Diplomat

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

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

Diplomat Team of the Quarter

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Just a quick note that the team of Diplomats that I serve with on the Bossier Chamber of Commerce won the most recent “Diplomat Team of the Quarter”. Proud of our team, Lynda’s Frontrunners!

Lynda's Frontrunners Team of the Quarter

Lynda's Frontrunners Team of the Quarter

Lynda Smyth with Wray Ford
Jimi Lindgren with Ralph & Kacoo’s (Plus Jimi won Diplomat of the Quarter – WooHoo!!)
Media Ann Smith with R.R. Smith Real Estate
Ron Corosopoulas with Kobus Technologies
Sherry Stuckey with Town Place Suites
Valerie Ward with The Shreveport Times
Will Carpenter with Pre-Paid Legal Services
myself – Robin Williams with Holiday Lanes

GO TEAM!!!

See ya around Bossier,
Robin

Mile High Karate

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Mile High Karate Ribbon Cutting

Mayor Walker signing up for a Mile High Karate class?

Richard Lear, Franchise Owner and Chief Instructor of Mile High Karate celebrated with the Bossier Chamber of Commerce at a ribbon cutting today. Richard explained that they are very interested in providing a place for families to learn valuable skills. They have a great structure in place for teaching children to focus their eyes, ears, minds and bodies to improve their manners, behavior and character.

Children can begin classes as young as four years old. Mr. Lear says that this is just about the right age for a child to begin training and learning the disciplines of Karate. Karate provides confidence, focus and self-esteem, which helps children prepare for school and life. Many children can truly benefit from learning self-control techniques taught at Mile High Karate.

Mile High Karate Ribbon Cutting

Demonstration of Women's Self Defense Techniques

Children aren’t the only people who can benefit from karate. Mile High Karate offers options for the whole family. In fact, right now they are offering a Mother’s Day Special for ALL women. FREE self-defense classes will be held on Monday, May 9th & Tuesday, May 10th. This is a great opportunity for women to learn real life techniques that teach confidence and ability to defend yourself. Mr. Lear gave us a sample demonstration and I’ve got to say, I was impressed by the techniques. He and his mother provided simple, real life scenarios which are helpful to anyone who is interested in feeling protected. Some of the techniques were so simple, yet very effective in thwarting off danger. The classes also promote wellness, stress relief and confidence. Free enrollment is limited, so you will want to call and reserve a spot soon.

Mile High Karate Ribbon Cutting

Mile High Karate Ribbon Cutting

Mile High Karate has after-school programs and is very involved in the community. The Mile High Karate franchise is a family and community oriented company, requiring each locality to perform at least 10,000 community service hours per year. This reinforces the message of being the best well-rounded person one can be.

Mile High Karate is located at 1745 Swan Lake Road, Suite G, Bossier City, LA, phone 318-703-4749. 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

Get your glasses on!

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Bossier Eye Institute Trunk Show

Bossier Eye Institute Trunk Show

Bossier Eye Institute Optical Shop had a frames and sunglasses trunk show today! Don’t worry if you didn’t make it, they still have great new arrivals from Ray Ban, Valentino, Juicy Couture, Gucci, and more!

Bossier Eye Institute Trunk Show

Bossier Eye Institute Trunk Show

I no longer need prescription lenses (thanks to Dr. Nawas), but you don’t have to have a prescription to get a great pair of sunglasses. I stopped by the clinic and was so impressed by the staff. They are top notch. I didn’t realize until I got out to my car that I had a name tag on. I just thought they were super and remembered my name from my last visit. The staff was very helpful and advised me to which frames are right for my face, picked colors that they thought would look good on me and tried to convince me that “Big” is Huge! They were talking about frames. I put a pair on that reminded me of my mom in 1975. Apparently that look is coming back. Not for me, it’s not 😎

Bossier Eye InstituteFor those of you who are not familiar with Bossier Eye Institute, Dr. Wally Nawas provides full service family eye care and has an on-site eye wear shop. He treats Cataracts, Glaucoma, Diseases of the eye and is licensed to perform Botox treatments. (thinkin’ seriously about that one!) Dr. Nawas has been my personal Ophthalmologist and I recommend him with confidence. Although he no longer performs Lasik and PRK, I did have PRK performed over a year ago and have been so happy with my results.

Bossier Eye Institute and Optical Shop is located at 2300 Hospital Drive, Suite 140, Bossier City, LA, phone 318-746-2020. 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

Simply Smashing!

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Smashburger Bossier City

Smashburger Bossier City

The new Bossier City Smashburger had a VIP Preview/Ribbon Cutting Party that was simply smashing! I knew I was going to like this place when I drove up and the entire wait staff was outside dancing the YMCA on the lawn. Yes, they even had what appeared to be the leader in full Indian headdress. How much fun is that?
Smashburger Bossier City Ribbon Cutting

Smashburger Bossier City Ribbon Cutting

Smashburger is definitely a burger lovers dream. They offer a great variety of classic and unique burgers and sandwiches. Tonight the energy of the crowd was awesome.
Smashburger Bossier City Ribbon Cutting

Avocado Club Smashchicken

We were so excited to be some of the first in Bossier City to try it out. The rest of Bossier will have to wait until tomorrow when they open for regular business. I had the Avocado Club Grilled SmashChicken sandwich with sweet potato Smashfries. It was fabulous and I took half of it home to finish for lunch tomorrow.

Scott and Mary Quigley

Scott and Mary Quigley

Scott and Mary Quigley, owners of both the Bossier City and Shreveport Smashburgers, appear to be such a great couple and they are a great asset to the Bossier Community. They offer fund raising options for churches and schools because they believe it is important to give back to the community in which they operate. It is obvious that they feel that customer service is very significant to a successful business. The crew at Smashburger was very friendly and helpful. I heard several people comment on the service and even heard one person question where they found their employees. She was so impressed with all the smiley faces and the high energy of the employees. I’m thinking this is going to be a sizzlin’ local hot spot in Bossier City.

Smashburger

Smile, you're at Smashburger

Smashburger is located at 2399 Airline Dr, Suite 600, Bossier City, LA 71111. Make your way over for a burger and tell them you read my blog.

See ya around Bossier,

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