BIZ. BUSINESS JOURNAL FOR NWLA
SPECIAL LIST
40 Under Forty
YPI Announces 2020 Class PAGE 15
SEPTEMBER 2020 SPECIAL REPORT
WHO GOT THE MONEY?
PPP
BREAKDOWN
The Small Business Administration released data on the Paycheck Protection Program in July and it shows how the distribution of the loan money played out in northwest Louisiana. STARTS ON PAGE 6
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Small business is the soul of Louisiana. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) provides a variety of resources & opportunities to help your business grow. Here are some of the programs available to Louisiana small businesses:
Supporting Growth E-commerce Initiative: establish or expand your e-commerce capabilities Economic Gardening: intensive market research program to help accelerate growth CEO Roundtables: executive peer groups discuss management & growth strategies
Expanding Expertise Small & Emerging Business Development Program: managerial and technical assistance to help build business management skills Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute: training for small construction businesses Mentor-Protege Recognition Program: access technical and developmental assistance provided by Mentor companies
Increasing Opportunity Veteran’s First Business Initiative: database access to search and support veteran-owned businesses Bonding Assistance Program: access to quality bid, payment & performance bonds Hudson & Veteran’s Initiatives: increased access to State purchasing and contracting opportunities Louisiana Loan Portfolio Guaranty Program: assistance in business recovery from COVID-19
Check out all of the opportunities available to anyone growing a business in Louisiana, from startups to expanding small businesses at:
OpportunityLouisiana.com/SmallBizPrograms
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OPINION BOSSIER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE q
Pivoting during a pandemic DAVID SPECHT DSPECHT@BIZMAGSB.COM
BIZ. TEAM Editor & Publisher David Specht
dspecht@bizmagsb.com Chief Financial Officer Kelly May
Account Representatives Randy Brown Chris Sepeda Production Louis Mitchell Special Contributors Angie White
Dr. Les Guice
Lisa Johnson
Dr. Larry Clark
Dr. Tim Magner Terri Haynes
Contact Website: bizmagsb.com Phone: 318-747-7900 Address: 6346 Venecia Dr. Bossier City, LA 71111 Social Media: Follow @bizmagsb on Twitter, Facebook, & LinkedIn Subscribe Online:$48 Print: $24 Combo: $36 Sign up: bizmagsb.com subscribe/ *Chamber members get 1 free subscription Daily Report Sign up for free at bizmagsb.com/dailyreport/ Related Links Bossier Press-Tribune: bossierpress.com Minden Press-Herald: press-herald.com
Whether you were ready for it or not, we have moved into a technology-driven society fueled by the distancing recommendations in place due to COVID-19. We are all stepping out of our comfort zones to reach our audiences through whatever means JOHNSON are necessary since the traditional, face-to-face interactions are a thing of the past. Many of us were embracing technology already, making sure to have up-to-date social media pages and working on our online and search engine presence. But what about all of this Zooming we are doing now? At the Chamber, none of our meetings or daily interactions were virtual but as the shutdown began in March, almost everything in our world has moved to a more virtual format. We scrambled to purchase web cameras for our desktop computers that were unequipped; we tried out multiple virtual platforms; and we had many meetings that were complete with hiccups in either scheduling, recording, technically moving about the virtual space or…. well just about anything. Does any of that sound familiar? Well, we are doing it and you are, too! Adapting in this time is necessary and what we are learning “on the job” is all valuable to our experiences as we move forward. What have we learned? First, meetings might just be better off offered in a hybrid format as many people we need to get around a table have busy schedules of their own
and can’t always break away to drive to where we are and spend an hour with us. Mistakes will happen and everyone is learning. Sometimes your Internet drops while you are hosting an online meeting. Sometimes you don’t know how to pull up your video, audio or the screen you wanted to show to your virtual group. Guess what? We are all learning some grace in this process and it is important that we make sure to remember we are all human and navigating this new normal together. One online definition of virtual is “not physically existing as such but made by software to appear to do so.” You exist, I exist and as humans we were made to exist – and interact – together. We need to see one another, make eye contact and share a handshake. Right now, for many instances, this can only happen through Zoom or other such platforms. So, make sure when you join a meeting to show your face, speak up and continue to interact as much as you can. Our monthly and annual events might look different this year and that’s ok. There’s nothing wrong with skipping this COVID year but if you don’t want to, get creative with how you carry on the tradition or essence of your event. You might just find a new alternative you like better. The moral of the story is – adapt as you can, embrace the technology because it’s here to stay, and be flexible in how you host your normal day-today and more frequent activities. We are all learning – and stretching – to do our best and a little virtual never hurt anyone. LISA JOHNSON | PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE BOSSIER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
October is all about progress at BIZ. Magazine As the premier outlet for business news in Shreveport-Bossier, BIZ. is all about profiling the health, stability and wins of our local business leaders, owners, entrepreneurs and solopreneurs. It’s with that in mind that BIZ. Magazine will be producing its annual Shreveport-Bossier Progress edition in October. We want to produce a well-roundSPECHT ed snapshot of the great happenings in northwest Louisiana. We want this to be something that companies who are looking to locate here can use to see all the success we’ve had in the past few years in relations to building
a new technological industry, redeveloping our city, upgrading our infrastructure, and improving quality of life for our residents. We truly, honestly believe in the potential of Shreveport-Bossier. And we want this to not only tout that potential, but pat our local industries on the back for years and years of a job well done. We hope you will join the winning businesses here and focus on Shreveport-Bossier’s successes by supporting this edition of BIZ. Magazine and helping us put our community’s best foot forward. For more information, email me at dspecht@bizmagsb.com.
Copyright © 2020 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. BIZ. Magazine is located at 6346 Venecia Dr., Bossier City, LA 71111.
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DAVID SPECHT | PRESIDENT OF SPECHT NEWSPAPERS, INC.
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BIZ. NEWS LEADERBOARD q
Perkins named to FCC’s Intergovernmental Advisory Committee
GREATER SHREVEPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE q
My Pandemic PPP: Pivot, Partner and Persevere
Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins has been named as one of the new members of the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC) for the Federal Communications Commission. The IAC is comprised of elected and appointed officials of municipal, county, state, and tribal governments. It provides guidance, expertise, and recommendations to the Commission on a range of telecomPERKINS munication issues for which local, state, and tribal governments explicitly or inherently share responsibility or administration with the Commission. “I look forward to serving on this advisory committee,” said Perkins. “I want to make sure we leverage technology to pursue policies that are advantageous for municipalities to deliver city services in much better ways.” Perkins is one of 12 municipal representatives on the IAC, which consists of 30 members. The agenda for the two-year term committee could include such tasks as increasing deployment and adoption of broadband services, strengthening public safety communications infrastructure, and emergency response capabilities. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has designated the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) within the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau to serve as liaison to the IAC and provide oversight of the committee.
MAGNER
For those of us in the business community, the acronym PPP has been inescapable. PPP, or the Paycheck Protection Program, is the Small Business Administration forgivable loan program that is rightly credited with saving many businesses during this pandemic. While the PPP loan program has been critical, in our work at the Chamber, we’ve utilized our own PPP approach to this pandemic: pivot, partner and
persevere. While the idea of pivoting, adapting your business model to the new circumstances, may be overused in business articles, the concept is worth considering, if only as a framework for evaluating your current activities. At the Chamber, during the early days of the pandemic, we realized that there were two areas of need for our members: information and resources. While we have routinely published information on a regular basis through our newsletter, the information was coming more quickly and changing more rapidly than could be captured in a weekly newsletter. Consequently, we moved to bi-weekly newsletters and weekly webinars as a way to make sure timely information was available. In other cases, we have seen Chamber members move to providing entirely new lines of business, such as hand sanitizer or branded PPE or takeout meals. Whether the pivot is to accelerate or amplify what you already do, or identify a new niche where your skills and expertise are valuable, keeping the notion of pivoting as top of mind can help you adapt in the months ahead. The second approach is partnership. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we are stronger together. We have been blessed to be able to partner with our colleagues at the Bossier and African American Chambers on our webinar series, with our cities, parishes, sheriffs, hospitals and other business groups to pull together the OpenSafeSBC campaign. This awareness effort helped provide context and information for both businesses and customers during the transitions from the stay at home order through the current Phase 2 reopening. By working together, we were able to
benefit from everyone’s ideas and leverage everyone’s networks to get the word out. As you look at your businesses, are there suppliers, customers or even competitors who can help you deliver more value or maintain your businesses viability during this critical time. Which brings me to my last approach, perseverance. My wife is fond of using the term hedonic adaptation. That’s really a fancy way of saying that as humans we all tend to get used to a situation, regardless of how challenging or painful it is. If you’ve ever exercised regularly or gotten used to wearing a tie or high heels, or made peace with a new work schedule, you’ve experienced hedonic adaptation. As we stick it out through the rough times, we gradually get used to the new thing and often we learn how to thrive in the new environment. At the Chamber, we’re focusing on how to reclaim our fall and winter events so that we can recognize the leaders in our community, as the Chamber has been doing for more than a century: through wars, economic downturns, and even pandemics, the Chamber itself is a great example of perseverance, and we take our stewardship of that legacy seriously. As businesses and business leaders we need to realize that as long as this period seems, it’s really only been about 5 months since the stay at home order was issued. We are still in the midst of that rough patch, but as you look around, you will no doubt notice yourself and those around you adapting to this situation. Most of us remember, most of the time, to take our masks with us and put them on when we need to. We’ve gotten used to Zoom meetings and takeout more than dine in. Your customers, partners and suppliers are also learning to adapt as well. Ultimately, we will get through this because we will get used to it. By taking time each day to focus on how we can pivot our business processes and exploring ways to expand our partnerships, we make the daily effort necessary to persevere, to push through until things settle back down. None of this is easy, but it’s not impossible either. We are a resilient people, in a resilient community in a resilient nation. By doing our part to pivot, partner and persevere, we can demonstrate that resilience. TIMOTHY J. MAGNER, ED.D., PRESIDENT, GREATER SHREVEPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SMALL BIZ. q
Main Street grants now made available to other businesses
State Treasurer John M. Schroder announced today all qualifying small businesses now can receive a grant from the Main Street Recovery Program, even if they got prior federal assistance such as a Paycheck Protection Program loan. Act 311 of the Louisiana 2020 Regular Session set aside $275 million from the CARES Act for the Louisiana Main Street Recovery Program but prioritized businesses who didn’t receive prior funding for the first 21 days. The restriction ended today. “The end of the restriction opens
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up Main Street to thousands of additional small businesses across Louisiana,” said Treasurer Schroder. “Many of them have already applied. We just couldn’t initiate a review of them for the first 21 days of the program. Those who haven’t applied should do so immediately.” Main Street is designed to reimburse small businesses for pandemic-related expenses through grants. Applications can be completed online at www.louisianamainstreet.com Main Street offers two grant options:
Quick Relief will give grants of up to $5,000 to qualifying businesses who received $1,000 or less in federal funding or other assistance. Itemized Cost Reimbursement will give grants of up to $15,000 to qualifying businesses who can show eligible normal operating expenses related to the pandemic. Businesses who have received federal assistance will need to show expenses greater than those amounts received to obtain Main Street Recovery funds. Business owners can use a CPA or other financial professional to
help them with the paperwork. Under the program, the professional services cost for assisting a business with this grant application is also a reimbursable expense up to $500. More than 16,000 applications have been received in the first 21 days of the program. Another 20,000 are needed to complete the program. - BIZ. MAGAZINE
HIGHER EDUCATION BIZ. BITS q
U.S. Department of Commerce invests $3.5 million in Ruston opportunity zone U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.5million grant to the city of Ruston, Louisiana, to make disaster resilient infrastructure improvements needed to advance Ruston as a hub for technology-based economic development. The EDA grant, to be located in a Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Opportunity Zone, will be matched with $967,977 in local funds and is expected to create 350 jobs and attract $25 million in private investment. “The Trump Administration is committed to creating new opportunities for Americans by securing the modern infrastructure they need to encourage future economic growth,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “The infrastructure upgrades to Ruston’s electrical and fiberoptic network will provide businesses in an Opportunity Zone with uninterrupted power sources, allowing them to continue operations in the event of a natural disaster.” “Ruston was severely impacted by a tornado in spring of 2019,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This project will help Ruston become more resilient to future natural disasters, support the development of Ruston’s a Smart Cities Innovation Testbed project in partnership with Louisiana Tech University, and further incentivize new business development in the region due to the project’s location in an Opportunity Zone.” “Ruston continues to recover from last spring’s tornado,” said Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. “This investment is a win-win: it makes Ruston more resilient to disasters in the future and creates jobs in process.” “Louisianians are some of the toughest people in the country, and this $3.5 million will support vital infrastructure improvements to help Ruston’s businesses work through severe storms,” said Senator John Kennedy. “This investment and last year’s transportation award shows that our federal partners are committed to the city’s tech-based economic development. I’m grateful for the EDA’s leadership in supporting new opportunities that will benefit the people of Ruston for many years to come.”
LOUISIANA TECH q
Louisiana Tech unveils ‘Lean Six’ Each new academic year brings uncertainty and change, but perhaps not as much change as we’ve experienced in 2020. Our campuses have responded to a global pandemic, and social and political unrest, and we’ve worked to keep our communities safe and healthy while helping our students continue to make progGUICE ress toward their academic goals. This fall, Louisiana Tech University introduces five special undergraduate certificates designed to increase job opportunities for current and prospective students and provide companies and organizations with talented employees for the future. Each of the certificates can be added to a student’s current academic program. New Louisiana Tech students as well as students at other universities can pursue them as well. Many of the classes involved can be taken online, and students can still complete them even while staying close to home. Undergraduate certificates will be offered in Audiology, Criminal Psychology, Geographic Information Science, Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management, and Lean Six Sigma. These certificates address skill areas that are in high demand and provide depth and perspective to other academic programs. Offering these topics and skills as a cohesive and intentional focus provides motivation to new, continuing, and returning students to achieve meaningful progress toward their academic goals and future careers. The certificate in Audiology provides undergraduates who are considering applying to graduate programs in audiology (AuD or PhD) specialized courses to help them prepare for future study. The Louisiana Board of Examiners in Speech Pathology and Audiology is currently forming rules and regulations for the licensing of audiology assistants, and the certificate program will help prepare students to complete the licensing process when it is approved. This 20-hour certificate can be completed in nine months. The undergraduate certificate in Criminal Psychology is designed for students who are interested in the intersection of psychology and criminal justice principles. The program allows students in any major to complete targeted coursework in sociology and psychology so they are better prepared for work in the field of law enforcement. In addition to serving as a stand-alone offering, the certificate can be added to the curriculum for a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies – with minors in criminal justice and psychology – to prepare students to pursue careers in law enforce-
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ment. Most courses in the nine-month-long program are available online and are also offered in Ruston and at Tech Barksdale. The Geographic Information Science (GIS) certificate provides a pathway for students to complete significant coursework in spatial technologies. The program allows students to develop skills and document training that can be used in multiple fields of interest, including land assessment and surveying, the management and assessment of natural resources, energy production and transportation, and crime analysis and epidemiology. GIS skills should enhance career opportunities in natural resource management, as well as other spatially-related fields. The 18-hour undergraduate certificate in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management helps students develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities to excel in positions in information systems and network security – one of the fastest growing industries in Louisiana. Students will learn to protect systems and information assets, and to detect, report, and resolve cyber security threats. Additionally, coursework will prepare students to perform information systems risk analysis, along with information systems disaster recovery and business continuity. The Lean Six Sigma certificate teaches students the skills needed to solve complex problems encountered in their jobs. Lean Six Sigma is a method that relies on a collaborative effort to improve performance by removing waste and reducing variation. Lean Six Sigma not only reduces process defects and waste but also provides a framework for overall organizational culture change. This 18-hour certificate program allows learners from diverse technical backgrounds to prepare for high-demand jobs as Lean Engineers, Lean Six Sigma Process Engineers, Quality Managers, and Operational Excellence Engineers. In creating these undergraduate certificates, our academic leaders found ways to combine portions of established and successful programs to benefit current and future Tech students. We look forward to continuing work with our industry partners in order to create programs that will respond to their needs and the needs of our state’s economy. In order to enroll in any of these undergraduate certificate programs, new and visiting students should apply for admission to Louisiana Tech. Current students should discuss adding these programs to their course planning with their academic advisors.
This fall, Louisiana Tech University introduces five special undergraduate certificates designed to increase job opportunities for current and prospective students and provide companies and organizations with talented employees for the future.
DR. LES GUIDE | PRESIDENT, LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY
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HIGHER EDUCATION LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY - SHREVEPORT q
A time for reflection and change Earlier this summer, in the midst of the pandemic, America came face to face with the issue of racial inequality, leading to protests in multiple states and a debate that has played out on a national stage. We have all had to look at our preconceptions about race, class, policing, socioeconomics, and the standing of underrepresented and underserved communities within our great nation. It has not been an easy discussion, nor should it be. These conversations should make us uncomfortable, because they challenge the status quo and force us to reconcile CLARK the parts of our society and culture that we often ignore. Too many of our long-standing institutions do not reflect our society as a whole, putting all of us at a disadvantage when it comes to providing equal access to merit and need-based opportunities. As Chancellor of LSUS, I recognize that there is still work to be done at our university to make us reflect the community that lives in the Shreveport-Bossier region. This is both a challenge, and an opportunity for growth. In an open letter earlier this summer, I stated, “LSUS is committed to the goal of assuring a safe, welcoming, and nurturing community that celebrates diversity. Diversity makes us all In an open letter earlier this better. It allows summer, I stated, “LSUS us to broaden our is committed to the goal of worldview, overcome prejudices, assuring a safe, welcoming, and creates a more and nurturing community vibrant and tightly that celebrates diversity. woven social fabric.” These words were Diversity makes us all better. only the first step. A It allows us to broaden stated commitment our worldview, overcome is only worthwhile if it is followed by prejudices, and creates a action. more vibrant and tightly Late last year, woven social fabric.” These with the assistance of Dr. Dereck Rowords were only the first varis, Vice Provost step. A stated commitment for Diversity at LSU is only worthwhile if it is A&M, we creatfollowed by action. ed the position of Assistant Provost of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement to lead and coordinate university-wide initiatives fostering and sustaining a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community partners. This summer, Dr. Kenna Franklin accepted this pivotal role at LSUS. She will assist Dr. Helen Taylor, our Provost, in collaborating with campus stakeholders in strategic planning, diversity education and training for students, faculty, and staff, community outreach and relationship management, policy development, and campus climate issues. Dr. Franklin has hit the ground running. In her brief time in the role, she has been instrumental in helping the campus community navigate discussions related to the Black Lives Matter movement, leading up to a campus-wide town hall meeting with a moderated panel on September 2nd. She is also planning programming and outreach related to National Hispanic Heritage Month. There has already been an increase in students volunteering to help in these and other efforts, a testament to the social awareness and advocacy within our student community. Dr. Franklin’s role is crucial for the university, but she cannot do it on her own. As I stated earlier, it comes back to each of us, whether faculty, staff or student. It requires an unwavering commitment from the university’s administration, which starts with the Chancellor’s office. This is a long journey. There will be challenges and missteps along the way. But diversity and equality are worth fighting for, whether drawn along lines of race or gender or sexual orientation. These are not political issues; they are human issues. As a university we can and will do more to set the example for our community, a community that we should not only reflect, but work to enhance.
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LARRY CLARK | CHANCELLOR OF LSU SHREVEPORT.
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COVER STORY
Who received
PPP
loans in NWLA?
The Small Business Administration released data on the Paycheck Protection Program in July and it shows how the distribution of the loan money played out in northwest Louisiana. PPP loans were earmarked to help small businesses weather the economic fallout and uncertainty brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. The data shows entities that were approved for PPP loans, but doesn’t show the specific loan amounts. Instead, the amounts are classified in ranges: • $150,000 to $350,000 • $350,000 to $1 million • $1 to $2 million • $2 to $5 million • $5 to $10 million The data for the three major cities in NWLA — Shreveport, Bossier City, and Minden — showed that nearly 5,500 entities were approved for PPP loans across the three cities, according to BIZ. Magazine analysis. The data shows 3,927 Shreveport-based entities were approved for PPP loans, while Bossier City had 1,201 entities approved and 299 in
BIZ. Magazine Breaks down the numbers for Shreveport, Bossier City, and Minden PPP loans. Page 7
Minden. The highest loan amount was in the $5 to $10 million range to the Shreveport-based Laboratory Management services. The highest loan in Bossier City was $2 to $5 million to Hydroline. The top Minden PPP loan was $5 to $10 million to Fibrebond. LLCs received the vast majority of loans. In the lower range of PPP loans up to $150,00, LLCs made up 48%. The next highest was corporations at 21%, while nonprofits were the lowest at 3%. The PPP didn’t require loan applicants to disclose their demographic information. Therefore, the overwhelming majority of PPP loans in NWLA did not indicate the race or gender of the business owner. However, of those loan applicants who did respond to these questions, the vast majority were white men. In Shreveport alone, 403 applicants were white and only 86 Black, 13 Asian and eight Hispanic. While 814 entities were owned by men, to 286 female-owned businesses. - BIZ. MAGAZINE
COVER STORY
shreveport $150K+ $5-10M
Top single loan approved For: Laboratory Management Services 19 - companies loaned $2-5M 52 - companies loaned $1-2M 143 - companies loaned $350k-1M 295 - companies loaned $150k-$350k Loans by Company 1. LLC = 382 2. Corporation = 182 3. S Corp = 83 4. Nonprofits = 34 5. Professional Organization = 21 6. Sole Proprietor = 4 7. Self Employed = 3
27,856 jobs retained *Male Owned = 148 *White Owned = 84 *Female Owned = 31
*Black Owned = 9 *Veteran Owned = 3 * Those that answered
Up to $150K
3,417 total loans
$149,983.12 Max loan
$111.859M total loans
16,350 jobs retained
$32,736 average Loans by Company Type: 1. LLC = 1,616 2. Corporation = 750 3. Sole Proprietor = 435 4. S Corp = 254 5. Self Employed = 147 6. Nonprofits = 124 7. Independent = 120 *Male Owned = 666 *White Owned = 319 *Female Owned = 255 *Veteran Owned = 102
*Black Owned = 77 *Asian Owned = 13 *Hispanic Owned = 8 * Those that answered
minden $150K+
Bossier City $150K+
$2-5M - Top single loan approved For: Hydroline
Up to $150K $34.554M in loans $32,846 average
$147,300 Max loan 5,610 jobs retained
Loans by Company Type: 1. LLC = 552 2. Corporation = 213 3. Sole Proprietor = 103 4. S Corp = 99 5. Self Employed = 50 6. Independent = 31 7. Nonprofits = 26 *Male Owned = 308 *White Owned = 152 *Female Owned = 87 *Veteran Owned = 16
Total loans approved
$5-10M
149 - Total loans approved
1,052 total loans
51
*Asian Owned = 7 *Black Owned = 6 *Hispanic Owned = 5 * Those that answered
Top single loan approved Recipient = Fibrebond
Up to $150K 248 - total loans $7.959M - in loans $32,096 - average $144,000 - Max loan 1,697 - jobs retained Loans by Company Type: 1. LLC = 111 2. Corporation = 53 3. Sole Proprietor = 47 4. S Corp = 13 5. Nonprofits = 11 6. Self Employed = 8 7. Independent = 7 *Male Owned = 91 *White Owned = 84 *Female Owned = 36 *Black Owned = 7
*Asian Owned = 6 *Veteran Owned = 4 *Hispanic Owned = 1 * Those that answered
Data provided by U.S Small Business Administration as of Aug. 14, 2020
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT NLEP q
Opening our ears to the opportunities around us One of the benefits of aging is that (hopefully) years of life experience have taught us to pause before reacting to news or a major event. We pause to take in the immediate and obvious impact of what has occurred, but also to try to read WHITE between the lines or think through what unexpected results might occur. Since the COVID-19 pandemic first arrived on U.S. shores and turned our world upside down, I have found myself more and more often saying “Well, one opportunity that has arisen from the pandemic is . . .” I do not want to seem to be making light of the extreme negative effects this pandemic has had on the health and well-being of hundreds of thousands of American citizens and companies, on our economy (local to global), and on most everyone’s sense of certainty about what the future holds. Indeed, as an economic developer with a focus on supporting the workforce needs of North Louisiana companies, I have been truly heartbroken to receive phone calls and emails from
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SPECIAL p
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“
Alongside the distressing calls and emails we have received of late have been a surprising number of calls from companies who have seen demand for their product or service increase over the last few months, due directly or indirectly to market demands caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
long-standing employers telling me they have had to lay off employees. But it is the nature of most in my profession to be looking for the opportunities amidst the rubble. Since Governor Edwards’ shelter-in-place order was first issued in midMarch 2020, the North Louisiana Economic Partnership has had the opportunity to deepen our relationships with the companies that drive our regional economy, initially through phone calls and emails to check-in and do some damage assessment, but more often
now to explore ways to help them take advantage of opportunities to grow. One thing I have enjoyed in the years I have spent visiting existing businesses in North Louisiana is learning about the market factors that drive their business. In some cases, it is impacted by national residential or commercial construction trends, or it might be influenced most by consumer behavior (the move toward online sales). Other times, international political factors may play a large part, such as tariffs on the goods they produce or the supplies they are importing, or the opening of new international markets like the recent partial opening of Cuba’s economy for agricultural imports. In the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, massive disruptions to supply chains have placed a harsh light on how vulnerable these structures have made businesses (and economies) and many companies are rethinking how they do business. Alongside the distressing calls and emails we have received of late have been a surprising number of calls from companies who have seen demand for their product or service increase over the last few months, due directly or indirectly to market demands caused See, OPPORTUNITIES, Page 12
increase your pay advance your career register now
BPCC.edu
Bossier Parish Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Bossier Parish Community College. • Bossier Parish Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, qualified disability, marital status, veteran’s status, or sexual orientation in admission to its programs, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of its operations. Bossier Parish Community College does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. • Coordinator for Section 504 and ADA: Angie Cao, Student and Disability Services Specialist - Disability Services, 6220 East Texas Street, Bossier City, LA 71111 - (318) 678-6511 - acao@bpcc.edu - 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. M-F, excluding holidays and weekends. • Equity/Compliance Coordinator: Teri Bashara, Director of Human Resources - Human Resources Office, 6220 East Texas Street, Bossier City, LA 71111 - (318) 678-6056 - 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. M-F, excluding holidays and weekends.
MASK NOW so we can
In Louisiana, we love our football games and tailgate parties. Let’s work together so we all can get back to enjoying the traditions that make us special. Wear a mask or face covering now to protect yourself, your neighbors and the way of life we love in Louisiana.
01MK7374 R08/20
Learn more about ways to protect yourself at bcbsla.com/covid19
later! BIZMAGSB.COM
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Partners in Primary Care does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果 使用繁體中文， 可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711). GCHKU3WEN
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LEGAL MATTERS LUKE WHETSTONE q
Navigating Privacy Concerns in a Pandemic Now that much of the workforce is returning to the jobsite, employers and employees alike have questions about the rules and WHETSTONE regulations that apply. A major source of questions has been the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its privacy rules. As a starting point, one of the main questions employers have that falls within the scope of the ADA is whether they can ask an employee if they have COVID-19 symptoms. Employers are understandably concerned that asking about an employee’s medical condition, even in a pandemic, may be problematic. But, the general answer is yes; ADA-covered employers may ask employees if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (such
as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat). The ADA also does not prevent an employer from measuring an employee’s body temperature. However, on a practical note, employers should be aware that some people with COVID-19 do not have a fever. Once an employer has COVID-19-related information about his or her employees, the next question is what can be done with the information. Employee information related to COVID-19 is treated similarly to other employee medical information. That means that employers must maintain the information as a confidential medical record. This includes an employee’s statements about having or suspecting that he or she has the disease, as well as the employer’s notes from questioning an employee about symptoms. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that employees who arrive to work
ill or who become ill with symptoms of COVID-19 should leave the workplace. The ADA does not interfere with this advice. Following a confirmed COVID-19 case, and as recommended by the CDC, employers should notify all employees who work in the location or area where the employee works. Notification should be done without revealing confidential medical information, including the employee’s name. However, an employer may obtain the employee’s signed authorization to disclose their diagnosis. Employers should also notify any third parties that may have been exposed to the infected employee. The other employees and third parties should also be informed of the actions taken by the employer, including requiring employees who worked closely with the infected worker to go home and the employer’s sanitizing and cleaning efforts. Employers are also advised to remind their em-
ployees to seek medical attention if they exhibit symptoms. Regulations and guidance surrounding COVID-19 are constantly evolving and adapting to the changing reality on the ground. All employers and employees should familiarize themselves with the latest guidance from the CDC. Those with additional questions should consult with an attorney. LUKE D. WHETSTONE IS AN ATTORNEY AT COOK, YANCEY, KING & GALLOWAY, A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION. HE IS LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN LOUISIANA AND ARKANSAS AND HIS PRACTICE INCLUDES COMPLIANCE, LITIGATION, AND LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT. THIS ARTICLE IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE.
BIZ. NEWS q
STRIKEWERX wraps up 3-day workshop in preparation for industry/military collaboration
The innovation hub for Air Force Global Strike Command began the process of solving a problem facing the major command at Barksdale Air Force Base. STRIKEWERX wrapped up its three-day virtual challenge definition workshop on Aug. 20. The workshop, done in conjunction with AFWERX, was the first in a series of steps designed to reimagine how aircrews are notified of emergencies with little to no warning. STRIKEWERX brings partners from business and higher education together to brainstorm solutions for AFGSC concerns. The workshop was an illustration of that by facilitating 55 different experts from across the country sharing their knowledge on how to replace the 1980s tech used by today’s air crews. “We had military, academia,
industry, and small businesses all using their own knowledge to scope out what the possibilities are for how we can improve aircrew alerting in Global Strike Command,” said STRIKEWERX Director Russ Mathers via a press release. “These types of events are totally in line with STRIKEWERX’s mission of providing new solutions to Global Strike Command’s needs and combining these various sectors to make the warfighter more competitive.”
Across the three days, endusers defined their needs and talked with experts about improving current methods of communication, future possibilities of resiliency, increasing portability, and more. Maj. Ryan Chapman, executive chief scientist for AFGSC, told local media that this type of innovative thinking is what STRIKEWERX is seeking, saying, “When we look at what innovative people are, we cast off the traditional mindsets of military. We look at their responses and
potential, not preconceived notions of military awards and rank.” Following the workshop, AFWERX will launch the first STRIKEWERX challenge in late September. This will see an official problem statement on air crew alerting issued to companies nationwide. Interested parties can then submit possible solutions for a period of approximately six weeks.Organizations with the best solutions will make in-person pitches in November with the chance to see their prototype chosen as the solution to the challenge in question. To view more on the Aircrew Alerting Challenge, visit AFWERXchallenge.com/strikewerx. To learn more about STRIKEWERX, visit www.strikewerx.com. - BIZ, MAGAZINE
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YOUR BIZ. BIZ. BITS q
Louisiana Treasury returns a record $62.7 million in Unclaimed Property State Treasurer John M. Schroder announced that the Louisiana Department of Treasury shattered previous records by returning $62.7 million in Unclaimed Property money during the fiscal year that ended June 30. In the previous fiscal year, Treasury returned $51.8 million. “We continue to find new ways to reunite people with Unclaimed Property money. I’m especially pleased that we set a new record during a pandemic, when people and businesses really needed this money. We reunited one New Orleans family with more than $2 million,” said Treasurer Schroder. “The rate at which we’re returning money makes it clear Unclaimed Property needs to be protected for future claimants. On Nov. 3, you’ll be asked to vote on creating a constitutional trust fund for Unclaimed Property.” Each year millions of dollars in unclaimed cash, stocks, bonds, securities, and insurance proceeds are turned over to the State Treasurer’s Office. Known as “Unclaimed Property,” these funds include payroll checks, old bank accounts, royalties, utility deposits, interest payments, stock certificates, and life insurance proceeds. One in six individuals in Louisiana has Unclaimed Property, with claims averaging $900. To find out if you have Unclaimed Property, search at www.latreasury.com
Greater Shreveport Chamber: Athena nominations are open Each Year the Business Development Connection of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce honors sixteen area individuals during the ATHENA Leadership Awards Luncheon. One individual is selected from among the sixteen honorees to receive this prestigious award. The award recognizes an individual who has attained and personifies the highest level of excellence and creativity in their business or profession, while continuing to devote time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community, and has actively assisted women in achieving their full leadership potential through service and mentorship.
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BUSINESS INTERACTIONS q
Can we talk?
How to discuss difficult topics, including racism How do we begin having conversations with people that we see as different from ourselves, especially on the divisive topic of racism? How do we even find someone with whom to have these discussions? We interact socially with each other every day – in grocery and clothing stores, elevators, parking lots, waiting HAYNES lines, and restaurants, to name just a few places. Casual greetings can result in longer conversations as time goes on. Like friendship, it takes a while to blossom. It should be a natural relationship, not based on skin color, but two people finding something in common with each other. Now, how do we begin? What simple actions in our everyday lives can we notice and change, whether those actions are conscious or subconscious? Here are a few starting points. Look people in the eye, smile, and say “hi.” A comment I have heard many times is that white people, in general, do not notice black people, especially in places that are frequented by mostly white people. It seems as though they look right through them, as if they weren’t there. A simple, genuine smile can go a long way toward bridging the distance between our perceived differences. Be conscious of your words. After listening to a lady’s story about the appalling harassment of her son, I said, in sadness, “That is so unbelievable.” She became noticeably upset. To most people I interact
“
with, my words combined with my tone of voice would have conveyed sorrow and shock that those things still happen today. To the lady, it indicated that I thought her story was literally unbelievable. I cried on the way home that evening, ashamed of myself for causing her pain because I did not think before I spoke. Don’t be quick to take offense. Did the lady, mentioned above, jump to a conclusion about my comment. Maybe. Yet, maybe her life experiences taught her that reaction. I may never know. The lesson I learned was invaluable. While we should not “walk on egg shells” in our conversations with each other, we should all strive to lower our defenses, be respectful, ask for clarification, and be open-minded and curious about what we do not know. The pain of historical and continued denial that our black neighbors have as their inheritance from life in this country is deeper and more hurtful than white people can fathom. We cannot undo the past nor are we responsible for it. We are all responsible for what we do today. There are plenty of opportunities for black people and white people to understand one another better. We must all be brave and start conversations together, learn what we do not know, and work together to bring about positive change. Interested in joining the conversation? Visit https://ywcanwla.org/events-and-programs/dialogue-on-race/
Casual greetings can result in longer conversations as time goes on. Like friendship, it takes a while to blossom. It should be a natural relationship, not based on skin color, but two people finding something in common with each other.
TERI HAYNES | BUSINESS INTERACTIONS, LLC | IMPROVING HUMAN INTERACTIONS IN BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES Continued from Page 8
by the COVID-19 pandemic. And they need resources and support to be able to respond to that demand. Thankfully, many need workers to help meet their increased demand, and that creates opportunities for residents whose jobs were lost due to the pandemic. When we check in with companies, we are sure to ask if opportunities exist to attract parts of their supply chain or corporate product portfolio
to North Louisiana to make their company more resilient. Now more than ever we must stay laser focused on strengthening our partnerships with existing businesses, training and education providers (at all levels, high school to post-secondary), and the workforce development intermediaries in our region to enable collaborative networks dedicated to ensuring our companies and our people succeed, to be profitable and to support
their families. In renewing our focus on the companies that are the base of the North Louisiana economy, of course we want to marshal all our resources to support them as they recover, but we must also keep our ears open to the opportunities. ANGIE WHITE IS A CERTIFIED ECONOMIC DEVELOPER AND INTERIM PRESIDENT OF THE NORTH LOUISIANA ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP, WWW.NLEP.ORG.
Steen Trawick, MD CEO/CMO, CHRISTUS ShreveportBossier Health Systems Chuck Daigle CEO, Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Brian Crawford CAO, Willis-Knighton Health System Debbie Chandler, MD, MBA Associate Dean of Diversity and Student Affairs, LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine Mark Evans President, Northwest Louisiana, Regions Bank Mike Stanberry CEO, Metro Aviation Carla Anderson Founder, Elite Health Solutions Harry McInnis President, McInnis Brothers Construction Curtis Joseph Partner, Winchell & Joseph Don Updegraff Banker, Retired Tom Ostendorff President, Southern Research Company Vernon Chance Executive Director, Committee of 100 Greg Lott President, Committee of 100 President, Progressive Bank – Shreveport/Bossier City Market Steve Roop North Louisiana Managing Director, JP Morgan Chase Eric Barkley North Louisiana District Director CenterPoint Energy
MASK APPEAL
Henry Whitehorn CAO, City of Shreveport Pam Glorioso CAO, City of Bossier
The Committee of 100 stands with our local healthcare leaders urging everyone to wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
CommitteeofOneHundred.org
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LEADERBOARD q
YPI names 2020 40 Under Forty class
T
he Young Professionals Initiative, the young professionals program of the Greater Shreveport Chamber in Northwest Louisiana, debuted its 2020 40 Under Forty class on Friday, August 21. YPI enlisted a special committee to select 40 young professionals under the age of forty who are making a significant impact in Shreveport-Bossier. These individuals were selected based on values, such as professionalism, achievement, experience, innovation, vision, leadership, and community involvement. YPI looks forward to recognizing each honoree for making Northwest Louisiana a better place to live, work, and play for the entire community. “This year, the bar was set high. We received almost 200 nominations from all over Northwest Louisiana, and it was a challenge to pick only 40 honorees,” said YPI’s Chair Committee President, Jana Freeman Forrest. “The outstanding level of professional achievement and community involvement we see in this 40 Under Forty class proves that the place we call home is attracting and retaining some of the country’s brightest young professionals.” The 2020 40 Under Forty class includes: Janet Attaway, Bossier Parish School Board – Elm Grove Middle School; Wesley Bange, Bossier Parish Community College; Candice Battiste, JD, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice; Brennan Bernard, Core Physical Therapy and Performance; Parker Brown, Jayhawk Properties, Inc.; Damien Chapman, Orlandeaux’s Café; Jessica Comegys, Glow Alchemy Kitchen; Mallory Cooper, Bossier Parish School Board; Jordan Dieck, Bossier Parish Schools; Brittney Dunn, B&D Tax & Accounting Services, LLC; Katrina Farris, Shreveport Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce; Katherine Gilmer, Gilmer & Giglio, LLC; Julian Gluck, United States Air Force; Michael Gould, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC; Jenni Grisham, Ochsner LSU Medical Center; Badreka Harper, KTBS 3 News; John Hawkins, ClearView Church; Kirkikis Canna Hill, Omni Specialty Packaging, LLC; Charles E. Johnson, Alpha Media and CeJay Enterprises; Halena Jones, Step Forward; Katy Larsen, The Agora Borealis; Wesley Lazarus, Progressive Bank; Dr. Teresa Manley, Petroleum Club of Shreveport; Angel Martin, LSU Shreveport; Kevin Nolten, Cyber Innovation Center; Jennifer Norris Soto, Ayres, Shelton, Williams, Benson & Paine, LLC; Mayor Adrian Perkins, City Of Shreveport; Connor Peterson, Keith D. Peterson & Company, Inc.; Brittany Pier, Linwood Public Charter School; Brittany Pike, CYBER.ORG; Franchesca Posey, Girl Scouts of Louisiana; Candice Ratliff, M.A., General Dynamics Information Technology; Marquel Nicol Sennet, KTAL/ KMSS & Southern University at Shreveport; Erin Pyles Smith, Maltshop Marketing, LLC; Kim Stephens, Metro Aviation; Britt Elizabeth, Britt Elizabeth Photography; Onega Ulanova, LA New Product Development Team; Dellanee Wade, Southern University at Shreveport; Shuntay Wilson, Bossier Parish Schools; Elizabeth Wong, McMichael, Medlin, D’Anna, Wedgeworth, & Lafargue, LLC. The honorees will be recognized at YPI’s 14th annual 40 Under Forty Gala, which will be presented by 318 Forum, on Saturday, December 5, 2020. From the list of Honorees, one will be named the 2020 Young Professional of the Year during the Gala. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, YPI will host this year’s Gala virtually. This will allow YPI to celebrate with the honorees, while also adhering to the safety guidelines of social distancing and avoiding crowded spaces. “We are excited to be able to do some innovative things with this year’s program and class events, and soon we will be sharing the sponsorship options and tickets available, enabling the community, family members, and employers to show their support for the honorees’ accomplishments,” Claire Childs, YPI 40 Under Forty Chair.
WORK KARE CAN WORK IT OUT
At a time with heightened health issues, look to the region’s most experienced occupational health provider for your company’s health. Work Kare offers multiple locations and the services you need most:
• • • • • •
Employment physicals Drug Screening Work Conditioning DOT Exams Vaccinations On-site Flu Shots
• • • • •
COVID-19 Testing COVID-19 Antibody Testing Wellness Programs Post Offer Employment Screenings Injury Treatment & Case Management
If you’re already a client, thank you, and let us know if you need additional services. If you’re not a client, give us a call and find out how we can help you.
North
Bossier
2724 Greenwood Road
2300 Hospital Drive
Pierremont
Drug Testing Center
(318) 212-3750
(318) 212-TEST
(318) 212-4750
1666 E. Bert Kouns Industrial Loop
(318) 212-7750
2738 Greenwood Road
WORK KARE: GOOD HEALTH IS GOOD BUSINESS
wkworkkare.com
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