Chamber Voice | April 2016 by Rogers Lowell Chamber

APRIL2016 | Vol 11 Issue 4

Chamber Celebrates 2015 Successes

ver 900 people gathered at the 94th Annual Banquet Saturday, February 27 to join the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce in celebrating its successes from last year and welcoming the evening’s keynote speaker, Governor Asa Hutchinson. This annual gathering of business leaders not only celebrated successes but also honored outstanding businesses and individuals in the community. Governor Hutchinson spoke about the continued growth of Northwest Arkansas and Rogers. “The people in this room and those who came before

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Annual Events Coming in the Second Quarter 2016

94th Annual Banquet in Photos

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you know how to grow an economy,” Hutchinson said. “That is what Northwest Arkansas represents.” The Governor also talked about how proud he is to be from Northwest Arkansas. “I am the first Governor to be elected from Benton County in 100 years, but I will not be the last,” he said. “2015 saw successes in growing business, building community and establishing a framework for our area’s future,” outgoing Chairman Mike Watts said. “Businesses in Rogers and Lowell created 1,470 new jobs last year and the unemployment rate in Rogers dropped from 5.4 percent

NTI Offers New Schedule for Professional Development Courses; Walmart FLW Tour on Beaver Lake

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Focus on Community – Beaver Water District Leadership Recognized; SourceGas Name Change

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Focus on Community Continued – Arts & Culture Study; NWA Ranked in US News & World Report and Lonely Planet

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Events and Meetings

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Chamber President and CEO Raymond Burns and new Chairman Nick Hobbs present Keynote Speaker Governor Asa Hutchinson a special 130th Anniversary Daisy BB Gun at the 94th Annual Chamber Banquet

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94th Annual Banquet in Photos Continued Introducing the New NWA BizCon | Coming November 1; Small Business of the Quarter | Q1 2016

to 3.2 percent at the end of the year,” he added. Nick Hobbs, 2016 Chairman of the Board, said the chamber will continue to chart growth in the area. “Community surveys have shown us that business retention, expansion, recruitment and marketing are top goals the community wants the chamber working on in the next five years. Survey respondents have also asked for workforce development and downtown development,” he said. Please see event photographs on page four and five including winners of the annual Community Awards.

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Chamber Leadership Programs | 2016 Update

Welcome New Members | February 2016

Ribbon Cuttings | February 2016 Chamber Membership Renewals | February 2016; Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber Awarded 5-Star Accreditation Chamber Networking & Educational Events; Chamber University Curriculum

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Government Affairs Op-Ed | Conduit for Defeat

RogersLowell.com | APRIL2016

business-building events designed for you EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chairman of the Board – Nick Hobbs, JB Hunt Chairman-Elect – David Faulkner, Pinnacle Hills Promenade Treasurer – Eric Pianalto– Mercy NWA Past Chairman – Mike Watts, FM Corporation President/CEO – Raymond Burns RIDC President – Jerry Vest, Regions Bank

2016 DIRECTORS

Greg Fogle, Nabholz Construction David Hale, Digital Printing Solutions Rick McWhirt, Bekaert Corporation Jeff Ratcliff Cameron Smith, Cameron Smith & Associates Angie Tucker-Ridley, Tucker Furniture & Appliance

2017 DIRECTORS

Tabi Lipscomb, Arvest Benton County Jeff Wood, Tyson Foods Kristen Boozman, Portfolio Real Estate Mauricio Herrera, Legal Center of NWA J.D. Davis, AMP Sign & Banner Frank Bailey, Bailey & Oliver Law Firm

2018 DIRECTORS

Jon Harrell, First Bank of Arkansas Keri Earwood, Shelter Insurance Jeff Milford, AEP/SWEPCO Tina Winham, NUK – USA Dennis Ferguson, Simmons Bank David Roth, WorkMatters

upcoming meetings

4.6 Chamber University - Sunrise Seminar Series Topic: Business Operations 101 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

4.5 Buddy Bass Committee Meeting 5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce 4.7 Small Business Council Meeting 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

4.12 Coffee Connection 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Arvest Bank

4.13 Rogers Advertising & Promotion Commission 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

4.21 Chamber University Topic: Digital Marketing | Will It Stay or Will It Go? 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

4.15 Government Affairs Committee Meeting 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

4.21 Business After Hours 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Nabholz Construction

4.28 Executive Committee Meeting 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

For information on other upcoming events visit the complete calendar online at RogersLowell.com

For information on other meetings including the Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders and Leadership Benton County go to the complete calendar online at RogersLowell.com

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Jeremy Barclay - Northwest Health System Jerry Carmichael - TY North America - LLC Mike Clawson - Del Monte Foods - Inc. Bob Clinard - Benton County Judge Dr. Janie Darr - Rogers Public Schools Rich Davis - SourceGas Arkansas Inc. Mike Dodge - Carroll Electric Coop. Corp. Sandy Edwards - Crystal Bridges Museum Dan Hendrix - Arkansas World Trade Center Greg Hines - Mayor - City of Rogers Chris Johnson - Cabela’s Dr. Evelynn Jorgenson - NWACC President Peter Lane - Walton Arts Center David Lang - Embassy Suites NWA Eldon Long - Mayor - City of Lowell Charles Nevin - Advantage Sales & Marketing Dawn Spragg - CUMC Thom Stathakis - Everett Buick GMC Chris Sultemeier - Walmart Dick Trammel - Arkansas Highway Commission Mike Williams - NWA Emerging Leaders (WorkMatters)

View complete calendar at 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.

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 David Hale Frank Bailey Jon Harrell

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce 317 West Walnut Street Rogers, Arkansas 72756 P: (479) 636-1240 F: (479) 636-5485

POSTMASTER send address changes to: ROGERS-LOWELL AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER, 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756.

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

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

Amy Gober Director of Community Development amy@rogerslowell.com

Katie Wright Assistant to the President katie@rogerslowell.com

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

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

Jacque Eakins Account Executive jacque@rogerslowell.com

Ashley Matsumura Information Specialist ashley@rogerslowell.com

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

Judy Diffee Finance Manager judy@rogerslowell.com

Marni Rogers Member Relations Manager marni@rogerslowell.com

Amanda Mills Information Specialist amanda@rogerslowell.com

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

Nick Smith Creative Services Manager nick@rogerslowell.com

Erin Jernigan Convention Sales Manager | Visit Rogers erin@rogerslowell.com

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

Brooklynn Wiley Director of Special Events brooklynn@rogerslowell.com

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

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Annual Events Coming in the Second Quarter 2016 Saturday, April 30 |

MARINE &A FORD AD TV BR

Wednesday, May 11 |

25th Annual Bradford Marine & ATV Buddy Bass Tournament

Weigh-in at 2:00 p.m. Prairie Creek Marina Pavilions | Rogers Download Registration Form at RogersLowell.com The 25th Annual Bradford Marine & ATV Buddy Bass Tournament is a fundraising and community development event. Proceeds are directed toward economic development projects for the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. The tournament is celebrating its 25th year and is now the largest non-circuit fishing tournament on Beaver Lake. It features a fun weigh-in attended by a large crowd of fishing enthusiasts. Estimated Attendance: 700 Fishermen; 200+ Observers at the weigh-in.

Registration is $110 per boat if you register before April 22, and $120 per boat afterwards. There are a couple of options for registration. One, register by either mail or in person at the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce located at 317 W. Walnut St. in Downtown Rogers. Forms are available at the Chamber’s offices and at RogersLowell.com for convenient downloading. Two, you may also stop by any Bradford Marine & ATV location to pick up a special registration form to enter in a special prize drawing - a $1,000 Bass Pro Shop gift card. Drawings will be held after weigh-in on April 30 and you must be registered for the tournament and present to win prizes and giveaways. This year’s grand prize is a Tracker ProTeam 175 Aluminum Bass Boat, Mercury Motor and Tracker Trailstar Trailer provided by Bradford Marine & ATV. Presenting Sponsors |

Gold Sponsors |

Monday, May 16 |

2016 Spring Golf Tournament 2016 Northwest Arkansas Spring Job Fair 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Frisco Station Mall – 100 N. Dixieland Rd. | Rogers Reserve Exhibit Booth Space Now at RogersLowell.com

One of the Largest and Longest Running Job Fairs in Arkansas

The Chamber’s Northwest Arkansas Job Fairs (held in Spring and Fall) are the largest and longest running Job Fairs in Arkansas and are FREE to job seekers. Attendees are encouraged to bring their resumes to hand out to potential employers.

EMPLOYERS | Exhibit Booth Space Available First Come, First Serve

The Northwest Arkansas Spring Job Fair is perfect for helping in your search for the right employees and getting a head start on hiring needs for the year. Reserve your exhibit booth space today to ensure access to an estimated 1,000 job seekers expected to attend. Exhibit booth space is expected to sell out quickly.

JOB SEEKERS

Visit RogersLowell.com for more information including the Job Seekers Resource Room that will be set up to help you in your job search. View the list of employers who have previously attended.

Sponsored by |

Tee Times | 8:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Shadow Valley Country Club 7001 Shadow Valley Rd. | Rogers Register Your Team at RogersLowell.com

Treat Yourself, Reward Employees & Say Thank You to Clients

Join us Monday, May 16, for the 2016 Spring Golf Tournament, a four-person scramble with shotgun start times of 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at beautiful Shadow Valley Country Club in Rogers. The tournament is a fun day for Chamber members to come together, compete for prizes and network with other players. It’s a great way to treat yourself, reward company employees and say thank you to special clients on the golf course.

A Fun Day | Contests & Prizes, Goodies, Snacks, Beverages & Delicious Food

Players can test their skills in the hole-in-one, longest drive, closest-to-the-pin and putting contests. Prizes will be awarded for top finishing teams and individual contest winners. Each golfer will receive goodies, complimentary snacks and beverages. Breakfast will be served for the morning golfers. Lunch will be provided to every golfer.

Spring Golf Tournament | A Unique Chamber Networking Opportunity The golf tournament is a unique networking opportunity. Don’t miss the 19th Hole Party held immediately following play. The day’s tournament winners will be announced during this party. Stay and get acquainted with tournament sponsors and other members of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce while enjoying culinary delights. Presenting Sponsor |

Gold Sponsor |

RogersLowell.com | APRIL2016

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2015 Ambassador of the Year Award Recipient Rebecca Edwards, First National Bank

2015 Educator Hall of Fame Recipient Jerry Carmichael

2015 Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient Kelli Gemmell, Milestone Construction

2015 Elbert S. Graham/Elza Tucker Award Recipient Casey Kuth

2015 Small Business of the Year Award Recipient Tortilleria La Popular LLC

2015 Rogers-Lowell Spirit Award Recipient Tyson Foods, Inc.

2015 Dick Trammel Rogers Good Neighbor Award Nancy King

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ANNUAL BANQUET SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

PROGRAM PRESENTATION SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS Arvest Cherokee Casino & Hotel Crossland Construction Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas FM Corporation Hight-Jackson Associates, P.A. McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc. PSAV Presentation Services Regions Bank Simmons Bank

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY |

Mark A. Cummings Photography

PLATINUM SPONSOR

RECEPTION SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS AT&T Beaver Water District Carroll Electric Cooperative Corporation CEI Engineering Associates, Inc. Celebrate Arkansas Magazine Centennial Bank Citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bank/Parkway Bank Core Architects eSCO Processing and Recycling, LLC First Bank of Arkansas First National Bank First Security Bank First Western Flintco, LLC Frazier Law Firm, PLC Grand Savings Bank

Integrity First Bank Legacy National Bank McGoodwin, Williams & Yates, Inc. Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. Moser Corporation Northwest Arkansas Naturals Baseball Northwest Health System Ozark Mountain Poultry, Inc. The RoArk Group Roberts Group Rogers Insurance Agency, Inc. Showcase Trophy & Awards, LLC Signature Bank of Arkansas Thrasher & Chambers Inc. Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP

RogersLowell.com | APRIL2016

Introducing the New NWA BizCon | Coming November 1

he Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and Northwest Arkansas Human Resource Association (NOARK) announced in March a new partnership that will benefit businesses both large and small in Northwest Arkansas. The Chamber, its longtime business conference partner World Trade Center Arkansas, and NOARK have come together this year to form the newest business event in the region - NWA BizCon. NWA BizCon merges the Chamber’s former event, NWA Business Expo, with NOARK’s SuperCon event to create a brand new, innovative event for local businesses and entrepreneurs. The inaugural event will be held at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers on Tuesday, November 1. Judith Tavano, NOARK Board Member and SuperCon Chair, said about the new event, “NOARK is delighted to be joining forces with the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and its partner World Trade Center Arkansas to combine these two events into one exciting new business conference and expo. This new partnership enables NOARK to continue its mission of being

thought leaders in management and HR in NWA.” Raymond Burns, President and CEO of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, said, “The Chamber is very excited about this partnership and working with such a respected organization as NOARK to offer a brand new event for our members. We are always striving to make our programs better in order to have the greatest impact possible on the local business community. This new partnership is an excellent example of that.”

exhibitors, speakers and sponsors. The party combines fun networking with delicious food, drinks and fantastic door prizes!

Gone in 60 Seconds Elevator Pitch Returns!

Back by popular demand in 2016, the Gone in 60 Seconds Elevator Pitch competition will return for entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges who are local, successful entrepreneurs and business executives. Two What’s New at BizCon? cash prizes will be awarded. Judges will choose This event (formerly named the NWA Business a winner and attendees will decide the “People’s Expo) has been revamped to provide businesses Choice” winner. of all sizes access to new connections, ideas and opportunities. Education will focus on entrepre- Expo | Showcase Your Products neurship and today’s hot business topics delivered and Services in seminars and presentations by guest speakers A limited number of premium exhibit booths who are recognized local subject matter experts. will be available during BizCon offering members opportunities to affordably showcase products and Kick-Off Party | Fun Networking services to other businesses and attendees. Watch for the Night Before more details in upcoming eNews. If you are interested Mark your calendar on October 31 to attend in sponsoring or reserving a booth at NWA BizCon, the night-before party held exclusively for members, contact Membership Services at (479) 636-1240.

Do You Have Open Positions? Post to the RogersLowell.com The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce offers an online Job Bank available at no cost to members. The Job Bank enables members to post open positions along with job descriptions and requirements. This free service is available only to members, however, available jobs may be viewed by anyone visiting RogersLowell.com.

web.rogerslowell.com/jobbank

Small Business of the Quarter | Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M.

he Small Business Council of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to provide special recognition to our small business community by presenting four quarterly recognition awards and one yearly recognition award. The four winners will be the nominees for the 2016 Small Business of the Year presented at the annual Chamber banquet. There were several outstanding and

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well deserving nominees, which made for a very difficult decision. The winner for the first quarter of 2016 is a true example of not only a successful business, but one that gives back to the community. They have grown their business from a handful of clients to now serving well over 700 clients across the region in just a few short years. They have expanded their operations and now have

two locations to better serve their clients. All of their employees are given paid time off in order to volunteer with organizations and causes they are passionate about, and the business itself is involved in many charities and non-profit organizations. It is with great pleasure that the Small Business Council announces the first quarter of 2016 Outstanding Small Business of the Quarter is Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M.

Northwest Technical Institute Offers New Schedule for Professional Development Courses

he Northwest Technical Institute (NTI) announced the expansion of their course offerings in March to include a variety of classes focusing on professional development. During a 2014 study by the National Association of College and Employers, the following top four combinations of work and life skills were deemed most coveted by employers: 1. Ability to Work on a Team 2. Ability to Make Decisions and Solve Problems 3. Ability to Plan, Organize, and Prioritize Work 4. Ability to Communicate Verbally Up until now, training to improve these employee soft skills has not been readily available.

These 35 new classes include topics of interest to many job roles within a company: Supply Chain Management, Communication Strategies, Workplace Diversity, Body Language Basics, Conflict Resolution, Leadership & Influence, Employee Motivation, Time Management, Creating a Great Webinar, How to Become a More Likeable Boss, Civility in the Work Place, Internet Marketing Fundamentals, Team Building for Managers, Workplace Harassment, Delivering Constructive Criticism, and Creative Problem Solving among many others. Each of these courses can be taught in Spanish, upon request. Many corporate requests have been received for these types of classes due to the workforce

needs here in Northwest Arkansas. NTI is extremely happy to be in a position to expand their course offerings to fulfill these requests and, at the same time, improve the community as a whole by providing much needed skills enabling workers to have brighter careers. NTI has served the people of Northwest Arkansas with quality education since 1975 with a wide variety of programs ranging from nursing, diesel mechanics, horseshoeing, computer programming, and electronics technology among many other vocational choices. For additional information, please contact Tom Freking at Northwest Technical Institute by calling (479) 751-8824 ext. 332 or emailing tfreking@nwti.edu.

Walmart FLW Tour on Beaver Lake April 14-17, 2016 | Rogers

he 2016 Walmart FLW Tour is heading to Beaver Lake in Rogers and will arrive at the Prairie Creek Recreation Area April 14-17 for the FLW Outdoors Expo. This premier event features the world’s best bass anglers competing for a top award of $125,000, fishing and hunting exhibits from top companies, boat displays and FREE family activities. FREE admission, daily giveaways - including fishing products and a whole lot more - and national television coverage are sure to draw huge crowds of fishing and hunting enthusiasts.

Takeoff:

Days 1 - 4 – 6:30 a.m., Prairie Creek Park Days 1 & 2 Weigh-in: 3:00 p.m., Prairie Creek Park Days 3 & 4 Weigh-in: 4:00 p.m., Walmart #1 FLW Expo: Days 3 & 4 Noon - 4:00 p.m. Walmart #1 2110 W. Walnut St. Rogers, AR 72756 Phone: (479) 636-3222

Host:

Visit Rogers 317 W Walnut St. Rogers AR 72756 Phone: (800) 364.1240 Fax: (479) 636.5485 www.visitrogersarkansas.com

Marina:

Prairie Creek Park 9300 North Park Rd. Rogers AR 72756 Phone: (479) 636.1210

Registration:

April 13, 2016 2:00 p.m. CT - 4:00 p.m. CT Pretournament Meeting: 4:30 p.m. CT Embassy Suites of Northwest Arkansas 3303 Pinnacle Hills Parkway Rogers AR 72758 Phone: (479) 254.8400 Fax: (479) 845.2001 http://www.embassysuitesnwa.com

Other Tournaments During the Event

FLW sponsors two additional tournaments surrounding the Beaver Lake event. The FLW Foundation United Fishing Derby will be held Saturday, April 16 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 am on Bentonville Lake. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is partnering with the event and helping stock the area. To register or volunteer, email judith.allen@ flwfishing.com. The Will Fish for Kids Bill Kerr Memorial Charity Tournament launches Monday, April 18 from Prairie Creek Park on Beaver Lake, with all proceeds going towards the Dental Clinic at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. FLW is looking for Sponsor boats and silent auction

items. Visit www.willfishforkids.com for more details. FLW is committed to local communities, and invites Rogers area non-profits to participate in the FLW Expo at no charge. Space is very limited, and not all requests are expected to be honored. Expo hours are 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 16 & 17, at Walmart #1. Call (479) 636-3222 for details.

FLW FISH FEST in Downtown Rogers

Main Street Rogers is excited to put on the first-ever FLW Fish Fest in Downtown Rogers sponsored by Red Ridge Outfitters. The Fish Fest is an introduction to the multitude of ways to prepare fish. Chefs from all over Northwest Arkansas will participate in the event. This will coincide with Walmart FLW Tour Beaver Lake tournament taking place April 14-17 on Beaver Lake. The Fish Fest will take place at the Farmers Market building at 101 E. Cherry St. on April 15 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. $10 tickets if you pre-register online before the 13th, $12 day of the event, kids under 12 are free. Ozark Beer Company will be onsite as well to quench your thirst - delicious beer to pair with your delicious fish! Music will be by Jumpsuit Jamey!

RogersLowell.com | APRIL2016

March | 2016 – Beaver Water District Leaders Recognized

Beaver Water District established its Leadership Development Program in 2012. The purpose is to provide leadership training opportunities for selected employees. One of the benefits of the two-year program is that it creates a pool of potential candidates for supervisory positions. The program also gives participants additional training, skills, and knowledge to enhance their abilities and performance in their current positions. Sessions and discussion topics include the history of Beaver Water District, strategic planning, public outreach, job shad-

owing and cross training, ethical leadership, legal issues, people management, and community and industry involvement. Participants are also required to attend two Beaver Water District board meetings and successfully complete Toastmasters International Competent Communicator training. Additionally, they have required reading and manuals they must review, as well as computer skills training to complete. Graduates of the Second Leadership Program conducted by Beaver Water District (BWD) were announced in March and are (second from left) Rob Bottoms of Patrick (Plant Electrician), Frank

Blowers of Siloam Springs (Maintenance Mechanic II), Sabrina Bowman of Bentonville (Environmental Specialist), Rick Sims of Lowell (Maintenance Mechanic II), and Kelly Payne of Seligman, MO (Maintenance Mechanic II). The program required two years of study and commitments. Beaver Water District (BWD) is the second largest drinking water utility in Arkansas and supplies clean, safe water at the wholesale price of $1.29 per thousand gallons to its four customer cities. Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville then resell the water to more than 300,000 people, industries and businesses in Northwest Arkansas.

February | 2016 – SourceGas is Now Black Hills Energy

SourceGas is now Black Hills Energy, as Black Hills announced in February its successful acquisition of SourceGas, the natural gas utility serving 429,000 customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming. “Black Hills Energy is excited to provide our new customers with safe, reliable energy and to maintain strong local ties that benefit the communities where we live and work,” said Todd Jacobs, the new Vice President of Operations for Black Hills Energy in Arkansas, based in Fayetteville. “We look forward to putting our company’s 130-year history of utility expertise and exceptional performance levels to good use for our 160,000 natural gas customers in 104 Arkansas communities,” said Jacobs, who since 2014 was Black Hills Energy’s general manager of Kansas gas operations and earlier served in executive roles with another Midwestern utility. The former SourceGas will immediately begin operating under the Black Hills Energy name. Customers should continue to use SourceGas contacts and locations for bill payment, service questions and emergencies. The customer service and emergencies number remains (800) 563-0012. Beginning in March, SourceGas customers

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You’re Invited to the 16th Annual

May 5th, 2016

started to see the Black Hills Energy logo alongside the SourceGas logo on their bills and the new customer website, www.SourceGasIsBlackHills. com while the companies began integration of employees and customer service systems. The Black Hills Energy logo will replace the SourceGas March | 2016 – Northwest Arkansas logo on buildings, company vehicles, employee ranked third in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Place to Live Rankings uniforms and more. Despite being the smallest region on the list, Northwest Arkansas ranked third in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Place to Live Rankings. The report ranks the country’s 100 largest metropolitan areas based on affordability, job prospects and quality of life. The Northwest Arkansas metropolitan statistical area includes Benton, Washington and Madison counties and McDonald County, Mo. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the area’s 2014 population was 501,653. U.S. News & World Report lists Fayetteville, but Miriam Weiner, the publication’s real estate product manager, said the ranking includes the entire metropolitan area. “We wanted something that would be recognizable not just to the area, but to the entire country. We made this decision for a number of metropolitan areas,” she told the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

March | 2016 – Chamber Members to Participate in National Study on Economic Impact of Arts and Culture

Walton Arts Center and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art announced they have joined the Arts & Economic Prosperity® V, a national study measuring the economic impact of nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences. The research study is being conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s nonprofit organization advancing the arts and arts education. It is the fifth study over the past 20 years to measure the impact of arts spending on local jobs, income paid to local residents and revenue generated to local and state governments.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

As one of nearly 300 study partners across all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, the Department of Cultural Affairs will collect detailed financial data about local nonprofit arts and culture organizations such as theater and dance companies, museums, festivals and arts education organizations. Study partners in Northwest Arkansas will also collect audience-intercept surveys from attendees at arts events using a short, anonymous questionnaire that asks how much they spent on items such as meals, parking and transportation, souvenirs, retail shopping and overnight lodging as a direct result of attending the event. Additional analyses will gauge the

March | 2016 – Northwest Arkansas Ranks in Top 10 Places in the U.S. to Visit in 2016 by Lonely Planet’s Travel Experts

Lonely Planet scoured the U.S. to create the ultimate travel wish list for 2016. Some of their choices are perennial favorites, while others are just stepping into the spotlight, but all have one thing in common: now is the time to go. 10. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 9. Southern New Mexico 8. San Antonio, Texas 7. Northwest Arkansas 6. Somerville, Massachusetts 5. Alaska 4. Birmingham, Alabama 3. Yellowstone National Park 2. Natchez, Mississippi

important role that the nonprofit arts industry plays in attracting tourists to communities. Previous studies have shown that the average attendee spends $24.60 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission on meals, transportation, babysitting, and other eventrelated spending. Those studies have also shown that, on average, 32 percent of all arts attendees travel from outside of the county in which the arts event took place and that those cultural tourists typically spend nearly $40 per person – generating important revenue for local businesses and demonstrating how the arts drive revenue for other businesses in the community.

Walton Arts Center Renovations Rendering RogersLowell.com | APRIL2016

Chamber Leadership Programs | 2016 Update

Leadership Benton County’s 14th Class traveled to Little Rock for a closer look at the Arkansas State Government processes. They are pictured here with the Arkansas Supreme Court.

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 the leadership programming aims to provide the region with an ongoing source of diverse leaders at all levels of business expertise that are prepared and committed to serve as catalysts and sustainers of positive change for the quality of life in the region. The Chamber’s successful leadership programs, First Leadership, Leadership Benton County and Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders, hone the skills of future and key leaders and provide them with understanding of and insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the Northwest Arkansas area.

Arvest First Leadership | Students Visit Capitol in February

Arvest First Leadership is a program for high school sophomores and juniors in the Rogers School District that enriches students with community knowledge and professional skills pertinent to a successful future. In February, these students spent two days in our state’s capitol in

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Little Rock. They were able to visit with our local legislators and tour our state’s capitol building. The students also toured the Clinton Presidential Library, Central High School Museum, and Heifer International. For many of the students, this was their first visit to our state’s capital city.

NWA Emerging Leaders | Emerging Leaders Host Volunteer Day Event in March

Leadership Benton County | Class Visits Governor in February

Leadership Benton County is a combined effort of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber, Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber, and Siloam Springs Chamber to assist professionals in Benton County with the specialized development and community enrichment needed to become thriving leaders in our community. In February, the group traveled to Little Rock for a closer look at our state government processes. The 14th class of Leadership Benton County met with Governor Asa Hutchinson, local legislators, area lobbyists, and representatives from the Secretary of State’s office. They also toured the Old State House Museum, the Arkansas Supreme Court, Clinton Presidential Library, and our State Crime Lab.

Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders is a young professionals group focused on empowering local young professionals and impacting Northwest Arkansas. It has made huge strides in 2016. With 31 new members in 2016, and additional funding thanks to several key area businesses, the Emerging Leaders are on track for great success this year. On March 3, the group hosted a Volunteer Day Event, where local young professionals gathered at the United Way In Kind Warehouse to help sort products that local non-profit organizations come to shop and save on goods that they need. In just half a day, the Emerging Leaders were able to sort the equivalent of two weeks’ worth of work. The Emerging Leaders hosted a Member Orientation on March 17, and a young professionals’ social event is planned this month at TheatreSquared in Fayetteville on April 21. For more information about these and other Emerging Leader events, visit their website at nwaemergingleaders.com.

Conduit For

D E F E AT Jon Moran, Vice President of Government Affairs with the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

ave you ever heard of or met Senator Eddie Joe Williams or Senator Jane English? I assure you that they are both hard-working public servants with impeccable conservative credentials. Chances are that you haven’t heard of them because they’re not from around here, nor are their districts even located in or contiguous to Northwest Arkansas. In the primary election recently held on March 1 there was a frequent donor based in Fayetteville who contributed heavily to the candidates challenging Senator Williams and Senator English, and to challengers running against several incumbents in races across the state. House and Senate races located in Central Arkansas and in Benton and Washington Counties were targeted by a group of closely associated Political Action Committees (PACs) operating under the banner of their lead PAC, Conduit for Action (Conduit). Conduit for Commerce, Commerce in Action, and Arkansas People First, among other groups, and their affiliated donors, are all political organizations closely associated with Conduit, which filled the mailboxes of voters with mailers, purchased media, and made significant financial contributions to candidates in these races. It is estimated that Conduit spent several hundred thousand dollars statewide to defeat candidates and incumbents they viewed as being in favor of continuing Governor Hutchinson’s program, Arkansas Works, which is his proposal for handling Medicaid expansion in Arkansas. So, just what type of return did Conduit get on their investment? Out of seven races they played heavily in statewide, they were successful in defeating one incumbent in the House.

Ironically, the race they won (District 95 in Rogers) was the one race to which they directed the least amount of their money and resources. Aside from their 56 percent margin of victory in that District 95 race, Conduit-backed candidates across the state garnered percentages from a low of eight percent to a high of 49 percent of the vote. Representative Jana Della Rosa of Rogers led the defeat of Conduit by avoiding a runoff and embarrassing her two Conduit-backed challengers in the primary by winning with 65 percent of the vote. Senator Jim Hendren summed it all up pretty well with a recent quote from an article about the Governor’s Arkansas Works proposal. Senator Hendren stated, “The election could have ended any hope for a compromise path forward. It didn’t. It’s still a tough road, but voters said they actually kind of like it when people work together and find reasonable solutions. So we’ll see.” The biggest take away from the 2016 Primary Election results in Arkansas may very well be that reason and cooperation began to find their way back into the political and policymaking process in Arkansas. Well, at least we hope that’s what it is.

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

@ RLACC_Gov

www.facebook.com/rlacc.gov

rogerslowellchamber.blogspot.com

RogersLowell.com | APRIL2016

Welcome NEW MEMBERS | February 2016 Arkansas Early Learning, Inc. Michael Patterson 2200 E. Matthews Ave. Jonesboro, AR 72401 (870) 931-1172 | arearlylearning.org Organizations

inVeritas Nathan Green 3300 Market St., Ste. 438, Rogers, AR 72758 (501) 954-7878 | inveritasinfo.com Public Relations

Rockford Grange at Bear Hollow Ranch Rowdy Mott 925 Life Lane, Washburn, MO 65772 (479) 422-1444 | rockfordgrange.com Wedding Venues

Big Rub Urban Eatery and Big Rub BBQ & Catering Mark Poole 4208 Pleasant Crossing Blvd., Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 282-1405 | facebook.com/bigrubbbq/ Restaurants - BBQ

Maria C. Albarran Allstate Maria Albarran 2301 W. Walnut St., Ste. 3, Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 282-1277 | agents.allstate.com Insurance

Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services, Inc. Lisa Bacon 2898 W. Walnut St., Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 631-1353 | stockdalefuneral.com Funeral Homes & Memorial Parks

Cadence Academy Preschool Annalyn Zay 3978 S. Concord St., Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 208-5055 | cadence-academy.com Schools - Pre-School & Kindergarten

Moses Tucker Real Estate Christine Pennington 745 E. Joyce Blvd., Ste. 220, Fayetteville, AR 72703 (479) 582-0000 | mosestucker.com Real Estate - Commercial and Residential

TCBY Frozen Yogurt Jeff and Angela Thiessen 2005 Promenade Blvd., Ste. 140, Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 636-8229 | nwatcby.com Desserts

Coppermine Lodge Samantha Mott 18895 Coppermine Lodge Rd., Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 925-2010 | copperminelodge.com Hotels/Motels

Optimus Training and Development Mel Reed Fayetteville, AR 72704 (479) 957-3307 | optimustraining.com Coaching- Business & Personal

Insurance Team 360 Cindy Borden 321 N. 2nd St., Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 295-1527 | insuranceteam360.com Insurance

Red Feather Productions, LLC Mike Graham P.O. Box 108, Springdale, AR 72766 (479) 751-2114 | redfeatherproductions.net Audio-Visual-Equipment & Production

Your daily subscription includes access to local, state, national and world news delivered to your home every morning and at your fingertips throughout the day. Stay connected to Your Community with #OurPaper.

12 Chamber Voice | APRIL2016

February 2016

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Sponsor | ADVANCE SERVICES, INC. - ASINC.NET 200 S. Bloomington St., Ste. C, Lowell

EARL MD FAMILY MEDICINE, PA & AESTHETICS & WELLNESS 909 S.E. 28th St., Ste. 9, Bentonville

GRACE JUDSON Holiday Island

MACH 1 FINANCIAL GROUP 408 N. Walton Blvd., Bentonville

MYPROIQ TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT 3707 Carriageway Ave., Bentonville

SUGAR LILY FLORAL DESIGNS 2882 W. Walnut St., Ste. 8, Rogers

GUEST INN Learn more about your Chamber of Commerce and the programs that benefit you and your business at Member Orientation. Here’s an opportunity to familiarize yourself and your employees with all of the benefits available through your Chamber membership. You’ll learn more about the Chamber’s website and how it helps to promote your business, and more about Chamber advertising media to incorporate into your marketing plan. Member Orientation is offered every other month during the year. This orientation is beneficial for new members, members that want a refresher on what the Chamber has to offer and new company representatives. It’s an excellent overview of Chamber networking events and other programs all designed to help grow your business and make the most of your membership. Member Orientation is conducted by members of the Small Business Council and is free and open to all members. Please register as space is limited to the first 30 respondents.

1601 S 8th St. Rogers, AR 72756 P. 479.636.1733 F. 479.636.1213 www.guestinnrogers.com

Rooms Include:

Wi-Fi, HBO & Local Calls Fridge & Microwave Truck Trailer and Bus Parking Wake-up Call, 30” TV with Remote Choice of Smoking or Non-smoking Rooms King or Double bed or Suits/Family Rooms AARP, AAA, Military, Student and Government Discounts

Extra Charge with Deposit:

Iron with Board, Hair Dryer, Coffee Maker, DVD Player, Digital Alarm Clock with Radio XNA Airport pick-up & Drop-off (16 mi)

Chamber Voice Featured Special:

15% OFF WITH THIS COUPON

This discount is 15% off rack and is not valid with any other discount. Please call motel directly

RogersLowell.com | APRIL2016

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS | February 2016 30+ years

Rogers Land Company Real Estate - 65 years Harris Baking - 58 years Rogers Iron & Metal Corporation - 57 years Walmart Supercenter Store #0001 - 54 years APAC-Central, Inc. McClinton Anchor Company - 50 years St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church - 49 years Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette - 47 years Guin & Associates, CPA, PA - 45 years Rogers Health and Rehabilitation Center - 43 years Justin Madick Insurance Agency LLC - 38 years Watkins, Boyer, Gray & Curry, PLLC - 38 years Lindsey & Associates - 37 years Dean Crowder Construction, Inc. - 34 years Jiffy Kwick - 33 years Bradford Yard Living + Landscaping - 31 years

21-30 years

Advantage Resourcing Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Bedford Camera & Video Debbie’s Family Pharmacy Dyer Electric, Inc. Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club, Inc. Marvin’s Building Maintenance Co., Inc. Monte Ne Inn Chicken Restaurant Regency 7 Showcase Tropy & Awards, LLC Sign Artists, Inc. Tate Healthcare Specialists

11-20 years

Acme Janitor & Chemical Supply, Inc. David Harris Construction Co. DesignWorks Digital Printing Solutions, Inc. Elite Promotions, Inc. IBERIABANK IHOP, International House of Pancakes Job Guide Legacy Capital Group Life Styles, Inc. Rogers Public Education Foundation Shiloh Christian School Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County State Farm Insurance - Alan Bauer Waterside Apartments Webster University Weichert Realtors - The Griffin Company

6-10 years

3M AMP Sign & Banner BancorpSouth Ins. Services, Inc. Bear State Bank Bud Anderson Heating & Cooling Cochran Law Firm, P.A. D & D Construction, Inc. Driving Academy of NWA Emerson Monument Company Enformix Technology Services Eventures Good Steward Pet Sitting Service Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center HP Engineering, Inc. Jack Wills Casual Furniture

Kendal King Group Maria’s Mexican Restaurant #2 Massage Envy Preferred Office Products Red Lobster Rodeo of the Ozarks Rogers-Bentonville Elks Lodge #2144 The Rose Antique Mall & Flea Market Schlotzsky’s/Cinnabon Scott Family Amazeum Shelter Insurance - Sean Garrison Specialized Real Estate Group Sunshine School & Development Center Synergy Realty Group, LLC Target Marketing, Inc. TruGreen Lawn Care Window World of the Ozarks

2-5 years

709 Design Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center The Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families BOMA of NWA Bott Radio Network Casey’s General Store Chase Corporate Business Systems of NW Arkansas Emery Davis, Sr. Ecclesia College EcoArk, Inc. Everett Chevrolet Farmers Insurance Group - Kurt Haddock Flake & Kelley Commercial Northwest FoundationSpecialties, Inc. Gateway Mortgage Group, LLC

The Grand at 117 Hairlines Hogeye Inc. Jack Hales Construction Co. Inc. Jackson-Young Digital Graphics Jake’s Fireworks Jamestown Nursing & Rehabilitation McLarty Daniel Nissan New Hope Functional Chiropractic onIT Ozarks Water Watch Penmac Staffing Services Professional Property Management Restaurante Salvadoreno y Pupuseria #1 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma Smith 2-Way Radio, Inc. St. Anthony’s on the Creek TWI Training Solutions Inc. White River Gallery WhyteSpyder Rose M Wilson

1 year

Advantage Primary Care Barrett Directline Delivery Service Community First Bank Custom Motor Concepts Delta Systems & Automation, Inc. East-Harding Construction Elizabeth Richardson Center Lafferty Family Care Pat Moran On Time Logistics Roberts Group Signature Builders, LLC Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber Awarded 5-Star Accreditation

he U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced March 1 that the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce achieved 5-Star Accreditation, which is the highest level of accreditation awarded to chambers of commerce nationwide. Accreditation status is awarded for sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. “Accreditation validates a chamber as having programs that benefit its local economy and for positively influencing action in its community,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, Vice President, Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “We applaud these organizations for advancing the principles of free enterprise.”

14 Chamber Voice | APRIL2016

Chambers are rated Accredited or Accredited with 3, 4 or 5 stars and are required to re-accredit every five years. This is the sixth time that the RogersLowell Area Chamber of Commerce has been accredited. It was first accredited in 1991 and is now one of only 102 chambers of commerce nationwide (out of 7,022 chambers nationwide) to be awarded this highest level of accreditation. As a 5-Star Accredited chamber, the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce represents the top one percent of chambers in the country. Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the only program of its kind that defines excellence in chamber planning and performance by providing chambers with a rigorous self-analysis tool. In

order to receive accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in its operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, technology and communications. Undergoing the accreditation process shows chambers how to reach and maintain industry standards. In addition, it measures achievement and recognizes members and staff who contribute to the good of their communities. “We are honored to receive this 5-Star accreditation,” added Burns. “Our programming, leadership, and staff are all backbones of the organization. It’s important we get it right and that we all pull in the same direction. The accreditation program has helped us do that. This is a credit and tribute to all of our members and community leaders.”

Chamber Networking & Educational Events The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a variety of events to help build your network and learn. For more event details and to register, visit us online at RogersLowell.com.

Hosted by:

Location:

Arvest Bank

5201 Village Pkwy., Rogers

Hosted by:

Location:

Nabholz Construction

3301 N. 2nd St., Rogers

Speaker:

Topic:

Don Ogden Edward Jones

Business Operations 101: The Entrepreneurial Equation

Location:

Address:

Northwest Arkansas Board of Realtors Event Center

314 N. Goad Springs Rd., Lowell

Speaker:

Topic:

Paige Cahill Constant Contact

Digital Marketing: Will It Stay or Will It Go? | Digital Marketing Tools Help Small Businesses “Thrive & Survive” in this Economy

Presenting Sponsors:

Arvest Bank George Nunnally Chevrolet

Presenting Sponsor:

Cherokee Casino & Hotel

April 12, 2016

April 21, 2016

Sunrise Seminar Series Presenting Sponsor: First Western

Sunrise Seminar Series Series Sponsor: KNWA

April 6, 2016

Sunrise Seminar Series Breakfast Sponsor: Whataburger

Presenting Sponsor:

Crain Automotive Team

Gold Sponsors:

May 25, 2016 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Cox Business KFSM TV-5 / KXNW TV-34

Presenting Sponsor: Sam’s Club

April 21, 2016

9:30a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Advertising with the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

Your Banner Ad Here The Good Life

Advertise in the annual tourism and relocation 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 2016-2017 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.

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, products and services to decision-makers. Ads are due on the 10th and inserts due on the 15th of the month prior to each issue. Call for an Advertising Contract now.

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.

RogersLowell.com | APRIL2016

317 West Walnut Street Rogers, Arkansas 72756 RogersLowell.com