Bossier Chamber on the Move: Opening the Door to Opportunity

The first quarter of the year has been a whirlwind for the Bossier Chamber of Commerce - and it's not even over yet! We have been embracing opportunity and innovation so far in 2014 as we have been involved in some exciting developments over the course of the first part of the year.  In the coming weeks before the first quarter draws to a close, we have even more to look forward to.

The Chamber has had the opportunity to celebrate top business leaders in the community and honor Builders Supply with Business of the Year and David Alvis with Business Person of the Year at the annual Gala. We have had the opportunity to host networking events such as our annual Tie'n Up Business 5k 10K Run and Business Cards and Breakfast where our members get connected. We have had the opportunity to educate the community on top issues in the upcoming legislative session by hosting the Legislative Issues Conference where LABI president, Stephen Waguespack visited our region. We have had the opportunity to welcome CSC to Bossier City where they will be the newest tenant at CIC, bringing 800 jobs to our great region. In fact, due to the multiplier effect, CIC will bring along three times the number of indirect jobs as a result of their expansion into Louisiana.

Additionally, we have had the opportunity to host an economic development luncheon in Washington, D.C. where we were able to tell the story of our great region and Parish. And finally, we have had the opportunity to launch www.movetobossier.com, a website designated to share the quality of life in Northwest Louisiana and assist with relocation and recruitment of employees to the area.

Our work has not finished yet. As we move into the coming weeks, the Bossier Chamber will continue to embrace opportunity as we work to be your voice and the voice of Bossier Parish. We look forward to the opening of the 2014 legislative session where we will have a presence with state lawmakers and will be keeping a close eye on issues such as education and workforce development.

Additionally, the Bossier Chamber will travel to Washington for the annual spring CC to DC trip, as well as attend the upcoming US Chamber Conference where leaders from Mexico, Canada and the US explore the future of continental economic growth and success. Before it's all said and done, we look forward to seeing our members at the next networking event, Business After Hours, set for Thursday, March 27 at ANECA Federal Credit Union on Benton Road.

All of these opportunities would not be possible without the support from our members and the community. Northwest Louisiana and Bossier Parish will continue to see new developments and innovation. The question is: "Is your business ready to open the door to the new opportunities and developments coming our way?" 

 My challenge to you is to open your door!

Lisa Johnson President/CEO Bossier Chamber of Commerce