Shreveport Times
July 7, 2026
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
VISIT SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER
May 7, 2026
Call to Order
Mr. Johnson, Board Chairman, called the regular meeting of the Board of Directors to order at 11:37 a.m. on May 7, 2026. The meeting was held at Visit Shreveport-Bossier, 629 Spring Street, Shreveport, LA.
Board Members Present: Andrea Butler, Annikea Boles, Beth Smiley, Billy Anderson, Carlotta Askew-Brown, Casey Hartley, Charles Johnson, Jack Skaggs, Dr. Jerome DuBose, Tiffany Evans, Veronica Brown, and Jennifer Boone.
Board Members Absent: Jason McKinney, Joanna Folse-Alexander, and Kelly Darden.
Staff Members Present: Stacy Brown, Aaron Bronson, Serena Gray, Wade Marshall, and Charlie Rice
Approval of Agenda
Mr. Johnson called for a motion to approve the agenda, Ms. Hartley made a motion to approve, which Mr. Anderson seconded. All in favor, none opposed, with no public comment.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Johnson called for a motion to approve April 16, 2026, regularly scheduled board meeting minutes. Ms. V. Brown made a motion to approve, seconded by Dr. DuBose. All in favor, none opposed, with no public comment.
Opportunity for Public Comment: No public comment.
Finance Committee
A. Financial ReportFinancials are not available.
B. Check Register All questions were answered.
C. Occupancy Tax Report Ms. S. Brown reviewed the occupancy tax report for April. Shreveport-Bossier YTD is up 9.21%.
D. Tourism Summary Report Ms. S. Brown reviewed the March tourism summary report.
E. Grant Applications
a. Let the Good Times Roll application not yet received.
b. Shreveport America 250 Celebration After discussion of concerns, Mr. Skaggs made a motion to approve up to $15,000 once an application has submitted; seconded by Dr. DuBose. All in favor, one opposed, with no public comment. In future funding requests must go through the application process.
c. SciPort: Game Port Ms. Smiley made a motion to approve up to $3,000; seconded by Mr. Anderson. All in favor, none opposed with no public comment.
President Reports
Communications: Rescheduled the new Airport Visitor Center press conference to June. Annual Reports are about to be printed. The Carvertise Program will be activated in Dallas with 20 vehicles driving around with the Visit Shreveport-Bossier logo. Passengers will have access to a QR code that will take them to the VSB website.
Conventions: Hosted 10 planners and 2 staff members from the RCMA Advisory Council. Attended the Connect Marketplace. The Brand USA FAM from the UK & Scotland went well.
Film Commission: 64 Parishes on LPB just released Caddo Parish with the focus of outdoors and the rural byway. Currently scouting 6 productions, Reel Scout program has been a great asset. Working on a potential film training studio.
Destination Development: Currently working on the Destination 318 Tourism Challenge. The Clean Sweep Campaign was on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in the Highland District.
Sports Commission: Red River Rumble F1 Powerboats VIP invitations have been sent out to elected officials. Fit for Life Optimum Classic Championships will be held May 29-30, 2026, at the Shreveport Convention Center.
Excellence in Hospitality Awards: EIH will be held tonight at Sams Town Casino. Cocktail hour begins at 6:00 p.m., Buffet opens at 6:30 p.m. and the Program begins at 7:00 p.m.
Financial Disclosure Statement Due May 15, 2026
Legislative Update: SB430 unanimously passed the House yesterday. Will now go to the full House. Ms. S. Brown will meet with attorneys to review process to get on November ballot. Working on how to educate the public.
Destination 318: Received 23 applications. The first workshop is this Saturday, May 9, 2026. There are a variety of businesses participating, some new, and some expanding.
Chairmans Report - Association Reports
A. Shreveport-Bossier Film Advisory Board Bylaws Mr. Marshall gave the board an overview of the bylaws. Ms. S. Brown and Mr. Marshall will meet with Mr. Skaggs to review the bylaws and will bring it back to the board in June.
Restaurant Association: No report
Hotel/Motel Association: No report
Attractions Association: No report
Next Meeting:
Board Meeting June 18, 2026
Agenda items for the upcoming meeting:
Shreveport-Bossier Film Advisory Board Bylaws
Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:40 p.m.
Approved:
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Charles Johnson
Chairman
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Carlotta Askew-Brown
Secretary
12464349 7/7/26 ($207.20)
Miscellaneous Notices