Robin Williams

Oh Taste and See

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Oh Taste and SeeThe Bossier Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, November 30 to celebrate the opening of the stage production “Oh Taste and See” at the Bossier Arts Council. The gospel play is presented by Lisa Blakely Productions and will run December 1, 2 & 3 at 7:00 pm nightly at the East Bank Theatre. Lisa Blakely is an inspiring woman, who is both the writer and producer of this play. Lisa expressed that it is her dream to follow in the footsteps of Tyler Perry. (One of my favorite people!) This isn’t the first play for Ms. Blakely. She has previously written and directed the gospel stage play, “Get Thee Behind Me”. The cast was in attendance for guests to meet and her pastor blessed the production.

Oh Taste and SeeThe following is the play description as found on the Oh Taste & See website:

As a widowed mother, love is the last thing on Marilyn’s mind. Her busy life revolves around working at the Post Office, catering part-time and keeping her teenage daughter in control, which becomes especially challenging when her daughter begins to show signs of needing a father in her life. Just as things start to go haywire in the household, in walks Henry Billingsly, her new boss. The attraction between the two is undeniable, but forbidden. She has also been keeping a big family secret that threatens to hold her back and break her family apart. A hot, steamy fling may begin to satisfy her appetite, but family secrets are a recipe for disaster. Will she taste and see?

Oh Taste and SeeBossier Parish is fortunate to have the Bossier Arts Council. I have attended several stage plays and art exhibits at the center. In addition to providing a cultural experience for the community, the Bossier Arts Council encourages the growth of artists in our area. One of my favorite things that the Council offers is acting camps and art programs for youth. My daughter has attended both and had an absolutely wonderful time.

East Bank TheaterThe production of “Oh Taste and See” will be held at the East Bank Theatre, 630 Barksdale Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71111, Phone: 318.741.8310. Tickets can be purchased online by going to www.otas.eventbrite.com/

Support your local art community and be sure to tell Lisa you read my blog.

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

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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

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

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    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