JANUARY2017 | Vol 12 Issue 1
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he New Year is here! Save these dates for Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce major event sponsorship opportunities in 2017. Sponsoring and attending these events increases your community exposure and is an excellent way to gain more value from your Chamber membership. Before you finish your planning for the new year, review the Chamber’s 2017 Major Events below, record them in your calendar, then contact the Membership Services team to explore the right sponsorships for your business. No matter what level, there is a sponsorship that’s just right for your business in 2017. SAVE THE DATES | 2017 Major Events
95th Annual Banquet | Friday, March 3, 2017 The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet is an annual gathering of 1,000+ Northwest Arkansas business leaders that celebrates accomplishments of the previous year, honors outstanding businesses and individuals in our community and sets the tone for the coming business year. It’s the highlight of the Chamber’s year! The evening includes a reception, dinner and keynote speaker (featuring John N. Roberts, CEO of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.), and the annual awards presentations. These community awards are presented to outstanding individuals, businesses or organizations: Dick Trammel Good Neighbor Award (Rogers); Elbert S. Graham/Elza Tucker Award (Lowell); Spirit of Rogers-Lowell Award; Volunteer of the Year Award; Ambassador of the Year Award; and the Small Business of the Year Award. Nominations are now being accepted through January 13, 2017.
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Events and Meetings
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2017 Major Events Continued
95th Annual Banquet Features CEO of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. | March 3, 2017
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The Election is Over | What Now? Introducing the 2017 Small Business Council; 2016 Small Business of the Quarter Award Winners; Economic Snapshot
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2017 - 2018 Career & Technical Education | Rogers Public Schools Focus on the Community – Stories from Around the Northwest Arkansas Area
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Welcome New Members | November 2016
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Ribbon Cuttings | November 2016
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Checklist for Getting the Most ROI from Your Chamber Membership
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Conventions/Events Visiting Rogers in 2017; Networking is the Most Inexpensive Way to Promote Your Business
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Committee Chairs and Outgoing Board Members Recognized; 2017 Ambassador Meetings | Save the Dates
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Chamber Membership Renewals | November 2016; 2017 Chamber Nights | Dates Announced for February Chamber Networking & Educational Events
RogersLowell.com | JANUARY2017
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quick reference calendar | JANUARY Business Building Events
Upcoming Meetings
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1.5 | Small Business Council Meeting 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce
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1.10 | Coffee Connection 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Bailey & Oliver Law Firm
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1.11 | Chamber University Sunrise Seminar Series – Topic: TBD 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce
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Chamber of Commerce
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1.11 | Rogers Advertising & Promotion Meeting 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce
317 West Walnut Street
Rogers-Lowell Area
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Rogers, Arkansas 72756
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1.12 | Ambassadors Bi-Monthly Meeting 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce
P: (479) 636-1240 F: (479) 636-5485
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1.18 | Member Orientation 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce
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1.19 | Benton County Business After Hours 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Steve Landers Toyota Northwest
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Paid for through Periodical “Chamber Voice”
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1.23 | Ambassadors About Town 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Location TBD
(USPS 492950) is published monthly in January,
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1.25 | Business to Business Luncheon 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | NWACC Shewmaker Center
February, March, May, June, July, August,
View complete calendar at RogersLowell.com
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September, October November and December; (semi-monthly in April) by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc., 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756. Periodical postage paid at Rogers, AR. Postmaster send address changes to: Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756.
STAF F Raymond Burns, CCE President/CEO rburns@rogerslowell.com
Vickie Grotts Vice President of Accounting & Finance vickie@rogerslowell.com
Amy Gober Director of Community Development amy@rogerslowell.com
Kelly Parker Sports & Tourism Marketing Manager | Visit Rogers kelly@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
Katie Wright Office Manager/Executive Assistant katie@rogerslowell.com
Shelle Summers, IOM Senior Vice President of Membership Services ssummers@rogerslowell.com
Karen Wagaman Vice President of Downtown Development karen@rogerslowell.com
Marni Rogers Member Relations Manager marni@rogerslowell.com
Ashley Matsumura Information Specialist ashley@rogerslowell.com
Steve Cox Senior Vice President of Economic Development steve@rogerslowell.com
Judy Diffee Finance Manager judy@rogerslowell.com
Nick Smith Creative Services Director nick@rogerslowell.com
Amanda Mills Information Specialist amanda@rogerslowell.com
Brad Phillips Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications brad@rogerslowell.com
Brooklynn Wiley Director of Special Events brooklynn@rogerslowell.com
Erin Jernigan Convention Sales Manager | Visit Rogers erin@rogerslowell.com
BOA RD O F DI R E C TO R S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairman of the Board David Faulkner, Pinnacle Hills Promenade Chairman-Elect Eric Pianalto, Mercy NWA Treasurer Greg Fogle, Nabholz Construction Past Chairman Nick Hobbs, J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. President/CEO Raymond Burns
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RIDC President Jerry Vest, Regions Bank
C h a m b e r Vo i ce | JA N UA RY 2 01 7
2017 DIRECTORS
Frank Bailey, Bailey & Oliver Law Firm Kristen Boozman, Portfolio Real Estate Mauricio Herrera, Legal Center of NWA Tabi Lipscomb, Arvest Benton County J.D. Davis, AMP Sign & Banner Jeff Wood, Tyson Foods
2018 DIRECTORS
Keri Earwood, Shelter Insurance Dennis Ferguson, Simmons Bank Jon Harrell, Generations Bank Jeff Milford, AEP/SWEPCO David Roth, WorkMatters Tina Winham, NUK – USA
EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS
Dr. Marlin Berry - Rogers Public Schools Jerry Carmichael - TY North America - LLC Bob Clinard - Benton County Judge Richard D. Davis - Black Hills Energy Mike Dodge - Carroll Electric Coop. Corp. Sandy Edwards - Crystal Bridges Museum W. Dan Hendrix - Arkansas World Trade Center Greg Hines - Mayor - City of Rogers Tom Hopper - Crafton, Tull & Associates
Dr. Evelynn Jorgenson - NWACC Peter Lane - Walton Arts Center David Lang - Embassy Suites of NWA Eldon Long - Mayor - City of Lowell Mike Power - First Security Bank Dawn Spragg - Central United Methodist Curch Thom Stathakis - Everett Buick GMC Dick Trammel - Arkansas Highway Commission Jeremy Turley - NWA Emerging Leaders
2019 DIRECTORS
Jeremy Barclay, Northwest Health Jill Bright, Citizens Bank Corry Hull, Legacy Capital Group Erin Kiefer, Assembled Products Corporation Chris Sultemeier, Walmart US Angie Tucker-Ridley, Tucker’s Furniture & Appliance
DIVISION CHAIRS
Community Development - Tina Winham Membership Services - Keri Earwood Economic Development - Jeff Milford Government Affairs - Jerry Carmichael Convention & Visitors Bureau - David Lang
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Jill Bright, Frank Bailey & Jon Harrell
...Continued from Page 1 RD MARINE & DFO AT A V BR
26th Annual Bradford Marine & ATV Buddy Bass Tournament | May 6, 2017 The annual Bradford Marine & ATV Buddy Bass Tournament is a fundraising and community development event with proceeds directed toward economic development projects of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. This tournament is the largest non-circuit fishing tournament in Arkansas and keeps growing each year with hundreds of local fishermen attending (700+ expected in 2017). The event celebrates its 26th Anniversary this year and features a fun weigh-in attended by a large crowd who enjoy free prizes, food and entertainment while watching tournament winners receive their prizes.
Northwest Arkansas Spring Job Fair | May 17, 2017 The Chamber will again be hosting both a spring and fall job fair for Northwest Arkansas in 2017 – these are the largest and longest running job fairs in the region. Job fairs provide local business and industry an opportunity to connect with local and regional job seekers, especially important as economic development continues to build momentum and more jobs are created for the workforce. The job fair typically attracts 60+ exhibitors and 300-400 job seekers. The spring event will be held at the Frisco Station Mall in Rogers from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Spring Golf Tournament | June 5, 2017 The Spring Golf Tournament will be held at beautiful Shadow Valley Country Club. This four-person scramble allows Chamber members an opportunity to play golf together and compete for prizes while enjoying business-building networking with players from other teams. Members invite their customers to play with them as a gesture of thanks while others choose to bring employees as a reward and show of appreciation. Prizes
are awarded for top finishing teams and for individual winners of the longest drive, closetto-the-pin and putting contests. Each golfer receives complimentary snacks and beverages, breakfast (morning tee time), lunch and entry into the 19th Hole Party, during which prizes will be awarded to the top teams. Fall Golf Tournament | September 8, 2017 The Fall Golf Tournament is held annually at Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club in Rogers. Teams of four enjoy building business relationships on the golf course in a beautiful fall setting. Treat clients to a round of golf to seal the deal, say thank you to clients for their business or show your employees you appreciate them by inviting them to play. Prizes are awarded for top finishing teams and for individual winners of the longest drive, closet-to-the-pin and putting contests. Each golfer receives complimentary snacks and beverages, breakfast (morning tee time), lunch and entry into the 19th Hole Party, during which prizes will be awarded to the top teams.
Northwest Arkansas Fall Job Fair | October 4, 2017 Each fall employers get a head start on hiring for the holidays at the Chamber’s Northwest Arkansas Fall Job Fair held at the Frisco Station Mall in Rogers from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The job fair typically attracts 60+ exhibitors and 300-400 job seekers.
professionals and conduct business on the range at Gunsmoke Sporting Clays in Garfield. Sponsors may invite special customers/clients to join them as a gesture of thanks or reward employees with a day of team building. Over 80 shooters are expected to participate in this first-ever event this year. Sponsorships offer an opportunity to reach event’s participants. Shooters receive continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages. Experienced and novice shooters alike are encouraged to attend and bring colleagues, clients, family and friends out for a fun day of clay shooting. There will be two flight times: 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Bowling For Business | November 10, 2016 Not everyone can golf – but anyone can bowl! Join us for this exciting event in November. Bowling For Business will be held at the Rogers Bowling Center from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. for an afternoon of food and fun. This event is growing in popularity each year mainly because it is perfect for fostering teamwork among employees. It’s also great exercise! Prizes go to the top teams. Awards are also presented for highest and lowest individual scores, best team shirts and more! Stay Connected | RogersLowell.com & eNews Calendar at a Glance To help stay connected with the Chamber this year, visit (at least monthly) the RogersLowell. com Chamber Calendar (under the News & Events tab on the RogersLowell.com home page) for listings of upcoming networking and educational events. Also, be sure to subscribe to the weekly (each Thursday) Chamber eNews, called the Calendar at a Glance, for weekly updates, information and reminders for upcoming events delivered right to your in-box. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CHAMBER’S ANNUAL, NETWORKING AND EDUCATIONAL EVENTS ONLINE AT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR | WEB.ROGERSLOWELL.COM/NEWS_AND_EVENTS
*NEW IN 2017* Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce (RLACC) Sporting Clays Classic | October 13, 2017 This is the newest event from the Chamber and offers members a unique and fun opportunity to network with other business
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95th Annual Banquet Features CEO of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. | March 3, 2017
ables and individual tickets are still available for the 95th Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet. John N. Roberts, CEO of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., will present the banquet’s keynote address on Friday, March 3, 2017 at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers. Tickets $75 Per Person (Members) | $100 Per Person (Non-Members) Don’t miss this opportunity to gather with other Northwest Arkansas leaders. The evening VIP Private Reception begins at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner, keynote speaker and the community awards at 7:00 p.m. Seats typically sell out in advance and members are encouraged to make reservations before the end January, or sooner. To reserve seats, purchase them at RogersLowell.com or call the Chamber at (479) 636-1240. A limited number of sponsorships are still available. Contact Membership Services for more details.
About the Keynote Speaker John served the company as Executive Vice President of its Dedicated Contract Services (DCS) division for over 13 years. He and his team built the business into the largest and one of the most diversified dedicated suppliers in the nation, growing from $150 million to $1 billion in annual revenues. He’s a graduate of the University of Arkansas.
The John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers Hosts the 95th Annual Banquet
Special Thanks to Our Current Sponsors | Presenting Sponsors |
Diamond Sponsor |
Reception Sponsors |
Gold Sponsors |
®
Program Sponsor |
Silver Sponsors: Cherokee Casino & Hotel Hight Jackson Associates, P.A. McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc. Regions Bank John N. Roberts, President and CEO of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. will present the Annual Banquet’s keynote address.
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Bronze Sponsors: Beaver Water District Benchmark Group Carroll Electric Cooperative Corporation
Bronze Sponsors Continued: CEI Engineering Associates, Inc. First National Bank First Security Bank First Western Grand Savings Bank Northwest Arkansas Naturals Baseball Northwest Health Rogers Insurance Agency, Inc. Smith Hurst, PLC
THE ELECTION IS OVER|
NOW WHAT? “ I am optimistic that our business community is in good hands with our state legislative delegation from Benton and Washington Counties.”
- Jon Moran, Vice President of Government Affairs Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce
Jon Moran, Vice President of Government Affairs with the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce
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ecently, I held a meeting with several of our legislators and business leaders about the 2017 Northwest Arkansas Regional Legislative Agenda, a policy document that outlines the priorities of the Northwest Arkansas business community. It took several months to craft this agenda, involving a working group of representatives from the business community that makes up over 70 percent of the total employment in Northwest Arkansas. After our meeting, I am optimistic that our business community is in good hands with our state legislative delegation from Benton and Washington Counties. Now, there will certainly be issues that arise during this upcoming legislative session on which we will disagree with our elected officials, but disagreement when it is for constructive purposes is all part of a healthy democratic process. Focusing on Issues We Care About The 2017 Northwest Arkansas Regional Legislative Agenda covers the issues that we care about as business leaders and as members of this growing community. Those issues
include workforce development, education, infrastructure, economic development, regional stewardship, and the overall business climate, and all were debated in our working group. There will undoubtedly be legislation filed in 2017 that will affect these areas for the Northwest Arkansas region. In the 1972 movie, The Candidate, Robert Redford portrays the reluctant and idealistic Senate candidate, Bill McKay, who runs for the Senate against an establishment incumbent even though he has no expectation to win - except that he does. The movie ends when McKay is announced as the winner on election night and, turning to his political consultant, he asks him, “What do we do now?” This January, we inaugurate a new President and swear in our newly elected representatives in state houses and city halls across this country. They may be having the same trepidations. An analogy I use often is that elections are the 100-yard dash we have candidates run before we ask them to immediately turn around and endure a marathon. In January, the marathon of governing our country, our state, and our community for the next few years
begins for all our newly elected representatives. Renewing Our Commitment We need to renew our commitment as members of this community to encourage and inform our elected officials so that they can make the best decisions possible when they are acting in our interests. In that way, they will know “what to do now”.
Get Connected with Jon Moran from Arkansas’s Capitol Hill! @ RLACC_Gov
www.facebook.com/rlacc.gov
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Introducing the 2017 Small Business Council
he Small Business Council is a committee of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and was created to be the voice of the small business community and to provide guidance to the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce on the needs of the small business community. The Council is made up of Chamber members who own, work for, or actively serve small businesses throughout Northwest Arkansas. Some of the roles of the Council include selecting an Outstanding Small Business of the Quarter, selecting seminar topics for Chamber University and conducting Member Orientations.
2017 Small Business Council Chair | Corry Hull — Legacy Capital Group Co-Chair | Martha Londagin — Legacy National Bank Past Chair | Kelly Gemmell — Milestone Construction Company, LLC. Blanca Maldonado — AMP Sign & Banner Charlene Fields — Souls Harbor of Rogers, Inc. Don Ogden — Edward Jones - Don Ogden Randy Durbin — Arvest Asset Management Jamaikhan Dickey — Rogers City Hall / Administration JD Chambliss — First Security Bank Delanna Padilla Pennington — Padilla Pennington PLLC Kaala House — Insurance Team 360 Angie Ellis — Capital Abstract & Title Co., LLC
Ex-Officio’s Shelle Summers — RLACC Denise Thomas — World Trade Center Arkansas Steve Cox — RLACC Lori Ann Lieblong — UASBTDC David Bernstein — SCORE Main Street Rogers — Main Street Rogers Jeff Salzer — Small Business Administration
2016 Small Business of the Quarter Award Winners
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he Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Council recognize small businesses for the Outstanding Small Business of the Quarter (OSB) awards in 2016. Below are the winners this year. 1st Qu ar ter Winn er
How It Works Members of the Small Business Council interview nominees during the first month of each quarter. They then vote on a winner during the second month of the quarter 2 n d Q u a r te r W i nne r
presented by |
and the award is presented in the last month of the quarter. The four winners are automatically nominated for the 2016 Small Business of the Year to be awarded at the 2017 Annual Banquet.
3rd Qua rte r W i nne r
4 th Qu arter Win n er
GRILLED FISH • PIRI PIRI CHICKEN
Employable Persons
Persons Unemployed 1,250
30,000
Persons Employed 30,000
20,000
750
10,000 1.0
250
33,401 | 31,682
827 | 1,072
October 2016 C h a m b e r Vo i ce | JA N UA RY 2 01 7
3.0 2.0
500 10,000
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5.0 4.0
1,000 20,000
Percent Unemployed
32,574 | 30,610
October 2015
2.5 | 3.4
2017 - 2018
Career & Technical Education| ROGERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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s the first semester of the 2016-2017 school year ends, students will begin the process of exploring the programs and courses that they will enroll for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year. Career & Technical Education (CTE) teachers will work collaboratively to implement programs and events to increase awareness of CTE programs offered at both the middle and high school levels within Rogers Public Schools (RPS). Career Development teachers will assist 8th grade students in the development of a four-year career plan that will help students formulate an outline of courses for each of their four years in high school. In turn, high school CTE teachers will visit each of the middle schools to share information about the CTE programs that they can take during high school, along with information about jobs and careers that relate to each program area. Teachers and counselors on each of high school campuses will share information with 9-11th grade students about the sequence of courses in each CTE program area and courses that will be offered through the Secondary Career Center, NWACC and Northwest Technical Institute that would contribute to their career plan and pathway towards a successful career.
Impacting Student’s Career Choices Educational research has substantiated that both CTE courses and career and workrelated experiences have a significant impact on a student’s career choice, as well as their potential future earnings within their chosen career fields. The experiences also help students formulate a plan for acquiring the knowledge and skills that are required for them to reach their career goals. Barry Knight has taught Precision Machines for many years at the RPS Career Center, and in recent years, he initiated the implementation of the Advanced Manufacturing program and began teaching Introduction to Construction Skills. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Knight has helped many students gain valuable skills and industry certifications in areas relating to machine tools, CNC mills and lathes, all of which have that have prepared them for successful careers following graduation. “Building Your Future” Program To help introduce students to careers within Manufacturing, Construction Trades and FANUC Robotics, several opportunities will be
offered for middle and high school students to explore the skills, equipment, and certification that are needed for jobs within these career fields. Plans for a “Building Your Future” program are currently underway and will include after school events at the RPS Career Center, which is located on the Rogers Heritage High School Campus. The events will include “Make-It & Take It” workshops, presentations, guest speakers, and demonstrations using industry-related equipment. Connecting Classroom Skills to the Workplace Mr. Knight is also planning to offer field trips for the students currently enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing and Construction Trades programs. The field trips will include visits to local manufacturing and machining industries, construction companies, facilities that utilize industrial robotics, and businesses that produce specialized parts for high performance cars. Providing field trips to local manufacturing and construction industries will help students make connections between the skills gained within the classroom environment and those that are applied within the workplace environment.
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SportsEvents AnnouncesVisit Rogers a 2017
READERS’ CHOICE Award Winner
The Railyard Bike Park, Rogers’ newest sports venue.
December | 2016 - SportsEvents Media Group, the leading industry publication focused exclusively on helping sports event planners produce excellent competitions in the United States, has announced Visit Rogers as one of its 2017 Readers’ Choice Award winners. Winners will be announced in the January 2017 issue of SportsEvents. Sports event professionals were asked to nominate destinations and sports venues that they believe display exemplary creativity and
professionalism toward the groups they host. Nominations were received from readers throughout the year, and the top picks were selected based on results from an online voting system. ”SportsEvents readers came out in force to nominate and then to vote for their favorite sports events destinations and the host organizations that represent them. Our team is proud to honor the nominees that received the most votes with a 2017 Readers’ Choice Award,” said John Rezell, SportsEvents executive
editors. “It is clear, based on our readers’ experiences, that these award winners are willing to go above and beyond typical service levels to help sports event planners produce outstanding events that participants, their families and spectators will want to experience again and again. It is our privilege to announce their selection by sports event planners as among the best in the United States.” Congratulations Visit Rogers!
Hobbs State Park Announces Dates of its 2017 Eagle Watch Cruises on Beaver Lake
January & February | 2017 - Per Rebekah Penny, park interpreter, “We have always been lucky seeing eagles on our tours; some mature, some immature, and we always see other beautiful wildlife as well. It could be migrating osprey, great blue herons, king fishers, deer, or red-tailed hawks. No one will ever be disappointed on our eagle tours.” Penny added, “We can only take 20 guests at a time, so it’s important that folks call the park in a timely manner to ensure that their names get on the boarding lists.” Tickets must be purchased in advance. Adults $10.00 New Non-Stop Jet Service from XNA to Washington, D.C. + tax. Children 6-12 $5.00 + tax. Tours December | 2016 - Beginning April 5, 2017, American Airlines depart Rocky Branch Marina promptly will offer new, non-stop service between XNA (Northwest Arkansas) and at 3:00 p.m. For more information and the nation’s Capitol, Washington, D.C. (DCA). The daily non-stop flights, to make reservations, call (479) 789-5000 operated by Republic, went on sale December 5, 2016. “On behalf of the Authority’s Board of Directors, I thank American Dates of Eagle Watches | Airlines for providing the people of Northwest Arkansas yet another new JANUARY: 1, 2, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 28, 29 destination,” Board Chairman, Mike Johnson, said. “I know this service will FEBRUARY: 4, 5, 11, 13, 18, 19, 25, 26 be well received by people throughout our region.”
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Checklist for Getting the Most ROI from Your Chamber Membership Start Off the New Year with An Action Plan
Review this checklist and identify opportunities for your business to get the most return-on-investment from your membership in 2017. It’s easy to make the Chamber an extension of your business. Have questions? Ask us! If we don’t have the answers, we’ll help refer you to someone that may have the advice you’re seeking.
Attend Member Orientation and bring your employees with you. Network with other members, talk one-on-one with members of the Small Business Council and meet your Chamber staff. Take advantage of the Chamber’s free Ground Breaking and Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies for free publicity. Sign up to receive the Chamber’s Weekly eNewsletters sent on Monday (Monday Memo) and Thursday (Calendar at a Glance) to stay current on community and member news, Chamber events and other information that will help you grow your business. Attend one or more of the Chamber’s Networking Events to promote your business. Visit RogersLowell.com and go to the Chamber Calendar to learn about upcoming events.
Promote your events on the Chamber’s Community Calendar at RogersLowell.com to help increase awareness. Visit RogersLowell. com, roll over the News & Events tab, then scroll down to Submit an Event. Submit your press releases, announcements, event flyers and staff updates to share with the community and fellow members in the Member News section of the Chamber’s website. Visit RogersLowell. com, roll over the News & Events Tab, then scroll down to Submit Member News. Post your Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and respond to Requests for Contacts and Proposals on the Chamber’s Business Connect section of the website to get competitive bids from members or submit bids for new business. Visit RogersLowell.com, roll over the Membership tab, then scroll down to Business Connect.
Add your business description, social media properties (URLs) and your employee representatives to the Chamber’s Business Directory at the Members Only section of RogersLowell.com to increase referrals. Be sure to log on and make updates as needed throughout the year.
Attend monthly Chamber University seminars like the early morning Sunrise Seminar Series to gain new skills and knowledge you need to operate and grow your business successfully. Most seminars are free or have a special, low price for registration.
Promote your business products and services by advertising in the Chamber’s Advertising Media (Chamber Voice printed newsletter ads and inserts, and banner ads on the website and in the eNewsletters). It’s both affordable and effective.
Utilize the Chamber’s online Small Business Toolkit for resources and information related to starting, running and growing your business. Roll over the Do Business Tab on RogersLowell.com, scroll down to Small Business Resources, then select Small Business Toolkit.
Frequently offer eCoupons and Discounts on RogersLowell.com to help sell your products and services with special offers and incentives. Go to RogersLowell.com, roll over the Membership tab then scroll down to Member eCoupons and Discounts to submit your offers.
Get involved and connect with other members by joining a Chamber Committee such as Ambassadors, Greenways & Trails, Education and Events (Buddy Bass and Sporting Clays Classic).
Offer special discounts to new businesses joining the Chamber in the New Member Packets. Approximately 30 new businesses join the Chamber each month. Display your Membership Certificate and Window Sticker at your business and post your Proud Member logo on your website. Research shows that consumers trust businesses who are members of the Chamber and prefer doing business with them. Post your job openings on the Chamber’s Job Bank at RogersLowell. com and view resume postings to help with hiring needs. Go to RogersLowell.com, roll over the Live & Work tab then scroll down to Find a Job | Employment & Staffing to post jobs and view resumes. Participate in NWA Job Fairs for access to hundreds of job seekers all in one day and one location. Visit the Chamber Calendar on RogersLowell.com to register.
Utilize the Chamber’s Economic Development Team to assist you with New Site Location for expansion or relocation. Enroll yourself or a rising leader in your company in one or more of the Chamber’s Leadership Programs like NWA Emerging Leaders, Leadership Benton County and Arvest First Leadership. Learn more about the Chamber Alliance Program (CAP), money saving health, group life, group dental, STD/LTD, long-term care and insurance plans. Utilize the Chamber’s conference rooms in Rogers and Lowell for Free Meeting Space and Lobby Display Racks to display brochures and business cards promoting your business. Get to know the Chamber’s Professional Staff and leverage their experience and connections in the community. They have a wide array of expertise and may help to increase referrals to your business.
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Conventions/Events Visiting Rogers in 2017
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isit Rogers impacts the Rogers economy and community by attracting meetings, conventions, sporting events, and other groups to Rogers, inviting them to stay, dine, shop and explore the wonderful amenities Rogers offers. Shepherd’s Chapel Conference March 31 – April 2, 2017 | Headquartered in Gravette, Shepherd’s Chapel was founded in 1955. The conference is held 14 days after the Equinox each year. The group has over 3,500 attendees. Great Plains Leadership Training for Christ April 13-16, 2017 | The Great Plains Leadership Training for Christ Convention serves churches in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Walmart FLW Tour April 27-30, 2017 | FLW Outdoors is the premier fishing tournament organization that provides unparalleled fishing resources and entertainment to anglers, sponsors, fans, and host communities.
The tournament will be held on Beaver Lake and the expo at Walmart store #1 in Rogers.
director, Tony Arnone, will host this 3-day event with a 3-game guarantee.
Poultry Festival June 16-18, 2017 | The Poultry Festival is a tri-state, non-profit trade organization organized over fifty years ago, with a mission to promote and protect the poultry industry. The conference draws over 5,000 attendees nationwide to Northwest Arkansas.
Daisy National BB Gun Championship Match July 1-5, 2017 | Daisy Outdoor Products, headquartered in Rogers, has conducted the oldest and largest national 5-meter BB gun match for 50 years. The event will have more than 1,000 attendees at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center.
Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G | LPGA TOURNAMENT June 19-25, 2017 | The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G features 144 of the top female golfers in the world. The tournament is held at Pinnacle Country Club.
Senior Softball Midwest Championship July 11-16, 2017 | Senior Softball – USA (SSUSA) will host 50+ teams in Rogers for its second-year event. This tournament will draw over 2,000 people to Rogers.
12AA Arkansas State Championship USSSA Baseball Tournament | NW Arkansas Sports Productions, LLC. June 30 – July 2, 2017 | The 12AA Arkansas State Championship Baseball Tournament will be held at Rogers Regional Sports Park. Local tournament
Frisco Festival August 25-26, 2017 | The Downtown Rogers Frisco Festival has been delighting people from all over for more than two decades, and if you’ve never been, you don’t want to miss this fun street festival. It is named in honor of Rogers’ rich railroad heritage.
Networking is the Most Inexpensive Way to Promote Your Business
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y taking the time to meet with other businesspeople and discovering how you can help them and they can help you, you develop relationships that will provide great rewards in the future. People like doing business with people they know. Networking is the most inexpensive way to promote your business. The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a variety of events to help you build your network of business contacts throughout the year.
This free event, held every month from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m., offers business representatives an opportunity to network with others in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Coffee Connection is a fun way to start the day and one of the Chamber’s most popular networking events.
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DATES | January 10, February 14, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 19, October 10, November 14 and December 12.
Business-to-Business (B2B) quarterly events (two breakfasts and two luncheons in 2017) enable business representatives to advertise, sell and “speed network” with other businesses all in one networking event. At each table, six people are seated and each participant has two minutes to promote his/her products and services. Networkers get the most out of the event by bringing brochures, business cards, product samples and promotional items to hand out or display at their table. DATES | January 25 (Lunch), April 26 (Breakfast), September 27 (Lunch) and November 29 (Breakfast)
This free monthly networking event is held after hours from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. and provides members opportunities to exchange business cards and become acquainted with other businesses throughout the community. Business After Hours offers networking in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Each month, a different host and/or sponsor provides the location, refreshments and door prizes for attendees. DATES | January 19 (Benton County Business After Hours), February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18 (Joint Rogers-Lowell Area and Bentonville/Bella Vista Chambers Business After Hours), June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, November 16 (Joint Rogers-Lowell Area and Bentonville/ Bella Vista Chambers Business After Hours) and December 14.
Committee Chairs and Outgoing Board Members Recognized
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aymond Burns (President/CEO) and Nick Hobbs (Chairman of the Board) of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce recognized the 2016 committee chairs and outgoing board members at the December 5 Board Reception held before the Chamber’s Holiday Open House. The Chamber appreciates the leadership and contributions provided during the year from these individuals. Join us in thanking them for their hard work.
2016 Outgoing Board Members
2016 Committee Chairs
Bob Clinard...................................................................2014-2016 Dr. Janie Darr...............................................................1999-2016 David Hale.....................................................................2014-2016 Rick McWhirt...............................................................2014-2016 Jeff Ratcliff.....................................................................2014-2016 Cameron Smith..........................................................2014-2016 Mike Williams..............................................................2016
AMBASSADORS.......................................................................................................................................................................Rebecca Edwards AUDIT ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................David Hale BUDDY BASS TOURNAMENT ................................................................................................................................................Joe Papczynski COMMUNITY-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS .........................................................................................................................Sharon Schrantz EDUCATION .............................................................................................................................................................................Rev. Gordon Besel FIRST LEADERSHIP STEERING ............................................................................................................Dick Trammel & Michelle Fittro GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ........................................................................................................................................................Jerry Carmichael LARGE INDUSTRY COUNCIL .........................................................................................................................................................Jeff Milford LEADERSHIP BENTON COUNTY ..............................................................................................................................................Erica Preston NWA EMERGING LEADERS ........................................................................................................................................................Mike Williams SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL ...................................................................................... Kelli Gemmell Chair, Corry Hull Co-Chair
2017 Ambassador Meetings | Save The Dates
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he Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors meetings are held in the Baggett/Trammel Conference Room at the Chamber’s Downtown Rogers office starting at 11:30 a.m. If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador, contact Brooklynn Wiley at (479) 619-3190 for more information and to request an application. Volunteering as a Chamber Ambassador offers numerous opportunities to serve the community through Chamber programs and events. The Chamber recognizes outstanding
performance and service of Ambassadors through its Ambassador of the Quarter and Ambassador of the Year awards.
Save The Dates |
January 12
2017 Ambassador Committee
March 9
Chair | Kristy Carney Regions Bank
May 11
Co-Chair | Julie Damer First Western
September 14
July 13 November 9 RogersLowell.com | JANUARY2017
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Welcome NEW MEMBERS | November 2016 BIG WHISKEY’S AMERICAN RESTAURANT & BAR (OPENING SOON) Shane Miller 3600 S.E. Guess Who Dr., Ste. 2 Bentonville, AR 72712 (479) 250-9244 | bigwhiskeys.com Bar and Grill
GROWLER USA (OPENING SOON) Seth McDaniel 4204 South JB Hunt Dr. Rogers, AR 72758 501-951-7707 | facebook.com/GrowlerUSARogers/ Breweries
STEAMROLLER BLUES Paige Thompson 5100 W. Pauline Whitaker Pkwy., Ste. 106 Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 319-6363 | steamrollerblues.com Retail Specialty Stores
COOKING STUDIO OF DOWNTOWN ROGERS (OPENING SOON) Sheila Reese 113 S. 2nd St. Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 381-7917 Restaurant
KANOOLER PRODUCTS, LLC Steve Cherry 555 N. 13th St. Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 366-5606 | kanoolerproducts.com Manufacturers
THADEN SCHOOL (OPENING FALL 2017) Ariel Rife 610 S.W. B St. Bentonville, AR 72712 (479) 268-5321 | thadenschool.org Schools - Private
CVS PHARMACY - FAYETTEVILLE, COLLEGE AVE. Peter Frazier 2402 N. College Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72703 (479) 251-1872 | cvs.com Drug Store/Pharmacy
PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF ROGERS AT PINNACLE HILLS (OPENING SOON) Katie Hart 3724 S. Pinnacle Hills Parkway Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 876-8176 | primroseofrogers.com Schools - Pre-School & Kindergarten
TRANSWORLD BUSINESS ADVISORS OF NWA Jared Thompson 3333 Pinnacle Hills Pkwy., Suite 425 Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 202-4715 | tworld.com/nwa Business Brokers
ESCAPING ROGERS Anita Ashlock 422 W. Walnut St. Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 308-8388 | rogersroomescape.com Entertainment
RPM GROUP OF NWA Lou Suski One Halsted Circle, Suite 4 Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 903-7577 | rpmrealty.com Real Estate - Commercial and Residential
WORLD EVENT CENTER Isaac Moran 1902 S. 8th St., Ste. 9-14 Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 445-4595 | wecear.com Banquet/Meeting Rooms
FRISCO PERK & GRILLE Michelle and Carl Stanley 1200 W. Walnut St. Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 372-5046 | friscoperkandgrille.weebly.com Coffee Houses
SOAPBOX INSIGHTS + INFLUENCE Beth Stephens 809 S.W. A St., Ste. 201-4 Bentonville, AR 72712 (479) 273-9600 | soapboxinsights.com Marketing & Advertising Consultants
Wednesday, January 18 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce 317 W. Walnut St., Rogers Free and Open to Members Registration Required Presenting Sponsor |
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. 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. Please register as space is limited to the first 30 respondents.
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Gold Sponsor |
November 2016 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Sponsor |
Aldi, Inc. 1316 W. Walnut St., Rogers
Carpet One Floor & Home 4327 S. Pleasant Crossing Blvd., Rogers
CVS Pharmacy 1749 W. Walnut St., Rogers
12 Stones Realty Group, LLC at Keller Williams 3105 N.E. 11th St., Ste. 5, Bentonville
Korpella Design Springdale
Vesta’s 5100 Pauline Whitaker Pkwy., #105, Rogers
YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS
DIGITAL MARKETING can be complicated
WE MAKE IT EASY BUILD A BRAND THAT CAN’T BE IGNORED 479-202-9903 • customerswhostick.com RogersLowell.com | JANUARY2017
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MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS | November 2016 30+ years
Beall Barclay & Company - 56 years WestRock - 50 years
21-30 years
Northwest Tire Service, Inc.
11-20 years
Abuelo’s - Mexican Food Embassy Best Sign Group Ck Harp & Associates Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C. Habitat for Humanity of Benton County, Inc. Rey Hernandez Hyatt Place Inland Waste Solutions, LLC Jones Janitorial Services, Inc. La Quinta Inn & Suites Las Palmas Corporation Lifeline of Northwest Arkansas Lowe’s Home Improvement Northwest Health Pig Trail Harley-Davidson Raymond Burns, CCE Rick McLeod - Farmers Insurance Group Stor Mart Walmart Supercenter Store #5260
6-10 years
Choctaw Casino Citizens Bank Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Earl MD Family Medicine, PA & Aesthetics & Wellness JJ’s Grill LeaderOne Financial Northwest Arkansas Naturals Baseball Northwest Arkansas Pediatrics, a MANA Clinic Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall Premier Dermatology and Skin Removal Center Sage Partners Taco Bell Teen Action and Support Center Telecomp United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas
2-5 years
AmeriPolish, Inc. Arkansas Business Publishing Group Catalyst Church Comstock Conflict Resolution Services Download Networking LLC EOA of Washington County/EOA Children’s House First National Bank Guardian Financial Advisors & Associates
Hiebert Dental Care Hog Country Media LLC IDK?Cafe Impact Health, LLC In Retrospect Vintage - Kitsch - Fleatabulous Lenny’s Sub Shop Levi’s Gastrolounge Longhorn Steakhouse MedExpress Urgent Care Megabyte Computer Center Mellow Mushroom Sam’s Furniture Seal-Tite Of Arklahoma Serco Inc. Smith Hurst, PLC
1 year
The Blind Lady of NWA Dickinson Allstate and Financial Services Fork and Crust Pie Co. Mass Mutual Financial Group - Carrie D. Wilson Profile Consumer Core Marketing Sylvan Learning Center of Rogers USA Mortgage VFW Post 3031 Walmart Neighborhood Market Store #3654
2017 Chamber Nights | Dates Announced for February
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hamber Night events are designed to provide Chamber members the opportunity to learn more about local government while expressing the business community’s support for elected and city officials. These events also provide an opportunity to network with elected officials and fellow Chamber members in a casual setting. These events are free and open to the public. No registration is required.
Chamber Night at Lowell City Hall (Council Chambers) | February 21 The Chamber Night reception will be held on February 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lowell City Hall (Council Chambers), 216 N. Lincoln St. in Lowell. Mayor Eldon Long will deliver the “State of the City” address at 6:30 p.m.
Chamber Night at Rogers City Council | February 28 The Chamber Night reception will be held on February 28 at 5:00 p.m. at the Rogers City Hall, 301 W. Chestnut St. in Rogers. Mayor Greg Hines will present the “State of the City” address at 6:00 p.m.
Special Thanks to Our Current Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor:
Gold Sponsors: (50% Black & PMS 187c)
Silver Sponsor:
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Chamber Networking & Educational Events The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a variety of events to help build your network and learn. Below are the upcoming events to note. For more event details and to register, visit us online at RogersLowell.com.
JANUARY 10, 2017
JANUARY 11, 2017
JANUARY 18, 2017
Presenting Sponsor: First Western
Presenting Sponsor: Sam’s Club
Hosted by:
Address:
Speaker:
Topic:
Bailey & Oliver Law Firm
3606 Southern Hills Blvd., Ste. 200, Rogers
Bill Fox with ASBTDC
TBA
JANUARY 19, 2017
JANUARY 25, 2017
Gold Sponsor:
Legacy Capital Group
Location:
Address:
Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce
317 W. Walnut St., Rogers
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Host Sponsor:
Steve Landers Toyota NWA
Presenting Sponsor:
Co-Sponsors:
Bailey & Oliver Law Firm
Downstream Casino Resort Celebrate Arkansas Magazine
Location:
Address:
Steve Landers Toyota NWA
411 S. Metro Pkwy., Rogers
Location:
Address:
NWACC Shewmaker Center, Walmart Auditorium
1000 S.E. Eagleway, Bentonville
Donating door prizes for Chamber events is an effective strategy to gain awareness of your business as well as showcase your products & services. If you’re interested in contributing a door prize to any of these events contact Brooklynn Wiley at Brooklynn@ RogersLowell.com.
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 | JANUARY2017
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317 West Walnut Street Rogers, Arkansas 72756 RogersLowell.com
Paid for through Periodical “Chamber Voice” (USPS 492950) is published monthly in January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October November and December; (semi-monthly in April) by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc., 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756. Periodical postage paid at Rogers, AR. POSTMASTER send address changes to: ROGERS-LOWELL AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER, 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756.