Shreveport

We Gave For Good!

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Give for GoodI really do have the best job ever! I’m so fortunate that I get to share in the goodness of helping others, while promoting Holiday Lanes. Today was The Community Foundation of North Louisiana Give for Good Day. Give for Good day is a 24-hour online giving challenge led by The Community Foundation of North Louisiana to raise unrestricted dollars for the nonprofits in our community. It is a day of giving to celebrate the nonprofits in our community and a chance to raise thousands of dollars to make our community even better.

11174313_971517712881107_3734241190176820297_oHoliday Lanes was approached by the dynamic duo over at APEX Events and was asked to partner with The Gingerbread House for a Give For Good Event. The Gingerbread House is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works collaboratively with law enforcement, child protective services, medical and mental health professionals to serve child victims of abuse. The “Strike Out Child Abuse: A Give For Good Event Supporting Gingerbread House” was the first partnership between the two. A $10 donation allowed for a try at getting a strike on the Gingerbread lanes. McAlister’s Deli in both Shreveport and Bossier City helped with the cause by collecting donations at their locations all week to add to the total. Barrels were also placed at Holiday Lanes during the week. A total of $667.67 was collected and Holiday Lanes rounded up the donation to make it an even $1000! At the time of this blog, the total showing on the Give For Good Leaderboard for The Gingerbread House was $5635. That’s an awesome way to end the day.

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That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

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Give for GoodGive for Good

Go see this documentary about fencing!

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Andy Shaw

My son used to tell me about this guy called Andy. Andy taught fencing at Centenary College. Chase excitedly told me about all the famous people that Andy had taught and I could tell that Chase admired this guy so much. Chase taking fencing seemed unlikely, but he really enjoyed the community he had found with this guy called Andy.

I adore these two! Directos: Michele & Jay

So when my friends, Jay and Michele Carter, started promoting a documentary about this guy, Andy, I immediately knew I had to go. Tonight, with little knowledge of what I was getting into,  I viewed Jay and Michele’s Beyond Meaure Media production of “Southern Fried Fencing“. The documentary held the Louisiana premier at the Robinson Fim Center (RFC) in Shreveport. (RFC is one of my favorite places in Shreveport.) It played to a sold out crowd with all 126 seats filled.

After viewing Q&A with Directors and cast

I knew with great certainty, within a few minutes, that I was  going to like this guy called Andy. The eclectic Andy, from New York, drew me in and mesmerized me for the entire film. Without a spoiler for the film, my expectation, based on a news clip, was that this guy was a wacky soul. Perhaps, yet I found so much heart and wisdom in Andy. I now understand the excitement my son had brought home from Centenary. Andy is not just a fencing teacher/coach, he is a teacher/coach of life. Andy sees things a little differently than most. He knows how to bring out the potential in people. Jay and Michele captured the exact thing that we, as an audience, needed to see – the humanity of Andy. Andy has considerable compassion for people and animals.

If you live in the Shreveport area, I  encourage . . . no, I command you to go see this film at RFC by Thursday, April 30, 2015. If you don’t live in the Shreveport area, be sure to follow their Facebook page so that you can find out when it will be streaming online. DVD’s should be available by the end of the year which will make great Christmas presents. (Don’t tell Chase he’s getting a copy) Here is the trailer for the film.

I’m so glad to have seen this film and hope you see it soon too. Be sure to follow Jay and Michele on social media and as they head to Madrid, Spain to open there.

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

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

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.

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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

Get your Pelican Parish swag!

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Jeremy Johnson at Pelican Parish Supply Co. Launch Party (photo cred: Casey Habich)

Jeremy Johnson at Pelican Parish Supply Co. Launch Party (photo cred: Casey Habich)

Pelican Parish Supply Co. launches at Gearhead Outfitters in Shreveport

Pelican Parish Supply Co. launches at Gearhead Outfitters in Shreveport

So there’s this really cool guy that I know named Jeremy. Jeremy is an artist. Jeremy just launched a new line of really fabulous Louisiana inspired apparel and art. Pelican Parish Supply Co. touches a special place in my heart for my love of all things.”Louisiana”.

My favorite of the Pelican Parish Supply Co. shirts was the limited-edition "Sunshine" long-sleeve hoodies worn by Jesi Wilcox. (photo cred: PPSC Facebook page)

My favorite of the Pelican Parish Supply Co. limited-edition “Sunshine” long-sleeve hoodies worn by Jesi Wilcox. (photo cred: PPSC Facebook page)

You’re not going to find a fleur de lis in his designs. While the fleur de lis is somewhat of a given in most Louisiana designs, Jeremy is opting for a more unique approach. His idea is to “champion good design that features the iconic state bird and pays homage to our culture – all pieces are bold and a bit kooky, just like the people of Louisiana themselves”.

As is usually the case, I arrived at the first launch party of the week just as it was getting started at Gearhead Outfitters in Mall St. Vincent in Shreveport. (I’m always worried that I’m going to miss something if I arrive late.) There was already a nice crowd forming. It was great seeing people supporting a local artist. My favorite of the Pelican Parish Supply Co. shirts was the limited-edition “Sunshine” long-sleeve hoodies worn by Jesi Wilcox. I wanted to snatch it right of her cute little self. I’m going to do my best to get over to Great Raft on Thursday to get one of my own.

This week is Pelican Parish Supply Co’s launch week, so if you missed the March 24th event at Gearhead Outfitters, make plans to attend one of the other upcoming events:

Make sure you also visit the Pelican Parish Supply Co. Website to get your own PPSC swag; and follow their Facebook Page.

That Just Happened,

Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Is your business offering military discounts?

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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