BIZ. Magazine - December 2013

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’Tis the Season

Trail of Lights Showcases Region

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BIZ Tools

Books, Apps & More

December 2013

BENTELER KICKS OFF YEAR IN REVIEW

DELIVERED TO BUSINESS LEADERS THROUGHOUT SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER

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Biz. Magazine • December 2013

The First Word

Falling Short

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Mistakes will be made from time to time; how they are handled makes the difference t was only a matter of time. When we revamped BIZ back in July, we went to great lengths to make sure each and every story, advertisement, and page were well-proofed. We didn’t want anything to take away from the “wow” factor of the publication. As each month went by with minimal mistakes, we became more confident in our ability to produce a “nearly error free” product. However, confidence can breed a lackadaisical attitude. We were bitten by this bug — not once, but twice.

During the proofing process of the November edition of BIZ., we missed a font issue with two very important ads — University Veterinary Hospital and Bossier Chamber of Commerce. Readers may have noticed some of the type on these ads spread out or became jumbled.

The ads looked fine when proofed prior to adding them to the page. Something happened during the export for the printer that caused this anomaly. It would be easy to blame technology for this problem, except for one “small” detail.

Once the pages are sent to our printer, they send back proofs of those pages prior to final printing. The problem was apparent on the press proofs and should have been caught by the final proofer — the author of this column.

It wasn’t until BIZ was printed and back at our office that we noticed the now “glaring” errors. Quite frankly, the type issue was like a dark cloud over an otherwise great edition — at least to us.

In response, our team sprang into action, informing the affected advertisers of the problem and proposed a “make up” solution. Our clients were extremely gracious and merciful — something we greatly appreciate.

There is a valuable business lesson to be learned from this.

Regardless of how efficient and proficient a company is, there is always room for error. It is what you learn from the mistake and how you handle “coming up short” that really makes the difference.

David Specht Jr. President of Specht Newspapers, Inc.

Enjoy this issue of BIZ. I can assure you it has been wellproofed.

Read his blog about leadership at www.DavidASpecht.com He may be reached via email at dspecht@bossierpress.com.

December 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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Contents 20

Happy Holiday Trails

Holiday Trail of Lights features communities throughout region.

On the Cover

27

The Original “MAC GUY”

Maccentric has been in the Apple repair business since 2006

2013 has been a banner year for Shreveport-Bossier business and industry. Perhaps the biggest news of the year was Benteler Steel’s cooperative endeavor with Bossier Parish Community College.

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BIZ Tools

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

Regulars

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BIZ. News Online

The BIZ. website at www.bizmagsb.com is Shreveport-Bossier’s home

business news, updated as it happens. In addition, users can sign / 8"

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Want to advertise? http://bizmagsb.com/2013-advertising-kit/ Volume 4, Number 9 | ©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 • December 2013

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Falling Short

5

Be the Leader

6

Put Me In, Coach

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Whew! What A Year

13

Answering the “Why”

24

Dave On Small Business

Mistakes will be made from time to time; how they are handled makes the difference

If it is to be in 2014, it is up to me and you

Motivating a sales team begins with self motivation.

Many Changes Took Place in the Social Media World During 2013

As you head into 2014, take the time know why you do what you do

Know what you’re buying when you’re buying

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

I

Win-Win Powertools

Be the Leader If it is to be in 2014, it is up to me and you

subscribe to many e-newsletters as a resource for information to help me be a better sales coach; one which covers a variety of issues is Just Sell (www.justsell.com). As I review 2013 and plan for 2014, I am reminded of an issue that asked “What’s your impact on your people?” As I began thinking about the idea behind the question, I remembered a conversation with my top salesperson.

We have an impact on our team every day whether we are aware of it or not. I told this salesperson that she was a leader on my sales team; that the other sellers were watching her and listening. She protested by telling me that she was only in charge of herself. My response, “Not exactly”. We’re all in sales and selling all of the time. Our #1 product is us! She was outstanding at what she did; the other sellers were going to school on her…like it or not.

Think about all the people in whom you have invested during 2013. What has been your impact on your clients, prospects, friends, family and co-workers? What are the results of the time you have spent with them?

If there is doubt in your mind about what your impact has been, check the Power Tools (Power-full Tools) that we can use each day to make a positive impact on those around us, such as: Listening Communicating Empathy Patience Caring If you still are not sure about your impact, ASK! Three good questions for measuring your affect on others are: What do you want me to do more of?

What do you want me to do less of?

What do you want me to continue?

Years ago, a sales trainer concluded his presentation by handing all of us attendees a coin with the following statement stamped on it: “If it is to be, it is up to me!”

Before we get caught up in holiday business, today is a good time to ask… ”How did I do in 2013?” and “Now, What about 2014?”

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

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

What has been your impact on your sales team (everybody around you)?

What are your plans for 2014? It’s up to you!

Good Selling!

Jerry

December 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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Marketing B-S (Bossier-Shreveport)

Put Me In, Coach Motivating a sales team begins with self motivation

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

I

consider myself to be a highly motivated person. Motivation, in my opinion, is the key ingredient for not only sales success, but success in anything that you set out to accomplish. As a sales leader, I concern myself at all times with the motivation of our sales team. As the coach, it is my job to make sure that the team is properly motivated, headed in the right direction and ready to play the game at all times!

To do this, I start with myself, asking, “Am I properly motivated?” I cannot expect our sales team to be highly motivated toward reaching our goals as a sales team if I am not setting a proper

Ouachita Independent Bank

IS PLEASED TO WELCOME

example in being highly motivated myself! I have always been a self starter. I consider this a true gift from God. Another gift that I am blessed with is a sincere desire to help others succeed and reach their goals. These giftings have served me well in my position as a sales team coach.

As a team leader, what steps do you take to motivate yourself and your sales team? One of the first things that I make sure of is that I am fostering a team environment. The team approach is highly effective. Think of yourself as the coach and your sales staff as the team. Mentor and coach your staff. True, there will most certainly be times when you have to take control and do what you must do without the input of your sales staff but as much as possible, give your sales staff input into the decisions that involve the team. This will motivate your sales staff and will also cause them to "buy in" to the decisions or projects you undertake.

Be a great listener Listen to your sales team. Listen to both their positives and their negatives. Celebrate their successes! Celebrate often! Accordingly, also listen to their encounters and experiences that are

not so good. Many times, a not so good situation can be when they need you and need you to listen the most! This can be highly motivational.

Additionally, make sure that you give your team ALL of the tools that they need in order to be successful. To me, the biggest component in this area is proper training. Never send your team onto the field of battle without being properly trained in both your products, company history, philosophies, etc. In short, make 100 percent sure that your sales team knows how to tell your company's story out in the field.

In terms of tools, have a firm grasp of such things as: pricing information, sales information flyers, etc. Also, computer and social media access (and the proper use thereof) can also be a huge help! Proper attention to these areas will send the motivation of your sales team through the roof!

Creating a friendly and competitive environment can also be highly motivational!

Try implementing some of the ideas above. By doing so, I think you will find your sales team being highly motivated and successful! In short, they will be there when you need them to come through....they will be asking you to "put me in, coach!"

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Biz. Magazine • December 2013

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December 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?

The lack of personal accountability has resulted in an epidemic of blame, complaining, and procrastination.

No organization-or individual-can achieve goals, compete in the marketplace, fulfill a vision, or develop people and teams without personal accountability.

The solution involves an entirely new approach. We can no longer ask, "Who dropped the ball?" "Why can't they do their work properly?" or "Why do we have to go through all these changes?" Instead, every individual has to ask the question behind the question: "How can I improve this situation?" "What can I contribute?" or "How can I make a difference?"

Succinct, insightful, and practical, QBQ! The Question Behind the Question provides a method for putting personal accountability into daily action, which can bring astonishing results: problems get solved, barriers come down, service improves, teamwork grows, and people adapt to change.

What are they reading?

Never Eat Alone, Keith Ferrazzi Wayne Hogue

The Fred Factor Mark Sanborn

EntreLeadership, Dave Ramsey

David Specht Jr.

Sean Green

App of the Month Watch or listen to The Dave Ramsey Show 24/7 to get your daily dose of real talk about life and money.

Tune in to watch Dave Ramsey, America’s trusted money expert, help real callers as they share stories about their lives, families and money. You’ll learn firsthand how to escape debt and build wealth every day through Dave’s life-changing advice.

If you listen closely, you might even hear a story much like yours. Hope has a home on the radio—and hope now streams directly to your iPhone or iPad anytime, anywhere.

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Biz. Magazine • December 2013

More Tools Listen Up Podcast of the Month Beyond the To-Do List

Beyond the to do list is a show where host Erik Fisher talks with people about their perspectives on personal productivity. He talks to a variety of people from friends to personal heroes about how they have managed their time, prioritized their tasks, and taken steps to avoid burnout.

Worth Following

Blog of the Month Bob Burg’s Blog http://burg.com/ Bob Burg shares information on topics vital to the success of today’s businessperson. He speaks for corporations and associations internationally, including fortune 500 companies, franchises, and numerous direct sales organizations.

Bob regularly addresses audiences ranging in size from 50 to 16,000 — sharing the platform with notables including today’s top thought leaders, broadcast personalities, Olympic athletes and political leaders including a former United States President.

December 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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EMPOWERING the Northwest Louisiana workforce

www.bpcc.edu

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 .

W Working or k ing with w ith m more or e than t h an 2500 250 0 Louisiana L ou is ian a businesses b u s in e s s e s aacross c r o s s 63 63 parishes, p ar is he s , all al l ooff uuss at a t LLCI CI W Workers’ or ker s ’ CComp omp ttruly r uly appreciate appr ec ia t e unwinding unw ind ing after af t er a llong ong workweek. w o r k w e ek .

FFor or more mor e than t h an 20 20 years, year s , we’ve we’ ve bbeen e en w working or k ing hard h ar d to to elp aall l l kinds k ind s of of local loc al companies c omp an ie s grow gr ow and and pprosper, r o s per, hhelp pproviding r o v id in g

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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 • December 2013

Uncommon Sense Marketing

T

Whew! What A Year

Many Changes Took Place in the Social Media World During 2013 he history of social media isn’t very long anyway, and keeping up with the changes is like watching a speeding train or a rocket launch.

It’s hard to figure it out in the first place, and before you can get through a weekend, another network arrives, or changes have happened to the network you love and already had figured out. In case you blinked, here are just a few of the things that

happened in the social media world this year.

Google + became a much bigger player in the social network world. It hasn’t

overtaken Facebook with number of users, but it’s growing rapidly. Pinterest has had an 88% growth rate this year, and Tumblr 74%. But don’t rule out Twitter and LinkedIn growth at 40%.

Rumor is that Snapchat recently turned down a $3B offer from Facebook.

Snapchat allows users to send messages to one another that disappear shortly after being viewed. Stay tuned on this one.

Twitter IPO – Luckily for Twitter, their IPO rollout was a big success. Time will tell on whether or not you want to buy shares.

Vine came into its own this year. It allows users to create and post 6-second looping videos. Businesses are just starting to catch on.

Facebook now has “graph search,” which is just a natural language search through all of the information Facebook knows about you and its 1B users.

Facebook has searchable hashtags. Hashtags are a way of identifying and sorting posts. Ex: If I wanted to share that “Si said the funniest thing on #DuckDynasty last night,” anyone who searched on the hashtag #duckdynasty would see all the posts people had made that included that term: #duckdynasty. Including mine. If you want more exposure to your brand, use hashtags well.

Facebook shared that it uses 100,000 individual weights to determine which posts appear in your News Feed. Remember, not everything your friends or the Pages you like will be shown to you. Facebook gets to decide, and it does that based on an algorithm. Of course, you don’t get to know what those 100,000 things are. So, if you aren’t seeing posts

Amy Kinnaird

from friends or Pages anymore, now you know why.

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

Changes in the social media world are surprising and never ending. Stay tuned here for all of the surprises that 2014 will bring.

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

December 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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Business Development

Answering the “Why”

A

As you head into 2014, take the time know why you do what you do s you look over 2013 and think about business resolutions for next year, “start with why.” I’m quoting Simon Sinek, who travels the world teaching leaders and organizations how to inspire people… including how to inspire customers to buy. (Save the date! Sinek will speak at the annual scholarship banquet hosted by the Armed Forces Communications and Electrionics Association ArkLaTex Chapter May 1, 2014!)

Two inspiring quotes from Sinek’s TED talks (available on YouTube): -“People don’t buy what you do. People buy why you do it.”

-“What you do proves what you believe.”

Explain why you’ve created the product or offered the service at which your company is great, and customers will want to be a part of it. Connect them with the ‘why,’ and they will even pay what it’s worth. So important, yet many vendors seem to be trying to generate sales simply by cutting prices.

One client for whom I do graphic design calls this the “Race to Zero.”

Mike Van Horn with 12voltnews.com worries about vendors in his industry who claim to have no advertising budgets, and so they cut prices to lure in customers.

But customers never hear why the vendors do what they do. Van Horn notes, “The customer never gets to understand how the product can enrich their lives.” So sales continue to lag, and the prices are cut yet again in hopes of stirring interest.

People don’t buy what you do. People buy why you do it.

Simon Sinek

For better business in two steps: find your company’s ‘why,’ then tell people about it. Advertising in print or broadcast is such an established venue, it lends a certain credibility to an advertisement. And tap into social media; cost-effectively bring your message to your most interested customers. As Van Horn says, “Social media is just such a powerful way to connect with consumers.”

And it’s always in their pocket. According to international nonprofit CTIA-The Wireless Association, there are 326.4 million active wireless devices in the U.S. (Census Bureau says the population is only 313.9 million!) Facebook reports 1,000,000,000+ users in a month. On Twitter, 200 million regular users. On Instagram, 150 million use the app at least once a month. Use all the data flying around social media to fine tune your audience so the people getting your message are the people most likely to need or want your product or service.

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

In 2014, ‘start with why,’ bring your message to market, and earn a fair price.

December 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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Cover Story

STORY BY Sean Green

Year in Review

The Highlights of 2013

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Local notables recap progress made during the past year 013 was another eventful year for northwest Louisiana’s business world. The year began with news that Benteler Steel/Tube would be building a multi-million dollar facility at the Port of Caddo-Bossier still ringing in its ears from the end of 2012. Not only did this year see that project break ground, but the Port also added another new company in Ronpak.

Speaking of new additions, Margaritaville opened this summer, becoming the newest resort-casino in Shreveport-Bossier’s gaming industry. The growth and change of the area was exemplified in the decision of non-profit, business incubator CoHab moving to a bigger building in the Red River District under the Texas Street Bridge.

The year was also a time for firsts. The Bossier Chamber of Commerce received their long-awaited Four Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Red River also hosted the FLW’s Forrest Wood Cup fishing championship for the first time, bringing new guests to the area and an influx of tourism dollars.

Below are the year’s biggest economic stories told through the people who witnessed or played a part in their happenings:

Margaritaville Resort-Casino opens “The opening of Margaritaville has been a very rewarding experience for me personally. It gave me the opportunity to come back to an area where I have very dear friends and again have the chance to work with some of the best people in the gaming industry. It was also a new opportunity to work with Margaritaville, one of the world’s most iconic entertainment brands, in an environment that supports music, fun and the Jimmy Buffett lifestyle.” — Barry Regula, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Margaritaville Bossier City

Ronpak opens new plant in Shreveport “Ronpak’s impact reaches beyond the 275 new jobs created or the $16.8 million capital investment. Ronpak’s decision to build its paper bag mill here and to relocate its corporate headquarters to North Louisiana sends a message to the world that this region and its peo-

14 Biz. Magazine • December 2013

ple are dedicated to helping businesses be successful. Ronpak’s headquarters relocation is a testament to the great competitive advantages found in North Louisiana: our highly productive workforce, a business friendly environment, and leadership willing to help companies be competitive here. Even after the announcement, state, regional and local partners worked together to help Ronpak find and train a workforce and relocate key talent. The company was able to take advantage of the industrial readiness program at Bossier Parish Community College in order to train workers for its plant opening in June 2013.” — Scott Martinez, President of North Louisiana Economic Partnership

Bossier Chamber of Commerce receives U.S. Chamber 4-Star Accreditation “The United States Chamber of Commerce awarding us with a 4Star Accreditation validates the Bossier Chamber for having programs that benefit our local economy and for positively influencing action in the community. Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology.

Achieving four star accreditation is a testament to the staff and leadership of the Bossier Chamber, our business community, local government officials, and schools. We are honored to receive this 4-Star achievement and join the top 3% of Chambers nationwide.” — Lisa Johnson, President & CEO of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce

FLW Forrest Wood Cup comes to the Red River “The Shreveport Convention and Tourist Bureau did a survey of almost 3,000 people and we calculated a total direct economic impact of $5.6 million. That was spent throughout the whole event and included hotel lodging, shopping, dining, and everything else. We had 39,000 visitors and 49 percent spent an average of 2.5 nights in Shreveport-Bossier. An average of 9,000 hotel rooms were occupied and 2,215 of those were taken by staff working the event. It’s easy to see the scale of an event like this coming to town. This was a tremendous success — we had visitors from 37 states, and even China. It brought a lot of fishing fans to town and they came to spend money.

Continued on Page 17

December 2013 • Biz. Magazine

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Cover Story

Continued From Page 14

The moment I felt great about FLW was the hour-long special that aired on NBC and Shreveport-Bossier looked great in HD on that stage.” — Chris Jay, public relations and social media manager for SBCTB

Benteler Steel/Tube breaks ground on new multi-million facility at the Port of Caddo-Bossier, training facility at BPCC “Benteler's investment in North Louisiana will dramatically affect our regional economy in a positive way. The decision is validation of the collaborative approach by an array of public and private entities to economic development in this region. One of the key decision points for a company in evaluating a site is the availability of a skilled workforce or the potential to develop one. The Center for Advanced Manufacturing Technology on our campus will enable Bossier Parish Community College, in partnership with LED FastStart, to deliver on our promise that the workforce of North Louisiana is second to none.”

— Jim Henderson, Chancellor of BPCC

CoHab relocates to new space, funds unique kitchen incubator through Kickstarter “It was mission critical for us to have a long term sustainable location. The Red River District is a great fit for us because while we are increasing opportunities for entrepreneurs in a space designed specifically for them, we are also helping to revitalize the riverfront with much needed foot traffic and life that it needs to have in order for it to grow and we can feed each other. The Kitchen Incubator lowers the bar for culinary entrepreneurs to get in the food game whether they be a catering business, offer a new food product, or our developing a restaurant business. We provide them a kitchen to try out their ideas while offering sound business models and best practices to take their ventures to the next level. What comes out of our kitchen can be hyperlocal or be a part of something that can spread across the nation.” — John Grindley, executive director of CoHab

December 2013 • Biz. Magazine

17

On the Economic Development Front

2

Overcoming Challenges

Benteler Steel, Ronpack, others lead economic development in northwest Louisiana in 2013 013 proved to be year where our communities rallied to overcome challenges.

After the loss of one of our largest employers, General Motors, our region fought back to recruit historic projects and big wins to Northwest Louisiana.

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 big economic development story for 2013 remains Benteler Steel/Tube’s groundbreaking of its state-of-the-art steel tube mill at the Port of Caddo-Bossier in September. This historic $975 million capital investment will create 675 new jobs for our area. Another interesting facet to this project is the $22 million workforce training center currently under construction on the Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) campus.

The BPCC Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology will not only build our region’s capacity to train an advanced manu-

facturing workforce but will also enhance our ability to attract new manufacturers. This project represents a collaborative effort by state, regional and local partners coming together to recruit this historic project to North Louisiana.

Ronpak opened its new 155,000 square foot paper bag mill in June at the Port of CaddoBossier. It is the first new paper bag mill in more than a decade anywhere in the United States.

The fact that Ronpak chose to locate its plant here and to relocate its corporate headquarters to Northwest Louisiana is a true testament to the advantages of doing business in our region and to the productivity of our experienced workforce.

Other major projects in 2013 include Teleperformance, a multi-national customer care company based in France, which expanded not just once but twice this year, creating a total of 1,040 jobs.

Because of our longstanding relationship with

this company, NLEP and its state and local partners were able to assist the company with applying for state incentives thus securing the expansions.

After having to downsize its workforce in June, Libbey Glass came back in November with a $20 million expansion that will create 70 new jobs and retain 511 existing jobs at its Shreveport facility. This expansion would not have been possible without a concerted effort from state, regional and local leaders to open the lines of communication and to build stronger relationships with Libbey’s corporate officials. NLEP, Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover, Louisiana Economic Development officials, and Caddo Parish officials visited the Libbey Glass headquarters in Toledo, Ohio as part of a collaborative commitment to our local industries’ presence and success.

While our region experienced economic challenges this year, what will truly define 2013 is how our communities met those challenges with determination and strong leadership.

Pat Wyatt is recently retired from bpcc where she was a professor for 25 years. bpcc is most grateful for her talents in educating and empowering the minds of future business professionals.

18 Biz. Magazine • December 2013

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NWLA Tourism

STORY BY Chris Jay

Happy Holiday Trails

T

Christmas on the Square in Benton is but one stop on the Holiday Trail of Lights, offering entertainment and shopping.

Holiday Trail of Lights features communities throughout region

he Holiday Trail of Lights, originally created between Texas and Louisiana partners, was started to generate business during the two slowest months for tourism – November and December. City officials in the six partnering cities of Shreveport-Bossier, Natchitoches and Marshall, Jefferson and Kilgore, Texas believed that holiday cheer, twinkling lights and festive events could fill hotel rooms, restaurants and retail outlets.

That was nearly three decades ago. The trail is now all Louisiana cities with the addition of Minden, Monroe-West Monroe and Alexandria/Pineville. The most recent economic impact study of the holidays in Shreveport-Bossier estimated that out-of-town visitors spent $26 million and left behind more than $610,000 in sales tax revenue.

“The trail is still our main tourism draw during November and December, and it helps having the entire region to promote to group tour operators and leisure visitors,” said Stacy Brown, president of the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. Visitors and groups are always looking to reinvent their experience, and Shreveport-Bossier attrac-

20 Biz. Magazine • December 2013

tions have added several new holiday events to an already busy roster of Christmas events planned for 2013.

Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center, a 92,000 square-foot science and entertainment center located at 820 Clyde Fant Parkway in downtown Shreveport, will introduce “Deck the Dome! A Holiday Laser Light Show,” 1 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 30-Dec. 29, inside of Louisiana’s only IMAX Dome Theater. The 20-minute program will include laser lights, LEDs, holiday music and more. Admission is $6 for the general public or $4 for SciPort members.

The community will experience a real treat, Dec. 13-14, when Cirque du Soleil’s “Varekai” comes to CenturyLink Center in Bossier City.

The production is normally a big top tent production. This will be its first time as an arena show. The cast includes acrobats, musicians, singers and performers from all over the world. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets range in price from $42-$72.

In order to better package and promote holiday events in Shreveport-Bossier, a new annual publication called The Holly Jolly

Handbook was introduced in 2012. Available for free at visitor centers operated by the tourist bureau in Bossier City and Shreveport, the guide compiles more than three dozen holiday festivals, parades, shopping extravaganzas and more. Published in October, the pocket-sized brochure has been a hit with visitors and locals alike.

As the holidays quickly approach, be sure to leave room on your schedule to experience events in some of the partnering Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights cities. Minden offers a full day of activities with its “Wrap it Up in Minden” event, Dec. 7. Alexandria/Pineville has a Christmas Parade, Dec. 6 in Pineville and Dec. 8 in Alexandria. Monroe-West Monroe is offering parades, shopping, fireworks and the Commander Christmas Flotilla and Light Show every weekend through Dec. 14. Of course, Natchitoches hosts the granddaddy of all holiday events, the 87th Festival of Lights complete with fireworks, every Saturday, Dec. 7-Jan. 4.

To learn more about these and other events, visit www.HolidayTrailofLights.com.

Louisiana Boardwalk is again sporting its signature Christmas tree.

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From the Bossier Chamber

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What a Year It Was Bossier Chamber of Commerce earns 4-star Accreditation, advocates for members

he 2013 year has offered the Bossier Chamber of Commerce several successes to celebrate, all of which could not have been achieved without the support of our community partners and members. On behalf of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, we extend a sincere thank you to all of our stakeholders for allowing us the opportunity to advocate for the growth of the community in which we live.

U.S. Chamber Awards the Bossier Chamber of Commerce with 4-Star Accreditation The United States Chamber of Commerce awarded the Bossier Chamber of Commerce with 4-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.

“Accreditation validates a chamber as having programs that benefit their local economy and for positively influencing action in their community,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber Executive Director of Political Affairs and Federation Relations. “We applaud these organizations for advancing the principles of free enterprise.”

A few of the highlights stemming from this year’s work demonstrate our commitment to the community to promote the advancement of the civic, commercial, industrial, technological and agricultural interests of Bossier Parish all while promoting the general welfare and prosperity of the Parish and the stimulation of the public’s interests on key issues.

Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective orga-

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nizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete.

“Achieving four star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber is a huge compliment to not only the staff and leadership of the Bossier Chamber, it is a testament to the growth and innovative thinking of our business community, local government officials, school systems and their collective commitment to the area,” said Jason Smith, V.P. of Citizen’s National Bank and Chairman of the Bossier Chamber Board of Directors. “The U.S. Chamber recognizes our Chamber’s commitment to the business community in conferring this accreditation.”

Bossier Chamber President Lisa Johnson added, “We are honored to receive this 4-Star achievement and join the top 3% of Chambers nationwide.”

Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. State chambers are recog-

nized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction.

The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members.

Government Relations

As a business owner, manager, employee, or community member, your time is valuable and it becomes necessary to connect with people who can listen to your concerns, understand how they affect your company and have a sincere interest in the growth of your business.

That is why the Bossier Chamber makes it our priority to stay on the front lines of the political and legislative process at the federal, state, and local levels, we want to ensure that public policy decisions adequately take into account the needs of our business member’s concerns. This year through partnerships and business advocacy, the Bossier Chamber has worked to develop a skilled and competitive workforce to meet the needs of the 21st century.

The demand for skilled workers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in our regional economy continues to grow. The Chamber has recognized this need and believes BPCC could help in providing resources to meet those educational needs.

A top priority of the chamber and our leadership is excellence in education from pre-k

From the Bossier Chamber through higher education; a determined focus that consistently strives for quality workforce; the enrichment of each person’s quality of life, and the progression of economic development. In order to keep our community competitive, we must invest in education—the key to future growth in our economy. The Chamber took a leading role in advocating partnerships with LCTCS, state community colleges and chambers across the state for SB204 by Senator Adley—community and technical college “Facilities with a Purpose”. This bill will provide Bossier Parish Community College with $18.5 million for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) building.

This new state of the art, high-tech multi-use facility will move us in the direction of being able to educate and train Louisiana citizens for great paying jobs in a 21st century workforce.

In addition to advocating for higher education and workforce development, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce along with North Louisiana Economic Partnership, Baton Rouge Area Chamber, New Orleans Downtown Development District, PHARMA, Pfizer, Tulane University, Ochsner Health Systems, Louisiana State Medical Society, BioDistrict New Orleans, New Orleans BioInnovation Center, and the City of New Orleans were in-

strumental in supporting a major piece of healthcare legistlation that would promote efforts of healthcare research in the state of Louisiana.

With Northwest Louisiana employing 25,000 healthcare workers, harboring 59 hospitals and a medical school, this region is considered a major healthcare hub.

Act 320, championed by Rep. Walt Leger, received unanimous support in both the House and Senate and secured 43 co-authors, including Representatives Roy Burrell, Charles Chaney, Marcus Hunter, Jim Morris and Patrick Williams, and Senators Sherri Smith Buffington, Bob Kostelka, Neil Riser, Gregory Tarver, and Francis Thompson. “Act 320 provides our area with an additional tool to help the continual development of the bioscience/healthcare industry.

The establishment of the MediFund will further support the investment and collaboration in university research, increase career oriented workforce development, and help with recruitment and retention of new companies,” said Lisa Johnson, President and CEO, Bossier Chamber of Commerce.

Military Relations Supporting the local military men and women stationed in the area is a big part of the Bossier Chamber’s advocacy platform.

The Military Relations Committee of the Bossier Chamber pledges to strengthen reality and perception of Bossier Parish and Barksdale Air Force Base as a desired location for assignment and tour of duty.

With an economic impact upwards of 1 billion annually, the Chamber is committed to strengthen the community through militaryfriendly programs. The Chamber oversees several instrumental programs aimed at veterans, active duty military and their families.

The Military Recognition Program is a great example of how the Chamber works for its military partners. This program honors both local civilian and military members for their outstanding work in and support of the military. The Bossier Chamber was able to increase the number of awards given through the release of the Military Challenge coin which was awarded to 65 individuals in 2013.

In partnership with the US Chamber of Commerce, Goodwill of NWLA, the Bossier Chamber held two veterans’ job fairs, serving over

200 area veterans and their families. Job fairs such as these help the local workforce to obtain skilled workers, such as those whose talents have been shaped by their service in the military.

Bossier Youth Leadership 20th ANNIVERSARY Bossier Youth Leadership celebrated its 20th Anniversary this year! This collaboration between the Bossier Parish School System and the Bossier Chamber of Commerce acts as a mission for focusing on juniors throughout the Bossier Parish High Schools. The premise of this organization is to strengthen leadership skills in our youth by emphasizing community awareness and leadership development through active, hands on participation.

The reunion brought together BYL graduates from the programs infancy in 1993 to our current group of 2013 participants. This night of celebration served as a great reminder for what this program does for not only the community but the youth who are shaped and developed by its focus on leadership.

December 2013 • Biz. Magazine

23

Dave Says — On Business Know what you’re buying when you’re buying Dear Dave, I have an opportunity to buy a small business. What should I look for and what things should I check on before I make my decision?

Al Dear Al, The first thing you have to be absolutely certain of is that you’re going to wake up every morning and be excited you get to go to work again. Business owners must be passionate about their line of work because they’re going to be involved in each aspect of it every single day.

Your vocation needs to be a vacation. Otherwise, it becomes a constant grind, and when that happens you’re in trouble.

As far as buying a business is concerned, you’ll want to take your time and really dig into things. In many ways, a business is only worth the income it creates, and just because it has a great location doesn’t mean you’ll make money. Who cares if they have a great name in the community if the business doesn’t generate an income? The same thing goes for having a brand everyone knows. If they’re not monetizing it, who cares? It all comes down to the net profit of the business.

Sometimes people buy businesses on multiples of gross sales before expenses. You may know enough about that particular business to understand that you run it for a certain number of percentage points of the gross. In that case, you’ll know what your profit will be. But most of the time when buying a small business, especially if you’re a rookie, you need to concentrate on gross revenue, expense details and the profit generated as a result.

Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to ask what you will make on your money. If you’re going to take on the risk of a small business, you want to be able to make at least 20 percent on it. In other words, if you buy a business for $100,000, it needs to make at least $20,000 a year.

The least it’s worth is called book value. Once you own the business, if you collected all the receivables, sold off all the equipment and inventory then closed the business, what would you have in your pocket? That’s the book value. If the current owner has $40,000 in inventory, $30,000 worth of equipment and $30,000 in receivables, the book value would be $100,000 just if you close it. Those are your floor and ceiling values. Somewhere in between you’ll find a fair price.

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And remember this: If someone says a business does $65,000 a year, but they only pay taxes on $40,000, that means all they made was $40,000. If they don’t report it to the government, it doesn’t count. Don’t pull that under-the-table kind of stuff. A business is worth what is reported to the government, so take a good, hard look at the tax returns.

Lastly, do some research and find out if there’s someone in the same business, in another city, who would mentor you for a while. It just might be worth the price of a plane ticket to pick their brain and just listen to what they have to say. Chances are if they’ve been in business for a while, they know the ins and outs of the industry.

Good luck, Al! Dave

Time to collect Dear Dave, I have a small business doing work on houses. We have lots of repeat business, but sometimes people don’t pay and we have to drop them as customers.

Do you have any advice for avoiding these situations?

Steve Dear Steve, Virtually every small-business owner runs into this problem. The truth is collecting isn’t a customer problem; it’s a sales problem on the part of the business.

2222-9446 22-9446

When we sell advertising for my radio show then have trouble collecting, it means we sold the account improperly. Now, what is a properly sold account? A properly sold account is one in which we approached a qualified customer who had money, and the relationship was constructed in such a way that they realized from the beginning paying us on time was an –important—even vital—part of the relationship.

owned owned and and ooperated perated in Shr Shreveport eveport since 194 19488

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.

24 Biz. Magazine • December 2013

When we sit down with potential advertisers, we make it clear that we will bill them exactly on the 25th of the month. We also stress that we expect to be paid within five days. If we don’t have your payment by the first of the next month, you’ll be getting a phone call. Then, if you don’t respond to the call by the 15th, you won’t advertise with us ever again.

That may sound harsh, but I believe a thorough understanding is essential in all business transactions. It keeps things professional and eliminates a lot of unnecessary stress for you, your team and your bottom line!

Dave

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Lunch Break

The fried eggplant at Pita de Novo.

This Is How You Eat Eggplant

I

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

Pita de Novo offers variety of dishes

f you should find yourself with an eggplant, you could do a lot worse than slice it up and fry it. From Sicilian to Cajun, lots of the world’s great food cultures have figured this out. My in-laws pan fry thick slices of eggplant and cover them in Cajun seasoning, and the results are delicious. But the crispy, sweet and spicy fried eggplant served up at Pita de’ Novo (8510 Youree Drive, Shreveport) may be the best I’ve ever had.

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.

Heavily battered and fried, drizzled with a garlic and cilantro sauce and served with a cup of roasted red pepper dip, this dish takes an innocent, healthy vegetable and introduces it to a life of crime. The final product could easily be something you’d find on a State Fair midway: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and decadent

fun to eat. A platter ($7.99) includes about six large eggplant discs; smaller servings are available as an appetizer ($3.99) and sandwich ($5.99).

Pita de Novo also has gyros, falafel and other dishes.

Pita de Novo opened recently in a small storefront near LSU Shreveport. Atmosphere is extremely casual – food is served on paper plates.

For the most part, the menu is what you’d expect to find at any number of Greek and Lebanese restaurants: gyros, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, spinach pies, etc. Gyro towers spin slowly on vertical roasters behind the counter. The gyro meat – a 20% lamb, 80% beef mix, according to the manager – is yummy as well, but it’ll be hard for me not to order a bunch of fried eggplant any time I visit.

December 2013 • Biz. Magazine

25

Business Etiquette

Come to the Table

D

Meetings can be a time of appreciation, growth uring every episode of the television show BLUE BLOODS, the entire Reagan family shares a dinner together. It is one of my favorite shows, mostly for that dinner scene each week. They appreciate the food in front of them and the hands that prepared it.

They share and discuss the events of the week and learn different perspectives of those events from each other. Each person at the table is valued, wanted, needed, and feels a part of something larger than themselves. They learn and grow together.

Those dinner scenes leave me with a feeling of contentment, comfort, and anticipation for the next episode.

That same sense of good will and comfort can be created at work with your employees. Of course, I am not suggesting that you prepare a beautiful table complete with a family meal and beverages. Do you have weekly meetings for your work group or department? Such regularly scheduled meetings can have the same positive effect on a work family as a home family.

When such meetings are conducted in an uplifting and positive manner, it generates loyalty, team mentality, cooperation, enjoyment, and more productive employees. This is employee engagement. Here are some tips: Truly value each employee and the talents they bring. Through example, teach your employees to focus on the positive qualities of each other.

Draw out those that are naturally quiet or shy. Everyone should have the opportunity to share and offer comments without fear of snide remarks. Insist on respect from everyone at all times.

Include time for personal items of importance. Knowing about the life events of co-workers is part of caring about each other.

We humans become more verbal when we share food together. Take turns bringing a light snack. Being responsible for that week’s snack generates a sense of responsibility to the group. Be sure to verbally appreciate the person who brings the treat each time.

Discuss events from the week. Share praise and congratulations for the successes. In a supportive manner, discuss lessons learned from any failures.

Ensure each person understands what everyone else’s role is and how it fits into the larger picture of the organization.

This helps employees feel value in their contribution and in each other.

The meeting should be mandatory. Once each person feels valued, wanted, needed, and a part of something larger than themselves, they will all want to come to the table.

Teri Haynes Business Credibility and Etiquette Consultant

26

Biz. Magazine • December 2013

Spotlight

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

The Original “MAC GUY”

I

Maccentric has been in the Apple repair Business since 2006

n Shreveport-Bossier, there’s no Apple Store for the growing base of users. So what happens when your your kid drops your iPad or your Macbook goes on the fritz? Or, even worse for some, your iPhone won’t turn on?

For the burgeoning world of Apple users, there is a local entrepreneur who is there to help new converts and longtime fans.

Thomas Avallone is the founder and manager of Maccentric in Shreveport. The Shreveport native’s store is the only locally-owned Apple Authorized Service Provider in the area since 2006. Maccentric services and supports the range of Apple products, from Mac notebook and desktop computers to iPads and iPhones as well as soft-

ware.

“When we opened, the previous Appleauthorized shop in town had been shuttered for nearly six years. If you lived here and you required Apple-authorized service, you either had to get on I-20 to Dallas or facilitate a mail-in repair to the depot. Our business was founded for the sole purpose of providing local Apple users with the service that we believe they deserve,” said Avallone.

His Apple fandom began at the age of 10 when he was given a Macintosh SE/30.

After graduating from Centenary College in Shreveport, Avallone began working for Apple Retail at the Apple Store Willow Bend in Plano, Texas. As an original staff member that helped open the store in August, 2001, he was an employee of only the third Apple Store in the world.

“Something about (that first computer) struck me as special, almost magical, and over the years, I fell in love with Apple and its philosophy toward its products and mission,” he said.

In the decade since, he has returned home and turned his love into a business that offers support and training classes for everything Apple.

It’s fitting that his philosophy suits the Apple ethos of going above and beyond — Avallone is always willing to go that extra mile for the customer.

“We don't do mediocrity at Maccentric. I had a college professor at Centenary once tell the class, ‘The difference between good and excellent is just 10% more effort than the next guy is willing to give.’

We work give that 10% and more.”

Keeping that approach in mind, Avallone’s advice to local business leaders is to forget the old adage, “It's not personal, it's just business." He says you should make your work personal.

“When it's your business, it's all personal.

Make it personal. Because when it's personal, you care. You care a lot. You might even care more than what others might consider healthy or reasonable sometimes, but that passion will lead you to do great work.”

And his business has seen a bump, moving to the Shoppes at Bellemead location on Youree Drive in order to suit its customer base and increase its visibility.

“We have already found that our new location in Shoppes at Bellemead has brought us to the attention of a lot of folks as they have visited our fellow tenants or just going about their errands on Youree Drive. They may not need us now, but they know where we are now when they do,” said Avallone.

December 2013 • Biz. Magazine

27

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

28 Biz. Magazine • December 2013

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