Chamber Voice of Business Newsletter | August 2021

August 2021 | Vol 16 Issue 8

Nominating Committee Report |

Six Nominees Recommended for Chamber’s Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the policymaking body of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, and its members represent a cross-section of the business and professional leadership in our community. In accordance with the Bylaws, a Board Nominating Committee was appointed earlier this year to recommend vacancies that will expire December 31, 2021. Get to know these nominees accepted by the Board inside this issue.

See Story on Page 4

W HAT ’ S IN TH IS I SSUE ?

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce 317 West Walnut Street Rogers, Arkansas 72756 P: (479) 636-1240 F: (479) 636-5485 2

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3 ������������Chamber Staff & Board of Directors 4 �����������Nominating Committee Report | Six Nominees Recommended for Chamber’s Board of Directors 6 ����������� Redistricting | Know How You Will Be Governed Over the Next 10 Years 7 ������������ Central Referral Connection Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary 9 ����������� Chamber’s Rogers Cycling Festival Promotes Area’s Trails and Scenic Views 10 �������Survey to Help Chamber Understand Small Business Needs Launching August 9 11 ����������Chamber Hosts Annual Chamber Picnic June 11 in Lowell 11 ����������Regena Hawthorne Named Ambassador of the 2nd Quarter 12 ��������Rogers Public Schools Launches New Career Programs 14 ��������Live Music Returns to the Walmart AMP 16 ��������Thank-a-Teacher Celebration Parade Coming August 10 17 ���������36th Annual Frisco Festival Coming to Downtown Rogers August 20-21 18 ��������Chamber’s Mission-Work Focuses on Minority Outreach and Engagement 20 ������Turpentine Creek Assists Federal Government in Rescue of 68 Big Cats from Tiger King Park 22 ������Local Leaders, Governor Celebrate Grand Opening of Transplace in Rogers 23 ������Crystal Bridges at 10 Celebrates a Decade of World-Class Art in Northwest Arkansas 23 ������Northwest Arkansas Again Ranks Among Best Places to Live in United States 24 ������Tickets on Sale Now for the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship and BITE Experience @ the LPGA 25 ������Chamber’s Partner Startup Junkie Celebrating 40+ Fully Funded Kiva Entrepreneurs 25 ������City of Rogers Announces Opening of Railyard Entertainment District 26 ������Chamber Launch of New Spotlight Series a Success 26 ������Chamber Launches Inaugural Tee Off at Topgolf Event 27 �������Art on the Bricks Reflects on “The Dog Days of Summer” 29 ������New Members | June 2021 30 ������Ribbon Cuttings | May & June 2021 32 ������New Members | June 2021 34 ������Chamber Networking & Educational Events

CHAM BE R S TAFF Raymond Burns, CCE President/CEO rburns@rogerslowell.com

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

Nick Smith Creative Services Director nick@rogerslowell.com

Kelly Parker, TMP Director of Marketing & Communications | Visit Rogers kelly@rogerslowell.com

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

Ross Phillips Senior Vice President of Community Development ross@rogerslowell.com

Jeff O’Neill Director of Special Events jeff@rogerslowell.com

Luke Wiggins Director of Sales | Visit Rogers luke@rogerslowell.com

Katie Burns Vice President of Operations katie@rogerslowell.com

Geovanny Sarmiento Senior Vice President of Community Engagement & Inclusion geovanny@rogerslowell.com

Loretta Gomez Finance Manager loretta@rogerslowell.com

Ronnie Webb, Jr. Destination Sales Manager | Visit Rogers ronnie@rogerslowell.com

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

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

Sheree Barnes Operations Manager | Downtown Rogers, Inc. sheree@rogerslowell.com

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

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

Jacque Eakins Account Executive jacque@rogerslowell.com

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

Shey Bland Executive Director | Downtown Rogers, Inc. shey@rogerslowell.com

Marni Rogers, IOM Member Relations Manager marni@rogerslowell.com

Justin Freeman Marketing Communications Specialist justin@rogerslowell.com

Ashley Matsumura Customer Relations Manager ashley@rogerslowell.com

B OARD OF D IREC TORS 2020 Directors

Executive Committee

Chairman of the Board | Angie Tucker-Ridley, Tucker’s Furniture & Appliances Chairman-Elect | Erin Kiefer, Assembled Products Treasurer | Mike Power, First Security Bank Past Chairman | Greg Fogle, Nabholz Construction President/CEO | Raymond Burns RIDC President | Jerry Vest, Regions Bank

Leah Acoach, FHB Ventures Danny Beck, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Joe Donaldson, Sam’s Furniture Brad Hicks, J.B. Hunt Transport Inc. Stennett Thompkins, AAA Insurance David Vaden, Ernst & Young LLP

2021 Directors

Tom Allen, Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners Ron Branscum, Strategic Business Consulting, Inc. David Kimball, Benchmark Group Jerra Nalley Tanya Smith, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Melissa Turpin, Honeycomb Kitchen Shop

Ex-Officio Directors

Daizy Andrade, University of Arkansas Dr. Marlin Berry, Rogers Public Schools Jerry Carmichael, 3C Retail Solutions Ever Cuellar, First Security Bank Larry Cooper, Embassy Suites NW Arkansas Mike Dodge, Carroll Electric Coop. Corp.

Sandy Edwards, Crystal Bridges Museum David Faulkner, Pinnacle Hills Promenade

Cathy Foraker, AT&T David Foster, APAC-Central, Inc. Bradley Hardin, AEP/SWEPCO Ron Hayes, First United Methodist Church Dan Hendrix, Arkansas World Trade Center Greg Hines, Mayor, City of Rogers Tron Hodges, Black Hills Energy

Tom Hopper, TallChamps, LLC Corry Hull, BHC Insurance Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson, Northwest Arkansas Community College Peter Lane, Walton Arts Center Chris Moore, Mayor, City of Lowell Barry Moehring, Benton County Judge Bianca Montoya, Bike NWA

Division Chairs Community Development - Leah Acoach Membership Services - Tanya Smith Economic Development - Tom Allen

Government Affairs - Jerry Carmichael Convention & Visitors Bureau - Larry Cooper

2022 Directors

Kristen Boozman, Portfolio Sotheby’s International Realty Dean Fisher, Glad Manufacturing, Inc. Angela Grayson, Precipice IP Denten Park, Northwest Health Mathew Mozzoni, Cox Business Knight Weis, Signature Bank of Arkansas

John-Michael Scurio, George’s Eric Pianalto, Mercy of Northwest Arkansas Gregg Stanfill, Arvest Bank Chris Sultemeier, Retired Walmart Dick Trammel, Chairman Emeritus Josh Vasquez, United Bank Jeff Wood, Tyson Foods

Audit Committee David Vaden Ron Branscum Knight Weis

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...Continued from Page 1

M EE T TH E 2 02 2 N O M I NE ES FO R TH E

BOARD OF DIREC TORS

Y

our Chamber welcomes individuals, businesses of all sizes,

Business and serves on the University of Arkansas Blockchain Executive

non-profit organizations and representatives of government,

Advisory Board. She also serves on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

education and industry to our membership. We are a diverse

Board of Directors for Northwest Arkansas. She has been married to

and inclusive organization.

her husband, Erik, for almost fourteen years, and they have a 7-year old

Our members, partners and investors come to learn,

to teach, to grow, to connect and to give back to their community. They invest their time and money knowing that it takes all of us to build a vibrant community and sustain future success. They join our Board of Directors

daughter, Emma Kate, and three rescue dogs.

Charlotte Rankin | Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas Chief Administrative and Chief Nursing Officer

because they share our Vision and understand that supporting the work of

Charlotte Rankin was recruited to Mercy

our Mission will get us there - it’s an investment in our future.

nearly 20 years ago to lead the collaboration and

We appreciate the time invested and service from our Board of

advancement of the Cardiovascular service line.

Directors and thank them for performing their leadership and fiduciary duty

After the successful implementation of the Open-

that contributes to the Chamber’s continued and long-term success.

Heart program, Rankin has remained at Mercy where she continues to advocate for patient care,

Brandy Tuft | Ernst & Young LLP Assurance Managing Director

wellness, and excellence in healthcare service.

Raised in a Catholic Italian community west

Brandy Tuft is a Managing Director in the

of Little Rock, Rankin attributes her values around

Assurance practice at Ernst & Young LLP. Brandy

love, family, and work ethic to her upbringing.

has over fifteen years of experience serving

Charlotte’s calling into nursing was realized after the untimely death of her

public audit clients in various industries, with

father due to a heart attack. This unfortunate tragedy served as the driving

extensive experience in coordinating and

force for Rankin to pursue her nursing career in 1994. In 1996, Rankin graduated

executing services for a large multinational

from the Diploma program at Baptist School of Nursing – Northwest and

retail and consumer products company. In

quickly realized her goals to practice in open-heart recovery and cardiac cath

addition to her client service duties, she also

lab. She has continued her education with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a

travels extensively to review other EY audit

master’s degree in Health Administration.

teams to ensure quality as part of the firm’s

Charlotte is a practicing Catholic with hobbies that include sailing, hiking,

internal monitoring program. Brandy serves as a leader in the EY Audit

fishing, and kayaking. Throughout her career, her deepest passion has been

Academy where she facilitates training throughout the United States. She

dedication and devotion to her calling for the sick and underserved; this is

is a CPA in the state of Arkansas and a member of both the AICPA and the

evident by her community involvement and commitment to both patients and

Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants.

coworkers she serves. “Although I serve in an administrative role, my decisions

In addition to her duties at EY, Brandy currently serves as the Chairperson for the Accounting Advisory Board for the Walton College of

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are always focused on doing the right thing for the patients and the coworkers I serve,” says Rankin.

Gaven Smith | JB Hunt Transport Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technology Gaven Smith is a native of Rogers,

Michael brings to each project his experience with a variety of areas — including construction, specialty services, energy services, and environmental services. He is especially skilled in preconstruction,

Arkansas. He earned a Computer Systems

management, and known for thinking outside of the box. Michael is

Engineering degree from the University

also a LEED Accredited Professional, is certified through the Advanced

of Arkansas. He’s been in the technology

Management Program, holds an ASHE Healthcare Construction Certificate,

industry for 20 years, and spent time Wal-Mart,

and is a graduate of the Leadership Greater Little Rock program.

Acxiom, and JB Hunt during his career. He

A regular contributor to a variety of causes in his community, he is

has currently serves as Senior Vice President

a member of the Northwest Arkansas Council, serves on the Urban Land

of Engineering & Technology overseeing

Institute NWA Advisory Board, the Executive Committee of The Leukemia

software development for JB Hunt.

Lymphoma Society and the Dean’s Circle of the Fay Jones School of

Gaven has always been passionate about

Architecture + Design. He is a past chair for the Arkansas Chapter of the United

giving back to this community. He’s recently served as President of the

States Green Building Council and a former member of the Catholic High

Rogers Public Education Foundation, supporting our local teachers and

Foundation Board. He also coached the Catholic High Trap Shooting Team, the

schools. He has been an active board member with Rogers Youth Baseball,

Holy Souls Schools Basketball Team, and the Little Rock Futbol Club.

Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA, and the Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundations locally. He’s an avid sports fan, and former official statistician for the Razorbacks.

His daughter, Payton, will be a Senior at the University of Arkansas. His son, Kaden, will be a Senior at Rogers High School.

Josh Vasquez | United Bank Assistant Vice President and Business Development Officer Josh Vasquez has been a resident of

Stennett Thompkins | AAA Insurance Insurance Agent Stennett has been an Agent with AAA Insurance since 2005 and has over twentyseven years of insurance experience. He is a recipient of several distinguished awards including Agent of the Year and Top Producer.

Stennett holds a Bachelor of Business

NWA for over 24 years. He is an Assistant Vice

Administration in Marketing and a MA in

President and Business Development Officer

Organizational Management. He currently

at United Bank in Rogers, Arkansas. Josh has

serves on the Board for the Bentonville

been in Banking for over 15 years and started

Rotary Club and past Boards of the Northwest

with United Bank in 2013 where he has served

Arkansas American Red Cross and the Rogers-

in several capacities. In his current role, he

Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. Stennett and his wife Celia are native

enjoys having the opportunity to develop

Texans and they have two children, Andrew and Naomi.

relationships within the NWA community, while also being a resource for business owners and managers. Josh has been an active volunteer member of the NWA Community. Josh is a Leadership Benton County graduate of Class 2018, Leadership Springdale graduate of Class 2015, and serves on the council board for Leadership Springdale. Josh and his wife, Brittney, have three kids and they enjoy playing and watching sports, water activities, and

The Board Nominating Process

The Chamber’s Bylaws state that additional nominees may be added to the Nominating Committee recommendation by a nominating petition signed by at least 15 Chamber members in good standing.

being active with their church community.

Michael Parker | Nabholz Construction President, Central Region Michael Parker began working in the

All nominating petitions must be submitted to the President/ CEO of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce within ten days of the publishing of the Nominating Committee Report. This deadline is August 16, 2021.

construction industry right after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction from Auburn University, as well as a Minor in Building Administration. He has

If no additional names are submitted by the membership, the Board of Directors will certify the six candidates submitted by the Nominating Committee at its September board meeting.

spent more than half of his 29-year career working for Nabholz, starting as the EVP of Preconstruction Services and working his

The 2022 Board of Directors and Officers will be announced in our October issue of The Chamber Voice of Business newsletter.

way up to his current position as President of Central Operations.

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Redistricting |

Know How You Will Be Governed Over the Next 10 Years

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Jon Moran SVP of Government Affairs arely does anything last for ten years in the world of

Existing Benton and Washington County legislative districts will

politics. Presidential Administrations, Members of Congress,

become more compact as new districts will be added. The rest of the

Governors, and State Legislators come and go in that amount

legislative map in Arkansas will likely expand in size. We now have Senate

of time.

Districts in South Arkansas that go from the Louisiana line to Southwest

The one certain thing that does endure for ten years in

politics is the process of redistricting.

At the beginning of the 89th General Assembly in 2012, Benton County

was represented in the State Senate by Senators Jim Hendren, Bart Hester, and Cecile Bledsoe, which happens to be the current representation for our County in the Senate today. The Benton County delegation to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 2012 consisted of Dan Douglas, Sue

Little Rock, and you can expect those districts to get even bigger this time around. House districts in East Arkansas will cover multiple counties and could take in more geographic area than some Congressional Districts.

Save The Date | August 5 Public Meeting Seeking Community Input As Northwest Arkansas’s population grows so does the need for

Scott, and Jim Dotson serving their first terms in the House. Representatives

representation that reflects the changing demographics of our region. If

Skip Carnine, Jonathan Barnett, Duncan Baird, Debra Hobbs, and Mary Lou

you think back to what Northwest Arkansas looked like ten years ago, it’s

Slinkard rounded out the Benton County delegation. Of all these House

not hard to conceive what it could look like ten years from now.

members mentioned, only Jim Dotson remains in office today.

NWA’s Population Growth Creates Additional Legislative Seats In September the Arkansas Board of Apportionment will receive

You will have an opportunity to determine just what your legislative districts may look like in Northwest Arkansas for the next ten years.

On Thursday, August 5, 2021, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The Board of Apportionment will hold a public meeting to seek input from the community at the Walmart Auditorium in the Shewmaker Center for Workforce

population data from the United States Census Bureau for the purpose

Technologies on the Campus of NorthWest Arkansas Community College.

of drawing new legislative districts for the State of Arkansas. Benton

The address for the Shewmaker Center is 1000 S.E. Eagle Way, Bentonville.

and Washington County are unique in that they will be the only counties

If you have an interest in who and how you will be governed over

receiving additional legislative seats, primarily based on the rapid

the next ten years, the Chamber’s Government Affairs Division highly

population growth of this region. No other part of the state will pick up

recommends that you attend this important meeting. If you are interested

additional seats, as most other regions in Arkansas have either maintained

in running for office, or if you have any questions, please contact Jon Moran

their existing population or lost substantial population.

at jon@rogerslowell.com.

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CENTRAL REFERRAL CONNECTION Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary

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he Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated five

help them later on.”

promote business among the members of the

“I enjoy the group of like-minded business-

group. I would highly recommend CRC to anyone

amazing years of Central Referral

people that come together to recognize and

wanting to build their brand awareness, broaden

Connection (CRC) on July 14 with

promote their business,” said Bill Shiohira of

their referral connections and close more

a variety of valuable door prizes

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. “I have made

business in Northwest Arkansas.”

and 73 local business owners celebrating and

many new contacts that have become good

making connections.

friends in the years that I’ve been attending. It

circle of business acquaintances, but I have

is nice to know that if you have a business or

been fortunate enough to spend time

personal need, you have CRC to help.”

with many on a personal basis and build

CRC is a free weekly business-to-business (B2B) networking and referral group that meets each Wednesday morning at Golden Corral in Rogers. The event has steadily grown to dozens of local businesses that show up each Wednesday to network and share information about their business over a light breakfast and coffee.

What They’re Saying Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Account Executive Jacque Eakins leads the group, which is open to both Chamber members and non-members. “Central Referral Connection is for any individual or business that wants to be

relationships forever,” said Sebrina Turner,

“I have made many new contacts that have become good friends in the years that I’ve been attending. It is nice to know that if you have a business or personal need, you have CRC to help.”

– Bill Shiohira

Consumer Loan Advisor for Arvest Bank. “I love that CRC keeps you thinking outside the box for ways to present your business, ways that are appealing and fun to the public. I look forward to building more relationships.”

“I really enjoyed my first Central Referral Connection,” said Gregg Montgomery with Alert Alarm Systems, Inc. “It was an awesome event and I look forward to making more of them. I

Berkshire Hathaway appreciate the hard work you put in and the Home Services passion you have to help our local businesses

seen in the community,” Eakins said. “It’s like a family networking group, once you come in you

“CRC has not only increased my overall

succeed. I’ve already met some great people and “It has been a pleasure being a part of

If I get a chance to do business with a few of them

are welcomed to come back, and to and tell

Central Referral Connection,” Bankers Capital

well that would just be a bonus. Keep up the hard

others about the group. It helps people with their

Funding President Philip Knight said. “I have

work and know we appreciate what you do.”

presentation skills and has helped many people

cultivated many new referral partners and

get plugged in to a new career. This event gives

friends and have received great quality leads

network with other Northwest Arkansas

people the courage to speak in front of other

and customers because of my involvement.

businesses each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. at

businesses and build relationships that will really

Jacque is a true professional and works hard to

Central Referral Connection.

The Chamber invites you to meet and

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DARBY GETS IT RIGHT WEEKNIGHTS

5:00 . 6:00 . 9:00 . 10:00

ACCURATE FORECASTS ON THE GO! DOWNLOAD THE 40/29 NEWS AND WEATHER APP TODAY! 8

C h a m b e r Vo i ce | AU G U ST 2 02 1

Chamber’s Rogers Cycling Festival Promotes Area’s Trails and Scenic Views

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pproximately 200 riders got out and explored the beautiful

in Rogers and Northwest Arkansas,” said Ross Phillips, Chamber SVP of

trails and scenery in our region during the annual Rogers

Community Development.

Cycling Festival Presented by Ozark Dermatology July 17 in Downtown Rogers.

Cyclists from across the area enjoyed the family

friendly event which took place entirely on trails and sidewalks,

The day of riding culminated that afternoon with the ‘Railyard Live’ concert series at The Butterfield Stage in Downtown Rogers featuring the band The Uncrowned Kings.

“We absolutely love the trail system in Rogers,” said rider Jesse Hart.

including the new 15-mile Railyard Loop which encompasses the entire

“Being able to spend time downtown, hop on the trail and go just about

city of Rogers.

anywhere we want in town is very convenient.”

“This event is all about getting people outdoors, getting them to be active, and enjoying the culture and quality of life amenities that we have

All revenue generated from RCF ticket sales benefits nonprofit cycling causes in Northwest Arkansas.

Alliance member logo to fit in this space.

Align to top left of gray box.

Presented by

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Survey to Help Chamber Understand Small Business Needs Launching August 9

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wo of the Chamber’s Five Key Focus areas for our missionwork are Economic Development and Small Business and

Sharing Results The next step is sharing the survey’s results. Staff will use

Entrepreneurial Development. These mission-work areas

responses to create interactive social media posts throughout the

not only help recruit new businesses, but also harness the

month of September showcasing what we learned and asking for

entrepreneurial spirit around the region to help new businesses

additional feedback on the results.

get started and grow.

We want to hear from our members about the mission-work we’re

doing and have put together a two-tiered approach for capturing your feedback during August and sharing it in September.

The Survey The first step is a survey. The Small Business Council of the Rogers-

Why We’re Asking for Your Feedback The goal of this survey is to help our Small Business Council and the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce better understand our members’ needs. It will give us helpful advice for supporting our small business community.

We look forward to hearing from you in August and throughout

Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce has created a survey that will launch

September in our efforts to continue to make Rogers, Lowell, and the

Monday August 9 (will be open through August 20) to get our members

entire NWA region an ideal place to visit, live, work, invest and play.

input and feedback.

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Chamber Hosts Annual Chamber Picnic June 11 in Lowell

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hamber members, volunteers, committee members, board members and special friends were invited to the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Chamber Picnic on June 11 at Ward Nail Park in Lowell.

Each year, Chamber members provide hours of community service, give discounts on goods needed for Chamber programs and donate everything from snacks to door prizes for

Chamber events. Chamber staff enjoy being able to show their gratitude for all these things our members do for us.

Hot dogs, hamburgers and more delicious foods were served to friends of the Chamber thanks to community partners pitching in to help make this event possible. Staff appreciated being able to spend the afternoon networking with many of our members who continue to support our mission.

Regena Hawthorne Named Ambassador of the 2nd Quarter

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egena Hawthorne is the Sales and Marketing Director for Providential Home Care, a non-medical home care agency located in Lowell. Regena has 27 years of experience in healthcare. She has served in many capacities ranging from operations manager administrator, social worker, human resource and payroll manager, to being a caregiver for her sister with terminal cancer. Her expertise

is working with the elderly in the community and one way of giving back to the community was deciding to join the Chamber as an ambassador.

In addition to being a Chamber Ambassador, Regena participates in the Small Business Council and the Hustle in Heels planning committee. She is a Spiritual Care Team Member for Highlands Oncology in Rogers to help those in need, in memory of her sister. Regena is very involved with her church in Springdale where she serves in many ways. Regena also is ordained as a minister.

Regena Hawthorne - Ambassador of the 2nd Quarter

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Rogers Public Schools

Launches New Career Programs

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he 2021-2022 school year will open with a vigorous commitment to the ongoing improvement of Launch Career Programs offered within the Rogers School District. One of the essential elements of continuous improvement is the purposeful cognizance of local and regional workforce demands, as well as the projected growth and replenishment of the current workforce needs within each industry sectors.

Projected growth in the population, expansion of existing industries and the increase of

new business and industries within Northwest Arkansas, will impact the dynamic metrics of the high skill, high wage and in-demand workforce needs. Jobs relating to Health Science & Service, Industrial Equipment & Technology, Manufacturing and Education are among the areas noted for accelerated growth in the upcoming years.

Aligning with Employment and Workforce Demands The Launch Career Programs are designed to align with both the current and projected employment and workforce demands. The career programs are available to 9th-12th grade students during the regular school day, with additional opportunities to attend specialized industry training and certification training through the Extended Learning Program. There are currently over twentyseven career programs offered to high school students. Courses are held on the district’s high school campuses, the Rogers Public Schools Career Center and the Secondary Career Center.

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Three New Career Programs In the continued effort to help prepare our students for jobs that align with high skill, high wage and in-demand workforce needs, three new Launch Career Programs will begin in the 2021-2022 school year, including Industrial Equipment Technology, Sports Medicine and the Pre-Educator programs. The new programs will be offered to 9th-12th grade students and will be held on the high school campuses at the Rogers Career Center, which is located on the Heritage High School campus. Transportation among the four secondary campuses to the Rogers Career Center is provided by the district to ensure that the career programs are accessible for all high school students.

Industrial Equipment Technology The new Industrial Equipment Technology program courses will be held at the Rogers Career Center. This program will provide students interested in pursuing careers relating to industrial equipment repair, maintenance, operation, and technology logistics. Representatives from local industries provided valuable input during the development of the program as members of the advisory council. Rodney Ellis, Technical Education Liaison with Tyson Foods, Inc. has been an essential member of the advisory council. He has also provided resources and guidance on industry standard equipment that would provide opportunities for students to obtain beneficial skills sets relating to career opportunities. Brenda Smith, Division HR Manager with the GLAD Corporation was instrumental in developing an Internship program model that would provide students opportunities to participate in an Internship with the GLAD Corporation and explore other careers opportunities with the company.

Sports Medicine The Sports Medicine program courses will be held at the new sports facility on the Heritage High School campus. The program will provide an opportunity for students interested in pursuing sports-related health careers such as orthopedics, athletic training, rehabilitation, fitness and training, physical therapy and injury assessment and treatment. The Sports Medicine program provides a specialized area that correlates to the existing Medical Professions program of study, which remains one of the district’s largest career programs.

Pre-Educator The Pre-Educator program courses will be offered on each of the district’s three high school campuses. The program will provide students interested in pursuing a career within education, including elementary or secondary teacher, early childhood education, special education teacher, administrator, school counselor, physical education, coach, career education and instructional assistant. The Pre-Educator program will offer students authentic work-based learning experiences within several types of educational settings.

How to Learn More Please visit the Launch. Your Future website to learn more about the Launch Career Programs offered to Rogers Public School high school students. Additional information about career education courses offered to 6th-8th grade students can be found on the RPS website at https://www.rogersschools.net/Page/1669.

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Live Music Returns to the Walmart AMP

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ather with fellow music fans for an unforgettable night under the stars, as you claim your seat or spread out a blanket to enjoy live performances

by legendary bands and talented musicians at the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion. As Arkansas’ premier outdoor live music venue, the Walmart AMP is the biggest stage house in the state and has been named one of the top 100 amphitheaters in the country.

Take your pick from one of the many live music concerts offered from summer through fall and experience the magic of this must-visit venue. The newest addition to the Walmart AMP is the Choctaw Plaza, named for Choctaw Casinos & Resorts. The space is a 12,300-square-foot covered plaza and is home to an 80-foot bar and flexible seating area for concert viewing and event rentals.

Follow Visit Rogers on Social Media: 14

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Lady A | August 7th

Brothers Osborne | September 17th

WHAT A SONG CAN DO TOUR WITH CARLY PEARCE, NIKO MOON, & TENILLE ARTS

WE’RE NOT FOR EVERYONE TOUR WITH TRAVIS DENNING & TENILLE TOWNES

The Black Crowes | August 10th

Counting Crows | September 18th

SHAKE YOUR MONEY MAKER TOUR

BUTTER MIRACLE TOUR 2021 WITH SEAN BARNA & MATT SUCHICH

The Avett Brothers | August 13th

Megadeth & Lamb of God | September 22nd

WITH ROBERT EARL KEEN

THE METAL TOUR OF THE YEAR WITH TRIVIUM AND IN FLAMES

Alanis Morissette | August 14th

3 Doors Down | September 24th

2021 WORLD TOUR WITH GARBAGE AND LIZ PHAIR

THE BETTER LIFE 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR WITH SEETHER

Chris Tomlin | August 19th

Shinedown | September 26th

CHRIS TOMLIN WITH KARI JOBE & BETHEL MUSIC AND WORSHIP LEADERS JONATHAN &

SHINEDOWN WITH THE STRUTS & ZERO 9:36

MELISSA HELSER, DANTE BOWE, & BRANDON LAKE

Machine Gun Kelly | October 2nd

Luke Bryan | August 27th

TICKETS TO MY DOWNFALL TOUR WITH JXDN AND CAROLESDAUGHTER

PROUD TO BE RIGHT HERE TOUR WITH DYLAN SCOTT & RUNAWAY JUNE

Jim Gaffigan | August 28th

Thomas Rhett | October 3rd THE CENTER POINT ROAD TOUR WITH COLE SWINDELL & GABBY BARRETT

THE FUN TOUR

Dave Matthews Band | October 13th

Trippie Redd | August 29th

NF | October 14th

TRIP AT KNIGHT TOUR WITH IANN DIOR AND SOFAYGO

CLOUDS TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST MICHL

JMBLYA | September 3rd

NEEDTOBREATHE | October 19th

JMBLYA WITH FUTURE, GUNNA, THE KID LAROI, AND MORE

INTO THE MYSTERY TOUR WITH SWITCHFOOT & THE NEW RESPECTS

Pitbull | September 8th

Jonas Brothers | October 21st

I FEEL GOOD TOUR

REMEMBER THIS TOUR WITH KELSEA BALLERINI

Jason Aldean | September 9th BACK IN THE SADDLE 2021 TOUR WITH HARDY & LAINEY WILSON

Dierks Bentley | October 22nd BEERS ON ME TOUR WITH RILEY GREEN

Jimmy Buffett | September 14th LIFE ON THE FLIP SIDE TOUR 2021 WITH THE CORAL REEFER BAND

Gary Clark Jr. | October 23rd

Slipknot | October 26th KNOTFEST ROADSHOW 2021 WITH KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, FEVER 333 & CODE ORANGE For more information on upcoming shows and events at the Walmart AMP or to purchase tickets, visit Experience the AMP. Follow the Walmart AMP on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for show and event announcements.

UPCOMING FESTIVALS & EVENTS Summer is in full swing, and events are back in Rogers and Northwest Arkansas. Save the date for upcoming festivals and events throughout the region as we move from summer to fall.

Frisco Festival | August 20-21 NW Arkansas Championship | LPGA Tour Stop | September 20-26 Bikes, Blues & BBQ | September 22-25 Blessings Collegiate Invitational | October 4-6 Fall Craft Fairs Around NWA | October 13-17

For more information on upcoming festivals and events around Rogers and Northwest Arkansas, explore the Visit Rogers event page. Follow Visit Rogers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for latest announcements on events in Rogers.

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Thank-a-Teacher Celebration Parade Coming August 10

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he Thank-A-Teacher Celebration Parade Presented by Sam’s

This is your chance to give back to the community and say thank you

Furniture is our sixth annual event that celebrates local

by rewarding our teachers with valuable items for the goodie bag. This is

teachers who are making a big difference in the world.

a great opportunity to present your products and services to more than

Teachers give our children so much and use their classrooms as the first steps in educating the next

1,500 faculty and staff of the Rogers Public Schools.

Sam’s Furniture generously sponsors this event and as part of the

generation of workforce that will keep our businesses and our

celebration, each year they give away a $10,000 home makeover to

community thriving well into the future. Though we can never thank

one very deserving teacher. The Chamber appreciates our sponsors

them enough, this event is an opportunity to let them know how

and community businesses who continue to support our educators by

much we appreciate all that they do. We are unable to meet in person

donating valuable prizes for these teachers every year. To take part in the

this year due to COVID-19 precautions, so the Chamber will take the

parade or for more information, visit www.RogersLowell.com.

celebration to the teachers and staff virtually with a parade!

Parade Details

Presenting Sponsor |

Platinum Sponsor |

Parade Sponsor |

Principal Sponsor |

Chamber staff, our sponsors, and participating businesses will make their way across Rogers and Lowell welcoming back teachers as they prepare for another great school year. We will stop at each school within the district to drop off goodie bags and wish the faculty and staff an amazing school year. The Parade will start at 8:30 a.m. and conclude when we reach our final stop around 10:30 a.m. There are four parade routes and businesses will be assigned a specific route. Sponsors may participate in any or all routes.

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J

36th Annual Frisco Festival Coming to Downtown Rogers August 20-21

oin the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and

music on both Friday and Saturday night. Saturday morning will kick off

Downtown Rogers Inc. for the 36th Annual Frisco Festival that

with the DTR Market, the annual car show and other fun activities that will

will be taking place for the first time in the newly renovated

run all day and into the evening. We will end the day with more live music

Railyard Park.

on the Butterfield Stage.

This year we will be adding new family activities, a variety

Stay tuned for the music lineup. This is going to be a fantastic way to

of food vendors, rows of local artisans and makers in our craft vendor

end the summer! Frisco Festival is a community celebration of our past

area, live music, and community performances at the new Butterfield

and embracing of the future.

Stage. We are excited to introduce the Bike Block, a zone dedicated to all

Vendor tickets are available at www.RogersLowell.com.

things bicycle. Make sure to bring your dancing shoes for awesome live

Click on the video to the right and watch the commercial for the 2021 Frisco Festival*

*as seen on KNWA and Cox Cable Networks

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Mission-Work | Community Development

Chamber’s Mission-Work Focuses on Minority Outreach and Engagement

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he Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce’s Community

In July, Chamber SVP of Community Development Ross Phillips was

Development Division activates a diverse next generation of

one of 22 chamber leaders nationwide selected to participate in the

business and community leaders. We champion diversity, equity

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE)’s Fellowship

and inclusion (DEI), and we engage the right people at the

for Inclusive Economic Growth Cohort. The program is designed to help

right time to improve our quality of life with quality of place

chambers refine their inclusive economic recovery goals and ultimately

initiatives. This key focus area of our mission-work builds a vibrant, safe and

help business associations nationwide build replicable programs and

welcoming community. It prepares leaders for future regional challenges.

processes. Leaders selected to participate in the fellowship represent

Increasing Minority Representation in Leadership The Chamber partners with EngageNWA, University of Arkansas IDEALS Institute, and other local Chambers to host and participate in

urban and rural communities from 18 states.

Activating a Diverse Population in Leadership Training Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders (NWAEL) exists to connect

a DEI Regional Cohort comprised of 15 small to mid-sized businesses.

and engage Northwest Arkansas young professionals through personal

Some of our focus areas include creating cross-cultural dialogue,

and professional development experiences. Membership is open to

eliminating unconscious bias, creating more diverse boards and

anyone in Northwest Arkansas that has a desire to get involved in the

councils, and more.

community, expand their leadership skills and become engaged in the

We host quarterly Spanish Seminar Series educational opportunities targeting Spanish-speaking audiences about a wide range

program of work. NWAEL accomplishes goals that include: • Infusing new talent with existing leadership to inspire them to

of helpful business topics, such as Starting a Business in Arkansas. Thus

action, actively seeking ways and means to give ready, willing and

far in 2021, we have connected more than 25 minority-led businesses

able future leaders the training and platforms required to transition

or entrepreneurs with the Chamber and helped them find professional services and assistance. We have also collaborated with Spanish-

them into long-term, impactful positions for our community.

• Linking parks, trails and people to provide, protect, develop and

speaking businesses in areas such as taxes and accounting, law, and

maintain parks, greenways and trails throughout the community

banking to provide training for more than 60 minority business owners.

and to promote public awareness of the benefits of green space.

Chamber staff has helped increase the number of people from

• Providing avenues for dialogue and education about community

diverse backgrounds in public positions with the City of Rogers,

issues as well as opportunities to become engaged in projects

including a new bilingual librarian at the Rogers Public Library and

that will enrich the region through both Education and

a new minority member of the City’s Planning Commission. We also

Downtown activities, offering members a platform to use

worked with local nonprofits to help recruit, attract and train diverse

Community Enrichment for any project or program that could

talent to their board of directors.

benefit the community.

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• Focusing on increasing sustainability in Northwest Arkansas and diverting recyclable material out of landfills, working towards zero waste throughout the community by volunteering to promote sustainable solutions for waste disposal and management.

Leadership Benton County (LBC) provides leadership training specific to regional issues facing the county and serves as the Chamber’s training ground for future leaders in Benton County. Goals of the 11-session program include identification and motivation of individuals

Cohesion Project. We also assist the Rogers Fire Department in recruiting minority firefighters to broaden the representation in our EMS workforce.

The Police Department thus far in 2021 has hired four new minority officers and six new minority administrative positions.

Advocating for 287(g) Use at Jail Level Only with Benton County Sheriff’s Office This controversial law has been found to lend itself to civil rights

with leadership potential, acquainting participants with community

violations including racial profiling. The U.S. Justice Department has found

needs, challenges and opportunities, offering a forum for dealing with

that some localities participating in the 287(g) program have used their

community issues and challenging future leaders to become involved

authority to commit large-scale pattern or practice constitutional violations.

with local issues and the process of decision-making.

Class participants meet monthly from January to September.

Sessions focus on local and county government, education, economy, human services, health care, quality of life, state government, regional

There are currently two counties in the state of Arkansas actively using this program, Benton and Craighead. Washington County has had their program on hold since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the end of 2020, Sheriff Holloway of Benton County announced a

issues, and leadership skills and theories. LBC is currently having a call for

change to the program. He made it clear that the Benton County Sheriff’s

applications! More information is available here.

Office does not use the street model of the program, meaning field

As the Fall school year begins, the Chamber is working to improve

patrol officers cannot enforce immigration laws on the streets. The part

graduation rates for minority students in the region through a Minority

of the program they are currently using is the jail model, and his office

Mentorship and Empowerment Program and facilitating meetings with

only screens detainees who have been arrested for violent crimes. The

the public and parents of students to prepare the students to achieve

287(g) program is voluntary and allows local law enforcement to identify

success in the classroom. Staff participate in a mentor capacity for the

detainees who might be in the country in violation of immigration laws.

Hispanic Leadership Council’s LatinX on the Rise Mentorship Cohort,

Every detainee brought to the jail is asked a set of questions, and federal

reaching out to minority students and offering advice.

immigration officials are notified if the answers indicate the person

Working to Serve Underrepresented Groups in First Responder Workforce The Chamber works with the Rogers Police Department to build trust in the minority community by establishing meetings via the Community

might be in the country illegally. The federal agencies then make a determination whether to detain the person for immigration violations.

The change was made to keep families of nonviolent arrestees together and has provided much-needed relief to the growing immigrant community in NWA.

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TURPENTINE CREEK R

e

es WILDLIFE REFUGE id cu i nw ng E x ot i c Ca t s Na t i o

T

urpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge [TCWR] recently assisted the

Turpentine Creek Assists Federal Government in Rescue of 68 Big Cats from Tiger King Park

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge was contacted by the DOJ to assist

Federal Government in rescuing sixty-eight big cats from Jeffery

in the rescue. Team members made two trips to Oklahoma, bringing back

(Jeff ) and Lauren Lowe’s Tiger King Park previously owned by

13 animals. They assisted in the transport of eight animals to other GFAS-

“Tiger King,” Joe Exotic.

accredited sanctuaries and facilitated the placement of other felines at

In January, a federal judge ordered the Lowes to surrender

refuges within the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance [BCSA]. The BCSA is comprised

all big cat cubs in their possession under the age of one, as well as the

of accredited sanctuaries who are working together to rescue big cats in

mothers of the cubs, to the government, who has worked with sanctuaries

need and advocate for the betterment of their futures.

and other animal welfare agencies to find safe homes for them. This comes after the judge “found that the United States had a likelihood of success on the merits of its claims that the Lowes had violated the Endangered Species Act, as well as the Animal Welfare Act.” In June, the remaining Big Cats (of various ages and species) were

The twelve big cats (which include lions, tigers, a liger and a li-liger) and jaguar underwent medical examinations by TCWR’s staff veterinarian.

TCWR President Tanya Smith (a current member of the Chamber Board of Directors), who has been silently working with the DOJ and BCPSA for months to facilitate the rescue, says she is grateful the animals are safe at

seized after the Lowes were deemed non-compliant with court orders

proper facilities now. She views the Court’s ruling and DOJ’s recent seizure

to increase the quality of care they were providing their animals. This

as a win not only for the 68 big cats directly affected, but also for other big

was following three inspections since December 2020, which concluded

cats who may benefit from the precedent set by this case.

the Lowes failed “to provide the animals with adequate or timely

You can support the start of their new lives by making a donation.

veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, and shelter that protects them

Click Here to view the press release from the Department of Justice.

from inclement weather and is of sufficient size to allow them to engage in normal behavior.”

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You can also view Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in The Good Life Destination Guide.

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T

he Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and other local leaders celebrated the grand opening ribbon cutting of Transplace in Rogers on July 15.

The new Center of Excellence will create hundreds of new jobs.

Transplace powers one of the largest managed

transportation and logistics networks in the world with over $11 billion of Freight Under Management (FUM) and 62,000 unique users on the platform. They are committed to achieving supply chain excellence for customers by providing greater visibility and control of logistics networks to drive continuous performance improvement.

Stop by 4909 W. Magnolia St. to see their new facility or contact them at (866) 413-9266.

Local Leaders, Governor Celebrate Grand Opening of Transplace in Rogers

WHENEVER. WHEREVER. YOUR MOST WATCHED MORNING TEAM

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Crystal Bridges at 10 Celebrates a Decade of World-Class Art in Northwest Arkansas

O

n November 11, 2011, Crystal Bridges Museum of

crowd favorites in new ways, showcasing works never before on view at the

American Art opened its doors for the first time.

museum, and lifting up artist voices.

Over the course of a decade, the museum has

Through collaborations with local artists and experts, the Northwest

greeted over five million visitors from around the world

Arkansas community is also represented in the exhibition. Inspired

to enjoy world-class art, architecture, and nature. This

by Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter, read the stories of some of

year marks a decade since Crystal Bridges opened, and the museum is

Northwest Arkansas’s community champions. Watch as the University of

recognizing this milestone with a new exhibition celebrating its collection

Arkansas takes a digital dive into Francis Guy’s Winter Scene in Brooklyn.

and community.

See self-portraits made by local children framed on the wall next to self-

Crystal Bridges at 10 is an immersive exhibition with 10 distinct art experiences celebrating the museum’s collection and the local community

portraits from the collection.

The exhibition is $12 for adults and runs until September 27. Tickets are

one decade into the museum’s lifetime. Primarily drawing from the

available here. View other permanent and temporary events and exhibits

museum’s collection, the exhibition features 130+ artworks, presenting

on display now at www.crystalbridges.org.

I

n its annual ranking of the best places to live, U.S. News analyzed the 150 most populous metro areas to calculate its 2021 list of most desirable locations. To make the top of the list, a place had to have good value, a strong job market and a high quality of life.

Northwest Arkansas moved up one spot in this year’s rankings

to No. 4 in America. Below is an excerpt from the ranking:

Northwest Arkansas Again Ranks Among Best Places to Live in United States

“Located in a region that’s experiencing drastic growth, Fayetteville – together with Bentonville, Rogers and Springdale – has transformed from a small town to a center of higher education, culture, commerce and entrepreneurialism. The area known as Northwest Arkansas is the birthplace of Walmart, the headquarters of Tyson Foods and the home of the University of Arkansas, the flagship campus of the U of A system.”

View the full description and list of rankings here.

w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | AUGUST2021

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Tickets on Sale Now for the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship and BITE Experience @ the LPGA

T

ickets are on sale now for the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G, as well as additional community events including BITE Experience @ the LPGA. Volunteer registration is also open for the tournament, held September 20-26, 2021, at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers.

About the #NWAChampionship • The event remains affordable and family friendly with $10 daily tickets, $15 weekly tickets, and concession prices of $3 or less • Weekly tickets, regularly priced at $25, will be offered for $15 in 2021 in celebration of the #NWAChampionship’s 15th anniversary • Kids 17 and under get in free to the tournament with a ticketed adult • Military members, first responders and their families receive free admission

About BITE Experience @ the LPGA • A three-day culinary experience during the #NWAChampionship, September 24-26, offering an upgraded experience for tournament spectators • Ticket price includes food and drink samples from four viewing decks throughout the course with six to eight restaurants and brands at each location • Limited tickets available, so individuals encouraged to purchase tickets early • Event benefits Brightwater Culinary School and the NWA Food Bank

TICKET PRICES

#NWAChampionship

www.NWAChampionship.com/Tickets • Daily tournament ticket: $10 • Weekly tournament ticket: $15 • Kids 17 and under: FREE • Military members, first responders and their families: FREE

BITE Experience @ the LPGA • Daily Ticket: $45 *Ticket includes tournament grounds access on designated day as well as access to designated #BITENWA viewing decks with food and beverage samples

Volunteer Registration www.NWAChampionship.com • Volunteer package: $45 *Includes two golf shirts, headwear, four tournament tickets and gift bag

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2020 Winner Austin

Ernst

Chamber’s Partner Startup Junkie Celebrating 40+ Fully Funded Kiva Entrepreneurs

S

ince launching in December of 2019, Startup Junkie and Kiva NW

Join the Celebration August 5

Sign Up for the August 31 “How To” Workshop

Startup Junkie will host a Kiva NWA

Arkansas have now fully funded

Celebration Networking Entrepreneur Event on

43 entrepreneurs in Northwest

August 5 in Bentonville from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.,

Junkie Foundation will partner with The Arkansas

Arkansas via the Kiva platform,

offering light food items from their very first Kiva

Procurement Technical Assistance Center

many often fully funding in a day or less due to

Borrower: Laura of Bites & Bowls restaurant in

(PTAC) and the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of

the support of the Walton Family Foundation

Springdale, and free soft drinks, wine, and beer.

Commerce to present “How to Become a Certified

matching loan fund.

A total of 39 of the 43 loans funded went to

This celebration offers the public a chance to

In addition to the celebration, the Startup

Woman, Minority, Disadvantaged Business

meet NWA Kiva borrowers who will be attending,

Enterprise, or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned

minority-owned businesses (includes women-

to learn about becoming a Kiva lender, a place for

Business for Government Contracting” on August

owned). Visit www.kiva-nwa.org and click on the

entrepreneurs to network, and a time to support

31. This series is in conjunction with the Bank

green box “See our Kiva Success Stories” to view

the NWA entrepreneur ecosystem of women

OZK-sponsored “HER Entrepreneur Series 2021” to

the profiles of all 43 borrowers.

and minority business owners as well as other

empower women in Arkansas to start and grow

disadvantaged borrowers in our region. Register

small businesses in Arkansas. More information is

for the event here.

available here.

T

he Railyard Entertainment District is officially open for business, continuing the trend to add amenities that draw visitors and residents to enjoy Downtown Rogers.

Maps provide Railyard Entertainment District boundaries where patrons can consume alcoholic beverages outdoors

within certain hours and according to State laws. These hours are Monday-Friday, 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Beverages must come from a participating business within the Railyard Entertainment District and must be in a compostable District cup.

These cups are provided by the city in partnership with Food Loops with specified collection tubes conveniently located to reduce waste.

Participating businesses have Railyard Entertainment District signage prominently displayed. District beverages are only allowed within participating businesses. Signage marking the boundaries of the district is

City of Rogers Announces Opening of Railyard Entertainment District

in place on sidewalks and bike paths.

When enjoying this new Downtown feature, the city encourages patrons to be kind and understanding with businesses when requesting District beverages as not all may be participating, and others are training staff on these new procedures.

Visit the City of Rogers Railyard Entertainment District web page at www.rogersar.gov/EntertainmentDistrict.

For more information, contact Peter Masonis at (479) 418-1341.

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T

Chamber Launch of New Spotlight Series a Success he Spotlight Series is a new

development in Rogers and Lowell as well as

program from the Rogers-Lowell

future growth plans for the City of Rogers.

Area Chamber of Commerce that brings the right people together at the right time to spark innovation,

PRE SENTIN G SP O N SO R

July Theme | Transportation The series continued in July with a

inspire ideas and align our community around

Transportation Roundtable that included Andrew

common goals.

Branch with Northwest Arkansas National Airport,

Each quarter the event highlights a

Matt Crafton with Crafton Tull, and Randy Ort

different theme to spotlight progress and

with the Arkansas Department of Transportation.

illuminate issues that are opportunities for

It went over current and future infrastructure

growing business, activating high-impact

projects in our area.

leaders and building a strong and diverse place to visit, live, invest, work and play.

May Theme | Economic Development In May, the Chamber kicked off the new

UP NEXT IN SEPTEMBER | Leadership & Retaining Young Talent The next quarterly series will feature a discussion about Leadership and Retaining Young

program with an Economic Development

Talent on September 30. Blake Binns, Founder/

Roundtable featuring Tom Allen with Cushman &

CEO of Good Advice, will explore exactly how

Wakefield/Sage Partners, Scott Dillard with KMK

businesses and organizations can benefit in a wide

Equity Group, and John McCurdy with the City

variety of ways when they focus on talent and

of Rogers. They discussed recent and planned

employee retention efforts. Purchase tickets here.

Chamber Launches Inaugural Tee Off at Topgolf Event

P

articipants enjoyed a beautiful day with coworkers and clients at the RogersLowell Area Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Tee Off at Topgolf event Presented by Choctaw Casino on June 24.

Climate-controlled hitting bays kept golfers

cool as members conducted business with special customers and rewarded employees with a fun day of teambuilding. Players received hors d’oeuvres, adult beverages and bottomless fountain sodas.

The event showcased the newest entertainment venue in Rogers and offered a relaxing afternoon for players to try out a variety of high-tech golf games unique to Topgolf.

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Art on the Bricks Reflects on “The Dog Days of Summer” Highlighting Animal Art, Dog Fashion Show and Humane Society for Animals Pop-Up Adoption Event

T

he Dog Days of Summer is the theme

Summer offers opportunities to enjoy

products etc. (See map at www.artonthebricks.com)

for art during the 2nd Thursday art

the Ozarks with our furry loved ones, but high

walk in Downtown Rogers. Art on

temperatures require you take precautions to

• Doggie Fashion Show under the Bleu Girl

the Bricks (AOTB), a program of the

protect your pets from the heat. While we are

Mural by Ozark Talent Bank at 121 W. Elm

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of

outside enjoying swimming, hiking and running

Street, 7:00 p.m.

Commerce, will showcase the creative economy

with our pets, it is important to keep in mind

and dozens of dog friendly businesses in the

warm weather can be dangerous. During the

heart of the city.

August Art Walk, Humane Society for Animals will

Thursday, August 12, the Art Walk features

• Free Pup-Cups and register to win a Petco Pet Store Gift Certificate at Nacho Taters, 300 N. 2nd Street.

set up in the shade near 300 N 2nd Street and

• Live Music and Interactive Experiences

pop-up locations with artists who create artwork

share information about protecting pets from

• Live Americana music by Route 358 at

including pet portraits, a dog fashion show and

high temperatures as well as the importance of

some paw tapping live music.

keeping current photos and your pets microchip

A special collaboration with the Humane

records up to date. These are important if your

Rogers Experimental House, 121 W Walnut Street, 5:30 p.m.– 7:30 p.m.

• Live piano music by Adam Mangold at

Society will treat the public to an opportunity to

pet gets lost. They will also have some adorable

meet some special dogs who are eager to find

animals available for adoption, so if you have

their forever homes. Between 20 – 25 pop-up

room in your home and your heart for a new pet,

exhibits will feature art and artists that will appeal

please stop by.

• Live woodwind quartet, Highland Winds, at LBC

Pet-centric activities during the August Art Walk

• Live country music by Larry & Zach Acoustic

(4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. unless noted otherwise)

• Artist demonstrations and Live Jazz Music by

to art and animal lovers of all ages. A preview of the art and map of the monthly event is found at www.artonthebricks.com.

About the Theme The dog days of summer refer to the hot, sultry days of summer, a time marked by the rising of the constellation Canis Major which

• Humane Society for Animals “Pop-Up Adoption Booth,” Into+View Gallery’s greenspace, 300 N. 2nd Street.

• PUPsicles and featured doggie fashions at Woof

includes Sirius, the “Dog Star.” This period is

& Wander, 107 W. Elm Street. Patrons are invited

associated with the hottest days of summer

to make donations to support the Rogers

and heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs and bad luck. While the

Humane Society and Taysia Blue Rescue.

• Showcase of Laura Coello’s work as product

Studio 300, 300 N 2nd Street, Suite B • Live alternative/rock music by Mildenhall at Railyard Park, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Studio, 105 W Walnut Street. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Duo at Envision Nutrition, 204 W Walnut a Jazz Bosa Nova Trio at Mavis Wine Company, 718 N 2nd Street, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

• Live Music with Open Mic Night at Moonbroch, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

• Live Art Demonstrations at Into+View Gallery & Studio, 300 N 2nd Street, Suite A Check out the dozens of dog friendly restaurants and retail shops in Downtown

definition of dog days may not have you looking

and brand designer of Trisha Yearwood Pet

Rogers that welcome your well behaved

forward to the next few weeks of weather, the art

Collection, at LBC Studio, 105 W. Walnut Street.

pooches on a leash. A more extensive list of all

inspired by summer in the Arkansas Ozarks is a bright spot to enjoy in historic Downtown Rogers.

• Featured art by artists who specialize in pet portraits, paintings, photography, pet

types of dog friendly businesses is found at Go Downtown Rogers.

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QUEEN ANNE MANSION AND RESORT

210 PRAIRIE LANE | BENTONVILLE, AR 72712 (479) 273-3553 | WWW.COOLWAG.COM DOG BOARDING - DOG DAYCARE

115 W. VAN BUREN | EUREKA SPRINGS, AR 72632 (479) 903-1203 | WWW.QAMANSIONANDRESORT.COM HOTELS - MOTELS

EUREKA SPRINGS INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER/FUN GUIDE

REVIVE MEDICAL SPA, LLC - FAYETTEVILLE

178A W. VAN BUREN | EUREKA SPRINGS, AR 72632 (479) 659-1461 | EUREKA.NEWS PUBLISHERS

1444 E. STEARNS ST., STE. 11 | FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703 (479) 287-4738 | WWW.REVIVEMEDICALSPA.COM SPA THERAPIES

FAMILY STORAGE

THRIVENT

1250 W. COMMONS DR. | ROGERS, AR 72756 (479) 321-2114 | WWW.FAMILYSTORAGEOFROGERS.COM MOVING & STORAGE

2860 W. WALNUT ST., STE. 100 | ROGERS, AR 72756 (479) 341-4884 | CONNECT.THRIVENT.COM/JOE-CHOWANSKY FINANCIAL & FINANCIAL ADVISORS

GALAXY HOME RECREATION 599 N. 46TH ST. | ROGERS, AR 72756 (479) 250-1320 | GALAXYHOMERECREATION.COM RECREATION

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May & June 2021

2ND STREET OUTPOST AND FOOD TRUCK

BOSTON MOUNTAIN FLOORING

EQUITY STORAGE & J. CONRAD BUSINESS CENTER

GATHERED GOODS NWA

1724 S. 8TH ST., ROGERS

DIRECT AUTO INSURANCE 2810 W. WALNUT ST., STE. E, ROGERS

702 N. 2ND ST., ROGERS

100 N. 8TH ST., ROGERS

GENERATIONS BANK

600 S.W. 41ST ST., STE. 2, BENTONVILLE

3909 W. AJAX AVE., ROGERS

GREAT SOUTHERN BANK

2522 S. PINNACLE HILLS PKWY., STE. 101, ROGERS

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C h a m b e r Vo i ce | AU G U ST 2 02 1

LISA ACADEMY

428 S. HORSEBARN RD., ROGERS

MARTINEZ AGENCY

1202 NE MCCLAIN RD., STE. 107, BENTONVILLE

May & June 2021

PRIMROSE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

WALMART SUPERCENTER STORE #5260

650 S. DODSON RD., ROGERS

WRITE ON FUNDRAISING

125 W. CENTRAL AVE., STE. 200, BENTONVILLE

4208 PLEASANT CROSSING BLVD., ROGERS

Ribbon Cutting Sponsor

2020 was rough on local businesses.

They had a lot to overcome.

But their creativity and resilience in the face of those challenges truly inspired us.

We’re HONORED to tell their stories and help connect them with their communities.

LEARN MORE about how we can help tell your business’ story. Visit coxmedia.com/tell-your-story or call (855) 755–2691.

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MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS | June 2021 30+ YEARS

Pel-Freez, LLC - 68 years Hight Jackson Associates, P.A. - 47 years War Eagle Mill, Inc. - 44 years Lindsey & Associates - 42 years Fayetteville Mechanical Contractors, Inc. - 32 years

21-30 YEARS

Absolute Security, Fire & Design Inc. Anderson Electric & Plumbing Supply Benton County Funeral Home - Buddy Burns Chapel Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Crystal Hall Hudson & Associates, Inc. Jones Center for Families Lindsey & Associates - Bill McClard Northwest Arkansas Head Start Old Town Dry Cleaners SCORE Chapter 0511 St. Vincent de Paul School Stephens Inc. Sweetser Construction U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Village on the Creek

11-20 YEARS

3M Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation Arkansas State Teachers Association Bella Vista Property Owners Association BHC Insurance Brashears Furniture Catering Unlimited Cintas Corporation The Computer Hut Cooper Communities/CRI Ernst & Young LLP Faithful Friends Animal Clinic Generations Bank Great Southern Bank Harding University Northwest Arkansas Homewood Suites by Hilton Information Solutions Team, LLC Innisfree Health and Rehab Innovative Business Furniture, Inc. 32

C h a m b e r Vo i ce | AU G U ST 2 02 1

Jordan Essentials - Lissa Applewhite Keypoint Church Kimberly-Clark King Burrito & Taqueria Larson’s Language Center Marmic Fire and Safety Ninja Realty - Christy Fournier Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter NWA Restore It Parklane Family Dental S. Todd Phelan, DDS, PA Shady Beach Inc. SOURCES for Community Independent Living Services Teslar Software U.S. Small Business Administration Up to Par Technology VSC Fire & Security, Inc. Walmart Neighborhood Market Store #5837 Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP

6-10 YEARS

American Legion Post 100 American Standard Foundation Repair Child Care Aware of Northwest Arkansas Cosmic Cavern DW2 Video Productions Edward Jones - Fred Fryer, Financial Advisor Family Dental Care of Rogers Farmers & Merchants Bank First National Bank Flying Fish Guardian Financial Advisors & Associates Heritage Indian Motorcycles of NWA Imagine Studios Mundo-Tech, Inc. Rockin’ Pig Saloon Concert Venue Scissortail, Another Leadership Properties Community Smith 2-Way Radio, Inc. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc. Theo’s Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Women’s Health Associates

2-5 YEARS

All Pets Animal Hospital of Rogers All Weather Air Service Arkansas Golf & Powersports of NWA Arkansas Hospice, Inc. Barton Consulting LLC Beaver Lake Outdoor Center Clear Creek Wealth Management Eason Counseling & Associates Elevate Empowered Tax Services, PLLC Food Loops Great American Cookies Healing Gardens of Northwest Arkansas High Street Real Estate Development, LLC Hounds’ Hideaway Jene’ Huffman-Gilreath Jonesboro Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory Level 5 Architecture Arkansas Materials Testing of Arkansas, Inc. MTA Engineers NWA Getaways Dream Vacations Onin Staffing Ozark Dental Implants and Periodontics Pillar Clinical Research Primerica, Office of Reece Morrison PRN Medical Services Schuber Mitchell Homes Springswoods Behavioral Health Steven G. Kolokithas, D.D.S., Symphony Dental Care Wheelhouse Real Estate Management 15th Place Townhomes

1 YEAR

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks Bentonville The Employers’ Advanced Cooperative on Healthcare Massco Dental Morris Crown Creations, LLC Robin Hood Roofing Surfco Restoration & Construction LLC TLC Properties

Chamber Business Connect & 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.

SPECIAL NOTE** | Participants of Events, Meetings & Gatherings As Northwest Arkansas gets back to business, the safety of our staff

With this in mind, see some of our events below with requirements

and our community is the number one priority. We want to ensure you

for in-person attendance or notes about ways to attend virtually. Be sure

that we take public health very seriously. In compliance with the health

to check RogersLowell.com, review our eNewsletters (Monday Memo and

directives and guidelines issued by Governor Asa Hutchinson and the

Calendar at a Glance), and follow us on social media for updates about our

Arkansas Department of Health, we are taking the necessary steps to slow

events and meetings as well as developments that might affect business in

the spread of COVID-19 and protect those of high risk.

Northwest Arkansas.

AUG

Every Wednesday

AUG

05

19

Presented By | Printova Signs & Graphics AUG Host Sponsor | Dance With Me

Presented By | Citizens Bank Host Sponsor | NWA Home & Outdoor

Location | Golden Corral Address | 2605 W Pleasant Crossing Dr., Rogers

Location | Embassy Suites Ambassadors Ballroom Address | 3303 Pinnacle Hills Pkwy., Rogers

AUG

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Studio by Aura

Living Expo

Topic | Empowered Through Transparency Speaker | Amber Taggard, Owner and

Founder of The Organizer Chicks

AUG

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Location | Supply Chain Hall of Fame Address | 5111 W. J.B. Hunt Dr., Rogers

Treat Yourself, Reward Employees & Say Thank You to Clients Join us Thursday, September 2, for the 2021 Chamber Golf Tournament. This is a four-person scramble with shotgun start times of 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at beautiful Big Sugar Golf Club

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Big Sugar Golf Club | 1101 Sugar Creek Rd., Pea Ridge

Presented By | Citizens Bank Host Sponsor | Discover Lowell Location | Fast Lane Entertainment Address | 1117 N. Dixieland St., Lowell Presented By | 7 Brew Coffee & Primrose

Retirement Communities

Host Sponsor | Family Storage of Rogers Location | Family Storage of Rogers Address | 1250 W. Commons Dr., Rogers will receive complimentary beverages and snacks. Breakfast will be served for the morning golfers. Lunch will be served to every golfer.

Sponsorships Available Now Not a golfer? Sponsoring the 2021 Chamber

in Pea Ridge. The tournament is a fun day for

Golfer Tournament is an effective, low-cost way to

Chamber members to come together, compete

promote your company and raise your company’s

for prizes and network with other players. It’s

profile in the community. Sponsorship packages

a great way to treat yourself, reward company

include the opportunity to reach all golf

employees and say thank you to special clients

participants and be recognized by the Chamber.

on the golf course.

Contact the Chamber’s Member Services Team

A Fun Day | Contests & Prizes, 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 team and individual contest winners. Each golfer

at (479) 636-1240 or email MemberServices@ RogersLowell.com for sponsorship details.

**To safeguard against community spread, all Chamber events currently scheduled are subject to being postponed and/or cancelled with new dates and times to be announced later.

For more information or to register a team visit ROGERSLOWELL.COM w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | AUGUST2021

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Check www.RogersLowell.com Often for Updates and Information on Meetings & Events

We are dedicated to getting as much information out as possible, both about the COVID-19 situation as well as our policies regarding events and our calendar. Thank you for your patience as we continue to work with our vendors, local officials, and everyone involved in the production of our events to set schedules moving forward throughout the year.

THE FUTURE OF NEWS HAS ARRIVED Join the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Digital Replica Program and experience the newspaper every day on an iPad that’s included in your subscription at no extra cost.*

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