BIZ.
business in north louisiana
Breaking news online bizmagsb.com On smartphones and tablets bizmagsb.com Daily email updates bizmagsb.com/dailyreport
SPECIAL REPORT
THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY
Taking a deep dive into the expansion of BRF’s Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program into 21 north Louisiana parishes. BIZ. looks at the how they plan to expand, the why behind the decision, & what will let the EAP know whether the move is a success. We also talk to a local company that started out of the EAP and has become a successful venture, as an example of how the program can work. STARTS ON PAGE 10
BIZ. MAGAZINE Jan. 2-31, 2019 6346 Venecia Drive Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 747-7900
$3.50 | Free to Members
2
BIZ. u CONTACT
infrastructure
u Website: www.bizmagsb.com, digital edition available, sign up for Daily Report email at bizmagsb.com/ dailyreport/ u Social Media: Follow @bizmagsb on Twitter & Facebook, Follow LinkedIn
u PEOPLE IN THIS ISSUE ABC Ache, Randall............6 Anderson, Kim..........5 Anderson, Michael...5 Bahna, Sami........... 15 Below, Katrice........ 14 Brown, Jamie.......... 11 Cotton, Matt............ 14 DEF Edwards, John Bel...5 Forrest, Jana........... 14 GHI Hanson, Keith............6 Hay, Lisa................. 14 Hay, Mandy............ 14 JKL Kallenberg, Gregory..
................................10 Luna, Juan.............15 MNO McElroy, Ian............. 5 Nicholson, Hilton....11 PQRS Perkins, Adrian......... 4 Ponti, Erich............... 2 Schick, Woody.......14 Smith, Dave............10 Smith, Jason..........14 Stinson, Suzanne...14 WXYZ Walker, Lo................ 5 Wells, Rob................ 5 Woodell, Brittnee...14
u COMPANIES IN THIS ISSUE ABC BOM........................ 14 BPCC.........................7 Citizens National Bank 14 CyberReef............... 11
................................. 15
GHI GBEDF.......................5 GBT......................... 14
PQRS RubyShore Software.6 Southern AgCredit.14 Spa Concepts & Salon ....................................5
JKL LA Startup Prize..... 10 LA Tech................... 14 LCFOR 2 LSU Health Shreveport
MNO NorLEAP................. 10 Ochsner.....................3 Origin....................... 15
WXYZ YoungWilliams PC....5
u THE BIZ. TEAM Editor & Publisher Sean Green sean@ bizmagsb.com Chief Financial Officer Kelly May Account Representatives Randy Brown Chris Sepeda
Vice President of Production Dennis Philebar Special Contributors Dr. Les Guice, Lisa Johnson, Amy Kinnaird, Louisiana New Product Development Team Dr. Tim Magner, Rocky Rockett, David Specht, Liz Swaine
u MISSION STATEMENT As the premier business publication in northwest Louisiana, BIZ. Magazine’s goal is to serve and connect the business community of northwest Louisiana through telling their stories and inspiring them to turn ideas into action.
Copyright © 2019 by Specht Newspapers Inc. All rights reserved. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed.
Group talks new plan to fund & fix La.’s roads STACEY TINSLEY
stinsley@bossierpress.com
A
group new to Louisiana brought its plan to fix state roads and bridges to Shreveport last month. The Louisiana Coalition to Fix Our Roads (LCFOR) held an informational meeting discussing fiscally sound solutions to fund and fix state infrastructure at the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. The coalition proposes introducing a fuel tax to be phased in over a 10-year period beginning in 2019. The new tax would add .06 cents to the price of gasoline and .04 cents on diesel purchases. LCFOR notes that Louisiana’s gas tax has not changed since 1989. Also, motorists currently pay 38.4 cents per gallon, including .20 cents in state taxes. They also noted that earlier in 2018, State Rep. Steve Carter (R-Baton Rouge) proposed a constitutional amendment that would have removed the existing prohibition on local governments from levying taxes on motor fuels. The House Ways and Means Committee declined to advance the proposal to the House floor, voting 8-7 against it. LCFOR’s mission is to: • educate the citizens of Louisiana and elected officials on the dire condition of Louisiana’s roads and bridges • advocate for improving the quality and safety of Louisiana roads and bridges • and offer a variety of sound fiscal solutions to legislators to increase dedicated recurring revenue for road and bridge improvements. Guest speaker at the meeting was Erich Ponti, former State Rep. for District 69 in East Baton Rouge. “This coalition effort is about roads and bridges and improving the quality and safety of our roads and bridges. We want sound, physical solutions that are going to be reoccurring revenue to sustain, build, and improve our infrastructure,” Ponti said. Ponti said officials have raised about $150,000 of their $500,000 goal to build support for more road and bridge money. Organizers for LCFOR have begun working on drafting legislation, developing an initial eight-month media campaign, and hosting an “Infrastructure Day” at the Capitol next session. LCFOR has hired Push Digital, of Charleston, S.C., to lead what Ponti calls a 20-month education and public awareness campaign on the need for better roads and bridges. LCFOR is a nonprofit, statewide organization that advocates for improving roads and bridges. There are currently more than 70 coalition members from various business sectors.
JAN. 2, 2019
3
4
BIZ.
THE FIRST WORD SEAN@BIZMAGSB.COM
by sean green
318-747-7900
A request for Shreveport’s new mayor
The calendar has turned over and at the start of 2019, the theme for the year could be one of change. Perhaps the biggest of all already being that Shreveport has a new mayor. At the time of this column’s writing, Adrian Perkins was set to be sworn in on Dec. 29. The 33-year-old West Point and Harvard Law school graduate won by a landslide against incumbent Ollie Tyler in a Dec. 8 runoff. Largely, according to political analysts, on a groundswell of support for something new. Perkins energized the base of under-40 residents, utilizing social media and the old fashioned method of walking neighborhoods ad knocking on doors. It seems to have resulted in upsetting the traditional power base and perceived attitudes about who should lead Shreveport. Perkins represents youth, energy, and optimism.
At his acceptance speech last month, Perkins revealed some of his plans for Shreveport. Some are no-brainers — crime and jobs — and some are really progressive — tech infrastructure and a technology officer focusing on smart city initiatives. All will be difficult to implement. Especially for a system that seems adverse to change. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Perkins. And for full disclosure, I don’t live in Shreveport. But I believe in Shreveport. Some people want to see a wall erected on the west side of the Red River. Some people think the east side of the river is full of backwards rednecks. All I know is that a healthy Shreveport is good for Shreveport and Bossier. I wish the best to Mayor Perkins on the task that awaits him. On top of his initiatives he hopes to bring to pass, I want to add one to his list. It’s something
simple, but long coming for the City of Shreveport. A new economic foundation. The previous administration did admirably considering it had a staff of one. But it seemed, from an outsider, to be an island. It’s a model that can’t work with the needs of the City of Shreveport. A new office needs to be created that will work with the Caddo Parish Commission, Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, Shreveport Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce, North Louisiana Economic Partnership, Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation, and coordinate with relevant offices in the city government — MPC, for example — to help strengthen those bonds between various businesses, work to recruit and incentivize new business location, and present a united front that shows Shreveport is open for business.
No longer can the base of Shreveport be divided among racial, economic, or age lines. Opportunities to revitalize a community with an economic win don’t come often. That is a lesson I’m sure the new mayor can recognize, considering his recent victory. Of course, there are a lot of mitigating quality of life factors. But if we have faith that Mayor Perkins can change things, then this can grow beside each other to be able to capitalize when opportunity presents itself. So in this year of change, I ask that he push through one more. It could be lead to the biggest change of them all. SEAN GREEN, PUBLISHER AND EDITOR | BIZ. MAGAZINE
JAN. 2, 2019
5
BIZ ON BUSINESS FROM THE CORNER OFFICE
MICHAEL & KIM ANDERSON: Spa Concepts and Salon
Mother and son team, Kim and Michael Anderson, own Spa Concepts Aveda Salon and Spa in three locations across Bossier City and Shreveport. But it all began with Kim, and it was a long road for her to open her own business and then expand. Growing up in Vietnam with a grade school education, Kim moved to the area in the 1970s. She raised two kids on her own while making end’s meet as a cocktail waitress as she put herself through cosmetology school. “Growing up, we were really poor and we had to earn everything. It teaches you to be patient, to go the extra mile. You get nothing free, you have to work hard and you don’t quit,” said Kim. She eventually opened her own salon in Southpark Mall in 1992. That grew into Spa Concepts with their first location at Ashley Ridge in Shreveport in 2003. The pair expanded to Bossier City after they had existing clients who wanted them to move across the river and found there was a market for it. They started
If they’re not happy, we’re not happy. We say that if you like us, tell others. If you don’t like us, tell us so we can fix it. - Kim anderson looking for a location in 2017 and found their current spot off Beene Boulevard and Airline Drive. That location opened in August 2018. “The population in Bossier is growing very quickly and that has had a positive impact on business,” said Michael. “You can open anything here, and if you deliver exceptional customer service and have a great product, you can be a success.” Kim said what sets them apart from other spa and salons is that they’re very particular in what they
do for the customer. She said that her philosophy is to treat people the way she would want to be treated. “If they’re not happy, we’re not happy. We say that if you like us, tell others. If you don’t like us, tell us so we can fix it,” Kim said. They also put emphasis on their social media. Michael said it’s impossible to have a business in this day and age without a good social media presence. That is why he and Kim train their staff on it and attend classes to utilize social
media marketing. And speaking of training their staff, having a team they can trust is crucial with three locations and Michael regularly traveling back and forth from northwest Louisiana to California. “I’m just now used to having three locations that are all this busy. This is the busiest I’ve ever been in my whole life,” said Michael. And that heavy workload means that things can get stressful between mother and son. But they find their working dynamic to be almost always positive. “I love my children and am so happy they want to do this. Sometimes we argue but we always come to a conclusion to work together to make this place work,” Kim said. “It’s so fulfilling,” Michael added. “Sometimes we do have differences of opinions, but in the end, we are on the same team.” This was taken from the Bossier Chamber’s Like a Boss video series that profiles business owners each month with a live video on their Be Bossier Facebook page.
u NEW JOBS
New jobs coming to bossier city with YoungWilliams PC call center announcement Gov. John Bel Edwards and YoungWillliams PC President Rob Wells announced in late December the company will create 240 direct jobs and make a $4.1 million capital investment through new call centers in Bossier City and Baton Rouge. YoungWilliams will provide support for social services after reaching an agreement with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to operate call centers for a five-year period. YoungWilliams will open its initial office in Bossier City by March. The Baton Rouge center is expected to open in late 2019. “These Louisiana call centers provide important services for many of our state’s vulnerable citizens,” Gov. Edwards said. “As we build on the efforts of state government to serve our citizens in the most effective and responsible manner, we applaud the creation of 240 new private-sector jobs in Louisiana by YoungWilliams. The company’s work will provide an economic boost in Bossier City and Baton Rouge as we address the critical needs of our population.” YoungWilliams will create 80 new direct jobs in Bossier City and 160
new direct jobs in Baton Rouge, at an average annual salary of $27,000, plus benefits. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 40 new indirect jobs for Bossier Parish and the Northwest Region, and 80 new indirect jobs for East Baton Rouge Parish and the Capital Region, for a total of 360 new jobs in the state. “Our company does this in 11 states and I can’t say enough good about our experience thus far in Louisiana,” Wells said. “The procurement process, talent pools, available contractors, real estate, support from the Louisiana Economic Development office and the people in the departments we are working with couldn’t have been better or more professional. This is going to be a great partnership.” In Bossier City, YoungWilliams will make a $1.5 million capital investment at its location within the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets along the Red River. Operations there are expected to begin in March 2019. “I congratulate and thank YoungWilliams for choosing Bossier City as a location for its operations,” Bossier City Mayor Lorenz Walker said. “It’s always exciting to see a continued expansion of employment oppor-
“Bossier is an attractive place to do business in Northwest Louisiana, due to its longstanding track record of investing in itself. These efforts can be seen through the funding of iconic capital projects, such as the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets. This commercial development has not only attracted retailers and restaurants but also serves the needs of industry by providing a strategic location for businesses. Our community’s progressive and forward-thinking leadership has once again helped to position Bossier to be competitive in securing new jobs and investment.” — Ian McElroy, GBEDF Board Chairman
tunities here in Bossier City. I also applaud Gov. Edwards, LED and the Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation for their work in assisting YoungWilliams with bringing these additional jobs to our city.” “The Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation board of directors congratulates the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets and welcomes YoungWilliams to Bossier City,” foundation board Chairman Ian McElroy said. “Bossier is an attractive place to do business in Northwest Louisiana, due to its longstanding track record of investing in itself. These
efforts can be seen through the funding of iconic capital projects, such as the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets. This commercial development has not only attracted retailers and restaurants but also serves the needs of industry by providing a strategic location for businesses. Our community’s progressive and forward-thinking leadership has once again helped to position Bossier to be competitive in securing new jobs and investment.” “A local partner first brought the project with YoungWilliams to North Louisiana Economic Partnership during the first quarter of 2018,” NLEP President Scott Martinez said. “We’re very pleased YoungWilliams chose a location in North Louisiana and congratulate Bossier for attracting this quality company to the Louisiana Boardwalk.” To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered a competitive incentive package that includes the comprehensive workforce solutions of LED FastStart ®, the nation’s No. 1 state workforce training program. The company also is expected to utilize the state’s Enterprise Zone Program.
6
BIZ. u BIZ. BITS
two Shreveport tech companies announce merger Twin Engine Labs and Lunabyte have announced today the successful merger of their business operations, services, and intellectual property. The merger aims to offer a new, unified product line for their customers, bringing both custom app development and digital media management services under one roof for the ArkLaTex region and the nation. Twin Engine Labs, founded in 2010, gained notoriety quickly after receiving worldwide acclaim for their breakthrough storybook app, “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” in collaboration with the Oscar winning 3D animation firm, the former Moonbot Studios. Creating his second digital agency after his first was acquired by local IT services provider ECS/Synapse, Randall Ache launched Lunabyte in 2016 and specialized in custom WordPress development, social media marketing, and digital services management for local businesses in the area. Among their many happy customers in such a short period, LunaByte enjoyed the praises from local companies like Metro Aviation, Caddo Parish School Board, Biomedical Research Foundation, Etheridge Electric, Aeropres, and even the David Toms Foundation. Together under their new brand, RubyShore Software, they will provide a robust set of services, including: Social Media Management, website and custom WordPress development, integrations of aging software, custom solutions for RFID-based equipment tracking, and mobile app development. Keith Hanson, founder and CEO of Twin Engine Labs comments, “Both of our teams were working well together prior to our merger discussions. But as soon as it became apparent to our teams that we were in talks, it was phenomenal to watch the creativity and excitement around our combined services. We can now proudly claim to be one of the easiest firms in Shreveport to work with to get all of your business’s digital and technology needs met.” Randall Ache, founder and CEO of LunaByte, said “We wanted to merge our teams and companies so that both of us could build something greater than the sum of its parts. We brought skills and insights to the table their team didn’t have, and vice-versa. It ended up being a match right from the start.”
ECONOMIC AGENCIES NORTH LOUISIANA ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
Looking ahead to 2019
2019 will be a year of change, as new leadership takes the reigns at Shreveport City Hall. Shreveport Mayor-elect Adrian Perkins ran on a platform of reducing crime; investMARTINEZ ing in infrastructure, marketing the City of Shreveport to companies for economic development and supporting Smart Cities initiatives. All these strategies will foster economic development and require both resources and teamwork. 2019 also holds great promise for Bossier. The community is positioned for growth as more federal defense spending may potentially mean billions of dollars coming to Barksdale Air Force Base (BAFB) and Global Strike Command. The development of a new access road for BAFB, which will alleviate congestion at its existing access points, demonstrates our community’s and the state’s commitment to one of the largest employers in the Northwest Louisiana. Additionally, the opening of the I-49 interchange at I-220 in October represents a major step forward in
improving North Louisiana’s transportation infrastructure. The $142 million interchange is the largest infrastructure piece on the corridor and will serve an average of 68,000 travelers each day. During 2018, our region has worked hard to build better communities and to enhance the skill level of our workforce. In June Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, and Webster Parishes launched an initiative to become certified ACT Work Ready Communities. The North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) convened regional representatives from local governments, K-12 and post-secondary education systems, workforce development, economic development, chambers of commerce and nonprofit organizations to apply as a regional team. This workforce initiative will help identify and close skills gaps; provide employers a tool to improve their hiring; and allow our communities to market themselves as “Work Ready Communities” in order to attract more businesses. The regional team has completed the ACT Work Ready Communities training this summer and is well on its way toward meeting the goals to become certified as Work Ready Communities. NLEP, an Accredited Economic
Development Organization serving 14 parishes in North Louisiana, supports our local governments as they work toward improving the “product.” As a regional economic development group, NLEP markets the region to Fortune 500 companies and site consultants who influence where projects locate. We also partner with our local communities to help foster an ecosystem that supports economic development. The work done during this year will pay dividends in 2019. Unemployment rates for the Shreveport-Bossier City MSA continue to drop while the average employment earnings are on the rise, according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission. Economist Dr. Loren Scott, who released a 2018 economic outlook for Louisiana, predicts new job opportunities in Caddo, Bossier, Webster, and DeSoto Parishes. He forecasts 500 new jobs by the end of 2018, and another 600 jobs added in both 2019 and 2020. With continual collaboration and hard work by public and private sector leaders, the Top of Louisiana will continue to be a Region on the Rise. SCOTT MARTINEZ, PRESIDENT | NORTH LOUISIANA ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
bossier chamber of commerce
Marketing why you love where you live
Do you love where you live, work, play and learn? We think you should and that you should tell everyone about it, too. That’s why the Bossier Chamber JOHNSON of Commerce partnered with the City of Bossier City and the Bossier Parish Police Jury to start the Be Bossier campaign, a marketing initiative to tell the world about all things Bossier. As a part of this project, we launched BeBossier.com, a blog focused on discovering the best in Bossier City and Parish. The blog tells the stories of Bossier from the perspective of those who live here, work here, learn here and play here. It has been a very rewarding experience for the Chamber to be a part of this ongoing project to highlight the people, places, businesses and happenings in Bossier City and Bossier Parish. Bossier is a unique area, rich in culture, people, stories, businesses and opportunities. Once just a bedroom community to its larger sister city Shreveport, Bossier is on the grow. > Bossier boasts a stellar education system, in both K-12 and higher
education. > Bossier is a leader, as the site of the National Cyber Research Park, anchored by the Cyber Innovation Center. > Bossier is military friendly, as Barksdale Air Force Base is our largest employer. > Bossier is where businesses can grow and entrepreneurs can shine, and we highlight them through our #LovinMyJobinBossier series as well as the #LikeaBoss Facebook Live series, showcasing local business owners and their businesses. “There’s so many things that Bossier has to offer,” said small business owner Jenny Lazarus. > Bossier is a place for big opportunities for young adults and you can see this through our #MillenialPro series, where millennials tell about their lives and jobs in Bossier and why they wouldn’t want to work and flourish
anywhere else. “Life in Bossier is a feeling that you are a part of something bigger than yourself, and Bossier is in the infancy stage of greatness,” said Millennial Pro Shon Trent. > But, most importantly, Bossier is home. You can hear the pride from some of the people we have highlighted in our #PeopleofBossier social media series. “As a Bossier native, there is nowhere else I’d rather raise my family - great schools, friendly neighbors and a safe place to call home,” said Menda Howell Davis. Support Be Bossier by showing pride in your city and parish. Follow the Be Bossier Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts and share our stories. Send us your story ideas. LISA JOHNSON, PRESIDENT & CEO | BOSSIER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
JAN. 2, 2019
7
HIGHER EDUCATION BOSSIER PARISH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
A message of gratitude for OUR community from YOUR community college
As we start 2019, it is important to take time to look back over the accomplishments of the last year, thank those who helped make those accomplishments possible, and look BATEMAN forward to the bright things to come At Bossier Parish Community College, we take seriously the word “community” in our name. It is important for our community to know how much you are appreciated and to know all the things we are doing at BPCC to help our community be a great place to live, work, and play. In looking over the past year, BPCC experienced significant change and growth into new frontiers that will forever shape and impact the northwest Louisiana community. Topping the list is the expansion of our partnership with Louisiana Tech University, which includes a new shared space in a BPCC campus building to respond to the regional and national needs in cyber security. This shared space also includes a new Veterans Resource Center which will help serve the needs of our active military and veteran students as well as offer programming for veterans in our region. This space and collaboration would not have been possible without the City of Bossier City, the Bossier Parish Police Jury, and the Cyber Innovation Center. The spirit of collaboration is strong and we are grateful for these strategic partnerships; because our community works so well together, I am confident that even greater accomplishments are in our future. A point of BPCC pride is our students. From state and national awards to the establishment of the first campus-based food pantry in North Louisiana, our students impress me every day with their dedication to the BPCC community and each other. The Rotaract Club, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Shreveport, saw a need on our campus and found an opportunity to address food insecurities for students who are often hungry, which impacts learning. Together with faculty, these students found a way to address this important need by partnering with the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank. Special thanks to Martha Marak and her organization for helping us confront this nationwide barrier to student learning—50% of college students across the country experience food insecurity. Addressing this critical need is helping our students be more successful in the classroom leading to better retention and higher graduation rates. Our business partnerships are sec-
BPCC Chancellor Dr. Rick Bateman & Centenary College President Dr. Christopher L. Holoman sign a pathway agreement. (StaceyTinsley/Press-Tribune)
ond to none. Our employer partners help our students in a variety of ways— from serving on programmatic advisory boards to providing internship opportunities, our employer partners are vital to the College. This year, BPCC was proud to partner with Willis Knighton Health System to create an LPN to RN program for Willis Knighton employees giving their employees a pathway to earning an Associate of Science in Nursing and becoming Registered Nurses. This program required “out of the box” thinking by our Willis Knighton and BPCC personnel. Our faculty and staff found innovative ways to meet the student needs including working with Willis Knighton on scheduling to ensure that students are able to come to class and still work fulltime. This is just one example of an employer partner presenting a need and BPCC responding to meet a workforce need in our community. Some of the success BPCC has experienced this year include: • Served more than 19,000 unique individuals through credit, non-credit, adult basic education, and customized workforce training • Recognized nationally with three different awards for strategic innovation • Increased the number of graduates for 5th year in a row • Remained the #1 transfer institution in Louisiana • Grew significant business partnerships for the 5th straight year • Won the Junior College National Championship in Debate • Recognized nationally for the 7th consecutive year as a Military Friendly® college It is important for me as a leader to recognize that this success does not happen without the dedication
of a world class team of professionals. The BPCC faculty and staff work tirelessly to impact the lives of our students while maintaining the highest standards of excellence. Every day we commit to providing world-class service to our students because we believe that they deserve nothing less. We know that their success is our success. BPCC is a beacon of hope, opportunity, promise, and transformation. Maintaining high standards also ensures that our College has a strong economic impact on the northwest Louisiana community. The value added by BPCC influences both the lives of students and the regional economy. The College serves a range of industries in northwest Louisiana, supports local businesses, and benefits society as a whole in Louisiana from an expanded economy and improved quality of life. The benefits created by BPCC extend to the state and local government through increased tax revenues and public sector savings. According to a FY17 Emsi study, the overall annual economic impact of BPCC on the local economy is $340.9 million equaling 1.5% of the GRP in northwest Louisiana. By comparison, this contribution is nearly as large as the entire Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting industry in the region. The $340.9 million impact supports 5,235 jobs meaning that one out of every 59 jobs in northwest Louisiana is supported by the activities of BPCC and its students. From a taxpayer investment perspective, BPCC generates more in tax revenue than it takes. Total benefits to taxpayers is equal to $129.2 million and compared to the $14.4 million BPCC received in FY17 from the state, the taxpayers receive a 9:1 return on
their investment. This translates to $9.00 received back into the economy for every $1.00 invested in BPCC. In an effort to be good stewards and provide an even greater return on the state’s investment, the College continues to identify ways to be more efficient. Examples this year include efforts to improve course fill rates, implement energy efficiency projects, expand private sector giving, grow alternative streams of revenue, and add more fully online certificate and degree programs have all produced increased savings. The BPCC Foundation continues to support the mission of the College as the philanthropic arm of the institution. Through endowed scholarships, professorships, faculty and staff professional development, and programmatic support, the BPCC Foundation has contributed over $250,000 to the college this fall and continues to strive to support our efforts thanks to the kind contributions from our donors. Our Foundation is also committed to good stewardship and was this year recognized for such by being the first organization in Louisiana to be certified by the Center for Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX). Looking forward to this year, BPCC will launch new initiatives to grow enrollment, increase retention, and improve graduation rates. Our commitment to the northwest Louisiana community is strong and we look forward to continuing our vital role in the community as an economic driver and as a leading education and training provider. From our BPCC Family to yours, we wish you a bright New Year! DR. RICK BATEMAN, CHANCELLOR | BOSSIER PARISH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
8
BIZ.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) contains a new tax benefit, providing taxpayers with a deduction of up to 20% of qualified business income (QBI) from a qualified trade or business that is operated as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or S-corporation.
deduction (listed by entity and tax return filed): n Sole Proprietorship — Schedule C of Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) n Partnership — Form 1065 (U.S. Return of Partnership Income) n S-Corporation — Form 1120S (U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation)
The IRS defines a qualified trade or business as every trade or business other than: • the trade or Over the Limits business of perFor taxpayforming services ers with taxable as an employee, income in excess and of $157,500, or • any trade or $315,000 for joint business involvfilers, the qualing the perforDILLON ified business mance of services WRIGHT in the fields of income deduchealth, law, ention is limited to gineering architecture, the greater of: accounting, actuarial science, performing arts, • 50% of W-2 wages consulting, athletics, paid by the qualifying financial services, or bro- trade or business, OR kerage services. • the sum of 25% of W-2 wages paid, plus While this provision 2.5% of the unadjusted can be complex for basis immediately foltaxpayers with taxable lowing acquisition of all income above $157,500 qualified property. in 2018, or $315,000 on a joint return, it is relaThese taxpayers must tively straightforward for begin by determining taxpayers with taxable their deduction separateincome below these ly for each qualified trade thresholds. or business, and then For example, a taxpaycompare this amount to er with $140,000 of QBI the limitation described can deduct $28,000 (20% above. The lesser of the of $140,000) from their amount calculated and taxable income. the deduction limitation Entities eligible for is the QBI deduction.
JAN. 2, 2019
9
HEALTHcare
Looking Ahead: How we’re transforming health in DHH’s Region 7
Louisiana Healthcare Connections was established in 2012 to transform the health of our communities, one person at a time, by delivering better health CASE outcomes at lower costs. We’ve since grown into the largest of the state’s Healthy Louisiana Medicaid plans, with more than 465,000 members, a network of over 21,000 healthcare providers and 640 employees. We have members, healthcare providers and employees all across our beautiful state, but many of them live and work right here in the nine parishes that make up the Louisiana Department of Health’s Region 7.
Our network includes nearly 2,200 healthcare providers in this region who serve over 49,000 of our members, and thanks to more than 20 community partners, we have been a proud supporter of events like back-to-school supply giveaways, health fairs, youth programs and scholarship funds, among others. Because so many of our valued members, healthcare providers and community partners call Region 7 home, we want to do everything we can to help improve health in the northwest corner of our state. As we look ahead to 2019, we want to share a few of our key projects that impact the local area: • Research to determine the impact of unmet basic needs (like food, housing and transportation) on the outcomes of patients with Type 2 Diabetes, a chronic condition that has a high incidence rate
in Region 7. • Support for local food banks, food pantries and other community-based fresh food sources to help combat the rates of high obesity and poor nutrition in Region 7. • Expanded community-based education and outreach regarding the importance of, and access to, high quality prenatal care to help reduce infant mortality and pre-term births in Region 7. • Improved access to community-based resources, supports and programs to help families in Region 7 overcome the social determinants of health that negatively impact health. • Continued access to free, evidence-based clinical training and education for local healthcare providers to increase access to high quality care in Region 7. Caring is our calling, and we are
here to care not just for our members, but also for the communities in which they live and work. Investing in programs, partners and resources that improve outcomes, access to care, and quality of care in every region of the state is how we are delivering on our mission of transforming health in Louisiana, one person at a time.
WITH EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS AND A CLINICAL BACKGROUND THAT SPANS 20 YEARS, KENDRA CASE, A REGISTERED NURSE, HAS FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE OF THE CHALLENGES FACED BY MEDICAID PATIENTS. AS AN EXECUTIVE WITHIN THE STATE’S LARGEST MEDICAID HEALTH PLAN, KENDRA OVERSEES THE ORGANIZATIONAL CARE OF 500,000 MEMBERS ACROSS LOUISIANA.
10
BIZ.
Coverstory SEAN GREEN
Land of opportunity
sean@bizmagsb.com
N
early 700 startups. Services to over 200 companies. Funding for 55 new companies that would have remained only a dream. And it’s only the beginning. What started as an ongoing public private partnership between the Caddo Parish Commission, the City of Shreveport, and the Bimoedical Research Foundation (BRF) to cultivate an entrepreneurial ecosystem — the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP) — will now cover half of Louisiana. In November, the EAP was awarded a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant, resulting in the creation of the North Louisiana Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (NorLEAP), which will expand EAP services to 21 parishes across north Louisiana. The two-year, $600,000 grant will be matched by BRF, creating a $1.2 million expansion of EAP services. Over the next 15 months, the grant is expected to create or save more than 200 jobs and generate $15 million in revenue to the 21-parish region’s economy. “When we started, we didn’t think we would see the demand that we got from across north Louisiana. It was never our intent to compete for federal or private institution dollars to expand. We started to learn that this is a regional thing. We can’t look at it in that narrow straw,” said Dave Smith, executive director of NorLEAP.
NORLEAP OFFERS NORTH LOUISIANA ENTREPRENEURS A PATH TO MAKE THEIR DREAMS COME TRUE
The Louisiana Startup Prize is the premier entrepreneurial competition in the area and a partner of the EAP:
How It Works
History and Growth The EAP is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs grow ideas into businesses by providing expertise, mentorship and connections. It is a long-term project to create jobs by analyzing entrepreneurs ideas, and matching them with investors while nurturing them to make it to market. “When we started four years ago, we said we have to entertain all ideas. And they were all over the map — everything from pet products to oil field technology. We knew we needed to find a way to expand regionally to help innovate across north Louisiana. There’s good ideas in Ruston and Monroe. And if we can help them, aren’t we the better for it?” Smith said. By assessing the need of the startup/ business and reviewing any materials
program and the best fit for the area to provide those types of services.
they may already have prepared, NorLEAP will be able to provide entrepreneurs with services like marketing and sales strategies, financial analysis and modeling, creation or refinement of business plans and products, pitch decks, and networking opportunities. With the EDA assistance, the NorLEAP Program will continue to foster even more sustainable economic growth throughout north Louisiana. Smith says that in the course of their parent company’s management of the University Health hospitals in Monroe and Shreveport, he began to see a bigger regional picture. It showed him that what’s good for Shreveport is good for Monroe and what’s good for Monroe is good for Shreveport. “I talk to people all the time who
drive to work in Ruston or vice versa. A perfect example is Fibrebond, they have a gig base of employees in Shreveport and they’re driving to Minden. As we’re doing the two hospitals, we were seeing a much bigger regional picture. We came to the conclusion that the EAP can just as easily service ideas in Monroe, Tallulah, or St. John.” The actual opportunity to expand came via the planning for the Bossier Chamber of Commerce’s Innovation North LA events held in November. A workshop with Sen. Bill Cassidy led to a webinar with 180 companies participating. Smith and his team asked what they needed and the answers ranged from networking to forming business connections and developing a financial model. They then found the EDA
The process they use in helping companies across the state is the same process they have been using for years in Shreveport. “It’s sitting down together and seeing what you need and if we’re a good fit for each other. How do you want to capitalize? Let’s say you have to raise $1 million. They have to make that decision, I don’t get to do that. We’ll build the plan and strategy to accomplish whatever goal they want to go down. It’s not my business, I’m in it for them to win. My measurement of success is a job created,” Smith noted. The challenge then, is reach entrepreneurs and small businesses across north Louisiana that have those innovative ideas. Smith said, “It’s the type of companies that have three employees but need growth strategy, they’re not sure how to take that next step. We need to be there for them to take that big step.” But don’t expect to see a slew of NorLEAP offices opening up across the top half of the state. Smith explains that as they generate demand, they will consider whether to put something in that area. “We are open and we are going to go where the demand is. I want to make it available to everyone, but I’ll go to where the market takes me.” However, if NorLEAP isn’t a good fit for an idea or a company, they will act as a connector. “If I’m not a good fit for you, then the next question is, who is a good fit? If you have an idea and are not quite ready for us, then I need to take you to
JAN. 2, 2019
11
Coverstory Louisiana Tech. If you are a little further down the road and need a prototype, then I need to connect you with the LA New Product Development Team. If you’re a restaurant, then I should take you to Southern University Shreveport’s restaurant incubator,” Smith said. Making Progress NorLEAP’s efforts are all about keeping jobs in north Louisiana. Moreover, they’re new jobs in a technical field that the area didn’t have previously. It creates a new culture in the area, one that expects new, certain quality of life elements. Smith sees that quality of life in north Louisiana making progress toward those expectations. “Look at how Ruston is growing, the waterfront in Monroe, East Bank in Bossier. It’s easy for me to sit back and see the things I need to see in order to retain and then attract talent.” Also, the community is getting involved in creating the ecosystem. The NorLEAP approach is that it takes a village to make businesses successful. Smith says that some portfolio companies are still in business because someone took interest and helped them navigate difficult decisions. “There’s nothing like thinking you’re all alone and someone helping you overcome challenges,” he said. “One of our portfolio companies can think the sky is falling and I can call someone I know who overcame the same challenge. That goes a long way.” He notes that Gregory Kallenberg’s Louisiana Startup Prize has become the premier entrepreneurial event in north Louisiana. Four years ago, the area didn’t have a prototyping company or restaurant incubator and now it does. Their university pitch competitions have grown from one university to four and will add another two this year. “We’re starting to change the thought process that you have to be in corporate America and move away to work for Amazon, Google, or Shell. Why can’t you do that in north Louisiana?” Smith said.
Staff has their say “The EAP Grand Prix university pitch competitions aim to foster hands-on entrepreneurial education for university students across North Louisiana. It is common knowledge today that the employment framework of tomorrow will change substantially due to technology. Generating new businesses and small business survival will be key factors in job creation and sustaining economic growth, which is why we are focused on developing the next generation of entrepreneurs.” — Caryn Chalmers
“NorLEAP will allow EAP to reach entrepreneurs who previously may not have had the resources locally to launch their startup. In the past, North Louisiana lost this human capital to larger cities. With NorLEAP, we will be able to keep one of North Louisiana’s greatest resources: its intellectual human capital.” — Julie Gilley
“I stayed in North Louisiana because I wanted to look for ways to grow the future of our region’s economy. At the time, I wasn’t sure what this looked like beyond volunteering and staying engaged in my community. EAP has afforded me the opportunity to work in economic development every day, partnering with entrepreneurs, investors, and community stakeholders who all have the same goal in mind: building an economy that is relevant in the 21st century.” — Nick Oliver “The work at EAP was fulfilling for me. When the chance came to join NorLEAP I was excited at the prospect of continuing to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their business. The constant challenge of helping people succeed is what I like most about the EAP model.” — Justin Sines
success story
CyberReef Solutions proof that NorLEAP plan can work
What a Win Looks Like Most net new jobs are created from new ventures. While Smith says he would love to see the GM plant open back up in Shreveport, it’s all but an impossibility. So if NorLEAP and invested members can grow an innovative economy and let Shreveport help itself, then that’s the best pah. “If we don’t do these things and focus on innovation and net new job creation, in 50 years we’ll be sitting here saying that nothing changed or got better,” he said. He admits that it is frustrating to know NorLEAP’s efforts are a long play, and it requires constantly educating the community that the fruits of their labor won’t happen overnight because the task is an incredibly heady one. However, he says every time someone reaches a new milestone, that’s where the joy and fun comes in. “Their win is my win,” Smith said. “We have to celebrate the local successes. You can sit around and find 100 negative things to talk about, but if we get small wins and victories then eventually we’ll hit that tipping point and it will take off on its own.” He says that tipping point will be when NorLEAP starts getting referrals from some of the parishes outside Shreveport-Bossier. “When someone calls me from Tallulah, Ruston, Monroe, or Natchitoches asks me to speak to someone, then I know we’ve reached the right people. Then the next milestone becomes servicing that customer base and getting their business launched,” Smith explained. “We have a great start on a strong ecosystem. We’re starting to get all the parts we need to be successful.” He adds, “When the phone rings and someone says they’re going to leave Austin to start a tech startup in Shreveport and asks for help, then we all know we’re there.” But for now, in the first month NorLEAP already had 11 calls. That’s enough to get Smith excited. “It’s been a crazy, busy 4.5 years and I think the next 4.5 years will be even more exciting. I constantly see things that encourage us and they build on top of each other. In 10 years, we’ll be able to look back and realize the impact.”
Hilton Nicholson, right, and Jamie Brown, left.
SEAN GREEN
sean@bizmagsb.com
F
om an idea to an EAP portfolio startup, to a rapidly growing technology company based in downtown Shreveport, CyberReef Solutions has been on a rapid climb in the last three years. After Hilton Nicholson, CyberReef Solutions CEO, sold his last startup in New York, he retired to Fairhope, Ala. But idle hands caused him to start dreaming, thinking about how best to secure mobile data on the cellular network from cyberattacks. He and a team developed a cloud-based solution to solve this problem and eventually established a partnership with Verizon to deploy this technology on their network. Hilton moved from his retirement town in Alabama to Shreveport, opening an office in downtown Shreveport in November 2015. “The only area that wanted us was Houston, or I would have to move to Boston because I know that ecosystem. We needed to raise money and needed
help. My chairman of the board is from Shreveport and he asked if I would consider moving to Shreveport. I said, ‘Definitely,’ because I knew in a city of this size that I wouldn’t have the complexity of Houston or Boston,” Hilton said. He said the EAP provided an ecosystem that understood and supported what they do. And if it wasn’t for the EAP, he wouldn’t be in northwest Louisiana. “The EAP provided the guidance and support that we needed as a struggling startup in Fairhope. They also provided access to the financing we needed to grow and succeed,” Hilton said. In 2016, CyberReef secured $1.3 million in investments to grow and expand its business nationally. Today, they still provide services on Verizon Wireless, but have expanded services to AT&T, US Cellular and Sprint’s networks as well. Jamie Brown, CyberReef Solution CTO, is in the process of relocating from Austin, Texas to Shreveport. He said the move allows him to be more involved with CyberReef and the BRF’s other
Continued on Page 12
12
BIZ.
CyberReef partners believe in Shreveport Continued from page 11
technology efforts. He adds that there can be an influx of resources that can create opportunities, but you have to start somewhere, which is why the efforts of NorLEAP creates an environment that makes it possible. “I’m here because I see an opportunity for big things to happen. Especially with what the NorLEAP are trying to do, it’s huge for the area. The more they can bring in the right types of small companies that can grow and become big companies, the more opportunity there is,” Jamie said. The company is steadily seeking talent, particularly local gradates who want to stay in NWLA and grow with CyberReef. “We’re going to be hiring as we grow. And we’ve grown quite a bit in the last two years and It’s important people view it as a viable option. They don’t have to go to Dallas. I think bringing our company here can make a difference,” Jamie said. Both Hilton and Jamie have come from various high profile position in major tech companies around the country. They said that Shreveport has a lot of factors that play into its attractiveness for startups. “Shreveport-Bossier is very affordable, people here are extremely nice and friendly, we have access to talent from local universities and community colleges, good shopping and entertainment. All the makings of a good tech company ‘gumbo,’” said Hilton. “I’ve lived in Silicon Valley. I couldn’t get out fast enough,” Jamie laughed. “The cost of living, the commute, the culture — you don’t have those problems here.” Hilton notes that the life blood of CyberReef’s innovations is the talent recruited to build and sell their services. That is why they recruit talent locally from Louisiana Tech, BPCC, other cyber security companies, as well as reaching into the Dallas and Austin markets. “Being in Shreveport area has been a blessing in recruiting and retaining critical talent,” Hilton said. Jamie revealed that CyberReef recently hired a new employee who, that in his experience, if it where Austin wouldn’t find a job. “His resume never would have gotten on our desk. That’s the problem. And I think he’s going to be able to come in and hit the ground running with a company like us,” he said. “He wants to be here, he wants to stay. That’s the trick — finding those people to help the companies that want to be here grow.” Hilton pointed out that top talent can stay local and still gain valuable experience in the tech industry. He said that with cloud technology, you can be anywhere on the globe and develop cloud applications. “Now you don’t have to be in Silicon Valley to innovate and create something cool.” So, then the question begs: Why not Shreveport/Bossier? “There is no patent on innovation that restricts startups to Silicon Valley, Austin, Boston or elsewhere in this great big world. We now have an ecosystem with NorLEAP to nourish and support young startup companies here in northwest Louisiana,” Hilton concluded. “Take advantage of what NorLEAP offers, as we did at CyberReef.”
JAN. 2, 2019
13
14
BIZ.
LEADERBOARD
BIZEYE
u HIGHER EDUCATION NEW HIRE Matt Cotton
Matt Cotton, a 2008 business administration graduate of Louisiana Tech and a recruiter and admissions specialist for the University since 2012, has joined Tech’s University Advancement team as its Director of Development.
u BANKING NEW HIRE Brittnee Woodell
Southern AgCredit, a rural lending cooperative, recently hired Brittnee Woodell as an office administrator in its Shreveport office. Woodell joins Southern AgCredit with four years of experience in the banking sector at Ouachita Independent Bank and BancorpSouth.
u LEGAL APPOINTMENT Suzanne Stinson
Suzanne H. Stinson has recently been elected as chair for the Louisiana Judiciary Commission. The members of the Judiciary Commission serve as an extension of the eyes and ears of the Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court. They are the independent and preliminary “fact finders” who conduct inquiries and investigations into alleged violations of the ethical rules for state judicial officers. Suzanne retired as Court Administrator for the 26th Judicial District Court of Bossier and Webster Parishes, where she had been employed for 33 years. She currently works as a consultant for the National Center for State Courts.
u BANKING NEW HIRE Woody Schick
Giblsand Bank & Trust has hired Woody Schick as the bank’s commercial business development officer. Schick served as president and CEO of Citizens National Bank from 2008 to 2016. Schick will be primarily based in the Bossier City and Shreveport locations.
Citizens National Bank presents $50K to BPCC
Jason Smith, president and chief executive officer for Citizens National Bank presented a $50,000 contribution to the BPCC Foundation at a meeting of its Board of Directors December 14. The contribution was given in memory of John R. McConathy, a founder of Bossier Parish Community College and past chairman and co-founder of Citizens National Bank. Citizens National Bank, joined by the McConathy family, established the John R. McConathy Scholarship in Business at BPCC in 2009. This additional contribution will facilitate the establishment of two new endowment funds to support BPCC students and faculty in Mr. McConathy’s name.
BOM branch managers complete Leadership School
Lisa Hay, BOM Branch Manager and Lender in Ringgold; Jana Freeman Forrest, BOM Branch Manager and Lender in Shreveport; Katrice Below, BOM Branch Manager and Lender in Natchitoches; and Mandy Hay, BOM Branch Manager in Castor; successfully completed the 2018 Leadership School, “Growing our Next Generation of Leaders.” The six-month program provided by the Louisiana Bankers Association included online course work and five instructor led sessions focused on developing leadership skills and enhancing knowledge in various areas of banking.
DEC. 3, 2018
15
BIZEYE u BIZ BITS
Dr. Bahna presented with Lifetime Achievement award Sami Bahna, MD, DrPH, Y.K. Reddy Professor of Allergy & Immunology and Chief of Allergy & Immunology Section at LSU Health Shreveport, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Gold-Headed Cane Award from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), for “demonstrating the highest standards of scientific excellence and integrity” at the ACAAI annual meeting. Dr. Bahna has been an ACAAI Fellow for 36 years and was College President from 2009 to 2010. He has chaired and been a member of many committees, and Associate Editor of the College’s scientific journal, Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. He currently serves on the Past President, Dermatology, International, and Training Program Directors Committees, and the Food Allergy/GI Disorders subcommittee of the Annual Meeting Program.
Bossier Chamber Military Relations Committee spreads Christmas cheer to local military The Bossier Chamber of Commerce Military Relations Committee, along with Boomtown Bossier City, delivered approximately 5,000 cookies to local military members December 18. “This definitely makes it a more cheerful day for us,” said Commanding Officer Juan Luna, U.S.
Navy Reserve, upon receiving the cookie delivery on Tuesday morning. “We appreciate the support wholeheartedly.” The Committee, along with representatives from Boomtown Bossier City, delivered cookies across Bossier-Shreveport on Tuesday, Dec. 18, to the 307th Bomb Wing, 2nd Bomb Wing, Air Force Global Strike, 8th Air Force, MEPS (Military Entrance and Processing Station), National Guard (in Bossier and Shreveport), Marine Corps Reserve Unit, Navy Reserve Unit and Army Reserve Unit.
16
BIZ.
DEC. 3, 2018
17
18
BIZ.
DEC. 3, 2018
19
20
BIZ.