Chamber Voice | May 2016 by Rogers Lowell Chamber

MAY2016 | Vol 11 Issue 5

Bekaert Launches Major Expansion at Rogers Manufacturing Plant “Our expansion plans fit within Bekaert’s strategy to drive growth...we are committed and dedicated to creating value for our customers and are expanding the Rogers plant to contribute to the growth of the North American based tire makers.”

– Matthew Taylor, CEO of Bekaert

Matthew Taylor, CEO of Bekaert

ekaert announced in March a major expansion program for the company’s manufacturing plant in Rogers. The announcement was held at the Rogers plant in the presence of Asa Hutchinson, Governor of Arkansas; Greg Hines, Mayor of Rogers; and Matthew Taylor, CEO of Bekaert. The expansion of the Rogers plant will contribute to the growth of the automotive markets in the U.S.

Gradual Implementation to Add Capacity & Jobs

The Rogers plant opened in 1989 and produces steel cord for the tire industry. Bekaert projects continued strong and growing demand from the tire manufacturers based in the U.S. as a result of the expansion programs of the tire manufacturers in the country and of their preference to source domestically produced tire cord. In

order to accommodate for the projected growth, Bekaert has decided to add an additional 50 percent production capacity to the Rogers plant. The expansion will be gradually implemented and will add over 100 new jobs. “Bekaert is a company with a global presence and could have chosen to expand at any location throughout the world,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “The fact that we are here today celeContinued on Page 3...

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Events and Meetings

Bekaert Launches Major Expansion at Rogers Manufacturing Plant Continued

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2016 Fall | Chamber Event Guide Planner

Annual Chamber Picnic May 20 | Be Our Guest

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Small Business Corner – The Largest Business Conference and Trade Show in NWA

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Rogers Public Schools Partner with Northwest Technical Institute (NTI); Congratulations to the Arvest First Leadership Class of 2016 Focus on Community – Hunt Ventures | Developing Northwest Arkansas Focus on Community – Open Avenues | Capable People. Quality Work. LPGA – Celebrating 10 Years of the NWA Championship

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Welcome New Members | March 2016

Ribbon Cuttings | March 2016; Ambassador of the Quarter Chamber Membership Renewals | March 2016; Reminder – Don’t Forget to Assess by May 31

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Chamber Networking & Educational Events

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Legislative Days Are Here Again

RogersLowell.com | MAY2016

business-building events designed for you EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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

2016 DIRECTORS

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

2017 DIRECTORS

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

2018 DIRECTORS

5.3 Chamber University - Spanish Seminar Series Topic: Starting a Business in Arkansas 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

5.11 Northwest Arkansas Spring Job Fair 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Frisco Station Mall

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

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

AUDIT COMMITTEE David Hale Frank Bailey Jon Harrell

5.19 Ambassadors Monthly Meeting 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lowell Chamber of Commerce Office 5.20 Government Affairs Committee Meeting 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

5.18 Member Orientation 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

Community Development - Tina Winham Membership Services - Keri Earwood Economic Development - Jeff Milford Government Affairs - Jerry Carmichael Convention & Visitors Bureau - David Lang

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

5.10 Coffee Connection 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Whataburger

5.16 Spring Golf Tournament 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. tee times Shadow Valley Country Club

DIVISION CHAIRS

5.5 Small Business Council Meeting 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

5.4 Chamber University - Sunrise Seminar Series Topic: Leadership: Creating the Superior Team 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

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

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

upcoming meetings

View complete calendar at RogersLowell.com

5.19 Joint Business After Hours with Bentonville/ Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Everett Buick GMC 5.20 Chamber Picnic 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Ward Nail Park, Lowell 5.25 Business to Business Breakfast 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. NWA Board of Realtors Event Center For information on other upcoming events visit the complete calendar online at RogersLowell.com

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, May, June, July, August, September, October November and December; (semi-monthly in April) by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc., 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756. Periodical postage paid at Rogers, AR. POSTMASTER send address changes to: ROGERS-LOWELL AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER, 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756.

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

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

Amy Gober Director of Community Development amy@rogerslowell.com

Katie Wright Assistant to the President katie@rogerslowell.com

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

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

Jacque Eakins Account Executive jacque@rogerslowell.com

Ashley Matsumura Information Specialist ashley@rogerslowell.com

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

Judy Diffee Finance Manager judy@rogerslowell.com

Marni Rogers Member Relations Manager marni@rogerslowell.com

Amanda Mills Information Specialist amanda@rogerslowell.com

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

Nick Smith Creative Services Manager nick@rogerslowell.com

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

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

Brooklynn Wiley Director of Special Events brooklynn@rogerslowell.com

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

2 Chamber Voice | MAY2016

...Continued from Page 1 brating this expansion displays Arkansas’s continued momentum in job creation. Bekaert’s decision to grow in the state is recognition that Arkansas is prepared to compete and win in job creation.” Rogers Mayor Greg Hines said, “It is always a great day in Rogers when we get to make expansion and job creation announcements.” “We are very excited about Bekaert’s upcoming expansion program and the jobs it will create that benefit not just Rogers, but the entire region.” Raymond Burns, President and CEO of the RogersLowell Area Chamber of Commerce, added, “This is very personal to me as I worked on the project to bring Bekaert to Rogers originally. It’s great to see them having success, expanding and creating more jobs for our area. Bekaert has been a longstanding partner and supporter of the RogersLowell Area Chamber of Commerce as well as all of Northwest Arkansas, and we are happy to be here celebrating with them today. We wish them continued success.”

About Bekaert

Bekaert (www.bekaert.com) is a world market and technology leader in steel wire transformation and coating technologies. They strive to be the preferred supplier for steel wire products and solutions by continuously delivering superior value to their customers worldwide. Bekaert (Euronext Brussels: BEKB) is a global company with almost 30,000 employees worldwide, headquarters in Belgium and € 4.4 billion in annual revenue.

Bekaert in North America

Bekaert has been present in North America since the 1950s. Today, the Company employs 1600 people in 10 plants and offices in the U.S. and Canada. In this region, Bekaert serves a wide variety of steel wire and cord solutions to customers in the tire and other automotive components industries, the construction and infrastructure sector, the oil & gas, energy and utilities sectors, agricultural and residential fencing markets and many more. Upon finalization of the intended merger of the ropes and advanced cords businesses of Bekaert and Bridon – conditional to customary closing conditions – Bridon’s manufacturing entities in Pennsylvania will be integrated in the Bridon Bekaert Ropes Group.

RogersLowell.com | MAY2016

2016 Fall | Chamber Event Guide Planner

ave the dates for these upcoming Chamber events. Whether you are looking for networking or sponsorship opportunities, or educational and team-building activities, the Chamber offers plenty of options this fall.

**NEW** Thank-A-Teacher Celebration Presented by Sam’s Furniture Wednesday, August 10 | Time TBA Rogers High School | Rogers Donate Valuable Door Prizes for Teachers (minimum $50 Value) Sponsorships Available Learn More at RogersLowell.com

This is a brand new event in 2016 that celebrates our local teachers who are making a big difference in the world. Teachers give our children so much: a boost of confidence when needed; extra help when they are having trouble learning; and a welcoming presence in the classroom. And though we can never thank them enough, this event is an opportunity to let them know we appreciate all they do. Here is your chance to give back to the community and say thank you by rewarding our teachers with valuable door prizes. About 1,000 teachers are expected to attend the celebratory event. Call Brooklynn Wiley, Director of Special Events, at (479) 636-1240 if you would like to donate a door prize from your company.

what services are provided by non-profits and what Trade Show Exhibit Booths: products and services they need. Free admission to Members $550 (Class A Booth) | $425 (Class B Booth) the public. Food and drinks will be available. Non-Members $675 (Class A Booth) | $550 (Class B Booth) Sponsorships Available Fall Golf Tournament Register at RogersLowell.com Friday, September 9 | 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. This event (formerly 8:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Tee Times the NWA Business Expo) Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club, Inc. | Rogers has been totally revamped Team of Four $500 to provide businesses of Sponsorships Available all sizes one day access to Register at RogersLowell.com new connections, ideas and Held annually, teams opportunities in a conferof four enjoy building busience and trade show format. ness relationships on the golf Professional development course in a beautiful fall setseminars will be delivered ting. Treat clients to a round of in three tracks featuring Management, Entregolf to seal the deal, say thank preneurship and Human Resource hot topics. you to clients for their busi- Presentations will be given by guest speakers ness or show your employ- who are not only recognized local subject matter ees you appreciate them by experts (SMEs) but also thought leaders in the inviting them to play in the business community. The Exhibit Hall will feature tournament. Prizes are awarded for top finishing a trade show throughout the day for attendees teams and for individual winners of the longest to visit and network with exhibitors. Other highdrive, closest-to-the-pin and putting contests. lights include an Opening Session and Speaker, Each golfer receives complimentary snacks and and Luncheon and Keynote Speaker. The day will beverages, breakfast (morning tee time), lunch end with the always fun “Gone in 60 Seconds” and entry into the 19th hole party. Elevator Pitch Competition. Read more information on page six of this Northwest Arkansas Fall Job Fair issue of the Chamber Voice in the Small Business Presented by Glad Corner section.

Manufacturing Company

Wednesday, October 5 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Frisco Station Mall | Rogers Booths: $250 for Members | $400 Non-Members Sponsorships Available Register at RogersLowell.com

**NEW** “Networking with a Purpose” Non-Profit Showcase

Thursday, August 25 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Northwest Arkansas Board of Realtors Event Venue | Lowell Trade Show Exhibit Booths: $100 for Members | $150 for Non-members Register at RogersLowell.com Imagine a Business After Hours event with local non-profits that combines networking with trade show exhibits showcasing non-profit organizations in Northwest Arkansas. That’s the new “Networking with a Purpose” Non-Profit Showcase event this year presented by the Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders and the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. Meet contacts from a variety of organizations to find out how you may volunteer and contribute. Learn

4 Chamber Voice | MAY2016

Each fall employers get a head start on hiring for the holidays at the Northwest Arkansas Fall Job Fair. Job seekers take advantage of this great opportunity to meet one-on-one with local Human Resource professionals who understand what it takes to get hired, meet employers and hand out resumes. The job fair typically attracts more than 1,000 job seekers and over 60 employers and businesses.

NWA BizCon 2016

Bowling for Business - 7th Annual

Friday, November 4 | 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Fast Lane Entertainment | Lowell Team of Five $120 ($195 for Non-members) Individual Bowlers* $30 ($50 for Non-Members) * Will be assigned to a Team Sponsorships Available | Sponsor a Lane for Only $400 Register at RogersLowell.com

Not everyone can golf, but anyone can bowl! Join us for this exciting team building event in November. It will be held at a unique bowling venue this year, Fast Lane Entertainment in Lowell, for an afternoon of fun competition. This event is growing in popularity each year mainly because it is perfect for fostering teamwork among your employees. It’s great exercise too! Team awards are presented for highest and lowest scores, best team shirts and more! Get registered early as there is room for only 32 teams - 2015 sold out quickly. The price includes two games, snacks and beverages for your team.

Annual Chamber Picnic May 20 | Be Our Guest

ll Chamber members, volunteers, committee members, board members and special friends are invited to the Chamber Picnic on Friday, May 20 at Ward Nail Park in Lowell from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 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 fishing lures for Chamber events. The Chamber’s staff would like to show its gratitude for all the little things (and big things, too) the Chamber’s friends and family do by inviting you to the Chamber’s picnic. Please RSVP for the picnic before end of day May 18 by visiting RogersLowell.com

Thank You to Our Current Sponsors

t NW Arkansas lmar Wanted by P&G

Championship

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Prese

Leading he Way T

Y CLUB ACLE COUNTR NG FIELD AT PINN LIGHTS A STRO STACY LEWIS HIGH

The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette presents

The official preview to the LPGA Walmart NW Arkansas Championship June 20-26 the tournament will celebrate its 10th anniversary and we are publishing a special preview section on Sunday, June 12.

TO PLACE AN AD IN THIS SPECIAL SECTION, CALL:

Randy Saunders 479.549.8148 • rsaunders@nwadg.com or Barbara Smith 479.287.3899 • blsmith@nwadg.com

RogersLowell.com | MAY2016

The Largest Business Conference and Trade Show in NWA

he Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and Northwest Arkansas Human Resource Association (NOARK) have announced a new partnership that will benefit large and small businesses in Northwest Arkansas this year. The Chamber, its longtime business conference partner, World Trade Center Arkansas, and NOARK have come together to form the largest and newest business event in the region - NWA BizCon.

Ways to Participate

their business ideas to a panel of judges who are local, successful entrepreneurs and business executives. Two cash prizes will be awarded. Judges will choose a winner and attendees will decide the “People’s Choice” winner. Even if you’re not participating it’s a lot of fun to attend!

Conference Tickets

Kick-Off Party October 31 on the Rooftop Patio

If you plan to attend the conference, exhibit in the trade show or become a sponsor, learn more about conference tickets and exhibit booth pricing at RogersLowell.com. Email membershipservices@rogerslowell.com to explore sponsorships. Your NWA BizCon conference ticket includes the Opening Session and Speaker, Professional Development Seminars, Luncheon and Keynote Speaker, Entrance to the Exhibit Hall Trade Show and G60 Elevator Pitch Competition. $129 Individual $99 Military / Veteran $495 5-Pack* SAVE $150 $900 10-Pack* SAVE $390 * For attendees from the same company

Trade Show Exhibit Space

Showcase Your Business

NWA BizCon merges the Chamber’s former event, NWA Business Expo, with NOARK’s SuperCon event to create a brand new, innovative BizCon event benefitting local businesspeople and entrepreneurs. The inaugural event will be held at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers on Tuesday, November 1, 2016. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your business to an estimated one thousand attendees expected during the day, increase your brand’s awareness and promote your products and services.

A limited number of premium exhibit booths will be available during the event offering both Chamber members and non-members opportunities to affordably showcase their products and services to attendees. There are two exhibit space options for trade show exhibitors (A & B) based upon location within the Exhibit Hall. Trade show booth pricing does not include Conference tickets.

MEMBER

Class A Booth $550 Class B Booth $425

NON-MEMBER

Class A Booth $675 Class B Booth $550

Booth pricing includes a 10’ X 8’ booth space with pipe and drape, a 6’ table with covering and two chairs, and one standard 110-volt electrical outlet. Please note that Conference tickets must be purchased separately. An added-value benefit for exhibitors is the extensive advertising and promotional campaign that the Chamber will be doing in advance with its local media partners What’s New at NWA BizCon 2016 to generate awareness of NWA BizCon 2016 and This event (formerly the NWA Business Expo) drive traffic to it during the day. has been totally revamped to provide businesses of all sizes one day access to new connections, Sponsorship Opportunities ideas and opportunities in a conference and trade Sponsorship of NWA BizCon 2016 enables show format. Professional development seminars you to effectively promote your business to influwill be delivered in three tracks featuring Manage- ential businesspeople in Northwest Arkansas. It’s a ment, Entrepreneurship and Human Resource hot perfect forum to establish new business partnertopics. Presentations will be given by guest speak- ships, clients and customers. Contact Membership ers who are not only recognized local subject mat- Services now at (479) 636-1240 or membershipserter experts (SMEs) but also thought leaders in the vices@rogerslowell.com to explore sponsorship business community. The Exhibit Hall will feature options that will deliver the most exposure for a trade show throughout the day for attendees to your budget. visit and network with exhibitors. Other highlights include an Opening Session and Speaker, and “Gone in 60 Seconds” Elevator Luncheon and Keynote Speaker. The day will end Pitch Competition with the always fun “Gone in 60 Seconds” Elevator Back by popular demand in 2016, the “Gone Pitch Competition. For a tentative schedule of the in 60 Seconds” (G60) Elevator Pitch competition event, visit RogersLowell.com. will return this year for entrepreneurs to pitch

6 Chamber Voice | MAY2016

Mark your calendar for October 31 to attend the Kick-Off Party held exclusively for Chamber members, NWA BizCon exhibitors, speakers and sponsors. The party combines fun networking with delicious food, drinks and fantastic door prizes all outside on a rooftop patio overlooking the beautiful Pinnacle Hills area of Rogers. The Party will be held at Crossland Construction Company, Inc.’s offices at 1800 S. 52nd St., Ste. 410 in Rogers located in the Pinnacle Hills area near the John Q. Hammons Convention Center.

Crossland Construction 1800 S 52nd St, Rogers

Rogers Public Schools Partner with Northwest Technical Institute (NTI)

he Rogers Public Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) department continues to seek opportunities and programs designed to offer students academic and technical training that aligns with workforce demands and projected employment projections within the Northwest Arkansas region. Rogers Public Schools has partnered with Northwest Technical Institute (NTI) to offer the Certified Nursing Assistant(CNA) course which began with the Spring 2016 semester. The course will be offered to 11-12th grade students in Rogers Public Schools, as well as neighboring school districts. The CNA course will be taught on the Rogers High School campus, and will serve as another location of the Secondary Career Center.

Secondary Career Center

Secondary Career Centers are collaborative sponsorships between two-year colleges, educational service cooperatives, and high schools. The Secondary Career Center within our local area is sponsored by Northwest Technical Institute and NorthWest Arkansas Community College. The center is designed to provide opportunities for high school students to attend career and technical programs that might not be available on each high school campus.

Technical Training and Industry Certifications

The Secondary Career Center offers technical training and industry certifications in a variety of

career and technical programs, including welding, diesel mechanics, automotive service and collision repair, culinary arts, law enforcement, dental assistant, certified nursing assistant, patient care assistant and cosmetology. Students earn high school credit for completion of the courses, and college credit may also be available for some of the courses offered through the Secondary Career Center. In addition, students may also choose to continue their education at either Northwest Technical Institute, NorthWest Arkansas Community College, or at a four-year college and university.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Course

The newly added Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course at Rogers High School quickly reached enrollment capacity. The students within the course learn valuable skills that will enable them to seek employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant following successful completion of the certification assessment. Both current and long range employment projections for Certified Nursing Assistants, and related health care positions, are expected to continue on an upward trend and reaching an 18 percent increase by 2024 (Bureau of Labor Statistics. January 13, 2016). In addition to the Certified Nursing Assistant program, the Rogers Public Schools offers the Pharmacy Technology Fundamentals course for students who are interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician, pharmacist, or related occupations within this career field. Students

may also choose to take several other courses within the Medical Professions program of study, including Introductions to Medical Professions, Medical Terminology, and Medical Procedures.

Partnership Opportunities

The Rogers Public Schools is interested in establishing partnerships with local medical and dental facilities, including clinics, hospitals, private practices, and other healthcare organizations to offer students opportunities to expand the scope of their experiences within this career field through job shadowing, internships, workrelated field trips, and mentorship projects. The district has extended an invitation and opportunity for health care professionals to share information through classroom visits and presentations. Please contact Dawn Stewart, Director of Career and Technical Education, at (479) 636-3910 to learn more about exciting partnership opportunities and endeavors.

Congratulations to the Arvest First Leadership Class of 2016 2016 Graduates Front row (L to R): America Gomez, Elena Ramirez, Amy Perez, Patricia Garcia Second Row (L to R): Fernanda Alcantara, Amber Crowe Third Row (L to R): Ilen Marquez, Chloe Kordsmeier, Liliana Pleitez, Isamar Ortiz Fourth Row (L to R): Cristina Canales, Rhianna Phillips, Sheyenne Dorsey, Tiffany Aguilar Last Row (L to R): Jacob Hertz, Austin Bayles, Jacob Womble, Brad Lusford, Takaji Abo

RogersLowell.com | MAY2016

Hunt Ventures |

DEVELOPING NORTHWEST ARKANSAS Hunt Ventures’ New Hunt Tower, a 10 story Class A office building at the corner of Pinnacle Hills Pkwy. and J.B. Hunt Dr.

unt Ventures has been developing Pinnacle Hills since 2001. The company was originally started by the late J.B. Hunt after his retirement from J.B. Hunt Transport of Lowell and continues today under the direction of his widow, Johnelle and the Hunt Ventures development team. Most of the highway, drainage and utility infrastructure for the Pinnacle Hills development was constructed by Hunt Ventures resulting in one of the biggest development opportunities in Northwest Arkansas. Currently Hunt Ventures owns, leases and manages nearly two million square feet of Class A offices, retail/dining/and medical space and additional property ready for sale or build to suit in and around the Pinnacle Hills area. Real Estate divisions under the Hunt Ventures umbrella include Pinnacle Management Services and Pinnacle Realty Group (PRG). In 2004-2005 after already developing nearly 500,000 square feet of office/retail/dining/ and medical space in Pinnacle Hills, Hunt Ven-

8 Chamber Voice | MAY2016

Mrs. Johnelle Hunt (front, far right) attends the “Topping Off” ceremony with community leaders in March of 2015

tures partnered with General Growth Properties of Chicago to build and manage the 1.2 million square foot Pinnacle Hills Promenade Shopping Center. To date it is one of the largest premier shopping districts ever built in Northwest Arkansas. Since opening in 2006 more than 300,000 of additional square feet of retail/dining space around the center has been constructed.

At the Forefront of Class A Office Space in NWA

Hunt Ventures has been at the forefront of developing Class A office space in Northwest Arkansas with over 950,000 square feet of space developed and offered for lease. The flagship of the portfolio is the recently completed 10 story, 230,000 square foot Hunt Tower. This truly Class A office building includes a second floor 10,000 square foot terrace, an exercise/workout facility and some of the most spectacular office views for its tenants. Also within the Class A office park are the tenant conveniences of the Embassy

Suites Hotel, John Q. Hammons Convention Center, the World Trade Center Arkansas, Mercy Medical Center plus a large number of dining and retail offerings.

More than Property Development

Hunt Ventures is more than just property development. Some of the non-real estate divisions include Pinnacle Memorial Garden/ Hunt Chapel (cemetery/chapel in Rogers), Central Mortar and Grout (building materials/ Muskogee, OK), Haskell Sand (building materials, Haskell, OK), American Aggregates (building materials, Tampa, FL), Hunt/Rogers Group (quarry, Northwest Arkansas), Agrecasa (rock quarry, Port of Cortez, Honduras) and ABC-Central Block (building materials, seven locations in Arkansas). Contact Hunt Ventures for leasing or development needs in Pinnacle Hills at (479) 845-3500. Offices are located at 3333 Pinnacle Hills Parkway, Suite 602, in Rogers.

Open Avenues |

Capable People. Quality Work. O

pen Avenues first opened its doors in 1975 as the Adult Development Center of Benton County, with a group of just 11 clients. Forty years later, the organization has evolved and expanded into what is known today as Open Avenues. Open Avenues’ programs strive to assist and challenge adults with disabilities (clients), ages 16 and up, to reach their full potential through both employment opportunities and personal growth. It’s the philosophy of the organization that adults who want to work or learn to work should have that opportunity, while learning real world skills with the goal of employment in an integrated competitive work environment.

with 22 companies for 80 different jobs for The Work Center. The business partnerships are a “win-win”; the business gets quality work for a fair price while providing meaningful work and an opportunity to earn an income for Open Avenues’ clients. The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce is one of those businesses who benefits from the work Open Avenues provides. Each month, the Chamber Voice is prepared for mailing (stuffing inserts, labeling and stapling) by the client team helping the Chamber to handle its growing volume of the newsletter’s distribution to members.

The Work Center

When a career path is determined and the client is job ready, we begin to look outward into the community. With the help of our Employment Specialists and Job Coaches, the client is able to find employment in a more traditional employment environment. Support is provided as needed to assure continued success on the job. With its fleet of nine buses, Open Avenues

Open Avenues, which relocated to its new, larger facility in August of 2010, now serves approximately 120 clients on a daily basis. The Work Center and its staff are able to assess a client’s skills and job readiness and provide prevocational, vocational, and independent living skills training. In 2015, Open Avenues partnered

Helping to Determine Career Paths

provides transportation to and from the program from Benton and part of Washington Counties. Approximately 85 percent of Open Avenues clients depend on the bus for transportation. This service also allows freedom for other family members to have a career.

“Opening Avenues” to Learning and Success

While many people may view Open Avenues as simply a work center or training program, to clients participating in its programs it is so much more. For clients, the organization truly “opens avenues” to learning and success. For their client’s families and friends they “open avenues” to support. For business and industrial partners they “open avenues” to an exceptional workforce while helping to support Open Avenues’ training and employment programs. If you are interested in touring their facility, learning more about services, getting information about serving on the Open Avenues board or other volunteer opportunities, visit OpenAvenues.org.

RogersLowell.com RogersLowell.com | APRIL2016 | MAY2016

10 Chamber Voice | MAY2016

LEGISLATIVE DAYS Are Here Again Jon Moran, Vice President of Government Affairs with the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

he Arkansas General Assembly went into Special Session the first week of April to consider one item in Governor Hutchinson’s call for legislators to consider. The governor proposed legislation to create the framework for what is popularly known as Arkansas Works, which is his plan for Medicaid expansion in Arkansas. The legislation was ultimately approved with the required simple majority in both houses, but it did not get to the Governor’s desk for his signature without its fair share of debate and controversy. The House voted 70-30 in favor of Arkansas Works. Representatives Jana Della Rosa, Dan Douglas, and Sue Scott voted in favor of the measure’s passage. Representatives Robin Lundstrum, Jim Dotson, Grant Hodges, and Rebecca Petty all voted against the Governor’s plan. The Senate also voted 25-10 to approve the measure. Senator Cecile Bledsoe and Senator Bart Hester voted against Arkansas Works which was sponsored by their fellow Benton County Senator, Jim Hendren. A three-fourths majority is required to pass the appropriation for funding Arkansas Works. The appropriation was debated in the regular fiscal session which began on April 13 in Little Rock. At the time this article was sent to press, the appropriation debate on Arkansas Works had not yet taken place. Failure to fund Arkansas Works will have a serious impact on the state budget. All of the legislators were presented with numbers projecting a significant budget shortfall of at least $150 million dollars should the program go unfunded. Members were also informed that shortfall will grow exponentially in the coming years without the proper funding of Arkansas Works. In the wake of the special session, Senator Bart Hester stated “We’re playing some pretty hard chicken right now with both people’s feet on the

accelerator, I think the only thing that’s going to bring resolution to this is a crash” The Senator was referring to the coming fight in the fiscal session over the Arkansas Works appropriation. In spite of this tough talk of a crash, it is expected that the Governor will ultimately get the 27 votes he needs in the chamber to pass the appropriation for Arkansas Works. Governor Hutchinson made it very clear to legislators in an April 12 press conference where he was flanked by members of the Arkansas State Highway Commission, that there will be no need to call a future special session to consider an

increase in highway funding if Arkansas Works is not appropriated. Additional federal funding has been made available to the state through a multiyear transportation and infrastructure bill passed by Congress earlier this year. If the Governor and the legislators who oppose Arkansas Works come up with an agreement to approve the funding for the program, then the State of Arkansas will be better off for many years to come. If there is no agreement then the state will be headed down the road to many years of fiscal uncertainty. This is unfortunate because all of this could have very easily been avoided.

RogersLowell.com | MAY2016

Welcome NEW MEMBERS | March 2016 2nd Street Barber Shop & Salon Gloria Martin 809 N. 2nd St., Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 986-8644 | find us on facebook Beauty Salon

Loving Choices Pregnancy Center Caroline Rhoads 801 S. 7th St., Ste. A, Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 631-6677 | lovingchoices.org Organizations

Senior Helpers Roger Barnes 2600 W. Hudson Rd., Ste. B, Rogers, AR 72756 (888) 271-9417 | seniorhelpers.com/rogers Senior Services - In Home Private Care

Academy of Professional Cosmetology Roger Barnes 2600 W. Hudson Rd., Ste. A, Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 246-0046 | apcschools.com Colleges and Universities

Novo Studio Philip Thomas 108 W. Walnut St., Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 366-0980 | novo-studio.com Photographers & Studios

Target Direct Mailing Services Joe Corn 1206 Esi Dr., Springdale, AR 72764 (479) 750-4900 | targetdm.com Mailing, Courier, Shipping Services

Academy of Therapeutic Massage Roger Barnes 2600 W. Hudson Rd., Ste. C, Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 246-0033 | atmrogers.com Colleges and Universities

Primerica â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Zac Turner Zac Turner Rogers, AR 72758 (903) 926-1945 | primerica.com/zacturner Financial Advisor

VERDANT studio Jessica Bittle 206 S. 2nd Street, Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 202-8631 | verdant-studio.com Beauty Salon

Bella Vista Marine Mark Wilson 626 W. Lancashire Blvd., Bella Vista, AR 72714 (479) 876-2628 | bellavistamarine.com/ Marine Service & Repair

Primrose Retirement Communities (Opening Soon) Amanda Linder 650 S. Dodson Rd., Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 478-8887 | primroseretirement.com Retirement Community

The Dotted Pig Sherry Puttkammer 101 W. Walnut St., Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 633-8552 | find us on facebook Retail Specialty Stores

The Ravington (Opening May 2016) Amber and Eric Gustafson 293 North Main St., Centerton, AR 72719 (479) 903-3518 | theravington.com Banquet/Meeting Rooms

Glo 101 (Coming Soon) Sharon Wilkinson Rogers, AR 72756 (870) 714-5217 Beauty Salon

EcoVet Furniture Mike Hagood 1315 N. 13th St., Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 282-3473 | ecovetfurniture.com Manufacturers

GUEST INN

Hair Addix NWA Cindy Dawson 1103 W. Elm St. #B, Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 276-2805 | find us on facebook Beauty Salon House of Three Shane and Jen Edwards Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 270-2710 | houseofthree.net Senior Services - In Home Private Care Keller Williams Market Pro Realty Wayne George Springdale, AR 72762 (479) 409-2067 | waynegeorge.kwrealty.com Real Estate - Commercial and Residential Labor of Love Graphics Trish Love Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 903-1433 | LABORofLOVEgraphics.com Graphic Design Services Living Tree Pediatrics, PLLC Dr. Julie Tate 1502 S.E. 28th St., Ste. 2, Bentonville, AR 72712 (479) 282-2966 | find us on facebook Physicians & Surgeons

12 Chamber Voice | MAY2016

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

Rooms Include:

Wi-Fi, HBO & Local Calls Fridge & Microwave Truck Trailer and Bus Parking Wake-up Call, 30â&#x20AC;? TV with Remote Choice of Smoking or Non-smoking Rooms King or Double bed or Suits/Family Rooms AARP, AAA, Military, Student and Government Discounts

Extra Charge with Deposit:

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

Chamber Voice Featured Special:

15% OFF WITH THIS COUPON

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

March 2016 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Sponsor |

ACE QUALITY CONSTRUCTION 108 Hailey Dr., Centerton

BATES ARCHITECTS 106 N. 37th St., Ste. C, Rogers

CADENCE ACADEMY PRESCHOOL 3978 S. Concord St., Rogers

THE DOTTED PIG 101 W. Walnut St., Rogers

ECOVET FURNITURE 1315 N. 13th St., Rogers

WWW.NWADELIVERY.COM Springdale

OZARK REGIONAL VEIN CENTER & RENEW AESTHETICS AT PINNACLE POINT 5433 Walsh Ln., Rogers

PAPA BEAR PRODUCTIONS KARAOKE & DJ SERVICES Rogers

Wednesday, May 18 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce 317 W. Walnut St. | Rogers Free and Open to Members Registration Required

PRIMROSE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES 650 Dodson Rd., Rogers

SMOKIN’ JOES RIBHOUSE, INC. 200 N. 8th St., Rogers

STANFORD COACHING, LLC Fayetteville

Reminder – Don’t Forget to Assess by May 31

he end of the month is the deadline for businesses and individuals to assess their personal property. If you fail to assess by May 31, the county will impose a 10 percent penalty. Benton County residents can assess online at bentoncountyar.gov

or over the phone (479) 271-1033. You may also assess in person at 1428 W. Walnut in Rogers, 215 E. Central Ave. in Bentonville, 901 1st Ave. SE in Gravette, or 707 S. Lincoln St. in Siloam Springs Washington County residents may assess online at www.washcoon-

line.com or over the phone by calling (479) 444-1520 (personal property) or (479) 444-1641 (commercial property), or dropping by the Assessor’s office in Fayetteville at 280 N. College, in Springdale at 3159 Springdale Avenue, or in Lincoln at 215 S. Main.

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

Platinum Sponsor |

RogersLowell.com | MAY2016

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS | March 2016 30+ years

Decco Contractors-Paving, Inc. - 41 years The RoArk Group - 41 years ACE Glass - 39 years Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC - 38 years Staffmark - 37 years Prairie Creek Marina - 36 years Simmons Bank - 36 years Beaver Water District - 31 years

21-30 years

Evans Enterprises, Inc. FM Corporation George & Jan Skopecek Kinco Constructors, LLC KURM Radio Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc. Multi-Craft Contractors, Inc. The Pentecoastals of Northwest Arkansas Razorback Pipline Company Regions Insurance Services, Inc. Ridout Lumber Yard Rocky Branch Marina, LLC Tucker’s Furniture & Appliance United Way of Northwest Arkansas Verser Cabinets of NWA Inc. Visiting Angels of NWA

11-20 years

Adam J. Black Allen, Summers, Simpson, Lillie & Gresham American Heart Association

Wayne Calhoun Jr. Catfish John’s CitiScapes Metro Monthly Magazine Colliers International Dixie Restaurants, Inc. The First Tee of Northwest Arkansas First United Methodist Church Great Southern Bank HEBCO, Inc. Home Instead Senior Care Howard, Mohorn & Associates Jones Center for Families Randolph L Lais, DDS, PA Manpower Marketin Specialists, Inc. Prairie Creek Auto Body QualChoice of Arkansas Rainbow Cycle and Marine, Inc. Sealed Air Corporation Smile Shoppe Pediatric Dentistry Rogers UNIFY Financial Credit Union

6-10 years

Aaron’s Sales & Leasing ABC Happy Kids Learning Academy Arkansas Paramed Transfer Beau Foundation BEI Electric, Inc. Bobcat of N.W. Arkansas Central States Manufacturing, Inc. Courthouse Concepts, Inc. Downstream Casino Resort

The Errand Girl Freedom Power Sports Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP Hank’s Fine Furniture Kraft Heinz Company MainStay Suites Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter Ozark Affiliate - Susan G. Komen for the Cure Pinnacle Media LLC / Univision Pinnacle Station Local Market Rockfish Rockline Industries Sam’s Olde Tyme Hamburgers U.S. Small Business Administration

2-5 years

American Standard Foundation Repair Arcadia Farms, INC Beaver Lakefront Cabins Beginning Steps Stepfamily Coaching Boat Dock World, LLC Brick Street Brews LLC Buster’s Liquor, Fine Wine, and Beer Terry and Nancy Cooper Cornerstone Pharmacy Discount Auto of Northwest Arkansas Emerson Monument Company Family Heritage - Rob McLean Gateway Planning George Nunnally Chevrolet, Inc. Grace Hills Church Guess Who

Impact Management Group Local Trade Partners, LLC Lowell Veterinary Center Lucy’s Diner Mt. Carmel Community in Rogers Northwest Arkansas Collision Center Northwest Arkansas Florist NWA Apartment Association Pack Shack Peterbilt PacLease/ Larson Transportation Phenom-A-Dog - Dog Daycare, Boarding, Training RE/Max Real Estate Results - Tricia Necessary Spiritueux Wines & Liquors Thoma Thoma Town and Country Plumbing, Inc. Wild Birds Unlimited WorkSource NTS

1 year

Designsteins MMG FLW Freedom5:one Ministries Frisco Perk & Grille Vickie Grotts High Rise Extreme Air Sports Lewis Automotive Group Moe’s Southwest Grill Mostyn Prettyman, PLLC SERC Physical Therapy Tie 1 On NWA, Inc. Wyandotte Nation Casino

Congratulations Kristy Carney | Ambassador of the Quarter Q&A | Get to Know Kristy Carney, Ambassador of the Quarter Q: What is your position and how long have you worked at Arvest? I have been with Arvest since January 2000. My current position is VP, Commercial Banker at Village on the Creeks in Rogers.

Q: What is your favorite part about being an Ambassador? I love welcoming new businesses to our community and helping them to get involved. It is exciting to see the tremendous amount of growth in our area.

Q: How long have you been an Ambassador? I’ve been an Ambassador for RLACC since Q: What other organizations are you December 2014. Prior to that I was an Ambassador involved in? for the Springdale Chamber for seven years. I am on the Board of Directors for the Ozark Natural Science Center. I am also a member of the Q: Why did you decide to become involved with Junior League of Northwest Arkansas as well as the Ambassador Committee? NWA Emerging Leaders. I moved to Arvest Benton County from Arvest Springdale. I joined the Ambassador group because I knew it would be a great way to get connected to the Benton County community and meet a lot of new contacts.

14 Chamber Voice | MAY2016

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

Hosted by:

Location:

Whataburger

4335 S. Pleasant Crossing Blvd., Rogers

Hosted by:

Location:

Everett Buick GMC

2517 S.E. Best Ln., Bentonville

Speaker:

Topic:

Ron Dilbert Dilbert Consulting Group

Leadership: Creating the Superior Team

Location:

Address:

Northwest Arkansas Board of Realtors Event Center

314 N. Goad Springs Rd., Lowell

Speaker:

Topic:

Presenting Sponsors:

Arvest Bank George Nunnally Chevrolet

May 10, 2016

Host Sponsor:

Everett Buick GMC

Co-Sponsors:

Cherokee Casino & Hotel TeleComp

May 19, 2016

Grand Prize Sponsor: Adelman Vacations

Sunrise Seminar Series Presenting Sponsor: First Western

Sunrise Seminar Series Series Sponsor: KNWA

May 4, 2016

Sunrise Seminar Series Breakfast Sponsor: Whataburger

Presenting Sponsor:

Crain Automotive Team

Gold Sponsors:

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

Cox Business KFSM TV-5 / KXNW TV-34

Presenting Sponsor: Sam’s Club

Series Sponsor:

AEP Southwestern Electric Power/SWEPCO

Martha Londagin May 3, 2016

Walton College Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center

Iliana Rivera

Starting a Business in Arkansas for Hispanic and Latino Entrepreneurs (Spanish Language Presenters)

Aha! Interpretting Solutions

Advertising with the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

Your Banner Ad Here The Good Life

Advertise in the annual tourism and relocation print guide (also published online) featuring maps, restaurants and lodging lists, regional activities and attractions, and resources for visiting, living, working and playing in the Rogers-Lowell Area. Your message is printed in over 25,000 copies distributed to tourists, business travelers, new residents, current citizens and convention attendees. Call to reserve your space in the 2016-2017 issue now.

RogersLowell.com

Advertise online in the Chamber’s website and reach thousands of unique visitors each month. Paid advertising options include leaderboard ads (at the top of highly visited web pages), featured banners on select web pages and enhanced listings. Free online options include listing your business in the website’s Business Directory, offering eCoupons, sharing events in the Community Calendar and posting news in the Members News section with links to your website.

Chamber Voice

Advertise and place promotional inserts in the monthly printed newsletter (also published online) that’s mailed to nearly 4,000 members at the first of each month. It’s an affordable and cost effective way to promote your business brand, products and services to decision-makers. Ads are due on the 10th and inserts due on the 15th of the month prior to each issue. Call for an Advertising Contract now.

eNewsletters

On Mondays (Monday Memo) and Thursdays (Calendar at a Glance) the Chamber communicates weekly to nearly 4,000 members, business leaders and qualified buyers via professionally produced emails. Provide us your banner ad (design not included) by the last Friday of the month to advertise in the upcoming month’s issues. Call for an Advertising Contract now.

RogersLowell.com | MAY2016

317 West Walnut Street Rogers, Arkansas 72756 RogersLowell.com