Bossier City

Safe, Secure and Indestructible

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Venyu Ribbon CuttingHave you driven by the Cyber Innovation Center on Hwy 80 in Bossier and been in total awe of the building? Every time I drive by, I think to myself “I sure would like to go inside that place”. Tonight I had the opportunity to attend a Bossier Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting for Venyu, which is located inside the center. I’ll tell you about Venyu after I tell you about the amazing facility. This place is totally beyond what I could have imagined. Venyu is located inside the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) at the National Cyber Research Park in Bossier City. Mike McSwain Architects designed the center and created a virtually indestructible building that can insure the safety of critical-level government agents and security of classified information. The building can withstand bomb blasts, tornadoes, hurricanes, most natural disaster and emergency situations. The building has redundant power and can provide seamless transition from primary to emergency power supply in the case of an emergency power loss. In order to even get into the building, top level security procedures are followed. I felt very important just being in such a building. I wish I had more photos to show you, but as you can imagine, a building like this is top secret. Not many pictures allowed.

VenyuAlright, on to the main event. Venyu hosted a Bossier Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting and After Hours TLA event. (The Last Appointment) There were over 250 people in attendance who were interested in hearing about the services that Venyu offers. Most of us were just really excited to get tours of their offices inside the CIC. To accurately tell you the services Venyu provides, I went to their website and this is the description: Venyu is a premier provider of data protection, recovery, and availability services designed to ensure business continuity. Venyu’s portfolio includes online data backup, physical and virtualized recovery solutions, managed and virtual hosting, SaaS, and co-location services. Venyu, headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with offices in Marlborough, MA and Shreveport-Bossier City, LA is backed by geographically-diverse datacenters, highly-qualified technicians, and iron-clad security controls. What that means in terms maybe you and I can understand, they’ve got the ability to lock up your business computer data, keep it safe, and save you if you ever have a disastrous loss of data. I’m sure that my description is somewhat crude, but I think you get the picture.

VenyuBrian took us on a tour of their server rack room. So impressive! Due to the secure nature of the building, we had to go through a man-trap area to access the data center floor. After getting in, I felt like we were in a Mission Impossible movie. I had visions of being suspended from a ceiling cable. There is biometric and access card requirements, along with armed guards and video surveillance every where. Your data is secure in this place. If you are interested in protecting your data, Venyu is the most physically secure data centers that you will find. As a side note, their main continuity center is located under 85 feet of limestone rock in Springfield, MO. How cool is that? I encourage you to visit their website or give them a call to discuss solution options for your commercial data needs.

Cyber Innovation CenterVenyu is located at 6300 East Texas Street, Bossier City LA 71111, Toll-free: 866 978-3698, Direct Phone: 318 698-1330. Give them a call and tell them you read my blog.

See ya around Bossier,

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

Dress me up!

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Bossier Dress BoutiqueI’m so excited to tell you about a new business in Bossier City. Amie Mellor has opened the Bossier Dress Boutique and Formal Consignment. They celebrated with a Bossier Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting. The boutique has a wide selection of new and used wedding, prom, pageant and formal dresses. They have sizes ranging from the smallest to plus sizes. In addition to dresses, Bossier Dress Boutique carries shoes and accessories.

Bossier Dress BoutiqueAmie explained to me that many girls in the area travel to Dallas for dresses and she is trying to meet their needs. She does so by being affordable and offering many colors, styles and sizes. As a new pageant mom, I recently learned what it’s like to shop for a pageant dress. I’m glad that there is a new option for future events. Shopping for a plus size pageant dress offers many challenges. Amie has committed to making every girl look beautiful, no matter their shape or size. When a girl looks good, they feel good.

Bossier Dress BoutiqueThe consignment option at Bossier Dress Boutique is a great addition to the community. Wear a gown once and sell it back. It is a great way to give more life to a dress by sharing it with someone else. They accept formal gowns such as Wedding, Prom, Homecoming, and Pageant. Gowns must be clean and should have been purchased within the last 2-3 years without being worn out or need repair. The best part is that you receive 60% of the retail sales price. Such a great deal.

Bossier Dress BoutiqueBossier Dress Boutique is located at 1605 Benton Road, Suite N, Bossier City, LA 71111, phone 318-658-9922.

Stop by for your next dress shopping adventure or bring some of those dresses hanging in your closet; and tell Amie you read my blog.

See ya around Bossier,

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

Let’s Dance

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Vicki's School of DanceThe Bossier Chamber of Commerce helped Vicki’s School of Dance celebrate the opening of their new studio with a ribbon cutting. After 40 years in business, Vicki “Miss Vicki” Fulghum now OWNS instead of renting her dance studio building. The new studio provides much needed space for dance classes, as well as waiting area for parents. I was particularly tickled that even the parking lot stripes were done in Vicki’s signature hot pink. Very creative!

Vicki's School of DanceThe studio was packed to the rafters with girls who are enrolled at the school. Mayor Walker encouraged the girls to continue dancing, as it is not only a fun activity, but a great way to stay active and fit. Miss Vicki announced that they would be having an “alumni” reunion of dancers from the past 40 years. There will be performances by past and present students, including a few who are more mature than the facility.

Vicki's School of DanceI can say that I have a special place in my heart for Vicki’s School of Dance. My daughter attended for a year at the school and it was such a great experience. There is one thing I noticed at the new facility that sure wasn’t there when my daughter attended . . . the “work-out” room. What a great idea!! Moms (and I guess Dads) get to work out FREE while they are waiting for their children to finish their dance lesson. I’m thinking about signing my daughter back up, just so I can work out!

Vicky’s School of Dance is located at 1020 Chinaberry Drive, Bossier City, LA, phone (318) 742-3560. Stop by today to see their new location, sign your children up for a dance class and make sure you tell Miss Vicki you read my blog.

See ya around Bossier,

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

New Post Office

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New Post Office at Gibsland Bank & TrustDid you know there is a new Post Office Service Unit in Bossier City? Yep, it’s located inside the Gibsland Bank and Trust at their East Texas Street Branch. This is a welcomed convenience for the citizens of North Bossier. GBT Post Office is situated beside the Villaggio complex, it seems that it will also serve those in Haughton. The facility is a joint effort between the staff of Gibsland Bank and Trust and the United States Postal Service. The Bossier Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the new Post Office and GBT Chairman of the Board, J.R. Johnson said they are looking forward to great things in this partnership. There were quite a few Postal service employees on hand and Monica Minor, retail Specialist for the Post Office said that GBT looks to provide the best service for customers.

Margie Johnson, Post Office Manager shares a photo with Officer Worley

Margie Johnson, Post Office Manager shares a photo with Officer Worley

Not only is it convenient, but I hear the service is impeccable. Ms. Minor stated that Margie Johnson, Post Office Manager, is a “live wire” and shares a genuine concern for her customers. After speaking to her in person I found that her personality is bubbly, friendly and shows an eagerness to provide great customer service. The new Post Office provides all of the standard mailing and shipping services that you would find at the main Post Office. It’s nice to see that even in the struggling economy, the U.S. Postal Service is willing to expand services in our community.

New Post OfficeThe new Post Office is located at 5360 East Texas in the Gibsland Bank and Trust Building. Stop by to mail a package, pick up some stamps or send a letter and while you’re there, tell Margie you read my blog.

See ya around Bossier,

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

Big O’s – A Taste of Louisiana with Class

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Big O's Ribbon CuttingAlright ya’ll . . . who doesn’t want to try a new restaurant? I know I sure do. Originally located in Shreveport, Big O’s – A Taste of Louisiana with Class has opened on the Villaggio Main Street in Bossier. Now let me tell you, Big’s O’s must really cook up some great food, because I’ve had several friends visit Big O’s and they’ve run out of food before they closed for the evening. Good food doesn’t last around here, for sure.

Big O's Ribbon CuttingOn the day of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting, Odis served fresh fried catfish and fried mushrooms. They were good, BUT the tarter sauce served was to DIE for!! It had just the right blend of herbs and spices. I couldn’t get enough! I noticed after I left that they have Tartar sauce by the jar on the menu for $6. Will definitely be going back for a jar. Big O’s serves up daily specials Monday through Thursday for $8.00 per person. Home cooked meals like Smothered, Fried or Grilled Pork Chops and Homemade Spaghetti. I’m looking at the Louisiana Blackened Catfish or Chicken. Looks so tasty. Of course, there are traditional burgers, po-boys and salads, along with fish and shrimp combos. If you are really ready for a treat, try their All You Can Eat Catfish special from 4:00 pm to close for $13.50.

Big O's

Odis and Drenette Johnson

Big O’s is owned and operated by Odis and Drenette Johnson and is located at 1129 Villaggio Blvd, Bossier City, LA, phone 318-658-9649. Stop by and make sure you tell them you read my blog.

See ya around Bossier,

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

I wanted to give away $10,000

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Bossier Chamber Golf ClassicIt’s not often that you have the power to give away $10,000. On May 6th, I had just that power. Well, maybe power is a strong word, but I at least was hoping to witness someone win $10,000. My day was spent watching the “Hole in One Shot” at the Bossier Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic. Home Federal Bank was the title sponsor for this Golf Classic. The tournament is a four-man scramble and was held at StoneBridge Country Club. It was a great day to network, build relationship and make new connections. The day started beautifully. The weather was mild, skies were blue and low humidity all made for a fabulous event. The biggest challenge of the day for me was dodging incoming golf balls and trying not to be attacked by squirrels residing in the tree that I was using for shade. I found out pretty quickly that the tree was both my friend and my foe. I had to sit just in the line of the tree to avoid getting a concussion from flying golf balls, but far enough away that the squirrels couldn’t jump on my head.

Each time a team pulled up on the green, I was hoping they would be the one to sink a hole in one. Boy, I wanted to see someone win that $10,000. That didn’t come to pass, but it sure was fun cheering them on. It was also fun to hear the offers I was receiving to say that they had sunk the hold in one. My best offer of the day was a 50/50 split of the pot. It was tempting, but I didn’t have it in me. Below are some of the golfers that were pretty darn close to winning (click to see larger version):

Bossier Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic

David Breedlove


Bossier Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic

Tom Glass & Team, yes . . . that is Mayor Walker in the stylishly cool hat


Bossier Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic

Kevin Odom, Tom Bordelon and Team


Bossier Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic

Bobby Rosset and team


Bossier Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic

Best and Last Shot of the Day - Let's just say of the liquid variety.

North Bossier Office Center

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North Bossier has a new addition to it’s business community. The North Bossier Office Center celebrated with a Bossier Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting. This office community provides an opportunity for individuals to have ownership in a quality office condo at an affordable price, along with the convenience of being in an owner’s association which maintains the exterior and grounds.
Each office features brick and stucco exteriors, high ceilings, neutral tones, extensive crown molding and coffered ceilings.
North Bossier Office CenterThe finished plan will include sixty-six luxurious single-level office suites. Each condo is approximately 1,150 square feet and includes a large attic storage area, 4 private offices, a reception area, half-bath, copy/file room and a kitchenette.

If you are currently looking to expand your business, now is a great time to check out North Bossier Office Center. Adjoining suites can be combined to accommodate your growing office space needs. Give Julie Day a call today and find out how much money you may save by investing in and owning a condo office space, as opposed to your current lease.

North Bossier Office CenterYou can’t beat the location of North Bossier Office Center. It’s located in a prime, high-traffic area on the corner of Benton Road and Chinaberry Drive, just north of I-220.

Call for information about the North Bossier Office Center 318-629-3572 and tell her you read my blog.

See ya around Bossier,

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

Congrats Ethnos!

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Ethnos Coffee and TeaToday is a day to celebrate! Ethnos Coffee and Tea celebrated their one year anniversary with a Bossier Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting at the Villaggio Shops. What a great way to start a day! With the economy the way it is, it is refreshing to hear success stories. Ethnos serves coffees and teas with a cause, partnering with Larry’s Beans. Larry’s Beans is a coffee roasting company with a mission of going “Fair Trade”. Fair Trade products are manufactured or raised by companies that practice environmental and social responsibility and pay a fair wage.

Ethnos Coffee and TeaI had a few moments with Jerome Stockert, owner of Ethnos. Jerome told me that he was previously a Campus Minister and that not only does Ethnos serve as a Coffee and Tea house, but they also have a community church that meets in the space. I checked out their website and found that as the lead café/church planter, Jerome is the front person for the church which owns and operates the café called Ethnos Coffee and Tea. Located in the Villaggio the vision for Ethnos is for it to be a multimedia café where residents and guests can develop a more intimate sense of community and for it to double as the meeting place for a new church plant. Regardless of your spiritual faith and beliefs, Jerome desires Ethnos to be a place where you can find the professional, personal and spiritual growth you desire and enjoy a great cup of coffee or tea…and maybe an Italian soda now and then.

Ethnos Coffee and TeaEthnos Coffee and Tea is located to 2101 Villaggio Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71111, 318-658-9081. Their hours are:
Monday – Friday: 6am – 10pm
Saturday: 7am – 10pm
Sunday: 9:30am – 11:30am

See ya around Bossier,

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

A New Boutique in Bossier

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Aromas Fine Apparel and Gifts Ribbon Cutting

Aromas Fine Apparel and Gifts Ribbon Cutting

I attended a Bossier Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting at Aroma’s Fine Apparel & Gifts in the Villaggio Main Street Shops. This was my first ribbon cutting attendance at the Villaggio shops. If you haven’t been out there, I encourage you to make your way over. It’s like stepping into a little Italian shopping resort. (Not that I’ve been to Italy, but it’s like I’d seem to imagine it.)

Aromas Fine Apparel and Gifts

Aromas Fine Apparel and Gifts

Aromas Fine Apparel & Gifts offers a variety of lingerie, women’s apparel, shoes & boots, perfume oils, hand & body lotions, jewelry and handbags. Owner of Aromas, Cynthia Cole, said that she strives to carry unique items and gifts that you can’t find elsewhere. They may carry only one or two pieces of a particular item so that you can have the feeling that you are one of only a few to be wearing it in our community. Aromas creates gift baskets for any occasion. They carry aroma therapy body oils and fragrances. Mother’s Day is coming and it’s a great time to search for those special gifts. Or, you might just want something for yourself. Go ahead, you’re worth it.

Aroma’s Fine Apparel & Gifts is located at 1105 Villaggio Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71111, 318-747-5170. Their hours are Monday-Saturday: 10am – 6pm / Sunday: Closed. 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

The Last Appointment – April

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April 2011 TLAWhere can you go to network with at least 100 people, get 2 cocktails, great music and awesome food, all for less than 10 bucks? I’ll tell you where . . . at the Bossier Chamber of Commerce TLA – “The Last Appointment”. It happens every 4th Thursday of each month from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Bring your business cards, network with top business executives….the decision makers in Bossier/Shreveport and learn about new businesses in our community.

April 2011 TLA The April TLA was held by the pool at the Courtyard Marriott at the Louisiana Boardwalk. The atmosphere was great for an afternoon of making important business connections. Food was abundant and the adult beverages were flowing. The Matthew Davidson Band was cranking out the classic rock and blues hits. Matthew is a very talented guitarist and vocalist. At 13 year old, this young man impressed me with his renditions of some of my favorite songs. He is available for bookings and his mom will be glad to book him for your next big event.

April TLA

Cindy Lubbe of Courtyard & Jennifer Wyly of the Chamber

Courtyard has a great facility for those of you looking for a place to host conferences, meetings or parties. The features at this hotel include inviting, flexible spaces to work or relax, free Wi-Fi throughout and easy access to the latest news, weather and airport conditions via GoBoard. The highlight of the lobby experience is The Bistro. Eat. Drink. Connect. Savor in the appealing, fresh, and easy to prepare menu options at The Bistro which provides choice, quality and speed of service; featuring Starbucks Coffee along with evening cocktails. Your event at the Courtyard Shreveport-Bossier City/Louisiana Boardwalk is sure to be comfortable, productive and enjoyable!

If you’ve been thinking about joining the Chamber of Commerce, why not come to the next TLA and check it out! Not only can you attend the TLA’s, your business can be a host for a TLA. This gives your business the opportunity to showcase itself to the community. Call Monique at the Bossier Chamber Office for more information. New members receive a 30 second presentation opportunity at TLA’s. Entry fee to the TLA is $5 for Chamber Members/$10 Future Members (Limit 3 visits- Future Members).

See ya around Bossier,

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