Finalists for 2024 Business Person of the Year
Charlie Sanders is a Senior Manufacturing Engineer at Frymaster LLC, where he has been employed for 18 years. Charlie is not only an exceptional business professional in the workplace, but a dedicated mentor. He is a mentor for the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education program at BPCC and a mentor for the Adult Re-entry Mentoring Initiative. He is a former board member for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (Northwest Louisiana Chapter) and a former Advisory Board Member for Remington College. Charlie Sanders was a past Chapter president for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, whose mission is to develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence, and provide service and advocacy for our communities, and Vice President of the Delta Upsilon Lambda Foundation. Nominated for his mentorship, both in the workplace and our community, and for his wisdom and patience, Charlie Sanders is an outstanding member of our region.
Kevin Nolten is the President of the Cyber Innovation Center and a proud resident of Shreveport-Bossier, where he was born and raised, attended school from preschool to graduate school, and is now raising his children here. Kevin is a passionate advocate for Bossier-Shreveport, and his service extends beyond his personal life; Kevin is the Board Chair of Christian Services, which provides the community with two hot meals every day. Kevin also serves on the Board for the Regional Air Service Alliance, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, and the Krewe of Gemini. Under Kevin’s leadership, CIC was recognized as Louisiana’s top innovator in workforce development, which reflects his commitment to transforming education and national defense. Kevin’s strategic vision and collaborative spirit have positioned Northwest Louisiana as a hub for innovation, economic development, and opportunity. His work ensures a sustainable, prosperous future for our region and beyond.
Taylor Jamison is the Director of Regulatory and Political Affairs for NextEra Energy Resources with an extensive history of volunteerism and community engagement. Taylor is currently serving on the board of directors for the University of Louisiana at Monroe and as an executive committee board member for the Independence Bowl Foundation. As Co-Chairman of Cohab, Taylor has played a pivotal role in spearheading efforts in economic development and business innovation. Taylor also served as a Board Member of the Urban Progressive Council, focusing on progressive community development and social issues. In addition, his contributions as a Committee Member of the Louisiana Economic Development Supplier Diversity Council have been instrumental in promoting supplier diversity initiatives throughout the region. Through professional excellence, dedication to community advancement, and impactful leadership, Taylor Jamison has proven his commitment to our region and its people.
Finalists for 2024 Business of the Year
Always Best Care Senior Services is passionate about supporting our community through exceptional senior assisted living services. In 2024, Always Best Care Senior Services expanded their service area to include all of Northwest Louisiana and East Texas. This expansion enabled them to hire and train more caregivers and CNAs, currently employing over 130 in the Shreveport/Bossier City area. Always Best Care Senior Services was awarded Best Employer 2024 by BIZ magazine and Best Assisted Living and Best Home Care by the Shreveport-Bossier Advocate.
ASG Group Insurance Agency is a full-service insurance agency that provides personalized business and individual assessments to determine insurance needs. ASG is licensed in 24 states and offers competitive rates to obtain the best coverage for the best price for all of their policyholders. ASG recently expanded into a dedicated building with eight employees and has grown exponentially since their opening in 2022. ASG Group Insurance Agency strives to serve those who have been denied insurance and help them find coverage.
The Arc Caddo-Bossier is a non-profit agency that provides an array of services and supportive programs for infants, children, and adults with disabilities and their families. The Arc Caddo-Bossier proudly celebrated 70 years of service in 2024 and has served thousands of people throughout the years. In 2024, The Arc held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their recently expanded Goldman School, which helped their Children’s Services division grow by 70 more openings to serve families in the community. Additionally, The Arc introduced the Community Life Engagement program, which empowers adults with disabilities to explore their community and contribute through volunteering at local nonprofit organizations.
BENTELER Steel/Tube Manufacturing Corporation has had significant growth at their Shreveport plant at the Port of Caddo-Bossier in 2024. With a multi-million dollar investment, BENTELER Steel/Tube was able to add a new threading line, which allows for all tube processing to be carried out in-house. In their finishing department, BENTELER added a 5th crew, and, along with other growth areas, was able to add more than 50 positions in 2024. BENTELER is a member of the Northwest Louisiana FAME Chapter and offers internships to students in the region.
Birdwell’s is a gift and home furnishing store that embodies southern tradition, style, and nostalgia. Inspired by owner Angela Pfanner’s grandmothers, who exemplified hard work, love of family, unwavering faith, and gratitude, Birdwell’s sells gifts, art, and furniture with Southern hospitality and class. In 2024, Birdwell’s expanded their business with creative after hours events and classes. With vendor pop-ups to platform artists and craftsmen, and art shows, Birdwell’s has made a great impact on the art community in Bossier.
Bobby L. Greene Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Company LLC has been providing our area with exceptional plumbing services since 1959, and in 2024, they expanded their business with an HVAC division and memberships to better take care of their customers. The team at Bobby L. Greene took time in 2024 to remember their core values of quality, efficiency, and honesty to continue to provide the best possible service to people in our area.
In 2024, First Responder Support Team hit the ground running providing mental health services, financial crisis response and trusted partner referrals to our law enforcement, fire prevention, dispatch, emergency medical, linemen, military, and veteran community. Despite being a new organization with limited funding, FRST was able to provide over 350 mental health sessions to 51 first responders and responded to 117 support requests. With a staff of only four volunteers, FRST has made great strides in 2024 to support our community.
General Dynamics Information Technology is a global technology and professional services company that delivers consulting, technology and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. At their Bossier City location, GDIT generated $267M in economic impact for Bossier/Shreveport Metropolitan Statistical Area. GDIT strongly supports Louisiana’s secondary and higher education and has engaged over 400 students in Louisiana since 2022. GDIT employs over 1,500 personnel across Louisiana, with approximately 1,300 jobs based in the greater Shreveport-Bossier area. By fostering partnerships with local organizations, supporting workforce development initiatives, and maintaining its leadership in the tech industry, GDIT has proven to be an invaluable asset to our community.
Peg & Co is a family-owned fine jewelry store in Bossier City that offers a personalized shopping experience and quality jewelry with exceptional customer service. Peg & Co serves the community by supporting several charitable organizations and has recently expanded their custom ordering options to better serve the needs of their customers. Additionally, Peg and Co has been awarded top ten BIZ Best places to work two years in a row.
Southern Home Builders Inc is the largest locally-owned home builder and residential developer in Shreveport-Bossier and has been designing and constructing high-quality homes with an emphasis on customer satisfaction since it opened in 1994. In 2024, Southern Home Builders celebrated 30 years in business and introduced 2 new floor plans and 20 new front elevations to their services. Since opening, Southern Home Builders has completed roughly 2,500 homes in over 30 communities in the region. In 2024 alone, they built over 90 homes in Bossier City and Bossier Parish, providing housing for people who came to work, start businesses, and grow their families in the City of Bossier. Their dedication to excellence, growth, and continuous improvement showcases their commitment to supporting our region.