NOVEMBER2023 | Vol. 18 Issue 11
HARD HATS ONLY; A PEEK INSIDE OUR DOWNTOWN OFFICE RENOVATION
As part of our Vision/Next initiative (3-Year Strategic Plan), we’ve relocated staff temporarily to Hunt Tower in Uptown so our Downtown office building can get a makeover. In addition to our new and modern brand identity launched this year (an outcome of Vision/Next) we are excited about moving into our newly renovated office building the end of January, 2024. We’ve put together some FAQs and taken some cool behind the scenes photos to give you a peek into the progress.
Story on page 6 > > >
What’s INSIDE This Issue? 06������������� Chamber Renovation: Frequently Asked Questions About the Chamber’s Temporary Move
09������������� Ready? Set. Run! Teaches Political Process to Community Leaders
12 �������������� Meet Mikal Murders, Rogers Lowell Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter
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13��������������� Chamber Staff Recognized as Success Story for Rogers and NWA Holiday Guide
Workforce Development Programming
14�������������� RLC Hosts Annual Chamber Golf Tournament 17��������������� NWA Fall Job Fair Connects Job Seekers to Employers
18��������������� Small Business Council Accepting 2024 Applications
20������������� Student-Focused Program Promotes Personal Growth and Leadership Skills Development
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Creative innovation: Celebrating America Recycles Day with Upcycled Art
23������������� Focus on Community Stories 30 ������������� New Members | September 2023 31��������������� Ribbon Cuttings | September 2023 32������������� Membership Renewals | September 2023 33 ������������� Chamber Business Connect & Educational Events 317 West Walnut Street Rogers, Arkansas 72756 P: (479) 636-1240 F: (479) 636-5485
Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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CHAMBER STAFF Raymond Burns, CCE
Shelle Summers, IOM
J.R. Shaw, IOM
President/CEO
Executive Director/ Executive Vice President | DESTINATION Rogers
Senior Vice President of Member Services
rburns@rogerslowell.com
jr@rogerslowell.com
ssummers@rogerslowell.com
Vickie Grotts, IOM
Steve Cox, IOM
Senior Vice President of Accounting & Finance
Senior Vice President of Economic Development
Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications
vickie@rogerslowell.com
steve@rogerslowell.com
brad@rogerslowell.com
Ross Phillips, IOM
Brad Phillips
Geovanny Sarmiento
Katie Burns
Senior Vice President of Community Development
Senior Vice President of Community Engagement & Inclusion
Vice President of Operations
ross@rogerslowell.com
geovanny@rogerslowell.com
katie@rogerslowell.com
Karen Wagaman
Sara Lynn Geiger
Vice President of Downtown Development
Vice President of Government Affairs
Creative Services Director
karen@rogerslowell.com
sara@rogerslowell.com
nick@rogerslowell.com
Luke Wiggins, TMP
Nick Smith
Skylar Rutherford
Maggie Matuschka
Director of Sales | DESTINATION Rogers
Special Events Coordinator
Marketing Communications Manager
luke@rogerslowell.com
Maggie@rogerslowell.com
skylar@rogerslowell.com
Lorraine Ducharme
Marni Rogers, IOM
Susana Silva
Finance Manager
Member Relations Manager
lorraine@rogerslowell.com
marni@rogerslowell.com
Nyasha Bgoni
Account Executive Susana@rogerslowell.com
Dane Clark
Marketing Communications Manager
Sales & Services Coordinator | DESTINATION Rogers
Nyasha@rogerslowell.com
dane@rogerslowell.com
Meredith Alvarez
Sherry Banning
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & INCLUSION MANAGER
Customer Relations Specialist
meredith@rogerslowell.com
SHERRY@rogerslowell.com
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
TREASURER
PRESIDENT/CEO
Mike Power
Michael Parker
Raymond Burns
First Security Bank
Nabholz
Rogers Lowell Chamber
CHAIRMAN-ELECT
PAST CHAIRMAN
MEMBER AT LARGE
Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners
Assembled Products Corporation
Generations Bank
2023 Directors
2024 Directors
2025 Directors
Kristen Boozman Portfolio Sotheby’s International Realty
Bruce Barkley KHBS/KHOG
Brent Massey CEI Engineering Associates, Inc.
Dean Fisher Glad Manufacturing Company
Eric Pianalto Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas
Brad Crain Arvest Bank Benton County
Angela GraysonGA Precipice IP, PLLC
Gaven Smith J.B. Hunt Transportation, Inc.
Jaclyn Henderson* Regions Bank
Mat Mozzoni Cox Business
Stennett Thompkins AAA Insurance
Carey Lingenfelter Ozark Juniors Volleyball Club
Chris Blair Northwest Health
Brandy Tuft* Forvis
Michelle Wynn Child Care Aware of NWA
Knight Weis* Signature Bank of Arkansas
Josh VasquezCD Encore Bank
Jason Adams Benchmark Group
Tom Allen
Erin Kiefer
Josh Vasquez
Ex-Officio Directors Andrea Allen
Mike Dodge
Corry Hull
Dr. Jeff Perry
Matt Taliaferro
Onyx Coffee Lab
Carroll Electric Coop. Corp.
BHC Insurance
Rogers Public Schools
Boys & Girls Club of Benton County
Daizy Andrade
Keri EarwoodMS
Kraig PomrenkeDM
University of Arkansas
Shelter Insurance
Mary Grace Herrington
Andrew Branch
Cole Shields
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
NWA National Airport-XNA
Pinnacle Hills Promenade
Cathy Foraker
George’s Inc.
AT&T (retired)
Austin Bryan
David Foster
Hogan Taylor
APAC - Central, Inc.
Lane Crider
Bradley Hardin
Beaver Water District
AEP/SWEPCO
Ever Cuellar
Mayor Greg Hines
First Security Bank
City of Rogers
Denise Thomas World Trade Center Arkansas
Mickey Rapier Peter Lane
Kaitlyn Bond
Embassy Suites NW Arkansas
Dick Trammel
Fellowship Bible Church of NWA
Chairman Emeritus
Mayor Chris Moore
Rafael Rios
Jeff Wood
City of Lowell
Yeyo’s Mezcaleria & Taqueria at the 1907
Tyson Foods
Walton Arts Center
Barry Moehring Benton County Judge
Dr. Dennis Rittle
Joey Msall
Northwest Arkansas Community College
Black Hills Energy
Dr. Jim Rollins Lulu Peredo
Tom Hopper
Runway Group
Northwest Technical Institute
TallChamps, LLC
– Division Chair (CD - Community Development, MS - Member Services, ED - Economic Development, GA - Government Affairs, DM - Destination Marketing) – Audit Committee Member
XX *
Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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INTRODUCTION
from the RLC Vice President of Government Affairs Welcome to the November Chamber Voice: I am so excited to welcome you to the Chamber Voice of Business magazine. This monthly digital publication helps our business and community leaders learn what is happening with our mission-work in Rogers, Lowell, and Northwest Arkansas.
Many in the government affairs world associate November with elections. Though we are not currently in an election cycle this year, we are gearing up to enter the 2024 election season. As candidates and issues heat up, we’ll cover it for you.
What’s happening: Despite being at the start of the election cycle we have
Sara Lynn Geiger VP of Government Affairs Sara@rogerslowell.com
a lot going on at the Chamber. Check out these stories inside this issue: • A peek inside our Downtown Office Renovation with photos and FAQs. • Ready? Set. Run! program recently prepared community leaders to run for political office. • The 2023 Annual Small Business Survey is now open to get feedback from our members. • Our Arvest First Leadership program kicked off in October with 24 high school students. • Register now for the December 5 Spotlight Series: Civic Engagement, moderated by a panel of local elected officials and business leaders.
Why Government Affairs is important to RLC: The Chamber wants to ensure our business members and community have an opportunity to learn more about and connect with government on the local, state, and federal levels. Many are overwhelmed at the thought of engaging with the government, so we want to offer a space to convene and work together to build a better NWA! • Opt-in to our monthly Legislative Updates newsletter. Join us for events scattered throughout the year to get involved and understand better what’s happening on a local, state, and federal level as well as how it relates to our business community!
The big picture: If you are new to the Chamber, we want to be your place where business and community come together to discuss how we can continue to grow our region. • I’m always happy to connect and be a resource for you and your business. If you’re facing an issue that you’re not sure how to navigate please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Dig deeper: We are constantly working to curate stories of our community and its members. We hope you stay connected by reading this month’s issue. Also: • Check out our upcoming events calendar at RogersLowell.com/Events. • Contact me if you’re interested in what’s happening in Government Affairs at sara@rogerslowell.com.
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Chamber Renovation: Frequently Asked Questions About the Chamber’s Temporary Move Q: What’s happening with the Chamber’s Downtown office? A: After a year of planning the details with our board, plans were put in motion back in August to upgrade our building’s interior. Remodeling began in September. Currently, a major demolition is in progress on the second floor to expand office, meeting, and collaboration space into the previously unfinished area.
Q: Where is the Chamber’s temporary office space? A: Even though our staff is not in the Downtown office, that doesn’t mean we stop our work serving business and community together. We are now located in our temporary offices at Hunt Tower in Uptown until the renovation is completed and are focused on doing our mission-work.
Q: Is the Downtown Tourist Information Center still open? A: Yes! We’ve placed directional signage on the premises so visitors may easily locate our welcoming and helpful staff for assistance from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Members of our Customer Service team
are in a safe place away from the construction inside the Baggett-Trammel Conference Room to assist visitors.
Q: Is meeting space still available at the Downtown or temporary Uptown offices? A: For safety reasons, we cannot offer meeting spaces to the community until we move back into our renovated building. Due to limited meeting space in our temporary offices, we are grateful for our members who have offered us meeting spaces for our Chamber programs during this transition.
Q: When will the Downtown office space be completed? A: Honestly, we don’t know. You know how construction projects go. So, thank you for your patience this year and early next year during the renovation. We look forward to seeing you at our grand reopening of our Downtown offices in 2024. Stay connected to what’s happening by following us on social media and reading our weekly Mission Memo on Monday and monthly Chamber Voice of Business digital magazine.
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Rogers and NWA
From Razorback Football to Festive Parades, It All starts with a visit to #RogersArkansas All the buzz: Plan a fun and festive end of year season
•
right here in Rogers and NWA! From Razorback football to fun events for the whole family, it all starts with a visit to #RogersArkansas!
Razorback Home Schedule: • • •
•
Arkansas vs Auburn | Saturday, November 11 Arkansas vs Florida International | Saturday, November 18 Arkansas vs Missouri | Friday, November 24
Get tickets now or watch the game right here in Rogers at one of our Craft Beer Hot Spots!
#ShopNWA for Black Friday: Get ready for the biggest shopping day of the year with Black Friday deals in Northwest Arkansas. • Why it matters: Local businesses create jobs in our community. Locally owned businesses carry a wider array of unique products because they buy for the unique needs of their community.
Rogers is constantly growing, with new shops, boutiques, and specialty stores opening across the city. Help us support these businesses by shopping in person, on their websites, and spreading the word about your favorite places to shop in Rogers and NWA. Mark your calendar for November 24 and Don’t miss out on the chance to save big and find great deals on your favorite products.
Experience Downtown: Start the December season in Rogers with the Rogers Christmas Parade, on December 1, 2023. • Head downtown early to eat at one of the many delicious restaurants prior to the parade.
What’s next: The parade will kick-off with the lighting of the tree in the heart of downtown. • More than 70 floats will dazzle you as the parade makes its way through the brick-lined streets of downtown. • Watch out: Keep an eye out for the Grinch, superheroes, and of course Santa!
Parades, lights, and holiday fun: Be sure to check out our events
Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE
this holiday season!
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Ready? Set. Run! Teaches Political Process to Community Leaders The Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders hosted a free series in September designed to answer questions about running for political office. The program helps those who want to serve on a school board, the state legislature, or in Congress.
What happened: The one-day bootcamp prepared participants to run for public office. • Attendees were considering a campaign, were ready to file paperwork, or were just learning more about the process. • The crash course covered everything that goes into running for local, state, or federal seats.
Learning outcomes: This day covered four main areas of campaign management: 1. Campaign Communication 2. Fundraising 3. Social Media 4. Connecting to Voters
What they’re saying: “Ready? Set. Run! is a good way for our community to learn more about the political process and find out if running for office is something they wish to do. Participation is open to anyone who wants to learn and get involved in helping mold and shape the future of Rogers, Lowell, and NWA.” -Sara Lynn Geiger, VP of Government Affairs, Rogers Lowell Chamber
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Creative innovation: Celebrating America Recycles Day with Upcycled Art
What’s happening: Join us from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 9, for Art on the Bricks Art Walk! • America Recycles Day 2023 will be celebrated around the theme “Creative Innovation” to encourage people to think out of the box and find new ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
RRR: Recycle art provides a new purpose for objects that have satisfied their original use. Using these objects in artwork conserves resources and reduces the amount going to landfill.
Keep America Beautiful celebrates: America Recycles Day on November 15. This holiday is dedicated to spreading the word about the importance of recycling and making sure everyone knows what can and cannot be recycled. • In line with the Creative Innovation theme, we are taking trash to treasure with upcycled art during the November Art on the Brick Art Walk. • See how area artists are focusing on making the world a better place to live in for all the generations to come.
Go Downtown Rogers: experience our vibrant creative economy where more than 50 businesses offer handcrafted items, original art, or interactive experiences. • More than a dozen galleries, shops and restaurants will partner with area artists to highlight the creative talent of members of our community. Meet artists and crafters of all mediums and support the local creative economy in Downtown Rogers.
#ShopNWA: We encourage you to shop small and shop local this holiday season and consider gifts of locally crafted products by artists and makers—these items make heartfelt and meaningful gifts during the holiday season and support locally owned businesses.
Things to do: • • • • •
Rogers Experimental House, featuring upcycled art by regional artists. Rogers Experimental House, Greer Lingle Middle School 8th Grade Art portfolio show Artists of Northwest Arkansas, Artist Reception, and live music The Art Collective Gallery, featuring national and regional artists DTR Supper Club, 4:30 p.m. Visit some of the galleries at 4:30 p.m. then gather at the designated restaurant (TBA) at 5:30 p.m. Reservations required. Contact Martha at 316-617-4720 to participate.
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What is Art on the Bricks? Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks Art Walk seeks to provide a welcoming and diverse Third Space to members of our community. • We also promote Downtown Rogers as a destination location for arts, music, dance, and other interactive experiences. • Visit www.artonthebricks.com for more information.
How it works: In addition to extended hours in retail shops, art galleries and pop-up art exhibits are scheduled from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday of every month.
It’s our mission-work: The Rogers Lowell Chamber attracts new investments to our historic downtown Rogers community while supporting small business growth with programs like Art on the Bricks Art Walk.
Thank you to our 2023 sponsors: Make Art on the Bricks one of your third space destinations for nightlife, dining, shopping, and art. This free, family-friendly experience is supported by generous businesses in our community. The monthly event is coordinated by Rogers Lowell Chamber in partnership with Destination Rogers and business owners and area non-profit organizations and participating artists from across NWA and beyond. • Presenting Sponsor: T-Mobile • Partner: TYSON • Art Sustainer: Rogers Experimental House • Community Sponsors: Arvest Bank, and Washington Regional Urgent Care-Rogers • Media Sponsors: KNWA/Fox 24 News, iHeartMedia • Signage Sponsors: Minuteman Press and Lamar Advertising
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Meet Mikal Murders
Rogers Lowell Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter
Mikal is a passionate IT Executive in Northwest Arkansas with 20+ years experience in all facets of office administration, including operations, systems, and technology. • He recently founded a local business named AMB Technology, LLC that is focused on professional billing and credentialing services in NWA. • The company is dedicated to meeting all the insurance and patient billing needs of a healthcare practice and offers a variety of highly personalized services that can improve the healthcare office’s cash flow and lower their operating expenses. • AMB services are specifically designed to meet the needs of small and mid-size group practices. AMB carefully balances the client base to ensure that each client receives complete and undivided attention! Congratulations Mikal and thank you for serving business and community together with RLC!
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Chamber staff recognized as success story for workforce development programming Workforce Development Month is when the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) has the opportunity to highlight individuals who are making a difference in their communities. We consider it an honor to celebrate these people and the passion and commitment they have to getting America back to work.
All-stars: Individuals and organizations that have made a positive impact in workforce development during 2023 are recognized. These include: • Six success stories of workforce development individuals and their organizations that have set a new standard of achievement in the industry--this was where our very own Steve Cox was selected to be featured as a success story for workforce development programming and impact. • Sixty-three Workforce Development Heroes from around the United States that were nominated by their peers as workforce development heroes due to their outstanding contributions to the industry.
Why it matters: Workforce development is bringing people together in partnerships and collaborative efforts to provide the resources, training, and outreach that help improve America’s workforce and economy. None of this is possible without the tireless work and expertise of the Workforce Development Heroes!
Steve Cox • • • • •
Job title: SVP Economic Development Organization: Rogers Lowell Chamber Service Area: Rogers, AR Partner Affiliation: Career & Technical Education Challenge: Workforce is the number one issue impacting our business community. We have 2.5% unemployment and over 11,000 open jobs in my area, of which, over 80% don’t require college degrees. We are working to create better connections between education and business to showcase in-demand local career pathways for students to earn free certifications in high school so they can directly enter the workforce upon graduation. N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 | w w w. R o g e r s L o w e l l . c o m
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RLC Hosts Annual Chamber Golf Tournament
What happened: On October 6 the annual Chamber
What they’re saying: Kyle Bates, Raising Cane’s
Golf Tournament was held at The Creeks Golf & RV Resort.
(Overall Winning Team of the Chamber Golf Tournament) said,
How it works: The tournament featured a four-person
“I was so confident that Team Raising Cane’s was going to win for the second straight year, that I booked a family trip to Disney World!! Thanks to the Rogers Lowell Chamber and all the members for another great golf tournament. Can’t wait for next year!”
scramble with shotgun times at 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. • The tournament is a fun way for Chamber members to test their skills and come together to network with other players.
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Morning flight winners: 1. 2. 3.
Afternoon flight winners:
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers BHC Insurance Burns McDonnell
1. 2. 3.
One Comm Signature Bank Sterling Bank
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
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November 15, 2023 8:30 am - 10:00 am
Civic Engagement: Igniting Conversations for Change December 5 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am LOCATION:
Supply Chain Hall of Fame 5111 W Jb Hunt Dr, Rogers REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Cost is $25
An important aspect of civic engagement is effective communication. How we communicate with those we engage with and those interested in learning more is key. This Spotlight Series will show attendees how communication can be a source of inspiration or the root of misunderstanding. Effective communication helps you build strong rapports and generate support for your work. It also opens doors to allow starting dialogues about the issues you are passionate about. Spotlight Series: Civic Engagement will be a moderated panel discussion of local elected officials and a business community representative speaking on how to effectively communicate civic issues. The panel will discuss the overall importance of civic engagement, best practices for effective communication, consensus building, and common pitfalls to avoid.
LOCATION:
Courtyard By Marriott in Rogers 4201 W Green Acres Road Rogers, AR 72758 REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Space Limited to First 40 Registrants Chamber Tutorial is for You: Are you a new member, an existing member who wants a refresher on member benefits, a recently hired employee who needs to learn about the Chamber, or considering joining the Rogers Lowell Chamber? Interactive Quickstart Guide: Designed and presented by members of the Chamber's Small Business Council (SBC), this event's purpose is to inform members, prospects, and new representatives of all the benefits their membership investment, explain how to best utilize the Chamber’s programs and staff, and review all of the work the Chamber does behind the scenes to make Rogers, Lowell, and all of Northwest Arkansas an ideal place to live, work, and play. Get Plugged in and Grow Your Business: Come make the most of your Chamber membership! A Program of
LEARN MORE AT
LEARN MORE AT
www.RogersLowell.com/events
www.RogersLowell.com/events
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NWA Fall Job Fair Connects Job Seekers to Employers
Nearly 300 job seekers participated in the 2023 Northwest Arkansas Fall Job Fair at the Rogers Activity Center in Downtown Rogers. The Rogers Lowell Chamber hosted the annual job fair on October 4 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Seventy-two (72) employers set up booths to start their fall and holiday hiring processes.
Why it matters: Northwest Arkansas is growing every day. Job fairs help boost the economic development in our region. We’re connecting job seekers to employers to fill important positions that help keep local businesses open and running.
Our Mission: One of our 2023 goals for our economic development division is to create workforce development opportunities in our community. Our job fairs allow us to fulfill this mission through action.
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Small Business Council Accepting 2024 Applications
Local Volunteers: The Small Business Council (SBC)
What They Do: The 20-member council meets on
is a group of volunteers who either own their own business or work for small businesses in the area. The purpose of the Small Business Council (SBC) is to be the voice of the small business community and provide guidance to the Chamber on the needs of small business.
the first Thursday of each month to talk about the needs of the small business community, nominate and select a small business of the quarter and small business of the year, develop business education programming, and discuss and implement small business programs for the Chamber. Members also help facilitate and run the bi-monthly Chamber Tutorials (formerly member orientations) held at the Chamber. • Download an application here.
The 2023 Annual Small Business Survey is Now Open Survey says: The 2023 Annual Small Business Survey is
Just a minute of your time: This survey takes only
open and looking for feedback from our members. a few minutes to complete and provides the Chamber with • Written by the Chamber’s Small Business Council, much needed information. We thank you in advance for your the small business survey helps inform the Chamber participation. about our members’ needs and provides a snapshot • The survey is open until November 24th! of the current small business climate. • Complete our survey here! • We also use this data to craft programming to keep our members connected and our community thriving. Questions? Contact Steve Cox at steve@rogerslowell.com
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Student-Focused Program Promotes Personal Growth and Leadership Skills Development Background: Arvest First Leadership (AFL) invests in the
Why it Matters: It’s important to foster up-and-coming
future of our community by providing an innovative, student- leaders to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities centered program promoting personal growth and leadership facing Northwest Arkansas. development opportunities. • Our programming offers leadership skills and • AFL is a free chamber program, introduces students competencies development, education on local to leadership skills and competencies, builds selfcommunity issues and resources, and hands-on esteem, explores career pathways, and develops experience applying learnings in the real world. interpersonal skills. Dig Deeper: Learn more about AFL and the Chamber’s What happened: On Wednesday, October 11, 24 high other leadership programs here. school students from across the Rogers Public Schools met at Northwest Arkansas Community College to kick off the 20232024 AFL program. Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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ON ITI
IDAY ED OL H
Friday, December 2 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm Rogers Experimental House 121 West Walnut Street Downtown Rogers
Guess who’s back! Ring in the Holiday Season
with the return of Sips on the Bricks, presented by One Comm. This beloved local holiday tradition is making a smashing return as a holiday-themed costume contest, poker run and #ShopNWA extravaganza in Downtown Rogers!
Grab your fave ugly sweater: Restaurants and shops will offer specials and deals exclusively available to our event participants. Sippers will receive a voting card to track their favorite sips and a poker run card that they can complete as they visit the poker stops. At the end of the night, everyone will gather for the After Party where we will announce the winners of the best sip, the poker run, and the costume contest. Holiday bonus: Registration is now open! While early-bird pricing is now finished we are still registering folks for the return of this epic event, so sign up today!
LEARN MORE AT
www.RogersLowell.com/events
Thursday, December 7 8:30 am - 9:30 am Sterling Bank - Top Floor 1101 South 52nd Street Rogers Pop in for a pop-up! Morning networking and fun with a little bit of learning from a local girl power guest speaker--and coffee of course! Let’s go girls! All Hustle in Heels events have door prizes, networking opportunities and lots of FUN!
Save your seat now: Registration is
now open! $10 tickets are required for entry. Bring your business cards and a door prize if you’d like! Can’t wait to see you there!
LEARN MORE AT
www.RogersLowell.com/events
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Focus on Community is a monthly feature sharing news and information about the businesses and people who make the RogersLowell Area a great place to live, work, play and invest.
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ABA Emerging Leader Awards Honor First Community Bank Executive What’s happened: Natalie Bartholomew, Community
That’s not all: Within the platform, an online community
President for Northwest Arkansas at First Community Bank, was has been created on various social media platforms including honored by the American Bankers Association as a recipient of The Girl Banker Facebook Group that includes over 8,200 its 2023 ABA Emerging Leader Awards. women in banking from over 36 states. • Why it’s important: This award recognizes the next • The Girl Banker podcast launched in 2019. The generation of bank leaders who are committed to the platform has been featured in American Banker, highest standards of achievement and service to both American Banking Association Bank Marketing their industry and their local communities. Newsletter, ABA Banking Journal Podcast, • Bartholomew and 11 other winners were recognized Independent Banker, The Financial Brand, and various together during the October ABA Annual Convention other industry specific publications. in Nashville. • Her speaking engagements have included The Financial Brand Forum, American Banking Association What they’re saying: Boris Dover, President, and Bank Marketing Conference, American Banking Chief Operating Officer of First Community Bank, said: “We Association Agricultural Conference, 22 state bank extend our congratulations to Natalie Bartholomew for association conferences and one of our very own receiving the ABA’s 2023 Emerging Leader Award. Natalie Hustle in Heels luncheons. is an essential member of the First Community Bank family who continually showcases exceptional leadership skills Dig deeper: Learn more about Natalie Bartholomew and while making meaningful contributions to our customers and each member of ABA’s Class of 2023. communities.”
How it works: The winners were selected by a diverse steering committee of industry professionals after a review of nominations from banks across the country. The qualities and characteristics the committee evaluated as judging criteria included: • dedication to the profession • inventiveness • leadership skills • mentoring ability • personal integrity • tenure at the bank and • broader commitment to a career in banking, sustained career progress, and academic training, including advanced degrees and certificates/ certifications
Natalie Bartholomew, NWA Community President First Community Bank
Busy as a bee: Bartholomew notably founded the Girl Banker Platform in 2017 to serve as an advocate for women in banking and young women considering careers in banking.
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Sterling Bank Supporting Community with Free Meeting Spaces The Chamber’s Member Engagement Committee held its September meeting at Sterling Bank located at 1101 S. 52nd St., in Rogers. • A big thank you to Sterling Bank for being an amazing host. We appreciate your partnership and continued support!
Why it matters: Sterling Bank is very passionate about giving back to the community and is now offering free meeting space equipped with table, chairs, audio visual capability, full kitchen, restrooms, and plenty of parking. Sterling Bank has a location in Rogers, Fayetteville and is coming soon to Bentonville.
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Chamber Partners Featured in 2023 C-Suite Awards How it works: NWA Business Journal C-Suite Awards Candidates are executives responsible for the top management of an operating department in their company or organization. They may or may not carry the title of chief (department) officer, but they have the responsibilities of that office. • The NWA Business Journal management team selected the honorees after reviewing nomination forms submitted on their behalf.
What’s Next: The Northwest Arkansas Business Journal 2023 C-Suite Award winners were honored at a luncheon on Friday, October 20 in Downtown Bentonville. The Rogers Lowell Chamber would like to congratulate the following members on being featured on this list: • Sam Dean, Amazeum • Brad Hegeman, Nabholz • Carol Moralez, Upskill NWA • Scott Sandlin, Signature Bank • David Stitt, Stitt Group
Why it matters: Our Chamber partners are vital to helping fulfill our mission by being active players in our community. They make Rogers and NWA a place where people want to live, work, invest, and play.
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America’s Car-Mart Supports NWA American Cancer Society in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
What happened: On October 16 America’s Car Mart
How it works: Throughout October, America’s Car-Mart
hosted their Pink Check presentation at Car-Mart of Rogers North, located at 2620 W. Hudson Rd. in Rogers.
utilized local dealerships to educate and increase awareness of the American Cancer Society's (ACS) life-saving efforts. • By the numbers: They donated $10,000 to the American Cancer Society, and $2,500 of that donation will go to our local Northwest Arkansas ACS chapter.
Why it matters: As the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, we are reminded of the importance of breast cancer awareness. • At America's Car-Mart, they are proud to continue their 'Drive Away Cancer' campaign for the seventh year in a row.
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The Chamber Voice of Business Podcast continues to grow and get better and better. Q4 is set to finish the year strong with a new episode premiering almost every week! Topics are set to range from Remote Work to Early Childhood education, and the guests are some of the biggest, most qualified yet!
RLC Sporting Clays Classic Returns for its Seventh Year
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3
If you aren’t subscribed, head to your favorite podcast home online and get subscribed today! Just search “Chamber Voice of the Business” on your preferred service and look for the green microphone. Once subscribed you’ll get all of the Chamber’s podcast content sent right to you every week! And if you have ideas on what topics you’d like to hear discussed, reach out to hosts Nick Smith (nick@rogerslowell.com) or Steve Cox (steve@rogerslowell.com) and let them hear from you.
LEARN MORE AT
LEARN MORE AT WWW.ROGERSLOWELL.COM
www.rogerslowell.com/ pages/voice-of-business
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NEW MEMBERS | September 2023 Alert Alarm Systems
OnBoard NWA
319 N. Bloomington St. | Lowell, AR 72745 (800) 467-0996 | http://www.alertalarmsys.com SECURITY - PRODUCTS, SYSTEMS & BURGLAR ALARMS
230 N. Block Ave. | Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 358-7581 | https://onboardnwa.com EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES/SERVICES
AmeriPanel (Opening Soon)
Ovations Plus
3206 Luper Road | Lowell, AR 72745 (870) 394-6171 | https://ameri-panel.com/ CONSTRUCTION - MATERIAL SUPPLIER
902 SW 2nd St., Ste. F | Bentonville, AR 72712 (615) 479-2249 | http://www.ovationsnwa.org ORGANIZATIONS
D-A-B Remodeling/Restoration LLC
Pinnacle Surgery Center (Opening Soon)
Lowell, AR 72745 (479) 246-8510 | https://www.instagram.com/d.a.b_remodeling HOME IMPROVEMENT & REMODELING
3721 S. Champions Dr. | Rogers, AR 72758 PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS
ELMM Ventures, LLC dba StretchLab Rogers 4650 S. Pinnacle Hills Pkwy., Ste. 108 | Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 579-2007 | https://www.stretchlab.com/location/rogers FITNESS
Emerald Aesthetics 4305 Pleasant Crossing Blvd., Ste. 103 | Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 202-5048 | https://www.emeraldaestheticsnwa.com SPA THERAPIES
Flames2Fire Ministries dba Food2Families Pantry 110 Hailey Dr. | Centerton, AR 72719 (479) 202-1010 | https://f2f.churchcenter.com/home ORGANIZATIONS
the Grafton (Opening Soon) 2701 S. 55th St. | Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 223-5505 | https://thegraftonapartments.com APARTMENTS
La Maxxima 103.1 FM 914 S. 8th St., Ste. 103 | Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 966-3883 | https://www.lamaxxima.com RADIO STATIONS
Marck Waste 705 S. Bloomington St. | Lowell, AR 72745 (479) 257-5306 | https://www.marck.net RECYCLING
Riverside Entertainment 17023 Chambers Spring Rd. | Siloam Springs, AR 72761 (479) 524-0014 | https://riverside-entertainment.com ENTERTAINMENT
S&G Carpet and More 269 N. 46th St. | Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 348-3894 | https://www.sgcarpetnwa.com FLOORING
S&G Carpet and More 532 Skyler St. | Springdale, AR 72762 (479) 348-3894 | https://www.sgcarpetnwa.com FLOORING
Stone Ward Rogers, AR 72758 479-616-1663 | https://www.stoneward.com ADVERTISING AGENCIES
Tidal Wave Auto Spa 3757 W. New Hope Road | Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 435-5421 | https://www.tidalwaveautospa.com/location/rogers-ar CAR WASH
The Welcome Inn 1206 South 11th St. | Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 354-3195 | https://www.thewelcomeinn.co VACATION RENTALS - HOMES
Network Services Group 2928 N. McKee Cir. | Fayetteville, AR 72703 (501) 758-6058 | https://www.nsgdv.com INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
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September 2023
AMERIPANEL
APOLLO IT
3206 LUPER RD., LOWELL
1720 S. WALTON BLVD., STE. 4-202, BENTONVILLE
EMERALD AESTHETICS
FOOD2FAMILIES PANTRY
4305 PLEASANT CROSSING BLVD., STE. 103, ROGERS
NEW SEASON MORTGAGE
900 SE 5TH ST., STE. 22, BENTONVILLE
BENTONVILLE EYE CARE 2300 SE J ST., BENTONVILLE
MAGNOLIA CYCLES
110 HAILEY DR., CENTERTON
216 E. CHESTNUT ST., ROGERS
PINSPIRATION BENTONVILLE
SAMARITAN COMMUNITY CENTER
1706 SE WALTON BLVD., UNIT 8, BENTONVILLE RIBBON CUTTING SPONSOR
2910 S. 8TH ST., ROGERS
RIBBON SPONSOR
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MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS | September 2023 30+ YEARS
6-10 YEARS
House of Webster - 69 years Daisy Outdoors/Gamo Airguns/BSA Optics - 56 years Hight Jackson Associates, P.A. - 49 years Shirley’s Flower Studio - 48 years Hope Cancer Resources - 36 years Northwest Technical Institute - NWTI - 34 years CJRW - 33 years First Western Bank - 32 years McDonald Eye Associates - 32 years Sweetser Construction - 32 years Northwest Arkansas Head Start - 31 years
Habitat for Humanity of Benton County, Inc. Judge John Scott Northwest Medical Center Raymond Burns CCE Stafford & Westervelt, Chartered Tatum Smith Welcher Engineers, Inc. Technical Laser Service The Frame Shoppe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Arkansas Suites Big Orange - Burgers, Salads, Shakes Bumbles & Boots Custom Creations, LLC Fryer Wealth Planning Gateway Mortgage Group, LLC HCJ CPAs & Advisors Heritage Indian Motorcycles of NWA High Street Real Estate Development, LLC Magnolia Place Alzheimer’s Special Care Center Meridian at Walnut Creek Minuteman Press NWA Easy Storage Paul Law Firm, PLLC Precision Door Service of NWA Rotary Downtown Rogers Signature Bank of Arkansas Spectrum Brands SSI NORTHWEST ARKANSAS T. Michael’s Salon & Spa The Promenade Apartments at Pinnacle Hills U-Haul Moving & Storage of Rogers Whispering Hills Cabins, LLC
11-20 YEARS
2-5 YEARS
1st Employment Catering Unlimited Centennial Bank Child Care Aware of Northwest Arkansas Children and Family Advocacy Center Engineering Services, Inc. EOA of Washington County/EOA Children’s House Faithful Friends Animal Clinic Fast Lane Entertainment Fish City Grill FORVIS Frost, PLLC Gaby’s Bakery LLC King Burrito & Taqueria Molson Coors Beverage Company Northwest Arkansas Naturals Baseball Parklane Family Dental Pig Trail Harley-Davidson Premium Brands of NWA Professional Security, Inc., dba Centurion Security Company Scott Family Amazeum Staybridge Suites Teen Action and Support Center Teslar Software The Peel Compton Foundation Wheeler Metals, Inc.
AMC Mortgage Dance With Me Studio by Aura Entrepreneurship for All Fox Trail Distillery Hachem Investments/SLH Hounds’ Hideaway Pinnacle Heights Pittman’s Professional Landscaping & Tree Trimming Screenmobile of Northwest Arkansas Smoothie King Sterling Bank The Creeks Golf & RV Resort The Employers’ Advanced Cooperative on Healthcare Threads 3 Fourteen Xtreme Exteriors
21-30 YEARS
1 YEAR Arkansas Capital Corporation Asian Fresh Supermarket ASP Early Childhood Academy (Opening Spring 2024) Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Journey Elevation Finance JMAR Roofing, LLC PTY Taxes & More The Poultry Federation The Wellnest Shop
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Chamber Business Connect & Educational Events The Rogers Lowell Chamber 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.
Every Wednesday in Rogers
Presented By | Equity Business Solutions NOV. Host Sponsor | Ozark Regional Transit Location | Golden Corral Address | 2605 W Pleasant Crossing Dr. | Rogers If you are looking to connect to businesses in Northwest Arkansas, come and join us for coffee, breakfast snacks and great connections.
NOV
NOV
09
14
BRICKS
Presented By | T-Mobile Partner | Tyson Location | Downtown Rogers Businesses
Presented By | Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield and SERVPRO Hosted By | SERVPRO at Page Living at Pinnacle Hills Address |5050 W Highland Knolls Rd. | Rogers
Art on the Bricks Art Walk showcases the art of regional artists while
Set your alarm early, and join us for Coffee Connection, an awesome
enhancing the artistic and cultural opportunities in Downtown Rogers.
morning business-building networking event!
NOV
NOV
15
16
Location | Courtyard By Marriott in Rogers ADDRESS |4201 W Green Acres Rd. | Rogers Designed and presented by members of the Chamber’s Small Business Council (SBC), this event’s purpose is to inform members, prospects, and new representatives of all the benefits their membership investment, explain how to best utilize the Chamber’s programs and staff, and review all of the work the Chamber does behind the scenes to make Rogers, Lowell, and all of Northwest Arkansas an ideal place to live, work, and play.
Co-Sponsors | LAMAR Advertising, Cox Media, Cox Business Location | La Quinta Inn & Suites Address |1001 SE Walton Blvd. | Bentonville Business After Hours has proven to be the Chamber’s biggest and most popular ongoing networking event! Grab a stack of business cards and come enjoy making new connections as you unwind after a day’s work.
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Contact
PHONE
ONLINE
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
EMAIL:
Rogers Lowell Chamber 317 W. Walnut St. Rogers, AR 72756 United States
(479) 636-1240
info@rogerslowell.com
FAX:
WEBSITE:
(479) 636-5485
www.rogerslowell.com