quality work in an efficient manner.

Some argue that companies expect employees to be connected and available at all times. I disagree. What would your immediate direct report think if they heard the following outgoing message on your communication tools? “Hello, this is _____. It is (date & time). I am focusing

Complimentary Light Lunch • RSVP 318.677.2557

on a critical project and will return messages by 11:00 this morning. Please leave your message and I will visit with you shortly. Thank you.” Chances are, if your boss had requested the “critical project,” she would be pleased. Of course, do as you say and begin responding to

Hear an update on the regional economy and learn about economic development assets and programs in Bossier, Louisiana.

messages at 11:00 AM as promised.

Use your technological communication tools as just that – tools. They should support your communications, not dominate them. Mutually lasting and beneficial relationships are built face to face, interacting with people.

Protocol: The person in front of you has precedence. This means the person in front of you is more important than

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors:

whoever is texting or calling you. The only exception to this rule is if you ask permission first. “I am waiting for an important message. When it arrives, do you mind if I take it?”

Disconnect to reconnect. It will benefit your relationships and your work. Put down the cell phone and visit with someone at the water cooler.

Teri Haynes Business Credibility and Etiquette Consultant

12 Biz. Magazine • October 2013

Business Development

Care About Their Causes

A

Your customers will appreciate your involvement in philathropy couple of years ago, I put together a short documentary on philanthropy in North Louisiana for a contest hosted by The Community Foundation of North Louisiana. I am a freelance videographer and editor, and my background is journalism. The first place I started researching for a story idea was U.S. Census data. I know “interesting statistics” can be an oxymoron, but some of the numbers blew me away:

In 2009 and 2010, non-profits in North Louisiana (Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, De Soto, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Oachita, Red River, Sabine, Union, and Webster Parishes) reported $2.5 billion in revenue to the IRS. Of those parishes, Caddo holds 31% of the population, but reported 66% of the non-profit revenue. More than 1,400 organizations in Caddo Parish file as non-profits.

Some of that revenue from state or national grants, but ask any organization leader and they will tell you their group could not survive without the financial support of the neighbors in their community. Of course, there are a million reasons to get involved in charitable giving, but here’s reason #1,000,001: you just might get more customers if you are championing a cause close to their hearts. If those numbers show anything, it is that people in North Louisiana are willing to spend with a conscience.

What a great opportunity to establish trust with your customers! Set aside a day, a month, a product or a percentage for proceeds to go to a charity. When your customers know they can support causes they care about, as well as find the products and services they need through your company, they are bound to become loyal clients.

To see the short documentary, Good Works, go to: youtube.com/dragonflyprods

Upcoming events from the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce’s Business Development Connection: Thursday, October 17, 2013 5:00-7:00PM Business Afterhours Mixer Network with Northwest Louisiana Business Professionals Sponsored and Hosted by: Barksdale Federal Credit Union 1560 East 70th Street Shreveport, LA 71105 $5 Members, $7 Potential Members Catered by Raising Cane’s Chicken Door Prizes

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

Monday, October 14, 2013 11:30AM Program Luncheon Dr. Leslie K. Guice, the new Louisiana Tech President, will talk about Louisiana Tech University’s Strategic Corporate Partnership Program. Find out why partnerships are important to Louisiana Tech and to the region, and how to make it work for your business.

Petroleum Club 416 Travis St. (15th floor) $20 (includes lunch buffet) RSVP – 318-677-2500 October 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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Cover Story

John Grindley is the founder and executive director of CoHab.

14 Biz. Magazine • October 2013

Cover Story

Nonprofits & Business

I

’s Way

Coworking model not new, but working well in Shreveport-Bossier

nside the new CoHab, you'll find burgeoning entrepreneurs striving to fulfill their dreams. This space that helps small businesses find their footing via collaboration and much needed workspace is founded upon others seeing the scope and payoff of the vision by opening their wallets.

"We're not a heartstrings organization. So what you should get behind when you get behind CoHab is creative entrepreneurs and stopping the brain drain," said Executive Director John Grindley.

The coworking facility based in downtown Shreveport's Red River District is a non-profit organization that cultivates a sense of community by fostering collaboration among small business startups and entrepreneurs.

"So many people come into this space, a digital photographer working next to a guy who develops websites and they're all sitting and sharing desks alongside each other so they can ask questions and collaboration on projects, and it happens organically," mused Grindley.

The Coworking Movement began in

STORY BY Sean Green

2004 when people creating their own businesses sought to collaborate via social media and coffee houses.

"People weren't learning and growing their business along other likeminded folks. So you had people in San Francisco who brought surge protectors and (equipment) to coffee houses to set up for the day so others could share their business and be in the trenches with an entrepreneur or freelancer," Grindley explained.

The result was serendipitous interactions that fostered business knowledge and growth. This movement quickly spread when Grindley witnessed the model based in Dallas, Texas.

The three models for coworking included sharing, where several business people find space and split the rent, forprofit where real estate is rented and tenants pay cost of rent and use of space, and non-profit — paying for space via private, public, and grant dollars combined with members paying to use the space.

"Our folks here are members – they're not tenants or renters, they're a part of something bigger than themselves," said Grindley.

Upon realizing the potential to bring something as beneficial as coworking to Shreveport, his background in non-profits gave Grindley insight into securing grants to help fund the area's own space.

"I saw a need for bringing small businesses and entrepreneurs to Downtown Shreveport," he said. "It's about quality of life. With higher salaries you can give back and grow this community in greater ways."

"If you give to CoHab, you may not see the impact directly, but the economic impact is gigantic. For the several hundred thousand dollars, we've had an impact of $12-15 million in projects generated in this space."

Due to the success of CoHab the facility relocated last month. After 3.5 years in a repurposed building off Clyde Fant Parkway in downtown Shreveport, it's new home is the Red River District under the Texas Street Bridge.

"The new space allowed us to push the reset button," Grindley said. "We're more sustainable and we're in a district that needs to be redeveloped."

"We proved the experiment works.

For three and a half years, we didn't know if coworking would pan out in Shreveport-Bossier, but it did and we knew we needed a permanent home.

The Red River District is an area that needed to be redeveloped, redefined, and repurposed from a night

club/restaurant area to a more familyfriendly environment."

And others are showing their faith in CoHab's move in big ways.

A Kickstarter campaign — a website that allows organizations to promote a project and then collect donations for said project — raised $20,000 for the new CoHab Kitchen Incubator that will be housed in its new home.

"Imagine what we do out there for small businesses, but in here for culinary entrepreneurs. It lowers the bar — you have an idea for a catering business, now instead of investing thousands of dollars on a whim, you can test it out here," said Grindley.

And just after CoHab moved to its new location, Shreveport’s Downtown Development Authority and the Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation each donated $25,000 to help CoHab finish the renovation of its new spot.

“We believe in CoHab’s mission as much now as we did initially,” says Liz Swaine, Executive Director of the DDA/DSDC. “The DDA has now contributed more than $200,000 to help create a space for entrepreneurs and small businesses to thrive and grow. We are especially excited about the youth and energy CoHab brings to downtown.’’

October 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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(ARD WORK )NTEGRITY &AIRNESS

5 , #OLEMAN #OMPANIES MISSION ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT HAS ALWAYS EMBRACED THE VALUES OF TRUST LEADERSHIP

INGENUITY AND PERFORMANCE 4HESE VALUES HAVE BEEN WOVEN INTO OUR

PROPERTIES AND REAL ESTATE SERVICES SINCE

7E CELEBRATE FOUR DECADES OF RESPONSIBLY SERVING 3HREVEPORT "OSSIER

#ITY &OUNDED BY CURRENT #%/ ,INC #OLEMAN THE COMPANIES HAVE BEEN UNWAVERING IN THEIR STEWARDSHIP OF CREATING THE MOST DESIRABLE

PLACES TO LIVE WORK AND PLAY ACROSS THE REGION #OATES "LUFF AT 7RIGHT )SLAND IS THE LATEST EXAMPLE OF OUR COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION AND

SUSTAINABILITY IN MULTI FAMILY DEVELOPMENT 5 , #OLEMAN #OMPANIES

THANKS ITS VALUED CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO OUR SUCCESS AND

LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THEM IN THE FUTURE

WWW ULCOLEMAN COM

16 Biz. Magazine • October 2013

:FBˌ PG &YDFMMFODF

Cover Story The “C” Class Agency Alliance For Eduction Inc American Rose Society Animal Welfare Inc Arc Of Caddo-Bossier Foundation Barksdale Forward Inc Biomedical Research Foundation Of NWLA Bossier Arts Council Bossier Council On The Aging Inc BPCC Foundation Inc Caddo Career & Technology Center Foundation Caddo Council On Aging Christus Schumpert Health System Foundation Cohabitat Foundation Community Foundation Of North Louisiana Cyber Assurance And Defense Center Inc Cyberspace Innovation Center Incoporated David Raines Community Health Center Inc David Toms Charitable Foundation Friends Of The Barnwell Center Friends Of The Bossier Library Friends Of The Municipal Auditorium Inc Gingerbread House Greater Shreveport Eco. Dev. Foundation Inc Habitat For Humanity International Inc Hal Sutton Foundation Inc House For Hope Inc Independence Bowl Foundation Inner City Entrepreneur Institute James Burton Foundation Junior Achievement Of North Louisiana Inc Junior League Of Shreveport Inc Keep Bossier Beautiful Lifeshare Blood Centers Little Theatre Of Shreveport Louisiana Assn For The Blind Inc LSU Health Sciences Foundation In Shreveport LSU In Shreveport Foundation Inc LSU Shreveport Alumni Association North Louisiana Economic Partnership Inc Northwest Louisiana Community Dev. Corp.

Northwest Louisiana Food Bank Northwest Louisiana Master Gardener Assoc.

Northwest Louisiana War Veterans Fund Inc Pet Savers Inc Providence House Red River Film Society Inc Red River Revel Arts Festival Renesting Project Inc River Bend Rotary Foundation Inc River City Repertory Theatre Rotary Club Of Shreveport Foundation Sci-Port Discovery Center Sci-Port Foundation Shreveport Bar Foundation Pro Bono Project Shreveport Bossier Supports Barksdale Shreveport Green Shreveport Little Theatre Guild Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet Shreveport Multicultural Center Inc Shreveport Opera Shreveport Regional Arts Council Shreveport Symphony Guild Inc Shreveport Symphony Orchestra Foundation Shreveport-Bossier Mayors Prayer Breakfast Inc Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission Southern University At Shreveport Foundation Strategic Action Council Of NWLA Inc The Center For Families Inc The Philadelphia Center The Strand Theatre Theatre Of The Performing Arts Of Shreveport Think First Of Ark-La-Tex Inc United Way Of Northwest Louisiana Volunteers For Youth Justice Volunteers Of America Inc YMCA Of Northwest Louisiana

The Following is a list of some 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the Shreveport-Bossier area.

Address

City/State/Zip

820 Jordan St Ste 485 PO Box 4492 PO Box 4797 351 Jordan St PO Box 625 1505 Kings Hwy 630 Barksdale Blvd 706 Bearkat Dr 6220 E Texas St 5950 Union Ave 1700 Buckner St 1 Saint Mary Pl 610 Commerce St 401 Edwards St Ste 105 6300 E Texas Street Suite 100 6300 E Texas St Ste 100 3041 Dr Martin Luther King Dr 1545 E 70th St Ste 201 601 Clyde Fant Pkwy 2206 Beckett St 705 Elvis Presley Ave 1700 Buckner St Ste 101 400 Edwards St 106 E Kings Hwy Ste 106 212 Texas St Ste 117 2038 East 7oth Street PO Box 1723 820 Jordan St Ste 315 714 Elvis Presley Ave 3825 Gilbert Dr 2601 Line Avenue 707 Barksdale Blvd 8910 Linwood Ave PO Box 4853 1750 Claiborne Ave 1501 Kings Highway Box 105 1 University Pl 1 University Pl 415 Texas St Ste 320 4725 Greenwood Rd Ste 36 2307 Texas Ave 3101 Fairfield Ave 4300 Old Brownlee Rd 632 Dudley Dr 814 Cotton St 617 Texas St 101 Crockett St Ste C 587 Northpark Ct 8585 Business Park Dr 2829 Youree Drive PO Box 380 820 Clyde Fant Pkwy 820 Clyde Fant Pkwy 625 Texas St PO Box 5541 3625 Southern Ave No 210 2900 Wheeless Ave PO Box 78564 PO Box 305 212 Texas St Ste 101 400 Clyde Fant Pkwy 3112 Alexander Ave PO Box 205 PO Box 1607 901 Mcneil St 610 Texas St Ste 400 PO Box 1910 864 Olive St 2020 Centenary Blvd PO Box 1547 PO Box 37404 960 Sheridan Ave Suite A 402 Edwards St 900 Jordan St Suite 102 360 Jordan St 400 Mcneil St

Shreveport, La 71101-4533 Shreveport, La. 71134-0492 Shreveport, La. 71134-0797 Shreveport, La. 71101-4846 Shreveport, La. 71162-0625 Shreveport, La. 71103-4228 Bossier City, La. 71111-4412 Bossier City, La. 71111-4566 Bossier City, La. 71111-6922 Shreveport, La. 71108-3928 Shreveport, La. 71101-4452 Shreveport, La. 71101-4343 Shreveport, La. 71101-3629 Shreveport, La. 71101-5508 Bossier City, La. 71111-6924 Bossier City, La. 71111-6924 Shreveport, La. 71107-4705 Shreveport, La. 71105-5051 Shreveport, La. 71101-3207 Bossier City, La. 71111-3730 Shreveport, La. 71101-3405 Shreveport, La. 71101-4452 Shreveport, La. 71101-6134 Shreveport, La. 71104-3426 Shreveport, La. 71101-3250 Shreveport, La. 71105-0000 Shreveport, La. 71166-1723 Shreveport, La. 71101-4512 Shreveport, La. 71101-3406 Shreveport, La. 71104-5000 Shreveport, La. 71104-3045 Bossier City, La. 71111-4501 Shreveport, La. 71106-6508 Shreveport, La. 71134-0853 Shreveport, La. 71103-4119 Shreveport, La. 71103-4228 Shreveport, La. 71115-2301 Shreveport, La. 71115-2301 Shreveport, La. 71101-3540 Shreveport, La. 71109-5617 Shreveport, La. 71103-3621 Shreveport, La. 71104-4137 Bossier City, La. 71111-5111 Shreveport, La. 71104-4916 Shreveport, La. 71101-3404 Shreveport, La. 71101-3511 Shreveport, La. 71101-3781 Bossier City, La. 71111-2263 Shreveport, La. 71105-5655 Shreveport, La. 71104-3659 Shreveport, La. 71162-0380 Shreveport, La. 71101-3667 Shreveport, La. 71101-3667 Shreveport, La. 71101-3511 Shreveport, La. 71135-5541 Shreveport, La. 71104-4123 Shreveport, La. 71104-3318 Shreveport, La. 71137-8564 Shreveport, La. 71162-0305 Shreveport, La. 71101-3249 Shreveport, La. 71101-3306 Shreveport, La. 71104-4616 Shreveport, La. 71162-0205 Shreveport, La. 71165-1607 Shreveport, La. 71101-3723 Shreveport, La. 71101-3535 Shreveport, La. 71166-1910 Shreveport, La. 71104-2159 Shreveport, La. 71104-2437 Shreveport, La. 71165-1547 Shreveport, La. 71133-7404 Shreveport, La. 71104-2106 Shreveport, La. 71101-3107 Shreveport, La. 71101-4310 Shreveport, La. 71101-4847 Shreveport, La. 71101-3010

This list is merely an example of some of the 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the area.

More nonprofits may be found at: http://www.melissadata.com/

October 2013 • Biz. Magazine

17

On the Economic Development Front

S

The Caravan is Coming ince the Great Recession, economic development tops the list of most everyone’s concerns. Ensuring a thriving economy with varied job opportunitiesnot just for us but for future generations- remains a critical issue for our region, our state, and our nation. North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) is partnering with the Bossier Chamber of Commerce to present the “NLEP Regional Caravan,� on Thursday, October 10th from 11:30am-1:00pm at the Bossier Civic Center, 620 Benton Rd., Bossier City, LA 71111. The Regional Caravan will focus on economic development for our communities and highlight economic development assets and programs in Bossier, La.

Scott Martinez President, NLEP He is the President of North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP), a publicprivate partnership dedicated to promoting economic development in North Louisiana. Send comments to feedback@nlep.org.

The NLEP Regional Caravan travels throughout the 14 parishes of North Louisiana that we serve in order to reach out to elected, business and community leaders to discuss the economic progress of the region. Speakers at the Bossier event include Mayor Lo Walker, City of Bossier City; Scott Martinez, NLEP President; Lisa Johnson, Bossier Chamber of Commerce President; GB Cazes, Vice President, Cyber Innovation Center; Chancellor Jim Henderson,

NLEP event geared to update locals on economic development progress in the region

Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC), along with representatives from the Bossier Parish Police Jury and Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation.

The speakers will update attendees on the regional economy, economic development trends and recent announcements. The Cyber Innovation Center will speak about fostering a knowledge-based economy and eorts to promote more STEM education. BPCC will provide information on their economic development training programs, including an update on the new $22 million BPCC Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology.

Additionally, companies can learn about free programs and services that can help their business grow. Qualifying businesses can take advantage of state tax rebates or credits for creating jobs or participate in the Louisiana Economic Gardening program which provides technical assistance.

North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) is a public-private partnership dedicated to the positive and sustainable economic development of the 14 parishes it serves in North

Louisiana. The NLEP and its many partners work with both existing and prospective companies to facilitate the attraction and retention of capital investment and meaningful job opportunities in our region.

NLEP acts as a â€œďŹ rst stop shopâ€? for companies considering locating or expanding in North Louisiana. Our services include, but are not limited to, facilitating information gathering, planning and scheduling site visits, conducting an initial real estate search, engaging various partners for support, providing advice and advocacy on federal, state and local incentives, and assisting with workforce marketing and recruitment.

The NLEP Regional Caravan is sponsored by the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, Citizens National Bank, Cook Yancey Law Corp, Hill Oil, Southern Strategy Group, BIZ Magazine, and Ward II Industrial District. Please RSVP Diane Rasberry at 318-677-2557 or email drasberry@nlep.org.

Looking for something FUN to do?

The 2 nd Annual Louisiana Film Prize

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4HISĂ?CONTESTĂ?ANDĂ?FESTIVALĂ?INVITESĂ?lLMMAKERSĂ?FROMĂ? all over the world to create and present a short lLMĂ?UNDERĂ?ONEĂ?CONDITIONĂ?nĂ?ITĂ?MUSTĂ?BEĂ?SHOTĂ?INĂ?THEĂ?

Shreveport-Bossier area. The grand prize of $50,000 is one of the world’s largest cash prizes for a short lLM �&ESTIVALGOERS�CAN�EXPECT�A�BUSY�WEEKEND�OF� lLM�SCREENINGS �PANEL�DISCUSSIONS �PARTIES�AND�MORE �

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Red River Revel

MSPS New Music Festival

/CT � �s�&ESTIVAL�0LAZA �3HREVEPORT The largest outdoor arts festival in north Louisiana, attracts more than 180,000 people. The Revel will bring over 100 visual artists from throughout the country. The children’s area will offer art projects, face painting, a mock geological dig, and many more activities. Music, dance, and various performing artists will perform on three outdoor stages. www.redriverrevel.com

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The festival explores experimental tendencies, legacies, and new directions in music and art with origins, roots, or associations to the American south! On Oct. 11 the event is at the Shreveport Common Arts District and is free to the public. The Oct. 12 event, which cost $20, takes place in the Shreveport Waterworks Museum, 142 N. Common St., Shreveport. 7pm -11pm. www.mspsnmf.com

brew

3 rd Annual Herby- K's Block Party and Benefit

State Fair of Louisiana

3AT �/CT � �s�&ESTIVAL�0LAZA �3HREVEPORT Octoberfest...Louisiana style! Drink, eat, drink some more and dance to live music. Sample over 100 varieties of beer, enjoy live music by Blackwater Bride, college football games on big screen TVs, and food from some of Shreveport’s lNEST�RESTAURANTS �4ICKETS�ON�SALE�NOW�AT�WWW shreveportbrew.com. Only 1600 tickets will be sold. www.shreveportbrew.com

/CT � �s�(ERBY + S �3HREVEPORT This afternoon festival will include live music by Buggaboo and Bayou Gypsy as well as a bouncy HOUSE �FACE�PAINTING �BALLOON�ARTISTS �A�RAFmE�AND � of course, a huge spread of great cajun and creole food from Herby-K’s. Admission is $25. Kids ages 10 and under are admitted free. Food is included in the price of admission. Beer will be available. www.facebook.com/pages/Herby-Ks/111273608906824

/CT Ă? Ă? Ă?.OV Ă? Ă?sĂ?3TATEĂ?&AIRĂ?'ROUNDS Family fun, food, entertainment, livestock shows and much more. Attractions include Circus Hollywood, the exotic Ultimate Safari, Dallas the Fire Guy and The Clown of Many Faces, livestock shows and educational agricultural exhibits. New this year, Penguins of the Arctic High Dive Show, Live Shark Show and The Tree of Life, just to name AĂ?FEW Ă?WWW STATEFAIROmOUISIANA COM

ShreveportBossierFUnguide.com 18 Biz. Magazine • October 2013

chimp haven's 2 nd annual Fall Harvest Festival

3AT Ă?/CT Ă? Ă?sĂ?#HIMPĂ?(AVEN Free and open to the public, Chimpanzee Discovery Days is an entertaining and educational event for the entire family! Visitors to Chimp Haven will have the chance to observe the chimpanzees in their natural, forested habitats; talk to staff about their personalities and natural behavior; and discover the wonders hidden on the nature trail. www.chimphaven.org/support/events

Artscare &RI Ă?/CT Ă? Ă?sĂ?!RTSPACE Ă?3HREVEPORT Join us for the “BESTâ€? Halloween party in town!

Hundreds of guests attend, fully costumed, for an evening of dancing, dining and fun!! You must be 21 years old to attend. This is artspace’s annual friend-raiser. So plan to attend and show your spooky support. Located at 710 Texas Street, Shreveport. 318-673-6535. www.artspaceshreveport.com

Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, 629 Spring St., Shreveport, LA, 800-551-8682

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October 2013 • Biz. Magazine

19

NWLA Tourism

STORY BY Chris Jay

PHOTOS BY Casey Jones

It Is FESTIVAL Season

F

Shreveport-Bossier is the place for Fall activities

all is one of the busiest seasons for festivals in Shreveport-Bossier. Anchored by major events like the Red River Revel Arts Festival, the fall festival season has grown to include a surprising variety of unique cultural festivals and annual events.

The 38th Annual Red River Revel Arts Festival, scheduled for Oct. 5-12 in downtown Shreveport’s Festival Plaza, will include headlining performances by such legendary music acts as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Blind Boys of Alabama. In addition to an eclectic slate of live music offerings, this year’s Revel will include a performance by the world-renowned Dallas Black Dance Theatre as well as a massive, walk-in sculpture known as the ExxopolisLuminarium. For a complete list of entertainment, food and art available at the Revel, visit www.redriverrevel.com.

The 2nd Annual DigiFest South, Sept. 2021, will feature two days of exhibits, presentations, live music and more, all of which are designed to encourage a better appreciation

20 Biz. Magazine • October 2013

of the role played by the digital arts in today’s society. While last year’s DigiFest took place entirely in Bossier City, the 2013 event will include events in Shreveport as well as Bossier City. The largest component of DigiFest South is the digital media expo and digital art exhibit, which will be held, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days, at the Bossier Civic Center.Tickets are $5 and include admission into the main floor of DigiFest South as well as the festival’s satellite locations.More information is available at www.digifestsouth.com.

Also turning two, and taking place during the same weekend as DigiFest South, Bossier City’s Phenom Film Festival features four days of film screenings, red carpet events and more, Sept. 19-22. The festival includes screenings and events in three locations: East Bank Theater, Bossier Civic Center and the Courtyard ByMarriott Louisiana Boardwalk hotel. Phenom Film Festival’s ambitiously-programmed film selection includes a huge selection of short films from across the globe, as well as foreign language features, documentary films and more. More information is avail-

able atwww.phenomfilmfest.org.

Several other upcoming festivals have recently made big announcements. The McNeil Street Pumping Station New Music Festival, an electronic music festival held on the grounds of downtown Shreveport’s historic steampowered waterworks at 142 N. Common Street, will take place on Oct. 11-12. The Texas Avenue Makers Fair, a non-traditional arts and crafts fair, will partner with the Shreveport Regional Arts Council for their Nov. 9 event, which is expected to showcase nearly 200 arts and crafts vendors in the 800 block of historic Texas Avenue in downtown Shreveport. The Highland Jazz and Blues Festival recently announced that New Orleans’ “Queen of Soul” Irma Thomas will be headlining the festival’s tenth annual event on Saturday, Nov. 16 in Shreveport’s Columbia Park.

These are only a few of more than 30 festivals and annual events taking place this Fall in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. For a complete list of upcoming festivals and events taking place in Shreveport-Bossier, visit www.sbfunguide.com.

Musicians and performers headline the Red River Revel Arts Festival, set to rock downtown Shreveport Oct. 5-12. Performances this year include legendary music acts like the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Blind Boys of Alabama.

The Red River Revel Arts Festival, known as the largest outdoor arts festival in North Louisiana, celebrates artistic creations from around the country and also serves as a venue to well their work.

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October 2013 • Biz. Magazine

21

SALES REP WANTED

From the Bossier Chamber

northeast louisiana The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) has an employment opportunity for an experienced sales professional in the Shreveport/Bossier City area.

This full-time position is responsible for selling LRA memberships and self-insured workers’ compensation insurance in northwest Louisiana; this includes working the entire sales process from lead generation to closing.

It will also support chapter fundraising and association awareness activities as needed. Compensation for this position is comprised of a base salary plus commissions; our benefits include health insurance, life insurance and 401(k).

To be considered for this position, candidates must have at least 4 years of direct sales experience with a proven track record of attaining sales goals; a college degree or equivalent work experience; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; and a strong understanding of customer and market dynamics. Experience selling Commercial Insurance is a plus, but not required.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer looking to grow our presence in this area of Louisiana. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and their resumé to hr@lra.org.

Filling in the Gaps

T

Philanthropy often needed to help fund higher education efforts

he financial reality has changed dramatically for colleges and universities over the past five years. State funding for higher education has dropped precipitously in Louisiana and most other states. While the reduction has been replaced in part by increased tuition, there is a limit to the amount of financial burden our students can carry. Philanthropy will have to become a growing part of the resource mix in the future. Support from donors who recognize the value schools bring to the community will be increasingly vital.

For nearly 50 years, Bossier Parish Community College has provided access to quality post-secondary education for our community. By creating programs aligned with career opportunities and employer demands in our regional economy, we have experienced unprecedented growth.

In the last four years, our enrollment has grown by over 80% and the number of graduates we produce annually has nearly doubled. During this same time period, we have transitioned from a reliance predominantly on state funding to a model where the state now provides just 25% of our resources. The remainder comes from students and employers in the form of tuition, and from the generous philanthropic support of the Bossier Parish Community College Foundation.

The BPCC Foundation supports a variety of efforts at BPCC including: student scholarships, cultural enrichment, school enhancement, faculty and staff development, and endowments and investments for the long-term support of the College. Last year alone, the Foundation provided scholarships to 81 students who otherwise could not have attended college.

Foundation resources come from a variety of places. The Foundation’s Annual Drive is supported by the generosity of a wide array of stakeholders, including BPCC’s own faculty and staff. The annual BPCC100 event brings thousands of community members to campus to watch employer partners compete in “high-speed” racing. This year’s event raised $55,000 dollars to fund student scholarships. Finally, a number of corporate partners have contributed substantial amounts for sector specific projects at the College.

It’s like receiving a business book each month.

Don’t Miss a Single Issue!

Jim Henderson Bossier Parish Community College BPCC Chancellor Jim Henderson is Chairman-Elect for the Bossier Chamber of Commerce.

22 Biz. Magazine • October 2013

Spurred by the passage of Act 360 (Adley), a bill that provides $18.5 million for a STEM building at BPCC but requires a $2.25 million local match, the BPCC Foundation has begun a feasibility study for a capital campaign, the first of its kind for the College. In addition to the capital project, the campaign will seek to address the needs of students and employers by funding increased access to scholarships and enhanced student success efforts, and ensuring world class instructional excellence through faculty development and retention initiatives. At BPCC, we LOVE what the future holds. We are confident that our efforts to become the preeminent consumer-driven college in the nation, with the support of the BPCC Foundation, will be viewed as a worthy investment by our community.

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October 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ Biz. Magazine

23

Special Section - Produced in Partnership with the Bossier Chamber of Commerce

2CVTKQV #YCTFU Each year the Bossier Chamber is honored to host the Annual Patriot Awards in recognition of the many brave men and women who serve our community and our nation. Individuals from local fire, law enforcement, emergency services and military units are nominated by their peers to be recognized as top performers in some of most demanding jobs. This year we heard a message of hope following tragedy from Dr. Ray Castle, an athletic training program director and associate professor, with LSU who was a first responder at the Boston Marathon bombings last year. Dr. Castle shared the struggles and victories that first responders endure after they provide frontline support and he helped to recognize the courageous men and women that serve locally in and around our community.

The 2013 Patriot Award winners include :

Fred McAnn-Bossier Parish 911 Communications Matthew C Bragg-Bossier City Police Dept.

Bruce Bletz-%RVVLHU 6KHULII¶V 2IILFH Guest Speaker-Ray Castle TSgt Keyne J Mosley-307th Maintenance Squadron Major Jason Dymond-96 Bomb Squadron - 2BW Melvin Singleton-Bossier City Fire Dept.

Pictured above are the 2013 Patriot Award Winners with our special guest speaker, Ray Castle (centered).

To the left are our honorary patriot award recipients, Col (ret) Steve dePyssler, USAF, and Chief Dallas Greene, Shreveport Fire Dept.

$QUUKGT %JCODGT 5RGEKCN 'XGPVU TLA/Business After Hours Thank you to our third quarter hosts: Buffalo Wild Wings, Home Federal Bank, Virginia &ROOHJH DQG &LWL]HQ¶V 1DWLRQDO %DQN New Teacher Luncheon This summer the Bossier Chamber and our title sponsor Barksdale Federal Credit Union hosted a luncheon at Bella Amore Ballroom for the incoming educators in the Bossier parish school system to show them our support as they enter into a new school year. The event was again a great success, thank you to all our new teachers who turned out and congratulations to the ten lucky winners who received cash prizes to put toward their classrooms from Bossier Federal Credit Union.

1EVQDGT %GNGDTCVGU $CTMUFCNG The month of October is synonymous with Celebrate Barksdale. This is the time of year when we honor our local military men and women serving at Barksdale Air Force Base and show them how much our community truly appreciates them. Among the many opportunities to show our appreciation are several events that our members love to participate in. Starting off the month is the Celebrate Barksdale Reception; an exclusive, sponsor-only event recognizing senior leaders at Barksdale. A base-wide picnic held in the first half of the month is an opportunity for volunteers to come serve lunch to the Airmen and their families. Then mid-month, we will be showing appreciation to the Airmen at the Members & Military Bowling Tournament. Businesses enjoy sponsoring a team of well-deserving Airmen to get an afternoon of bowling and fun at Holiday Lanes. For more information on how you can get involved with military support programs, contact Monique Roux at monique@bossierchamber.com.

24 Biz. Magazine • October 2013

The offfi ficials regarding The Bo Bossier ssier Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce along along with with area area partners partners converged converged on on Washington Washington DC to meet meet with with officials regarding QXPHURXV EXVLQHVV LVVXHV 7KHUH ZHUH VHYHUDO WRSLFV WKDW ZHUH QHZ WR WKLV \HDUÂśV IO\-in QXPHURXV EXVLQHVV LVVXHV 7KHUH ZHUH VHYHUDO WRSLFV WKDW ZHUH QHZ WR WKLV \HDUÂśV IO\-in including; including; Internet Internet Taxation, Taxation, Chinese Chinese Dumping Dumping and and Local Airport Airport concerns. concerns. Additionally, Additionally, needs Force Base Base continue continue to be a top top needs for Barksdale Barksdale Air Air Force priority, priority, as well well as, as, Healthcare Healthcare and and Tax Tax Reform.

Reform.

Members Members of of the the Bossier Bossier Ch Chamber amber Fly-In Fly-In received received briefings briefings from Harencak, Assistant Assistant Chief Chief of of Staff Staff for Strategic Strategic from Maj. Maj. Gen. Gen. Garrett Garrett Harencak, Deterrence Deterrence an and d Nu Nuclear clear In Integration, tegration, H Headquarters eadquarters U U.S. the Northup Northup Grumman Grumman .S. Air Air Force; Force; officials officials from from the Headquarters; Headquarters; officials officials from from the the US Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce and and former former Congressman Congressman Jim Jim McCrery, McCrery, National National Steering Steering Committee Committee of of the the Campaign Campaign to Fix Fix the the Debt.

Debt.

The on The Bossier Bossier Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce advocates advocates o n behalf behalf its business business members annually members an nually through through various various fly-ins fly-ins to to Washington Washington DC, DC, personal personal visits, visits, letter letter writing writing and and conference conference calls. calls. For For more more information information or or assistance assistance on on Government Advocacy through Chamber Government Advo cacy th rough the the Bossier Bossier Ch amber of of Commerce, Commerce, contact contact Ashley Ashley Busada, Government Relations.

Busada, Director Director of of G overnment R elations.

Pictured right: Louisiana Pictured to the the righ t: Bossier Bossier Chamber Chamber Northwest Northwest Lou isiana Delegation Delegation met met with with Janet Janet F. Ka the US US Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce to receive receive updates updates on on the the Kavinoky vinok oky y with with the agenda. Pictured Pictured left left to right right are are Lindy Lindy Broderick, Broderick, Shreveport Shreveport national national transportation transportation agenda.

USA, Murray Murray Viser, Viser, Barksdale Barksdale Lauren Roberts, Roberts, ValveWorks ValveWorks USA, Chamber Chamber of of Commerce, Commerce, Lauren evelopment F oundation, Ashley Ashley Rocket, Grea ter Bo ssier E conomic D Forward, Rocky Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation, Forward, Ro R ock cky y Rocket, of Commerce Commerce and and Janet Janet F. Kavinoky, Busada, Bu sada, Bossier Bossier Chamber Chamber of Kavinoky, VP, VP, Americans Americans for for Coalition.

T ransportation Mobility Mobility Coalition.

Transportation

Special Section - Produced in Partnership with the Bossier Chamber of Commerce

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//GODGT 5RQVNKIJV %*4+5675 *GCNVJ 5JTGXGRQTV-$QUUKGT GODGT 5RQVNKIJV %*4+5675 *GCNVJ 5JTGXGRQTV-$QUUKGT F For or more more than than 100 100 years, years, CHRISTUS CHRISTUS Health Health Shreveport-Bossier Shreveport-Bo Bossier has has extended residents of of Northwest Northwest Louisiana Louisiana Âą and and that that ex tended its its healing healing ministry ministry to residents commitment continues. co mmitment co ntinues. We We are are changing changing how how we deliver deliver healthcare healthcare in the the region. region. Fueled Fueled by a $55 $55 million million investment, investment, we we are expanding expanding at CHRISTUS CHRISTUS Highland Highland Medical Medical Center, Center, adding adding outpatient outpatient services services and and primary primary care to Bossier and Bossier an d other other growing growing areas areas of of the the community community and and working working a multi-year multi-year plan plan to repurpose repurpose the the CHRISTUS CHRISTUS Schumpert Schumpert campus campus near near downtown do wntown Shreveport.

Shreveport.

Construction Con struction of of the the new new space space at Highland Highland will will be complete complete within within 24months 2 4months and and includes includes a new new Cancer Cancer Treatment Treatment Center, Center, neonatal neonatal intensive intensive unit care u nit (NICU), (NICU), inpatient inpatient rehabilitation rehabilitation unit unit and and expansion expansion of of The The Birth Place. locations forr the Wound ound and and Breast Care Care Centers Centers are also also Plac e. New New locatio ns fo the W being built, built, these these services servi ser vices will planned. planned. While While facilities facilities are are being will continue continue to be CHRISTUS Schumpert.

Schumpert. provided provided in their their current current location location at CHRISTUS our plans plans for for Bossier Bossier and and new new ambulatory We W e look look forward forward to sharing sharing our ambulatory care care remain committed committed to our centers throughout our community cen ters th roughout o ur co mmunity as we remain our mission mission of Jesus Jesus Christ Christ through through excellent, off extending o extending the the healing healing ministry ministry of excellent, personalized health care.. per sonalized h ealth care

October 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ Biz. Magazine

25

Special Section - Produced in Partnership with the Bossier Chamber of Com-

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Dave Says — On Business

Business Q&A Silent partners aren’t silent

Dear Dave, Should a new small business that’s still growing seek out investors?

D.G. Dear D.G., I would not advise a small business to seek out investors—period.

My advice is to grow small businesses with organic cash, meaning you earn the money with which you’ll grow. It may mean you grow slower, and it might mean you turn down some “big deals” you thought were going to be the biggest and best things of your life. You know what? That’s okay. I’ve turned down deals like that over the years, and I’m firmly convinced it’s better to be the tortoise than the hare.

When you sell a piece of your ownership to people who are looking for a return instead of caring about your dream, you’re creating the potential for a serious mess. A lot of times they’ll seem like silent partners, which I think is an oxymoron in small business. Most of these people can’t keep silent because they’ve put money into your deal. They’re all going to have different ideas and opinions, and there’s a good chance these are going to clash with the vision you have for your company.

Cash flow your growth, D.G. Cash flow your equipment purchases and the markets you enter, also. Does this mean you might miss an opportunity? Sure, it does. It also means you’ll be missing opportunities to fail. Too much success too soon is the second biggest reason small businesses shut down.

When you grow too quickly, you run the risk of outgrowing your human resources, your financial resources and your infrastructure. Do what you can to ensure that growth is steady, but play it smart. Don’t grow so fast that you crack the foundation of the company!

—Dave

The business-starting baby step Dear Dave, I’m following your plan for my personal finances, but I’d also like to open my own pizza place. How do you know when it’s the right time to start a business when you’re walking through the Baby Steps?

Patrick Dear Patrick, The time can be anytime, depending on what you plan on spending. The more money it will take to get your business started, the later in the Baby Steps it will fall. If you’re going to start a new business tomorrow, and it will cost you $50 but you can make $500, you can start during Baby Step 1. You have a different situation, though, if it will take $5,000 to get it off the ground. If you need $50,000, that’s a whole new ballgame.

You said you want to open a pizza place.

That’s an expensive venture. In my mind, it would come well after Baby Step 3, which means you’re completely out of debt, except for your home, and you have an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses in place. Then, I’d ask myself if there was a way to start small. Is there some way to become a pizza caterer before jumping into the full-blown investment that goes along with a sit-down restaurant?

You’ll have several elements to consider in this type of business. Two of these are location and the quality of the pizza. You can have great pizza and a lousy location and go out of business just like you can have a fabulous location with lousy pizza and go Dave Ramsey out of business.

Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted These are just two variables, and I’d hate to voice on money and business. He’s ausee either one kill your business before you thored four New York Times best-sellstarted. My advice is to take it slow and find ing books: Financial Peace, More Than an idea that will allow you to work your way Enough, The Total Money Makeover up to owning a pizza restaurant. Opening and EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramand maintaining a successful business is a sey Show is heard by more than 6 miltough thing, and you want every advantage lion listeners each week on more than you can get!

500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

—Dave October 2013 • Biz. Magazine

27

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Downtown Development

A Nonprofit that means business

F

Downtown Shreveport Development corporation responsible for revitalizing many ‘new’ landmarks ew people realize that one of the most popular businesses in downtown Shreveport is the result of the efforts of the Downtown Development Authority and a non-profit organization called the Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation, or DSDC. In 2001, DSDC purchased a blighted building slated for demolition in the middle of the 600 block of downtown’s main street. 617 Texas Street was losing its roof and was becoming a danger to the buildings on either side of it.

When it appeared the historic building, the early 1900s home to the Winter’s Department Store, was going to the ground, DSDC stepped in and purchased, stabilized and restored it. 617 Texas is now the home of the very popular Robinson Film Center and Abby Singer’s Bistro. This is but one example of DSDC’s Preserving Our Heritage One Building At A Time campaign and the Downtown Development Authority’s commitment to furthering the arts as an industry in downtown Shreveport.

The two together are also responsible for the conversion of a vacant former furniture store in the 700 block of Texas Street into artspace, a space used for the exhibition, promotion and teaching of art, “a miraculous place” where, according to Artistic Director William Joyce, “ anything can happen.”

A DSDC partnership with Historic Restoration, Inc. (HRI) of New Orleans led to the conversion of United Jewelers and Lee Hardware into loft apartments downtown. DSDC/DDA also saw the potential in a creative shared workspace – CoHabitat Shreveport - and provided funding to help the non-profit open at its Commerce Street location.

More recently, both DDA and DSDC assisted CoHabitat in its move to the Red River District, a location that offers space for entrepreneurs that includes a commercial kitchen. DSDC works to stimulate the revitalization of downtown Shreveport through initiatives that enhance business growth such as a low-interest revolving loan fund and a façade matching grant fund. More than 40 of these grants and loans have been successfully awarded creating opportunities for businesses ranging from a construction company to an art gallery.

New for 2013 is Develop Downtown Historic Restoration Grants, a fund available for building stabilization and soft costs such as architectural and engineering made possible by a grant from The Community Foundation of North Louisiana.

DSDC’s downtown plate is full with historic revitalization, parking development and management opportunities, residential development and the hundred other issues involved in making downtown fun, safe, livable and open for business.

Want to help restore a historic building, invest in a creative business; participate in new opportunities? Donations to DSDC can be tailored to the downtown initiatives you find the most important. More on DSDC can be found at: www.downtownshreveport.com

Liz Swaine

Downtown Development Authority Executive Director

October 2013 • Biz. Magazine

29

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30 Biz. Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ October 2013

Lunch Break

More than One Way to Stuff a Shrimp

I

Eddie’s Offers A Uniquely Stuffed Shrimp Option

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.

should probably preface this column by acknowledging that I have a bit of an obsession with Shreveport-style stuffed shrimp. I say “Shreveport-style” because I genuinely believe that this particular kind of stuffed shrimp is a Shreveport thing; more specifically, I believe the recipe originated in the kitchen of the Freeman & Harris Cafe. When it closed, Freeman & Harris Cafe may have been the oldest continually-operated, black-owned restaurant in the United States. That fact gives these stuffed shrimp historical significance, as possibly the oldest surviving menu item from a historically significant black-owned restaurant.

All of this is to say that, to me, these are more than shrimp. They’re history on a plate. Delicious,

Eddie’s Restaurant says they’re serving the original recipe of Freeman & Harris Cafe stuffed shrimp.

delicious history.

When Eddie’s Restaurant, 1956 Hollywood Avenue, recently re-opened after five years of closure, the Shreveport Sun ran an article about it in their August 22, 2013 edition. The article stated that “Eddie Hughes, a former chef and manager of the old Freeman & Harris Cafe, was the creator and originator of what is known as ‘stuffed shrimp.’” Earlier this year, I spent about two months looking into the matter of who created the original stuffed shrimp recipe on behalf of Louisiana Kitchen & Culture magazine, and I ended up half-convinced that Willie “Brother” Chapman created the recipe.

genuinely, a little different at each restaurant.

Many prefer those found at Brother’s Seafood (operated by Willie Chapman’s son, the locallybeloved Chef Orlando Chapman) or C&C Cafe (which is operated by a former Pete Harris Cafe cook, Ms. Connie Robinson). The re-opening of Eddie’s Restaurant makes at least three restaurants that claim to be serving the original, correct recipe for Freeman & Harris-style stuffed shrimp.

The plot thickens, and so does my waistline.

The thing about these shrimp is that they are,

October 2013 • Biz. Magazine

31

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