Chamber Voice | June 2019

June 2019 | Vol 14 Issue 5

W O R K F OR C E D E VELOPMENT INITIATIVE S K E Y TO R E GION’S C ONTINUED G R OW TH See Story on Page 3

CHAM BER S TAF F

What’s In This Issue?

3 ���������Workforce Development Initiatives Key to Region’s Continued Growth 4 ����������92nd Arkansas General Assembly Highlights 6 ���������Welcome to Rogers | June 2019 7 ����������Leadership Benton County Celebrates Graduation of LBC Class 16 7 ����������Visit Rogers’s Luke Wiggins Named One of 30 Future Leaders of Destination Marketing and Management Industry

8 ���������ASBTDC Partners with Chamber to Offer Free LinkedIn Workshop June 20 8 ���������“Healthy Hustlers” Women’s Health Forum Explores Challenges Women Face 9 ���������Chamber Hosts 43rd Annual Academic Awards 10 �����Heritage High School Students Partner with Rogers Experimental House as Part of NWA Gives

Raymond Burns, CCE

Jeff O’Neill

President/CEO rburns@rogerslowell.com

Director of Special Events jeff@rogerslowell.com

J.R. Shaw

Loretta Gomez

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

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

11 ��������Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café Open on Sundays to Better Serve Customers 12 ������New Members | April 2019 12 ������Ribbon Cuttings | April 2019 13 ������Ribbon Cuttings | April 2019 14 ������Membership Renewals | April 2019 15 �����Chamber Networking & Educational Events

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

Chairman of the Board | Greg Fogle, Nabholz Construction Chairman-Elect | Angie Tucker-Ridley, Tucker’s Furniture & Appliance Treasurer | Jeff Milford, AEP/SWEPCO Past Chairman | Eric Pianalto, Mercy Northwest Arkansas President/CEO | Raymond Burns RIDC President | Jerry Vest, Regions Bank

2019 DIRECTORS

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

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

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

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, APAC-Central, Inc. 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.

2

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

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

Workforce Development Initiatives Key to Region’s Continued Growth

T

here are differing opinions in this country about how well the overall economy is performing, but one thing for certain is that Northwest Arkansas is in a growth mode. The latest unemployment numbers from March 2019 show the region’s labor force has grown by over 7,500 people and over 9,500 jobs have been created in 2019 alone. This type of growth brings many opportunities and challenges.

DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION WORKFORCE First among those challenges is developing the current and next generation of workforce in Northwest Arkansas to fill open jobs across all sectors which will help ensure our economy keeps moving forward. The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce has made workforce development a high-priority and while great progress has been made, there is still much more to do. Staff members have formed partnerships, created new programs, and attended important training sessions (related to workforce development) over the past few years to help better equip the area’s business and education communities to address the workforce needs of today and tomorrow.

CHAMBER FORMS CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP In the fall of 2015, the Chamber began its focus on workforce development and created a partnership with the Rogers Public Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department. What began as regular meetings to discuss how the K-12 education system could help address employment needs in our area quickly evolved into monthly Chamber Voice of Business Newsletter articles, Podcast episodes, CTE awareness campaigns (aimed at students and parents), Workforce Roundtables, and Factory Tours for students and educators.

These activities have created and helped sustain momentum.

The first year of the partnership produced an increase enrollment in CTE classes at Rogers Public Schools (+88 percent). Each year since,

the partnership has achieved additional increases in both CTE course offerings and enrollment. Early registrations for the 20192020 school year show a record number of students enrolled in CTE programs. Steve Cox, SVP of Economic Development for the RogersLowell Area Chamber of Commerce, said, “For too long, children have been told that college is the only way to be successful, but that just isn’t true. Increased exposure to CTE and training classes opens the door to a variety of highpaying, in-demand careers available locally. I’m not saying that college isn’t important, but we are working with the schools and other regional partners to show that college is a pathway to success, but not the only pathway to success.”

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FUEL WORKFORCE RETENTION Retention of existing workforce is another crucial strategy for maintaining growth and economic prosperity for our region. With our population growing by over 32 people each day, what happens if those that are moving here decide to leave just as suddenly because they don’t have opportunities for career growth and advancement? Ross Phillips, VP of Community Development for the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, is addressing this issue head on. Phillips has shifted the focus of the Chamber’s Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders programs in 2019 to concentrate on professional development and retaining young professionals that call Northwest Arkansas home. Encouraging involvement through community service projects, educating participants of the Leadership Benton County program about how to best impact our community, and highlighting career options for young professionals are just a few of the programs and opportunities now available.

LEARNING HOW TO DO IT BETTER Continuous learning and education is also a key strategy when developing strong workforce development programs and tools for the region.

Steve Cox was recently selected along with 34

other Chamber of Commerce professionals from across the country to participate in the second cohort of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Business Leads Fellowship. This fellowship is a multi-month training program focused on workforce development. Cox attended the first session in Chicago in April and spent three days learning about the impact of early childhood education on workforce development, the new rules and regulations regarding CTE programs as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act, and ways to better connect industry and educators to address workforce development needs.

The fellowship continues through July with the next session focused on upskilling existing workers and re-skilling workers for the modern workplace. Cox said, “The first session was very intense and contained extremely valuable information. Getting to hear from former Secretary of Education Dr. John B. King Jr., Roberto Rodriguez, and Kerri Briggs who all helped write national education policies and laws, was a great way to get first-hand knowledge on how to improve our workforce education locally. Interacting with chamber professionals from around the country was a great sounding board for what works and what doesn’t in various communities. We have made great progress in workforce development in the region, but I learned that we still have a long way to go.”

PUSHING FORWARD The workforce development issues facing our region and nation were not created overnight and it will take time and effort to solve them, but the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to facing these issues pro-actively and effectively as part of its mission to grow business and build community. The programs and activities written about in this article are a small piece of how the Chamber is addressing workforce development. For more information, listen to episode 27 of the Chamber Voice of Business Podcast where Steve Cox and Ross Phillips talk in more detail about the Chamber’s workforce development initiatives.

RogersLowell.com | JUNE2019

3

92nd Arkansas General Assembly

Highlights

T

he Arkansas General Assembly wrapped up its regular session on April 10 and returned to adjourn sine die on April 24. In an address to legislators during the first week of the session, Governor Asa Hutchison laid out his legislative priorities, commonly referred to as the “Four T’s.” Debate and legislation addressing Taxes, Teachers, Transportation, and Transformation would define the next few months of the General Assembly as its members met in Little Rock.

The Northwest Arkansas Council also began the session in January with legislative priorities that were outlined in the Northwest Arkansas Regional Legislative Agenda. E-fairness, workforce education, and funding for highways led the Council’s regional agenda.

Attempts to pass E-fairness legislation have failed in previous legislative sessions. This session’s Senate Bill 576 (Act 822) contained several tax reforms put forth by the Tax Reform Task Force that had met in the interim. Act 822 requires remote sellers to collect sales tax if, in the current or preceding year, sales into Arkansas exceed $100,000 or 200 transactions. These are the same thresholds used by South Dakota that were at issue in the Wayfair decision handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court last year.

The Chamber’s efforts to pass meaningful workforce education and training reforms in Arkansas led to a partnership with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce to develop an agreed-upon set of legislative priorities. Those priorities were addressed in the passage of the following Acts:

CAREER EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD SB522 (Act 1079) will increase industry involvement in workforce training by amending the duties of the Career Education and Workforce Development Board and will rename it as the Office of Skills Development and the Career Education and Workforce Development Board. It will also authorize a voting member of the board to establish a subcommittee that is made up of members relevant to the specific industry, in order to better develop

4

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

recommendations. Finally, it will add one representative from the Department of Human Services, the Department of Correction, and the Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber of Commerce Executives (AEDCE) as nonvoting members.

WEIGHTED CREDIT COURSES SB478 (Act 632) will apply new standards for the Department of Education in approving courses for weighted credit. It will also allow teachers in advanced-placement programs to satisfy requirements by attending a College Board-endorsed training or other similarly rigorous training approved by the Department.

Finally, it will allow the Department of Education to approve a course weighted for credit if the course exceeds the curriculum standards for a non-weighted credit class or meets or exceeds the standards of a comparable advancedplacement class.

EXPANDED HIGHER EDUCATION SERVICE AREAS SB659 (Act 944) will allow state-supported, two-year institutions of higher education to market, offer courses, or provide services to any individual who resides in the state, regardless of the service area.

LOW-READING ASSESSMENT LEVELS SB603 (Act 1082) will place new requirements on the Department of Education (DOE) and school districts to provide coordinated and direct support from DOE to certain school districts based on reading scores, and development of literacy plans by categorized school districts. Arkansas’s reading levels should change dramatically with these changes.

FUNDING FOR HIGHWAYS SB 336 (Act 416) – This Act will levy an indexed wholesale tax on motor fuel, which is the equivalent of three cents on gasoline and six cents on diesel fuel. The revenue from the fuel tax and other sources will go into the State Highway Fund for maintenance of streets, highways, and bridges. It also adds annual fees

of $100 and $200, respectively, to hybrid and electric vehicle registration and transfers casino tax revenues, in excess of $31,200,000 annually with a minimum of $35 million, to the State Highway Fund. The Governor’s Office projects the revenue generated by these items will be $95 million.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT HJR 1018 was referred to the people for approval in the 2020 General Election, allowing the opportunity for voters to continue the onehalf percent sales tax that provides additional funding for four-lane highways, county roads, and city streets. The Governor’s Office projects that this issue, if adopted by the people, will provide $205.6 million for highways.

Although the legislative session officially began in January, representatives of the Northwest Arkansas business community began preparations for the General Assembly in May of 2018 with the first organizational meeting of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Legislative Agenda Committee (NWARLA). Seventy-five members of the committee, representing the major employers and the various sectors of the Northwest Arkansas Business community, gathered to hear an address from Governor Hutchinson at their first meeting, held at the Jones Center in Springdale.

The various committees of the NWARLA Committee met throughout the summer and fall and wrapped up their deliberations in late September. The first draft of the NWARLA was presented to the Executive Committee of the Northwest Arkansas Council for its review at their October meeting. Suggested modifications were made, and a twenty-one item legislative agenda was subsequently adopted by the Executive Committee. Meetings regarding the agenda began in earnest with legislative leadership and the Governor’s Office shortly after the election.

Discussions on the agenda culminated in a meeting held shortly before the session with the Northwest Arkansas Legislative Delegation on January 8. Fifteen of the twenty-one items on the agenda received action, which makes this one of our most successful legislative agendas.

ALL YOU NEED UNDER ONE ROOF Cherokee Casino & Hotel West Siloam Springs is the destination to find all your needs in one place.

It’s your home away from home and all-in-one entertainment venue. Between our comfortable rooms, live concerts in SEVEN, and delicious buffet and steakhouse, you’ll feel like you never want to leave.

U.S. Highway 412 & 59, West Siloam Springs, OK 800.754.4111 | CherokeeCasino.com

Know your limits. Gambling problem? Call 800.522.4700.

RogersLowell.com | JUNE2019

5

Welcome to Rogers | June 2019

TREVOR NOAH - LOUD & CLEAR TOUR | JUNE 21

60TH ANNUAL POULTRY FESTIVAL | JUNE 14-15, 2019

5K @ THE LPGA BENEFITING MERCY | JUNE 29, 2019

The Poultry Federation of Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma will host its 60th Annual Poultry Festival June 14-15, 2019 at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers. The weekend event is a celebration of the tri-states’ poultry and egg industry. The festival draws members and friends of the industry from across the country. In recent years, nearly 6,000 tickets have been sold to the festival, impacting the Rogers economy by more than $4 million. Visit ThePoultryFederation.com for more information.

The race will be held Saturday, June 29, starting and finishing at the Walmart AMP in Rogers. Early registration is $20, and includes a performance t-shirt, daily tournament ticket, race medal, breakfast after the race and more! Tickets and information for the 5K are available at nwachampionship.com.

WALMART NW ARKANSAS CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY P&G | JUNE 24-30, 2019 The #NWACHAMPIONSHIP Week returns to Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers with three rounds of tournament competition taking place Friday through Sunday and an exciting line-up of LPGA week events. Tickets and information for the golf tournament and week’s events are available at nwachampionship.com.

6

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

TRAIN / GOO GOO DOLLS - SUMMER TOUR 2019 | JUNE 26 BRAD PAISLEY - 2019 WORLD TOUR | JUNE 27 ARKANSAS PUBLIC THEATRE (APT) PRESENTS A DOLL’S HOUSE PART 2 | JUNE 14-23

Located in Downtown Rogers, the APT at the Victory WALMART AMP COX CONCERT Theater’s SEASON 33 SERIES | JUNE presents A Doll’s House The Walmart AMP is Part 2. In the final scene Northwest Arkansas’ premiere of Ibsen’s groundbreaking outdoor concert venue located masterwork, Nora Helmer in Rogers. Upcoming shows in makes the shocking June will attract visitors from all decision to leave her over the nation. Concert tickets husband and children, can be found on the Walmart and begin a life on her AMP’s website at arkansasmusicpavilion.com. own. This climactic event – when Nora slams FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE - CAN’T SAY I AIN’T the door on everything in her life – instantly propelled world drama into the modern age. In A COUNTRY TOUR | JUNE 13 Doll’s House Part 2, many years have passed since STEVE MILLER BAND AND MARTY STUART | Nora’s exit. Now, there’s a knock on that same door. Nora has returned. But why? And what will JUNE 16 it mean for those she left behind?

Leadership Benton County Celebrates Graduation of LBC Class 16

O

n May 21, Leadership Benton County (LBC) celebrated the graduation of LBC Class 16. This is the second graduating class from the newly reimagined Leadership Benton County.

LBC promotes and develops dynamic community leaders for Benton County. The program unites a diverse group of people, promoting a regional view of the area. It provides opportunities to learn, enhance and apply leadership skills. LBC is also a forum to offer solutions and alternatives to community needs and concerns.

The LBC consists of 11 sessions held monthly from August to May. Sessions include an evening orientation, a two-day opening retreat, a two-day trip to Little Rock, eight day-long sessions, and a graduation celebration.

Congratulations to the LBC Class 16 graduates from the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about LBC, contact the Chamber’s VP of Community Development Ross Phillips at (479) 619-3197 or ross@rogerslowell.com.

T

LBC Class 16 visited with Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson during their session at the Capitol

Visit Rogers’s Luke Wiggins Named One of 30 Future Leaders of Destination Marketing and Management Industry

he Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Rogers are thrilled to announce that Luke Wiggins has been named one of Destinations International’s 30 Under 30 recipients.

The 30 individuals, 30 years of age and under, will have the opportunity to engage in professional development opportunities throughout 2019 and beyond. The honorees originate from a variety of destination organizations of all sizes and countries.

“The 30 Under 30 program remains critical to our organization’s vision and mission,” said Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International. “The future of the travel and tourism industry remains dependent on today’s young professionals and the Foundation continually invests in the leaders of tomorrow through professional development and mentorship opportunities. We look forward to connecting with the 30 future leaders at this year’s Annual Convention, throughout 2019 and their careers.”

“The Destinations International Foundation is proud to support the 30 Under 30 Program,” said Jason Fulvi, Board Chair of the Destinations International Foundation and President and CEO of Visit KC. “This program helps further develop our industry’s leaders of tomorrow. We look forward to having them join us at the Annual Convention and continuing to grow throughout the year.”

Now in its ninth year, the 30 Under 30 program is supported by founding program partner, SearchWide Global and sponsored by IMEX Group, MMGY Global and Northstar Meetings Group.

“Not only does the program bring incredible value to our industry, but it brings unlimited opportunity to the recipients,” said Mike Gamble, President and CEO of SearchWide Global. “By shaping future industry leaders, we can build an even better future for destination marketing.”

For more information about the 30 Under 30 program or Destinations International, visit www. destinationsinternational.org.

RogersLowell.com | JUNE2019

7

ASBTDC Partners with Chamber to Offer Free LinkedIn Workshop June 20

T

he University of Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) and the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce will present a free workshop, “LinkedIn for Business Marketing”, June 20 at the Chamber’s office, 317 W. Walnut St. in Rogers.

LinkedIn is most effective. You’ll learn how to use free LinkedIn features to research and find prospects in your area or nationally, navigate LinkedIn’s 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.

WHY YOU SHOULD BE USING LINKEDIN

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

LinkedIn is the one of the fastestgrowing online platforms for promoting your business’ services and products to targeted business professionals and for business networking. It is also an invaluable tool for researching and finding sales leads and connections. Business owners and staff members can also use this platform to showcase their expertise and knowledge to grow awareness in the business community about their work and accomplishments.

Speaker Martha Londagin (pictured right) is a small business banker with Legacy National Bank, a member of the Chamber’s Small Business Council, and is a former small business consultant regarding small business development and marketing in the region.

The event is free to the public and Chamber members. A complimentary lunch will be provided to participants courtesy of Legacy National Bank. Pre-registration is required at asbtdc.org/fayetteville-events.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN This workshop teaches the basics about how to make sure your public profile on

“Healthy Hustlers” Women’s Health Forum Explores Challenges Women Face

H

ustle in Heels - LADIES LEAD NWA held its “Healthy Hustlers” Women’s Health Forum May 9 at NorthWest Arkansas Community College.

More than 100 people attended and visited exhibitor booths focused on all aspects of women’s health from physical to financial and everything in between.

The goals were to start a conversation about challenges women face in receiving proper care and to encourage women to put their health first. “Hopefully participants took some information back with them that will help make them more aware,” said Carrie Wilson, Committee Chair with Hustle in Heels.

Attendees enjoyed hearing from distinguished panelists in a forum moderated

8

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

by Jennifer Peñate (pictured right) with KNWA. Panelists included Juli McWhorter of Willow Creek Women’s Hospital, Ashu Dhanjal of Northwest Cardiology, Brooke Robinson of bTribalfit, and Kati Wells of Freeman-Burchfield & Wells Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Hustle in Heels - LADIES LEAD NWA is an initiative of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce dedicated to empowering, educating, and connecting women with a modern approach to professional and business development. Be sure to follow the group on social media and use the hashtag #heelsnotrequired.

The next program is August 8 and features “The Balancing Act – How to Successfully Integrate Your Life and Your Work.”

Chamber Hosts 43rd Annual Academic Awards

EDUCATION

F

or 43 years, the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee has honored outstanding Rogers high school students during its annual Academic Awards Ceremonies. The program is intended to improve the level of preparation for high school graduates entering college or the workforce.

This year, 379 Rogers Heritage High School students, 586 Rogers High School students, and 193 Rogers New Technology High School students were presented with the prestigious Academic Awards for maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher for one, two, or three years. With an objective of providing excellent preparation for students in the community, the Chamber is working to increase the number of students achieving this recognition every year. This year, the Chamber presented 1,158 students with this Award, the most that have ever been presented.

The Academic Awards were presented by Chick-Fil-A; Gold Sponsors were Arkansas 529 College Investment Plan and Lifetouch National School Studios Inc.; Bronze Sponsors were the Buck Foundation, Kumon Math and Reading Center of Lowell, Thomas Fence, and The Roark Group.

PRESENTING SPONSOR |

BRONZE SPONSOR |

A photo from the ceremony at Rogers High School

CHAMBER HONORS 2018-19 EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR For over 30 years, The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce has been honoring Rogers Public Schools Educators for their excellence in education. Educators are nominated from each school and three standout teachers are selected Educator of the Year.

These are the three teachers selected for 2018- 2019 Educator of the Year: Linda Giesen of Reagan Elementary School, Stacy Schmidt of Lingle Middle School, and Elizabeth White of Rogers High School.

Along with these three outstanding teachers, the Chamber selected one more teacher to receive a very special award, the Virginia Mocivnik Award, created in

Virginia’s honor to recognize an educator that demonstrates a dedication to the community above and beyond their work in the classroom.

Virginia believed that education is one of the most important tools to effect positive societal change. As a business leader, she worked on many projects throughout the school system and community but most notably, she lobbied the school superintendent and parks and recreation director to start a girls’ athletic program.

This year the Chamber presented Frankie Jackson of Frank Tillery Elementary with the Virginia Mocivnik Award for her dedication to the classroom and the community.

The awards were presented by Arkansas State Teachers Association.

Frankie Jackson - Virginia Mocivnik Award Winner Frank Tillery Elementary

Photos provided by Jason Ivester with Rogers Public Schools

Linda Giesen Reagan Elementary School

Stacy Schmidt Lingle Middle School

Elizabeth White Rogers High School

RogersLowell.com | JUNE2019

9

Heritage High School Students Partner with Rogers Experimental House as Part of NWA Gives

S

tudents from Rogers Public Schools partnered with the Rogers Experimental House (RXH) to make improvements to the RXH studio at 121 W. Walnut in April.

The project complemented the RXH participation in NWA Gives April 4, Northwest Arkansas’s biggest day of giving, which raised more than $700,000 for area nonprofits.

Students in Fine Arts, Industrial Arts and Marketing and Communications classes worked with board members from the Rogers Experimental House to raise awareness of the studio located in Downtown Rogers.

Industrial Arts students built sandwich boards to display signage during classes and art exhibits and made repairs and improvements to the gallery space. Fine Arts

10

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

students exhibited their work in the space and the Marketing class wrote copy for social media posts and other marketing pieces. Students also helped create a selfie station where the public added messages and images to a chalk wall and posed for photographs.

Rogers Heritage High School’s Heather Grosze, Business teacher and Career and Technical Education (CTE) faculty member, reached out to the nonprofit organization In the fall of 2018. “We wanted to partner with RXH to provide students from several CTE program areas of opportunity to apply the skills that they are learning in the classroom,” commented Grosze.

“This helped us connect CTE students to the downtown businesses in the arts and creative community.” All high school students were required to complete 75 volunteer hours.

This collaboration is an important part of the mission of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber seeks out opportunities to connect businesses to education. CTE training, like that offered at Rogers Heritage High School, is in high demand by businesses in the region.

“In working with teens at area high schools, we have learned they are more likely to hang out in Downtown Rogers when they can interact with the space,” said Karen Wagaman, VP of Downtown Development for the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and RXH Board Member. “Whether they are painting murals, posing for photos by the selfie wall in the Rogers Experimental House, or exhibiting or creating art, the interactivity that is provided downtown makes our community appealing to the younger crowds.”

Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café Open on Sundays to Better Serve Customers

SMALL BUSINESS

N

eighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café believes that honest ingredients is the best policy. The restaurant, which expanded to Rogers in 2017, announced earlier this year that they are now open on Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

the second in Rogers. While customers come to enjoy the made-from-scratch American Hearth breads, fresh salads made from wholesome ingredients, warm and hearty bowls of soup, or espressos and pumpkin cream cheese muffins, it’s the friendly customer service and sense of community that really make the difference GIVING CUSTOMERS WHAT THEY WANT for them. “Rogers is our home and we want “The decision to begin opening on Sunday to serve our community with this restaurant,” came from our evaluation of the hours that Brooks said. “Our location is in an area of customers came in the most as well as the massive growth in Rogers and that was very overwhelming customer feedback about important to the selection of our location - we wanting a great place to have Sunday lunch with want to support the growth of the Rogers family and friends,” Owner Robyn Brooks said. community and its residents.”

“We found that being open the hours we now The Rogers Neighbor’s Mill uses local coffee have in place will allow us to better serve our roasters and bakes bread for many wholesale customer base.” accounts throughout Northwest Arkansas, including grocery stores and restaurants. “The community has been very welcoming to us based on how many repeat customers return with family, friends, and co-workers,” she said. “In return, we have given back by supporting some wonderful local nonprofit groups and assisting FRIENDLY CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SENSE others with fundraisers. People seek out our OF COMMUNITY business to support them, and we believe that is Neighbor’s Mill was founded by Mike a testament to what our brand represents here and Karin Nabors and opened its first store in in the community.”

Harrison in 2000. More recently, they decided Learn more about this successful small to expand by having franchises. The first business at neighborsmill.com or visit them at franchise opened in 2016 in Springfield and 2090 W. Pleasant Grove Rd. in Rogers.

RogersLowell.com | JUNE2019

11

NEW MEMBERS | April 2019 A-LIST HOME CARE, LLC

MITCHELL CHIROPRACTIC PLLC

COPPER & OAK HAIR CO.

PALMER VIOLIN SHOP

D & A ROADSIDE SERVICE

PIXEL A SCHOOL FOR MEDIA ARTS

Tiffany Tully 200 S. 20TH ST., STE. A-2 | ROGERS, AR 72758 (479) 877-6981 | A-LISTHOMECARE.COM HOME HEALTH SERVICES Steven Andrade 4200 SOUTH 48TH STREET, STE. 40 | ROGERS, AR 72756 (479) 295-1568 | FIND US ON FACEBOOK BEAUTY SALONS David Daniel ROGERS, AR 72756 (479) 841-1337 | FIND US ON FACEBOOK AUTOMOBILE TOWING

DULUTH TRADING CO.

Steve Nicoll 3200 SOUTH 27TH ST. | ROGERS, AR 72758 (479) 282-1234 | DULUTHTRADING.COM CLOTHING - RETAIL

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR PRO REALTY, INC. Donnie Barter 4500 W. WALNUT ST., STE. 1 | ROGERS, AR 72756 (479) 903-3372 | FIND US ON FACEBOOK REAL ESTATE - COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

UNIFY FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION

Dr. Lauren Mitchell 201 B N.E. 3RD ST. | BENTONVILLE, AR 72712 (479) 553-7712 | FIND US ON FACEBOOK CHIROPRACTORS

Alex Wouters 1790 N. CROSSOVER RD. | FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703 (877) 254-9328 | UNIFYFCU.COM 916 W. MONROE AVE. | LOWELL, AR 72745 (877) 254-9328 | UNIFYFCU.COM 2075 E. MAIN ST. | SILOAM SPRINGS, AR 72761 (877) 254-9328 | UNIFYFCU.COM BANKS AND BANKING ASSOCIATIONS 2894 W. SUNSET | SPRINGDALE, AR 72762 (877) 254-9328 | UNIFYFCU.COM BANKS AND BANKING ASSOCIATIONS

Raymond Palmer 1114 W. POPLAR PLACE | ROGERS, AR 72756 (479) 621-0777 | PALMERVIOLINS.COM RETAIL SPECIALTY STORES

UNITED FEDERAL CREDIT UNION (OPENING SOON)

David Kersey 1200 W. WALNUT ST., STE. 1180 | ROGERS, AR 72756 (479) 715-0622 | LEARNPIXEL.ORG ORGANIZATIONS

Scott Jeffus 2000 PROMENADE BLVD., STE. 103 | ROGERS, AR 72758 (479) 295-4807 | UNITEDFCU.COM BANKS AND BANKING ASSOCIATIONS

SPARK YOGA & COACHING

YEYO’S

Teri Maddox 111 W. WALNUT ST. | ROGERS, AR 72756 (479) 257-0901 | THISISYOURSPARK.COM YOGA

Jayshica Amargos 101 W. WALNUT ST., STE. 204 | ROGERS, AR 72756 (479) 616-3188 | YEYOSMEXICANGRILL.COM/ 801 S.E. 8TH ST., STE. 41 | BENTONVILLE, AR 72712 (479) 616-3188 | YEYOSMEXICANGRILL.COM RESTAURANTS - MEXICAN

STUDIO PHYSICA (OPENING SOON)

WESLEY NORTHEY 3716 S. PINNACLE HILLS PKWY., STE. 203 | ROGERS, AR 72758 (479) 367-2591 | STUDIOPHYSICA.COM HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS

LOWELL PHARMACY

John Lykins 114 HARRISON AVE. | LOWELL, AR 72745 (479) 770-0111 | LIVEWELLRXLAB.COM DRUG STORE/PHARMACY

April 2019

ARKIE APPAREL

608 S. 8TH ST., ROGERS

12

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

THE ART COLLECTIVE GALLERY 228 S. 1ST ST., ROGERS

BURGER KING

4125 S. 26TH ST., ROGERS

Ribbon Cutting Sponsor

CAN CAN CLEANERS, LLC. LOWELL

April 2019

COPPER & OAK HAIR CO.

4200 S. 48TH ST., STE. 40, ROGERS

HILTON GARDEN INN BENTONVILLE/ROGERS

COUSINS’ OFFICE FURNITURE 2700-1 W. WALNUT ST., ROGERS

4206 S. JB HUNT DR., STE. 130, ROGERS

E2OPEN

EDEN’S FLOWER TRUCK

IT’S A SECRET MED SPA

LIMBIRD REAL ESTATE GROUP

MIDNIGHT SUN ESSENTIALS

OZARK AXE HOUSE

OZARK COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY

SHELTER SHOP

WILLOW CREEK WOMEN’S HOSPITAL

2204 S.E. WALTON BLVD., BENTONVILLE

5001 PAULINE WHITAKER PKWY., STE. 115, ROGERS

MITCHELL CHIROPRACTIC PLLC

NU MARKETING

SOULS HARBOR OF ROGERS, INC.

SPARK YOGA & COACHING

201 B N.E. 3RD ST., BENTONVILLE

1206 N. 2ND ST., ROGERS

Ribbon Cutting Sponsor

ROGERS

111 W. WALNUT ST., ROGERS

1623 PARK ST., LOWELL

718 N. 2ND ST., STE. 102, ROGERS

2700 W. WALNUT ST., ROGERS

ROGERS

LINCOLN

701 S. HORSEBARN RD., STE. 102, ROGERS

4301 GREATHOUSE RD., JOHNSON

RogersLowell.com | JUNE2019

13

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS | April 2019 30+ YEARS

Arkansas Department Workforce Services Rogers - 61 years Central United Methodist Church - 57 years Crafton Tull - 56 years Prairie Creek Development - 55 years Bob Maloney Collision - 54 years Black Hills Energy - 53 years Nabholz Construction - 46 years War Eagle Cavern on Beaver Lake - 41 years Staffmark - 40 years Simmons Bank - 39 years Aero Med Express, Inc. - 38 years Dean Crowder Construction, Inc. - 37 years Assembled Products Corporation - 33 years

21-30 YEARS

Clack Corporation Dyer Electric, Inc. Fayetteville Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc. My Other Mother Child Care Center & Pre-School Pinnacle Country Club Southwestern Sales Company Vantine, Barrett & VanWinkle CPA’s, PLLC Walton Arts Cener WSP Inc. Packaging & Distribution Specialists

11-20 YEARS

Abbott Nutrition Andy’s Frozen Custard Arkansas Musicworks, LLC Arkansas Self Storage, LLC Arkansas Support Network Bayer Healthcare

Brown’s Collision Center Frost, PLLC Dr. Matthew B. Harrison Holiday Inn & Suites Hook Line & Sinker Hull Dermatology Innovative Business Furniture, Inc. Lance Johnson Building Company Junior League of Northwest Arkansas The KAR Shop Kwik Kar Service Center McGaugh RV Center Metro Appliances & More Modern Fence & Supply Co., Inc. Old Town Dry Cleaners The Osage Group Ozark Guidance Paychex, Inc. Pinnacle Car Services Premier Moving and Storage Providence Classical Christian Academy QualChoice of Arkansas Rogers-Bentonville Elks Lodge #2144 TreeHouse Sales & Solutions, Inc. VSC Fire & Security, Inc. Wachter Inc. Waco Title Company WealthPath Investment Advisors Webster University West Termite & Pest Management Inc. Wheeler Metals, Inc.

6-10 YEARS

Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center Arkansas Austism Connection

Arkansas Periodontal & Implant Associates Clark Contractors Cleaner Solutions Inc. Cosmic Cavern El Pueblo Market #1 George Nunnally Chevrolet, Inc. Godfrey & Black, Brick - Stone - Fireplaces & More Grand Savings Bank Hank’s Fine Furniture Highlands Oncology Group, P.A. IMWell Health Leisurescapes, Inc. Pinnacle Chiropractic & Family Wellness, PLLC Saving Grace, Inc. Smokin’ Joes Ribhouse, Inc. Team Direct Management Titanic Museum Attraction Town and Country Plumbing, Inc. Zaxby’s

2-5 YEARS

AFS - Business Solutions and Call Center Operations American Red Cross Serving NWA Bank of America Merrill Lynch Big Orange - Burgers, Salads, Shakes Caliber Home Loans The Call in NWA City Pump CMC Sealcoating & Linestriping, LLC Edward Jones - Fred Fryer, Financial Advisor Foghorn’s Wings, Burgers, & More House of Three J. Hilburn Custom Menswear - Nancy Paul Kurt Puttkammer Homes Legacy Transit Lines, LLC

Lewis Automotive Group LifeSource Living Tree Pediatrics, PLLC Moe’s Southwest Grill Mojitos Modern Mexican Grill Pat Moran nu marketing One Communications “One Comm” Ozark Regional Vein Center & Renew Aesthtics at Pinnacle Hills Pafford EMS PRN Medical Services The Promenade Apartmens at Pinnacle Hills Promenade Health and Rehab Rick’s Bakery/Rick’s Streetside Studio RIN Interiors LLC SERC Physical Therapy Soapbox Influence StudioChunky Top Shelf Marine Turn Key Construction Company Whataburger Women’s Health Associates Women’s Pavilion

1 YEAR

Arkansas Hospice, Inc. ASK Leadership Team LLC Jene’ Huffman-Gilreath MANA Family Medicine Nicole’s House Relocation Services of Arkansas Snack Lab Tortilleria El Palomino / El Rinconcito Restaurant Workman’s Travel Center Lowell / The Ozark Mountain Grill

Find out what TapOnIt can do for your business.

Call 479-597-8642 or email kgray@nwaonline.com

GET GREAT LOCAL DEALS sent straight to your phone!

PLANNING A TRIP TO

BRANSON? Don’t miss some excellent offers on attractions and places to dine...

Text BRANSON to 82928 texttaponit.com/branson

Text TapOnIt to 82928

Or sign up at texttaponit.com/nwarkansas

1 4 Message C h a and m b edata r V rates o i c e may | J apply.

U N E 2 Go 0 1 9to taponitdeals.com/privacy for privacy and terms.

Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel.

Go to taponitdeals.com/terms for privacy and terms.

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 Networking Events

Bu si n e s s Qu i c k R e f eren c e C al en dar | J UN E Business Building Events

JUN

11

Presented By | Scooter’s Coffee & Servpro Hosted By | Aloft Rogers Bentonville Address | 1103 S. 52nd St., Rogers

JUN

20

Presented By | Chambers Bank Hosted By | House of Webster & Indigo Sky Casino Venue | Rogers Experimental House Address | 121 W. Walnut St., Rogers

Upcoming Meetings

JUN

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

JUN

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

JUN

6.7 | Chamber Picnic 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Ward Nail Park in Lowell

JUN

6.11 | Coffee Connection 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Aloft Rogers Bentonville

JUN

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

JUN

6.20 | Business After Hours 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Hosted by House of Webster & Indigo Sky Casino at Rogers Experimental House

JUN

6.21 | Government Affairs/Large Industry Council Meeting 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

06 06 07 11

19

20 21

Annual Chamber Picnic June 7 |Be Our Guest!

JUL

17

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

Every Wednesday

View complete calendar at RogersLowell.com

A

ll Chamber members, volunteers, committee members, board members, and special friends are invited to the Chamber Picnic on Friday, June 7 at Ward Nail Park in Lowell from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event is free.

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

snack cakes to furniture and all kinds of door prizes for Chamber events. The Chamber’s staff would like to show its gratitude for all the little things (and big things too) that our family and friends do by inviting everyone to the picnic for some food and fun!

Be our guest! Please RSVP for the picnic before end of day May 31 by visiting RogersLowell.com or calling (479) 636-1240.

Presented By | Benchmark Group June Host Sponsor | Bankers Capital Funding Location | Golden Corral in Rogers 2605 W Pleasant Crossing Dr., Rogers

RogersLowell.com | JUNE2019

15

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.