Bossier City

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

 

      

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

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

I’m changing the title of this blog

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Travel South USA Opening Reception with Meg Davenport and Jada Durden

Travel South USA Opening Reception with Meg Davenport and Jada Durden

Do you ever start something and never finish it? That’s how I feel about my blogs. I have been neglecting both lately. I’ve realized that the neglect of this blog is because I do so much more than just volunteer with the awesome Bossier Chamber of Commerce and the title was pigeon-holing me. I’ve decided to change the name of my blog from “My Time as a Bossier Chamber Diplomat” to “That Just Happened“. I’m hoping this will allow me to share more about all of the activities for which I participate. This blog will now celebrate and promote good stuff going on in the Northwest Louisiana community while I represent as Holiday Lanes‘ Marketing Maven.

If you subscribe to my blog, please be patient with me. I am going to try to back-post several events that I want included on my blog and that means you may get more emails than normal.

Sharing the Holiday Lanes message with the Bossier Chamber Board of Directors

Sharing the Holiday Lanes message with the Bossier Chamber Board of Directors

Working for Holiday Lanes is such a fun job. Melanie Coleman (managing member/proprietor) understands the importance of being in and supporting the community. She told me just today, “we are about to have the funnest year EVER”. This is exciting to me because as a “creative” it isn’t always easy to conform to a normal 9-5 position. Thank goodness she gives me lots of opportunities to work around that.

Showing my two posters displayed at the

Showing my two posters displayed at the “See America” Exhibit at the Meadows Museum in Shreveport, LA

The reason that I feel the need to share a blog about events going on in our area is because I have this really goofy pet peeve. When I hear someone say (in a whiny voice) “There’s nothing to do around here”, I want to prove them wrong! So with that, I’m going to share, share, share.

I hope to see you around NW Louisiana,

Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Is your business offering military discounts?

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Military Discount Directory Press ReleaseI’m proud to live in a community such as Bossier-Shreveport where businesses have a tradition of supporting the military community, whether Air Force personal at Barksdale, Army/National Guard, Naval operations, Coast Guard or Marines, the military population matters to businesses in Bossier-Shreveport. They support our businesses and we know how important that is because as we provide what they need, they protect our freedoms. It’s just good business to honor and support the military in our community.

Holiday Lanes values the men and women who serve our country. We are aware that military families are often in a town away from their home and are looking for ways to interact in the community. Bowling is a long-standing military tradition with families bowling all over the world. In fact, Holiday Lanes has been providing fun and fitness to military families in Bossier-Shreveport for over 53 years. It’s a way for military personnel to have a break from their daily stresses. Offering a military discount is a small, tangible way to honor and thank them for their great sacrifice, as well as show them what an exciting time Holiday Lanes can provide.

Military Discount Directory Press ReleaseFor businesses that are not currently offering discounts, I would say to you, “it’s a good thing to do”. It enhances the relationship with your business and the military. It invites new people into your business to experience your product or services.

Everyone in business wants to do their best whether it’s bowling, selling a burger, or providing service and of course we want to honor the military, but also again I say “it’s just good business”. I think I speak for many businesses in Bossier-Shreveport when I say “We love the military and we want them to be active customers in our businesses”.

Find out more about how to participate in the Digital Preferred Military Discount Directory by checking out the following press release from the Bossier Chamber of Commerce: http://www.bossierchamber.com/news/military-discount-directory-launches-online/

See ya around Bossier,

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

Give a Flyp!

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FlyplystHave you heard about Flyplyst? Flyplyst is a super hot new social media site that allows you to connect and organize the places you love with people you like in the Shreveport-Bossier area. Although they haven’t joined the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, I thought I’d still share a bit about this new business.

Rob Gaudet is the founder of Flyplyst and says it’s mission is to build meaningful relationships between business and consumers. After speaking with Rob, it’s apparent that he created this site with a vision of making sure that businesses and consumers are level in the social media playing field. Rob seems passionate about creating an online environment that provides consumers with a fun and valuable service that promotes local business. Rob won second place with Flyplyst at the Central Louisiana Startup Weekend in June 2012. This is a testament that Flyplyst has big potential for becoming a strong force in the social media world. Flyplyst Holiday Lanes For that reason, I signed up Holiday Lanes immediately to be in the founding partner program. It just makes sense to share in the fun!

Flyplyst’s online description is as follows:

Flyplyst helps you organize the places you love into custom lists, making it easy to choose a place to eat, shop or play with just a glance, when you’re on the go.

Features:

  • Promotions: View promotions from your favorite businesses, all in one place. Makes picking a place to easy!
  • Porchlight: If you’re bored, you can quickly connect with friends at your favorite places, using our Porchlight feature. If you want to discover new places, you can view the places your friends love by sharing lists.
  • Daycycle: We categorize businesses by the time of day that you and the business are most likely to want to engage.
  • Custom Lists: Create custom lists of your favorite businesses! Then let’s say you want Sushi, you can open your Sushi list and see all of your favorite Sushi restaurants.
  • Friends: Find your friends on Flyplyst and connect with them. View the places they love and add them to your own lists.
  • Facebook: Login to Flyplyst using your Facebook account, it’s fast and easy!



    • About Flyplyst:
    Founded in June 2012, we believe that technology should make lives better and that social software should be used to simplify the complex problems in our daily lives. Our ultimate objective is to help consumers and business owners engage in a meaningful and fun way.

    For Consumers:
    Flyplyst helps consumers easily remember the places they love. By presenting a businesses logos, Flyplyst enables at a glance decisions which can be made at the moment we are deciding on where to go eat, shop or play.

    For Business:
    In most retail business there are numerous opportunities for interactions with customers. The objective of Flyplyst is to develop tools that empowers owners and managers to make the most of every interaction.

    FCrew

    The FCrew will be there to help you navigate Flyplyst – Ray, Steve, Cindy, Katy and P.L.

    Currently Flyplyst is available via web and android app store. An Apple app is in development and will be released soon. If you are a business owner or manager, make sure you get your business lysted and think about becoming part of the Founding Partner Program. Contact Angie Stephenson at (318) 349-1088 or email her to get started today! If you are a consumer, sign up now and start lysting your favorite places around town! With hard work and determination, I’m hoping that Flyplyst escapes the Shreveport-Bossier area and goes global! Also, don’t forget to lyst Holiday Lanes!

    See ya around Bossier,

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

    I Want Candy!

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    Candy SpreeWhat’s your idea of heaven on earth? If you said “indulging in a candy spree”, then I agree wholeheartedly! The Bossier Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new businees into the Bossier community today with a ribbon cutting to celebrate. Candy Spree Candy Spree is your Neighborhood Candy Store and candy specialty center. As their wall states, a candy spree is an unrestrained indulgence in a rich confection that is made of sugar. Mayor Walker helped celebrate the ribbon cutting and said he felt like a kid in a candy store . . . so did I!

    Candy SpreeKari and Caleb Howe were looking for a business opportunity. They realized that Bossier City lacked a true neighborhood candy store. They set out on their adventure and have created a cheerful and sweet family business. Candy Spree is more than just a candy store. They specialize in candy by the bulk, goody bags for birthday or school, candy buffets for any special occasion and candy pots. Candy SpreeKids will love the Pucker Powder machine. This contraption has a large variety of flavored sugar powder that allows a kid (any age allowed) to create custom pixi-sticks. There are four sizes of tubes available, from the “mom-approved” small to the “send your kids to grandma” supersize. In addition to the fixed machine in the store, Candy Spree has a mini pucker powder machine to rent for birthday parties or any occasion. Such an excellent and fun idea!

    Candy SpreeCandy Spree has a selection for even the most persnickety candy snobs. Everything from gummy bears to chocolate covered pecans and flavored jelly beans. They also have a section of sugar-free candy selections. I was interested in a particular “Gran Marnier Pecans”. This is a great place to stop by and pick up a last minute gift for that special someone. The candy goody bags also make yummy corporate gifts. I am definitely thinking about having a party, just so that I can have Candy Spree set up a candy buffet. What better reason for a party? I WANT CANDY!!

    Candy SpreeCandy Spree is located at 20191 Stockwell Road, Suite 6, Bossier City, LA. (318) 658-9630. Stop by and tell them you read my blog.

    See ya around Bossier,

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

    It’s Suddenlink Day in Bossier City

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    SuddenlinkCongratulations to Suddenlink of Bossier City. They celebrated today with a Bossier Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting to show off their newly remodeled facility. The remodel was done with the customer in mind. SuddenlinkNo longer will you find the traditional old walk up “bank teller” windows. Now you will be greeted by a customer service rep and given a comfy chair to sit and discuss your wide range of service options. Mayor Lo Walker was on hand to proclaim it “Suddenlink Day” in Bossier City, Louisiana.

    If you are not familiar with the service products that Suddenlink can provide, let me fill you in. Suddenlink offers Television, Internet, Telephone, and Home Security. As a Suddenlink customer, my personal favorite cable options is DVR. (Digital Video Recording). I was never much of a t.v. watcher until I got a DVR. Now I have my “shows” that are recorded and I can watch anytime. This is great for anyone who is always on the run. Suddenlink has recently announced a new TiVo HD DVR system to their products. Current subscribers can upgrade their DVR’s for a one time fee of $70. The monthly subscription rate stays the same. TiVo can record up to 200 hours (not sure why I’d ever need 200, but 200 it is). Opps, did you forget to record that program, no problem Free iPhone, iPad and Android phone apps that allow for remote scheduling. The Home Security feature that Suddenlink can provide has “Look” technology that allows live video streaming of your home, real time email alerts and professional 24/7 monitoring. Having the security system installed on your home can save up to 20% on your homeowner’s insurance.

    SuddenlinkSuddenlink of Bossier City is located at 725 Benton Road, Bossier City, LA 71111, (318) 747-1666. Call today and let them know you read my blog.

    See ya around Bossier,

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

    The Joint

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    The Joint . . . the Chiropractic Place celebrated their membership in the Bossier Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting on March 9, 2012. The Joint offers an alternative approach to healthcare, based on the age old practice of restoring balance by promoting your body’s ability to heal itself. The Joint is the place for chiropractic treatment, chiropractic sports medicine and general chiropractic care and adjustments. Say goodbye to back pain, head aches, sports injuries, neck pain and other body soreness. It’s time to welcome in wellness, integrated health and the ability to feel young again.

    The Joint has a new approach to healthcare. They explained it as sort of a concierge medicine. There are no appointments, no hidden fees, just affordable, convenient and quality chiropractic care for everyone, at any age and fitness level. Best of all you don’t need to worry about insurance co-pays because at The Joint, adjustments cost less than most co-pays. You can choose Pay-Per Adjustment or Membership Plans. An individual monthly plan is $49 per month and you are able to get up to 4 adjustments with no appointments and minimal wait time. The idea of the monthly plan is very similar to what you might see at your local gym. You are given a key tag and you scan it each time that you walk in. Their plans are affordable and convenient.

    I’ve had headaches, back, neck and shoulder pain for a majority of my life. I’ve had doctor exams, x-rays, and MRI’s, none of which ever provided a reason for the pain. As I walked into the ribbon cutting I wondered if this might be the solution to some of my pain. I was excited by the possibility of some relief. For the ribbon cutting introductory price of $19 I was given a consultation and an adjustment. Dr. David Trueblood consulted with me and immediately told me that my hips were out of alignment and even told me where he thought I was having pain. He was right. Within minutes after my adjustment, my headache was gone. I couldn’t believe it. I signed up for the monthly plan! After the next few visits, my overall pain had decreased tremendously. The pain and stiffness that I had have improved and I can’t say enough good things about The Joint. I’ve found that I can stop for an adjustment on the way to a meeting and generally be in and out of the office in under five minutes. This has been a wonderful experience for me.

    The Joint . . . the Chiropractic Place is located at 2634 Beene Blvd at Airline Dr. and I-220 in Bossier City, Louisiana.

    Hours of Operations
    Mon: 9:30 AM to 7 PM
    Fri: 9:30 AM to 7 PM
    Tue: 9:30 AM to 7 PM
    Sat: 9:30 AM to 1 PM
    Wed: 9:30 AM to 7 PM
    Sun: Closed
    Thu: 9:30 AM to 7 PM

    Give them a call (318) 741-2001 or stop by and tell them you read my blog.

    See ya around Bossier,

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