710 BENTON ROAD · BOSSIER CITY, LA · 318.746-0252 · INFO@BOSSIERCHAMBER.COM · WWW.BOSSIERCHAMBER.COM

BossierChamber BulletinQuarterly Publication from the Bossier Chamber of Commerce ı April 2015

Welcome to the Bossier Chamber of Commerce · Quarter 1 New Members

Northwest Louisiana Businesses Honored at the Annual GalaOn Tuesday, January 27, the Bossier Chamber held its largest networking

event to date, with 690 in attendance at the 67th Annual Gala. Past Chairman of the Board, Dr. Jim Henderson, was present to close out 2014 and celebrate achievements under his leadership. Henderson passed the gavel to incoming Chairman of the Board, Emile Cordaro, AEP SWEPCO. Cordaro announced new board members for the coming year and shared his vision for the organization. Under his leadership, the Bossier Chamber will expand public policy programs that meet the needs of its diverse membership, forge stronger partnerships in the community to help sustain economic growth and provide members with unique opportunities to get connected and grow their business.

The Bossier Chamber also honored those in the business community who exemplify partnership, customer service, volunteerism and leadership. The following award recipients were recognized at the Annual Gala:

Chamber Partner of the Year: Virginia CollegeCommunity Partner of the Year: First Bossier, Freedom Fields

Golden Pineapple Award: Renee Procell, Silver StarMilitary Supporter of the Year: Hilton of ShreveportPublic Policy Partner of the Year: Valveworks USADiplomat of the Year: Catherine Vanderberry

2014 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR NOMINEESValveworks USASilver Star Saloon and Smokehouse /Silver Star Steak HouseRed River Pump SpecialistsAutobody ExpressBHP Billiton

2014 BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR NOMINEESRick Roberts, Valveworks USADavid Specht, Bossier Press TribuneRick Gates, Cypress Bayou Home BuildersShane Waites, Red River Pump SpecialtiesJimmy Hall, City of Bossier

Simply Chic Boutique, Britney SpiveyPetstar Animal Care, Ashley TurnerUniversity Health System, Ed Walsh

CSC, Scott KingCampus Federal, Andera McKnight

Twin Engine Labs, Brady McNaughtonMurphy Fitness, Eric Murphy

AFCEA ArkLaTex Chapter, Joey AroraBarrow Peacock

Advocare, Lindsey Nickerson

American National Insurance, JC MooreBatteries + Bulbs, Hicks Bradley, Jr.

Bayou Wedding and PartyBloom at Bossier, Amanda PittsBombay Dreams, Rajiv Asthana

Cityscape, LLCHello Gorgeous Salon & Spa, Priscilla Williams

Savannah Grand of Bossier, Mellissa PutmanSocial Structure, Jill Macchiaverna

Walmart Neighborhood Market, Mike Walston

CB&I, Chris CernaiuskasDamsel in Defense, Lori Hornback

St. Matthias Episcopal Church, Mary Beth BeeneConcerned Veterans For America, Tina Kingston Antique Shoppes at 1100 Barksdale, Trish Nattin

Litton Mortgage, Jaclyn Litton-BrieryMollie Corbett Photography, Mollie Corbett

Merrill Lynch, Christopher Steinsholt

Business Person of the Year, Jimmy Hall, has ex-hibited strong leadership in the economic development success of Bossier City and the metropolitan area. As chair of the Caddo-Bossier Port Commission, Jimmy led the Commis-sion’s successful efforts to attract Benteler Steel’s $655 million tube mill, and also served as the City

of Bossier’s representative on the National Cyber Research Park Board. As City Attorney, Jimmy was instrumental in obtaining CSC’s Integrated Tech-nology Center as anchor tenant with 800 jobs in the research park. Hall’s other projects as Bossier City’s Attorney include the creation of the public and private partnership

that brought Margari-taville Resort Casino to the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets. Hall also served as a key advocate for landing Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force Base. As City At-torney, Jimmy currently is helping in the creation of a Downtown Bossier Master Plan, giving new direction to this important City core.

Hall accepts the Business Person of the Year Award from Bossier Chamber Chairman of the Board, Dr. Jim Henderson

Meet the Business Leaders Honored at the Annual Gala

CONTINUED: Meet the Business Leaders Honored at the Annual Gala

BHP Billiton is the world’s leading diversified resource company. Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, BHP Billiton operates in 130 locations, in 21 countries and is among the world’s largest producer of iron ore, oil and gas, coal and copper. BHP is also one of the largest operators in the Haynesville Shale.BHP has remained committed to its operations in Northwest Louisiana by fulfilling more than a dozen community-wide social investments. In June 2014,

BHP announced a $10.7 million donation to the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana for the construction of a fitness and science education center. In September of 2014, the company announced a $150,000 donation to the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank to fund the backpack program and senior citizen deliveries; a $300,000 donation to the Bossier Parish Community College Foundation and finally a generous $540,000 donation to Louisiana Endowment for Humanities Prime Time Reading literacy program.

Military Appreciation Breakfast | Legislative Summit | Speed Networking Beyond the Gates Military Seminar | State of the Schools Address

Air Force 101

Red River Pump Specialists was founded in 2001 by Clint Bartlett with a $3,700 tax return and a dream to own his own business. Bartlett started Red River Pump Specialists as a combination of sales and rentals of portable pumping systems and has grown to serve major clients and manages large scale projects. The company’s equipment is qualified for use across several different industries. The company also oversees the man-agement of sister company, Phoenix Water Transfer, which employs 20 people from both Shreveport and Bossier City. Overall, both companies employ more than 50 people in the region.

TOP: Carlton Golden of Builders Supply and Dr. Jim Henderson present the Business of the Year award to BHP representative Geraldine Slattery.

BOTTOM: Clint Bartlett, owner, Red River Pump Specialities, accepts the Small Business of the Year Award.

Small Business of the Year: Red River Pump Specialists

Business of the Year: BHP Billiton

Holiday Lanes in Bossier City celebrates 55 years of bowling fun and fitness. In the late 1950’s, after an evening at a Shreveport bowling center, Don Coleman announced, “This is fun, I’m going to open one of these!” and that is what he did. In 1960, with multiple financial partners, the 24-hour “Holiday Bowl” was officially opened and the rest is history. The Cole-man family still owns Holiday Lanes and is proud to be a leading attraction in the Northwest Louisiana region.

Bowling offers a sense of community like no other sport. It brings people of all ages, physical and athletic abilities together. Bowling contributes to a healthy lifestyle and is a sport that can be either fun, or challenging and sometimes both. There are several fabulous ways to engage in the sport of bowling:

• League bowling for children and adults• Varsity Team Bowling for High School (Great scholarships! Over a mil-

lion dollars in Louisiana alone!)• Casual bowling: date nights, family gatherings, team sports parties, and

don’t forget about our GLOW bowling (It’s striking!)• Business Related: Employee recognition, team building, holiday parties• Birthdays: Best party in town!Holiday Lanes is currently installing a $200,000 sound and glow lighting

system. “The new design will bring a super modern feel to the bowling center while maintaining the vintage look that we love. We want to be THE place for fun! The new design enhances Holiday Lanes and keeps us moving forward.” says Melanie Coleman, managing partner. Holiday Lanes recently added a walking path as part of their certification as an American Heart Association Fit Friendly Gold Level Work Site. The walk path extends an opportunity for crew and guests to get in extra fitness before or after work and bowling.

Holiday Lanes is a great smoke-free environment for adults and kids to play. In addition to the bowling center, Striker’s Cafe, features the best hamburgers, pizza and fish in town. The Ten Pin Lounge, offers adult bev-erages, gigantic projection TV, pool tables, and darts. In the Holiday Lanes Pro Shop, you can purchase your bowling equipment and receive expert advice from our Pro Shop Professional.

BossierChamber Bulletin · April 2015

WATCH FOR THESE NEW PROGRAMS IN 2015

BossierChamber Bulletin · April 2015

Pre legislative session update highlights $1.6B shortfall, cuts to higher education,

changes in tax credits

The Bossier Chamber brought state budget concerns front and center once again in preparation for the upcoming legislative session. The Bossier Chamber hosted the Pre Legislative Update with speaker, Barry Erwin, president of CABL. The event set the tone for what Louisiana law makers are facing in this year’s fiscal session. Erwin took attendees through the $1.6B in revenue shortfalls as well as highlighted $526M in changes to tax credits and incentive structure.

“The problem this year is Louisiana has run out of “temporary” dollars to balance the budget,” said Barry Erwin, president of the Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL).

There are currently many options on the table to fill the funding gaps, but those most vulnerable to cuts are education and healthcare. There have been $700 million cuts made to higher education since 2009, Erwin said, and another $211 million possible this year. Like education, the possible healthcare cuts are looming around $165 million. Cuts to education will affect the quality of workforce our state produces, and can hinder economic growth. Another avenue being considered is changes to tax credits and incentives. The Inventory Tax Credit as well as changes to Wind, Solar and Digital/Film are also being considered and the Bossier Chamber is keeping a close eye on the progression of the Bills throughout the session.

Pre Legislative Session Update LEFT: Tom Arceneaux and Katherine Douthitt, Blanchard Walker O’Quinn and Roberts RIGHT: Johnette Magner, SBBA; and Rep. Henry Burns.

Bossier Chamber speeds up networking!The first Morning Blend Speed Networking event was held on Thursday,

March 26, at Your Room. by Johnson’s. Bossier Chamber member Mollie Corbett of Mollie Corbett Photography was the emcee. Mollie kept the conversation going and participants engaged throughout the event. Amy Kinnaird of UnCommon Sense Marketing was also a part of the program as she provided attendees with helpful networking etiquette that would help to make a great impression. Event sponsors were Your Room. by johnson’s, BIZ. Magazine and Shriner’s hospital for Children.

Morning Blend is simply an upbeat networking event with an accelerated twist! This is a fresh way to build your business database in a time-efficient manner. This program is designed to allow attendees a quick and entertaining opportunity to introduce themselves and pitch their company through a fast rotation that will keep people engaged and allow for maximum exposure in minimal time. Networking helps to create and sustain business relationships, and it’s important to the Bossier Chamber to continue to provide the business community with relevant and meaningful opportunities to get connected and grow their business.

This year, the chamber challenged itself to think outside of the box in order to bring the right programs that meet the diverse needs within our membership base. The Morning Blend Speed Networking event was a good addition to our wheelhouse because it’s structured and gives participants an active and intentional role in building relationships.

Pre Legislative Session Update Guest speaker Barry Erwin talks to the Bossier Chamber of Commerce about where the state stands as it moves into the fiscal session.

Morning Blend Speed Networking

Morning Blend Speed Networking: Guest host Mollie Corbett (R) and guest speaker Amy Kinnaird (L) share a smile together during the event.

710 Benton Road · Bossier City, LA 71111EMAIL info@bossierchamber.com

WEB www.bossierchamber.com · www.bossierinnovates.com

PRESORT STANDARDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSHREVEPORT, LA

PERMIT NO. 1

SPRING 2015SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

LEGISLATIVE SUMMITThursday, June 18 . 11:30 a.m.

Hilton Garden Inn, Bossier CityTickets $35 . Tables $500Our annual Legislative Summit,

previously called a wrap-up, features a panel of our Northwest Louisiana

Delegation who will share their personal experiences and help the audience gain

better insight into how the recently ended session will have an impact on businesses

and the community.

CONTACT THE BOSSIER CHAMBER FOR INFORMATION ON EVENTS LISTED HEREinfo@bossierchamber.com · 746-0252 · www.bossierchamber.com

MILITARY APPRECIATION BREAKFAST

Wednesday, May 13 . 8:30 a.m.Margaritaville Resort Casino

Ticets $25 . Tables $500

During Military May we will host a breakfast in honor of our military

members in the community, featuring insight into various jobs that military members in our local units perform.

STATE OF BOSSIER ADDRESSThursday, April 30 . 11:30 a.m.Hilton Garden Inn, Bossier City

$25 Tickets . $500 Tables

This event highlights progress and economic advancements in Bossier City

and Parish. The event will feature keynote addresses by Mayor Walker and Jack Skaggs of the Bossier Parish Police

Jury.

#BossierInnovates