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Workforce Solutions

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Kelly ServicesThe Shreveport branch of Kelly Services celebrated with a Bossier Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting on Thursday, September 22, 2011. The company has been around since 1946 and I would bet that you’ve heard of them at some point in your life. William Russell Kelly, the founder of the company, has been attributed as a pioneer in the temporary employment services field. What started as an agency that provided clerical positions primarily to women, has grown to a global corporation committed to providing specialized workforce solutions. Ashley Summers introduced those in attendance to the revitalization of their services in the Shreveport-Bossier area. Kelly provides professional temporary and direct hire employment placement in the workforce.

Kelly ServicesIn our current economy, the job market is tough for both the job seeker and employers. Kelly Services can be the link to creating positive employment solutions. Kelly assigns professional and technical employees in the fields of finance and accounting, education, engineering, information technology, law, science, and healthcare. Linda Baker, the branch manager, makes it a priority to recruit qualified candidates for area employers. Employers find services such as recruitment, human resource management, vendor management, and outplacement services. For anyone looking for flexible career opportunities, Kelly just makes sense. Kelly Services is a trusted company that has proven themselves as industry leaders. In addition to many awards and recognitions, they work with 90 percent of the Fortune 500® and Fortune 100™ companies, which shows their expertise and commitment to quality.

Kelly ServicesKelly Services is located at 425 Ashley Ridge Boulevard, Suite A136, Shreveport, LA 71106, Give Linda a call at (318) 869-0835 and make sure you tell her that you read my blog.

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

What’s it worth to you?

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Business Showcase Logo 2011If you didn’t attend the Bossier Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase today, you missed a great opportunity to mingle with some of the best businesses in Bossier and Shreveport. I’ve been a volunteer diplomat now for 9 months. In that time I have made many valuable connections. Each and every time that I attend a chamber function, I walk away with a new bit of knowledge. Sometimes it’s an idea for marketing, and other times I meet new contacts for sharing ideas.

The Mayor bowls at Business ShowcaseWhat’s it worth? I can’t pinpoint a dollar amount. I don’t always know specifically which customers I’ve gained. But here are a few things that I can truly say have been worth the time and money of networking through the Bossier Chamber of Commerce:

  • I’ve gained loyal clients that enjoy partnering with Holiday Lanes for staff team building events, parties and educational opportunities
  • I’ve met fascinating people who I have developed into business partners and sometimes even friends.
  • Making contact with businesses and services that I can trust. I’ve found that companies who are chamber members almost always care enough about their business to offer the best products and services.
  • I always laugh a lot – this alone is powerful. Laughter can create an atmosphere for fun, and fun is where it all starts
  • Did I mention there is usually super-duper food at the events (oh yeah, there is!)

    • Mark CrawfordAt today’s business showcase, I learned a few things that I didn’t know before:

  • The Shreveport Airport is a city entity. It’s not a big business owned by a mogul or other large company. I’m not sure why I thought otherwise. Their staff is comprised of city employees. They have no control over flight fares or specials, and so what I learned is that we should, when possible, support our local airport. When booking travel, check flights from Shreveport instead of driving out of the area for your travel. It’s important to support the local economy. Think about what our area would be like without the Airport.
  • I learned that Landry and Company is an awesome band and I’m glad they are booked to play at Holiday Lanes on October 14. Landry and Company is composed of dad, Steve Wilkinson, and his two sons. Landry is 14 and Cardis is 8. These boys are fabulous musicians and I’m so excited to see them sharing their talent. They volunteered their time tonight to play at the event and everyone loved them. It was fun hearing an 8 year old boy say, “here’s some 80’s music for ya”. Their commitment to the community is part of what I like about them. Next time you see them playing around town, make a point to go listen. These guys are going places.

    • Lisa "King Pin" Johnson & Robin

  • I found out that there are a whole lot of businesses that want to try out our “Play Therapy”. To paraphrase Plato, you will learn more about your co-workers in one hour of play than you will in a lifetime of conversation. Play Therapy works on building team-work, creating recognition, promoting exercise, reduces stress and allows businesses to have fun while sharing in team building activities! In particular, I’m looking forward to working with Venyu, Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries and David Raines Community Centers. They expressed interest in our fun and functional corporate team building activities. If I even get one person interested in our team building events, I consider my time a success.

    Lindsey "King Pin" and HunterI find so much value in the Bossier Chamber of Commerce. The networking, the community and the services. If you haven’t participated in any chamber events, I encourage you to do so. I think you will find them to be of great worth. If you are a business owner and would like more information about joining the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, stop by the offices at 710 Benton Road, tell them that you read my blog and want to get involved.

    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

    Who do you L❤VE?

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    Locals Love UsThere is a great new way to show the love to locals businesses in the Bossier-Shreveport area. LocalsLoveUs.com held a ribbon cutting at the Bossier Chamber of Commerce to help spread the word. Tim Shea and Ryan Bell, Market Leaders of LocalsLoveUs communicated that the website offers consumers the ability to vote on local businesses for which they think are the best of the best in their community. What’s more to Love? The idea started in South Dakota and has expanded to the Bossier-Shreveport, Tyler and Longview areas with the hopes of sharing the fun and excitement generated by the local community. After the voting is done, the businesses which win “best in category” have bragging rights and hold that distinctive title for one year.

    Locals Love UsThe idea is simple,

      – go to http://www.localsloveus.com
      – sign up for a user id (they ask for your phone number so that they can verify that each person only votes once)
      – Start voting for your favorites by category

    There is an added bonus for voting! Vote and a hand-full of people will win big ticket items like iPads, vacations, Kindles, and catered party . . . just for voting. Other prizes are t-shirts and gift certificate. The more categories you vote in, the more chances you have to win. Locals Love Us Ribbon CuttingThe contest ends on July 31 and at the end of the voting time frame, LocalsLoveUs will tell us who are the Most Loved Places in the Bossier-Shreveport area. Go now and vote for your favorite places. Don’t forget to vote for all of those Bossier Chamber of Commerce members. Help promote local business within our community.

    Check out the video below and I’ll see ya around Bossier,

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

    Are you a Macaroni Kid?

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    Pamela Kennedy - Macaroni KidA few months ago, I received an email from Pamela Kennedy telling me about the Macaroni Kid newsletter that publishes activities for kids and families happening in our community. She asked if Holiday Lanes would be an advertising sponsor. I’m not sure why, but my interest was piqued. Perhaps the name of the newsletter Macaroni Kid invoked some type of comfort in me. Macaroni after all is a comfort food that has seen many plates in my lifetime. What I found out from Pamela is that she has joined the forces of the national Macaroni Kid family. Macaroni Kid enlists Publisher Moms who are dedicated to delivering the scoop on all the family-friendly events and activities happening in their communities each week. Who knows more about family activities in the community better than moms? No one! Such a great way to tap into that resource. I signed Holiday Lanes up and was so excited to become a community partner with Pamela.

    Macaroni Kid Ribbon CuttingPamela celebrated joining the Bossier Chamber of Commerce with a Ribbon Cutting of her new business venture. The interesting thing about Macaroni Kid is that rather than just have advertisers place ads on the newsletter, they invite advertisers to tell you about the events through articles. This allows readers to get a more in-depth understanding about the event or activity. I think this is an excellent way to spread the news. In addition to events and activities, Macaroni Kid gives advice on everyday parenting challenges and successes. There are several topical options when subscribing to Macaroni Kid: Family Travel, Safety Announcements, Food and Military Family interests. The resources provided on Macaroni Kid are invaluable and I encourage you to subscribe immediately. You don’t have to have children to benefit from the information provided in the newsletter. This is definitely a community treasure.

    Macaroni Kid Ribbon CuttingMacaroni Kid is located at http://shreveport.macaronikid.com/ Subscribe now, or if you are a local business interested in partnering with Macaroni Kid, shoot an email to Pamela at pamelak@macaronikid.com and be sure you tell her you read my blog.

    See ya around Bossier,

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

    Have you subscribed to my blog yet? You can get an email each time I post a new blog by clicking the Subscribe to my blog (envelope mail button) at top right.

    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