SHREVEPORT, LA – The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce honored Jimmy Gosslee as its 2024 Business Leader of the Year at its 115th Annual Banquet, presented by Willis-Knighton Health.
Since 1978, the Chamber has recognized local business leaders who demonstrate strong business acumen and significant contributions to the development of the Shreveport-Bossier community. This year, the Chamber’s Senior Council selected Gosslee in recognition of his five decades of leadership in real estate, civic engagement, and philanthropy.
“We were delighted to recognize Jimmy for his decades of leadership and engagement in our community,” said Dr. Timothy Magner, President of the Greater Shreveport Chamber. “Through his almost 50 years in real estate, Jimmy has been instrumental in developing much of the commercial and residential infrastructure in Shreveport-Bossier, in addition to his broad civic engagement and dedicated philanthropy.”
Business and Community Impact
James D. “Jimmy” Gosslee, a Shreveport native and graduate of Byrd High School and Louisiana State University (LSU), began his business career with early entrepreneurial ventures before working for Xerox. He later built his Coldwell Banker franchise into North Louisiana’s leading real estate company, with more than 150 agents. The franchise ranked among the top 4% of all Coldwell Banker franchises worldwide for 35 consecutive years.
His work has played a role in several major development projects in the area, including:
- Shreveport Auto Mall
- Bayou Walk Shopping Center
- Target Shopping Center
- Libbey Glass Warehouse Distribution Center
- Sam’s Club locations
- Chevyland
- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
Civic and Philanthropic Contributions
Beyond business, Gosslee has been actively involved in several civic organizations, including:
- Committee of 100
- Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation
- Downtown Shreveport Unlimited
- Schumpert Medical Center Board Foundation
- Downtown Shreveport Rotary Club
- Southern Trace Country Club
He has also contributed to numerous philanthropic causes, including:
- Holy Angels
- Independence Bowl
- Junior Achievement
- Volunteers of America
- St. Joseph Catholic Church
- LSU Shreveport Foundation
- Community Renewal
Awards and Recognitions
Gosslee has received several awards for his business and community contributions, including:
- 1971 Kappa Sigma Man of the Year
- 2011 Realtor® of the Year (Northwest Louisiana Association of Realtors)
- 2016 Business Hall of Fame Laureate (Junior Achievement)
Honoring a Lifetime of Leadership
Gosslee has been married to his wife, Dianne, for 53 years, and together they have three children and nine grandchildren. The sold-out banquet featured video tributes from longtime colleagues and associates, highlighting his impact on the business community.
Since its founding in 1910, the Greater Shreveport Chamber has worked to promote economic prosperity, advocate for businesses, and celebrate achievements in the region. With over 1,400 members, the Chamber is a 5-Star Accredited Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a distinction held by fewer than 2% of Chambers nationwide.
For more information, visit www.shreveportchamber.org.