Chamber Voice of Business Newsletter | July 2019 by Rogers Lowell Chamber

July 2019 | Vol 14 Issue 7

I N TR ODU CING

C O N VEN I NG THE C OMMU NIT Y T O EN VIS ION THE FU TUR E See Story on Page 3

CHAM BER S TAF F

What’s In This Issue? 3 ��Introducing Vision 100 4 ��Introducing The Good Life Experience at Frisco Festival August 22-24 5 ��2019 Northwest Arkansas Spring Job Fair Connects Job Seekers and Employers

5 ��Winners Announced for May 31 Chamber Golf Tournament, Presented by Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall

6 ��Basic LinkedIn Tools for Business Marketing and Lead Generation | Free Seminar Returning August 8

6 ��Chamber and NWA Council Partner to Provide Online Workforce Development Tool

7 �� The Small Details of our Regional Success 8 ��Rogers Schools District Pilots New Program to Help Students Transition to Life After High School

9 ��Leadership Benton County Celebrates Graduation of LBC Class 17 10 �� Visit Rogers Invests in the Walmart AMP with 10-Year Exclusive Marketing Partnership

10 ��Chamber Wins Communications Excellence Award for Second Straight Year 12 ��New Members | May 2019 12 ��Chamber Shows Appreciation to Members and Special Friends 13 ��Ribbon Cuttings | May 2019 13 ��Independence Day Celebrations | NWA Fireworks Displays 14 ��Membership Renewals | May 2019 15 ��Chamber Networking & Educational Events

Raymond Burns, CCE J.R. Shaw

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

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 RogersLowell Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc., 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756.

Loretta Gomez

Finance Manager loretta@rogerslowell.com

Katie Wright

Sheree Barnes

Vice President of Operations katie@rogerslowell.com

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

Shelle Summers, IOM

Lauren Hildreth

Senior Vice President of Membership Services ssummers@rogerslowell.com

DTR Market Manager | Downtown Rogers, Inc. lauren@rogerslowell.com

Steve Cox

Jacque Eakins

Senior Vice President of Economic Development steve@rogerslowell.com

Account Executive jacque@rogerslowell.com

Brad Phillips

Marni Rogers

Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications brad@rogerslowell.com

Jon Moran

Member Relations Manager marni@rogerslowell.com

Kelly Parker

Senior Vice President of Government Affairs jon@rogerslowell.com

Marketing Communications Manager | Visit Rogers kelly@rogerslowell.com

Vickie Grotts

Luke Wiggins

Vice President of Accounting & Finance vickie@rogerslowell.com

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

Karen Wagaman

Jesse Cordova

Vice President of Downtown Development karen@rogerslowell.com

Tourism Sales Manager | Visit Rogers jesse@rogerslowell.com

Ross Phillips

Justin Freeman

Vice President of Community Development ross@rogerslowell.com

Marketing Communications Specialist justin@rogerslowell.com

Shey Bland

Lance Lloyd

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

Community Relations Manager lance@rogerslowell.com

Nick Smith

Ashley Matsumura

Creative Services Director nick@rogerslowell.com

Customer Service Manager ashley@rogerslowell.com

BO ARD O F D IRE C TO R S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

2019 DIRECTORS

2020 DIRECTORS

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

2021 DIRECTORS

Tom Allen, Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners Ron Branscum, Arvest Bank David Kimball, Benchmark Group Jerra Nalley, Runway Tanya Smith, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Melissa Turpin, Honeycomb Kitchen Shop

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Rogers-Lowell Area 317 West Walnut Street | Rogers, Arkansas 72756

Director of Special Events jeff@rogerslowell.com

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

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

Chamber of Commerce

Jeff O’Neill

President/CEO rburns@rogerslowell.com

Daizy Andrade, University of Arkansas Dr. Marlin Berry, Rogers Public Schools Kristen Boozman, Portfolio Luxury Real Estate Redefined Jerry Carmichael, 3C Retail Solutions Irma Chavez, Conexion de Negocios Latino Larry Cooper, Embassy Suites NW Arkansas Russ Daniel, McLarty Daniel Group Rich Davis, Black Hills Energy Mike Dodge, Carroll Electric Coop. Corp. Sandy Edwards, Crystal Bridges Museum David Faulkner, Pinnacle Hills Promenade David Foster, Manhattan Road & Bridge Diego Garcia, Crafton Tull Angela Grayson, Precipice IP

Dan Hendrix, World Trade Center Arkansas Greg Hines, Mayor, City of Rogers Tom Hopper, TallChamps, LLC Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson, NorthWest Arkansas Community College Peter Lane, Walton Arts Center Chris Moore, Mayor, City of Lowell Aaron Matthews, First Baptist Church of Lowell Barry Moehring, Benton County Judge John-Michael Scurio, George’s Inc. Curt Stamp, Cox Business Dick Trammel, Chairman Emeritus Emma Willis, Arkansas 529 College Savings Plans Jeff Wood, Tyson Foods

Periodical postage paid at Rogers, AR. Postmaster send address changes to | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756.

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DIVISION CHAIRS

Community Development - Leah Acoach Membership Services - Jill Bright Economic Development - Payne Brewer Government Affairs - Jerry Carmichael Convention & Visitors Bureau - Larry Cooper

AUDIT COMMITTEE Jill Bright David Vaden Ron Branscum

s a municipality, envisioning the future with the local community and engaging residents in the process can lead to a more connected, aligned and collaborative community. Community visioning is both a process and a statement. The initial process includes discovering the kind of future our community wants by giving residents the opportunity to express themselves. Through this discovery, residents are given a platform to discuss what they would like their community to look and feel like in the future and come to a mutually agreed upon statement of vision. VISION 100 is the new community visioning program for 2019 and is named in anticipation of the Rogers-Lowell Area population reaching 100,000 before 2035. Since 1989, the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce has been the Keeper of the Vision and proactively collaborated with city and regional leaders to produce strategic visioning plans that project the community’s future wants and needs. This program has happened nine times prior to the new VISION 100: 1989 | VISION 2000 1994 | VISION 2015 1997 | VISION 2015 PART 2 2002 | VISION 2020 2004 | VISION 2020 UPDATE 2008 | VISION 2025 2013 | VISION 2025.1 WHAT ’S NEXT 2014 | VISION 2030 2015 | DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN

FIVE STAGE VISIONING PROCESS The visioning process happens in five stages. The first stage has been accomplished by setting up the Steering Committee, a group of select community representatives who guide the strategic planning process, advocate for the VISION 100 plan, and support the implementation

of tactics that achieve the vision. The committee’s first output was creation of a Vision Statement to capture what community members most value about their community and the shared image of what they want their community to become. The next stage is coordinating community input via a Community Survey and Community Tables. A Community Table is a focused, group discussion held in a relaxed, informal setting and led by members of the Steering Committee and Chamber Board of Directors. Suggestions, comments, ideas and notes are then compiled from the Community Survey and Community Tables into an Action Plan and published for review by the Steering Committee. This will include the creation of a consensus Vision Statement and concludes the third stage. Stage four will be the unveiling of the VISION 100 plan at the Leaders’ Conference on October 17, 2019. This secures Chamber Board approval. After the conference, a public unveiling will be coordinated with a community celebration, then outreach conducted to relevant government bodies, city councils, the Benton County Quorum Court, NWA Council, corporations, companies, businesses, nonprofits, and other community groups to gain support and attain the vision.

The final and fifth stage is development of a communications/branding “Keeper of the Vision” campaign to promote the use of VISION 100 in strategic planning across the community and publicize progress on completion of goals. This will also communicate the distinct efforts of the Chamber to support the vision created by the community. This process has been a critical component to our community’s success and is referenced frequently by leadership and planning bodies as they make critical planning decisions. It has encouraged community participation and citizen input, allowing individuals to influence the future of our community and impact issues about which they are passionate. Most importantly, it has served as a springboard to launch new projects, infrastructure and facilities.

YOUR VOICE IS IMPORTANT Public participation builds buy-in and ownership. You can play a significant role by attending an upcoming Community Table (see dates in chart below), completing the Community Survey to be released in July, attending the October Leaders’ Conference, and sharing/advocating for VISION 100 in your circles of influence.

COMMUNITY TABLES* LOCATION

DATE | TIME

Arkansas Arts Academy

Monday, July 8, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

Centro Christiano de Rogers

Thursday, July 11, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

First Baptist Church Rogers

Tuesday, July 16, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

Rogers Public Library

Tuesday, July 23, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. *Additional locations and dates to be announced.

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Introducing The Good Life Experience at Frisco Festival August 22-24 F R IS C O F E STIVA L |

Friday and Saturday, August 23-24

THE G O O D LIF E E X PE R IE NC E |

Thursday Evening, August 22 and Saturday, August 24

n 2018, the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce launched its newest event, The Good Life Experience, in Downtown Rogers. This year, The Good Life Experience at Frisco Festival is an exciting new twist with activities centered around food, arts, music and outdoors during the festival. Save the dates and join us as we celebrate our quality of life and culture with a mix of activities held during Frisco Festival carefully designed for families, young professionals, foodies, art and outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers and explorers. The whole community is invited to come together for this fun and festive way to experience The Good Life that we all enjoy.

NEW “TASTE OF ROGERS” KICKS OFF THE GOOD LIFE EXPERIENCE AT FRISCO FESTIVAL The Good Life Experience at Frisco Festival will officially kick-off on Thursday evening with a new Taste of Rogers cocktail party at the DTR Market (downtown farmers market). If you are a restaurant owner/operator and would like to participate, contact Jeff O’Neill, Director of Special Events, at (479) 636-1240.

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS | AUGUST 23-24 Frisco Festival is always fun for everybody and there’s something going on all day on both days (Friday and Saturday) for all ages at numerous downtown venues. Activities include live performances from local musicians and dance groups (on both days) and the first-

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ever, early Saturday morning Lake Atalanta Community Walk. Ozark Regional Transit will be providing transportation via shuttle bus to and from Lake Atalanta and Downtown Rogers. Also, on Saturday, free and low-cost workshops on food, arts, music, and outdoors “pop-up” at downtown merchants and around beautiful Lake Atalanta as part of The Good Life Experience at Frisco Festival activities. You can choose from a variety of experiential learning topics like beer-making, artmaking, cooking, yoga, wine-tasting, music-making and more. Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders (NWAEL) will host a 5K Fun Run at Lake Atalanta (for just $5 with all proceeds benefiting NWAEL programming). More information about workshops and the 5K will be coming soon to the event page at RogersLowell.com, including how to get registered.

DON’T MISS THE GOOD LIFE EXPERIENCE MARKETPLACE Presented by Central States Manufacturing This unique “pop-up” Marketplace will be located at the DTR Market area of downtown and feature local businesses who offer products and services that help make your life better. The Marketplace will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Registration is now open for exhibit booth space for vendors to display at the Marketplace. Purchase space for only $125 ($75 for nonprofits) at RogersLowell.com. While there, visit the DTR Market offering fresh fruits,

vegetables, meats and other local goods from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

FRISCO FESTIVAL – 35 YEARS OF HONORING ROGERS’ RAILROAD HERITAGE! The Frisco Festival has been delighting people from all over for more than three decades and is named in honor of Rogers’ rich railroad heritage. From morning to night, you’ll find plenty to do – live music, street entertainment, kids’ zone, delicious food, art displays, and outdoor fun. Enjoy the beer garden, imagination station and a ride to and from Lowell on the A&M Railroad, plus much more. The event is hosted by Downtown Rogers Inc. (Frisco Festival) in partnership with the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce (The Good Life Experience at Frisco Festival activities) to honor our heritage, bring alive the best of Rogers and celebrate The Good Life that we all enjoy. Visit the Downtown Rogers Inc Frisco Festival web page to keep track of all the festivities as they are finalized: DowntownRogersInc.org/our-events

SPONSORSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE A variety of sponsorship packages are still available for Frisco Festival and The Good Life Experience. Sponsors receive visibility and recognition as community supporters. If you have questions about sponsorship packages and/or would like to purchase a sponsorship, contact Member Services at (479) 636-1240 or email memberservices@rogerslowell.com.

2019 Northwest Arkansas Spring Job Fair Connects Job Seekers and Employers

he Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2019 Northwest Arkansas Spring Job Fair, presented by Glad Manufacturing, on Wednesday, May 8 at the Frisco Station Mall in Rogers. Fifty companies exhibited to hundreds of job seekers during the fair.

LARGEST AND LONGEST RUNNING JOB FAIRS IN ARKANSAS The Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Northwest Arkansas Job Fairs (Spring and Fall) are the largest and longest running job fairs in Arkansas and are free to job seekers. These job fairs are a great opportunity to meet one-on-one with local human resources professionals and hiring managers, hand out resumes and complete applications. Save the date for the Northwest Arkansas Fall Job Fair: October 2, 2019.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors |

BEVERAGE SPONSOR

Winners Announced for May 31 Chamber Golf Tournament, Presented by Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall Friday, May 31, 2019 Tee Times | 8:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Shadow Valley Country Club in Rogers A.M. Flight 1st | Team Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall 2nd | Team Arrowhead Boat Sales 3rd | Team Cushman & Wakefield/Sage Partners Putting Contest | Adam Thomason (First National Bank) Longest Drive | William Waddle (Arrowhead Boat Sales) Closest to the Pin | John Roller (Mercy Northwest Arkansas)

P.M. Flight 1st | Team Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall 2nd | Team First Security Bank 3rd | Team University of Arkansas Global Campus

Overall Winner |

Putting Contest | Josh Carmack (University of Arkansas Global Campus) Longest Drive | JC DeLeon (Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall) Closest to the Pin | Joe Rollins (University of Arkansas Global Campus)

Overall Winner |

Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall Special Thanks to Our Sponsors | CERTIFIED PUBLIC A CCOUNTANTS

LewisSuperStore.com

Telecom Networking Bandwidth WiFi Alliance member logo to fit in this space. Align to top left of gray box.

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Basic LinkedIn Tools for Business Marketing and Lead Generation | Free Seminar Returning August 8

ue to the popularity of this free seminar that was held in June (sold out), the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and the University of Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) are partnering up again to offer a second seminar on August 8 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Chamber’s downtown offices located at 317 W. Walnut St. in Rogers.

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND? LinkedIn is one of the fastest growing online platforms for promoting your business’ services and products to targeted business professionals and for business networking. This platform can be used to showcase your expertise and knowledge. You’ll learn how to make sure your public profile is most effective, how to use free LinkedIn features to research and find prospects in your area or nationally, navigate LinkedIn’s basic systems to take

advantage of all it offers, recruit quality talent for your business and how LinkedIn helps customers find your products and services in search engines.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER Speaker Martha Londagin is a small business banker with Legacy National Bank, active with many Northwest Arkansas chambers and networking groups, and a former small business consultant regarding small business development and marketing in the region. She is a member of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council.

HOW TO REGISTER This seminar is free to the public and Chamber members. It fills up very quickly, so register now at the ASBTDC website events page to ensure your seat. Pre-registration is required! asbtdc.org/asbtdc-events

MARTHA LONDAGIN Legacy National Bank

Chamber and NWA Council Partner to Provide Online Workforce Development Tool

he Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Northwest Arkansas Council to provide the region with an online tool and resources for students and job seekers, educators, employers and educational partnerships. Northwest Arkansas Workforce Connection, developed by the Northwest Arkansas Council’s workforce development team, is online now at nwacareers.info.

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND JOB SEEKERS The new website helps educate students and provide job information, guidance and application ability for job seekers. It’s a regional one-stop landing place for career openings, job guidance tools, training information and access to Northwest Arkansas workforce opportunities.

FREE CONNECTIVITY RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS The online tool features free connectivity

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resources for employers. Through this tool, businesses are encouraged to register so that training programs can be developed with an awareness of their needs. In addition, schools can gain business involvement in training programs offered, and employers can have concentrated views of open positions and needs by applicants in Northwest Arkansas.

CAREER GUIDANCE TOOL FOR SCHOOLS The new website is being adopted by

regional school districts as a career guidance tool and will provide increased awareness and reach of the region’s rising workforce. Additionally, open job postings will be available soon for application as well as access to regional training schedules. Businesses around the region are already registering through the website to be actively involved in training programs throughout the region. The website is still evolving. For more information, contact Joe Rollins at the Northwest Arkansas Council by emailing joe@nwacouncil.org.

The Small Details of our Regional Success A Message from Jon Moran, SVP of Government Affairs

he elements of free trade, workforce development, infrastructure investment, and quality of life are interlinked and serve as the foundation of our successful, growing, and global economy in Northwest Arkansas. The continued success of our region depends on our deliberate and constant attention to these aspects of our regional economy.

FREE TRADE IS THE ANSWER Tariffs and trade wars are not beneficial to the long-term health of the Northwest Arkansas economy. Simply put, tariffs are a tax on the American consumer and carry significant consequences to business. Tariffs placed on steel and aluminum imports have already halted a planned expansion at Bekaert in Rogers. Bekaert’s expansion would have further solidified their investment in Northwest Arkansas and created 100 high-paying new jobs for the region if not for these tariffs. Supply chains for Walmart and world markets for Tyson have also been negatively affected by these trade policies. Persistent trade wars and threatened tariffs will take their toll throughout the Northwest Arkansas business community.

THE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE Northwest Arkansas is constantly recruiting and trying to attract highly talented people from around the country, and from around the world to sustain the rate of growth we have enjoyed as a region over the years. To go along with those efforts, significant investments in training our population have also been made for the high-demand jobs that are immediately available in our area businesses and industries. Many of these opportunities are high-paying jobs that may only require the proper certification or license to obtain.

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT IS ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL TO GROWTH 82,823 voters (57%) in Benton and Washington Counties combined in 2012 to approve a state-wide ½ cent tax for the funding of highways in Arkansas. In 2020, the voters of Benton County will have the opportunity to make that ½ cent permanent as part of an overall highway funding formula package for the state of Arkansas. The funds generated from the ½ cent approved in 2012 allowed for the construction of six lanes on

I-49 now nearing completion from Fayetteville to Bentonville. The successful bond election approved by Rogers voters in 2018 will also lead to needed street improvements that will improve connectivity throughout the area.

QUALITY OF LIFE Numerous publications have consistently ranked Northwest Arkansas as one of the most desirable places to live in America. This is due in part to individual community investments in the amenities that promote a high quality of life for their residents. Investments led by the business community in our public schools, encouraging public support for bond issues, and promoting diversity and inclusion have produced positive results that are not going unnoticed.

GET INVOLVED The Chamber will continue to help build and grow Northwest Arkansas on this foundation. As a member, partner and investor, you are already a part of these intentional efforts. If you would like to know how to become even more involved helping with these critical aspects, please let us know.

"The Chamber will continue to help build and grow Northwest Arkansas on this foundation. As a member, partner and investor, you are already a part of these intentional efforts.” Jon Moran, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

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Rogers School District Pilots New Program to Help Students Transition to Life After High School

EDUCATION

For any graduating student, the transition to the next phase of life can be challenging. But for those who receive special services during their school years, the challenge can be even greater. Rogers Public Schools offers a variety of services to help special education students successfully transition to life after graduation, including a new program called CIRCLES.

SCHOOL-LEVEL AND COMMUNITY-LEVEL TEAMS SUPPORT Some may attend year-long programs where they take an off-campus transition class that includes job shadowing, working opportunities and job coaching. This year, Rogers Public Schools was tapped by the Arkansas Department of Education to implement a new transition program known as CIRCLES, where both school-level and community-level teams support and advise students as they prepare for this transition. CIRCLES, which stands for Communicating Interagency Relationships and Collaborative Linkage for Exceptional Students, uses these multiple levels of teams to give additional support to students with disabilities as they transition out

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of the school environment. Ross Phillips, VP of Community Development at the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, was asked to serve on the community-level team, where he recruited members from business and higher education to advise students and connect them with opportunities. About 20 of the Rogers High School seniors were selected as students who could benefit from the program. Each student prepared a presentation about themselves and their career interests and shared these presentations with their community-level team. When Phillips agreed to come, he wasn’t sure what to expect. “I think we were all blown away. Having high school students with learning differences speak to a group of strangers about

their lives, their dreams, it was truly an honor to be at that table.”

FIRST YEAR SUCCESS | MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN STUDENTS’ LIVES In its first year, the Rogers CIRCLES program is already making a difference. This year, 18 of the 20 students selected were able to share presentations with community-level teams and 17 of the 20 students graduated (nine of those students now have plans to go beyond high school). Students either have jobs lined out or plan to attend some sort of post-secondary education. “This program is an excellent example of how the Rogers School District supports its students’ transition to life after graduation,” said Phillips.

Leadership Benton County Announces 2019-20 Participants

eadership Benton County (LBC) has announced its class of 2019-20. LBC seeks to promote and develop dynamic community leaders for Benton County while uniting a diverse group of people. Its mission is to expose and educate participants (while promoting a regional view of the area), to provide opportunities to learn, enhance and apply leadership skills, and to offer a forum for solutions and alternatives to community needs and concerns.

FORMER LBC GRADUATES HONORED The Northwest Arkansas Business Journal recognizes 15 individuals each year in its “Fast 15” class that are beginning to make their mark on Northwest Arkansas’ business and cultural scene. The group is on the path to becoming part of the next generation of leaders in the region. Among those honored this year are two graduates of Leadership Benton County: Maggie Srygley of First National Bank of NWA and Tori Bogner of Baldwin & Shell Construction Co. Maggie Srygley returned home after graduating with bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and Business from Southern Methodist University in 2013. After starting as a teller for First National Bank of Fort Smith, she became a Marketing Assistant before moving on to her current role as Marketing Officer for FNBNWA. She earned an MBA from Webster University in 2016. Maggie is a volunteer for Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE PARTICIPANTS ON BEING SELECTED TO LEADERSHIP BENTON COUNTY’S 2019-20 CLASS! Andrew Branch | NORTHWEST ARKANSAS REGIONAL AIRPORT - XNA Ben Buergler | FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF NWA Ben Brantmeier | BANCORP SOUTH Caroline Kelley | KELLEY LAW FIRM Channing Barker | BENTON COUNTY Chase Henrichs | CRAFTON TULL Cheri Harrison | COX COMMUNICATIONS Emilio Rivera | CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART Emily Barber | NO LIMITS PEDIATRIC THERAPIES Hunter Stuckey | SIGNATURE BANK Jack Branscum | MCCLELLAND CONSULTING ENGINEERS Jacob Shy | CEI ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES, INC. Jacob Jones | WALMART Jennifer Morrow | BENTONVILLE SCHOOLS Jessica Kowalczyk | WALTON FAMILY FOUNDATION Now the Director of Strategic Marketing, Tori Bogner joined Baldwin & Shell in 2016 as Northwest Arkansas Director of Business Development after graduating from the University of Arkansas (UA) with a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications in 2013. She was UA student body president for the 2012-13 school year and an intern for U.S. Sen. John Boozman. She’s chairwoman of the NexT2 committee for TheatreSquared, chairwoman of provisional training for The

Jimmy Allen | SHELTER INSURANCE Joab Nazario | FIRST SECURITY BANK Karen O’Donohoe | FLINTCO Kyle Roberts | ARVEST Maria Juarez | SIMMONS BANK Marlee Ramirez | CHAMBERS BANK Melissa Dysart | LEVEL 5 DESIGN GROUP Mitch Moore | NEWELL DEVELOPMENT Molly Kross Vinson | HYATT PLACE Nickel Potter | PHAT TIRE Rubicely Monter | WALTON PERSONAL PHILANTHROPY GROUP Samuel Rogers | MERCY NORTHWEST ARKANSAS Sarahbeth Vasgaard | FROST Shawn Dunham | UNITED BANK Turner Willis | NORTHWEST HEALTH Junior League of Northwest Arkansas and serves on the National Board of Directors for the Arkansas Alumni Association. “We are proud of these two graduates for receiving much-deserved recognition,” Leadership Benton County Program Director Ross Phillips said. “It is rewarding to see participants of LBC making a big difference in the Northwest Arkansas community. This is what our program is all about, preparing our graduates for success.” For more information, visit leadershipbentoncounty.org.

CHAMBER STAFF IN THE NEWS Kelly Parker, Marketing Communications Manager for Visit Rogers, recently graduated from the 2018-19 LBC Class. “Kelly is an excellent example of an LBC graduate making a difference in the community by utilizing her LBC experience and applying her leadership skills for Rogers tourism,” Ross Phillips, LBC Program Director, told the Chamber Voice of Business Newsletter. Ro g e rs Lowe l l . co m | J U LY 2 01 9

Visit Rogers Invests in the Walmart AMP with 10-Year Exclusive Marketing Partnership

isit Rogers and the Walmart AMP recently announced a new 10-year marketing partnership worth $1 million that supports operations of the Walmart AMP and the AMP 20|20 expansion project.

VISIT ROGERS PLAZA Visit Rogers will be the exclusive destination marketing organization (DMO) sponsor at the venue, and the east plaza will become the Visit Rogers Plaza. Visit Rogers, a division of the RogersLowell Area Chamber of Commerce, will also provide content on the Walmart AMP website to help patrons plan their visit to the venue. The unprecedented partnership benefits the community in many ways, says Visit Rogers Executive Director J. R. Shaw. “Our investment in the AMP 20|20 expansion project accelerates its completion, grows event attendance and elevates

guest satisfaction for the AMP. This marketing partnership drives awareness of the Walmart AMP and Rogers as a world class tourism and entertainment destination, increasing overnight stays and visitation to Rogers and showcasing quality of life benefits of the entire community.”

the $200 million local Rogers tourism economy. There is a tangible economic impact in the community. The Americans for the Arts AEP5 study documented that patrons who attended arts and culture events in Benton and Washington counties, including Walmart AMP concerts, spend on average $35.89 per person CREATING ECONOMIC IMPACT per event, excluding the price of the ticket. WITH TOURISM That is above the national average. Spending The Walmart AMP annually averages 129,000 by non-locals increases to $71.20 per person people attending shows or events during the six- per event. month concert season. Most of those patrons visit “This partnership is about economic from the key drive markets of Arkansas, Missouri, development – entertainment, tourism and Oklahoma, Kansas and Louisiana, while patrons community development,” said Peter B. Lane, from 38 other states have also attended shows or President & CEO of Walton Arts Center. “Arts events at the Walmart AMP. Those who travel for organizations and venues are economic drivers shows are not just buying concert tickets; they in our community, and we are excited to are spending money on lodging, meals, gas and partner with Visit Rogers and introduce patrons other items – all purchases that support and grow to all that this region has to offer.”

Chamber Wins ACCE Communications Excellence Award for Second Straight Year

he Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce was named an Award of Excellence winner in the Communications Excellence awards program presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) at the July annual convention in Des Moines. ACCE, an Alexandria, Va.-based association, represents more than 8,000 chambers of commerce professionals, and 1,300 chambers of commerce, around the world. The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce has been named an “Award of Excellence” winner in the Communications Excellence awards program presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). ACCE, an Alexandria, Va.-based association, represents more than 8,000 chamber of commerce professionals, and 1,300 chambers of commerce, around the world. ACCE’s annual Awards for Communications Excellence is designed to showcase top communications and marketing work of chambers of commerce and similar organizations.

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Several thousand award entries have been submitted since the launch of the organization’s Awards for Communications Excellence, which is now in its thirty-fifth year. The Chamber received an Award of Excellence for its 2019-20 The Good Life Destination Guide, an annual relocation and visitors guide produced in-house by Chamber staff. The publication is distributed to stakeholders across the state of Arkansas and region including state Welcome Centers. The 2018-19 edition also received an Award of Excellence from ACCE.

A panel of communications and marketing professionals from six U.S.-based chambers of commerce evaluated entries, which were organized by category — based on the chamber’s annual budget — and entry type: advertising and marketing, campaigns, digital and publications. With more than 160 entries submitted in 2019, judges recognized 10 entries as Grand Award winners and 41 as Award of Excellence winners. Three Best in Show awards will be announced July 15 at the ACCE Annual Convention in Long Beach, California.

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DILLARD’S

LEGALSHIELD

Arely Hernandez P.O. BOX 2711 | ROGERS, AR 72757 (479) 636-0600 | AJHOME.NET CONTRACTORS - BUILDING, GENERAL, HOME

Julie McAllaster P.O. BOX 2075 | SPRINGDALE, AR 72764 (479) 306-7969 | FACEBOOK.COM/BUSANDIND/ ORGANIZATIONS Brent Fleshman 2101 PROMENADE BLVD. | ROGERS, AR 72758 (479) 936-7984 | DILLARDS.COM DEPARTMENT STORES

ELITE OUTDOOR AND PATIO

Jeff Lee 4269 HAILE LN. | SPRINGDALE, AR 72762 (479) 318-2917 | ELITEOUTDOORANDPATIO.COM PATIO FURNITURE & SUPPLIES

FAIRCHILD REFRIGERATION

Jeremy Fairchild BENTONVILLE, AR 72712 (479) 220-0756 | FAIRCHILDREFRIGERATION.COM HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT, SYSTEMS, REPAIR

GREENS ONE

Jason Batten 27 RIORDAN LANE | BELLA VISTA, AR 72714 (503) 970-5606 | GREENSONE.COM REAL ESTATE - RENTALS

Bradley Riggs 710 N. 2ND ST. | ROGERS, AR 72756 (479) 877-1011 | HAWKMOTHBREWING.COM BREWERIES Jesus Lopez 320 N. BLOOMINGTON ST., STE. B | LOWELL, AR 72745 (479) 256-8863 | FIND US ON FACEBOOK RESTAURANTS Mark Barron FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703 (417) 231-0053 | MARKBARRON.WEARELEGALSHIELD.COM LEGAL SERVICES

LOOMIS

Steven Pense 10049 N. CAMPBELL RD. | FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72701 (479) 799-1336 | LOOMIS.COM/EN CASH TRANSIT AND HANDLING SERVICES

MANHATTAN ROAD & BRIDGE

David Foster 2667 N. JEFFERSON ST. | SPRINGDALE, AR 72764 (479) 756-1521 | MANHATTANCONSTRUCTIONGROUP.COM CONSTRUCTION - COMMERCIAL

OPERA IN THE OZARKS

Nancy Preis P.O. BOX 127 | EUREKA SPRINGS, AR 72632 (479) 253-8369 | OPERA.ORG ORGANIZATIONS

Samantha Boyle 2203 PROMENADE BLVD., STE. 5165 | ROGERS, AR 72758 (417) 626-7020 PET FOOD & SUPPLIES Brittany Wills 410 W. DICKSON ST. | FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72701 (479) 966-4656 | PICKLEMANS.COM/LOCATIONS/FAYETTEVILLE.PHP Stephanie Baker 2204 PROMENADE BLVD., STE. 3 | ROGERS, AR 72758 (479) 239-1111 | PICKLEMANS.COM/LOCATIONS/ROGERS-AR.PHP RESTAURANTS - FAST FOOD

RESTORE HYPER WELLNESS + CRYOTHERAPY Krystal Tronzano 4204 S. JB HUNT DR., STE. 70 | ROGERS, AR 72758 (479) 202-5004 | RESTORECRYOTHERAPY.COM HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS

VENUE 718

Micki Marlow 718 N. 2ND ST., #103 | ROGERS, AR 72756 (479) 278-2555 | FIND US ON FACEBOOK BANQUET/MEETING ROOMS

YEYO’S MEXICAN GRILL

Jayshica Amargos 122 W. CENTRAL AVE. | BENTONVILLE, AR 72712 (479) 616-3188 | YEYOSMEXICANGRILL.COM FOOD TRUCK

Chamber Shows Appreciation to Members and Special Friends

hamber members, volunteers, committee members, board members and special friends were treated to hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, cookies and more by the Chamber’s staff at Ward Nail Park in Lowell on June 7. It was a special way to say thank you for supporting the Chamber. If you attended, we appreciate your taking time to come see us.

C h a m b e r Vo i ce | J U LY 2 01 9

May 2019

CHANGING SPACES NWA

D & A ROADSIDE SERVICE

DULUTH TRADING CO.

MERCY EMS STATION

MHC KENWORTH/VOLVO

PARADIGM CHIROPRACTIC

2680 W. WALNUT ST., ROGERS

1907 S. 17TH ST., ROGERS

ROGERS

4678 N. 45TH ST., SPRINGDALE

3200 S. 27TH ST., ROGERS

212 N. 2ND ST., ROGERS

Ribbon Cutting Sponsor

HAWK MOTH BREWING 710 N. 2ND ST., ROGERS

SHERWOOD URGENT CARE

2301 W. PLEASANT GROVE RD., STE. 101, ROGERS

Independence Day Celebrations | NWA Fireworks Displays Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July or July Fourth, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain. Celebrate America’s Independence at these Fireworks Displays!

JULY 3

grandeur of America as well as honoring our nation’s veterans and those who bravely serve in our nation’s armed forces. Fireworks will be Come for the food and stay for the fireworks at Lakepoint Restaurant on display at the close of the show. Seats under cover range from $10 to and Event Center located at 101 Marina Dr. in Bella Vista. Enjoy BBQ $35. General admission lawn tickets are $3 ribs, chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs with all the summer fixings, a bounce house, lawn games and live music. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. JULY 4 Tickets are $39 and include a parking pass and a drink ticket for a glass AN EVENING AT ORCHARDS PARK – 4TH OF JULY of wine or draft beer. Tickets available for ages 12 and under for $15. CELEBRATION | BENTONVILLE Bring your own lawn chairs. Each year, Bentonville Parks and Recreation invites the community to attend its 4th of July fireworks celebration. Music from Dial Up Begins JULY 4 at 7:00 p.m. A performance by the Arkansas Winds to follow. Fireworks FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR FEATURING THE SYMPHONY OF at 9:30 p.m. The event is free to the public. Live music and concessions NORTHWEST ARKANSAS (SONA) AT THE WALMART AMP | ROGERS are available. Parking will be located throughout Memorial Park. Everyone is invited to celebrate America’s 242nd birthday with a patriotic concert performed by the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas JULY 4 (SoNA) followed by an exciting fireworks display provided by the City 4TH AT THE FIELD AT ARVEST BALLPARK of Rogers. SoNA will present a concert celebrating the beauty and PRESENTED BY THE WALMART MUSEUM

BUFFET & FIREWORKS | BELLA VISTA

4th at the Field returns to Arvest Ballpark in 2019 on Thursday, July 4. Celebrate Independence Day with the best in sight and sound. One of the largest fireworks spectaculars in Northwest Arkansas. With the Naturals out of town, 4th at the Field features an exhibition baseball game between the Joplin Outlaws and the Nevada Griffons beginning at 6:30 p.m. with the fireworks immediately following the conclusion of the game. The 4th at the Field Fireworks Spectacular is presented by The Walmart Museum. Seating is all General Admission so the seating bowl will be available to fans on a first come, first serve basis. Adult tickets will be $12.25 while tickets for children 12 and under are $10.25.

JULY 6

ANNUAL VENTRIS TRAIL’S END RESORT FIREWORKS DISPLAY This fireworks display is intended to be viewed from a boat on Beaver Lake. Start time is approximately 8:00 p.m.

Ro g e rs Lowe l l . co m | J U LY 2 01 9

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS | May 2019 30+ YEARS

AT&T Benchmark Group Best Sports Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette Design Travel House of Webster Open Avenues Prairie Creek Veterinarian Hospital War Eagle Mill, Inc.

21-30 YEARS

Anderson Electric & Plumbing Supply Benton County Funeral Home - Buddy Burns Chapel Best Western Inn of the Ozarks CBI + Team Eureka Pizza First Baptist Church of Rogers Hudson & Associates, Inc. Mathias Properties, Inc. New Hope Animal Hospital New Image Dental Northwest Arkansas Head Start Peace Lutheran Church Sharp’s Show of War Eagle Sweetser Construction U.S. Army Corps of Engineers United Way of Northwest Arkansas

11-20 YEARS

ABC Supply Advantage Solutions Aldi, Inc. Aloft Rogers Bentonville Alzheimer’s Association Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas

Arkansas Mill Supply Co., Inc. Arkansas Security Arkansas State Teachers Association Baldwin & Shell Construction Co. Bella Vista Property Owners Association Candlewood Suites Hotel CDI Contractors, LLC Centennial Bank The Computer Hut Cooper Communities/CRI Core Architects Country Inn and Suites Cross Church Pinnacle Hills Crye-Leike Realtors/Main Office Dilly Dally’s Faithful Friends Animal Clinic Family Foot Health Center Geary Engineering P.A. Generations Bank Great Southern Bank Handyman Matters of NWA Jones Center for Families Keypoint Church Lewis & Clark Outfitters Lindsey & Associates - Bill McClard Metal Central Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Robert Half Rogers Public Education Foundation Ruth’s Chris Steak House Sonic Drive-In State Farm Insurance - Bryan Lewis TeleComp Walmart Neighborhood Market Store #3479 Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP

6-10 YEARS

3E Software, Inc. ArkanPaws Pet Sitting Arkansas Federal Credit Union Arrowhead Building Supply Bentonville Glass Inc. Catering Unlimited Child Care Aware of Northwest Arkansas City Title & Closing, LLC Crain Hyundai of Fayetteville The Egg & I JMARK Business Solutions, Inc. Jordan Essentials - Lissa Applewhite Kinty Jones Heating & Cooling McLarty Daniel Nissan N.O.S.S. Inc./In-N-Out Screening Services, Inc. Northwest Women’s Shelter NWA Restore It Premium Brands of NWA Rockin’ Pig Saloon Concert Venue Samaritan Community Center Sign Studio SoNA/Symphony of Northwest Arkansas Target Marketing, Inc. TRG Rogers, LLC Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

EVT - Enterprise Vision Technologies Frost Oil Company Gearhead Outfitters High Street Real Estate Development, LLC JTS Financial Services Mainstream Technologies, Inc Materials Testing of Arkansas, Inc. MTA Engineers The McElroy Group LLC Modern Mission Outdoor Laser Tag & Indoor Battlefield Novo Studio NWAVacationRentals.com Onin Staffing Patterson Home Builders, Inc. PlayTri Rogers Rainbow Honda Rogers Experimental House, Inc. Sassafras Springs Vineyard Scissortail, Another Leadership Properties Community Servpro Don Spann Springwoods Behavioral Health Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc. Vantage Point Communications Vold Vision Whispering Hills Cabins, LLC Whittle Truck Sales

2-5 YEARS

1 YEAR

Aelous Real Estate & Property Management American Legion Post 100 Cracker Barrel Restaurant Edward Jones - Don Ogden, Financial Advisor Element Studio Elevate Essential Esthetics

Harpwater Company Heather Adams Dentistry Life Strategies Counseling Inc. Printova Signs & Graphics Thrive Real Estate - Kaala House

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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.

Featured Upcoming Networking Events

Qu i c k R e f eren c e C al en dar | J ULY Business Building Events

JUL

Presented By | Scooter’s Coffee & Servpro Hosted By | Watermark on Walnut Creek Address | 600 S. Promenade Blvd., Rogers

7.9 | Coffee Connection 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Watermark at Walnut Creek

JUL

7.10 | Visit Rogers Advertising & Promotion Commission Meeting 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

JUL

7.11 | Small Business Council Meeting 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

JUL

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

JUL

7.17 |Chamber Tutorial 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

JUL

7.18 | Business After Hours 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Steve Landers Toyota NWA

JUL

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

09 10 11

Presented By | The Arkansas 529 College Investment Plans Hosted By | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Address | 317 W. Walnut St., Rogers

View complete calendar at RogersLowell.com

JUL

Upcoming Meetings

Presented By |

JUL

Presented By | Chambers Bank Hosted By | Steve Landers Toyota NWA Address | 411 S. Metro Pkwy., Rogers

Every Wednesday Presented By | Benchmark Group July Host Sponsor | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Solutions Real Estate Location | Golden Corral in Rogers 2605 W Pleasant Crossing Dr., Rogers

Welcome Teachers Back to School

August 7, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Rogers High School Donate Prizes, Purchase Your Exhibit Booth Space & Join Us! This is our fourth annual event that celebrates local teachers who are making a big difference in the world. Teachers give our children so much and use their classrooms as the first steps in educating the next generation of workforce that will keep our businesses and our community thriving well into the future. Though we can never thank them enough, this event is an opportunity to let them know how much we appreciate all that they do. You can participate in three ways: • Donate a $50 prize • Purchase an Exhibit Booth for the Fair • Sponsor the Celebration and Participate in the Program

Learn more at RogersLowell.com

Ro g e rs Lowe l l . co m | J U LY 2 01 9

317 West Walnut Street Rogers, Arkansas 72756 RogersLowell.com

Paid for through Periodical “Chamber Voice” (USPS 492950) is published monthly in January, February, March, JUN, 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.