Let’s give credit where credit is due.
We have some awesome businesses within our region and we think they should be recognized for building our local economy, providing services and supplying a great quality of life in Northwest Louisiana.
In February, the Bossier Chamber honored our 2018 Business, Small Business and Business Person of the Year at our annual meeting. This is important as we know every business works hard but sometimes go unnoticed.
Two East Bank businesses weathered the transition of that district to come out stronger and more visible, reaping the rewards of their commitment to the people of Bossier. Congratulations to Red River Motor Company and Flying Heart Brewing & Pub for winning the 2018 Business and Small Business of the Year awards respectively.
On the other side of town, CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier has been expanding their Bossier footprint in addition to their Shreveport campus. CEO Isaac Palmer has been a leader in that transition and was recognized as the 2018 Business Person of the Year.
Additionally, we thanked key members who work with us throughout the year for their partnerships in the work we do daily.
Now, we challenge you to join in on building up our business community. It’s simple really. Just take notice of businesses when they do a great job! Here are some easy ways to bring attention to them:
- Leave a positive review for the business on Google, Facebook or a similar platform.
- Tag the business in a social media post. You can post about a business while you are there and tag them so others see the great work they are doing. Or, when someone on your social media channels asks for a recommendation, you can recommend businesses who have been serving you.
- Show your gratitude on the spot. Of course, if you are at a restaurant and the server does a great job, you can thank them by leaving a good tip. But what about other businesses? Ask to see a manager to point out an employee who went above and beyond for you. Notice bulletin boards around a business to see if the company has a way for clients to nominate or rate their experience.
- Fill out that survey! If a business sends you a survey or there is one attached to your receipt – fill it out to give the business the credit they deserve, in a tangible way.
The success of our business members is our success. We challenge you to thank your local businesses and reward them for a job well done, in ways that are easy and effective for both you and the business.
Lisa Johnson is president and CEO of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce