BOSSIER CITY, La. — The Bossier Chamber of Commerce recognized outstanding business and community leaders during its 78th Annual Gala, held Feb. 10 at Live! Casino and Hotel.
The event, presented by Barksdale Federal Credit Union, drew hundreds of business professionals for what the chamber described as its largest annual networking event. The evening began with a cocktail hour and included recognition of board leadership transitions and presentation of the organization’s top awards, sponsored by Willis-Knighton Health System.
Outgoing Chairman Carl Thibodeaux of Community Bank of Louisiana passed leadership to incoming Chairman Dr. Jerome DuBose of the Louisiana Tech Research Institute. New board members were also recognized.
The chamber named Benjamin Pattillo of Flying Heart Brewing & Pub as the 2025 Business Person of the Year. Pattillo was recognized for his efforts to bring the community together through events and activities hosted at his restaurant.
The 2025 Small Business of the Year award went to 318 Real Estate and Property Management for its work connecting the business and military communities and for significant business growth.
Neu Aviation was named the 2025 Business of the Year for expanding its operations and bringing national recognition to Bossier City.
Finalists for Business Person of the Year included Lynn Bryan of Keep Bossier Beautiful; Tyler Potter of The Nail Den; Tyler Slanovec of Brookshire Grocery Arena; and Marlicia Thomas of Fashion Envy.
Business of the Year finalists included 318 Real Estate and Property Management; American Freedom Enterprises; Chasing Aces Golf Entertainment; Cypress Solar & Roofing, LLC; Digital Gem, LLC; Kary Landry-State Farm Agent; Sterling Spirits, LLC; Sweetfern Coffee; and Visit Shreveport-Bossier.
The gala highlighted the chamber’s review of the past year’s accomplishments and outlined priorities for the year ahead.
Stacey Tinsley of the Bossier Press-Tribune contributed to this report.
