As we embark on 2022 together, I know we still have many obstacles to overcome, but this great community will also have opportunities to grow and prosper. As the incoming Chairman of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, I assure you the Chamber will be right there on this journey with you.
The Bossier Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 75 years in 2022 – our diamond anniversary. This year will not just be about celebrating this great milestone but also looking at ways that we can improve what we offer to our members as well as the community as a whole.
We plan to think Out of the Box with you this year. You will notice the Chamber’s traditional framework that had a calendar full of events has been pared down. We are focusing on five key signature events for the year. This will allow us to be more mindful of your time and provide bigger and better events without filling your calendar.
With less events on the calendar, the Chamber is also shifting its focus to be even more involved in the community. This work will include assessing our community needs and acting as the connection agency to help solve the challenges we face by utilizing the work of our partner businesses and entities to accomplish even more.
What ways can you think Out of the Box this year? Or, what might be that diamond in the rough you can uncover in 2022?
When thinking about your business needs and resources, especially with recent supply chain challenges, I encourage you to think local for acquiring your needed resources.
We all want our community to look better. Consider how you might be able to help clean up our roadways and business corridors.
We are all looking for the best and brightest employees. You can find great ones right here in Bossier-Shreveport but note how the workforce has been changing the past few years and consider adding new incentives to make your job openings more enticing.
For a more prosperous community overall, I encourage you to be a cheerleader and make positivity contagious. Our residents look to our business community to lead the way. You can utilize your resources like digital signs, social media and websites to promote positivity within our area.
What does all of this add up to? More success and more relevancy – two goals for the Bossier Chamber this year as well. As you look around for ways to improve your business or your workforce, just know the Chamber is here to celebrate your goals and successes with you.
Eric Barkley, district director at CenterPoint Energy, is incoming chair of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors
