When I was a kid, my dad told me that as I got older time would fly by faster. Boy was he right! It seems like yesterday that we rolled into 2012 and now the first quarter of the year is almost gone. As a Bossier Chamber of Commerce Diplomat, I am not required to write a blog about new businesses in Bossier, but I made a personal goal when I started to report on those duties. I’m not sure if time is really going faster, or I’m just slacking, but I have been falling short on my goal. I thought I’d better catch up before I give up all together. In case you haven’t heard about some of the businesses in Bossier City that have celebrated since January, here’s what you’ve missed:

January 30 – Newk’s Express Café celebrated their Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting. Newk’s is an express casual dining experience in a refreshing and stylish atmosphere with an emphasis on freshness and flavor. Serving fresh tossed salads, oven baked sandwiches, California style pizzas, made-from-scratch soups and homemade cakes from Newk’s open kitchen.

On my first visit, I enjoyed the half sandwich and soup combination. The Shrimp Po-Boy was delicious. My personal favorite menu item is the Debra Pizza. A pizza topped with grilled chicken breast, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, roma tomatoes and pesto. Fabulous! I was impressed with the friendly service and the warm atmosphere. As info, the name “Newk’s” does not refer in any way to microwaved food, the name is a play off of the founder’s name “Newcomb”. Not to worry, the food is made and served fresh! Newk’s is located at 2501 Beene Blvd, Suite 100, Bossier City, LA, 71111. Check out their menu

January 30 – Texas Classic Productions – Texas Classic Productions organizes and hosts Oil and Gas industry and special-interest related events such as expos, fairs and trade shows. TCO is organizing a Job Fair in Marshall for the Oil & Gas Industry, and while this is not a public event, it will have a 20 million dollar impact on our local economy. The services offered by Texas Classic Productions range from selecting a venue, developing operation plans, Database marketing and exhibitor services for Oil and Gas related companies. If your company is interested in setting up or hosting an industry specific exhibition, make sure you call Texas Classic Productions at 866-918-5550.

February 2 – Bossier Chamber of Commerce Gala – The Bossier Chamber of Commerce hosted a Night of Stars, Old Hollywood Style on February 2nd at the CenturyLink Center. The Chamber rolled out the red carpet for their members and recognized the outstanding members and businesses that helped make 2011 a success. I was humbled to accept the Diplomat of the Year award, as we celebrate with Melanie Warkme, as Holiday Lanes receive the Business of the Year Award.
2011 Bossier Chamber Awards

Media Partner of the Year – Bossier Press-Tribune
New Member of the Year – Stephens Services
Education Partner of the Year – AT&T
Chamber Partner of the Year – Barksdale Air Force Base
Government Relations Partner of the Year – Cook, Yancey, King and Gallaway
Community Partner of the Year – CHRISTUS Schumpert Health System
Military Relations Supporter of the Year – Eldorado Resort and Casino
Diplomat of the Year – Robin Williams (Holiday Lanes)
Patriots of the Year – Tracey Hilburn, Bossier Parish Communications District #1; Officer Tina Smith, Bossier City Police Dept; Reverend Billy Pierce, Lieutenant with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office; Chief Jimmy Phillips, Bossier City Fire Dept.’s Assistant Director of Fire Protection; Master Sergeant Jose Areizaga, 307th Bomb Wing; Staff Sergeant Stephen A. Lammers, 2nd Security Forces Squadron; Master Sergeant Carolyn D. Magsby, Air Force Global Strike Command; Senior Airman Adam N. Wells, 608th Air Operations Center; Technical Sergeant John C. Knight, 2nd Civil Engineering Squadron
Business Person of the Year – Chancellor Jim Henderson, Bossier Parish Community College
Business of the Year – Holiday Lanes

Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year and Patriots are nominated by the Bossier Chamber Membership and voted on by randomly selected members. All other awards are selected through a nomination process by Chamber Committees and voted on by members.

February and March – The following celebrated with ribbon cuttings, open houses or ground breakings:

February 3 – Providence Classical Academy – Open House
February 7 – Eustis Mortgage – Ribbon Cutting
February 16 – Stephens Services, LLC – Ribbon Cutting (individual blog to come)
February 22 – Hampton Inn – Ribbon Cutting
February 29 – Margaritaville Hotel & Casino – Ground Breaking
March 9 – The Joint – Ribbon Cutting (individual blog to come)

If you are looking for ways to network with other business people, the best way is through the Bossier Chamber of Commerce After Hours, TLA events. TLA stands for “The Last Appointment”. Usually held on the 4th Thursday of each month from 5-7pm, it is a great opportunity to Network with top business executives, who are the decision makers in Bossier/Shreveport. New members receive a 30 second presentation opportunity.

The following businesses opened their doors in February and March for After Hours TLA’s:

February 23 – Cash Point
March 22 – Boomtown Hotel & Casino

Now that I’ve caught up, I will try to post more frequently. It’s important to support local Chamber of Commerce Businesses. (BTW – Are you following them on Facebook?) I hope that you will join me in frequenting the businesses mentioned. If you haven’t heard, Bossier City is Louisiana’s fastest growing city and I’m proud to live here. How about you?

See ya around Bossier,

Robin Williams,
Bossier Chamber of Commerce Diplomat & Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes