Chamber Voice Newsletter | April 2018

APRIL2018 | Vol 13 Issue 4

96th Annual Celebration

Honors Rogers-Lowell Community

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he 96th Annual Celebration of Business & Community was held on February 22 in Rogers. It was a special night in many ways. We honored our community, celebrated our successes, recognized our outstanding leaders, and explored dynamic changes being made to the way our organization thinks and acts.

Attendees Enjoy New Format The night began with the crowd, estimated at more than 700 people, enjoying a welcome reception featuring delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks under a brand-new event format for 2018.

Attendees networked and mingled with each other prior to the main festivities. Immediately following, the Ozark Mountains British Brass Band performed live as a special treat to the audience which included the national anthem. Before the ceremonies, Sister Anita DeSalvo of Mercy Northwest Arkansas presented the invocation.

“One of the highlights of this meeting each year is that we get to recognize individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding service and commitment to our communities,” said Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Raymond Burns.

The new atmosphere was a welcomed transformation for those in attendance. “Tonight’s event was amazing,” Legacy National Bank’s Stephen Wright said. “I am always appreciative of the community we live in and the leaders we have surrounding us.”

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Events and Meetings

New Members and Chair Welcomed to Member Engagement Committee 96th Annual Celebration Honors RogersLowell Community Continued

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96th Annual Celebration Honors RogersLowell Community Continued

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Hustle In Heels: Ladies Lead NWA Launches 2018 Programming; Small Business of the First Quarter

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Destination Marketing Highlights and Trends Explored at March 9 TOURISM TALK Focus on Community – Arkansas Public Theatre Reveals Season 33 Focus on Community – 11th Annual NW Arkansas Championship Begins June 18; Rogers Earns Best-Tasting Drinking Water Award Chamber Leadership Programs | 2018 Update

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Welcome New Members | February 2018; April B2B Networking Breakfast

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Ribbon Cuttings | February 2018 Chamber Membership Renewals | February 2018; Annual Events Coming Second Quarter 2018

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Chamber Networking & Educational Events

Politics and Brain Surgery | The Year of the Challenger – From the Desk of Jon Moran

RogersLowell.com | APRIL2018

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quick reference calendar | APRIL Business Building Events

Upcoming Meetings

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4.1 | Small Business Council Meeting 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

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4.1 | Hustle In Heels Committee Meeting 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

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Rogers-Lowell Area

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4.13 | Coffee Connection 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | First Western

Chamber of Commerce

View complete calendar at RogersLowell.com

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317 West Walnut Street

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4.13 | Education Committee Meeting 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

Rogers, Arkansas 72756

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4.14 | Rogers Advertising & Promotion Meeting 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

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4.14 | Business-to-Business Breakfast 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | NWACC Shewmaker Center for Workforce Technology

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4.14 | Member Engagement Committee Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

P: (479) 636-1240 F: (479) 636-5485

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492950) is published monthly in January, February,

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4.15 | Business After Hours 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Benchmark Group

March, May, June, July, August, September,

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4.9 | Government Affairs Committee Meeting 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

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4.26 | Ambassadors About Town 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Location TBD

Paid for through Periodical “Chamber Voice” (USPS

October November and December; (semi-monthly in April) by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc., 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756. Periodical postage paid at Rogers, AR.

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Postmaster send address changes to: Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756.

STAF F Raymond Burns, CCE President/CEO rburns@rogerslowell.com

Brad Phillips Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications brad@rogerslowell.com

Maddie Ward Special Events Coordinator maddie@rogerslowell.com

Kelly Parker Sports & Tourism Marketing Manager | Visit Rogers kelly@rogerslowell.com

J.R. Shaw Executive Director/Executive Vice President | Visit Rogers jr@rogerslowell.com

Jon Moran Senior Vice President of Government Affairs jon@rogerslowell.com

Ross Phillips Director of Community Development ross@rogerslowell.com

Luke Wiggins Meetings & Conventions Sales Manager | Visit Rogers luke@rogerslowell.com

Katie Wright Chief Operations Officer katie@rogerslowell.com

Vickie Grotts Vice President of Accounting & Finance vickie@rogerslowell.com

Nick Smith Creative Services Director nick@rogerslowell.com

Justin Freeman Marketing Communications Specialist justin@rogerslowell.com

Shelle Summers, IOM Senior Vice President of Membership Services ssummers@rogerslowell.com

Karen Wagaman Vice President of Downtown Development karen@rogerslowell.com

Jacque Eakins Account Executive jacque@rogerslowell.com

Ashley Matsumura Information Specialist ashley@rogerslowell.com

Steve Cox Senior Vice President of Economic Development steve@rogerslowell.com

Heather Friday Finance Manager heather@rogerslowell.com

Marni Rogers Member Relations Manager marni@rogerslowell.com

Amanda Mills Information Specialist amanda@rogerslowell.com

BOA RD O F DI R E C TO R S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman of the Board Eric Pianalto, Mercy NWA

Chairman-Elect Greg Fogle, Nabholz Construction Treasurer Angie Tucker-Ridley, Tucker's Furniture & Appliance Past Chairman David Faulkner, Pinnacle Hills Promenade President/CEO Raymond Burns RIDC President Jerry Vest, Regions Bank

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2018 DIRECTORS

Keri Earwood, Shelter Insurance Dennis Ferguson, Simmons Bank Jon Harrell, Generations Bank Jeff Milford, AEP/SWEPCO David Roth, WorkMatters Tina Winham, Spin Master

2019 DIRECTORS

Jill Bright, Grand Savings Bank Payne Brewer, Arvest Bank Corry Hull, OneDigital Health and Benefits Erin Kiefer, Assembled Products Corporation Harrison Kiser, Northwest Health Chris Sultemeier, Walmart (retired)

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Tom Allen, Sage Partners Dr. Marlin Berry, Rogers Public Schools Kristen Boozman, Portfolio Luxury Real Estate Redefined Jerry Carmichael, 3C Retail Solutions Judge Barry Moehring, Benton County Rich Davis, Black Hills Energy Jesica Duert, Walmart Mike Dodge, Carroll Electric Coop. Corp.

Sandy Edwards, Crystal Bridges Museum Dan Hendrix, World Trade Center Arkansas Greg Hines, Mayor, City of Rogers Tom Hopper, Tallchamps, LLC

Dr. Evelynn Jorgenson, NWACC Peter Lane, Walton Arts Center David Lang, Embassy Suites NWA Eldon Long, Mayor, City of Lowell Aaron Matthews, First Baptist Church of Lowell Jerra Nalley, Runway Curt Stamp, Cox Business Thom Stathakis, Everett Buick GMC Dick Trammel, Arkansas Highway Commission Jeff Wood, Tyson Foods Paul Wood

2020 DIRECTORS

Leah Acoach, Ozark Mountain Poultry, Inc. Danny Beck, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Joe Donaldson, Sam’s Furniture Brad Hicks, J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. Mike Power, First Security Bank David Vaden, Ernst & Young LLP

DIVISION CHAIRS

Community Development - Tina Winham Membership Services - Keri Earwood Economic Development - Jeff Milford Government Affairs - Jerry Carmichael Convention & Visitors Bureau - David Lang

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Jill Bright, Jon Harrell, & David Vaden

New Volunteers and Chair Welcomed to Member Engagement Committee The Member Engagement Committee held its first meeting of 2018 on January 25 and welcomed four new Committee members and Committee Chair. The Committee supports the Chamber’s membership and helps strengthen member engagement by visiting current members and mentoring them through all the programs and services the Chamber offers. The Committee set a goal to visit 265 members in 2018 to identify members’ needs and concerns.

The vision of the Committee is "a membership where all members are informed, connected, engaged, and feel supported."

“It is important to maintain strong relationships with our members and keep them involved. With over 2,100 members, volunteers on the Engagement Committee helping us support our members is crucial.”

Marni Rogers Member Relations Manager Member Engagement Committee Liaison

“Members visiting with members to help them maximize their Chamber benefits is the focus of this committee,” said Kerry Jensen, new Committee Chair and 2017 Ambassador of the Year. “During our visits we explain how a member can use these benefits to grow their business and give examples from our first-hand experiences.”

Raising Cane’s sponsored lunch for the January meeting and spoke to the Committee about their delicious menu and involvement in the community.

For more information about the Member Engagement Committee, contact Marni Rogers at (479) 619-3194.

Pictured (left to right) are: Heather Slinkard, baby Jack Lansford, Kerbie Lansford, Norma Fields, Tara Pandher, Brandon Hines (from Raising Cane's), Amanda Johnson, Jean Mathews, Maria Juarez, Kerry Jensen. Not present: Fre Breathitt, Keri Earwood, Toni Luetjen, Josh Vasquez

Amanda Johnson, Owner, Bumbles & Boots Custom Creations, LLC

Tara Pandher, Branch Manager, United Bank

Toni Luetjen, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Steve Landers Toyota

Josh Vasquez, Business Development Manager, United Bank

Committee Chair Kerry Jensen, Marketing with Rick McLeod - Farmers Insurance Group, accepts his Ambassador of the Year award at this year's 96th Annual Celebration RogersLowell.com | APRIL2018

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Celebrating Our Successes The presentation of community awards followed the reception. David Faulkner, 2017 Chairman of the Board, and Eric Pianalto, 2018 Chairman of the Board, joined Burns on stage to honor and celebrate the following individuals and organizations: • AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR | Kerry Jensen, Rick McLeod Farmers Insurance • VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR | Carrie Wilson, Mass Mutual Financial Group • 2017 SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR | EcoVet Furniture • ROGERS-LOWELL SPIRIT AWARD | Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders • ELBERT S. GRAHAM / ELZA TUCKER AWARD (LOWELL) | J.P. Barnett, Arvest Bank • DICK TRAMMEL ROGERS GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD | Tom Hopper, Crafton Tull (retired) The awards didn’t end there, however. A brand-new award, The Barclay-Matthews Award for Distinguished Legislative Leadership, was introduced. This new award will be given on special occasions when the Chamber sees legislators working in the spirit of both Dick Barclay and David Matthews through actions that bring significant progress and results to our region in a bipartisan way of working together.

The inaugural winners of the award were Representative Dan Douglas and Senator Uvalde Lindsey.

“Dan is admired by so many for his willingness to address important issues

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in the highly charged political environment we live with today,” Faulkner said. “His independence and determination to get things done, regardless of the challenge or what the political consequences may be, is a testament to his integrity. He continues to provide strong leadership and represents this region, and the state, very well in the Arkansas General Assembly.”

“Uvalde’s leadership on the Joint Budget Committee and his work in the Senate Education Committee have built on the foundation that he laid for the growth of the NWA region during his time at the Council,” Faulkner continued. “We appreciate his efforts as a member of the General Assembly to further the growth of Northwest Arkansas, and we will miss his leadership in that body after he retires at the end of this year. When the chronology of the unprecedented growth

of NWA is documented, it will surely include the names Walton, Tyson, Hunt, Hammerschmidt, Hudson, and the names of many others. The name that most definitely should be included among that group is Uvalde Lindsey.”

Introducing Chamber 3.0 Roadmap to 2022 The 96th Annual Celebration introduced the Chamber 3.0 initiative, an intentional envisioning of the future to ensure the Chamber is relevant and that its best days are ahead. The invigorated, new format of the Annual Celebration was just one of the first steps in becoming the Chamber of the future and an excellent example of the mission of this initiative.

“Your Chamber believes it can and will continue to set the standard and raise the bar,” Faulkner said. “Some would say that going to the next level would be like creating Chamber Version 2.0, but we are a five-star chamber, a trend setter, and a foundation for community and regional leadership. We set our sights not only on next week, next month, next year, but we recognize what our organization will need to become as we move to our hundredth anniversary in just five short years (2022).

Who will our leaders be? What do we need to be doing to attract the next generation of leadership? Will there be a new standard for community and business leadership? And with that next generation leading us, will our programing, thinking, and mission need to be different?

What will we be five and 10 years

down the road? The answer is in Chamber 3.0, steering us to go beyond what’s next.”

Passing of the Gavel One of the traditions of the Chamber’s Annual Celebration is honoring the outgoing Chairman of the Board of Directors and introducing the incoming Chairman. Faulkner, General Manager for the Pinnacle Hills Promenade, passed the gavel on to Pianalto, President of Mercy Northwest Arkansas.

“David, on behalf of the Chamber, we recognize and appreciate the time, energy, and leadership that you have provided during the past year,” Pianalto said. “Your leadership has been thoughtful and has contributed to outstanding results.”

The night concluded with coffee, dessert, more drinks, and an opportunity to remember the night forever by visiting the Branch Photography photo booth for a photo. View a gallery of photos from the event at RogersLowell. com or listen to what attendees had to say about their experience on the Voice of Business Blog at ImpactPossible.com/Voice.

David Matthews speaks before awarding the first Barclay-Matthews award

Uvalde Lindsey and son Michael Lindsey

Volunteer of the Year | The Dick Trammel Rogers Good Neighbor Award |

Tom Hopper (left)

2017 Small Business of the Year |

EcoVet Furniture

Carrie Wilson, Mass Mutual Financial Group

Rep. Dan Douglas accepts BarclayMatthews Award

Dick Barclay with his son (right) and grandson (left)

Elbert S. Graham / Elza Tucker Award |

J.P. Barnett, Arvest Bank

Ambassador of the Year |

Kerry Jensen, Rick McLeod Farmers Insurance

Rogers-Lowell Spirit Award |

Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders

Special Thanks to Our Annual Celebration Sponsors

PRESENTING SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

RECEPTION SPONSORS

Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Cherokee Casino & Hotel Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas FM Corporation Hight Jackson Associates, P.A. Josh Mahony for Congress

McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc. Ozark Mountain Poultry, Inc. PSAV Presentation Services Regions Bank United Bank

BRONZE SPONSORS

PROGRAM SPONSOR

Arvest Bank Bank of Arkansas Branch Photography Carroll Electric Cooperative Corporation CEI Engineering Associates, Inc. Centennial Bank Core Architects EcoVet Furniture First National Bank First National Bank of NWA First Security Bank First Western Generations Bank Grand Savings Bank

Herrera Law Group Legacy National Bank McGoodwin Williams & Yates, a division of Olsson Associates Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. Moser Corporation Northwest Health OneDigital Health and Benefits The RoArk Group Rogers Insurance Agency, Inc. Sage Parners Real Estate Solutions Showcase Trophy & Awards, LLC Steve Landers Toyota NWA StudioChunky

RogersLowell.com | APRIL2018

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Hustle In Heels: Ladies Lead NWA Launches 2018 Programming E M P OW E R M E N T SP O N SO R

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ff to a great start, Hustle In Heels: Ladies Lead NWA presented the first event of 2018 to rave reviews with over 150 women attending the luncheon on February 8. Candace Morgan, Managing Partner, Business Sales for Verizon Wireless shared her professional perspective for facing stereotypes

in the workplace. By adding her personal story as well (as a mother of five), she shared advice and motivation, and inspired extended conversations with the women at the luncheon. “Challenge your assumptions,”“change the narrative,” and “get comfortable being uncomfortable” were her insightful words of encouragement.

other business women. The programs strive to include an interactive approach and small group discussions that offer women the chance to share and learn from each other.

SAVE THE DATE | May 10 Attend the next Hustle in Heels event on May 10. The group will lunch and learn together as Dr. More Than Networking Meredith Jones of Harding University provides Hustle in Heels aspires to fill a need for insights into understanding your peers as you making connections, building confidence, and network and build rapport in the workplace. supporting personal and professional growth for Discussions about different personality styles businesswomen in Northwest Arkansas. Designed and unique methods for adapting to change will to be more than an opportunity for networking, provide attendees with information to consider each event is intended to provide connections and apply in their own lives. Follow up on with ideas and perspectives as well as with Facebook for details and updates. presented by |

Small Business of the First National Day of Prayer May 3rd, 2018 Quarter | Rick McLeod – Farmers Insurance Group

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ach quarter, the Small Business Council of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to provide special recognition to our small business community by awarding an Outstanding Small Business of the Quarter.

The nominees are considered and based upon being a member in good standing with the Chamber, employing under 100 people, and giving back to the community. The Small Business Council recognizes these exceptional small business owners for their tireless work and their embodiment of the spirit of enterprise.

The winner of the Outstanding Small Business of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2018 is Rick McCleod – Farmers Insurance Group in Rogers. Rick and his team have been a staple of Downtown Rogers for many years, and not only is a successful business but also a good corporate citizen, highly involved in organizations like Rogers Downtown Rotary, Rogers Public Library Foundation and many other area non-profits.

1st Quarter Winn e r They donate time raising awareness and providing resources throughout the area for these and many more organizations.

Congratulations from the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce to Rick and his team.

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Rogers Mayor’s Pray for America

Prayer Breakfast Guest Speaker

Governor Asa Hutchinson Cross Church 2448 Pinnacle Hills Parkway Rogers, AR 6:30 AM-8:15 AM

General Admission $12

sponsorships available Purchase Your Tickets Today

www.rogersprayerbreakfast.com Like us on Facebook: Rogers Prayer Breakfast

Destination Marketing Highlights and Trends Explored at March 9

TOURISM TALK

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isit Rogers held its second annual Tourism Talk on March 9 at Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas. The event provided attendees the latest updates on Visit Rogers marketing efforts exploring industry trends and new opportunities (including “The Destination Management Cycle” being utilized by the organization as a best practice for Destination Marketing Organizations – see graphic). The newest edition of The Good Life 2018-19 Destination Guide was also distributed.

Additionally, Patrick Rogers, Content Director of Miles Partnership, conducted a Google Content Program Workshop for industry partners providing tactical training and how-to takeaways for using Google My Business. Attendees had the opportunity to bypass the Google My Business verification process and verify their businesses on-site.

Visit Rogers 2017 Marketing Highlights J.R. Shaw, Executive Director of Visit Rogers, presented a topline summary of highlights from 2017. Overall last year, Visit Rogers booked 56 meetings and events, and tracked 17,389 room nights and 43,285 attendees from 64 groups. Shaw said the economic impact to the community was $11.8 million in direct spending in 2017.

The Arkansas Tourism class from Rogers Heritage High School was one of the groups who attended the 2018 Tourism Talk Event

Why Destination Marketing is Important If you build a place people want to VISIT, you build a place where people want to LIVE.

If you build a place where people want to LIVE, you’ll build a place where people want to WORK.

The Destination Management Cycle - from Maura Gast, FDCME

Event Partners

If you build a place where BUSINESS has to be, you build a place where people have to VISIT.

If you build a place people want to WORK, you build a place where BUSINESS needs to be.

RogersLowell.com | APRIL2018

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Arkansas Public Theatre Reveals

SEASON 33 The front of the Victory Theater, home of Arkansas Public Theatre in Downtown Rogers

January | 2018 – Arkansas Public Theatre (APT) revealed the Season 33 show line-up in March at The Victory Theater in Downtown Rogers during their annual Season Announcement Party. Arkansas Public Theatre’s (APT) Season 33 features once again a mix of new, straight-from-Broadway productions and long-standing classics that were chosen with APT’s growing and diverse audience in mind. There is something for all ages in Season 33 at APT.

SUNSET BOULEVARD

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, book and lyrics

by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, based on the Billy Wilder film Auditions: July 31, 2018 at 7 p.m.

Performances: September 14-16, 20-23, 27-30, 2018

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics

by Tim Rice Auditions: December 17, 2018 at 7 p.m.

Performances: February 8-10, 14-17, 21-24, 2019

By Lucas Hnath Auditions: May 6, 2019 at 7 p.m.

Performances: June 14-16, 20-23, 2019

THINGS TO DO IN MUNICH

STUPID KID

By Sharr White (FIRST NON-PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTION BY SPECIAL ARRANGMENT WITH THE AUTHOR) Auditions: February 11, 2019 at 7 p.m.

Performances: March 22-23, 28-31, 2019

Book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin; based on Little Orphan Annie by permission of The Media Tribune Services, Inc. Auditions: June 17, 2019 at 7 p.m.

Performances: will take place July 26-28, August 1-4, 8-11, 2019

By Oren Safdie (WORLD PREMIERE!) Auditions: September 17, 2018 at 7 p.m.

Performances: November 2-4, 8-11, 2018

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER A KID LIKE JAKE

By Barbara Robinson Auditions: November 5, 2018 at 7 p.m.

Performances: December 14-16, 20-23, 2018

ANNIE

By Daniel Pearle Auditions: March 25, 2019 at 7 p.m.

Performances: May 3-5, 9-12, 2019

Performance times are 8:00 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, with Sunday performances at 2:00 p.m. Doors and concessions open at 7:00 pm. Group discounts for 10 or more guests are available by contacting the Box Office. Season and individual show tickets can be purchased online at ArkansasPublicTheatre.org or at the APT Box Office at (479) 631-8988.

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11th Annual NW Arkansas Championship Begins June 18

June | 2018 – The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G will return June 18–24 to Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers.

The event started in 2007 as an LPGA tournament. The tournament was founded with the mission of improving the quality of life in Northwest Arkansas. With a purse of $2 million, ($300,000 to the Champion), the tournament attracts more than 140 of the best female golfers in the world along with golf fans from around the globe. The Golf Channel will provide television coverage. The week-long schedule of community-driven events will also feature a three-night food festival and unique 5k race.

The golf tournament will see popular fan attractions return such as the Sam’s Club Kids Center, Hallmark Autograph Alley and the Gatorade Loudest Hole on Tour (No. 17). First introduced in 2017, Hub479, the tournament’s largest onsite structure, will once again provide guests a front-row seat to experience golf on the 17th Hole. Hub479 will feature several signature events throughout the week including family friendly programming, a yoga class and a first responder’s appreciation event.

The tournament is committed to giving back to local charities in Northwest Arkansas in meaningful ways.

Tournament beneficiaries have included the following organizations: • • • • •

Walton Arts Center The Morgan Pressel Foundation Mercy Northwest Arkansas The James Beard Foundation Goodwill

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Dress For Success NWA Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County The Cancer Challenge NWA Boys and Girls Club of Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club of Benton County

Visit www.NWAChampionship.com to stay up to date with event news and information.

Rogers Earns Best-Tasting Drinking Water Award March | 2018 - The City of Rogers (Rogers Water Utilities) took first place for besttasting drinking water on March 14 at the Center for Nonprofits in Rogers during the monthly meeting of the Northwest District of the Arkansas Water Works and Water Environment Association (AWW&WEA).

The City of Bentonville took second place, in a runoff second round of tasting.

Other competitors included Beaver Water District, Springdale, Prairie Grove, and Siloam Springs. Rogers will now compete for the statewide award during the 2018 Annual Conference & Exposition of AWW&WEA, which will be held April 29-May 2 in Hot Springs.

Steve Waryas of McWane Ductile, Jason Bird of the Arkansas Department of Health, and Brent Hutchins of Brad Green and Associates served as judges.

They evaluated and scored water samples on clarity, color, odor, and taste. Brad Stewart, Chair of the NW District AWW&WEA (Springdale Water Utilities), emceed the event. Nathan Hooper, Secretary/Treasurer (BentonWashington Regional Public Water Authority), and Mayo Miller, Vice Chair (CH2M Hill) assisted with the event.

RogersLowell.com | APRIL2018

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Chamber Leadership Programs | 2018 Update

Attendees of the YP Summit listen to a keynote from entreprenuer Steve Clark

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he Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes the need to foster up-and-coming leaders to ensure the future of the region is bright. Through education, community awareness, and hands-on experience, leadership programming provides the region with an ongoing source of diverse leaders at all levels of business that are prepared and committed to serve the community as sustainers of positive change. The Chamber’s successful leadership programs, Leadership Benton County (LBC), and Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders (NWAEL), hone the skills of future key leaders and provide them with understanding and insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the Northwest Arkansas area.

Leadership Benton County | Applications Now Being Accepted Benton County has been blessed with a wealth of financial, physical, and human resources, but we sometimes tend to take for granted the future of our area by simply assuming the appropriate leadership talent will emerge to guide us whenever we need. Leadership Benton County (LBC) was

Leadership Benton County Class 15 visits with Governor Asa Hutchinson at the Arkansas Capitol Building.

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Photos from the NWA Emerging Leaders Kitchen Takeover event at MOD March 4, 2018

developed to serve as a training ground for our future leaders to help meet this need. The keys to our future are knowledgeable and skilled leaders, willing to step to the forefront, who have an awareness and understanding of all facets of our community.

The LBC program provides leadership training specific to the regional issues facing the county. Goals of the 11-session program include identification and motivation of individuals with leadership potential; acquainting participants with community needs, challenges and opportunities; offering a forum for dealing with community issues; and challenging future leaders to become involved with local issues and decision-making processes.

Leadership Benton County is now taking in applications for the next class. The deadline to apply is April 27. For more information on the Leadership Benton County program, visit LeadershipBentonCounty.org or contact Ross Phillips, Director of Community Development, Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce at (479) 619-3197 or ross@rogerslowell.com.

Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders is a young professional group focused on empowering local young professionals and impacting Northwest Arkansas. NWAEL exists to connect and engage young professionals within Northwest Arkansas through personal and professional development experiences.

The group is open to anyone in Northwest Arkansas that has a desire to get involved in the community, expand their leadership skills and become in engaged in the program of work. The program of work includes: multiple volunteer opportunities throughout the year; two Board Service Certification Classes; creation of a pipeline of leaders who are qualified and willing to serve on public and private boards, commissions, and other areas of leadership to benefit the community. NWAEL connects top tier leaders within our community to emerging talent to form premium mentorships that are designed to improve the leadership skills of the young professional.

NWAEL also creates unique experiences that highlight the quality of life and place that we enjoy here in Northwest Arkansas. Learn more at NWAEmergingLeaders.com.

Politics and Brain Surgery | The Year of the Challenger

From the Desk of Jon Moran

Jon Moran, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs with the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

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nce, on an episode of The Beverly Hillbillies, Jed Clampett lamented that he needed to have a long talk with his nephew, Jethro Bodine, about his interest in politics. Jethro quickly told his uncle that was unnecessary because of Jethro’s recent decision to be a brain surgeon. I mean, if politics is considered a science, then just how hard can brain surgery be anyway?

It’s safe to say that very few political scientists accurately picked the results of the 2016 elections. It’s also likely that very few of them will accurately predict the outcome of the 2018 elections. Results of recent elections continue to show that the mood of the American electorate is still very hard to gauge.

Just when someone thinks they’ve got it figured out, well, the election goes the other way.

One thing is for certain in Northwest Arkansas - the political dynamic of the region is changing almost as fast as the region is growing.

To give you an example of what I’m talking about, let’s look at the 2016 legislative elections in Northwest Arkansas.

In 2016, there were 17 candidates running either as incumbents or challengers in the legislative races in both Benton and Washington Counties. Most of the challenges that year took place within the Republican primary. So, basically the legislative elections were over after the primary in 2016.

In 2018, there are 41 candidates running either as incumbents or challengers in 11 legislative districts in Benton and Washington Counties. Only three of those races contain challenges to incumbents in the Republican primary. If those three incumbent Republican legislators survive their primaries, they will go on to face Democratic or Libertarian opposition in the General Election.

Women are also making a huge statement in the 2018 legislative elections in Northwest Arkansas. Thirteen of the 41 candidates running in the NW Arkansas legislative races are women.

Nine of those 13 women are Democrats or Libertarians. This points to another changing dynamic this year, which is that it has been a very long time since the Democrats have fielded

this many candidates in Northwest Arkansas legislative races.

The Northwest Arkansas legislative elections are going to be fun to watch this year.

Now, I just need to go find a brain surgeon to tell me how it’s all going to turn out on Election Night this November.

Get Connected with Jon Moran from Arkansas’s Capitol Hill! @ RLACC_Gov

www.facebook.com/rlacc.gov

RogersLowell.com | APRIL2018

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Welcome NEW MEMBERS | February 2018 ARKANSAS 529 COLLEGE INVESTMENT PLANS Emma Willis 1401 WEST CAPITOL AVENUE, SUITE 275 LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 (501) 682-1406 | ARKANSAS529.ORG ORGANIZATIONS

HEALING ART CENTERS Ali Eubank 5723 W. STONEY BROOK RD. ROGERS, AR 72758 (800) 479-6435 | HEALINGARTCENTERS.COM CLINICS & MEDICAL GROUPS

ARKANSAS CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF SAFETY ENGINEERS Joshua Tims BELLA VISTA, AR 72715 (479) 295-0044 | ARKANSAS.ASSE.ORG ORGANIZATIONS

HIGHLANDS ONCOLOGY GROUP, P.A. 3352 N. FUTRALL DRIVE FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703 (479) 587-1700 | HIGHLANDSONCOLOGYGROUP.COM 3232 N. NORTH HILLLS BLVD. FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703 (479) 587-1700 | HIGHLANDSONCOLOGYGROUP.COM CLINICS & MEDICAL GROUPS

ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S NORTHWEST Trisha Montague 2601 GENE GEORGE BLVD. SPRINGDALE, AR 72762 (479) 725-6800 | ARCHILDRENS.ORG/NORTHWEST HOSPITALS ART VENTURES Joelle Storet 101 W MOUNTAIN, SUITE 222 FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72701 (479) 439-8641 | FAYETTEVILLEUNDERGROUND.ORG ORGANIZATIONS DAVE & BUSTER'S Jason Melcher 2203 S. PROMENADE BLVD. ROGERS, AR 72758 (479) 877-7600 | DAVEANDBUSTERS.COM RESTAURANTS - CLUBS/LOUNGES FITNESS ONE GYM Sara Cole 2736 W. MCMILLIAN DR. FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72701 (479) 225-9190 | FITNESSONECLUBS.COM/FAYETTEVILLE-AR FITNESS

KELLER WILLIAMS MARKET PRO REALTY Lee Kissinger 3105 N.E. 11TH ST. BENTONVILLE, AR 72712 (479) 721-2477 | LEEKISSINGER.COM REAL ESTATE - COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL KUTAK ROCK LLP Stuart Hindmarsh 234 E. MILLSAP RD., STE. 400 FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72701 (479) 973-4200 | KUTAKROCK.COM ATTORNEYS

PINNACLE LAW GROUP Nathan Reggish 3718 S. PINNACLE HILLS PKWY. ROGERS, AR 72758 (479) 310-6770 ATTORNEYS PRINTOVA SIGNS & GRAPHICS Joe Weidemann 2500 N. 17TH STREET, SUITE 102 ROGERS, AR 72756 (479) 274-8836 | PRINTOVA.COM SIGNS STONE MILL CAFE' Terry Comer 2903 S. WALTON BLVD. BENTONVILLE, AR 72712 (479) 358-9955 | STONEMILLCAFE.COM RESTAURANTS

MERCY THERAPY SERVICES 1101 S. HORSEBARN RD. ROGERS, AR 72756 (479) 271-4170 | MERCY.NET CLINICS & MEDICAL GROUPS

URBAN BLEU HAIRSALON Kristyn Lawson 113 W. ELM ST. ROGERS, AR 72756 (479) 246-9986 | URBANBLEUHAIRSALON.COM/ BEAUTY SALONS

MY-T-BY-DESIGN Lakisha Bradley FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703 (479) 802-9585 | FIND US ON FACEBOOK ARTIST

P R E SE NT I NG SP ONS OR

ONYX COFFEE LAB Andrea Allen 100 2ND ST., STE. 106 BENTONVILLE, AR 72712 (479) 715-6492 | ONYXCOFFEELAB.COM 2418 N. GREGG AVE. FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703 (479) 444-6557 | ONYXCOFFEELAB.COM 7058 W. SUNSET AVE., STE. 1A SPRINGDALE, AR 70762 (479) 419-5739 | ONYXCOFFEELAB.COM COFFEE HOUSES

SAVE THE DATE |

B2B NETWORKING BREAKFAST WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2017 | 8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. LOCATION | NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (NWACC) SHEWMAKER CENTER FOR WORKFORCE TECHNOLOGIES (WALMART AUDITORIUM) 1000 S.E. EAGLE WAY | BENTONVILLE $20 MEMBERS ($30 NON-MEMBERS) REGISTER NOW AT ROGERSLOWELL.COM

Advertise - Sell - Network | Build Your Business with Speed Networking!

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your professional network of contacts with speed networking. The B2B Networking Breakfast is a great way to advertise your business, sell your products/services and network with other businesses first thing in the morning.

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C h a m b e r Vo i ce | A P R I L 2 01 8

Ticket prices include meal, featured speaker presentation, round-robin speed networking, company marketing and a chance to win some great door prizes! You can also maximize your company’s visibility by purchasing a Vendor Exhibit Table to display your products/services for $40 (which includes a ticket for the event) for members and only $160 for non-members.

G OL D S PONSORS

February 2018 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 2017 Sponsor

Child Care Aware® of Northwest Arkansas 1401 S. 8th St., Rogers

Dave & Buster's 2203 S. Promenade Blvd., Rogers

Envision Nutrition 204 W. Walnut St., Rogers

European Wax Center 4204 S. J.B. Hunt Dr., Ste. 50, Rogers

Flying Fish 109-A NW 2nd St., Bentonville

IDK?Café 1 Cass Hough Dr., Rogers

Mercy Therapy Services 1101 S. Horsebarn Rd., Rogers

Pacific Group 105 W. Elm St., #213, Rogers

You wouldn’t build your house on a cracked foundation, right?

40,000

searches happen every second on Google...

...where do you rank?

Contact us to find out!

479-202-9903 | info@customerswhostick.com

It’s the same for your online presence.

We spec specialize cialize in solid foundations!

C U STO M E R SW R o gH e r sO L o wST e l l . c oImC | AK P R.CO I L 2 0 1 8 M1 3

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS | February 2018 30+ years Rogers Land Company Real Estate - 67 years Rogers Iron & Metal Corporation - 59 years APAC - Central, Inc. - 52 years St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church - 51 years Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette - 49 years Guinn & Associates, CPA,PA - 47 years Decco Contractors-Paving, Inc. - 43 years ACE Glass - 41 years Watkins, Boyer, Gray & Curry, PLLC - 40 years Lindsey & Associates - Main Office - 39 years Prairie Creek Marina - 38 years Dean Crowder Construction, Inc. - 36 years Jiffy Kwick - 35 years Ride-Rite Auto Sales, Inc. - 32 years FM Corporation - 31 years Rogers Apartments - 31 years 21-30 years Arkansas Public Theatre Credit Counseling of Arkansas (CCOA) Debbie's Family Pharmacy Dyer Electric, Inc. KURM Radio Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc. Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club, Inc. Marvin's Building Maintenance Co., Inc. Monte Ne Inn Chicken Restaurant The Mullikin Advertising Agency, Inc. Multi-Craft Contractors, Inc. New Hope Animal Hospital Northwest Arkansas Home Builders Association Owens Janitorial Service Prairie Creek Auto Body Regency 7 Ridout Lumber Yard Dr. Shawn Lee, D.D.S., P.A. Verizon Wireless Visiting Angels of NWA

11-20 years Acme Janitor & Chemical Supply, Inc. Amercian Heart Association Carrabba's Italian Grill CitiScapes Metro Monthly Magazine Colliers International David Harris Construction Co. Digital Printing Solutions, Inc. Elite Promotions, Inc. The First Tee of Northwest Arkansas Freedom Power Sports Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP Galvan's Digital Systems Home Instead Senior Care Howard, Mohorn & Associates Job Guide League of United Latin American Citizens New Hope Boarding & Grooming Outback Steakhouse Ozark Film & Video Productions Pleasant Grove Self Storage ShurTech Brands, LLC Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County Steve Landers Toyota NWA Weichert Realtors - The Griffin Company 6-10 years 3M Aaron's Sales & Leasing Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center The Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families Bobcat of N.W. Arkansas Bott Radio Network Bud Anderson Heating & Cooling Custom Design Hair Downstream Casino Resort Ed Cooley Gallery Emerson Monument Company George Nunnally Chevrolet, Inc.

Good Steward Pet Sitting Service Guardian CPA Hogeye Inc. Jamestown Nursing & Rehabilitation Lowell Veterinary Center MainStay Suites Maria's Mexican Restaurant #2 N.O.S.S. Inc./In-N-Out Screening Services, Inc. Northwest Arkansas Women's Shelter Ozark Affiliate - Susan G. Komen for the Cure Pinnacle Media LLC/Univision The Poultry Federation Preferred Office Products Rodeo of the Ozarks Santos Chiropractic Shelter Insurance - Sean Garrison Simplify Professional Services Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA TekTrendz, LLC Trike Theatre TWI Training Solutions Inc. WhyteSpyder Wild Birds Unlimited WorkSource & NTS 2-5 years Academy of Professional Cosmetology Academy of Therapeutic Massage Advantage Primary Care Arcadia Farms, Inc. Arkansas Army National Guard Arkansas Autism Connection Avenue Design Company Beaver Lakefront Cabins Big Rub Urban Eatery and Big Rub BBQ & Catering Buster's Liquor, Fine Wine, and Beer Cadence Academy Preschool CVS Pharmacy Delta Systems & Automation, Inc.

Designsteins Edward Jones - Don Ogden, Financial Advisors Elizabeth Richardson Center Elkins Design Family Heritage - Rob McLean Goodwill Industries of Arkansas Growler USA State Representative Grant Hodges Honeycomb Kitchen Shop Jakes's Fireworks Living Tree Pediatrics, PLLC Longhorn Steakhouse Loving Choices Pregnancy Center Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Midtown Associates Mojitos Modern Mexican Grill Pat Moran Mostyn Prettyman, PLLC NWA Apartment Association Ozark Beer Company Pack Shack Professional Property Management Rogers Early Learning Center Simply Divine Catering Smith 2-Way Radio, Inc Taqueria Real Jacona Thaden School Tie 1 On NWA, Inc. 1 year Bankers Capital Funding Dave Leon Painting Envision Nutrition Federal Protection, Inc. Haas Hall Academy Hapa's Hawaiian Bar & Grill/Healthy Innovations The McElroy Group LLC Ozark Veterinary Specialty Care RockHouse Industries, Inc.

Annual Events Coming Second Quarter 2018

Saturday, May 5 |

27th Annual Bradford Marine & ATV Buddy Bass Tournament

Wednesday, May 16 |

Northwest Arkansas Spring Job Fair

Monday, June 11 |

Spring Golf Tournament

For more information about these events or to register visit RogersLowell.com and view our chamber calendar.

1 41 4C h a mCbhear mVboei cr eV o| i Dc eE C|E MA PB RE IRL22001 178

Chamber Networking & Educational Events The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a variety of events to help build your network and learn.

Below are the upcoming events to note. For more event details and to register, visit us online at RogersLowell.com.

APRIL 10, 2018

APRIL 18, 2018

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Presenting Sponsor:

Presenting Sponsors:

Lewis Automotive Group

Bailey & Oliver Law Firm First Western

Gold Sponsors:

Location:

Address:

First Western

401 W. Walnut St., Rogers

APRIL 19, 2018

Ashby Street Outdoor, LLC KFSM TV-5/KXNW TV-34 Cox Business

Location:

Address:

NWACC Shewmaker Center for Workforce Technology

1000 SE. Eagle Way, Bentonville

Donating door prizes for chamber events is an effective strategy to gain awareness of your business as well as showcase your products & services.

If you’re interested in contributing a door prize to any of these events contact Maddie Ward at Maddie@RogersLowell.com.

MAY 23, 2018 Presenting Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor:

Arkansas 529 College Investing Plans

Cherokee Casino & Hotel

Gold Sponsor:

OneDigital Health and Benefits

Gold Sponsor:

Meeting Sponsor:

Pet Supplies Plus

Beaver Water District

Host Sponsor:

Location:

Location:

Address:

Benchmark Group

1805 N. 2nd St., Rogers

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

317 W. Walnut St., Rogers

Advertising with the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce | Vol 13 JANUARY2018

Issue 1

ear!

Happy2 N2ew Y3

Your Banner Ad Here

g list of to review the followin the this year, be sure your planning for calendar. Then, contact efore you finalize record them in your level, there’s a Major Events and ships. No matter what the Chamber's 2018 s. teamto explore sponsor e for your busines Membership Services for increasing exposur right just that's sponsorship

The Good Life

Advertise in the annual destination print guide (also published online) featuring maps, restaurants and lodging lists, regional activities and attractions, and resources for visiting, living, working and playing in the Rogers-Lowell Area. Your message is printed in over 25,000 copies distributed to tourists, business travelers, new residents, current citizens and convention attendees. Call to reserve your space in the 2019-2020 issue now.

RogersLowell.com

Advertise online in the Chamber’s website and reach thousands of unique visitors each month. Paid advertising options include leaderboard ads (at the top of highly visited web pages), featured banners on select web pages and enhanced listings. Free online options include listing your business in the website’s Business Directory, offering eCoupons, sharing events in the Community Calendar and posting news in the Members News section with links to your website.

B

| 2018 Major Events February 22, 2018 SAVE THE DATES & Community | Commerce Annual tion of Business Area Chamber of 96th Annual Celebra The Rogers-Lowell y the Annual s & Community (formerl Celebration of Busines Northwest gathering of 1,000+ e Banquet) is an annual together to celebrat s leaders who come Arkansas busines nity excellence for lishments and commu business accomp the year for of event t It’s the highligh the previous year. way to socialize and rs, providing a fun Chamber membe with a Cocktail The event starts off hors cold network with peers. and s, hot a variety deliciou Reception serving r program features reception, a one-hou d’oeuvres. After the Ceremony. tion and Gavel Passing the Awards Celebra ding are presented to outstan S. Community awards Award (Rogers); Elbert l Good Neighbor Business of the tions: Dick Tramme Small organiza the or and ses Award; individuals, busines of Rogers-Lowell The Annual Award (Lowell); Spirit January 12, 2018. through d accepte Graham/Elza Tucker s being recipients over fabulou tions for awards are Year Award. Nomina honoring all the awards Party tion with a Celebra Celebration ends bar. desserts and a coffee

Chamber Voice

Advertise and place promotional inserts in the monthly printed newsletter (also published online) that’s mailed to nearly 4,000 members at the first of each month. It’s an affordable and cost effective way to promote your business brand, 12 7 products and services to decision-makers.

2 13 8 3 Ads are due on the 10th and 14 inserts 9 4 15 to each due on the 15th of10the month prior 5 issue. Call for an Advertising Contract now.

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Events and Meetings

Chamber Events Happy New Year! d Breakdown Continue

for 2018

of ional Knowledge Building Foundat and Coding; NWAEL Computer Science Business and Fun Offers a Mix of

ity – Hustle in Heels Focus on Commun l Event Hosts Inaugura Ladies Lead NWA Ticket ity – Revenue and Focus on Commun AMP in Rogers and Sales Up at Walmart Community the from Other Stories Division | Government Affairs Barclay-Matthews Page es ip Chamber Introduc e Legislative Leadersh Award for Distinctiv ons/Events Visiting Visit Rogers | Conventi ee Chairs and Page Committ ed Rogers in 2018; Members Recogniz Board outgoing

Continued on Page 3...

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ion | We've Taken 96th Annual Celebrat & Made It Even Better ul Something Wonderf ce

Experien The Good Life New for 2018 | 2018 September 14-15,

2018 Small Business Quarter Introducing the Business of the Council; 2017 Small c Snapshot Rogers Economi Award Winners;

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eNewsletters

On Mondays (Monday Memo) and Thursdays (Calendar at a Glance) the Chamber communicates weekly to nearly 4,000 members, business leaders and qualified buyers via professionally produced emails. Provide us your banner ad (design not included) by the last Friday of the month to advertise in the upcoming month’s issues. Call for an Advertising Contract now.

er 2017; Members | Novemb Welcome New Announced Nights | Dates 2018 Chamber for February Ribbon Cuttings

| November 2017

hip Renewals | Most Chamber Members Networking is the November 2017; Business to Promote Your Inexpensive Way

nal Events; ing & Educatio Chamber Network the Dates Meetings | Save 2018 Ambassador

RogersLowell.com

| JANUARY2018 1

RogersLowell.com | APRIL2018

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317 West Walnut Street Rogers, Arkansas 72756 RogersLowell.com

Paid for through Periodical “Chamber Voice” (USPS 492950) is published monthly in January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October November and December; (semi-monthly in April) by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc., 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756. Periodical postage paid at Rogers, AR. POSTMASTER send address changes to: ROGERS-LOWELL AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER, 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756.