Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Announces 2024 Diplomat Advisory Board Members
The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce recently revealed its Diplomat Advisory Board for the year 2024, comprising prominent business leaders committed to advancing the Chamber’s mission and fostering economic growth in the region. The announcement came following a lunch gathering held at Querbes Park Golf Course, where members convened to strategize and network.
Leading the Diplomat Advisory Board is Chase Kauffman, representing Cadence Bank, as the Chair. Tyler Spears, from KTBS 3 News, assumes the role of Chair Elect, while Melina Whittington of C.F. Biggs Company serves as the Past Chair, providing valuable insights from her previous leadership experience.
Heidi Trant, from United Title of Louisiana, Inc., has been appointed as the Secretary, tasked with ensuring effective communication and coordination among board members. Cathy Gates, representing Jean Simpson Personnel Services, Inc., will oversee membership as the Membership Chair, working to expand the Chamber’s network and engage new stakeholders.
Karen Barnes, hailing from Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, takes on the role of Program Chair, responsible for organizing and executing various programs and events throughout the year. Jennifer Hemmings of Origin Bank serves as the Program Co-Chair, collaborating with Barnes to deliver impactful initiatives.
Cam Feightner, representing KTAL TV, leads the Ribbon Cutting efforts as the Ribbon Cutting Chair, facilitating ceremonial openings for new businesses and initiatives. Audrion Paul, from SkillzPlus Entertainment, Inc., takes on the role of Social Chair, organizing networking events and social gatherings to promote camaraderie among members.
Finally, LaToya Amos, representing Powerr Management Group, LLC, assumes the position of Connections Chair, tasked with fostering meaningful connections and partnerships within the business community.
The Diplomat Advisory Board plays a crucial role in supporting the Chamber’s initiatives, fostering collaboration among businesses, and promoting economic vitality in the Greater Shreveport area.
LSUS students, staff recognized at local advertisement awards ceremony
Advertisements both featuring LSUS as a university and marketing that LSUS students created were recognized Saturday at the 2024 American Advertising Awards in Shreveport.
Students Heidi Linn and Paige Gathright each won silver student awards while LSUS Digital Arts Class (Design for Social Impact) took home a silver as a group.
Linn designed a book cover for “The Summer I turned Pretty,” written by Jenny Han.
Gathright designed a magazine spread for the Bean Gilsdorf Living History Museum.
The LSUS class created a marketing and advertising campaign for the non-profit Providence House, which centered around the theme “Do I Look Homeless?”
The campaign consisted of posters, tote bags and stickers to name a few.
Illustrators on that project included Linn, Gathright, Heather Linn, Isabella Cantoni, Kendall Jackson and Cassidy Adams.
Three other students earned a Bronze Honorable Mention recognition at the awards show.
Heather Linn designed a book cover for “The Vampire Diaries” by L.J. Smith.
Sarah Hammonds designed the package for Heavenly Honey Mead.
Parker Deaton created a book cover for Aldoux Huxley’s “The Doors of Perception.”
An advertising campaign that featured LSUS placed in the Bronze Honorable Mention Professional category.
LSUS’ “More Than” campaign, designed by Romph and Pou Agency, touts the college as “more than” a university where a student gets “more than” a degree.
The campaign was created by Erin Smith, Director of Media and Public Relations at LSUS.
The awards are organized by the American Advertising Federation of Shreveport-Bossier. LSUS was one of six major sponsors to support the event.
United Way of NWLA Expands Leadership with Five New Board Members
United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) has bolstered its leadership team with the addition of five new members to its esteemed 2024 Board of Directors. The organization, dedicated to addressing pressing social issues and fostering community empowerment, welcomed these new members to contribute their expertise and passion to its mission.
The newly elected board members, each bringing a wealth of experience and commitment to community service, officially commenced their two-year term with UWNWLA. The distinguished individuals joining the board are:
Michael Gallagher, Margaritaville Resort Casino
Valarie Jamison, Caddo Parish Government
Cyndi Phillips, ANECA Federal Credit Union
Scott Ward, Southern Components
Willie C. White III, David Raines Community Health Center
Expressing excitement about the addition of the new members, UWNWLA President and CEO LaToria W. Thomas emphasized the invaluable contributions they would make to the organization’s strategic direction and impact within the communities it serves. Thomas lauded their diverse expertise and dedication to the mission of United Way, expressing confidence in their ability to drive positive change.
The UWNWLA Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in guiding the organization’s initiatives, including strategic planning, fundraising efforts, and budget oversight. Additionally, board members serve as ambassadors, advocates, and representatives of UWNWLA within the community, actively promoting its mission and programs.
Following two successful terms as board chair, Darrin Dixon, Vice President of the Funeral Division at Winnfield Funeral Homes, passed the torch to incoming board chair John Tuggle, Executive Director of Shreve Memorial Library. Tuggle expressed his honor in assuming the role, pledging to lead the organization in its commitment to addressing societal challenges and empowering communities.
The addition of these five new members brings the total number of board members at UWNWLA to 22. To learn more about UWNWLA’s Board of Directors and to view a complete list of members, interested parties can visit the organization’s official website.