Bossier City

In Case You Haven’t Heard

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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.

Ruth (Catering Manager) & Jeff (General Manager)

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.

Robin & Melanie accept Diplomat of the Year and Business of the Year Award

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.

Jimmy Buffett in Bossier City

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)

Members network at Cash Point

Kathy & Robin working the Boomtown TLA desk

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

Never Too Late

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Edward JonesI’ve never been accused of being a punctual person and on Wednesday, I proved that point. Typically when there is a ribbon cutting or Grand Opening event, I like to arrive a few minutes early to do some networking. I am quite sure that my calendar entry showing 11:30 am as the start time for the Bossier Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting for Edward Jones was accurate. I can’t imagine that I could have incorrectly added the event. Ok, excuses aside . . . I am embarrassed to say that my arrival at the ribbon cutting was 20 minutes late, therefore I didn’t get the scoop on all of the great things that are happening at this new business. I’d love to share all the things that I learned, but I guess it’s never too late and will resort to just telling you the basics.

Wil AdamsWil Adams is a financial advisor with Edward Jones. A ribbon cutting was held on Wed, Jan 25, 2012 to mark his membership into the Bossier Chamber of Commerce. Offices are located at 2091 Stockwell Road, Suite 4, Bossier City. Wil can be reached at (318) 549-9155. I ran across an article that Wil wrote for the Bossier Voices, “Delay in investing could prove costly” click here to read the full article.

If you are in the market for a financial advisor, stop by or call and speak to Wil.

See ya around Bossier,

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

I love my Job!

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Robin & JanaHave I told you lately how much I love my job?

As a marketing representative of Holiday Lanes, I “get to” volunteer as a Bossier Chamber of Commerce Diplomat. Doing so allows me to connect and network with people in the community and share with them the “AWESOMENESS” that is Holiday Lanes. When I first began my adventure with the Chamber of Commerce, I wasn’t sure if it would be worth the time or effort. I already had plenty to do and wasn’t sure I would be able to commit to the time requirements.

Bowl for the Cure

Bowl for the Cure

I also had a twinge of guilt that I wasn’t at my desk working away on bowling events or promotions. That feeling soon faded. I have come to realize the value of being a Bossier Chamber Diplomat. Each week, I learn something new about our community. I engage with other companies and organizations which often give us the opportunity to partner and cross-promote.

DiplomatsOver the years, I have done many things. I’ve been a graphic artist, a print shop manager, a railroad safety and rules coordinator/trainer, a web ministry trainer and now a marketing director. I always had my ear to the ground listening for that next opportunity to come my way. I never thought that working for a bowling alley would be the place that I would find my happiness and stop listening for other opportunities. I have found my place. And with that I have found a way to make a difference in my community by volunteering as a Diplomat. I LOVE MY JOB!

Chamber

Robin & Lisa

The Bossier Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote growth and development within the communities of Bossier Parish and Shreveport. The Chamber promotes growth and development by utilizing its most valuable resource, its membership. The staff at the Bossier Chamber of commerce works to insure that the resources, equipment, and professional staff to implement the program of work are available. Lisa Johnson leads the staff as President/CEO and has an infectious positive attitude. If you have not become a member of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, why wait? Membership is easy, fun and beneficial to the success of your business.
Diplomats

Diplomats aren't all this scary!

Let me also extend an invitation to any of you who might be interested in becoming a diplomat. The Diplomat Organization is a group of recognized professionals who volunteer their time to promote the Bossier Chamber of Commerce and the entire Bossier/Shreveport community.
Diplomats

Some of my fellow Diplomats

As a diplomat I have met so many wonderful people. Many I now consider friends. We have a great time working together and also have fun at community events. Why don’t ya join us?

The Bossier Chamber of Commerce is located at 710 Benton Road Bossier City, LA 71111, Phone: (318) 746-0252. Stop by or call and find out more about how you can become involved. Tell them you read my blog!

See ya around Bossier,

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

Going International

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I’m honored to represent Holiday Lanes in the December 2011 issue of INTERNATIONAL BOWLING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE.

Click on the photo and flip to pages 21 – 26 to read more about my super fun job as Marketing Director for Holiday Lanes in Bossier City, Louisiana.

See ya around Bossier,

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

Oh Taste and See

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Oh Taste and SeeThe Bossier Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, November 30 to celebrate the opening of the stage production “Oh Taste and See” at the Bossier Arts Council. The gospel play is presented by Lisa Blakely Productions and will run December 1, 2 & 3 at 7:00 pm nightly at the East Bank Theatre. Lisa Blakely is an inspiring woman, who is both the writer and producer of this play. Lisa expressed that it is her dream to follow in the footsteps of Tyler Perry. (One of my favorite people!) This isn’t the first play for Ms. Blakely. She has previously written and directed the gospel stage play, “Get Thee Behind Me”. The cast was in attendance for guests to meet and her pastor blessed the production.

Oh Taste and SeeThe following is the play description as found on the Oh Taste & See website:

As a widowed mother, love is the last thing on Marilyn’s mind. Her busy life revolves around working at the Post Office, catering part-time and keeping her teenage daughter in control, which becomes especially challenging when her daughter begins to show signs of needing a father in her life. Just as things start to go haywire in the household, in walks Henry Billingsly, her new boss. The attraction between the two is undeniable, but forbidden. She has also been keeping a big family secret that threatens to hold her back and break her family apart. A hot, steamy fling may begin to satisfy her appetite, but family secrets are a recipe for disaster. Will she taste and see?

Oh Taste and SeeBossier Parish is fortunate to have the Bossier Arts Council. I have attended several stage plays and art exhibits at the center. In addition to providing a cultural experience for the community, the Bossier Arts Council encourages the growth of artists in our area. One of my favorite things that the Council offers is acting camps and art programs for youth. My daughter has attended both and had an absolutely wonderful time.

East Bank TheaterThe production of “Oh Taste and See” will be held at the East Bank Theatre, 630 Barksdale Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71111, Phone: 318.741.8310. Tickets can be purchased online by going to www.otas.eventbrite.com/

Support your local art community and be sure to tell Lisa you read my blog.

See ya around Bossier,

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

Maurices is a must!

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MauricesMaurices, a new fashion store, has arrived in Bossier City. Store manager, Candace Slack was on-hand to share the story of Maurices at a Bossier Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting on Thursday, October 20. Maurices has 744 stores in 44 states and is committed to high standards for fashion, value and great customer service. Candace made it clear that Maurices is community oriented and strives to make a difference in the local area.

Maurices My favorite thing about Maurices is the selection of sizes. They have sizes 0-24. How many of you bigger girls get frustrated when all of the bigger sizes look like maw-maw clothes? I know I sure do. But not at Maurices. The styles are oh so cute. The photo at right is one of the plus size fashions. Didn’t I tell you? C-U-T-E! Maurices states on their website that their styles are inspired by the girl in everyone, in every size.

MauricesOne thing that I found interesting after talking to the Assistant Manager was that while you are shopping in the store, the clothes are always grouped in what’s called 4-ways. (see photo at left) The idea is that when you stand in the middle of four 4-ways, you can pull from any one of the four racks and they will coordinate with each other. This is helpful for anyone who is fashion challenged. (like me!) Although the clothing is targeted for the twenty-something crowd, I promise – most women will be able to find something that they like. Along with clothing, you will find jewelry, shoes and accessories. For the grand opening, Maurices is having a buy one item, get the second item at 50% off. What a great deal!

MauricesMauricesMauricesMaurices is located at 2765 Beene Blvd in the Stirling Shopping Center in Bossier City. Three doors down from Target. They are opened Monday – Saturday 10 am – 9 pm and Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm. 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

Bowling Pin Art: Creativity Flows for Breast Cancer Awareness

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Pink is the new “In” color. It can be seen everywhere, from pink ribbons on the lapels of dainty ladies to pink gloves and tape on rough and tumbling football players. Pink represents a commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness and Education.

Pink Pin LadyWhen Holiday Lanes in Bossier City, LA held a Bowl for the Cure in 2010, we decided to hold a silent auction. Pink items were an obvious choice, but something special would be needed to make the auction unique. After researching thousands of web pages and magazine articles, one idea stood out. In our manager’s office, on a top shelf I had seen a bowing pin that was decorated as Santa. I had also found several websites that had decorated pins into a variety of people and creative art. That was it – Pink Ladies! I thought . . . what if we had a few people decorate bowling pins in honor or memory of someone who had battled breast cancer? Not only decorate a pin, but also write a short synopsis of the person that it was honoring and include a photo. The Pink Lady could be representative of the struggles and survivals of those who have dealt with this disease. What I didn’t know at the time was how therapeutic it might be. I decorated a pin that first year and asked my aunt to provide her story of detection and survival. It became a great way to raise awareness not only to myself, but others who read the story. In that first year, seven Pink Ladies were submitted for the auction and raised $370 for the Northwest Louisiana Susan G Komen for the Cure affiliate.

Pink Lady ArtLet me just say, 2011 has become a banner year for Pink Ladies/Pin Art. The Bowl for the Cure auction, which will be held on Saturday, October 15 from 11 am – 2 pm, is still days away and I’m overwhelmed by the imaginative people in our community. As I write this piece, I already have received 38 decorated pins and still have pins coming in daily. When the time came to start promoting the auction, I wasn’t sure that I’d be able to get many to participate. Boy, was I wrong. In fact, Ms. Holoman from the Bossier Parish Schools Talented Program stepped up and got her classes on the project. Participating schools were Carrie Martin Elementary, LA New Tech School at Plain Dealing and Benton High School. The group of very talented students provided 15 pieces of art. The fun thing about it is that no two pins are alike. All are quite unique and each has great style. Pink Pin LadyIn addition, the Bossier Arts Council provided six very distinctive pins. It would be wrong of me to point out my favorite, but maybe it’s ok to say my fav is in this group of art. It amazes me to see the creativity and imagination used. I love the pin created by 7th grader, Gavin Jones. His design is called “Hot Stuff”. The pin is dressed in an animal print bikini with a sun hat. He dedicated the pin to his sister and said: “In honor of and as a reminder to my sister, Megan. I love her and want her around for a long time. I want her to be sure to get checked for Breast Cancer”. Megan does not have breast cancer, but her brother wants to make sure she stays that way. What a great brother!

Bowl for the CureBreast Cancer is so wide spread and affects many of us in one way or another. We all know someone who has survived or perished from this terrible disease. Instead of calling the art “Pink Ladies”, I should have called it “Pink Pin Art”, so that I wasn’t just focused on women. As you might know breast cancer affects men too. According to komen.org, Breast cancer in men is rare, but it does happen. In 2011, it is estimated that among U.S. men there will be 2,140 new cases of breast cancer and 450 breast cancer deaths in men. The creativity has been abundant and I’m hoping that we are able to make a sizable contribution to the Northwest Louisiana Susan G Komen for the Cure affiliate again this year. All of the Pink Pin Art will be on a special sneak peak preview from 3:00 to 6:00 pm on Friday, October 14 at Holiday Lanes in Bossier City. You may also view the pins on Facebook by going to http://on.fb.me/cureauction. The silent auction begins at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 15. Final bids will end at 2:00 pm. Come by, take a look at the artwork on display. Hey, you can even Bowl for the Cure while you are there. It’s all for a good cause. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/pinklanes

See ya around Bossier,

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

A Sportsman’s Dream

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Los Paloma Ribbon CuttngLos Paloma Sporting Range and Event Center celebrated their grand-opening with a Bossier Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting on Tuesday, September 20, 2011. The facility is a new concept for the area and brings a distinctive sport to Bossier Parish. A twenty station sporting clay course, with a 9,000 square foot event center that is described in their brochure as “Rustic elegance meets the Hill Country of Northwest Louisiana.” Two outdoor pavilions and a five acre pond make this a new and unique event venue for the area.

Los PalomaRoss Adams, VP and Director of Operations provided a tour and information about the facility owned by Max Sharp. I don’t know a whole lot about sporting clay, but Ross was more than happy to share some insights with me. From what I understand, there are twenty stations with machine traps that throw clay disks into the air, meant to replicate a variety of bird patterns. Shooters stand in an arc on the opposite field and aim for the targets. They then rotate around the arc to take shots at each station and throughout the entire course. Each station presents a different challenge. After doing a small amount of research, I found that some call this sport “Golf with a Shotgun”. This sporting course is designed by Promatic and the skeet field is per U.S. Olympic standards. Los PalomaIf you prefer Bow Hunting, they also have a Bow Tower with shooting stations at 15 and 25 feet. This is a great place for the Louisiana sportsman (or woman) to enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of every day life.

Los PalomaThe event center is fashioned similarly to a barn with modern decorating and conveniences. The entire facility has a seating capacity for 350 people. As I was walking around the facility, I could envision the endless possibilities. Weddings, receptions, graduation and corporate parties. As you enter the building into the banquet room, the space has a grand, but comfortable feel to it. The floors are shiny, stained concrete and the brick, wood and tin touches create a rustic and elegant atmosphere. There is a lounge area with a wet bar, indoor kitchen with two refrigerator/freezers and a commercial ice maker. Los PalomaThe outdoor kitchen is complete with frying stations, outdoor stove and industrial sized bar-b-q pit. It’s the perfect place to hold a large group gathering such as fish fry or crawfish boil. There is an elevated stage with lighting and PA, great for those events with live bands. Above the banquet seating area is a 160″ rear projection screen. This makes for the ideal sports watching parties.

Los PalomaLos Paloma Sporting Range and Event Center is located at 900 Seven Pines Road in Benton, LA. It’s quite a drive, but so well worth it. I recommend that you give Ross a call at (318) 465-7507 and set up your next sporting or social event. You won’t be disappointed. Make sure you tell them that you read my blog.

See ya around Bossier,

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

Bossier City Alternative Fuel Station

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Bossier City Alternative Fuel Station #2Bossier City celebrated the dedication and ribbon cutting of a second Alternative Fuel Station on Tuesday. The event drew a great crowd of city and state officials, along with citizens interested in flex fuel options. The Bossier City Alternative Fuel Station #2 building was designed by architect Mike McSwain. According to Mr. McSwain’s website, the design pays homage to the pop architecture typical of the of the golden era of automotive travel while also looking forward towards more progressive ideas of sustainability and environmental responsibility associated with using Ethanol and Natural Gas as automotive fuels.

Scott AngelleCompressed Natural Gas (CNG) and E-85 Ethanol Flex Fuel provides an answer to the need for an abundant, clean and affordable fuel alternative to reduce our current dependence on foreign oil. Because of the Haynesville shale, natural gas production in our area provides some of the most productive. It makes sense that we start exploring ways to tap into the most readily available resources. Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Secretary, Scott Angelle spoke to the crowd and explained that city officials applied for a grant and were ahead of the curve in taking advantage of the benefits of CNG. The commitment ensured that they received the grant. Mr. Angelle also said that he is “hoping, urging and working in Washington for people to embrace natural gas as a better alternative to provide fuel for American families”. Bossier City has a fleet of vehicles that are already being operated with the flex fuels. The two stations will provide a fueling place for these vehicles, as well as for the general public.

Bossier City Alternative Fuel Station #2The cost to convert a vehicle varies according to vehicle. Some websites show an approximate cost of $7000. State and Federal agencies have implemented tax credits for certain qualified vehicle conversions. The prices displayed at the Bossier City station today were $1.75 for CNG and $2.78 for E-85 Ethanol. When compared to the gasoline and diesel market, it proves to be beneficial. CNG costs approximately 50% less and emits up to 90% less emissions; and over time the costs for CNG have remained stable. According to cngnow.com: although compressed natural gas is flammable, it has a narrow flammability range, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, making it an inherently safe fuel.

CNG is delivered to your vehicle in a very similar fashion as pumping gasoline, in approximately the same amount of time. The delivery method will require one to review filling procedures, but once you’ve filled up once or twice, you are on your way in an environmentally friendly fuel vehicle.

Bossier City Alternative Fuel Station #2The Bossier City Alternative Fuel Station #2 is located at 4250 Barksdale Boulevard. This station is in addition to the 2580East Texas location that opened in October as part of an initiative on the part of bossier City to provide a “go green” option. Stop by soon and tell them that you read my blog.

See ya around Bossier,

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

50 Years of Travel Promotion

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LTPA Ribbon CuttingThe Louisiana Travel Promotion Association (LTPA) celebrated their 50 year anniversary with a ribbon cutting at the Bossier Chamber of Commerce office on July 14. The LTPA is a private, non-profit, membership trade association that leads the private sector growth of the Louisiana Tourism Economy. LTPA provides marketing and educational opportunities, and serves as the advocate, resource and voice for the tourism industry. Member Service Representative, Tracy Young was on hand to explain the many benefits that the LTPA can provide for local attractions and restaurants.

Did you know that Bossier City has one of the top tourist sites in our state? That’s right, the Louisiana Boardwalk ranks right up there! LTPA is instrumental in helping to promote not only the Bossier area, but all regions within the state of Louisiana.

LTPA publicationsAs the Marketing Maven for Holiday Lanes, I am always on the look out for ways to increase traffic to our center. In fact, I’m currently in the process of brainstorming ways to create a Louisiana Bowling Trail through the Geaux Beauxling Louisiana campaign. Tracy knew exactly who I should speak to and I’m looking forward to picking their brain for some great ideas.

The Louisiana Travel Promotion Association creates several publications throughout the year. My favorite pamphlet is the “27 Tastes of Louisiana”. It’s full of authentic Louisiana recipes and information about the regions of the state. As a member of LTPA, businesses are entitled to a free listing in the state’s official tour guide. If you haven’t seen this guide, take a look online now. Also be sure to check out the “7 delicious road trips designed to make you drool”. LTPAThe LTPA also attends several major travel trade shows throughout the year to promote tourism in our state.

There is so much more to the LTPA and I encourage you to visit their website: http://www.ltpa.org. If your business is interested in becoming a member of LTPA, contact Tracy Young and tell her you read my blog.

See ya around Bossier,

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