Promote · Advocate · Celebrate

February 22, 2012     ·     Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce

“Don't just let your business or your job make something for you,
let it make something of you.”

- Jim rohn, American Entrepreneur

GSCOC NEWS & REMINDERS

 YPI FEBRUARY SOCIAL– Buffalo Wild Wings – FEBRUARY 28  

You are cordially invited to join YPI for their February Social taking place February 28 from 5-7pm.  The event is sponsored and hosted by Buffalo Wild Wings at the Louisiana Boardwalk.  No rsvp is required and the event is free; so bring your coworkers for an evening of fun networking!  Click here for a YPI calendar of events.

15^TH Annual Northwest Louisiana Golf Classic – MARK YOUR CALENDAR – APRIL 23

DON’T MISS A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE ROUND ON US…REGISTER TODAY!

Southern Trace Country Club · REGISTER EARLY and you could win a FREE ROUND OF GOLF for FOOURRR from Southern Trace Country Club.  Those registered with a team OR confirmed sponsorship at any level by MARCH 2^nd will be in the running to win!  Click here to review your options!  GOOD LUCK and see you on the green in April!  For questions, call 318-677-2547.

CHAMBER 101 – Learn ALL the benefits of your Chamber Membership – MARCH 8

Are you a new member?...a long-standing member?...are you thinking about a membership with the GSCOC?  Well, you do not want to miss this event—Chamber 101—where we will discuss the in’s and out’s of chamber programming, events, opportunities, technology, and the list goes on!  Above all, we aim to exceed your expectations with a GSCOC Membership and this is the forum to learn all we can provide your business and employees!  Call 318-677-2505 for information or to RSVP for the FIRST QUARTER - CHAMBER 101!

Breakfast of Champions – NETWORKING EVENT – MARCH 20

Sponsored by:  McAlister’s Deli, Shreveport

Network with Northwest Louisiana Business Professionals!   Start the morning off right with a Chamber Update, meet Chamber Members and gain some valuable contacts through quality networking time!  RSVP to 318-677-2505.

______________________________________________________________________________

GSCOC RECAP – FEB 13 thru 17

YPI Executive Committee Meeting, Feb 13 @ CoHabitat

The Young Professionals Initiative is being led by 2012 Chair Kezia Pigford and Incoming Chair Daniel Strickland.  They have constructed a great group of young pro’s to take the lead on initiative and programs for the year—the Executive Committee consists of 20 volunteers in Chair and Co-Chair positions.  If you are interested in learning more about this committee or would like to attend an Executive Committee Meeting, please email Andy Buffington—andy@shreveportchamber.org.  The committee meets every second Monday the month.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

GSCOC Board of Director Retreat, Feb 14 @ Petroleum Club of Shreveport

“We are—ALL—better together,” said Bishop Larry Brandon, who kicked off the 2012 GSCOC Board of Director Retreat last week, February 14, 2012.  Directors had a productive day of strategic planning and were joined by Community Leaders for presentations on Cultural Unity, City Finances, Minority Supplier Institute, Innovative Chambers around the U.S., Education and the Caddo Parish School Board.  The day-long retreat came with great outcomes—which will be shared very soon with members and the community.  “Potential is here in Shreveport.  Alongside ASPIRATION, we cannot be GREAT until we work collectively together on the challenges that will make Shreveport the ‘Next Great City of the South’,” said Mayor Cedric Glover.  “We look forward to working with our members and regional partners for a very successful year,” Chairman Woody Schick.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Eva Klein releases HIGHER EDCUATION STUDY, Feb 16 @ GSCOC.

A public meeting was also held at the Shreveport Convention Center.

UPCOMING HIGHER ED MEETINGS TO ATTEND.

“This is a process to bring community leaders to the table and have a conversation,” said Dr. Phillip Rozeman, SB Imperative for Higher Education Founder and Leader.  Last week, Community Leaders gathered at Chamber Plaza for an informative presentation from Eva Klein, who just completed the higher education study commissioned by several public and private groups.  The recommendations concentrate on the establishment of a more comprehensive public university presence in the Shreveport-Bossier metro area.  Learn more by clicking on the above links.  The GSCOC will keep you informed as we move forward—if you would like direct information from SBI call 318-677-2500 or email info@shreveportchamber.org to sign up for email communications from SB Imperative for Higher Education.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Minority Business Opportunity Award Luncheon, Feb 16

The Business Development Connection honored outstanding minority business owners at the Minority Business Awards Luncheon held on February 16, 2012, at the Shreveport Convention Center. The recipients were selected from a talented and diverse group of individuals and business.  CONGRATULATIONS to the recipients:

Lifetime Achievement Award:  Markey W. Pierre’, Southern Strategy Group of North Louisiana   

Small Business Owner of the Year:  Erica Thomas, Ad Pros Promotion & Advertising, Inc.

Emerging Business of the Year:  Pink Lucy Showroom, Tiffany S. Walker

______________________________________________________________________________

MEMBER NEWS & EVENTS

2012 Community Leaders Program – BOARD TRAINING – FEBRUARY 23

brought to you by LANO, The Community Foundation, Capital One

FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

 LSU Shreveport Faculty Senate to Host Higher Education Forum – FEBRUARY 23

The public is invited to a Higher Education Forum, Thursday, Feb. 23 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the University Center Theatre on the LSU Shreveport campus.  This forum will allow open discussions of major issues facing the colleges and universities in the Shreveport/Bossier City Area.  Several area legislators have agreed to attend including Representative Alan Seabaugh, Senator Barrow Peacock and Representative Henry Burns.  For more information you may contact Mary Jarzabek, President of the LSUS Faculty Senate at 318-797-5318.

THE ANGLERS ARE HERE and THE FANS ARE ON THE WAY – FEBRUARY 24 thru 26

Bassmaster Classic, THE SUPERBOWL OF BASS FISHING, taking place this weekend, February 24 thru 26!  If you have marquee space available, please include a “WELCOME MESSAGE” from your place of business to the angler families, friends and fans!  We want to give them a huge Shreveport-Bossier City Welcome!  Click here to learn more about the events and activities.

Eat OUT for Heart of Hope, Maternity Home – RAISING CANES – FEBRUARY 27

What’s Cooking? Eat OUT for Heart of Hope Maternity Home on Monday, February 27, from 5:00pm – 8:30pm.  Take a break from the kitchen on the last Monday of each month and eat out for Heart of Hope!  Click here to learn more.

U.S. EXPORTING SEMINAR – MARCH 14 thru 16

The Department of Commerce will be offering three export related courses here in our area March 14 through 16.  Normally companies would need to travel a good distance to take classes like these.  Instead, the classes are coming here.  Interested in exporting as a viable growth strategy for your firm?  The Louisiana Economic Development STEP grant will reimburse any Louisiana company who attends the cost of the class itself.  In one case, one of the three classes offered is the only one of its kind being taught nationally.  Click here to learn more details on this event.

______________________________________________________________________________

Sources and Links

STATE SMALL BUSINESS TAX CREDIT – Louisiana Economic Development

$8 MILLION IN CAPITAL FOR SMALL BUSINESS

·   ·   ·   ·   ·   ·

FEDERAL LEGISLATION ACTION ALERTS!

EDUCATE and ADVOCATE

TRANSPORTATION, DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING?

CONGRESSIONAL ACTION on EPA JOB-KILLING RULE