BIZ.Magazine - November 2013

Affordable Care Act

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BIZ Tools

Books, Blogs & More

November 2013

Local Health Care Landscape

CHANGES Spotlight

MONTH of the

Page 31

DELIVERED TO BUSINESS LEADERS THROUGHOUT SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER

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Biz. Magazine • November 2013

The First Word

Don’t Get Your Quotes in a Bind

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Be aware of context when repeating things

ach morning, I open my You Version Bible App and it gives me a “verse of the day.” Recently, the following verse showed up, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,” — Titus 2:11. Reading this one passage could lead one to believe that salvation is something that requires no effort on the part of man to take place. That one is automatically saved by virtue of the grace of God appearing. The problem with that belief is that it is wrong, and this one verse is simply taken out of context. Here is the same quote within its biblical context: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” — Titus 2:11-14 Read in its context, the quote means something completely different. Now we see the grace of God helps us to lead upstanding lives, which requires action on the part of the believer, which is the audience of the letter in the first place.

This “lesson in Hermeneutics” made me stop and think about all the random quotes we find in books, blogs and social media. I can’t help but wonder how often we take the words of others out of context to conform to our own desires and beliefs?

I often tweet and retweet quotes to help encourage and inspire others. However, if I have no personal knowledge of the source, or their works in context, then I am guilty of potentially misquoting them, with their own words.

This happens far too often in political circles. Many times, opposing political candidates and parties will quote each other out of context to discredit the opposition, or solidify their base. It is despicable.

David Specht Jr. President of Specht Newspapers, Inc. Read his blog about leadership at www.DavidASpecht.com

So, before you re-post or retweet that “outlandish” statement, or take everything you read as “gospel,” do a little research on you own and make sure what you are sharing is in context. You might find you are wrong more often than you think.

He may be reached via email at dspecht@bossierpress.com.

November 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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Contents 20

Holiday Hot Deals

Hotels, retail partner for the Holiday Season.

On the Cover

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Between changes locally and new implementations of the Affordable Care Act, Shreveport-Bossier Businesses need to know whats required, what’s available and what’s important.

Starting on Page 14.

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Law of the Land

Businesses, cealth care providers dealing with Afforable Care Act Mandates .

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 8 | ©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 • November 2013

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Don’t Get Your Quotes in A Bind

5

Time for a Checkup

6

A Pep Talk for Sales Leaders

11

May the Blog Be With You

13

Striking a Balance

27

Dave On Small Business

Be aware of context when repeating things

Now is a good time to check the ‘health’ of your team

Be ready for the road ahead. Get your head in the game.

Blogging for business has numerous benefits

Aiding work-life balance increases diversity, stability in workforce

Managing a Cottage industry

Win-Win Powertools

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

Time for a Checkup Now is a good time to check the ‘health’ of your sales team

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or continued sales success, the Sales Doc should always be alert and regularly checking the health of the sales team. The Docs’ positive and empathetic health radar is running constantly. The Doc is observing, listening and ready to check out likely patients, I mean sellers, when the critical conditions come into question.

Just like a medical doctor, the key is early detection, an accurate prognosis, the correct medications (attitude and technique adjustments) and positive coaching.

Let’s take a look at the important sales health conditions that need a regular sales Doc check up.

Energy: This one is easy to observe, Doc. How are they moving up and down the hallway?

Strolling, cruising, sashaying…or moving!

You want sellers who walk with determination while focused on a mission that will take them somewhere and get something accomplished.

Today! Now!

Keep your eyes open Doc and observe. One research project says that body language…especially the facial expression… accounts for 55% of the communication process. Are the shoulders slumped, the eyes staring at the floor, and the hands in a pocket? If it’s less than positive in the building, what is it going to be out on the street?

Tone Additional research on the communication process indicates that when you are on the phone, the Tone importance level moves way up from 38% to over 80%. You CAN hear a smile!

This is where the Doc is listening to tone as well as, if not more than, the words. Are energy, passion and enthusiasm in the air? They’re contagious!

Attitude

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

Consistent prospecting is critical and a quick “health check” with the patient at the calendar will speak for itself.

Face

Be alert to the answers when you inquire…. “What’s up?” or “What’s happening?” If the patient….I mean sales team member… is focused on what they consider to be negative paperwork in the office or unreasonable demands from their clients, you may need to call in the medics. You want your sales team members to focus on “opportunities” and “potential achievements”. The sellers should be encouraged to be open and proactive with their perceived problems and to vent them with you. Are you sending the “open and positive” message to your patients?

Jerry Frentress

Just like a medical doctor, the key is early detection, an accurate prognosis, the correct medications (attitude and technique adjustments) and positive coaching.

Pipeline Is the seller’s pipeline full of movement and opportunity? Every good salesperson has prospects coming down the pipeline.

The “O- T- S”: When you are looking for a seller and the answer is “On the street!” the Doc doesn’t worry that the insidious virus “Call Reluctance” has set in. Sellers are at their best when they are face-to-face with the client or customer and sellers should want to be there. What’s your patient’s schedule today?

Receptive Is the seller open to coaching? Does he or she welcome a positive visit from the Doc? When asked “Can I help?” the patient (seller) should be ready to receive a quick physical that could lead to more sales. Resistance to advice can indicate an unhealthy condition.

Critical: When the patient is receptive and the doctor is a coach, cures are found, adjustments are prescribed and both the Doc and patient enjoy the recovery.

However, when a cancer is uncovered, it becomes critical and surgery becomes the only hope for the TEAM. Time is not on your side. The longer you wait and hope for a cure, the more the cancer will potentially spread to the rest of the sales team. Bad attitudes want to spread the infection to other patients. The wrong person can leave.

Even clients could catch the critical condition. The doctor needs to act quickly to save the team.

What’s the condition of your team’s condition? Is it time for a sales team physical? Ask important questions. Observe and listen. Sales health should be monitored consistently to allow for early preventive medicine and continued sales success.

Here’s wishing you Good Sales Health!

Jerry

November 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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Marketing B-S (Bossier-Shreveport)

A Pep Talk for Sales Leaders

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Be ready for the road ahead. Get your head in the game. Prepare for the battle.

Step up to the plate. Put your best foot forward at all times. Take the lead. ife is not predictable. Both in our personal lives and in the business world, we so often have the best made plans and suddenly, an unplanned or unexpected event occurs and our whole direction is thrown off course.

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 • November 2013

How do you handle these situations? How do you right the ship? We all deal with these sometimes stressful events in different ways. What is the direction of your sales team in these situations? Basically, there are two directions... up or down or depending upon how you look at it....forward or backward. Which direction do you want your team to move? For most of us, the choice is rather obvious....up or forward!

When these events occur, someone has to take the lead. In short, there has to be someone to take charge.....someone to lead the team.

Sales managers, as the leader for your sales team, you have to set the example.... you have to take the lead. Your team members will react ac-

cording to what they hear you say and what they see you do. As I have mentioned before in previous columns, each morning before I leave home, I take a few minutes to stop and pray....ending by asking God to help me at all times during my day to be a positive example to the others in my life (team members, associates, customers, friends and all of the people that I encounter). Lord, help me inspire others by the things they hear me say and the things that they see me do. When tough events occur, help me to deal with them appropriately. In short, help me to set a good example at all times.

As the leader of our sales team, if I do not handle all situations to the best of my ability and keep a calm and cool demeanor no matter how tense the situation, then there is a great risk of panic and chaos on the team. Again, team members both act and react according to the words and actions of their team leader.

True leaders lead at all times. Engage your team members...get them to buy in to your vision. Lead

with a common message, a common vision and a common purpose at all times in all situations both good and bad... and your team members will follow. Like the disciples following Jesus, they believed in the message, they shared the vision, they followed. They were all on the same page for a common purpose....a common mission.

The common mission or common purpose is the glue that holds the team together when times get tough.

As the team leader, don't be afraid to take a risk.

Knock down the locked doors or brick walls in front of you...and go on in.... share the vision....your team members will follow you.

To have a chance for success, of course, you have to have a game plan. Be assured, you will not do everything right 100 percent of the time, but take the lead... take a chance.... step up to the plate!

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November 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?

Do you have the opportunity to do what you do best every day? Chances are, you don't. All too often, our natural talents go untapped. From the cradle to the cubicle, we devote more time to fixing our shortcomings than to developing our strengths.

To help people uncover their talents, Gallup introduced the first version of its online assessment, StrengthsFinder, in 2001, which ignited a global conversation and helped millions to discover their top five talents.

In its latest national bestseller, StrengthsFinder 2.0, Gallup unveils the new and improved version of its popular assessment, language of 34 themes, and much more. While you can read this book in one sitting, you'll use it as a reference for decades.

Loaded with hundreds of strategies for applying your strengths, this new book and accompanying website will change the way you look at yourself--and the world around you--forever.

What are they reading?

Running the Gauntlet, Jeffrey Hayzlett Amy Kinnaird

Good to Great, Jim Collins Jerry Frentress

48 Days to the Work You Love, Dan Miller

21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John C. Maxwell

David Specht Jr.

Sean Green

App of the Month Zite is an intelligent magazine that helps you discover interesting things to read. Your Zite is as unique as you are. Zite learns what you like and gets smarter as you use it. Zite analyzes millions of articles each day and brings you the best of your favorite magazines, newspapers, authors, blogs, and videos.

Zite also helps you to discover content that you won’t find elsewhere. Zite surfaces fresh voices, different perspectives and unique topics. With more than 40,000 topics to choose from, Zite will guide you to new interests when life gets stale - whether you want recipe ideas, the latest political news or to research an obscure interest.

Finally, Zite’s design combines beauty and brains. While Zite is fueled by a powerful discovery engine, we’ve focused on making Zite both clean and simple. You’ll get all the benefit of our powerful technology wrapped in a beautiful design that’s a joy to pick up every day.

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Biz. Magazine • November 2013

More Tools Listen Up Podcast of the Month Andy Stanley’s Leadership Podcast

The Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast is a conversation designed to help leaders go further, faster. Andy Stanley is a pastor, communicator, author, and the founder of North Point Ministries in Alpharetta, Georgia. For additional information, visit andystanley.com.

Worth Following

Blog of the Month Chris LoCurto’s Blog http://chrislocurto.com/ Formerly one of Dave Ramsey’s key leaders over 12 years, Chris served as the Vice President of Live Events. He oversaw The Total Money Makeover LIVE!, a concertlike show on personal finances, helped it grow in attendance from 1,600 to 11,000 per event. His team of event coordinators, marketers, and sales staff more than tripled during that time.

November 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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Uncommon Sense Marketing

May the Blog Be With You

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Blogging for business has numerous benefits for those willing to work it s blogging not even on your radar as a marketing tool? Are you asking, “What role could a blog possibly play in my business?” Maybe you don’t even know what a blog is.

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.

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

A blog (short for web log) is a series of short articles you write on a standalone website or as a page on your business website. A blog usually has a theme and attracts followers who read and comment on your posts.

There are blogs for runners, for crafters, for foodies, and for every business imaginable. There are hundreds of millions of blogs on the internet, and the number grows every day.

So why do you need one for your business?

SEO

Search Engine Optimization. With the magic of Google and Bing, a blog will help your website rankings like nothing else can, short of paying someone a lot of money every month to boost your rankings through paid placement. Consistently adding content to your site through blog posts brings additional website traffic from your readers, which increases SEO.

Expertise

Through your blog posts you will be sharing content and expertise that shows readers how much you know about your topics. If word-of-mouth is one of your biggest referral sources, then this is your opportunity to be put in the Trusted Expert seat. Plus, you’ll be a top-of-mind resource and loyal fans will share your blog posts with their connections on social media.

Build relationships

When you write your blog posts, you can’t help but let some of your personality shine through. Even when writing about business topics, some of your personal attitudes, your speech, your viewpoints and opinions come out loud and clear. This is what keeps people coming back time after time. Your blog will attract like minded people or those who are interested in what you have to say. When readers comment on your blog, they are starting a conversation, and thus the relationship, with you.

If you’re looking for a bigger and better internet presence, then blogging should be on your Must Do list. With improved website rankings and an audience that is learning about you and your business so they already love you when they’re ready to buy, you have everything to gain!

November 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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Daily Business News. Delivered.

The BIZ. Daily Report.

Sign Up at www.nwlabusiness.com 12 Biz. Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ November 2013

Business Development

Striking a Balance

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Aiding work-life balance increases diversity, stability in workforce iversity in the workplace is widely accepted as being part of a healthy company. Varied points of view can bring original ideas and new solutions to old problems. A great example was seen in October’s partisan showdown. Many news outlets credited 20 female Senators with reaching across partisan lines and formulating a reasonable plan.

(The plan was not the one ultimately passed, but it was the one that got both sides talking again.)

One way companies can support a diverse workforce: on-site childcare. A logical reaction to the thought of hosting on-site childcare may be, “My company could never afford that.” But many articles have cited cases of companies saving as much or more in employee absenteeism and turnover costs, by creating a safe and convenient childcare option for employees.

Here are some questions a company should ask before deciding whether or not on-site (or even near-site) care is a good fit: n How many children would be enrolled? (A licensed facility in Louisiana must have at least seven children enrolled.) n How many age groups? n How many within each age group? n Do we have the space? (A minimum of 35 square feet per child for indoor play, not including hallways, bathrooms, storage, food prep, utility closets, etc.) n Does our space need to be renovated? n What would the child/staff ratios be? n What would the hours of operation be? n Will there be food service? n How much of the cost would be covered by the company, and how much by the employee?

Start-up costs will be the biggest investment by the company. The State of Louisiana’s Department of Children and Family Services website has all the fine details about organizing a daycare center (Go to http://dss.louisiana.gov then click on ‘Licensing’ in the menu down the left side of the screen.).

One of the most heart-warming bits of research I read about while looking into this topic: some employees who don’t have children would be willing to contribute part of their wages if it meant on-site childcare for their fellow employees who do have children. Studies showed nonparent employees were willing to contribute $125-$225/year, because they felt like it would be so valuable in terms of morale and productivity of their parent co-workers.

On-site childcare would help retain more women in the workforce, but there are definitely fathers out there who would be relieved to have access to this kind of option as well.

Upcoming events from the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce’s Business Development Connection: This month honor some of our local industry leaders who happen to be ladies at the 21st ATHENA Awards Banquet.

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

21st ATHENA Awards Banquet Thursday, November 7, 2013 Shreveport Convention Center Registration at 11:30am Luncheon 12:00-1:00pm Tickets: $35 Register with Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce (318) 677-2500 or Bossier Chamber (318) 746-0252.

November 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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Cover Story Health Care in Shreveport-Bossier

Rolling with the Changes CHRISTUS Schumpert, LSU-Health Shreveport, part of ever-changing health care landscape

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"To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often."

— Winston Churchill t's a fact that many people do not like change, but as the above quote illustrates, change is inevitable, necessary, and (usually) an improvement. The medical landscape of northwest Louisiana, like all of America, has seen some big changes this past year. Perhaps the biggest was when several public hospitals, including the LSU Health Science Center in Shreveport, were privatized due to $862 million in Medicaid cuts.

After months of consternation about the future of Shreveport-Bossier's second highest employer, University Health, a division of the Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana, stepped up to take on LSUHSC. On October 1, 2013, University Health, a division of the Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana, began operating both the former LSU Health Shreveport hospital and EA Conway Medical Center in Monroe. The fully-accredited hospitals saw a successful transition from state management to management by a nonprofit commu-

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nity partner.

Christy Canady with the Biomedical Research Foundation said these two hospitals alone generate an economic impact of $1.1 billion for north Louisiana, employ thousands and provide essential and advanced care in their communities.

"University Health is an investment spanning north Louisiana that fills in gaps as an academic health care provider, providing access to quality health care to all patients regardless of income. University Health is an investment in people, saving lives through improved health and providing a living means to bolster economies across the I20 corridor," Canady said.

With the news of privatization came fears of massive layoffs. Fears that, looking back, seem a little premature.

With nearly 3,200 employees to date, University Health is still hiring. Its partnership with the LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine provides more than 300 top-quality physicians who practice patient care at University Health, who train over 60 percent of all the physicians practicing across north Louisiana.

Currently, University Health is in a strategic planning phase aimed at delivering on certain goals.

"The strategic planning process is to deliver on key goals that include improvements to processes and functions with minimal disruption to patient care; redesigned processes that increase efficiency; a culture of customer service and ownership within every clinical and administrative department; and a new work environment empowers employees, encourages problem solving and generates excitement," Canady said.

But the changes at LSUHSC aren't the only ones in the area, with major health care provider CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier undergoing some growing pains as well.

Earlier this year, CHRISTUS Health Louisiana announced a $55 million dollar expansion of the health system's Highland campus and closing of all acute care services and Sutton Children’s Medical Center at the St. Mary campus.

The two-year expansion at the Highland campus will include a new comprehensive cancer center, a new neonatal intensive care unit and expanded OB, ER and radiology services, and a new inpatient rehabilitation center. It will also expand the number of beds at Highland and remodel all existing patient rooms.

“For more than a year, the CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-

Bossier leadership and board studied community growth patterns and points of access for health care. We looked at the ways people want and need their health care delivered now and into the future, and determined a new direction.

Our board approved this plan unanimously,” said Dr. William Lunn, COO for CHRISTUS Health ShreveportBossier.

Until the expansion is completed, the following services remain on the Schumpert campus: the CHRISTUS Schumpert Cancer Treatment Center, The Birth Place, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, The Breast Center, and The Wound Care Center.

“We believe the best use of our Schumpert campus can be determined by working closely with the community, which is why we are working with Dynamis, a consulting company whose expertise is in working with hospitals and communities to repurpose facilities. Dynamis has conducted more than 100 interviews with members of the community. We look forward to their recommendation by the end of the year,” said Lunn.

November 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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Cover Story Affordable Care Act

What Changes Are In Store for 2014?

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Employers need to be well-verse in regulations involving health insurance exchange he ever-evolving, unfolding of the Affordable Care Act has even more new changes in store for 2014. The legislation has recently seen the unveiling of the Health Insurance Exchange website. This ability for Americans to obtain insurance has created a few wrinkles for not only them, but their employers as well. According to Hedy Hebert, partner of the Bossier City-based employment health care analysis firm Benefit Consulting Services, many local businesses are worried about how the exchange mandates are going to affect

them.

"Rate compression - insurance companies' rating of individuals - will bring young Americans rates and older Americans together, increasing rates for younger people and decreasing for the elderly," she said.

This higher cost may see many not signing up for coverage, which puts the pressure back on the employer, who, if has 50 or more employees, has to make an "affordable" insurance package available to their employees.

"If an employer is offering an insurance plan on Jan. 1 and it meets all the (government mandated) guidelines, but as an employee, it's not affordable, that person would have to wave that option and then obtain insurance without a subsidy from the exchange" said Hebert. "The uncertainty is a problem."

Hebert lists the following changes in health care coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2014: • Fair Premiums • Reporting Requirements • Exchanges • Individual Mandate • Play or Pay Tax (Extended?)

• PCE Total Prohibition – All Pre-Existing Conditions • Cost Sharing Requirements • Annual Limits Prohibition • Waiting period Limits - 90 Days (IRS 2012-59) • Availability and Renewability Requirements • Clinical Trial Coverage • Comprehensive Coverage • Wellness Program Incentives • Transitional Reinsurance Program Fee For employers who don't know where to begin, Hebert says to sit down with someone and get help to see how the ACA is evolving.

"I highly recommend to work with an agent and specialist that is licensed and has some training on the Affordable Care Act. Find a professional you can trust and has the right credentials," said Hebert.

To find out more info on where you and your employees stand, Hebert recommends checking facts through these websites: Department of Labor — www.dol.gov IRS — www.irs.gov Health and Human Services — www.hhs.gov

November 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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On the Economic Development Front

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A Shot in the Arm

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.

MediFund legislation to aid with biomedical research throughout the state of Louisiana

he healthcare sector represents one of the largest economic drivers in North Louisiana, with a huge potential to grow even bigger with the creation of the new MediFund. This statewide fund capitalizes and incentivizes projects that would create medical centers of excellence and promotes the commercialization of biomedical research.

careâ&#x20AC;? - where by patients travel outside their communities to seek cutting-edge medical treatments.

The legislation was passed by a broad coalition of legislators from across the state and supported by numerous organizations including the North Louisiana Economic Partnership and the Bossier Chamber of Commerce.

By expanding the specialty healthcare sector, Louisiana Economic Development, the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead economic development agency, projects we could generate 27,000 to 54,000 new jobs statewide and make Louisiana a regional healthcare destination in the medically underserved South.

The twin goals of the MediFund are to drive research commercialization and destination healthcare. Northwest Louisianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medical hub already attracts patients from across a three state Ark-La-Tex region.

By further enhancing the capabilities of our world class regional hospitals, we can continue to promote whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s termed â&#x20AC;&#x153;destination health-

Besides creating jobs within the healthcare sector, patients and their families spend money at hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and retail stores during the duration of their medical treatments in Northwest Louisiana.

The biomedical research sector also represents one of the greatest job creation opportunities in Louisiana. The research going on at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana Tech University and with start-up companies located in BioSpace 1 holds real commercialization potential.

The MediFund would provide funding to bring this important research to market. In addition to research jobs, the commercialization of new drugs could attract other pharmaceutical companies like Dr. Reddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Laboratories to North Louisiana, thus creating additional manufacturing jobs. Since locating a generics manufacturing plant in Shreveport in 2008, Indian-based Dr. Reddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Laboratories has continued to expand, currently employing approximately 262 workers.

The MediFund creates a statewide mechanism to ďŹ nance and incentivize biomedical and healthcare projects, which would create great economic and healthcare outcomes for our region.

North Louisianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great medical assets and research capabilities position the region well to take advantage of this newest source of funding to grow our job base. The MediFund can inject a big economic boost into our regional economy.

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ShreveportBossierFUnguide.com 18 Biz. Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ November 2013

National black rodeo finals

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Christmas on caddo Fireworks Festival

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

November 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ Biz. Magazine

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NWLA Tourism

STORY BY Chris Jay

PHOTOS BY Casey Jones

Holiday Hot Deals

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The Chocolate Crocodile at Louisiana Boardwalk offers confections produced on site.

Hotels, retailers partner for the holidays in Shreveport-Bossier

he Shreveport-Bossier Hotel and Lodging Association and the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau have partnered with area retailers to offer a new program called “Holiday Hot Deals.” Through the campaign, which runs Nov. 15-Jan. 5, overnight visitors who book a stay at any of the 11 participating hotels will receive exclusive hotel discounts as well as a coupon booklet containing valuable gift certificates and discounts.

and Tourist Bureau. “We are targeting communities like Natchitoches, Coushatta, Tyler, Marshall, and other smaller communities in the region – communities where ShreveportBossier is their Dallas-Ft. Worth, when it comes to holiday shopping.”

The goal of the program is to generate overnight stays in Shreveport-Bossier hotels by encouraging holiday shoppers from regional drive markets to incorporate an overnight stay into their holiday shopping plans. A complete list of hotels and retailers participating in the promotion will be available, beginning Nov. 1, at www.shreveportbossier.org/hotdeals.

Visitors who book an overnight stay at a participating hotel will receive a variety of valuable shopping discounts and freebies, including a $20 gift card to Dillard’s, a free shopping tote bag from the Outlets at the Louisiana Boardwalk, 20% off shopping at retailers like The Enchanted Garden, Lewis Gifts and Timeline Antiques, and more. Incentives offered by participating hotels vary by property, but include deeply-discounted room rates, free food and drink, free shuttle service to and from local shopping centers and more.

“November and December can be a slow period in the hospitality industry,” said Brandy Evans, vice president of communications for the Shreveport-Bossier Convention

20 Biz. Magazine • November 2013

Methods used to promote awareness of the “Holiday Hot Deals” program will include e-mail marketing, direct mail, social media promotions, radio campaigns and public relations.

The “Holiday Hot Deals” partnership is set

to take place during one of the busiest holiday seasons in memory, as several new holiday events and attractions are poised to debut. Bass Pro Shops and the Outlets at the Louisiana Boardwalk have partnered to present a free parade celebrating the opening of Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9. The parade will march down the boardwalk, featuring marching bands, choirs, and Santa Claus aboard a bass boat, and the procession will end with Santa taking his seat at Santa’s Wonderland inside of Bass Pro Shops at 5 p.m. Bossier City’s Cash Point “The Party Place” will host the inaugural Cajun Christmas Festival, 4-9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7.

“The Cajun Christmas Festival will feature something for every member of the family,” said Candy Wilkins, owner of Cash Point “The Party Place.” “We’ve got great music planned

by Landry and Company, cookies with Santa, arts and crafts, a gumbo cook-off and more.”

To see a complete list of upcoming holiday events in Shreveport-Bossier, visit www.shreveport-bossier.org.

Louisiana Boardwalk will once again sport its signature Christmas tree.

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November 2013 • Biz. Magazine

21

From the Bossier Chamber

Law of the Land

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Businesses, Health care providers dealing with Afforable Care Act Mandates he Affordable Care Act (ACA) has certainly been the focus of considerable controversy.

For now, however, it is the law of the land. Beginning in 2014, the ACA requires that most individuals have health insurance or pay a penalty for non-compliance. Known as the Individual Mandate, this requirement means individuals must have policies that contain minimum essential coverage whether the policy is purchased in the individual market, through an employer sponsored plan or a government-sponsored plan.

It is estimated that 20% of Louisiana residents (794,805) are uninsured and eligible for coverage in the new Health Insurance Exchanges. 72% (570,013) of these eligible residents are employed and 91% (723,588) have incomes below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. (Source: US Department of Health and Human Services)

Insurance plans will be available on Health Insurance Exchanges beginning October 1, 2013; with coverage beginning January 1, 2014. These Marketplace Exchanges are federally run unless the state opted to operate their own, in which the state of Louisiana decided to not operate their own. The Exchange must provide consumer assistance to educate and assist with enrollment.

As healthcare providers, CHRISTUS hospitals will continue to face a major burden of uncompensated care since the state of Louisiana decided against expanding Medicaid coverage. In that event, childless adults with incomes below 100 percent FPL will not have access to Medicaid or subsidies through a health insurance exchange, and most are likely to remain uninsured. Due to this decision, it is vital for hospitals to have an integral role in outreach and education for those that are eligible for coverage under the healthcare exchanges.

As an employer with 50 or more employees, there are several questions to consider: Whether to provide health insurance, how much, to whom? Whether to offer wellness benefits? What your health insurance coverage options are? How to comply with the Employer mandate and what penalties or tax impact there is?

The Health Insurance Exchanges may be an opportunity for small employers(less than 50 employees) who don’t provide health insurance to help their employees obtain insurance.

There are many resources available to educate about these new options with www.healthcare.gov being the one stop resource.

You’re Prime Y ou’re iinvited nvited tto o eexperience x p e r i e n ce P rime Steak Steak perfection. per fection. We We serve ser ve the the very ver y best best in in ssteakhouse teakhouse dining dining that that includes includes a selection selection of of quality qualit y prime prime beef beef and and seafood. se a f o o d .

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Stephen Wright is President and CEO of CHRISTUS Health Louisiana.

The Catholic Health Association, the American Hospital Association and the Federation of American Hospitals are working hard to educate individuals about this new coverage. CHRISTUS Louisiana will serve as a key partner to help improve community awareness and enrollment because it is consistent with our mission and ongoing efforts of “Putting Care Within Reach” of all Louisianans. It’s important to us because one in five of our fellow citizens are uninsured, but now eligible to be covered. Persons with insurance seek care sooner and receive more preventative care than uninsured individuals resulting in healthier communities. We believe a healthier community is good for ALL of us.

Bossier Business Monthly / Commercial BCity / 10â&#x20AC;? x 6.5â&#x20AC;? / Run date(s): Nov. 2013

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Home Federal Hires Milligan in Commercial Banking Home Federal Bank (“HFB”), the wholly owned subsidiary of Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana, (Nasdaq: HFBL) today announced the hiring of Barry Milligan in its Commercial Banking Division. Milligan joins HFB as a Commercial Banker and will help to guide business customers through customized solutions for all of their financial needs.

“I’m excited about Barry joining the Home Federal Bank team,” said Jim Barlow, President of Home Federal Bank. “He is not only a capable lender, but he is very active in the Shreveport and Bossier City community. He joins HFB with the right experience and relationships to promote the continued growth of our company.”

Milligan has worked in financial services for over 20 years, the last 13 of which were spent with local and regional banks in Shreveport. He is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, and he also earned an MBA from Centenary College. Originally from Rayne, he attended high school in Shreveport, but moved to South Louisiana for school and work. He returned to Shreveport in 1997. He has been married to his wife Kristin for 19 years, and they currently reside in Shreveport with their two daughters.

McCrockin Receives High Marks in Study Mark McCrocklin a Private Wealth Advisor, with Ameriprise Financial has received high marks from his clients in the recent Ameriprise Financial Client Relationship Study. McCrocklin ranked in the top 25 percent of participating advisors who scored 96 percent or higher based on overall client satisfaction.

Conducted by a third party research organization, the survey provides clients with the opportunity to rate their advisor in several areas including whether their advisor provides them access to other specialists when appropriate, explains fees clearly and contacts them when market conditions change significantly.

As a Private Wealth Advisor, Mark McCrocklin provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations, and provided in a one-on-one relationship with his client. McCrocklin’s office is located at 738 North Ashley Ridge Loop,

24 Biz. Magazine • November 2013

Shreveport, LA 71106. They can be reached at (318) 861.3521.

Sanders Promoted at Ameriprise Renisha Sanders was recently promoted to Business Development Manager with the practice of Mark McCrocklin, a Private Wealth Advisory Practice with Ameriprise Financial in Shreveport. She has been with the practice since June 2010. Sanders now manages marketing and events for the practice, and also assists with Mark McCrocklin’s Financial Planning process.

For more information, please contact Ameriprise Financial at (318) 861-3521.

Their office is located at 738 N. Ashley Ridge Loop, Shreveport, LA 71106

Hiring Our Heroes is Nov. 5 As veterans end their military service, they look for a new place where they can apply their years of quality training and expertise.

The men and women who have served our country in our local area are a great asset to the business community in Bossier City and Shreveport. Businesses are encouraged to keep these highly training veterans employed by participating in the Fall Veterans Job and Resource Fair.

The job fair is a joint effort by the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, the US Chamber of Commerce “Hiring Our Heroes” initiative, Goodwill Industries and the City of Bossier City. This event, which is greatly supported and sponsored by Military.com and Monster, offers a job fair for “veteran job seekers, active duty military members, guard/reserve members, and military and veteran spouses”.

The job fair will take place Tuesday, November 5, 2013 from 9am to 12pm at the Bossier Civic Center.

“Hiring Our Heroes” is a nationwide initiative to help veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment. Hiring Our Heroes will host hiring fairs in 400 communities this year, and has seen success with more than 10,000 people securing jobs since its launch in 2011.

Businesses and Job Seekers are encouraged to register for this free Hiring our Heroes event now at www.greatjob.net. For more information, call the Bossier Chamber at 318746-0252.

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26 Biz. Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ November 2013

Dave Says — On Business

Business Q&A: A ‘Cake’ Business Managing a cottage industry Dear Dave, I work full-time as a guidance counselor at a high school, but I bake and decorate cakes on the side. Word about my cakes has gotten around, and the demand has really grown.

Now I’m being asked to do weddings and lots of other big events. I want to keep my business small, and I’m not sure how to handle things now.

Jamie Dear Jamie, It’s great that demand has risen, but I can understand how that could also be a burden in your situation. Trying to keep a side business from blossoming into a full-time job can be a good problem to have though. It means people really like what you’re doing.

I’d suggest two things if you’re absolutely sure you want to keep this business small and maintain it as a cottage industry. First, you need to raise your prices. Some people will decide not to be customers any longer, but that’s okay. You might not have quite as many clients, but you’ll make more per cake.

The second thing is to be selective about the people with whom you choose to work.

Even if things have picked up lately, you’re still not doing a big enough volume to put up with a lot of attitude from spoiled customers. If a Bridezilla walks through the door, you can simply choose not to work with her.

That’s my advice, Jamie. Select your clients carefully and raise your prices. I think you’ll get more enjoyment—and more money—out of your business that way!

—Dave

Building a mission statement Dear Dave, How do you build a personal and company mission statement?

Scott Dear Scott, This is a great question. First, I think you understand the importance of what you’re doing. Coming up with a meaningful mission statement, one that is impactful both for you and your clients, will take some time. It’s not a one- or two-hour meeting kind of thing. It is one of the most important things you’ll ever do as a business owner, because it will impact you, your team and how you do business.

That’s not to say that mission statement can’t evolve over time. As your company changes and grows, and as the marketplace moves, it’s perfectly okay, and sometimes necessary, to carefully and thoughtfully re-write your mission statement. If this happens, just make sure you take the same care and time used when you crafted your original one.

More than anything else, I think your mission statement should reflect your calling. I also believe it needs to include the following information: Your or your company’s skills and abilities. If you’ve been in manufacturing for 20 years, you probably shouldn’t have a mission statement that talks a lot about software development or marketing. That’s not your area of expertise. What is the thing you can do, want to do, and will do?

Dave Ramsey Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted 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.

Your or your company’s personality traits. How do you and your team execute projects? This is your personality. Are you task- and project-oriented, or are you more compassionate and people-oriented? Maybe you’re detail-oriented. I’m not sure I’d want an engineering firm to design interstate overpasses if they’re more about compassion and people than details. In that kind of work, the details matter more.

Your or your company’s values, dreams and passions.

This is why you’re doing what you do. For a company mission statement, this is where you really breathe life into the lungs of your organization.

I think this is where you go for your first mission statement, Scott.

—Dave

November 2013 • Biz. Magazine

27

Business Etiquette

Don’t Let Their Mad Ultimately Get Your Money

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Handling the angry customer while keeping your cool

n these frustrating times of lackluster customer service, non-functioning websites, information theft, and false advertising, it’s no wonder customers are angry. Dealing with the angry customer for a positive outcome is less an art form than a skillset that becomes second nature when practiced often and well. First, handle yourself. Quickly begin dealing with the person and/or issue. The longer you avoid the person, the angrier they become.

Dive in.

n Appreciate the angry customer. They have returned instead of just leaving without a word.

This is an opportunity to make a customer happy. Perhaps the previously angry customer will post their pleasant experience on social media thereby earning you more customers. n Don’t take it personally. Be a problem solver instead of bearing the weight of the world on your shoulders. n Never argue with a customer. This is equivalent to pig wrestling. You will both get filthy and the pig loves it. n Remain calm and positive. It keeps you in control and helps calm the customer.

Then, handle the customer.

n Acknowledge the person. Don’t just keep your head down, focused on what you are doing.

Look up. Notice people. If you are in the customer’s presence, acknowledge them by smil ing while holding good eye contact. n Listen to them, without interruption. Use active listening skills such as leaning forward, focusing on them, and maintaining good eye contact. n Apologize for whatever they are angry about. This apology is not accepting blame. It is simply acknowledging their dissatisfaction. n Clarify or restate their problem. This ensures you have an accurate understanding of the problem and it proves to the customer that you understood them. Often, people just want to be understood. n Get their buy-in. Once you know the problem, offer the solution and get them to agree to do their part. “You know, in situations like this there is always information that we need from you. Do you mind working with me to collect this data so we can get the issue resolved?”

Teri Haynes Business Credibility and Etiquette Consultant

28 Biz. Magazine • November 2013

Customer service is everyone’s job. Whether your customer is an internal co-worker or an external purchaser, keeping people satisfied creates a pleasant work environment and improves profit. In business, you are going to have difficult situations and customers. The question is how are you going to handle and respond. Be proactive.

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Lunch Break

How ‘Real’ Is Your BBQ? Chris Jay reviews local food every Tuesday at www.20x49.com.

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.

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Real BBQ Serves Really Good Brisket arbecue is a controversial topic in Shreveport-Bossier. Locals have their favorite places, ranging from sprawling, well-known restaurants to tiny rib shacks behind service stations. And I’ve enjoyed meals at many of our local barbecue joints. But it’s an undeniable fact that many of the folks who pour into Shreveport-Bossier each weekend, residents of the Republic of Texas, know a thing or two about ‘cue and, as long as we’re being honest, they can be pretty exacting about the stuff.

after inviting me to take a look at his behemoth of a pit – which was custom-fabricated for a restaurant in Waskom, TX before being sold to Mr. Clay. This enormous contraption is like something Willie Wonka would own if he’d had a barbecue factory.

Many are the Texans who have given me stern, doubtful looks and peppered me with questions along the lines of: “Y’all got any real brisket around here?”

“The rub goes on twice: once before cooking, and once prior to being served. I’ve been making the sauce that goes on it for 14 years.” A brisket plate is $9.75. My plate came with ranch style beans (okay, nothing special) and Mimi’s potato salad (excellent, chunky and tangy).

Some of the best brisket in northern Louisiana can be had at the new location of Real BBQ Place, located at 7828 Line Avenue in Shreveport.

Real BBQ pitmaster Harvey Clay – who stands 6’8”, so tall that he’s built special doors to his smokehouse to accommodate his height – hails from Midland, TX. It’s safe to say that he feels pretty strongly about barbecue.

Real BBQ Place’s brisket is fork-tender, with a strong, smoky flavor. There’s a thin crust of black bark on each slice and a bright pink smoke ring penetrates about a half-inch into the meat. “Our brisket smokes 12-14 hours,” Mr. Clay told me.

Real BBQ Place’s Brisket has the classic smoke ring on the outside of the meat.

Real BBQ Place’s pit is quite the sight to behold.

Mr. Clay also makes his own sausage out of his brisket. I can’t wait to go back and try it.

Real BBQ is open, Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The Line Avenue location can be reached by calling (318) 670-3730. They have a drivethrough window and a dining room.

“I’m sort of obsessive about it,” Clay told me,

November 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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

Get in the Spotlight Each Month, BIZ will feature a business or entrepreneur that is making a difference in Shreveport-Bossier.

Spotlight

The ‘Other’ Health Guys

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University Veterinary Hospital an example of a thriving health care field

hen looking at the health care proximately 4,500 clients. industry in Shreveport-Bossier, This growth has UVH expanding. it's important to remember that They are in the process of building a includes both man and man's boarding facility. This extra room will allow best friend. Shreveport-based the Forets to increase their hospital capaUniversity Veterinary Hospital bilities with a critical care unit, more surgihas grown rapidly under the guidance of cal capabilities, advanced dentistry, and a owners/veterinarians Drs. Adam and Catherrehab and physical therapy area. ine Foret.

"We've been growing enough "We're a family-owned business and we that if we continue to grow, we treat employees as a family. Team wouldn't be able to handle members are as valuable as the need," said Dr. the doctors in educating Adam. clients and that's how "It was a we've grown," said dream to Team members are as Dr. Catherine Foret. have a favaluable as the doctors in "The person with cility like educating clients and the smartest client this even that's how we've grown. wins." before "The team apleaving vet - Dr. Catherine Foret proach is different," school," said Dr. Adam Foret. "We added Dr. offer unique services so Catherine. clients won't need to travel The pair credits their sucto get things done for their cess to customer service, unique ofpets." ferings, and positive word of mouth.

In addition to gen"We don't take shortcuts. We want eral wellness such as vaccinations and to offer things the best way they can exams, their more specialized services inbe done," said Dr. Adam. clude minimally invasive surgeries — enThey also draw inspiration from doscopy and laproscopy — radiology, non-veterinary businesses. cardiology, laser surgery, and starting this "We like to look at other industries month, oncology, critical care and internal that are growing and pick up ideas, medicine. such as signage and how they present Dr. Jarod Williams, DVM, DACVIM SAIM, their staff," said Dr. Catherine.

CVA, will bring these new specialties to the Their advice for other business leaddoorstep of Shreveport-Bossier’s pet owners. ers is simple: have a winning culture "We're truly excited and passionate about and be passionate. what we do. It's something we can't stop "Be passionate about what you're thinking about - how to add that next servdoing and let that passion be infectious ice," said Dr. Catherine. to your team," said Dr. Adam.

This approach to veterinary care has resulted in 6 veterinarians, 4 registered vet techs, and 16 other employees serving ap-

University Veterinary Hospital Owners Dr.s Adam (Below) and Catherine Foret (Above) have taken a unique approach to their field that has seen their business grow quickly.

November 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER has extended the healing ministry SINCE 1894, CHRISTUS HEALTH of Jesus Christ to those we serve.

$55 MILLION to redesign and expand our services at CHRISTUS Highland Hospital, TODAY, AS WE INVEST our commitment to our community and mission remains unchanged.

WE WILL ALWAYS BE HERE … AND YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A CHOICE.

VIEW OF

CHRISTUS Highland www. christushealthsb. org 32 Biz. Magazine • November 2013

BERT KOUNS

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