In celebration of Military Appreciation Month, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce is calling on businesses to showcase their support for service members, military spouses, and veterans by becoming a Military Community Champion.
This initiative provides local businesses with the opportunity to formally recognize and amplify their commitment to the military community, while simultaneously strengthening the vital ties between business and service in the region. With over 14,000 personnel at Barksdale Air Force Base and more than 11,000 veterans residing in Bossier Parish (based on 2023 estimates), the Chamber emphasizes that fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for military-connected individuals benefits everyone.
What It Means to Be a Military Community Champion
Military Community Champions are recognized as businesses that go the extra mile to support the military community. This includes providing employment opportunities, mentorship programs, and benefits tailored to the needs of military families. Participating businesses are promoted on the Bossier Chamber website and directory and are highlighted throughout the year for their dedication.
Benefits Include:
- Year-round recognition through the Bossier Chamber’s platforms
- Special opportunities to connect with military members and families
- Inclusion in the Military Community Champion directory
Eligibility Criteria To qualify as a Military Community Champion, businesses must meet at least four of the following criteria:
- Offer a military discount
- Give veterans preference in hiring
- Participate in the DOD SkillBridge program
- Provide a military mentorship program
- Actively recruit military-connected individuals
- Support Guard/Reserve deployments with flexible policies
- Maintain a goal or policy to employ a certain percentage of military-connected staff
- Utilize veteran-owned or service-disabled veteran-owned suppliers
- Be a member of the Bossier Chamber
- Donate annually to a military-related cause
- Make disability accommodations for military-connected individuals
- Maintain programs to support military families, veterans, and spouses
Get Involved Businesses interested in earning the Military Community Champion designation can learn more and complete the free application online at: https://go.bossierchamber.com/mcc
Support for our military members extends beyond words. Join the growing list of organizations that are making a difference in the lives of those who serve and their families.