• Venture Publishing has added two account executives to the sales team. Amy Dansby will serve as an account executive for Forum and CityLife and Jeannie Morris will serve as the account executive for CityLife magazine. Dansby is a Tyler, Texas native and a has previously worked as a sales executive for the Tyler Morning Telegraph and is also a court appointed special advocate volunteer for children. With 15 years of experience, Dansby said she is eager to bring her sales experience to the team. “Coming on board to both publications has been an honor. I love that everywhere I go, I see people reading The Forum or CityLife magazine. This company has such a stellar reputation and a strong, supportive readership,” Dansby said. “There are so many positives and special opportunities for advertisers to learn about and I can’t wait to share these products with the Shreveport- Bossier City community.” Morris is a Shreveport native with more than 25 years of sales experience. Previously, she has sold print, digital and radio advertising. Morris said she is ready to let advertisers know more about the only women’s publication in Shreveport-Bossier City. “We have such a unique product that I am eager to share with advertisers. By advertising in CityLife magazine, I know local advertisers will better reach their market and increase their business,” Morris said. Dansby can be reached for advertising at 222-0409 ext. 109 or by email at [email protected] and Morris can be reached at 222-0409 ext. 105 or by email at [email protected].

• The National Development Council has awarded Shreveport Common, Shreveport’s new creative cultural district, the prestigious award for Outstanding Community Development at the NDC 2015 Academy in Washington, D.C. The multi-partner initiative was chosen from 56 community development projects across the nation as one of six semi-finalists including Seattle, Cleveland, San Antonio, Chicago,and rural Vermont. Shreveport was selected by vote of 500 community development, financial,and developer professionals to move to the final presentation rounds in Washington, D.C.,where the team was one of three projects asked to make a formal presentation,before being voted as the standout project. PresentersWendy Benscoter, Shreveport Common project director and Pam Atchison ,Shreveport Regional Arts Council director, were joined by Bonnie Moore, director of the City of Shreveport’s Community Development Department and Valerie Ervin, Community Development Department. Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tylerre commended Shreveport Common as the entry project for Shreveport.