National Travel and Tourism Week cometh

One of my pet peeves is when people in Shreveport-Bossier say there’s nothing to do. If you believe that statement then listen up. There’s stuff to do!

The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau (SBCTB) will be celebrating national travel and tourism week from May 2-10, 2015. This is an opportunity to share all the good stuff going on in Shreveport-Bossier. Part of the celebration will be the annual P.R.I.D.E. awards to be held on May 7 and will celebrate the outstanding tourism employees in our area. As a previous P.R.I.D.E award recipient, I can tell you that it’s an honor to be recognized for efforts in the tourism industry.

The SBCTB is a great resource for not only visitors to our community, but to our local citizens. Have you visited any of the welcome centers? I encourage you to stop by one soon. I promise you will learn something that you didn’t know before about our area. I find something new every time I stop in. I think it’s fun to be a tourist in my own town. 

Today I was fortunate enough to be included as a representative of Holiday Lanes in an interview that KTAL will be airing on Wednesday, May 6. I shared the camera with Stacy Brown, the president of SBCTB, and Fred Moss of the Let the Good Times Roll Festival. The festival will be held on June 19-21, 2015. You should check it out.

I serve as a board member on the Attractions Association and I can tell you that the resources available to local businesses, such as Holiday Lanes, is extremely beneficial. This SBCTB is absolutely wonderful at encouraging and celebrating Shreveport-Bossier as a tourism destination and local fun hot spot.

The message that I want to pass along to you is that whether you live in Shreveport-Bossier, or are a visitor to our community, there is tons to do. To find out more about the awesome events, festivals, hotels and attractions in our community go to the Shreveport Bossier Fun Guide which lists lots of the fun that you can have. Celebrate the upcoming National Travel and Tourism week by being a tourist in Shreveport-Bossier!

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

I’m changing the title of this blog

Travel South USA Opening Reception with Meg Davenport and Jada Durden

Travel South USA Opening Reception with Meg Davenport and Jada Durden

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

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

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

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

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

Showing my two posters displayed at the

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

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

I hope to see you around NW Louisiana,

Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Is your business offering military discounts?

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

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

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

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

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

See ya around Bossier,

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

Give a Flyp!

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

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

Flyplyst’s online description is as follows:

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

Features:

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


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

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

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

    FCrew

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

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

    See ya around Bossier,

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

    In Case You Haven’t Heard

    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 30Newk’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 30Texas 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 2Bossier 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 7Eustis Mortgage – Ribbon Cutting
      February 16Stephens Services, LLC – Ribbon Cutting (individual blog to come)
      February 22Hampton Inn – Ribbon Cutting
      February 29Margaritaville Hotel & Casino – Ground Breaking
      March 9The 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 23Cash Point
      March 22Boomtown 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

    A Full Body Experience

    Dr. QuincyAs a child of the 70’s/80’s, I dreamed of being the next Dr. R. Quincy. If you don’t know who Dr. Quincy is, he was just the most awesome, albeit fictional, Medical Examiner ever to cross the tv screen. Each week I watched as he dramatically followed the clues of the body that lead him to uncover great mysteries. It was during those days that I decided that I wanted to be a forensic pathologist. Not just any ordinary pathologist, but one that studied BRAINS!! The body holds so many wonderful mysteries and I was ready to learn all about them. That is until I really thought more about the processes involved in searching for those clues. First of all, I never would have made it through medical school. And secondly, I have a hard time putting a band-aid on injuries. No, it was a great dream, but one that I’d have to dismiss.

    A couple of years ago, I heard about an exhibit in Dallas called “Bodies Revealed“, an exhibition of preserved real anatomical specimens. I was so interested in visiting the exhibit, but never found the time to get to Dallas. I thought I had missed my opportunity. Knock, Knock, Knock! Yes that opportunity has arrived again, yet this time it’s right here in my neighboring town of Shreveport, LA. Sci-port Louisiana’s Science Center and the Louisiana Office of Tourism is providing our area with a unique full body experience. BODIES REVEALED opens to the public on January 28, 2012 and takes visitors through galleries providing an up-close look inside the skeletal, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory and other systems of the human body. Many of the whole body specimens are dissected in vivid athletic poses, allowing the visitor to relate to everyday activities. One specimen in particular sparked my curiosity about how many muscles one might use while bowling. According to bowl.com, bowling is a game that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age and body type, as a means of social gathering and physical activity. Bowling requires the use of every major muscle in the body, so it’s important to make sure these muscles are loose and ready for physical activity in order to reduce the risk of injury, increase your ball speed, and increase your consistency. Seeing the bodies on exhibit really helped me put together how fascinating and complex our bodies are.

    RobinAlong with the exhibit, Dr. Roy Glover serves as the Chief Medical Director and Spokesperson for BODIES REVEALED. Dr. Glover is Associate Professor Emeritus of Anatomy and Cell Biology at Premier Exhibitions. He taught Anatomy for more than 30 years at the University of Michigan Medical School. He is the recipient of numerous research and teaching awards. As I stood at the hands-on exhibit, I spoke with Dr. Glover, while holding a real brain. Yes, a real brain – I felt like Dr. Quincy! Although, seeing the interior of the bodies was facinating, what interested me most is the people who actually gave of themselves to make the exhibit possible. Dr. Glover explained to me that there are a few ways that specimens are obtained. One way is by people donating their bodies to science. He said that a person can go to any local medical school and sign a donor card. Once the person dies, the only responsibility of the family is to transport their loved one to the school. After the school has accepted and studied the body, the remains are cremated and then a memorial service is held for the family. Students who studied the body are present at the service to thank the families for the gift that their loved one provided.

    Bodies RevealedThe BODIES REVEALED Exhibition features 12 full body specimens and over 185 partial specimens and organs. The human body specimens are preserved through a revolutionary technique called polymer preservation and can take more than a year to prepare.

    Bodies RevealedThe Exhibition is expected to increase tourism from the tri-state area to Louisiana, specifically downtown Shreveport. “The Louisiana Office of Tourism is pleased to partner with Sci-Port for [the] BODIES REVEALED Exhibition,” Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne said. “This great Exhibition will have a positive impact on the community and the region’s tourism industry.” Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center is located at 820 Clyde Fant Parkway on the downtown Shreveport Riverfront. For information regarding hours, IMAX showing or special programs, call 318-424-3466, toll free at 877-724-7678. The exhibit will run from January 28, 2012 to May 21, 2012. Online ticketing is available at www.sciport.org.

    I may not ever be Dr. Quincy, but this exhibit made me remember that dream I had so long ago. Make sure you don’t miss this awesome event.

    See ya around Bossier,

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

    I love my Job!

    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

    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

    Bowling Pin Art: Creativity Flows for Breast Cancer Awareness

    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