11-2020 BIZ Magazine e-edition by Bossier Press-Tribune

BIZ. BUSINESS JOURNAL FOR NWLA

BUSINESS INTERACTIONS

Talk to Each Other

Put away the electronics and have real conversations. PAGE 14

NEWS

Eviction moratorium poses unintended problems PAGE 7

NOVEMBER 2020

THIS IS NOT A

GAME

PIVOTING DURING THE PANDEMIC

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

UPDATE

Starting on Page 4

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FROM THE PUBLISHER q

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Editor & Publisher David Specht dspecht@bizmagsb.com Chief Financial Officer Kelly May Account Representatives Randy Brown Chris Sepeda 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 RECEIVE 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 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.

SPECHT

If you have ever listened to Citizens National Bank President Jason Smith talk about business, he will tell you every business owner or entrepreneur needs three things. Those are: a banker, an accountant, and a

lawyer. While the business world has seen drastic changes in 2020, the need for expertise from professionals in these areas remain. When it comes to bankers, it is important to find someone who resonates with your needs. Banking is not a one size fits all endeavor. In fact, the differences in banking services and focus are as varied as the number of branches on Airline Drive. Depending on the size and scope

“

When it comes to bankers, it is important to find someone who resonates with your needs. Banking is not a one size fits all endeavor.

of your banking needs, there are great options in the local area from small and large banks, to credit unions and other financial providers. A good banker will help you with a business plan, point out things you may have overlooked, or tell you best practices with your money. They really are a solid business partner. After all, your success is key to their success. This month's edition of BIZ magazine gives readers an inside look at

the state of finance in Louisiana. The challenges of 2020 have affected every industry, including banking. However, the adaptability and resiliency of these entities in Louisiana are something to behold. Pivoting to meet the needs of customers, financial institutions have created protocols for employees and facilities to protect all. They have offered more options to engage online, including more use of electronic signatures. While all of these "contactless" options are great, it is still the personal one-on-one communication with a banker that makes all the difference to a business. We are proud of our friends in the finance world. Thank you for staying the course and serving the business needs of our community. DAVID SPECHT | PRESIDENT OF SPECHT NEWSPAPERS, INC.

BOSSIER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE q

#ShopSmall is more than a slogan Each year, we promote #ShopSmall and #SmallBusinessSaturday – the day after Black Friday. But this year, as our business owners JOHNSON look to their most profitable season of most years, we need to support them as much as we possibly can. We have locally owned men’s stores, women’s boutiques, gift shops, restaurants, salons and home décor stores – a plethora of local places and merchandise for you to buy LOCALLY. We all know small business is the backbone of our economy, and it is very important to shop small, shop local and support these businesses! According to American Express, the creator of the Small Business Saturday movement, for every dollar

“

According to American Express, the creator of the Small Business Saturday movement, for every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S., approximately 67 cents stays in the local community.

spent at a small business in the U.S., approximately 67 cents stays in the local community. So when you Shop Small on Small Business Saturday— and all year long — you can help create a big impact. If you are a local organization, you can apply with American Express to become a Neighborhood Champion to help bring small businesses and shoppers together this holiday sea-

son and beyond. If you are a local business, you can purchase your goods and services from other local businesses. And, don’t forget to tell your loyal customers how much you appreciate their business, especially during the holiday season. As an individual, make sure you visit all of your favorite places, at least once, the last quarter of 2020. Invite friends to your favorite local happy hour spot, purchase gift cards from your favorite local restaurant, and find gifts for everyone on your list when visiting all of your favorite local stores and shops. As the Shop Small website says: Support the places you love today! Small businesses are counting on all of us – let's show them how much they mean to our communities. LISA JOHNSON | PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE BOSSIER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

BIZ. PARTNERS:

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FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

UPDATE

OPINION LOUISIANA BANKERS ASSOCIATION q

COVID, business and banks According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are 70,257 small businesses in Louisiana that received a Payroll Protection Program loan through a bank. Those loans will then turn into grants, provided all documentation was in order TAYLOR and properly submitted to SBA. That equates to nearly 90% of all such loans made in the state. Bankers were not required to do this, most had never even made an SBA loan prior to the PPP. But Congress decided bankers were the best distribution channel to inject money quickly, professionally and safely into crippled small businesses in need of help. And banks in Louisiana did exactly that. Now, there was a great learning curve for the SBA and the bankers. It was a slap-dash effort of creating

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and implementing simultaneously. One person described it as assembling an airplane while taking off at the same time. Local businesses, local communities and your local bankers all made this happen. The Louisiana congressional delegation in D.C. repeatedly ran interference to help push through changes and remedy snafus, and shake the government by the lapels to get their attention to speed up the process. After all, it was run by a big federal government agency and they are not built to make changes NOW. But in the end, it worked. The 70,257 small businesses mentioned above that received a PPP loan through banks resulted in 777,424 jobs saved, according to the SBA. One more number, $7,461,000,000. That’s the total dollars banks distributed in Louisiana. And not many know this, but that $7 billion plus that was lent was the banks’ money, not the government’s. If the

loan is forgiven, as the PPP is supposed to work, then the bank will be reimbursed. Now, imagine where the state would be if this did not happen. Nowhere good. Banks did receive a fee for processing these loans, but, if you knew the actual hours worked, you would understand that this was a public service and done by banks as partners with small businesses. Congress now looks to continue the Paycheck Protection Program for needed financial lifelines. And, small businesses and bankers are looking to them for an easier process for forgiving the loans. We need to make this chapter of American economic history one that we look back on with pride, and finish the PPP program on a high note. ROBERT T. TAYLOR | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

| LOUISIANA BANKERS ASSOCIATION

FEATURE

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

UPDATE

Pandemic, PPP, and Pivoting

Banks, others navigate 2020's challenges

merging from the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, slowdowns, layoffs and altogether shutterings, Louisiana’s banks not only emerged intact but also helped other companies keep from falling apart. “Louisiana banks went into the pandemic with very strong capital, and it remains so,” revealed Robert Taylor, CEO of the Louisiana Bankers Association. According to Taylor, the most recent data of June 30, 2020, showed Louisiana banks had an average of 10.84% Tier 1 capital — which bank regulators use as an indication of strength against potential losses — and that is higher than the national average of 10.65%. Additionally, Taylor does not see a knock-on effect of the pandemic influencing mergers and acquisitions in Louisiana. “The trends pushing the industry to further consolidation have been in place for a very long time. Community banks have shown their value during the pandemic and strengthened their position,” he said. Community banks are a huge resource for small businesses in Louisiana. With the carnage caused by an economic shutdown for large swaths of the economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these banks stepped up to the plate to help small businesses via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and forbearance on loan payments. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are 70,257 small businesses in Louisiana that received a PPP loan through a bank. In addition, 777,424 jobs were saved and $7.46B was distributed by banks in Louisiana. “Congress decided bankers were the best distribution channel to inject money quickly, professionally and safely into crippled small businesses in need of help. And banks in Louisiana did exactly that,” Taylor said in an editorial letter to BIZ. Magazine. It’s clear from these SBA numbers that community banks throughout Louisiana played a crucial role in keeping the economy churning during the pandemic, via PPP loan applications. While it’s not clear what lessons were learned from this influx of loans, with Louisiana in Stage 3 of reopening, the banking industry continues to help businesses that may not have had income for months on end. “Both the customer and the bank want to make it to the other side of the pandemic and that goal drives both parties,” Taylor explained. “Helping those with PPP loans to apply for and get forgive-

ness on those loans so they do not need to repay them, continuing to work with customers who have had forbearance on loan payments (achieves that).” Overall, he noted that the banking industry handled this difficult, challenging time extremely well. “Most had never worked with the SBA and the learning curve was steep. The events of 2020, with a pandemic, the collapse of the energy sector and

hurricanes have presented unique challenges, but also an opportunity for bankers to show they are not just a business but integral in the success of their community,” Taylor said. Editor's Note: BIZ. Magazine reached out to the Lousiana Credit Union League, but did not receive responses to questions. BIZ. MAGAZINE

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MASK NOW so we can

‘Tis the season for parties and celebrations. With the holidays upon us, let’s work together so we can get back to the life we love in Louisiana. Wear a mask now to protect yourself, your family and neighbors—so we can party later! Learn more about ways to protect yourself at bcbsla.com/covid19

01MK7441 09/20

later!

NOV 2020

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BIZ. NEWS

Unintended consequences

Eviction moratorium problematic ANGEL ALBRING BIZ. Magazine

In September, a nationwide moratorium on residential evictions issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) took effect, pausing most evictions related to nonpayment or underpayment of rent. That moratorium will last until December 31, 2020, and it replaces a federal eviction freeze that was issued under the CARES Act. While the new moratorium was expected to head off a wave of evictions, it may be causing more issues, elsewhere. “It’s problematic, all the way around,” said Meg Goorley of Catholic Charities of North Louisiana (CCNLA). “It’s crucial, because it keeps people from being evicted, but it also stops many people from getting the help they need.” CCNLA is one of a few local organizations that offer rent and utility

assistance for people who are behind on payments. Currently, most utility companies have stopped disconnections due to non-payment. According to Goorley, the federal funds that CCNLA received this year to help with rental assistance can only go to a “very narrow group of people.” “They must have an eviction notice and be within 21 days of eviction for us to offer them some help,” she said. The order issued by the CDC states that landlords “shall not evict any covered person from any residential property … during the effective period of the Order.” But renters have to take a proactive step to be protected- each individual on a lease must separately submit a sworn declaration directly to their landlord. That declaration can be found on the CDC website at https://www. cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

downloads/declaration-form.pdf. The declaration says that lying, or leaving out information can be punished as perjury. Joe Bulger, Operations Director of CCNLA, said that Shreveport judges are closely and deeply cross examining all claims in evictions court, including these declarations. This form also does not protect

people who are being evicted for lease violation. It only applies to those who may be evicted due to lack of payment. The form outlines the steps a renter must take and guidelines they must meet in order to not be evicted for nonpayment. Those steps include: See, RENT, Page 10

CARTER CREDIT UNION . . .WE DO EVERYTHING YOUR BANK DOES . . .WE JUST DO IT BETTER AND WE OFFER MORE. Progress is something Carter Credit Union not only understands, we live it every day. We want everyone to know that Carter Credit Union can provide every service their bank offers, and we can do it with far more value than most are accustomed to receiving. There is a lot of growth that has come to this area, and we are excited to be a part of that growth. We know we have a lot to offer to both the residents and businesses in this market. We currently serve customers from coast to coast. Anyone can bank at Carter Credit Union. Carter Credit Union takes great pride in our people, products and our technology. We feel we do a great job at providing services to our customers when, where and how they prefer. From our wide selection of electronic services to our newest addition of video lending, our staff can assist you from anywhere. Want to apply or talk to someone about a loan? We’ve made it convenient for you. It’s as easy as a

simple click on your laptop or mobile phone and our live video agents are there to assist you. Carter also prides itself in the level of lending services we provide to our customers. Carter, like most banks, provides customers the option of applying for a loan online. What makes us different is that we truly understand that there are many applicants with less than perfect credit that need and deserve an extra look. Our product line and services include everything a customer or business would need from free checking, a large suite of electronic services, free auto buying consultant service and business products and services for both small and large businesses. We are excited to serve you and look forward to seeing you soon!

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BIZ. NEWS Continued from Page 7

Rent: Landlord hit hard as well by moratorium

1.) attempting to obtain government assistance for rent or housing 2.) earn less than $99,000 in annual income 3.) be unable to pay rent due to a reduction in hours, or loss of a job, because of COVID-19 4.) make partial payments toward rent as they can While these steps may seem reasonable, Goorley and Bulger both said that step one has become a problem. “If we don’t have an eviction notice, we can’t offer assistance,” Goorley said. “We have to have that before we can start the process to help.” Additionally, Bulger said CCNLA is no longer accepting applications for rental assistance because they don’t have any money left to give. Goorley said CCNLA’s fiscal year began July 1, 2020, and they ran out of rental assistance funds before their first quarter was up. “We’ve had to turn people away

@bossierfederal

and send them elsewhere, but they’ve been sent back to us, because places that can normally help just don’t have it to give,” Bulger said. He and Goorley said that other local agencies like, the United Way and Providence House, are also turning people away. “It’s really not clear who, if anyone, has money for rental assistance,” Bulger said, adding that CCNLA has given more than $100,000 in its first quarter for rental help, which is five times more than the organization has given in previous years in the same time frame. And with that money gone, Bulger said he doesn’t know when they will receive more to help with the avalanche of evictions that will be coming in January. “The problem is that if people don’t have to pay their rent, they’re not going to,” Goorley said. “They’re going to fall deeper into a hole and it’s going to be very hard to get out of it.” Bulger said that when people ap-

ply for rental assistance, CCNLA provides them with a letter stating that they attempted to get federal help for rent, but that they were unsuccessful. Whether or not that is enough to meet the requirement outlined in the declaration is unclear and could be up to interpretation from individual judges. And Goorley worries that the declaration won’t be enough when people can still be evicted for lease violation. “We are just telling people to keep their noses clean and follow their lease,” she said. Leighton Allen, owner of property management company Port City Realty, said that his company manages around 800 properties, and that about 10 percent of those are unable to pay rent due to income loss from COVID-19. “We have suspended their rent payments and are helping them get caught up,” he said. “We always work with our tenants if they show they have a loss of income. We created an

bossierfcu.org 1-800-510-6568

NOV 2020

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application for (them) to fill out that has the proper documentation for them to submit.” And while a lot of focus has been placed on how renters will fare, there is concern for landlords, too. “Landlords are businessmen, so they don’t have the same protections,” Goorley said. “The theory is that most mortgages have federal protections in place, and so the landlord, if they owe a mortgage, will get some relief through their mortgage company by having their mortgages placed in forbearance, and that money just gets tacked on to the end of their agreement. But, if the renter doesn’t pay, then the landlord just has to accept that loss.” Allen said that most of Port City Realty’s property owners were able to get the banks to suspend their mortgage payments. “I do not think the owners, nor the lenders, realized this would last so long,” he said.

BIZ. NEWS

It is a 'Six-peat'

Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau wins ConventionSouth’s Annual Readers’ Choice Award for the sixth time

Special to BIZ. Magazine

onventionSouth has awarded the ShreveportBossier Convention and Tourist Bureau a 2020 Readers’ Choice Award. Since creation in 2001, this is the sixth time that the Tourist Bureau has received the award from ConventionSouth. The publication is a national, multimedia resource for planning conventions in the South. “It is an honor to receive ConventionSouth’s Readers’ Choice Award for the sixth time,” said Stacy Brown, president of the Tourist Bureau. “This award validates

that our team continuously provides quality customer service and unparalleled hospitality to our visitors and meeting delegates.” The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau is among 380 convention and tourist bureaus, meeting facilities and hotels located across the South to receive this year’s Readers’ Choice Award. With more than 8,000 voters participating in the selection process and the highest social media interaction to date, this has been the most successful and engaging year yet. The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau will be

featured as an award recipient in the December 2020 Awards Issue of ConventionSouth magazine. A complete list of winners can be found online at www.conventionsouth.com/ conventionsouth-awards-recognizethe-industrys-best-of-the-best.

The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau is a complete resource for meeting planners. To learn more, visit www.ShreveportBossier.org/Meetings or call 1-800551-8682.

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.

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NOV 2020

BIZ of BIZ. ENTRELEADERSHIP q

Handling unresolved conflict Most leaders don't realize that unresolved conflicts are destroying their businesses. Some don’t even know about the conflicts that exist. That's a result of poor communication. There are other leaders who avoid confrontation. That's called denial. Either way, your team and your comRAMSEY pany lose. Communication is the key to fighting this enemy of team unity. For my team, the basis of that communication comes through weekly reports. Each week, every team member emails a report to his or her leader. All the leaders read their team members' weekly reports, and pass along any issues or concerns to me. That way, leadership from all levels is involved with the day-to-day activities of the company. In addition, in the weekly report team members report their progress on their assigned tasks, and

relate their high and low points of the week. This is where dissatisfaction and disagreements tend to be revealed, directly or indirectly. When a leader believes that one team member may be upset with another at work, or has a problem with an assignment or a process, the leader gets the involved parties together and straightens things out. My advice for handling conflict? Deal with it like you would deal with a splinter—pull it out right away, even if it hurts. Don't leave it until it's infected and causing even greater pain. Immediate confrontation and discussion can address the issues at hand, wash out the wound quickly, and allow everyone to go forward in a spirit of unity. Leaders lead best when they pull out that splinter. Sometimes it's messy, and sometimes it doesn’t work out perfectly. The alternative, however, is to let the problem fester and walk around pretending nothing’s wrong. That’s a bad plan for the parties involved, the leaders, and the company. Still, it’s what many so-called leaders do.

Then, they wonder why there seems to be so much conflict and so little unity. Avoiding conflict is what normal companies do. My advice is to be weird! Normal companies have employees, and I’ve never wanted that. From the very beginning, I wanted hard-working, talented, loyal team members, who were all focused on the same goal. That’s not always an easy thing to achieve, and it can take time. But wouldn’t you rather put in the work it takes to avoid having a company full of ordinary employees who are burdened with unresolved conflict? LEADERSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS EXPERT DAVE RAMSEY IS CEO OF RAMSEY SOLUTIONS. HE HAS AUTHORED NUMEROUS BEST-SELLING BOOKS, INCLUDING ENTRELEADERSHIP. THE DAVE RAMSEY SHOW IS HEARD BY 16 MILLION LISTENERS EACH WEEK ON MORE THAN 600 RADIO STATIONS AND MULTIPLE DIGITAL PLATFORMS.

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BIZ of BIZ. BIT BY BIT q

Technology leads the way in contactless society Contactless services have been at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19. Companies like DoorDash™, GrubHUB™, and WAITR™ have amended their procedures to allow for contactless delivery where the drivers will leave food items at your SLAUGHTER front door. Others, like Taco Bell and Chick-Fil-A, only hand you your food via a tray. One industry that has been moving forward with this since before the pandemic is the financial industry. Banks and credit unions have been leveraging technology to allow for self-administration for some time. Technologies like automated phone tellers, online banking, ATMs, and remote deposits capture (RDC). The most common contactless service customers are familiar with is the ATM or “automatic teller machine”. The first machine was introduced in 1969 by Chemical Bank in Rockville New York.

“

Technology will always adapt to our needs. With advances in communication technology, businesses can maintain a personal touch with customers while still allowing flexibility.

Since then, it has seen massive technological improvements like checking balances, withdrawals, and deposits of both cash and check. Bank Tec South is a local ATM equipment company that supplies high tech ATMs to local financial institutions. Bank Tec South also specializes in ITMs (interactive teller machines). An ITM functions like an ATM but can have the added feature of the customer speaking with a live teller. 95% of all traditional in branch transactions can be accomplished

LOCAL LEADER HELPS DELIVER COMMUNITY BANKING MESSAGE TO NATION’S CAPITAL

Ken Hale

Washington, D.C. (September 29, 2020)—The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) announced that local community banker Ken Hale, President & CEO of BOM Bank in Natchitoches, Louisiana was elected to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board. ICBA is the nation’s voice for community banks. “I am honored to be elected to represent our industry and help share the positive story of community banking with policymakers,” Hale said. “Community banks are trusted, relationshipbased lenders that deliver personalized service and invaluable financial expertise to local consumers and entrepreneurs. We drive positive economic prosperity both nationally and at home.” In addition to helping shape and advocate ICBA’s national policy positions and programs, Hale’s

at one of these machines. In addition, ITMs are being used instead of pneumatic tubes in drive thru lanes. Customers typically spend 8-12 minutes at a drive thru with a tube and spend only 3 minutes at an ITM. ITM live tellers can be located at that location or in another city, or even at home. As advances in 5G communications continue we will be seeing more innovative ways to utilize this technology in remote areas not serviced by traditional branches. Local institutes like Home Federal Bank and Barksdale Federal Credit Union are now utilizing ITMs at various locations. Technology will always adapt to our needs. With advances in communication technology, businesses can maintain a personal touch with customers while still allowing flexibility. The financial industry is a testament to continuing to strive for better performance and engagement. MACK SLAUGHTER | CO-OWNER / DIRECTOR OF NETWORK SERVICES | ALLEGIANCE, LLC

duties include being a liaison between independent community bankers in Louisiana and ICBA staff and leadership in Washington, D.C. He will also work to recruit new members to ICBA. ICBA is the only organization dedicated exclusively to promoting the interests of locally operated community banks and savings institutions. With trusted financial expertise and high-quality customer service as their hallmarks, community banks offer the best financial services option for millions of consumers, small businesses and agricultural enterprises. “Ken is a dedicated community banker who is highly respected in his community and by his industry peers,” said ICBA Chairman Noah W. Wilcox, president and CEO, Grand Rapids State Bank. “We are delighted Ken has generously offered his time and valuable professional talents to the service of the community banking industry.”

President & CEO of BOM Bank

w w w . b o f m . c o m

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BIZ of BIZ. BUSINESS INTERACTIONS q

Talk to Each Other While visiting Nashville several weeks ago, we stopped at a dive for breakfast. You know – one of those well-worn places that serves delicious, home style, fattening breakfasts. Inside was a variety of people from all walks of life. There was the typical clatter of dishes and HAYNES short-order cooking. There was also the din of many conversations in the tiny diner. I looked around and made note of the people. A mom and dad paid the tab while their son exchanged pleasantries and a chuckle with and elderly man. Three laborers visited with the wellheeled looking group at the next table. We chatted with the couple beside us about their plans and our previous night’s visit to the B.B. King Blues Club. Two young men were at the other table next to us. I wished them a good morning and a conver-

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sation quickly ensued. Both were named Kevin but the spellings were different. One was a manager for a construction company. The other man was a singer/songwriter. Not one person in the diner seemed to be using their cell phone. How odd. That was when I noticed a battered, license plate style sign on the wall. "WE DO NOT HAVE WI-FI. TALK TO EACH OTHER" Was it the sign that had the conversational effect on all of us? Was it the pleasure of eating food while visiting with other people? Was it the close proximity in a small place? I don’t know. What I do know is that we left with a sense of happiness and contentment that comes from positive human interaction. Of course, comfort food doesn’t hurt either. This has been an incredibly difficult and depressing year. The pandemic has forced quarantines and social distancing from friends, family, and co-workers in addition to unemployment and

shuttered businesses. Hurricanes have devastated entire communities and vicious politics have instilled near hatred between many groups in our country. The political ugliness reminds me of Abraham Lincoln words “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” We need each other, not only for support, but as a check on our moral compasses. Too much input from only one source or mind-set can cause radicalization. While social media can keep us in touch, it does not provide the emotional connections we all need to maintain our humanity. Invite one or more people for a meal or just coffee to develop and strengthen relationships. Rediscover how interesting everyone really is and how much alike we all are. Whether at home or in a restaurant, put down your phones, make eye contact, be safe, and talk to each other. You’ll find it much more satisfying than your cell phone. TERI HAYNES | BUSINESS INTERACTIONS, LLC | IMPROVING HUMAN INTERACTIONS IN BUSINESS

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