We Gave For Good!

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Give for GoodI really do have the best job ever! I’m so fortunate that I get to share in the goodness of helping others, while promoting Holiday Lanes. Today was The Community Foundation of North Louisiana Give for Good Day. Give for Good day is a 24-hour online giving challenge led by The Community Foundation of North Louisiana to raise unrestricted dollars for the nonprofits in our community. It is a day of giving to celebrate the nonprofits in our community and a chance to raise thousands of dollars to make our community even better.

11174313_971517712881107_3734241190176820297_oHoliday Lanes was approached by the dynamic duo over at APEX Events and was asked to partner with The Gingerbread House for a Give For Good Event. The Gingerbread House is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works collaboratively with law enforcement, child protective services, medical and mental health professionals to serve child victims of abuse. The “Strike Out Child Abuse: A Give For Good Event Supporting Gingerbread House” was the first partnership between the two. A $10 donation allowed for a try at getting a strike on the Gingerbread lanes. McAlister’s Deli in both Shreveport and Bossier City helped with the cause by collecting donations at their locations all week to add to the total. Barrels were also placed at Holiday Lanes during the week. A total of $667.67 was collected and Holiday Lanes rounded up the donation to make it an even $1000! At the time of this blog, the total showing on the Give For Good Leaderboard for The Gingerbread House was $5635. That’s an awesome way to end the day.

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That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

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Give for GoodGive for Good

Go see this documentary about fencing!

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Andy Shaw

My son used to tell me about this guy called Andy. Andy taught fencing at Centenary College. Chase excitedly told me about all the famous people that Andy had taught and I could tell that Chase admired this guy so much. Chase taking fencing seemed unlikely, but he really enjoyed the community he had found with this guy called Andy.

I adore these two! Directos: Michele & Jay

So when my friends, Jay and Michele Carter, started promoting a documentary about this guy, Andy, I immediately knew I had to go. Tonight, with little knowledge of what I was getting into,  I viewed Jay and Michele’s Beyond Meaure Media production of “Southern Fried Fencing“. The documentary held the Louisiana premier at the Robinson Fim Center (RFC) in Shreveport. (RFC is one of my favorite places in Shreveport.) It played to a sold out crowd with all 126 seats filled.

After viewing Q&A with Directors and cast

I knew with great certainty, within a few minutes, that I was  going to like this guy called Andy. The eclectic Andy, from New York, drew me in and mesmerized me for the entire film. Without a spoiler for the film, my expectation, based on a news clip, was that this guy was a wacky soul. Perhaps, yet I found so much heart and wisdom in Andy. I now understand the excitement my son had brought home from Centenary. Andy is not just a fencing teacher/coach, he is a teacher/coach of life. Andy sees things a little differently than most. He knows how to bring out the potential in people. Jay and Michele captured the exact thing that we, as an audience, needed to see – the humanity of Andy. Andy has considerable compassion for people and animals.

If you live in the Shreveport area, I  encourage . . . no, I command you to go see this film at RFC by Thursday, April 30, 2015. If you don’t live in the Shreveport area, be sure to follow their Facebook page so that you can find out when it will be streaming online. DVD’s should be available by the end of the year which will make great Christmas presents. (Don’t tell Chase he’s getting a copy) Here is the trailer for the film.

I’m so glad to have seen this film and hope you see it soon too. Be sure to follow Jay and Michele on social media and as they head to Madrid, Spain to open there.

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Be still my Flying Heart

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Flying Heart Brewing is preparing to celebrate its grand opening. On May 1, 2015, you will get a chance to taste Bossier City’s first craft beer. Don’t hate me because I got a sip tonight. I tasted the Fire House Blonde, and be still my flying heart, it was quite tasty. It was a light and crisp Kolsch. I’m not a beer drinker, and yet I really enjoyed this beer. I think you will too.

Ben Hart shows the custom made flight

Ben Hart, co-founder, and as I found out quite handy guy, was so kind to tell me some of the history of the brewery. Flying Heart Brewing is located in historic and restored Bossier City Fire Station 6. I want to tell you all about it, but I’d prefer that you stop by on May 1st and let him tell you all about it. Ask him about the antique cooler and the 513 fire box.

Flying Heart does all brewing right on site in Bossier City. There are currently six flagship brews. Check them out. At their grand opening on May 1, you will be able to taste three of those brews. Louisiana Amber, Milk Maid Stout and Barrel 52.

Let’s celebrate this new business in Bossier City. Be sure to follow them on social media and show up for their grand opening on May 1. They are located at 700 Barksdale Boulevard in downtown Bossier.

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

 

      

National Travel and Tourism Week cometh

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One of my pet peeves is when people in Shreveport-Bossier say there’s nothing to do. If you believe that statement then listen up. There’s stuff to do!

The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau (SBCTB) will be celebrating national travel and tourism week from May 2-10, 2015. This is an opportunity to share all the good stuff going on in Shreveport-Bossier. Part of the celebration will be the annual P.R.I.D.E. awards to be held on May 7 and will celebrate the outstanding tourism employees in our area. As a previous P.R.I.D.E award recipient, I can tell you that it’s an honor to be recognized for efforts in the tourism industry.

The SBCTB is a great resource for not only visitors to our community, but to our local citizens. Have you visited any of the welcome centers? I encourage you to stop by one soon. I promise you will learn something that you didn’t know before about our area. I find something new every time I stop in. I think it’s fun to be a tourist in my own town. 

Today I was fortunate enough to be included as a representative of Holiday Lanes in an interview that KTAL will be airing on Wednesday, May 6. I shared the camera with Stacy Brown, the president of SBCTB, and Fred Moss of the Let the Good Times Roll Festival. The festival will be held on June 19-21, 2015. You should check it out.

I serve as a board member on the Attractions Association and I can tell you that the resources available to local businesses, such as Holiday Lanes, is extremely beneficial. This SBCTB is absolutely wonderful at encouraging and celebrating Shreveport-Bossier as a tourism destination and local fun hot spot.

The message that I want to pass along to you is that whether you live in Shreveport-Bossier, or are a visitor to our community, there is tons to do. To find out more about the awesome events, festivals, hotels and attractions in our community go to the Shreveport Bossier Fun Guide which lists lots of the fun that you can have. Celebrate the upcoming National Travel and Tourism week by being a tourist in Shreveport-Bossier!

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Tell me about social media

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Have you heard about the Bossier Chamber of Commerce diplomats? They are an awesome group of volunteers who represent businesses around the Shreveport-Bossier community. Each month they have a brown bag gathering to communicate with each other about upcoming events, discuss organizational business and to learn about other topics. This month I was asked to talk to the group about social media. Somewhere along the way someone decided that I knew something about social media. While I may know a little, and my nervousness was showing, I still have lots to learn, but it is always fun to share with others.

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Cold-pressed Juice

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I have to admit that I haven’t been to work-out at my gym (Fit Nation) in a few weeks. (That means a couple of months in my life) I just returned from a trip to Mexico. While I was there I went zip-lining. It made me remember why I “should” work-out. My body is feeling the pains. So today I decided to head on in for a little interval circuit. Well Fed DoorHalf-way through my work-out, a decal on the door in the circuit room caught my eye. It was a decal that had a fun and funky wellness vibe. I couldn’t look away. It seemed as if it was saying “stop, come see me”, so I did and I found that a new juice bar had been added while I’ve been away.

Well+Fed Louisiana Cold-Pressed Juice just launched a soft opening in Fit Nation in the Heart O Bossier Shopping Center in Bossier City. I’ve considered juicing in the past, but knew that if I purchased a machine, it would end up collecting more dust than veggies. Well Fed MachineWhen I walked in I was greeted by Dany. Dany told me all about the cold-press process and also told me that they had sold out all but two jars of juice for the day. Dany introduced me to his wife, Lindsi Martin. Lindsi shares ownership of Well+Fed with Ashley Everage. Lindsi let me sample the  Carrot, Apple, Ginger Juice, which is “Roots #2” on the menu. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it, but I was surprised. It was a really nice combination and the flavors made my taste-buds explode. I’m not usually a fan of ginger, but I liked it . . . I really liked it.

Well Fed Menu BoardCurrently there are ten different juices on the menu. A twelve ounce juice will cost you $8. If you bring your empty jar on your next visit, you will receive $1 off the next juice. Lindsi explained to me that cold pressing retains more vitamins and good stuff than other juicing methods.

I’m bringing my $8 on my next visit and will be trying the “Fruits #1”, which is watermelon, grapefruit, mint and lime. I can’t wait! Now it’s your turn to stop by Well+Fed and tell them I sent you.

And be sure to follow them and watch for their grand opening dates:

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Get ALL Y’ALL BLOG the NPR attention it deserves

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recommend allyallblog.com to NPR

Chris Jay and Sara Hebert are changing the makeup of storytelling in the South with allyallblog.com – What started as a podcast has become a live storytelling event that crosses crucial boundaries in the community.

Chris & Sara are such a compliment to their community

Chris and Sara’s wide circle of friends is a deep well of diverse people who are submerging themselves into the sometimes unknown world of storytelling. If there is a glimmer of a story, Chris and Sara will shine more light on the subject.  Floating on hope that they just might have something to share, the storytellers rise up at each event, leaving us wanting more. It’s about getting everyday people to tell everyday stories. What’s amazing is the clarity that I’ve gained from listening to other storytellers. I’ve finally come to understand that we need to look outside of ourselves and see that there are folks just like us with trials, struggles, happiness, fears and accomplishments.  Many stories mirror similar experiences in my own life and I’ve been able to step out of my self-centered world where I think things only happen to me.

All Y’all Blog

I think it’s time for the big time NPR geniuses to scoop up All Y’all Blog and share it with the world. Could you take a few moments to answer NPR’s short and easy survey about you favorite blog of all time, assuming it’s All Y’all?

  • NPR Survey: Take NPR Survey
  • Enter the All Y’all blog link: http://www.allyallblog.com/
  • Select your favorite episode and enter that link as well.
  • Share the survey with Facebook, Twitter, Google+, your blog, etc.

Let’s try to get Chris & Sara the recognition the deserve.

This IS happening!

Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

April 6, 2015 – UPDATE! I was a storyteller in September 2014 and that podcast episode has been released: LISTEN HERE

Glasses make a difference

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My friends Jada and Summer joined me for the CORK Wine Glass Seminar

I’m not going to write too much about this because my friend, Jada, will have full coverage on her blog at Lovin’ This Life.

Quality glasses make a difference

CORK, A Red River Wine Event hosted a Riedel Wine Glass seminar on March 28th. The seminar discusses how wine can taste differently in quality glass. I was skeptical, but let me tell you, this is real life. It’s so amazing the way the shape, construction, style and quality of The glass effects the taste and smell.

If you ever get a chance to go to one of these seminars, I encourage you to go and get a palate education. Glasses really do make a difference.

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That just happened,

Robin Williams, 

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

The Cinderella Project

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Early morning line at The Cinderella Project

Anyone who has ever purchased a prom dress knows the dilemma. A girl dreams of the perfect dress. Has a dress in mind. Finds the dress and then either, a) it’s not available in her size, b) it’s not the right color, or c) the price tag is extreme.  Usually the size and color can be solved with a quick Google search, but the price often is the factor that crushes the dream. 

So when I heard about The Cinderella Project, I knew that they were making some girls dreams come true. This organization is providing free, yes I said FREE, dresses to high school juniors and seniors in Caddo, Bossier, Desoto, Red River, Webster, and Bienville Parishes. My daughter and I arrived at the event excitedly. The line was full of other girls waiting to find their dream dress. 

 

The event continues on Saturday, March 28, 2015. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. on a first come, first served basis and the doors will open at 8:30 a.m.  Each girl will be paired with a volunteer personal shopper, who will guide her through an awesome inventory of fabulous dresses during a magical 30-minute shopping appointment! Private dressing rooms will be provided.  

Make sure you follow The Cinderella Project on their social media:

Facebook: CPofShreveport

Instagram: CPShreveport

The waiting is the hard part

I’ll update with a photo of the dress my daughter finds. Right now, the wait is on.

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

UPDATE: She found a dress!! Yay. What a wonderful event. Thanks to all those who make the event happen. 

UPDATE: Laura found her dress

The girl is HAPPY!

Grilled Cheese in Bossier City Please!

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TOM+CHEE Opening Day - Grand Opening

TOM+CHEE Opening Day – Grand Opening

If you like grilled cheese and live in or near Bossier City, Louisiana, you are in luck. TOM+CHEE had their grand opening today. Oh, and they have so much more than just grilled cheese. Grilled Cheese Donuts? Yes, that’s a thing.

TOM+CHEE Opening Day - Francisees & Founder

TOM+CHEE Opening Day – Francisees & Founder

You may have heard about their awesome story and followed their success on the ABC TV Show “Shark Tank”, or one of several other tv shows that have featured them. In the event you haven’t heard about TOM+CHEE, let me fill you in a bit. Trew Quackenbush is the founder and master cheese mind behind it all. Corey Ward is the marketing guru that creates the fun atmosphere. Together they have made a dream come true. What started as a food tent in a Cincinnati public square ice skating rink, has now become a cheese empire. Trew began working at 15 in a family burger joint and had a dream of one day owning his own restaurant. At a backyard barbecue, Corey and Trew made plans to get the cheese grilled. Starting with $2400, the company is now a multi-million dollar franchised phenomenon.

TOM+CHEE Opening Day - First Customers

TOM+CHEE Opening Day – First Customers

I had a few moments to speak to Trew at the grand opening of the Bossier City store. It’s super amazing to see this guy, who is probably worth millions, interacting with his newest franchised team. He is down-to-earth, approachable and seems to have a fun spirit. It made me so excited to know that there really are people who care behind franchises. Chris Currie and Josh Woodard are the franchisee owners of the Bossier City restaurant. As the “Marketing Maven” for Holiday Lanes, I enjoyed see their polo uniform shirts embroidered with their titles. Josh – “The Head Cheese” and Christ – “The Jedi Master”. What fun!

TOM+CHEE Opening Day - line is a good sign

TOM+CHEE Opening Day – line is a good sign

TOM+CHEE is located at 4200 Airline Drive, Bossier City. Their hours are Monday-Thursday: 10am-9pm; Friday-Saturday: 10am-10pm; and Sunday: 11am-5pm.

Make sure you follow TOM+CHEE on their local social media sites:

TOM+CHEE Opening Day - Founder Trew Quackenbush & me

TOM+CHEE Opening Day – Founder Trew Quackenbush & me

Interested in more about TOM+CHEE? Here are a few links:

That just happened,

Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes