Investor Update
Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, www.shreveportchamber.org
December 7, 2007
© 2007 Phillip Messinger
Dr. Ravish Patwardhan Named Young Professional of the Year at 1st Annual 40 Under 40 Gala
The Chamber’s 1st Annual 40 Under 40 Gala and Awards organized by a Committee of the Young Professional
Initiative was presented by City Life Magazine and co-sponsored by Lemle & Kelleher, U. L. Coleman Companies,
Sealy & Company and Heard, McElroy & Vestal on Tuesday at Sam’s Town. The black-tie optional event attracted
almost 400 guests and showcased the talents and contributions of 40 successful young professionals working in
Northwest Louisiana. Of the 40, Dr. Ravish Patwardhan, founder and director of the Comprehensive Neurosurgery
Network, the Interactive Neuroscience Center and the nonprofit Re-Vitalize! Philanthropic Foundation for Medical
Disorders was named Young Professional of the Year.
Dr. Patwardhan has authored nearly 100 papers and abstracts and given presentations both nationally and
internationally on neurological matters. His practice brings unique services to our area, which includes deep brain
stimulation for Parkinson’s disease or tremor, epilepsy surgery, and surgical treatment for depression.
He
performs over 500 operations a year. His physician peers named him one of the Best Doctors in the area. Through
Dr. Patwardhan’s research and development company, The Interactive Neuroscience Center, which operates
independent from his practice, has received several provisional patents and international patents. ReVitalize! Philanthropic Foundation was
created to help educate patients, caretakers and others on medical problems and connect them to available resources. Dr. Patwardhan is also
now entering into a new venture, Shreveport Resource Allocation Program. He is a graduate of the Greater Shreveport Leadership Program
and played a significant role in the development of the Young Professional Initiative. He will serve as the Vice Chairman of Membership for the
Chamber in 2008. To read more about the 40 Under 40 and the Young Professional of the Year see the November and December issues of City
Life Magazine at www.citylifemag.net.
Ceremony to Recognize Graduates of Business & Entrepreneurial Skills Training Program
A ceremony recognizing the more than 30 who participated in the Fall 2007 Business & Entrepreneurial Skills Training (BEST) program
presented by the LSUS Small Business Development Center, the City of Shreveport, Southern University at Shreveport, the Bossier Chamber of
Commerce and the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce will be held at the Chamber Plaza, 400 Edwards Street, Tuesday, December 11th
at 7 p.m. Monica Carter Tagore will provide the commencement address. Tagore is the owner of RootSky Creative LLC, published author,
newspaper columnist and was recently honored as one of the Chamber’s 40 under 40 honorees. To learn more about the BEST program email
info@shreveportchamber.org.
JP Morgan Chase to Host After Hours Regional Power Meet
Network with area business professionals and check out JP Morgan Chase’s new look at the Chamber’s quarterly Regional Power Meet to be held
after hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 13th at their main offices located at 400 Texas Street. Admission collected at the door is
$3 for members and $5 for future members. RSVP 677.2505 or info@shreveportchamber.org.
LEDC Approves Entertainment Industry Workforce Development Grant
The Louisiana Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) recently approved an unprecedented $2 million matching grants program for
workforce development training in the entertainment industry, including music, digital interactive and motion picture sectors. “Louisiana is
regarded as a top choice for filming among key decision-makers in the global market,” says Sherri McConnell, LED entertainment industry
director. “This year has been record-breaking for Louisiana’s motion picture industry. With a qualified crew base in heavy demand statewide,
this program will help fill the need. This is a groundbreaking decision by LEDC to recognize and fund this program.” Next steps are to define
the program, including public hearing process, and publish the rules. Industry representatives will be invited and encouraged to participate in
that process. Final approval could take up to six months. LEDC serves as the sole reviewer and administrator of LED’s financial assistance
programs.
Chamber Confirming Sponsors for 2008 Events & Accepting Applications for its Leadership Program
The Chamber is currently confirming sponsorships for its various programs and projects scheduled for 2008. For more information on the
activities planned and the benefits of sponsorship, please contact Tracy Smith at 677.2547. Applications to participate in the Leadership
Program are due December 15, 2007. For more information email tracysmith@shreveportchamber.org.
Tips on Preventing Workplace Violence Offered by Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation
Every day an estimated 16,400 threats are made in the workplace, 723 workers are attacked and 43,800 employees are harassed. According to
recent studies, assaults and violent acts in the workplace accounted for 11% of Louisiana’s fatal work-related injuries. The 2005 average for US
workers was 14%. Employers pay a huge price for lost time, lost productivity, medical costs, litigation, lost trade and more due to workplace
violence. Here are some things employers can do to make a workplace safe from violence:
--Establish strictly enforced workplace violence prevention policies.
--Provide safety education—including education workers in positive communication and conflict resolution techniques to use with both customers
and co-workers; training employees in the warning signs of aggressive or violent behavior; and instructing employees not to enter anywhere
they feel unsafe.
--Secure the workplace—including providing drop safes to limit the amount of cash on hand, increasing security by improving exterior/interior
lighting, installing door controls, installing alarms and security cameras around the premises and adding additional security guards.
--Equip field staff with cell phones and noise devices and make sure someone is aware of their location throughout the day.
--Encourage employees to report threats or violent behavior.
--Provide post-termination counseling through an employee assistance program (EAP).
--Treat all threats seriously.
While there are many things that employers can do to prevent workplace violence, there are also several things that employees can and should
do to protect themselves in the workplace. This includes:
--Treat all threats seriously
--Learn how to recognize, avoid or diffuse potentially violent situations by attending personal safety training programs
--Alert supervisors to any concerns about safety or security or report all incidents immediately in writing.
--Carry only minimal money and required identification into community settings. More information on workplace violence prevention is available
at www.lwcc.com.
Better Business Bureau, Inc. to Host Annual Meeting
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) will host its annual meeting and elect officers and directors for 2008 on Thursday December 13th at its offices
located at 401 Edwards Street, Suite 135, in Shreveport. For more information email operations@shreveport.bbb.org
Investor Update Page 2
December 7, 2007
Northwest Louisiana Business Leaders Named to Jindal’s Transition Advisory Councils
Northwest Louisiana business leaders serving on Governor-elect Bobby Jindal’s Ethics Transition Advisory Council under chair Sean Reilly of
Baton Rouge and vice chair Virginia Shehee of Shreveport are Dick Bremer of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, former Mayor of
Shreveport James Gardner, Simsboro Mayor Willy Hendricks and Bossier City’s Bobby Edmiston. The Ethics Transition Advisory Council is one of
seven transition advisory councils.
Eric Barkley of CenterPoint Energy, Edward Crawford III of ATCO Investments, and Jerry Jones of Lemle & Kelleher LC are the Northwest
Louisiana representatives serving on the Government and Fiscal Reform Transition Advisory Council. Serving on the Social Services Group of the
Health Care Transition Advisory Council as vice-chair is Simone Hennessee of The Providence House. Others from the area serving with her
include Vernon Chance, Kay Irby of LANO and Director of Shreveport Community Development Bonnie Moore.
Business Retention and Recruitment Group Members from the area named to serve include Jude Melville of Business 1st Bank in Shreveport,
and Thomas Murphy.
Joining the Wildlife and Fisheries Transition Advisory Council were Chris Harbuck of Shreveport and Scriven Taylor of Natchitoches.
Transportation Group members from the area include Chris Gorman of Tango Transport, James Madden of Madden Construction, and Frank
Stinson of Rountree, Inc. The transportation group also includes a technical team and Kent Rogers of the Northwest Louisiana Council of
Governments has been added.
Jindal Names Five Secretaries and Legislative Director
Governor-elect Bobby Jindal filled half his Cabinet this week, naming leaders for five state agencies. Stephen Moret, president and CEO of the
Baton Rouge Area Chamber was named secretary of the Department of Economic Development. Jimmy LeBlanc, acting chief of operations at
the Department of Public Safety and Corrections will be promoted to secretary. Tim Barfield, former Shaw Group president and chief operating
officer, will be secretary of the Department of Labor. Purple Heart recipient and former legislator Lane Carson of Covington was named
secretary of the Department of Veteran Affairs. Department of Revenue Cynthia Bridges will keep her job as secretary, giving her the distinction
of working for three consecutive governors. The Cabinet must be approved by the state Senate following background screenings and
confirmation hearings. The vote will likely occur during the 2008 regular legislative session which opens March 31. Jindal takes office on
January 14th.
Last week, Jindal announced former BellSouth Vice President Thomas E. “Tommy” Williams of Baton Rouge as his legislative director.
General Business and Entertainment Industry Incentives Seminar Set
LED along with several partners will sponsor an Incentives Update Seminar on Thursday December 13th from 9 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. at the
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. Informational sessions will focus on the entertainment industry and general business incentives. Panels will
feature industry professionals who work with and process state-funded incentive programs. Attendees can expect to hear real examples of how
the incentives apply to large and small businesses statewide and will have access to management and technical advisors for consultations.
Entrepreneurs, small and large business owners, CPAs, legal and financial professionals are encouraged to attend. Registration is required. The
cost is $20. To register contact Ernest Collins, City of New Orleans at 504.658.4258 or ernest.collins@mayorofno.com.
Local Psychotherapist, Andy Sibley Invited to Hollywood to Meet Dr. Phil
Local psychotherapist and public speaker Andy Sibley, LMFT, LPC has been invited to attend December tapings of The Dr. Phil Show and meet
with Dr. Phil and staff about his work as a contract counselor for the show. For over two years, Andy has provided aftercare services to guests
of The Dr. Phil Show. The Dr. Phil Show chooses therapists from across the U. S. to provide services to its guests. Counselors are flown to
Hollywood to appear on the show with their guests that return to discuss their progress. Andy has been certified in the principles of Dr. Phil and
the material found in his books and is approved to conduct seminars and workshops on Dr. Phil’s approaches and his books. Andy can also
provide individual help guiding people through exercises found in these books and the difficult issues that may arise. Andy practices with Carole
Pruett, LCSW, DCSW, at Affiliated Clinical Services, a member of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. Andy is available to conduct
self-improvement seminars and you can reach him call 318.868.5008.
Cameras Keep Rolling in Shreveport
Over $2 billion worth of production have chosen Louisiana since 2002. Louisiana has experienced the highest statewide film activity growth in
the United States. The state is the leading location outside of the traditional hubs of California and New York. Shreveport is Louisiana’s newest
production center; it has earned the distinction “as one of the Top Ten Cities to live, work and make movies by MovieMaker Magazine. The
economic impact of direct in-state spending is dramatically increasing. In 2005, 33% of a production’s budget estimated to stay within
Louisiana. In 2006, 72% of a production budget stays within our economy and in 2007, 87% is being spent in Louisiana. Almost $200 million
payroll wages have been earned by Louisiana residents working in the motion picture industry.
The Weinstein Company feature film Soul Men starring Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson is in pre-production in Shreveport with shooting
scheduled for January 22nd through the end of March. Resumes are being accepted by fax 318.429.7598.
The feature film based on the video game Tekken is in pre-production with shooting scheduled to begin February 5th for six weeks. Resumes
for all crew positions are currently being accepted by fax 318.603.4564.
The Weinstein Company feature film The Comeback starring Ice Cube is in production with shooting scheduled through February 14th. For
more information go to www.bamcastingla.com.
The Sony Studios Pictures feature film The Year One starring Jack Black and Michael Cera is in pre-production with shooting scheduled from
January through March of 2008. Resumes for crew are currently being accepted by fax 318.673.9705. The Year One will hold an open casting
call Saturday, December 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Louisiana Boardwalk. For more info call 267.295.7838.
The Nu Image/Millennium feature film Void Moon is in pre-production with shooting scheduled for eight weeks beginning in late January.
Resumes are currently being accepted at voidmoonfilm@hotmail.com. For casting information go to www.gloriosocasting.com.
The cable television series Sordid Lives is shooting through January 25. Fax inquiries to 318.603.4571.
The Weinstein Company feature films Feast II and Feast III are in production through mid-December. Fax inquiries to 318.603.4562.
To stay abreast of film industry news go to www.lafilm.org.
KTAL-TV Family to Family Food Drive to Benefit NWLA Food Bank
The first KTAL-TV Family to Family Food Drive benefitting the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank is a one day all out effort to insure all Northwest
Louisiana residents has the opportunity to go to bed without hunger throughout the year. You may drop off your donations at the CenturyTel
Center on Wednesday, December 12th between 5 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. To find out more, including ideas about items to donate, go to
http://arklatexhomepage.com/content/new_template/family2family.
Merry Maids Operations Manager to Address Women’s Business Council
The Women’s Business Council (WBC) of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce will meet for its regular monthly meeting to be held on
Thursday, December 20th at Noon at Superior’s Steakhouse. Mary Cummings, President of the WBC and Operations Manager for Merry Maids
Franchises will present The Power of Purpose. There will also be an ornament exchange at the meeting and guests are encouraged to bring a
Christmas ornament valued at $5. The 2008 WBC Executive Committee will also be introduced. Admission includes lunch and is $18 if
reservations are made by December 17th and $20 after that date.
Reservations are required; for reservations email
wbc@shreveportchamber.org.
TravelHost Magazine Now Available On-Line
You can now link to TravelHost Magazine on-line. The magazine recently launched its new website featuring issues of magazines distributed
nationwide. Read the Shreveport-Bossier holiday issue at www.travelhost.com/shreveport.
Celebrate 2008 Fiesta to Include Silent Auction
The Hispanic Business Council and the Trejos Mexican Restaurant will host a fiesta and silent auction on Friday December 28th from 6:00 to
10:00 p.m. at Trejos Banquet Room at 1906 Market Street. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Diocese of Shreveport-Youth
Group & LULAC Council #16001. Must be 21 years or older to attend. The event calls for cocktail attire and includes a buffet dinner, cash bar
and dancing. Admission is $20 for Chamber Members and $25 for future members. For tickets call 318.677.2500.