Robin Williams

National Travel and Tourism Week cometh

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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

Tell me about social media

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Have you heard about the Bossier Chamber of Commerce diplomats? They are an awesome group of volunteers who represent businesses around the Shreveport-Bossier community. Each month they have a brown bag gathering to communicate with each other about upcoming events, discuss organizational business and to learn about other topics. This month I was asked to talk to the group about social media. Somewhere along the way someone decided that I knew something about social media. While I may know a little, and my nervousness was showing, I still have lots to learn, but it is always fun to share with others.

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Cold-pressed Juice

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I have to admit that I haven’t been to work-out at my gym (Fit Nation) in a few weeks. (That means a couple of months in my life) I just returned from a trip to Mexico. While I was there I went zip-lining. It made me remember why I “should” work-out. My body is feeling the pains. So today I decided to head on in for a little interval circuit. Well Fed DoorHalf-way through my work-out, a decal on the door in the circuit room caught my eye. It was a decal that had a fun and funky wellness vibe. I couldn’t look away. It seemed as if it was saying “stop, come see me”, so I did and I found that a new juice bar had been added while I’ve been away.

Well+Fed Louisiana Cold-Pressed Juice just launched a soft opening in Fit Nation in the Heart O Bossier Shopping Center in Bossier City. I’ve considered juicing in the past, but knew that if I purchased a machine, it would end up collecting more dust than veggies. Well Fed MachineWhen I walked in I was greeted by Dany. Dany told me all about the cold-press process and also told me that they had sold out all but two jars of juice for the day. Dany introduced me to his wife, Lindsi Martin. Lindsi shares ownership of Well+Fed with Ashley Everage. Lindsi let me sample the  Carrot, Apple, Ginger Juice, which is “Roots #2” on the menu. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it, but I was surprised. It was a really nice combination and the flavors made my taste-buds explode. I’m not usually a fan of ginger, but I liked it . . . I really liked it.

Well Fed Menu BoardCurrently there are ten different juices on the menu. A twelve ounce juice will cost you $8. If you bring your empty jar on your next visit, you will receive $1 off the next juice. Lindsi explained to me that cold pressing retains more vitamins and good stuff than other juicing methods.

I’m bringing my $8 on my next visit and will be trying the “Fruits #1”, which is watermelon, grapefruit, mint and lime. I can’t wait! Now it’s your turn to stop by Well+Fed and tell them I sent you.

And be sure to follow them and watch for their grand opening dates:

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Get ALL Y’ALL BLOG the NPR attention it deserves

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recommend allyallblog.com to NPR

Chris Jay and Sara Hebert are changing the makeup of storytelling in the South with allyallblog.com – What started as a podcast has become a live storytelling event that crosses crucial boundaries in the community.

Chris & Sara are such a compliment to their community

Chris and Sara’s wide circle of friends is a deep well of diverse people who are submerging themselves into the sometimes unknown world of storytelling. If there is a glimmer of a story, Chris and Sara will shine more light on the subject.  Floating on hope that they just might have something to share, the storytellers rise up at each event, leaving us wanting more. It’s about getting everyday people to tell everyday stories. What’s amazing is the clarity that I’ve gained from listening to other storytellers. I’ve finally come to understand that we need to look outside of ourselves and see that there are folks just like us with trials, struggles, happiness, fears and accomplishments.  Many stories mirror similar experiences in my own life and I’ve been able to step out of my self-centered world where I think things only happen to me.

All Y’all Blog

I think it’s time for the big time NPR geniuses to scoop up All Y’all Blog and share it with the world. Could you take a few moments to answer NPR’s short and easy survey about you favorite blog of all time, assuming it’s All Y’all?

  • NPR Survey: Take NPR Survey
  • Enter the All Y’all blog link: http://www.allyallblog.com/
  • Select your favorite episode and enter that link as well.
  • Share the survey with Facebook, Twitter, Google+, your blog, etc.

Let’s try to get Chris & Sara the recognition the deserve.

This IS happening!

Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

April 6, 2015 – UPDATE! I was a storyteller in September 2014 and that podcast episode has been released: LISTEN HERE

Glasses make a difference

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My friends Jada and Summer joined me for the CORK Wine Glass Seminar

I’m not going to write too much about this because my friend, Jada, will have full coverage on her blog at Lovin’ This Life.

Quality glasses make a difference

CORK, A Red River Wine Event hosted a Riedel Wine Glass seminar on March 28th. The seminar discusses how wine can taste differently in quality glass. I was skeptical, but let me tell you, this is real life. It’s so amazing the way the shape, construction, style and quality of The glass effects the taste and smell.

If you ever get a chance to go to one of these seminars, I encourage you to go and get a palate education. Glasses really do make a difference.

Be sure to follow these:

That just happened,

Robin Williams, 

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

The Cinderella Project

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Early morning line at The Cinderella Project

Anyone who has ever purchased a prom dress knows the dilemma. A girl dreams of the perfect dress. Has a dress in mind. Finds the dress and then either, a) it’s not available in her size, b) it’s not the right color, or c) the price tag is extreme.  Usually the size and color can be solved with a quick Google search, but the price often is the factor that crushes the dream. 

So when I heard about The Cinderella Project, I knew that they were making some girls dreams come true. This organization is providing free, yes I said FREE, dresses to high school juniors and seniors in Caddo, Bossier, Desoto, Red River, Webster, and Bienville Parishes. My daughter and I arrived at the event excitedly. The line was full of other girls waiting to find their dream dress. 

 

The event continues on Saturday, March 28, 2015. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. on a first come, first served basis and the doors will open at 8:30 a.m.  Each girl will be paired with a volunteer personal shopper, who will guide her through an awesome inventory of fabulous dresses during a magical 30-minute shopping appointment! Private dressing rooms will be provided.  

Make sure you follow The Cinderella Project on their social media:

Facebook: CPofShreveport

Instagram: CPShreveport

The waiting is the hard part

I’ll update with a photo of the dress my daughter finds. Right now, the wait is on.

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

UPDATE: She found a dress!! Yay. What a wonderful event. Thanks to all those who make the event happen. 

UPDATE: Laura found her dress

The girl is HAPPY!

I’m changing the title of this blog

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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

Give a Flyp!

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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

    I Want Candy!

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    Candy SpreeWhat’s your idea of heaven on earth? If you said “indulging in a candy spree”, then I agree wholeheartedly! The Bossier Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new businees into the Bossier community today with a ribbon cutting to celebrate. Candy Spree Candy Spree is your Neighborhood Candy Store and candy specialty center. As their wall states, a candy spree is an unrestrained indulgence in a rich confection that is made of sugar. Mayor Walker helped celebrate the ribbon cutting and said he felt like a kid in a candy store . . . so did I!

    Candy SpreeKari and Caleb Howe were looking for a business opportunity. They realized that Bossier City lacked a true neighborhood candy store. They set out on their adventure and have created a cheerful and sweet family business. Candy Spree is more than just a candy store. They specialize in candy by the bulk, goody bags for birthday or school, candy buffets for any special occasion and candy pots. Candy SpreeKids will love the Pucker Powder machine. This contraption has a large variety of flavored sugar powder that allows a kid (any age allowed) to create custom pixi-sticks. There are four sizes of tubes available, from the “mom-approved” small to the “send your kids to grandma” supersize. In addition to the fixed machine in the store, Candy Spree has a mini pucker powder machine to rent for birthday parties or any occasion. Such an excellent and fun idea!

    Candy SpreeCandy Spree has a selection for even the most persnickety candy snobs. Everything from gummy bears to chocolate covered pecans and flavored jelly beans. They also have a section of sugar-free candy selections. I was interested in a particular “Gran Marnier Pecans”. This is a great place to stop by and pick up a last minute gift for that special someone. The candy goody bags also make yummy corporate gifts. I am definitely thinking about having a party, just so that I can have Candy Spree set up a candy buffet. What better reason for a party? I WANT CANDY!!

    Candy SpreeCandy Spree is located at 20191 Stockwell Road, Suite 6, Bossier City, LA. (318) 658-9630. 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

    It’s Suddenlink Day in Bossier City

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    SuddenlinkCongratulations to Suddenlink of Bossier City. They celebrated today with a Bossier Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting to show off their newly remodeled facility. The remodel was done with the customer in mind. SuddenlinkNo longer will you find the traditional old walk up “bank teller” windows. Now you will be greeted by a customer service rep and given a comfy chair to sit and discuss your wide range of service options. Mayor Lo Walker was on hand to proclaim it “Suddenlink Day” in Bossier City, Louisiana.

    If you are not familiar with the service products that Suddenlink can provide, let me fill you in. Suddenlink offers Television, Internet, Telephone, and Home Security. As a Suddenlink customer, my personal favorite cable options is DVR. (Digital Video Recording). I was never much of a t.v. watcher until I got a DVR. Now I have my “shows” that are recorded and I can watch anytime. This is great for anyone who is always on the run. Suddenlink has recently announced a new TiVo HD DVR system to their products. Current subscribers can upgrade their DVR’s for a one time fee of $70. The monthly subscription rate stays the same. TiVo can record up to 200 hours (not sure why I’d ever need 200, but 200 it is). Opps, did you forget to record that program, no problem Free iPhone, iPad and Android phone apps that allow for remote scheduling. The Home Security feature that Suddenlink can provide has “Look” technology that allows live video streaming of your home, real time email alerts and professional 24/7 monitoring. Having the security system installed on your home can save up to 20% on your homeowner’s insurance.

    SuddenlinkSuddenlink of Bossier City is located at 725 Benton Road, Bossier City, LA 71111, (318) 747-1666. Call today and let them know you read my blog.

    See ya around Bossier,

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