Magazine December 2014
DELIVERED TO BUSINESS LEADERS THROUGHOUT SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER
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BIZ. Magazine • December 2014
The First Word
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Use this holiday month to reflect and plan ahead for 2015
hen I came back to Specht Newspapers, Inc. in 2011, David Specht gave me a book with a quiz in it that asked me basic questions to identify assets of my personality. “Strengths Finder 2.0” by Tom Rath will provide the top five themes of my personal strengths and give strategies for unlocking their potential. Number four on the list was “perspective.” It’s an easy theme for me to see in myself. I believe in the midst of busy, tough, or even disappointing times that you need to take a step back and see not only where you are as of right now, but also what the future can mean for you. Essentially, that is what this month’s BIZ. is all about. We’re taking a step outside of ourselves, at one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year, to see not only where we’ve been, but where we are going. It’s easy to get lost this time of year amidst the holidays and rushing around to meet end-of-year deadlines and goals. That’s why I’m all for taking a moment to get perspective on what has been accomplished this year and what the potential holds for the future.
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Predicting the future is folly. But computing pioneer (and someone who is WAY smarter than I) Alan Kay said, “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” The great thing about this edition is that our feature has thoughts on where NWLA is headed in 2015 and beyond with people who have the power and ability to shape the future of this area. They believe great things are in store and they will more than likely make that a self-fulfilling prophecy. Moreover, I want to encourage and empower you to take your future into your own hands. You still have time to change your fortunes and make a difference to arrest a slide or further pump up profits. Set goals for the next 12 months and get ready for the long road to achieve them. Set up accountability to monitor your progress next year so forecasting what lies ahead is easier. Dream big and shoot for the moon — if you miss and land among the stars, you’re still better than being stuck back on Earth. Are there mitigating factors that determine how things turn out? Sure. But that doesn’t mean you can have an attitude of powerlessness or of letting the chips fall where they may. You can still take initiative by seeing where you’re headed in the next 12 months and whether that means disaster or boon for your business. Take a few minutes, even days, to take stock of your business or venture and see what you did right, pat yourself on the back, and then examine where you went wrong. Come up with a game plan to keep the wrongs from happening again in 2015, even if that means adopting a new philosophy. Then write down measurable, specific goals with deadlines and stick to them. If you have a team, get them to do the same and tell you what they found. Their perspective could make a huge difference in what you do going forward. Then, finally, stand up and lead. I promise you, that if you want it, great things are in store.
Sean Green
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from BIZ.
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Sean is vice president/publisher of BIZ. You can reach him by emailing sean@thebiztools.com.
December 2014 • BIZ. Magazine
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Contents 14
Where is NWLA headed?
Local and state business leaders discuss their views and forecasts for the economy and business climate in the upcoming year.
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Spotlight: Lens service
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Hiring disabled and disadvantaged workers Look at utilizing the efforts and skills of disabled and disadvantaged workers who can serve as an asset to your business.
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BIZ. News Online
The BIZ. website at www.nwlabusiness.com is Shreveport-Bossier’s home for business news, updated as it happens. In addition, users can sign up for a free BIZ. Daily Report to keep up with BIZ. news from the comfort of their Inbox.
Contact Us: sean@thebiztools.com Volume 5, Number 12 | ©Copyright 2014 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 2014
On the Cover
Local photographer Mollie Corbett strives to impact all facets of her community in a positive way.
Forecasting what 2015 and beyond holds for the area with views from local experts on what they expect from the area's economy as well as how Shreveport-Bossier will continue to change and evolve.
Regulars 3
Take a breather
6
Do with what you’ve got
1o
Digital media overload
12
Looking ahead with intention
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Dave Says — On Business
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Use the holiday month to reflect and plan for 2015.
Focus on doing your best with what you have.
Critical digital marketing needs for 2015.
Big plans, work lies ahead for Bossier Chamber in 2015.
How do you reignite a sales team member’s fire once they have reached a financial goal?
‘Twisted Mule’
The first local draft cocktail at Shreveport’s Twisted Root Burger Company.
J
S T I P
B w T
Win-Win Powertools
2015 will see more raving fans
S
ince my crystal ball has fogged up, I can’t guess what is in store for ShreveportBossier’s businesses in 2015. I can predict what I would like to see happen. I know what can bring us all a positive impact. I want a business community that says “Thank You”, “Welcome”, “Come Back” and “We appreciate your business”. I guess you know what I mean….GREAT SERVICE resulting in RAVING FANS*.
When people say service to me, I remember lots of stories from my speaking career. In 2009, I had the pleasure of speaking to two groups of the Arkansas Broadcasters Association. One of the stays was in a wonderful restored hotel called the Hotel Seville Magnuson Grand in Harrison, Ark. It was grand! One of the highlights of our time was the “check-out”. I know it sounds strange, but it was meaningful. I’ve grown sensitive to service…especially when I leave a hotel or restaurant. As I signed the final bill, the lady behind the counter asked me if I had enjoyed my stay. I said “yes”. She leaned forward, lit up with a broad smile (passion), looked me squarely in the eyes and responded… “I love it when our customers say they enjoyed their stay. Please come back.”
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 do you say when clients call, walk through the front door or buy? What do members of your support team say? How is the phone answered…every time? Do you send personalized Thank You Notes? Good Selling! Jerry *Raving Fans, A revolutionary Approach to Customer Service, Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles
December 2014 • BIZ. Magazine
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Marketing B-S (Bossier-Shreveport)
Do with what you’ve got
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Randy Brown
Advertising/Marketing Guru He is the Publisher of the Bossier Press-Tribune, as well as Advertising Director for Bossier Newspaper Publishing Company, Inc., publishers of the BPT and BIZ. Magazine. Randy may be reached at rbrown@bossierpress.com
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BIZ. Magazine • December 2014
Focus on doing your best with what you have
o many times, we get caught up in the flow of both our business and personal lives. As such, both the routines and tasks that we all go through just to get through the day can seem never ending. And sometimes, this causes us to lose sight of our goals. In short, we lose our focus. As human nature dictates, we all have multiple excuses for why this happens. For me, this seems to be happening quite a bit lately. We must realize that this happens to all of us!
...be happy with what you have & make the most out of where you are until you can do better.
We all have different ways of dealing with these types of situations. I have been working on improving my focus by simply concentrating on doing the best I can with what I have...and doing the things that I am best at doing. As I talked about in last month’s column, not trying to be all
things to all people. And as I mentioned last month, I am finding someone else on the team to do the things that I am not good at doing. Essentially, delegating and finding others to do the tasks that I am vacating or not good at doing....the things that I do not enjoy.
Taking all of the above into consideration, I am also finding new ways to be both very happy and very excited about what I am doing and why I am here doing it! One of the new things I have discovered is to make the very best out of what I have to work with in terms of: technology, team members, facilities, production, etc. Actually, the list can get rather long very quickly. What I am saying is, simply be happy with what you have and make the most out of where you are until you can do better. Always aim higher than where you are now, but also make the most out of where you are now! In the long run, this will lead to much greater happiness and productivity for both you and your team members.
December 2014 • BIZ. Magazine
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Biz Tools
Do Something The speed of business is ever increasing. The successful business leader stays on top of the tools and information to help his company grow.
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Book of the Month
sing an astutely written fictional tale to unambiguously but painlessly deliver some hard truths about critical business procedures, Patrick Lencioni targets group behavior in the final entry of his trilogy of corporate fables. And like those preceding it, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team is an entertaining, quick read filled with useful information that will prove easy to digest and implement. This time, Lencioni weaves his lessons around the story of a troubled Silicon Valley firm and its unexpected choice for a new CEO: an old-school manager who had retired from a traditional manufacturing company two years earlier at age 55. Showing exactly how existing personnel failed to function as a unit, and precisely how the new boss worked to reestablish that essential conduct, the book's first part colorfully illustrates the ways that teamwork can elude even the most dedicated individuals--and be restored by an insightful leader. A second part offers details on Lencioni's "five dysfunctions" (absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results), along with a questionnaire for readers to use in evaluating their own teams and specifics to help them understand and overcome these common shortcomings. — Amazon.com
On the BIZ. Tools Podcast This Month: Be Wary Who You Partner With Serving Your Market in Different Ways
Last Month Recognizing and Navigating ‘The Dip’ Avoiding Burnout Motivation Needed Listen to the BIZ. Tools Podcast at: biztoolspodcast.com
App of the Month Business Plan Premier
This $7.99 iPad app does double-duty for users who are eager to have their business plan backed fast. Business Plan Premier leads you through writing your company's vision and mission statements, product descriptions and marketing plans. You can also use it to complete competitive and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis, outline your management scheme, identify your startup expenses, define your target market and more depending on your needs. Business Plan Lite is the free (but much less functional) version of the app. — Entrepreneur.com
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BIZ. Magazine • December 2014
#WorthFollowing @davidaspecht @thebiztools @Social_Robin @AcceleratedBE @bossierchamber
More Tools
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This month: “PPP: Plan, Prepare, Practice” Friday, Dec. 12 9 a.m. CoHab in Red River District Join us for coffee, breakfast & a lesson
How well do you know your customers? Your clients? Your own company? In today’s cynical business climate, building trust is a keystone of success. However, knowing all you need to know is a process, one you shouldn’t practice on your customers and clients. Jerry and David discuss how to plan, prepare and practice for success. December 2014 • BIZ. Magazine
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Uncommon Sense Marketing
Digital media overload
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Critical digital marketing needs for 2015
ou don’t need a Ouija board to know that 2015 will still be a marketing message overload! Marketing messages come at us in a never ending stream. Where and how we consume information changes and evolves - now we consume on demand and on the go. Few people walk out of their house without their cell phones and often take a tablet. With so many things competing for our attention, you have to keep up with the latest trends to know where and how to market.
Amy Kinnaird
Marketing Strategist Trainer and Speaker With over 35 years experience in marketing and training, Amy helps business owners put together the right plan. If you struggle with your marketing and don’t know where to start… If what you used to do for marketing isn’t working anymore…If it’s time to get clear about your business and come up with a good plan…call Amy at 318-795-0520 or visit her website: www.UnCommonSenseMarketing.com
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Look for these things to be critical in your digital marketing in 2015: n You must have an optimized mobile friendly website. People use their phones for searches on the spot, and mobile searches are growing faster than desktop searches. Consumers who search on mobile are more likely to take action, whether that’s visiting your store that day or purchasing products from you. It’s all based on their experience. You can’t afford to lose a customer because your website isn’t mobile ready. n Great content writing is a must. Your message should entertain and provide insight in order to build rapport and a loyal following. Ann Handley says to “be generously useful” with your content. Provide information they will thank you for. Think visual storytelling and humor! This is a huge
trend and is designed to humanize the face and voice of your business. n Paid exposure in social media came to the forefront with Facebook leading the way. Their business pages are now essentially “pay to play,” so in order to get noticed in an omni-present content marketing world, you need to budget money for promoted posts or ads. This also means you will have to be great at analyzing and optimizing when and where to share your message. n Have you ever been browsing a website looking for a specific product and then when you go to a completely different website, an ad for that very item appears in the sidebar? That’s called ad retargeting, and it uses cookies to re-advertise products you recently searched for but didn’t purchase. Your own advertising dollars can now target shoppers who already know and like your products and have been on your website. In 2015 keep the marketing basics, but in order to be heard you’ll need to look for, evaluate and leverage new technologies for delivering your marketing message. Thank you for reading along this past year! Stay tuned for a great 2015.
It’s Time to
celebrate
GIVE US A
BREAK
Cash C ash Winners Winners E Every very 3 30 0M Minutes inutes 8pm 8 pm – 11pm 11pm
Free L ive E ntertainment Free Live Entertainment 9pm 9 pm – 1 1am am
Champagne C hampagne T To Toast oast a att M Midnight idnight For more For more information information call call 318.746.0711 318.746.0711 or visit visit B oomtownBossier.com or BoomtownBossier.com BoomtownBossier Boomto wnBossier
@BoomtownBC @Boomto wnBC
WELCOME WE LCOME TO
CASINO C ASINO
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BOSSIER BO SSIER CITY, CIT Y, LA
BoomtownBC Boomto wnBC
GORILLA
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Must be 21 or older to attend. Entertainment Entertainment start start times may may vary. vary. ©2014 Pinnacle Entertainment, Entertainment, Inc. Inc. All rights reserved. reserved.
G A M B L I N G
P R O B L E M ?
8 0 0 . 5 2 2 . 47 0 0 December 2014 • BIZ. Magazine
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From the Bossier Chamber
Tuesday, January 27 6 PM CenturyLink Center Honoring 2014 Business & Business Person of the Year Tables & Tickets Available Now! www.bossierchamber.com • 318-746-0252 • jana@bossierchamber.com
Sponsored by: METRO
LEADER Newspaper
WELCOME TO
CASINO
HOTEL
BOSSIER CITY, LA
Looking ahead with intention
O
Big plans, work lies ahead in 2015 ur state has spent the majority of 2014 in celebration of tremendous growth. Northwest Louisiana in particular has put several feathers in its cap over the course of this year with announcements of economic advancements and job creation. With the influx of new jobs comes the responsibility to welcome the new comers to our community as they transition.
The Bossier Chamber of Commerce will continue the work began in 2014 with the launch of the quality of life website www.bossierinnovates.com. The site is aimed to help welcome and transition new professionals to our area as they seek to learn more about the community’s culture, schools and neighborhoods. Because of the influx in new young professionals in our area the Bossier Chamber felt that it was important to develop this comprehensive one stop shop resource for individuals and businesses looking establish a base in Bossier City. As we move into 2015, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce looks to the future with intention. As an organization committed to the advancement of the interests in NWLA, the Bossier Chamber will continue to advocate for growth in Northwest Louisiana through various programs and initiatives. And, speaking of programs in 2015, we’ve got a lot in store for our members and community! Since the completion of our inaugural Total Resource Campaign, we have been able to add several key programs to help increase our membership’s ROI. The staff at the Bossier Chamber has put together innovative programs engaged with members in mind, giving our members more opportunities to showcase their business and connect with the community. We’ve celebrated growth this year, but there’s more to look forward to in 2015. We expect to see Bossier City’s landscape continue to evolve in order to attract and attain young professionals. Bossier City Project Coordinator, Pam Glorioso, shares the City’s plans for making Bossier an attractive place to call home for young professionals: “Millennials are the new young professionals, which are emerging into Bossier City’s work force as a key force in the digital employment arena. The City’s new downtown plan will focus on redevelopment of the area to appeal to this generation and others who are looking for an urban lifestyle. Our desire is to focus on the creative class to lure them to the downtown area with new art recreational events, attractions, and developments expanding the scope of the downtown area. As new developments arise in the coming years, we are planning for an increase in occupancy in the downtown area and an increase of new retail and entertainment venues.” So, stay engaged this year as we continue to grow and change! We’re a Parish on the move!
Ginger Collier
Director of Communications, Bossier Chamber of Commerce
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#BossierInnovates
Put us to work for you.
While LCI Workers’ Comp has never loosened a single lug nut, we have worked alongside local business owners for more than 25 years—providing expert guidance, exceptional service and free training programs like QuickBooksTM , online marketing, and safety education. :: lciwc.com :: 985-612-1230 December 2014 • BIZ. Magazine
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Cover Story
Story & Graphic By Sean Green
A
s 2014 draws to a close, it would be easy to rest on the things accomplished this year and reflect. Instead, local business leaders are already looking to what lies ahead for Shreveport-Bossier in 2015 with another eye on what could come down the pike even further ahead. Many know the potential of northwest Louisiana and are working to make that economic muscle bear fruit. Below, you’ll see what they have to say about what we can expect in our business world over the next 12 months.
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14 BIZ. Magazine • December 2014
Cover Story
Lisa Johnson
President, Bossier Chamber of Commerce
Dick Bremer
President, Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce
David “Rocky” Rockette Exec. Director/President, Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation
Lisa Johnson, president of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce — “We look to 2015 with intention; the intention to grow, support and develop Bossier into one of the best communities in the country. Over the course of the year, our region, specifically Bossier City, has gained significant recognition not only throughout the state but also on a national level. We are leading the way in many initiatives from technology to education and partnerships. Our forward thinking leaders have invested a great deal into our future, and locally we are seeing those investments come to fruition. With the announcement from Cyber Innovation Center on the 800 plus jobs coming from anchor tenant, CSC, we can expect to see the already booming population to continue to grow in 2015. The Bossier Chamber of Commerce is ready to support and welcome the many new faces that will relocate to the area through our comprehensive relocation/transition website MovetoBossier.com. Folks seeking information about Bossier Parish and the quality of life we offer as a community have a one-stop-shop resource to help guide them through a relocation. Bossier leaders have been proactive in looking at the bigger picture for the future. We will continue to see growth in economic development areas because of the proactive leadership. Through collaborative efforts of the education system and the partnerships to help with talent development initiatives in order to sustain the demand for skilled labor, we have created the ‘perfect storm’ for success. Keeping all of those new residents here with us is also a focus for 2015. As we mentioned quality of life plays a big factor in economic development. City and Parish leaders have come together, along with input from the community, to repurpose and develop both Downtown Bossier and South Bossier.” Dick Bremer, president of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce — “Shreveport faces many challenges in the coming year, but the city also has much to celebrate,” said Dick Bremer, President of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. With a talented new Superintendent in Dr. Goree, Caddo schools have the guidance to ensure our kids are not only graduating, but are also learning the quality skills they need to enter the workforce. The Chamber hopes our community will elect a strong and cooperative group of School Board members who can work with Dr. Goree to meet the needs of our struggling schools. The City is also poised to expand regional transportation infrastructure. Two transportations studies will be completed next year, hopefully leading to the much needed expansion of 3132 to the Port, where Benteler Steel will begin production in 2015 and the second study focuses on finding a route through the city to connect to the I-49 north corridor. With the election of new local political representatives in City Council and the Mayoral seat, we also hope to see improvements made to our burdened water and sewer systems, as well as the completion of projects covered by the 2011 bond issue.”
David “Rocky” Rockett, Jr., executive director/president of the Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation — “Where does the GBEDF (Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation) see our community headed into 2015 and beyond into the second decade of the 21st century? To be able to think about where we are going, it is important to reflect on our past. Lets go back 5 years and see the birth of the Haynesville Shale as an economic national player, let’s see the beginning of what became Air Force Global Strike Command at BAFB and let’s look at the catalyst that allowed us to bring a creative economy of movies and animation as well as an atmosphere for gaming that shows statewide success. If we take the ingredients that were born at the beginning of the decade, we can now look at the gas/wet plays that have allowed the U.S. to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, we have pursued large growth jobs in the oil and gas sectors as well as the information technology sectors at the National Cyber Research Park as well as a spur in the growth of our manufacturing sector. We have located a new gaming boat in our area as well as housing an Oscar winning animation studio in our communities. Long and short, we see 2015 as a year where we will need to develop further concepts in growing the necessary workforce to fill the job needs we have created in various sectors of our economy. I believe it is safe to say that there is a job in this area and a mechanism to educate you for that job should you choose…if not, we will need to begin in-migration programs in earnest to fill the jobs we have brought to the area. That is a good thing to help grow our population, our demographics and allows this area to pursue more opportunities for additional retail, and purchasing choices in Northwest Louisiana. I’m curious who could have seen much of this activity in 2000, let alone 2010… we believe 2015 is a year of growth and success that will also be the new foundation of extraordinary growth going into the third decade beyond 2020.” Steven Waguespack, president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry — “Northwest Louisiana is poised for growth in 2015 and continues to play a critical role in the manufacturing renaissance taking place in Louisiana. The region is expected to add 1,300 jobs in 2015 and another 1,400 in 2016, anchored by major investments such as Benteler Steel’s $665 million tube mill at the Port of Caddo-Bossier and the 800 new jobs that will fill the 116,000-square-foot Computer Science Corp Technology Center under construction at the National Cyber Research Park. National publications such as Forbes, Money and the Southern Business & Development Journal continue to highlight the region as one to watch for in the coming year. It is critical that the region focus on developing a qualified workforce, addressing transportation and infrastructure impediments and ensuring a business-friendly regulatory environment to maximize this great opportunity. We at LABI look forward to working closely with the area’s elected officials, educators and community leaders to help the region’s economy meet its tremendous potential.”
CIC to have big year The growth of the Cyber Innovation Center’s National Cyber Research Park in Bossier City and the continued national roll-out of its cyber education model across the nation will be a major storyline to follow in 2015. “The future is bright. In 2015, CSC will continue to ramp up its number of employees located at the CIC and we’ll see great progress with the construction of CSC’s Integrated Technology Center – an 110,000 SF facility that will open in 2016,” said Craig Spohn, President of Cyber Innovation Center. CSC, one of the world’s largest technology companies, announced in February 2014 that they would be locating 800 jobs to the National Cyber Research Park. Ground has been broken on CSC’s new building and construction is progressing towards an early 2016 opening. In addition to the CSC Integrated Technology Center, the CIC expects additional construction projects to begin in 2015. The CIC has plans to build a cyber research facility that will be a home for cutting-edge cyber research and a hub for technology commercialization. “This facility will bring new jobs and additional high-end cyber research Craig Spohn to our park. It will also open the door to new opportunities with cyber startups and spin-offs, an entrepreneurship ecosystem,” said Mr. Spohn. In addition to adding new, high paying jobs to NWLA’s industry, CIC’s National Integrated Cyber Education Research Center (NICERC) has been in the process of establishing a cyber education curriculum — a curriculum that experts highlighted as one of the nation’s best at the 2014 National Initiative for Cyber Education (NICE) Conference in November. With funding from the Department of Homeland Security, the CIC is distributing G.B. Cazes its curricula across the country and expects to train over 15,000 students while impacting more than 2 million students over the next 8 years. “We are entering Year 2 of a 10 year roll out. Over the next 12 months, we will be dramatically expanding our national footprint, ” said G.B. Cazes, Vice President of the Cyber Innovation Center. Ultimately, the CIC’s cyber curriculum will be implemented in all 50 states with the goal of building the nation’s future cyber workforce. NICERC’s curriculum will expand to several new states in the next nine months including California, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, and Tennessee. In addition, the 2015 Education Discovery Forum (EDF) will be held at the Shreveport Convention Center and expects to attract more than 300 teachers from
Continued on Page 25 December 2014 • BIZ. Magazine
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Hiring
Hiring disabled & disadvantaged workers
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Offer several assets for your business hey are no different than you and I, faced with day to day challenges life throws their way, one challenge in particular, unemployed. Although challenges can be present in any area of life, those encountered while seeking a job can be the greatest. For those who are disadvantaged or disabled, challenges can be seen as never ending barriers to employment.
These barriers range from criminal background, lack of education or employment history, welfare recipients, homelessness or even a significant disability. But with the help from partners in the community like you, the job search can be much more bearable and successful. Disadvantaged or disabled workers can be the greatest asset to your organization leading to increased revenue, new customers or referrals, and overall boosting personal and company moral. One of the best benefits they offer is allowing companies to save money, beginning with the work opportunity tax credit. When a company hires a disadvantaged or disabled worker, they become eligible to receive this tax credit annually. Newly hired workers falling in one or more of these categories, including but not limited to: Ex-Felon, TANF Recipient, Summer Youth, and Vocation Rehabilitation Referral, SNAP Recipient, etc. allow an organization to qualify for this tax break. Saving a few extra dollars with each employee you hire can have a significant impact on your total generated revenue. Another benefit disadvantage or disabled workers offer is increased customer volume and creating positive company image to competitors and the community. By hiring these individuals as employees, you are exposing your organization to a variety of potential customers and community advocates that all play a hand in making sure this employee is successful on the job. With this employee comes access to a pool of agencies that can be used as supports to your business and what you have to offer them. For example, an employee is hired by your organization, who was referred by Company A, who also referred the employee to Company B for increased support, who in return referred them to Company C based on your hiring need. By hiring this one candidate you have essentially gained three new community partners, who have all invested in your candidate’s employment success. With this exposure the employee can become a success story to those in their community and refer other candidates like themselves to pursue your business versus another. By making sure this candidate is successful, you are able to touch the lives of their family and many others.
Karmen Rubin Open Placement Manager for Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana
16 BIZ. Magazine • December 2014
At this point, you have not only saved money, been exposed to several new community partners and referrals, but you have also made a step toward enhancing the lives of others by hiring a disadvantaged or disabled worker. Although these workers may not come from the best walks of life, they arrive with many hands of support and expectations for development and success. These are the disadvantaged workers that surround us. Their presence stands strong in the current workforce. By showing your current employees that you care and are able to create a learning environment for them and others, you have begun paving a pathway to success. By creating this pathway you should feel proud and know your employees appreciate you and the beneficial work environment you help create. To you, it may just be another job you’ve filled, but to them it just may be the world!
From the Shreveport Chamber
A lot of work ahead
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The need to improve Shreveport’s schools, transportation and infrastructure in 2015
hreveport and the greater northwest Louisiana region will face many struggles in 2015, but a well-reasoned, pre-emptive and thoughtful solutions-based approach could pave the way to unprecedented opportunity. The Greater Shreveport Chamber is excited and optimistic about the coming year and the progress being made toward solving some of the deeper and more systemic issues our community faces. The primary struggle our region must face is an effort to improve our underperforming K-12 schools. More than 56 percent of Caddo Parish schools are rated at a D or F level, while approximately 37 percent of our students do not graduate from high school. This trend must be curbed if our region is to remain a competitive and attractive location for tech based businesses which require a highly educated and skilled labor force. The Chamber is working closely with Caddo Schools' new Superintendent, Dr. Theodis Goree, who has been both active and energetic in his new role.
Michael Doughty VP Membership Development & Marketing Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce
A committee of Chamber representatives, staff and other community members meets monthly with Dr. Goree to discuss how businesses and the entire community can best provide support for the school system.
already demonstrated a willingness to work within the community to find solutions to the very pressing issues our Caddo School System faces in the coming year. With the hope that the recent elections lead to a cooperative and proactive School Board in 2015, the Chamber is confident Dr. Goree will make progress. The Chamber has pledged to do all we can to help turn our schools back into facilities we can all be proud of. While Shreveport continues to struggle with the rising cost of road maintenance, the region is poised on the brink of an incredible economic advantage as a transportation epicenter. Next year, two transportation studies are scheduled to conclude. One study is focused on the impact of expanding the 3132 loop to the Port of Caddo Bossier. This expansion is an essential economic stimulator, which would provide a direct route to the Port from I-20 and I-49. This route will provide an easy and cost-efficient entrance and exit for goods shipped to and from the Port. The economic value of such an expansion cannot be understated. The Port is home to several major industrial groups, such as Benteler Steel, an impressive industrial business which is slated to begin production in 2015. Benteler and other industries depend upon easy and convenient supply lines if they are to maintain and increase growth.
The second study examines the potential for an inner city connection to the I-49 north expansion. Such a connection would allow a tremendous amount of the nation's road traffic to pass directly through our city, and would also provide a benefit to businesses seeking to export goods from the region. Additionally, the Chamber hopes to see new and improved air service to Shreveport's Regional Airport. The potential for more direct flights to and from Shreveport Regional could mean even greater tourism numbers, and the improved accessibility to other parts of the nation could be beneficial in attracting talented laborers to our area. With a new Mayor, and several new City Council members the city government will hopefully complete the projects covered by the 2011 bond issue, which the people voted for over four years ago. The funds would be used to complete projects for our deteriorating water and sewage systems and perform needed work on roads. Ultimately, Shreveport and the surrounding region have many issues to tackle, in order to ensure our future economic sustainability, but these struggles are eclipsed by our city's potential. With a proactive, cooperative and solutions-based government, willing to work with our established and up-and-coming business community, there is much to look forward to in 2015.
Through these committee meetings, Dr. Goree has December 2014 • BIZ. Magazine
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BUSINE
N IT Y
SS
JOBS
U CO M M
REASON #1: LOCAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, ser vice providers and farms. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as the local ta x base.
L O C A L LY OW N E D & O P E R AT E D
1115 P ie r r em o n t R o a d • S h r eve po r t , L A 7110 6 • a l l eg r a m ar ke t i n gs b . c o m • 318 . 222 .6111
18 BIZ. Magazine • December 2014
Employee Healthcare
Health insurance needs
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Bossier City’s Benefit Consulting Services helps guide employers through evolving world of insurance y far, the greatest barrier to health insurance coverage in America today is cost. One of the greatest issues facing most employers is how to provide an attractive benefit package, while controlling costs that continue to rise.
As implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) progresses, there is much confusion among all the stakeholders. Many employers, particularly smaller ones, cannot afford to maintain benefits and increase their degree of contribution to employee coverage. As employer responsibility requirements continue to grow, more emphasis is being placed on governmental compliance. Education is extremely important, as rules and regulations change daily. No effort to promote health insurance access and choice in an affordable and financially sustainable way will be successful in the long run if the nation doesn’t address the underlying problem with the existing system: the skyrocketing cost of medical care. The establishment of health insurance exchanges is one of the
most significant reforms contained in PPACA. Beginning January 1, 2014, health care reform required most individuals to have some form of health insurance through the individual mandate or pay a penalty. Exchanges are transforming the nation’s private healthcare marketplace for individuals and small businesses buying coverage. The State of Louisiana opted not to create its own exchange, therefore, the Federal Market Place opened for business last fall. Partners Scott Martin, Scott Alexander, and Hedy Hebert make up Bossier City’s Benefit Consulting Services (BCS) and use their diverse backgrounds to offer a competitive advantage in experience, certifications and a client centered approach to purchasing healthcare benefits. They will ensure employers and individuals of all sizes purchase health insurance, use their coverage effectively and make sure they get the most out of the benefits they have purchased. BCS has contracted with a company called Enroll Louisiana to help people purchase individual or family coverage, while taking advantage of the potential subsidies available to them. Purchasing healthcare coverage can be quite daunting and confusing if individuals decide to utilize the government’s
website, www.healthcare.gov. The employees at Enroll Louisiana are trained to ask questions that will help find the policy that is best for the individual, while making every effort to help them obtain financial subsidies to offset the tremendous health insurance cost. Open enrollment for the Market Place begins on November 15 and runs through February 15, 2015. Medicare open enrollment is October 15 – December 7, 2014. Call (318) 317-3375 to enroll in the Enroll Louisiana Market Place. There are also several mandates that employers need to be aware of as they plan for 2015. The employer mandate, better known as the “Pay-or-Play” provision requires applicable large employers to offer healthcare coverage to full time employees or pay penalties. Employers with 50-99 full time employees must comply by 2016. More than ever, employers need to make sure they keep copies of waivers and good records in the event they experience a Department of Labor audit. For more information regarding what employers need to know, call BCS at 318-742-9515 or stop by their office at 550 Boardwalk Blvd.
December 2014 • BIZ. Magazine
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Business Etiquette
Respond, if you please
Y
How to properly accept a business dinner invitation
ou’ve been invited to a company holiday dinner that includes a new client. The invitation is addressed to “Ms. Your Name and Guest” and has a notation to RSVP to the CEO’s assistant. Congratulations. What an honor for you! Here is information to help you accept the invitation professionally and confidently. The initials “R.S.V.P.” stand for a French phrase “repondez, s’il vous plait” which means “Respond, if you please.” Appearing on invitations of all types, it is a reminder for people to do what they should already know to do – respond to the invitation. Below are a few things to consider when RSVPing to a business dinner invitation: n An invitation from your employer to a dinner, party, reception, etc. is an honor and should be treated as such. n Reply within one week to confirm your attendance. Anything longer indicates a possible lack of interest. n Be aware that in formal dinners, couples rarely sit together. Seating arrangements are wellplanned for maximum business results and relationship building. n Confirm availability with your guest. Appearing solo when two are expected upsets seating arrangements. If you are unable to bring a guest, let the planner quickly know. n Never show up without having submitted your RSVP. n If you reply that you will be there, never pull a no-show. n Never bring additional people. Only those to whom the invitation is addressed are invited. n Never assume “and guest” means you can bring a child or teenager. n You and your guest should brush-up on your table manners. This will help you both feel more confident. n Not sure about what to wear? Ask the planner for tips and suggestions. A business suit accessorized for evening is a good rule of thumb. n Event planning, whether a formal dinner or a casual party is a difficult and involved job. Your prompt RSVP enables timely finalization of menus, seating, and budgeting.
Teri Haynes Owner of Business Interactions, LLC Employee trainer and business etiquette coach www.BusinessInteractions.Net
20 BIZ. Magazine • December 2014
Dave Says — On Business Re-ignite the fire Dear Dave, How do you reignite a sales team member’s fire once they have reached a financial goal they set for themselves? David Dear David, I love team members who have the energy and drive to go out and make the sales. But when it comes to this type of work, you’ve always got to be on the lookout for someone who is there simply to collect big checks. I call a person who is on some type of commission, and brings in more than they cost you per unit, a tiger. These are the types you want in commission-based roles, because they enjoy the chase and the thrill of the hunt. But it’s a little difficult to change things with people who are already in place and have been with you a long time. You can talk to them about the situation and their goals, or you can change the environment around them or their compensation structure and give them every opportunity to catch fire again. But I think the best thing is to spend lots of time and effort in the beginning making sure you pick the right people for the right jobs. At my company we stress the importance of having a crusade mentality. You have to be on fire for what you’re doing. You have to love your job, love the reason you’re here and love doing work that matters. We’re a Super Bowl team, David. We’re not setting a goal of getting to the playoffs. We’re playing for the ring every time. You have to understand that what I’m talking about isn’t something you can suddenly start cramming down people’s throats. It’s a gradual, gentle process. But the first and most important thing is to surround yourself with winners and give them what they need in terms of motivation to win on a consistent basis. It’s not acceptable for someone to reach a particular goal and then slack off or start doing things in a half-butt kind of way. I’m not okay with that at all! —Dave
Expensive lesson learned Dear Dave, I work for a civil engineering firm that makes about $1 million annually. Two years ago one of our new clients didn’t pay a $40,000 invoice, even though a promissory note was signed. Our company sued him and won, but his assets can’t settle the bill. Do you think we should continue to pursue this? Sarah Dear Sarah, You can hit a rock with a hammer, and it will never bleed. In other words, there’s no money to get because he doesn’t have it. Unless you think you’re dealing with a snake, and he’s going to great lengths to try and hide something, I’m just going to use this lesson learned and change my sales procedures and requirements to reflect the experience. You might want to spend a little effort looking into things a bit deeper. You could even spend something on a private detective to try and search out bank accounts and other assets. Try to find out where the snake laid its eggs. Who knows? You might be able to squeeze a few thousand out of the situation. Still, I wouldn’t spend a lot more time, effort or money chasing this guy. You let him get too far into you for a new client. If I were in your shoes, I’d probably just go make more money, see how I could learn from the lesson and make the changes necessary so I never had to go back there again! —Dave
Dave Ramsey Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on business and money. He has authored five New York Times bestselling books, including EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on the web at www.entreleadership.com.
December 2014 • BIZ. Magazine
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Business Development
Exciting times ahead
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Digital production industry is more accessible and creative than ever
he video production industry is an exciting one to be in as we head into 2015. New technological developments make the industry more accessible financially, and push creative types to expand their skill sets. Oh, yeah… and everyone is watching! Expect moving time-lapse video to become more common, especially since the technology in smart phone cameras is becoming more advanced with every new phone release. Also because of the highly advanced technology in cell phone cameras, clients could be able to provide video production houses with their own high definition video to incorporate into projects.
Jill Macchiaverna Jill is Publicity Chair, Business Development Connection for the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce.
22 BIZ. Magazine • December 2014
Drones have finally been cleared by the FAA for commercial filming use. That opens the door for dramatic overhead footage and panoramic shots that otherwise would have been too expensive
90% of online traffic will come from videos, & online video production will make up 1/3 of online advertising spending.
for small productions. (Just don't forget to get a permit or any other kind of permission from the location owner!) According to recent numbers from Altitude Digital, a video advertising industry leader, online
engagement means involving your audience with a call to action to participate in a conversation, and the way to do that going forward is by incorporating video into all aspects of online presence. Altitude Digital claims four years from now there will be 3.6 billion Internet users in the world. That's going to be about 48% of the population. (About 2.3 billion or a third of the world is estimated to be connected today.) The company projects 90% of online traffic will come from videos, and that online video production will make up one third of all online advertising spending within five years. The pixel ranges are expanding and so are expectations for video quality. Expect that to lead to a multitude of great new content from all your favorite online entities in the coming years.
NWLA Tourism
STORY BY Chris Jay
Home (tours) for the holidays
S
Holiday home tours highlight a festive month for activities
hreveport-Bossier tour guide service Yesterday’s Lady will host Candlelight Christmas Tours, a guided holiday tour of two historic homes, 6-8:30 p.m., Dec. 4 & 5 and Dec. 11 & 12. The tour will include stops at the Logan Mansion, built in 1897, as well as the Davis Homeplace, built in 1916. Both residences will be elaborately decorated for the holidays. Tickets cost $26 per person and include shuttle transportation, light refreshments and a guided tour of both homes. “The homes on the tour are very different, and have different histories,” said Jan Pettiet, tour guide and owner of Yesterday’s Lady. “Guests on this tour are definitely not going to see the same thing twice.” The Logan Mansion, the first stop on the Candlelight Christmas Tours, is located at 725 Austin Place in Shreveport. The 17room, Victorian style mansion will be decked out with lighted Christmas trees, decorated mantles and stair cases and much
more. Light refreshments will be served and tour participants will explore the home with its current owner, Vicki LeBrun. The Logan Mansion was originally built by Lafayette Robert Logan, a successful beer and ice distributor. Architect Nathaniel Sykes Allen, the region’s premier architect in the late nineteenth century, also designed the historic Antioch Baptist Church in downtown Shreveport. The Davis Homeplace, the second stop on the tour, was built in 1916 by Mrs. Ella Hunt Montgomery at 804 Wilkinson Street in Shreveport. At the Davis Homeplace, tour participants will meet current homeowner Marsha Millican, who dresses in Victorian era clothing and leads visitors on a tour of the house that is “like stepping back in time.” All signs of modern life are removed in preparation for this tour and festive holiday decorations are exhibited throughout the home. “Marsha loves for you to walk into her house and go into a past era,” Pettiet said. “You don’t see TVs, phones, or anything that looks like it’s from the modern day. She wants you to walk back in time.”
offered for the first time in 2012, and the tours sold out. Pettiet took a hiatus in 2013, but brought the tours back for the 2014 holiday season. Pettiet says that the majority of people on her tours are visiting from out of town. “They’re from all over. We have church groups and lots of travel groups coming in from eastern Texas,” Pettiet said. “Folks love the opportunity to go inside of these stunning, historic homes.” Tours will depart from the southwest corner of the Douglas Parking lot located at the intersection of Market Street and Travis Street in downtown Shreveport. Free parking will be provided for tour participants. Shuttle bus loading for each tour will begin at 5:30 p.m. and tours will depart promptly at 6 p.m. Tickets to the Candlelight Christmas Tours are $26 each and must be purchased in advance. To purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com and search for “Yesterday’s Lady.” For more information, contact Jan Pettiet at (318) 949-9831.
Candlelight Christmas Tours hosted by Yesterday’s Lady were December 2014 • BIZ. Magazine
23
Lunch Break
‘Twisted Mule’
Chris Jay reviews local food and previews events every week 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.
24 BIZ. Magazine • December 2014
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The first local draft cocktail at Twisted Root Burger Company Photo by Chris Jay The Twisted Mule at Twisted Root Burger Co. is Shreveport’s first draft cocktail. The tap handle, seen here, was created by Shreveport artist Jim Hayes.
squire called 2013 “The Year of the Kegged Cocktail,” citing the sudden prevalence of draft cocktails in bars from Boston to Dallas, but, as far as I can tell, there’s only one draft cocktail in Shreveport-Bossier: The Twisted Mule at Twisted Root Burger Company in Shreveport. On a recent dinner date, my wife and I sort of fell in love with this concoction. Made with ginger beer, vodka, tea syrup and lemons, the Twisted Mule is delicious, consistent and affordable (a 16 oz. Twisted Mule will set you back $5). I wanted to learn more about the Twisted Mule, so I visited Twisted Root and spoke with Grant Nuckolls, proprietor of Twisted Root’s Shreveport location.
“It’s an Arnold Palmer meets a Moscow mule,” Nuckolls said. “Jason Kosmas, who is a really well-known bartender in Dallas-Ft. Worth, created the recipe.” While draft cocktails have their detractors (who argue that a cocktail prepared in bulk and kegged lessens the amount of personal care and attention that goes into your drink), there’s an upside as well: consistency. “It’s a consistent pour. If you come in on Tuesday and have a Twisted Mule, it’s going to taste exactly the same as it’ll taste on Friday,” Nuckolls said. “Also, having it on tap, we’re able to keep it at 40 degrees.” The tap handle that pours Twisted Mule in Shreveport was created by local artist Jim
Hayes. While Twisted Root Burger Company is a chain (the Shreveport location is the only location of the restaurant outside of Texas), it doesn’t feel like one. And a huge part of the reason it doesn’t feel like a chain is the bar. Nuckolls opened the space in 2013 with 16 taps dedicated to craft beer. Shortly thereafter, Red River Brewing Company and Great Raft Brewing opened in Shreveport, and Nuckolls makes it sound as though that changed everything. “We opened with 16 beer taps, and we have 28 now,” he said. “Out of all of our selection, onethird of our sales are beers made in Shreveport. I’m proud of that.”
Cover Story
CIC: Contributions to NICERC curriculum will grow with its expansion Continued From Page 15
around the nation to our area. These teachers will receive dynamic professional development and be empowered to implement NICERC curriculum in the schools. “From a national perspective, we have planted the flag.... We are leaders in cyber education right here in Bossier City,” said Mr. Cazes. The NICERC cyber curriculum has been developed in partnership with a variety of partners. Louisiana Tech University has been a key strategic partner and contributor. Bossier Parish Schools have also been instrumental as they provide a ”test bed” for curriculum development and feedback.
Additional universities and teachers are contributing as the national expansion continues. “Cyber touches everything we do, every aspect of our daily lives,” Mr. Cazes said. “It’s important that we create cyber citizens -someone who will help, not hinder, our national cyber security efforts. This is not only critical for developing our nation’s future cyber workforce but also ensuring our nation’s future economic dominance and national security.”
December 2014 • BIZ. Magazine
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Spotlight
F
e c i v r e Lens s
munity m o c n o t c a p im ke positive a m to s e iv tr s r e Photograph who they are.”
g at ease with bein s ollie Corbett, it’ M er ph ra og ot especially or local ph g $20 impeople at ease is ney from shootin at ability to put Th shows. Her been a long jour y to ph ul ra ef . “But I’m grat fine art photog r nd he Po in ck le Du eab e lu th va ages at t and ek to raise awar s for their suppor “Outlier,” will se er t, m bi hi sto ex cu t rtion rly es po ea lat a those flecting sault and see ess,” she says re ildhood sexual as sin ch bu of y e m ss us in ne Ho f d lie be Gingerbrea — Mollie r own business eeds benefit the he oc pr of rk e rt wo th t sta of ar e e th fin on nter. Mollie’s isn’s Advocacy Ce y. ra re ph ild by ra Ch ss og le ot Ph ice t Corbet voice for the vo ilized to act as a at ut th is ss ne rk a da d mother of d exposing the Air Force wife an ing awareness an dervalued, and mble hu The 40-year-old e es th m eling unloved, un fro fe d y te an ua m ad so gr s s ha ep ke second-grader, e on Commerce en her own spac unworthy. oM . er beginnings to op m veport this sum re Sh wn ries in to wn Street in do outing these sto t only based around no t work is about sh is ar e d, red fin an y no th ig or “M sh be r CoPho, fo fulfillment ways. I won’t mily, but bringing ational, arresting fa nt ose ’s ro wh nf lie in ol co e M g os th tin suppor ing on it for cial photorid er is m h m uc co m e o th to g e rvin becaus to her life and se ting.” e community. th of s behalf I am shou ed ne c hi grap siness and fine , and I r photography bu of the underdog n he fa to t n es tio gg utor. di bi ad ’s In mmunity contrib because “I am the world ng story. This is lie is an active co lli ol M pe , m rk co wo d a t r Re ar fo t-Elect of am a sucker lling story,” exrves as Presiden r og with a compe She currently se re-establish afte be to to I AM the underd ed nt lp wa ry, a club she he ta everyone else, I Ro an ike r m “L ve . air Ri lie Ch ol r M ntee plained is also for every ancy, and as Volu rstood. I want th a period of dorm val, where she sti Fe known and unde ss ne ad M 2014 Mudbug th my lens.” e wi th e ur of at lunteers. fe I t 0 ec subj ging over 42 vo tasked with enga s wa h MCP Vocal l ug cia ro th offi voice lessons l debut as the es na id sio ov es pr of o r pr als r e started after he ot Wed- Sh Corbett made he all business she KTBS Tie the Kn sm 11 a , 20 ng e hi th rm interested in r ac rfo fo Co ents I’m just not photographer by the World Series pe cli ll e en ba m os se so ch e s Ba ar wa ue re e ag te my business In 2012, sh e is able “The two Major Le ding Giveaway. work and associa official through which sh e to , th nt 11 as wa 20 I cil d g. un an in Co rv 10 se onal Arts ances in 20 vocal perShreveport Regi uitable people.” otographer, for singing and with kind, just, eq a life-long love Auction Book ph s. e y nt ar Sk de sh e th to stu in ng iri as sp Christm sponsors of r talented and in ess 0 local business formance with he trepreneurs, busin In la. ga capturing over 10 ng isi ra nd mes to other en fu co l it ua is to n e nn he -a vic W bi , ad ry ’s na rscores her be rdogs, Mollie SRAC’s extraordi ct with the Down volvement unde and fellow unde ra s in nt ve er co ity gi ad a un to le d m e de m at ar co sit r he He e . 2013, she was aw coach who won’t shoot stock imag means everything hire a business ent Authority to nted. lief that rapport rra wa is in it e us en town Developm r wh veport fo you a swift kick g Downtown Shre a quick and lastin photography of ng pi lo ve de rs. in f . el omotions em I have “I pride mys r ears with flowe marketing and pr t that assures th ople who fill ou ec pe bj ve su ha y rd er ha all e ev e th th “W rapport wi cus on id to tell you e center of my fo at knowledge meone who is pa th th so at e ris ed sts d ne re pi u te ra in Yo is st g th hear it.” their be She learned durin en you need to . make people thing exactly wh shoot,” she said to how you can r at ei th se ck ba a s take at you can still feel. oduct have to be is quick to add th pr lie ty ol M ali r, qu ve d we an Ho ive rapport with. “Yes, the talent o you build that getting competit wh am I on y ow ck kn I pi n be there, but ofte r putting people my reputation fo work because of
26 BIZ. Magazine • December 2014
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