[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 10418]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING CONVERSATIONS

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, small businesses have the unique 
ability to recognize emerging service gaps in their local economies. 
Often, these small businesses fill these unique service gaps in 
targeted, innovative ways. One such entity is this week's Small 
Business of the Week, Conversations of New Orleans, LA.
  In 2010, Megan Hargroder noticed a lack in social media and online 
engagement consulting for startups, small businesses, and nonprofits in 
the greater New Orleans area. Eager to fill the niche, Hargroder 
founded the media consulting company Conversations. Through 
Conversations, Hargroder's team provides targeted, easy-to-implement 
strategies for entities to connect with clients and future clients 
across a variety of online media platforms. Conversations has been an 
integral component in the online presence of hundreds of local 
organizations, businesses, and campaigns, such as the Junior League of 
New Orleans, the League of Women Voters, Tobacco Free Living, and 
former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason. Additionally, the 
Conversations team maintains an online journal and steady calendar of 
speaking engagements in their quest to continually educate and engage 
folks in social media outreach techniques.
  Like many startups, Hargroder initially struggled with transforming 
her innovative ideas into a profitable, effective business. She turned 
to the Greater New Orleans Region's Louisiana Small Business 
Development Center, LSBDC, which helped her navigate the nuances of 
starting and maintaining a healthy, thriving business. In the years 
since, Conversations' five-person team of bright and driven innovators 
in the realm of media consulting has transformed online media 
engagement in the State--creating economic opportunities for scores of 
businesses in Louisiana and beyond.
  Congratulations again to Conversations for being selected as Small 
Business of the Week. Thank you for your commitment to help local small 
businesses connect with clients and customers and foster economic 
growth.

                          ____________________