October 2020 | Vol 15 Issue 10
Ballot Issues, Benton County Legislative Races Set for November 3 General Election
On Election Day, you decide more than who will represent you. You also vote whether to approve or reject new state laws and proposed changes to the Arkansas Constitution. This includes Ballot Issue One, continuing a one-half percent sales and use tax dedicated to funding the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s construction and maintenance of state highways and bridges, county roads, city streets and bridges, and other surface transportation important for economic growth.
See Story on Page 4
W HAT ’ S IN TH IS I SSUE ? 3 4 6 8 9 10 11
��������� Chamber Staff & Board of Directors ��������� Ballot Issues, Benton County Legislative Races Set for November 3 General Election ��������� Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders Kicks Off Board Service Certification Series
���������Call for Applications | Small Business Council & Hustle in Heels ��������� High School Students Share Benefits of Work-Based Learning Experiences ����� 2020 Northwest Arkansas Craft Fairs Guide
������� Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G Closes Out 2020 Event by Highlighting Contributions to Local Organizations
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������ Winners Announced for Chamber Golf Tournament, Presented by Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall
13 13 14 15 15 16 18 19 19 20 21 21 22 24 25 26 28 29 30 31
������Employer Sponsored Retirement Savings Plans ������DTR Holiday Market Opens November 21 ����� NWA Employment Showcase Happening Now �����Starting a Business in Arkansas (Presented in Spanish) �����Hustle in Heels | Leading and Living in Crisis
����� Downtown Rogers Revitalization | Behind the Scenes with CEI Engineering Associates, Inc.
����� Rogers On-Demand Public Transit Unique �����Character Development Mobile Unit to Reach Underserved Youth �����Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas Opens Post-Operative Orthopedic Surgery Unit ���RLACC Sporting Clays Classic Returns for its Fourth Year October 8
������ Chamber Announces New Virtual Halloween Parade ������ Purchase Your Advertising in The Good Life Destination Guide ����Board Votes to Maintain Existing Directors for 2021 ����Ignite Your Passion | NWA YP Summit ���� Urban Land Institute NWA Presents | Downtown Rebound
Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce 317 West Walnut Street Rogers, Arkansas 72756 P: (479) 636-1240 F: (479) 636-5485 2
C h a m b e r Vo i ce | O C TO B E R 2 02 0
����Art on the Bricks Art Walk Celebrates Indigenous People and NWA’s Creative Economy
���� Ribbon Cuttings & New Members | August 2020 ���� Membership Renewals | August 2020 ��� Many Thanks to Our 3rd Quarter Sponsors
������Chamber Networking & Educational Events
CHA M BE R S TAFF Raymond Burns, CCE President/CEO rburns@rogerslowell.com
Vickie Grotts, IOM Vice President of Accounting & Finance vickie@rogerslowell.com
Jeff O’Neill Director of Special Events jeff@rogerslowell.com
Luke Wiggins Meetings & Conventions Sales Manager | Visit Rogers luke@rogerslowell.com
J.R. Shaw, IOM Executive Director/Executive Vice President | Visit Rogers jr@rogerslowell.com
Geovanny Sarmiento Vice President of Community Engagement & Inclusion geovanny@rogerslowell.com
Loretta Gomez Finance Manager loretta@rogerslowell.com
Ronnie Webb, Jr. Destination Sales Manager | Visit Rogers ronnie@rogerslowell.com
Katie Burns Vice President of Operations katie@rogerslowell.com
Karen Wagaman Vice President of Downtown Development karen@rogerslowell.com
Sheree Barnes Operations Manager | Downtown Rogers, Inc. sheree@rogerslowell.com
Justin Freeman Marketing Communications Specialist justin@rogerslowell.com
Shelle Summers, IOM Senior Vice President of Membership Services ssummers@rogerslowell.com
Ross Phillips Vice President of Community Development ross@rogerslowell.com
Jacque Eakins Account Executive jacque@rogerslowell.com
Ike Reichenbach DTR Market Manager | Downtown Rogers, Inc. ike@rogerslowell.com
Steve Cox Senior Vice President of Economic Development steve@rogerslowell.com
Shey Bland Executive Director | Downtown Rogers, Inc. shey@rogerslowell.com
Marni Rogers, IOM Member Relations Manager marni@rogerslowell.com
Luz Palmerin Sales & Marketing Coordinator | Visit Rogers luz@rogerslowell.com
Brad Phillips Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications brad@rogerslowell.com
Nick Smith Creative Services Director nick@rogerslowell.com
Kelly Parker, TMP Marketing Communications Manager | Visit Rogers kelly@rogerslowell.com
Ashley Matsumura Customer Relations Manager ashley@rogerslowell.com
Jon Moran Senior Vice President of Government Affairs jon@rogerslowell.com
B OARD OF DIREC TORS 2020 Directors
Executive Committee
Chairman of the Board | Angie Tucker-Ridley, Tucker’s Furniture & Appliances Chairman-Elect | Jeff Milford, AEP/SWEPCO Treasurer | Erin Kiefer, Assembled Products Past Chairman | Greg Fogle, Nabholz Construction President/CEO | Raymond Burns RIDC President | Jerry Vest, Regions Bank
Daizy Andrade, University of Arkansas Dr. Marlin Berry, Rogers Public Schools Jerry Carmichael, 3C Retail Solutions Ever Cuellar, First Security Bank Larry Cooper, Embassy Suites NW Arkansas Russ Daniel, McLarty Daniel Group Mike Dodge, Carroll Electric Coop. Corp. Sandy Edwards, Crystal Bridges Museum
Leah Acoach, FHB Ventures Danny Beck, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Joe Donaldson, Sam’s Furniture Brad Hicks, J.B. Hunt Transport Inc. Mike Power, First Security Bank David Vaden, Ernst & Young LLP
2021 Directors
Tom Allen, Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners Ron Branscum, Arvest Bank David Kimball, Benchmark Group Jerra Nalley, Runway Tanya Smith, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Melissa Turpin, Honeycomb Kitchen Shop
Ex-Officio Directors
David Faulkner, Pinnacle Hills Promenade Cathy Foraker, AT&T David Foster, APAC-Central, Inc. Ron Hayes, First United Methodist Church Dan Hendrix, Arkansas World Trade Center Latricia Hill-Chandler, Arvest Bank Operations Greg Hines, Mayor, City of Rogers Tom Hopper, TallChamps, LLC
Division Chairs
Community Development - Leah Acoach Membership Services - Tanya Smith Economic Development - Tom Allen
Corry Hull, OneDigital Health and Benefits Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson, Northwest Arkansas Community College Peter Lane, Walton Arts Center Chris Moore, Mayor, City of Lowell Barry Moehring, Benton County Judge Bianca Montoya, Bike NWA John-Michael Scurio, George’s
Government Affairs - Jerry Carmichael Convention & Visitors Bureau - Larry Cooper
2022 Directors
Kristen Boozman, Portfolio Sotheby’s International Realty Dean Fisher, Glad Manufacturing, Inc. Angela Grayson, Precipice IP Denten Park, Northwest Health Curt Stamp, Cox Business Knight Weis, Signature Bank of Arkansas
Eric Pianalto, Mercy of Northwest Arkansas Chris Sultemeier, Retired Walmart Stennett Thompkins, AAA Insurance Dick Trammel, Chairman Emeritus Josh Vasquez, United Bank Emma Willis, Mangan Holcomb Partners Jeff Wood, Tyson Foods Amiee York, Black Hills Energy
Audit Committee David Vaden Ron Branscum Knight Weis
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | OCTOBER2020
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...Continued from Page 1
Voter Guide |
Early Voting Starts October 19
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earranged candidate filing deadlines, Primary Election dates being moved up to improve Arkansas’s standing in the Presidential Election, and a Primary Runoff Election during Spring Break, along with the implementation of COVID-19 safety measures to protect voters at the polls,
have made for a long election season in Arkansas. Early voting for the November 3 General Election in Arkansas
begins October 19th. There are nine contested races for the Arkansas House and Senate in Benton County. Six of those House and Senate races are in districts that include parts of Rogers and Lowell.
Newcomers to the House for Rogers and Lowell Retiring legislators and an incumbent defeat in the Republican Primary have paved the way for political newcomers to take office in four of the six House Districts in Rogers and Lowell. Representatives Rebecca Petty (94), Dan Douglas (91), and Grant Hodges (96) did not seek re-election. Incumbent Representative Jana Della Rosa (90) was defeated by her challenger in a Republican Primary Runoff election. Representative Jim Dotson (93) will be the most senior member of the House delegation from Benton County if re-elected in November
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Incumbent Faces Challenge in Senate District 1 Senator Bart Hester has drawn a General
dedicated to funding for the Arkansas Department of Transportation to construct
Ballot Issues Explained The Public Policy Center of the University
and maintain Arkansas’s Highways. Benton
of Arkansas Division of Agriculture produces
Election opponent for the first time since
County voters approved the passage of the ½
an excellent guide to Arkansas Ballot Issues.
he was elected to the District 1 seat in 2012.
cent in the 2012 Election. The funds from the
You can find it here.
Democratic candidate Ronetta Francis is
½ cent have helped fund the widening and
challenging the Senator and Real Estate
interchange improvements to I-49 in Benton
Developer from Cave Springs. Francis is
County, among other important projects for
an attorney whose career brought her to
the region. The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce conducted Candidate Forums for
Northwest Arkansas, where she worked as a
Commerce supports the passage of Issue One.
Senior Associate General Counsel and an Ethics and Compliance Executive at Walmart. She is a currently a consultant, and lives in Rogers.
2018 Election Reruns Jene Huffman-Gilreath is running for
Voting in Benton County Early voting begins in Benton County
all the legislative races in Rogers and Lowell. These forums were very successful in reaching a large audience by broadcasting live on the Chamber’s Facebook page and recording them for the Chamber Voice of Business Podcast.
will also be offered to voters due to safety
Listen to the recorded forums here.
concerns related to the Covid-19 virus. Completed absentee ballots must be received
She first ran against Representative Rebecca
by the Benton County Clerk by the close of
Petty in 2018, who did not seek re-election
polls on Election Day.
this time. Kendon Underwood is running for the House in District 90 after defeating the
You can view a list of early voting
incumbent, Representative Jana Della Rosa
locations here.
Who is Running for Office in Benton County? You can view a copy of the list of candidates running for office in Benton County here. Don’t forget that early voting begins on October 19 for the November 3 General Election.
in the runoff election. Mr. Underwood lost to
Passage of Issue One Vital for the Growth of Rogers and Northwest Arkansas
The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of
on October 19. No excuse absentee ballots
the House of Representatives in District 94.
Della Rosa in 2018.
Legislative Candidate Forums
Find Election Day vote center locations here.
The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce encourages you to vote. Please contact Jon Moran, Vice President of Government Affairs, at
View a sample of your ballot here.
(479) 636-1240 or jon@rogerslowell.com if you need more information.
A vote for Issue One on the ballot will
Remember, October 5 is the last day to register
make permanent the ½ cent sales tax currently
to vote for the November 3 General Election.
Get Connected with Jon Moran from Arkansas’s Capitol Hill! @ RLACC_Gov www.facebook.com/rlacc.gov
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | OCTOBER2020
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Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders Kicks Off Board Service Certification Series
T
he Chamber’s Northwest Arkansas
needed to benefit the community. NWAEL aims
Emerging Leaders (NWAEL) has
to prepare participants for leadership and service
kicked off its certification program
positions in Northwest Arkansas.
for board service to assist emerging leaders in pursuing leadership and
service positions and to create a reputable source for organizations to recruit emerging talent. The program continues through October 9.
Partnership with NWA Nonprofit Alliance This year, NWAEL has more than 50 up-and-
Building A More Cohesive Community Increasing the number of qualified board members and volunteers helps build a more cohesive community through better representation of our diverse community. Over the past two years, nearly 40 program attendees have joined 32 area non-profit boards.
coming leaders participating in their Board
Additionally, those that did not join boards
Service program. This program closes the gap
mobilized 225 volunteers to donate over 1,000
between those seeking to serve on non-profit
hours in service projects to around 100 non-
boards and board openings. This allows the
profits. This is on top of monetary contributions
Chamber to provide area nonprofits with the
through cash gifts and other donations they
Board Service: Overarching Principles and Core
resources to have properly trained, enthusiastic,
might not have otherwise received.
Responsibilities; Legal and Ethical Considerations
prepared, and socially conscious board members
of Board Service; Financial Considerations; and
and volunteers. Graduates of this program are
(NWAEL) exists to retain emerging leaders and
the Board’s Role in Fundraising. The NWAEL Board
not restricted to which nonprofits they work
build a lasting legacy in Northwest Arkansas by
Service Certification program was formed with
with upon completion, thereby increasing the
providing the resources to infuse new talent with
a vision of creating a leadership pool in order
effective reach throughout the region. NWAEL
existing leadership. Launched in 2008, NWAEL
to link ready, willing and able emerging talent
partners with the NWA Nonprofit Alliance to help
currently consists of quarterly programs and
to organizations, public and private boards,
facilitate the connections between participants in
active to collectively tackle issues and projects of
commissions and other areas of leadership
the program and board openings.
relevance to our community.
Preparing Participants for Leadership and Service The program focuses on four key areas of
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C h a m b e r Vo i ce | O C TO B E R 2 02 0
Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders
Chamber Voice of Business Communication Channels
The Chamber’s newsletter, blog, podcast and videos are your trusted sources for information and stories about our mission-based strategic focus areas.
Content is delivered in these four formats to make it simple and easy for audiences of all generations to stay connected to business and community news.
READ CURRENT & PREVIOUS ISSUES ONLINE
ISSUU.COM/RLACC This monthly newsletter tells the stories you really need to know about the Chamber’s mission, news, programming, members and community partners. Features include regular sections like the Small Business Corner, Focus on the Community, Focus on Industry, and Focus on Small Business along with a list of new members, photos of recent ribbon cuttings and a Quick Reference Calendar.
FIND US ONLINE
ROGERSLOWELL.COM/BLOG/ This online channel connects you to relevant content from subject matter experts (SMEs) across Northwest Arkansas. Chamber staff and guest writers deliver compelling posts related to their professional expertise on a variety of subjects. The Chamber welcomes your ideas for stories. F I N D U S O N T H E S E P L AT F O R M S
The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce’s Voice of Business Podcast debuted in May 2017. The podcast covers topics of regional and statewide interest, current events, legislative events, interviews with community leaders, local and state elected officials, newsmakers, and community and economic developers. You can find the Chamber Voice of Business Podcast online and subscribe. Just search “Chamber Voice of Business” on any of these platforms and start listening to one of Northwest Arkansas’s premier business podcasts today!
FIND US ON YOUTUBE SEARCH
ROGERSLOWELLCHAMBER
Catch up quickly on the Chamber’s news stories by watching online videos delivered in three categories: mission-based focus areas, Chamber events coverage and member spotlights/testimonials.
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | OCTOBER2020
7
Call for Applications
T
he Small Business Council (SBC) is a group of volunteers who either own their own business or work for small businesses in the area. The purpose of the SBC is to be the voice of the small business community and provide guidance to Chamber staff on the needs of small
businesses. The SBC’s mission statement is: Promoting sustainable growth for small business through awareness, diversity, and education. The 20-member council meets on the first Thursday of each month
U
nder the umbrella of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Council, Hustle In Heels (HIH) was formed by a group of Northwest Arkansas women. The mission for HIH is “Leading professional women to transform the business landscape across
Northwest Arkansas.” Its member-driven programs offer local subject matter experts with an interactive focus for enterprising businesswomen. Participants are leaders in economic and business
to talk about the needs of the small business community, nominate and
growth for our region and have a common desire to be well connected
select a small business of the quarter and small business of the year,
to each another.
develop business education programming, and discuss and implement small business programs for the Chamber. Members also help facilitate and run the bi-monthly Chamber
HIH is led by a committee that meets monthly (first Thursday) to plan luncheons and pop-up programs. The term for committee members is one year from January through December. If you are
Tutorials (formerly member orientations) held at the Chamber. Those
interested, please email Hustle in Heels at hih@RogersLowell.com to
wishing to serve on the SBC must complete an application and be
request an application. Applications are due November 30, 2020.
approved by a combination of Chamber staff and the Executive Committee of the SBC. The term of service is January through December 2021. If you are interested in learning more contact Steve Cox at Steve@RogersLowell.com for an application. The deadline is November 30, 2020.
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C h a m b e r Vo i ce | O C TO B E R 2 02 0
For more information about the Small Business Council or Hustle in Heels visit the Volunteer page on RogersLowell.com.
R
High School Students Share Benefits of Work-Based Learning Experiences ogers Public Schools has partnered with local businesses and industries to provide authentic
Madison Pollock | Intern, Arkie Apparel Madison Pollock, intern at Arkie Apparel
Industry Certification and Training Opportunities Students enrolled in the college and career
work-based learning experiences
in Rogers, explained that her learning “how to
readiness and work-based learning courses also
for 11th and 12th grade students.
run a start-up business, handle the books for a
have opportunities to participate in industry
Students may choose among Internship, Career
business and get your product out there” are
certification and training courses, which include
Practicum and Youth Apprenticeship courses that
beneficial skills that will help her prepare for jobs
ACT Work Keys, National Career Readiness
align with career fields that they are interested in
within career fields she is interested in pursuing
Certification, Electrical Systems, FANUC Robotics
pursuing following high school graduation. These
following graduation.
Training, Veterinary Assistant and several
experiences also help increase awareness of jobs that are available within companies in the local community and Northwest Arkansas region. Currently, there are over 180 students
Mathias Sanchez | Torchy’s Tacos Mathias Sanchez described several beneficial skills that his work experience at Torchy’s Tacos
representing Rogers High School, Rogers
has taught him including “how to handle
New Technology High School and Rogers
situations with people, verbal skills, manners,
Heritage High School participating in work-
and how to work hard and do more than what is
based learning experiences with companies in
expected of me.”
Northwest Arkansas. Below are some student comments highlighting the beneficial job and professional skills that they have gained from these work experiences.
Andrea Gomez | Retail Sales Associate, Goodwill As a retail sales associate with Goodwill, Andrea Gomez shared the benefits of her workbased learning experiences saying, “I have been able to gain skills in leadership, communication, customer service, teamwork cooperation, time management, and some information on how to
Jayden Fulcher | Intern, Central States Manufacturing
Contact Dawn Stewart, Director of Career and Technical Education, at (479) 636-3910 to learn more about opportunities to provide workbased learning experiences for students during the 2020-2021 school year.
use Auto CAD and it will prepare me for a career in engineering.”
Andrea Mejia Duran | Dental Intern, Mint Dental Andrea Mejia Duran, described the work experience as a dental intern at Mint Dental has provided, including “how to communicate
being able to work at Goodwill has allowed me to
with patients and learning about different types
gain and strengthen many of my skills. Every skill
of dental procedures and protocol.”
Hailey Mason noted that the opportunity to
How Your Business Can Help
he has learned, he said, “I have learned how to
I am wanting to become an Entrepreneur, and
Hailey Mason | Intern, Northwest Health
them prepare for successful careers.
asked what beneficial skills and/or information
graduate from College with a degree in Business.
opening up in the future.”
industry certification and training courses help
Central States Manufacturing in Lowell. When
beneficial job and professional skills that her
allow me to prepare for the business that I will be
Petra Allied Health/Medical College. These
Jayden Fulcher is currently an intern at
run a business.” She added, “In the future, I plan to
that I have been able to obtain through work will
medical-related certification courses through
Students Cite Importance of Learning Essential Skills In addition, many other students noted that their work-based learning experiences have helped them learn the importance of essential skills related to communications, leadership,
work as a student intern at Northwest Health has
customer service, safety procedures, time
helped her “get a feel for how medical school and
management, computer skills, organizational
nursing school will be in my future.” She said, “It’s
skills, critical thinking, problem solving and the
super helpful to have prior knowledge.”
importance of having a good work ethic.
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | OCTOBER2020
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2020 Northwest Arkansas Craft Fairs Guide Explore handmade goods and local artwork at these fall craft fairs.
A
s the fall foliage begins to transform the Ozarks countryside into a blaze of glorious colors, Rogers and Northwest Arkansas also begin to shift into a more colorful atmosphere—with arts and crafts fairs. These annual fall fairs draw hundreds of local artisans,
makers, and artists to the area to display handcrafted jewelry, small
Spanker Creek Farm Arts & Crafts Fair October 14-18, 2020
8464 W. McNelly Rd. | Bentonville
It’s Fall Y’all Craft Fair
batch soaps, homemade quilts, country furniture, antiques, fine art, and
October 15-18, 2020
much more. Go shopping at these unique fairs and festivals throughout
7640 SW Regional Airport Blvd. | Bentonville
Northwest Arkansas to discover something truly one-of-a-kind.
Download a copy of the 2020 NWA Craft Fair Guide
Ozark Regional Arts & Crafts Festival October 15-17, 2020
2537 N. McConnell Ave. | Fayetteville Springdale will be merged with the Fayetteville location this year.
Cancellations Many other craft fairs and events in Rogers and Northwest Arkansas have made the difficult decision to cancel for 2020, however, most are already planning for
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Follow Visit Rogers on Social Media: 10
C h a m b e r Vo i ce | O C TO B E R 2 02 0
2021. Be sure to check back here for updates on 2020 and 2021 craft fairs.
Championship Winner Austin Ernst lifts this year’s trophy
Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G Closes Out 2020 Event by Highlighting Contributions to Local Organizations
T
he Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G
On Thursday, August 27 the #NWAChampionship held a three-hole
returned to Pinnacle Country Club August 24-30 for the
charity match in partnership with Walmart featuring LPGA professionals
14th annual year, with Austin Ernst taking home the 2020
Maria Fassi, Gaby Lopez, Juli Inkster and Morgan Pressel. The
#NWAChampionship title. The tournament did not permit
#NWAMatch promoted the #PlayYellow initiative, a program founded by
fans onsite in efforts to promote the health and safety of the
Jack and Barbara Nicklaus to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network
community and was postponed from its original dates in June due to the
Hospitals. The match raised $40,000 which was donated to Arkansas
COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these changes, the #NWAChampionship and
Children’s Hospital Northwest, the local affiliate of CMN Hospitals.
its partners contributed over $180,000 to local organizations including
“Since the tournament’s inception, the Walmart NW Arkansas
Arkansas Children’s Hospital Northwest, NWA Food Bank and Mercy
Championship presented by P&G has donated over $4.7 million to
Hospital Foundation.
charitable organizations in our community,” said Tournament Chairman,
“One of the core missions of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship
Jay Allen. “While the tournament looked and felt completely different
presented by P&G is to give back to the community and this year is certainly
this year without spectators and without some of our traditional special
no exception,” stated Donna Morris, Walmart Executive Vice President and
events, we remain 100 percent committed to our core mission of
Chief People Officer. “In partnership with Procter & Gamble, we are honored
improving the quality of life in Northwest Arkansas.”
to make financial contributions to these deserving organizations in our
Earlier this year, the #NWAChampionship and Procter & Gamble
community, working on the frontlines to serve the NW Arkansas region
also held the Miles for Mercy Community Challenge. The virtual
during this challenging year.”
community event celebrated local healthcare workers while raising
To kick off #NWAChampionship Week, the tournament hosted a donation event at the NWA Food Bank on Monday, August 24. The
$17,000 for the Mercy Health Foundation. Other organizations benefiting from the tournament in 2020 include:
event featured a $40,000 contribution from the Walmart NW Arkansas
• ALS Association of Arkansas
Championship presented by P&G as well as a donation of 39,000 pounds of
• Apple Seeds
protein from Tyson Foods.
• Boys and Girls Club of Benton County
“While the tournament looked and felt completely different this year without spectators and without some of our traditional special events, we remain 100 percent committed to our core mission of improving the quality of life in Northwest Arkansas.” – Jay Allen Tournament Chairman Walmart NW Arkansas Championship
• Donald W. Reynolds Boys and Girls Club • Boys and Girls Club of Western Benton County • Brightwater Culinary School • Children’s Advocacy Center • First Tee of NW Arkansas • LPGA Foundation • NWA Children’s Shelter • Rogers Early Risers Rotary Club The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship returns to Pinnacle Country Club June 14 – 20, 2021 to celebrate the event’s 15th anniversary. For more information, visit www.NWAChampionship.com.
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | OCTOBER2020
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Winners Announced for Chamber Golf Tournament, Presented by Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall
First Place Team Arkansas Golf & Powersports
ANNUAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Monday, September 21, 2020 Tee Times | Began at 9:00 a.m. in 10 Minute Intervals Shadow Valley Country Club in Rogers
Second Place Team Signature Bank of Arkansas
WINNERS 1st | Team Arkansas Golf & Powersports 2nd | Team Signature Bank of Arkansas 3rd | Team Golden Corral Buffet & Grill CONTEST WINNERS Longest Drive | Frank Sprick (OneDigital Health & Benefits) Closest to the Hole | Murry Cline (APAC-Central, Inc.)
Alliance member logo to fit in this space. Align to top left of gray box.
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CERTIFIED PUBLIC A CCOUNTANTS
Third Place Team Golden Corral Buffet & Grill
FREE WEBINAR |
Employer Sponsored Retirement Savings Plans Wednesday, October 7 | 2:00 p.m. CST What You Will Learn: • • • •
Why you should offer a retirement plan to your employees Retirement plan options available to your business How to find a service provider Ongoing service you should receive from your financial services firm
About the Presenter:
David Harris, a Financial Advisor & Investment Advisor Representative with Clevenger Financial is focused on providing simple financial solutions that help guide your financial journey. He is highly skilled at using insights and data to drive decision making, financial plan construction, and implementation. David earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities registrations, and maintains life and health insurance licenses.
David Harris
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
at Clevenger Financial
Clevenger Financial is a financial services firm that specializes in holistic financial planning solutions for individuals and business owners. Their doors opened in Joplin, Missouri in 2002, and expanded into Rogers and Northwest Arkansas in 2019. Its purpose is to bring financial order to your life and keep it that way. Its core beliefs are coaching and education, open communications, acting with integrity and honesty, and building long term relationships based on trust. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Preregistration is required | www.rogerslowell.com/events
DTR Holiday Market Opens November 21 The DTR (Downtown Rogers) Farmers Market’s regular season ends on October 31. On each Saturday beginning November 21 and ending December 12, DTR Market will transition to a Holiday Market featuring vendors selling their winter crops, holiday treats, handmade crafts, and gifts. This indoor walkthrough market will be at 120 W. Poplar St. from noon to 5:00 p.m. All items and food sold will be to-go. Make a big impact this year by shopping small and supporting local growers and makers.
Purchase Year-Round with the WhatsGood App
Not able to make it to the Market? You can purchase goods from DTR Market vendors year-round by ordering online via the WhatsGood app for convenient pick-up on Saturdays. For more information, contact DTR Market Manager Ike Reichenbach at (479) 640-7345 or Ike@RogersLowell.com.
Learn More at www.DowntownRogersInc.org/market
The Market will be implementing the following safety practices:
FOR CUSTOMERS | • • • • • • • • •
Shop and go – all purchases will be packaged to-go. There will be a limited capacity inside. If you are sick at all, please stay home. There will be no sampling or touching unbought items. Customers are recommended to be single shoppers only. Face coverings must be worn at all times. Please maintain social distance from vendor booths and other shoppers. Hand sanitizer must be used upon entry and exit. There will be no public seating or facilities.
FOR VENDORS |
• All food and items sold must be packaged to-go. • Vendors who are sick may not attend the market. • Vendors will sanitize or wash their hands between purchases.
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | OCTOBER2020
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Presented by |
Happening October 1-31, 2020 | You Can Still Register! The NWA Employment Showcase is a newly revamped event replacing the 2020 NWA Fall Job Fair. An engaging, online format improves upon the existing job fair format by taking it online and showcasing available jobs and careers in our region for the entire month of October.
Employers Hosted at RogersLowell.com, participating businesses can submit a custom video describing available positions, company culture, ideal candidates, and other relevant information, or post a pre-recorded Zoom interview about the positions with Chamber staff (for a small additional fee).
Webspaces • Showcase your company’s recruitment video (up to 60 seconds). • Feature a short blurb about your company's work culture, jobs available, and other supporting information for job seekers. • Link to your company's job listings on your website, or a direct link to an application website such as indeed.com or linkedin.com.
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Job Seekers The online NWA Employment Showcase will provide job seekers direct links to job postings for quick and easy access. They will also be able to learn about dozens of career opportunities and unique companies in our area all on one easy-to-navigate web page format.
Don’t miss out on the NWA Employment Showcase beginning October 1, 2020. Registration is happening now at RogersLowell.com. Contact memberservices@rogerslowell.com or call (479) 636-1240 now to explore sponsorship opportunities. 14
C h a m b e r Vo i ce | O C TO B E R 2 02 0
Fecha l Jueves, 19 de noviembre de 2020 l 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Ubicación l Cámara de Comercio del área de Rogers-Lowell
317 W. Walnut St., Rogers Tema l “Iniciando un negocio en Arkansas”
El Beaver Water District y copatrocinadores del evento Univisión, Business, First Security Bank, Job Guide, Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, y la Cámara de Comercio del área de Rogers-Lowell presenta “Iniciando un negocio en Arkansas” (presentador de idioma español). Este seminario básico analiza los pasos esenciales de inicio, las estructuras legales del negocio, las regulaciones y las licencias, los problemas clave que afectan el éxito de su negocio y los escollos comunes a los que se enfrentan los emprendedores. ¡Imprescindible para los propietarios de pequeñas empresas por primera vez!
Llame a Geovanny Sarmiento para más información | 479.619.3186 SAVE - THE - DATE | October 7, 2020
Empowerment Sponsor |
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Courtyard by Marriott and ONLINE | 4201 W. Green Acres Rd., Rogers Leading and Living in Crisis Hustle in Heels - LADIES LEAD NWA is an initiative of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce dedicated to empowering, educating, and connecting women with a modern approach to professional and business development. The pandemic and politics make it a difficult time to lead an organization but now it’s more important than ever to lead well. Dr. Debbie Jones discusses the principles that guide her through times of crisis. Questions, thoughts, and discussion encouraged as one principle holds true - we are in this together.
About the Speaker | Dr. Debbie Jones Dr. Debbie Jones is the superintendent of Bentonville Schools. She has more than 25 years of educator experience having previously served as Assistant Commissioner for Learning Services at the Arkansas Department of Education. Dr. Jones held the position of assistant superintendent for the Bryant School District for seven years following her principalship at Bryant High School. She worked as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and secondary director in Pulaski County Special School District.
Who Should Attend? All women in business are encouraged to attend whether you work in a professional office environment or run a machine in a manufacturing facility. This program is designed so that all women can participate.
Register Online at RogersLowell.com Today w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | OCTOBER2020
15
Downtown Rogers Revitalization | I N D U ST R Y Behind the Scenes with CEI Engineering Associates, Inc.
Photography for this article provided by |
T
he Chamber Voice of Business
construction. It was determined that the best
Newsletter recently had an
way for CEI to serve Rogers during this time was
opportunity to visit with staff
to accelerate the projects. The City has gone to
it will strengthen the core of the downtown,
at CEI Engineering Associates,
extra efforts creating strict guidelines addressing
create opportunities to enhance community
Inc. (CEI) about their Downtown
additional measures required to protect the safety
interaction, create energy and civic pride, drive
Rogers revitalization project work in progress.
of the construction crews and citizens, but also has
economic activity, support safe accessible
The following questions and answers
encouraged collaborative input on how to meet
multi-modal access to downtown, and develop
provide some interesting insights into the
the goals of the projects without impacting the
the necessary infrastructure needed to allow
improvement plans.
safety of residents or workers.
the entire city to grow.
Q: Downtown Rogers improvement plans have been a topic of discussion lately for the community. With the onset of COVID, how is this impacting the progress of the projects? A: So that we’re on the same page –
traffic, we expedited the design schedule – we
we set out to highlight the interesting
gained a month or two. This gave a bigger
characteristics of each destination and
window to the construction crews. Currently, we
then focused on creating opportunities for
are running about 30 days ahead of schedule.
community connections within each site
In an effort to take advantage of less foot
Street improvements (water, parking, new street)
Q: When designing to enhance the Downtown environment, what elements are important to CEI? A: It is critical to understand the intent of
and Arkansas Street – not started construction
the revitalization: What results are the City and
yet but about to.
the citizens looking for that will demonstrate
“Downtown” includes: Mobility hub (Caboose) 1st Street improvements, Railyard Park, Cherry
For Rogers, the answer looked a lot like this… By making Downtown Rogers a destination
Starting with the anchors of this area,
and to each other. It makes the Farmer’s Market a destination. It makes Railyard Park a destination. By successfully bringing them together, it makes Downtown Rogers a destination whether they travel by car, foot, or by bicycle. Our work makes it easier to recognize
One of the biggest concerns before the
success to their community? How do you shape
and promote Downtown Rogers, builds
projects started was how we were going to lessen
a community’s future while respecting its history
community pride, eases access concerns,
the impact on businesses trying to operate during
and traditions?
addresses traffic, parking, pedestrian safety
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C h a m b e r Vo i ce | O C TO B E R 2 02 0
and includes the opportunity to create or enhance flexible outdoor community venues. Our design goal is to enhance people’s sense of comfort, visibility, relaxation, all those things that make a park a destination and Downtown Rogers businesses thrive.
Q: Have you unearthed anything interesting during your projects downtown? A: Sometimes our projects can be a bit of a treasure hunt. Our most recent surprise was the discovery of an old coal chute used to offload coal from wagons to be transferred by the shovel into the chute leading to the basements of the downtown buildings. These businesses used the coal in their basement boilers to heat their buildings. We ran into stuff like that – 1800’s technology. This is where our technical experience really comes in. This allows us to save and respect what can be preserved without interfering with the necessary modernization to keep us all moving forward.
Q: What are some recent projects you have completed in Northwest Arkansas that you’re proud of? What would our readers be surprised to know about CEI? A: We are very diverse in our areas of specialties. We deliver public work projects to most communities in our area spanning: street and infrastructure, master planning for communities and commercial campuses, XNA parking facility, sports facility design for Rogers Public Schools, Bentonville Square Revitalization, Bella Vista Municipal Buildings, Parks and Trails (more than 100 miles locally). In addition, we were the original civil engineer and continue with ongoing development projects on the 300 acres encompassing the Promenade, World Trade Center with retail and restaurants, Walmart projects of all types, and an incredibly active local development commercial group. All told we have completed thousands of projects throughout the region, with more than 25,000 projects delivered across the United States. Find out more about CEI at www.ceieng.com or call (479) 273-9472.
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | OCTOBER2020
17
Rogers On-Demand Public Transit
Unique
R
Did You Know? ogers is unique in the Ozark Regional Transit system in that an On-Demand Transit model is the exclusive model that is in the fixed-route family of transit models. There are no traditional Fixed-Route systems in Rogers. On-Demand Transit can best be described as being
similar to any “ride-hailing” service such as Lyft or Uber with one key exception: transit vehicles don’t pick up or discharge anywhere other than official bus stops. However, with so many bus stops in Rogers, there are few locations west of I-49 not serviced (i.e. within ¾ miles of a bus stop) and no locations east of I-49 not serviced by public transit. The City of Rogers budgeted in 2020 to make all rides zero-fare to the passenger. Additionally, the city has reallocated budgeted funds to extend the service until 10:00 p.m. on Friday nights and from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Saturday nights. Rogers residents have no need to worry about transportation when supporting one of our local restaurants, entertainment venues and other businesses.
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C h a m b e r Vo i ce | O C TO B E R 2 02 0
F
Character Development Mobile Unit to Reach Underserved Youth irst Tee of Northwest Arkansas has
socioeconomic barriers that keep them from
created a Character Development
participating at the facility. First Tee of NWA does
by the Mobile Unit is the first of its kind across
Mobile Unit that will reach
not want these factors to keep any child from
the First Tee network. I am excited and eager to
underserved youth across
having the ability to learn valuable life skills and
bring this type of access to quality, evidence-
Washington and Benton Counties.
values, or from being exposed to the sport of golf.
based programming to the underserved youth
This unit will allow participants the opportunity to explore and implement the First Tee curriculum involving their nine core values with a focus on
“The unique programming style provided
of our area. The unit allows us to be at the
First of Its Kind
forefront of creating new ways of reaching and
The brand-new Character Development
teaching children life skills, enhancing character
character and life-skills development. Like the
Mobile Unit, first of its kind, will be equipped
development, while learning the fundamentals
programming at the facility, the Mobile Unit will
with the latest in technology for programming,
of golf. It’s an honor to bring this programming
teach these traits through the game of golf.
new golf equipment for participant use, and so
to NWA and I look forward to seeing its success
much more. The mobile curriculum will facilitate
unfold,” Tellez says.
Teaching Valuable Life Skills and Values The Mobile Unit will create an opportunity for First Tee of NWA to offer programming
Social and Emotional Learning classes, Character
First Tee of NWA continues to look for
Development exercises, Life Skills training, and
individuals and corporations to partner with in
Financial Literacy training.
order for the Mobile Unit to meet its goals and
With this new mobile programming option
deliver quality services to the underserved youth
in non-traditional golf settings. Taking their
being offered, First Tee NWA has brought Isaac
of NWA. Any person, corporation, or benevolent
programming out into the community allows
Tellez on board to be the director of the Mobile
entity interested in financially supporting the new
them to broaden their impact on the area
Unit. Tellez has a passion for outreach to the
Character Development Mobile Unit is encouraged
youth, specifically including underserved youth
underserved communities and is excited for the
to contact Brian Thomas at (479) 419-5807 or
that might otherwise have geographical or
opportunity to lead this endeavor.
brian@thefirstteenwa.org.
M
Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas Opens Post-Operative Orthopedic Surgery Unit ercy Hospital Northwest
these important, specialized services for
the unit where patients begin physical therapy
Arkansas opened a 22-bed
patients undergoing orthopedic procedures,”
almost immediately after their surgeries. This
unit dedicated to the post-
said Eric Pianalto, President of Mercy
prompts shorter hospital stays.
operative needs of patients
Hospital. “Orthopedic patients’ needs are
undergoing orthopedic and
different from patients recovering from an
hospital stay and recovering in their own
illness and we think this dedicated unit will
homes, so we get them home as soon as we
serve them well.”
can,” said Lindsay Kemp, orthopedic service line
spine surgeries.
Mercy also added an orthopedic service
line coordinator and a nurse navigator
“Statistically, patients do best with a short
The unit includes 14 beds dedicated
coordinator. “We’re very proud of our excellent
who help guide joint replacement patients
to inpatients who typically spend one day
through treatment, from ensuring they have
in the hospital after a surgery such as knee
Mercy said the new unit compliments
appointments booked correctly to escorting
replacement. It also includes eight beds for
the services of Mercy Clinic Orthopedics –
them through their surgery day and adding a
outpatients who leave the hospital the same day
Rogers, whose team of seven surgeons and
layer of post-surgical checks on their progress.
as their surgery, including patients undergoing
five physician assistants also offer orthopedics
minimally invasive hip replacement.
treatment and surgery.
“Having been through knee replacement myself, I’m thrilled Mercy Hospital is adding
One unique feature is a therapy gym in
outcomes for patients.”
Source: Talk Business & Politics
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | OCTOBER2020
19
R
RLACC Sporting Clays Classic Returns for its Fourth Year October 8 eturning again in 2020, this popular event offers members a unique and fun opportunity to network with other business professionals and conduct business
QUICK SUMMARY REGISTRATION FOR MORNING FLIGHT | 9:00 a.m.
on the range at Gunsmoke Sporting Clays in Garfield. Sponsors may invite special
LUNCH | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
customers/clients to join them as a gesture of thanks or reward employees with a
REGISTRATION FOR AFTERNOON FLIGHT | 12:00 p.m.
day of team building.
TWO (2) FLIGHT TIMES | 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Sponsorships include the opportunity to interact with participants and market your business.
Shooters receive continental snack, lunch, and beverages.
AWARDS | 4:00 p.m. FOUR (4) PEOPLE PER TEAM | $400 per Team
Experienced and novice shooters alike are encouraged to attend. Bring your colleagues, clients, family and friends out for a fun day of shooting.
REGISTER NOW, EXPECTED TO SELL OUT QUICKLY! SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE | Contact: memberservices@rogerslowell.com CANCELLATION POLICY: Refunds are not accepted
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE RECAP VIDEO
within 48 hours of event
FROM THE 2019 SPORTING CLAYS CLASSIC
SINGAGE SPONSOR AMMO SPONSOR
20
LUNCH SPONSORS
C h a m b e r Vo i ce | O C TO B E R 2 02 0
STATION SPONSORS
Chamber Announces New Virtual Halloween Parade Friday, October 30, 2020 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Little Kids program 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Big Kids program
Applications are due by October 16, 2020* *Please note this deadline is based on availability. Applications will no longer be accepted once the virtual parade is at capacity due to time constraints. We encourage you to apply early as this is a new type of event, we cannot anticipate the application response rate.
Join us for this spooktacular new event - the 1st Virtual Halloween Parade. Engage in the thrill of Halloween with the community. Show Rogers and surrounding areas some fun entertainment that can be shared again and again fooooreeever (insert evil laugh) Ha Ha Ha HA! There is ample eternal opportunity for exposure to a diverse audience during both our children’s hour presentation and big kid presentation that freaky Friday evening. Support public programming, gather your team, family or friends (six feet apart of course), throw on your scariest or funniest costumes and send us your festive videos! Click this ad to read rules, regulations, and unit descriptions. The DTR Virtual Halloween Parade Presentation will take place on Downtown Rogers Inc.'s Facebook Live.
www.facebook.com/DowntownrogersInc
Purchase Your Advertising in The Good Life Destination Guide Space Now Available for the 2021-22 Digital Publication
Don’t miss this members-only opportunity to advertise in the annual tourism and relocation destination guide. The award-winning magazine features maps, restaurants, lodging lists, regional activities and attractions, and resources for visiting, living, working and playing in the Rogers-Lowell Area. This year’s edition will be published digitally, offering advertisers brand new Digital Advertising Value Packages loaded with enhanced online value to complement display ads. Choose from five value packages: Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Basic.
Learn More and Download An Advertising Contract Today! All Advertising Contracts and materials are due January 31, 2021.
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | OCTOBER2020
21
Board Votes to Maintain Existing Directors for 2021
Peter Lane, President/CEO of the Walton Arts Center, welcomed the Board and also provided tours of the newly renovated Walmart AMP facility
I
September Board Meeting at the Walmart AMP
n accordance with the Bylaws of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, a Board Nominating Committee was appointed to recommend candidates for vacancies that will expire December 31, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee
recommended to the Board maintaining the existing Board of Directors for 2021 to ensure that the best interests of the Chamber are met as we navigate through the challenges of this health crisis. For the Executive Committee officers, Angie Tucker-Ridley will remain in the role as Chairwoman of the Board, Erin Kiefer will serve as Chairwoman- Elect, and Mike Power will serve as Treasurer. The Board approved in September the Committee’s recommendation acknowledging that continuity in leadership and fiduciary duty would best contribute to the Chamber’s continued and long-term success.
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C h a m b e r Vo i ce | O C TO B E R 2 02 0
2021 Board of Directors for the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board | Angie Tucker-Ridley, Tucker’s Furniture & Appliance Chairman-Elect | Erin Kiefer, Assembled Products Treasurer | Mike Power, First Security Bank Past Chairman | Greg Fogle, Nabholz Construction President/CEO | Raymond Burns RIDC President | Jerry Vest, Regions Bank 2021 Directors
EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS
Leah Acoach – FHB Ventures Danny Beck – Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Joe Donaldson – Sam’s Furniture Brad Hicks – J.B. Hunt Stennett Thompkins – AAA Insurance David Vaden – Ernst & Young
Daizy Andrade – University of Arkansas David Vaden Dr. Marlin Berry – Rogers Public Schools Ron Branscum Jerry Carmichael – 3C Retail Solutions Knight Weis Ever Cuellar – First Security Bank Larry Cooper – Embassy Suites NW Arkansas Russ Daniel – McLarty Daniel Group Mike Dodge – Carroll Electric Coop. Corp. Sandy Edwards – Crystal Bridges Museum David Faulkner – Pinnacle Hills Promenade Cathy Foraker – AT&T David Foster – APAC-Central, Inc. Bradley Hardin – AEP/SWEPCO Ron Hayes – First United Methodist Church Dan Hendrix – Arkansas World Trade Center Latricia Hill-Chandler – Arvest Bank Operations Greg Hines – Mayor, City of Rogers Tom Hopper – TallChamps, LLC Corry Hull – OneDigital Health and Benefits Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson – NorthWest Arkansas Community College Peter Lane – Walton Arts Center Chris Moore – Mayor, City of Lowell Barry Moehring – Benton County Judge Bianca Montoya – Bike NWA John-Michael Scurio – George’s Eric Pianalto – Mercy of Northwest Arkansas Chris Sultemeier – Walmart (retired) Dick Trammel – Chairman Emeritus Josh Vasquez – United Bank Emma Willis – Mangan Holcomb Partners Jeff Wood – Tyson Foods Amiee York – Black Hills Energy
2022 Directors Tom Allen – Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners Ron Branscum – Arvest Bank David Kimball – Benchmark Group Jerra Nalley – Runway Tanya Smith – Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Melissa Turpin – Honeycomb Kitchen
2023 Directors Kristen Boozman – Portfolio Sotheby’s International Realty Dean Fisher – Glad Manufacturing Angela Grayson – Precipice IP Denten Park – Northwest Health Curt Stamp – Cox Business Knight Weis – Signature Bank of Arkansas
DIVISION CHAIRS Community Development – Leah Acoach Membership Services – Tanya Smith Economic Development – Tom Allen Government Affairs – Jerry Carmichael Destination Marketing – Larry Cooper
AUDIT COMMITTEE
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | OCTOBER2020
23
VIRTUAL EVENT
November 11 through November 13, 2020 Brought to you by |
NWA Emerging Leaders & Rotary Clubs of NWA Individual Tickets |
$45 per person (early bird price)
Attention young professionals across Northwest Arkansas! It's almost time for you to join us for the fifth annual NWA YP Summit - Ignite Your Passion. Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders and Rotary Clubs of NWA have partnered to create this unique leadership summit for young professionals focusing on three areas of development. This year's theme is Agents of Change.
Igniting Your Passion | Agents of Change Personally – Revitalize your ideas of personal success and discover how to achieve what happiness means to you.
Professionally – Strengthen your potential for prosperity by learning how to best bring your enthusiasm to your workplace. Philanthropically – Turn your passion into action by collaborating with other young professionals to help Northwest Arkansas thrive in every way.
Visit our website NWAYPSummit.com for the latest updates, to register today! 2 4andC hhead a m b e rtoV oRogersLowell.com ice | OCTOBER2020
Urban Land Institute NWA Presents | Downtown Rebound Live Conference on Zoom October 27 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
D
owntown and Christmas have
leaders who will explore where consumers
healthy. The conference will consider ways to
a deep and nearly timeless
are both psychologically and emotionally,
redefine our downtowns’ outdoor spaces so
relationship. For most cities,
and what retailers and restauranteurs can
that we emerge from this pandemic stronger,
downtown is where we
do to accommodate them while delivering a
smarter, and better prepared for the future. In
congregate to celebrate, and
great experience.
addition, the conference will explore business
for most businesses in the area, a productive holiday season is critical to success. But as we know, this season is going to be
There will be discussions on space and
growth opportunities that might be “ripe for
design applications for interior environments
the picking” thanks specifically to this historic
that are flexible, inviting, engaging, and
moment in time.
different. Customer behavior has been impacted by the real and perceived consequences of sharing areas with others, and new regulations have changed how owners organize and manage their spaces. So, what can we expect and what can we do? The Urban Land Institute (ULI) NWA is providing a free, live web-conference October 27 to provide small business owners insight into what to expect during the 2020 Christmas Shopping season. ULI NWA is a satellite office of ULI, a global organization which for more than 80 years has been dedicated to improving the quality of urban areas.
“Our consumer-facing Northwest Arkansas small business owners are ready to look ahead to the 2020 holiday buying season and emerge from the COVID crisis mode of day-today and week-by-week survival. This conference will bring to them reputable, national consumer research data to assist them in their hopeful and optimistic planning to best serve their customers, and it will deliver to them positive ideas they can implement to capture the income streams they so greatly need.” – Martha Londagin Business Consultant Startup Junkie
The organization’s members deliver the ULI mission through programs and events, and positively shape the future of real estate and land use disciplines throughout Northwest Arkansas. They work together with leaders from across the fields of real estate and land use policy to exchange best practices and serve community needs. Their members include real estate developers, builders, finance and equity professionals, architects, engineers, urban
Martha Londagin
Business Consultant at Startup Junkie
planners, elected officials, engaged citizens, and more. Martha Londagin, Business Consultant for Startup Junkie, is facilitating a roundtable discussion as part of the conference.
About the Live Conference Downtown Rebound is a free, 90-minute, live web-conference on Zoom. During the keynote address, you’ll learn the holiday season economic forecast based on the latest research by the National Main Street Center. Following that is a powerful roundtable discussion with national and regional
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | OCTOBER2020
25
Art on the Bricks Art Walk Celebrates Indigenous People and NWA’s Creative Economy
T
he theme for September’s Art Walk was “Celebrate Diversity” which will continue in October for the Art on the Bricks VIRTUAL Art Walk hosted by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. During the second half of the online art exhibition, October 1 - October 15, 2020,
artists of native American descent are being highlighted. This twoweek period is in tandem with a holiday celebrated in some states on Monday, October 12, 2020—Indigenous Peoples Day. The art of three Northwest Arkansas artists with ancestors from four native American tribes will be featured along with other artists on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and other social media platforms. The virtual exhibit will reside on social media sites including those of Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks and the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce through October 15, 2020.
Art Reflects and Influences Our Culture Art by artists of all races and nationalities plays an important role in reflecting and influencing the culture of our community. As Northwest Arkansas experiences rapid demographic changes, we are privileged to become acquainted with new friends and neighbors who bring with them a wide variety of cultures, influences, experiences and heritage from across the globe. The Celebrate Diversity virtual exhibit seeks to serve as a reflection of the artists’ cultures and their contributions to the creative economy in Northwest Arkansas.
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C h a m b e r Vo i ce | O C TO B E R 2 02 0
Meet the Artists Judi O. Harrison Since first grade, Judi O. Harrison knew art
Christy Bunnell
been exhibited in hundreds of galleries and
Artist Christy Bunnell began painting at
museums, published in magazines and earned
was her world. She shared a brief part of her
an early age and is drawn to images that reflect
her signature status and many awards from
history when she submitted beautiful paintings
Southwestern and Native American people and
national and international painting societies.
of her ancestors. “I have been lucky enough to
cultures. She is the descendant of a Cherokee
Classically trained, her typical works reflects
live in that world my whole life. 6-12th grades
great, great grandmother and a Creek/Muskogee
impressionistic-realism and contemporary styles.
I was given a scholarship to the Delaware Art
great, great grandfather. She had learning
She has traveled nationally and internationally
Museum. Then on to Syracuse University for a
disabilities as a child so her parents enrolled her
teaching art classes and workshops in countries
Bachelor of Fine Arts and membership in the
in art lessons at the Springdale Art Center at the
including Croatia, Mexico, Venezuela, India,
Alpha Xi Alpha honorary design society. After
age of 7. As her artistic ability became apparent,
China, Portugal and Spain.
college I taught art at the Friends School in
she continued studying art with NWA teachers. In
Wilmington, Delaware. Later, in Tulsa, I taught
addition to being a talented artist, Christy is also
mid-20s, her art was heavily influenced by
art at Philbrook Art Museum and worked as a
was an auto mechanic for 19 years—specializing
her heritage. Her first portraits were of native
commercial artist. And for the last 45 years I
in repairs of BMWs, Mercedes-Benz, and other
Americans. Now, almost 50 years later, the
have worked as an interior designer.”
European vehicles in her father’s auto repair shop
emotions of each person she paints filters
in Fayetteville.
through. “Regardless of skin tone or ethnicity, I
Through the years, she always had the opportunity to keep her brushes wet while she
She hung up her wrenches and socket set
Blackwood is part Cherokee and, in her
love to reflect the beautiful souls as I capture the
painted in all mediums. She is a descendent
2 years ago and today she devotes her time
of the Osage Tribe and her series, The Osage
and talent to her art and her family, including
Cross series is a mixed media acrylic and
her two children, Cody, 15 and Brooke, 13.
Blackwood is connecting with people from
Stabilo pencil on Clayboard. “It is very exciting
She has an art studio in her home in Wheeler,
around the world. She is teaching painting
to live in Northwest Arkansas and to be a part
Arkansas and most of the work she creates
classes virtually with students ranging from
of the art world,” exclaimed Judi. Harrison’s
are commissioned paintings. You may contact
as far as England, Puerto Rico, Canada and of
portraits of her Osage ancestors are on display
Christy through her Facebook page.
course throughout the U.S. “In this time and
in the virtual Art on the Bricks Art Walk and are also on exhibit in the windows of the Rogers Experimental House, 121 W Walnut Street, Rogers Arkansas.
Susan Blackwood Bella Vista Artist Susan Blackwood loves to paint portraits and landscapes. Her work has
faces of the people I paint,” Blackwood explained. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic,
space, I am realizing I can be far more effective teaching virtually than I ever expected. I am developing a new dimension in my teaching which I am finding to be much more effective.”
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | OCTOBER2020
27
August 2020
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C h a m b e r Vo i ce | O C TO B E R 2 02 0
JS CREATIVE FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72701 (479) 264-7750 | JUSTMAKECONTENT.COM VIDEO PRODUCTION
LOLOFT INC. 1603 N. 35TH ST. ROGERS, AR 72756 (786) 310-2252 | LOLOFT.COM MANUFACTURERS
SCOOTER’S COFFEE 11098 S.W. AIRPORT BLVD. BENTONVILLE, AR 72712 (479) 268-6360 | SCOOTERSCOFFEE.COM COFFEE HOUSES
VERITAS RESTORATION SOUTH 1 HALSTED CIR., SUITE 8 ROGERS, AR 72756 (866) 557-6884 | VERITASRESTORATIONSOUTH.COM CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS | August 2020 30+ YEARS
Garner Building Supply - 72 years Sherwin-Williams Company - 61 years Black Hills Energy - 54 years Realty Title - 44 years War Eagle Cavern on Beaver Lake - 42 years Al McCarty Jewelers - 41 years Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure & Thompson - 40 years Ozark Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery - 40 years Rogers First Church of the Nazarene - 38 years Bryant & Company Appraisers - 35 years Hope Cancer Resources -33 years Rogers Apartments - 33 years Bekaert Corporation -31 years New Hope Animal Hospital - 31 years WSP Inc. Packaging & Distribution Specialist - 31 years
21-30 YEARS
Beaver Lake Realty, Inc. Blakeman’s Fine Jewelry Eureka Pizza Horses for Healing Jones Janitorial Services, Inc. Las Palmas Corporation Martfeld & Associates Insurance Peace Lutheran Church Rogers Noon Kiwanis Club Rogers Noon Rotary Club
11-20 YEARS
ABC Supply All Dogs Clinic, PLLC Arkansas Mill Supply Co., Inc. Bariola’s Pizzeria BHC Insurance Cameron Smith & Associates CDI Contractors, LLC Choctaw Casino Cold Stone Creamery Core Architects Deloitte Devereux Management Company
Fairfield Inn & Suites of Rogers Faithful Friends Animal Clinic Geary Engineering P.A. Orion Waste Solutions John Brown University Rogers Center Jordan Essentials - Lissa Applewhite Kumon Math & Reading Center of Lowell Legacy National Bank Leisurescapes, Inc. Lindsey Management Co., Inc. Metal Central N.O.S.S. Inc./In-N-Out Screening Services, Inc. Northwest Medical Center NWA Tobacco Free Coalition Outdoor Cap Company, Inc. Ozark Financial Services of NW Arkansas Paychex, Inc. The Rose Antique Mall & Flea Market Sharum’s Garden Center NWA, Inc. Shiloh Christian School ShurTech Brands, LLC Subway TEC Staffing Services Vital Records Control
6-10 YEARS
Crain Buick GMC of Springdale Diversified Resources Gander RV Lowell Kelsey’s Beaver Lake Homes & Retreat Center Kimberly-Clark Lamar Advertising Company Meister & McCracken Law Firm The Northwest Arkansas Conservatory of Classical Ballet Northwest Arkansas Pediatrics, a MANA Clinic NWA Wedding Ideas Directory Portfolio Sotheby’s International Realty Premium Brands of NWA Southeast Poultry, Inc. T. Michael’s Salon & Spa TRG Rogers/Alter Trading Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Zaxby’s
2-5 YEARS
American Red Cross Serving NWA Arkansas Hospice, Inc. B. Lush Salon at Pinnacle Bumbles & Boots Custom Creations, LLC First Presbyterian Church Food Loops Bob Foster Agency, LLC Hachem Investments/SLH John Carr Limbird Real Estate Group Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham NeuClear Health & Fitness Precipice IP, PLLC Rainbow Honda Roger and Betsy Reithemeyer Summit Heating and Air, LLC TopNotch Real Estate Co. TopNotch Real Estate Education Tri-State Optical Center, PLLC
1 YEAR
ASAP For Social Media, LLC Brick & Mortar Center Pointe West Apartment Homes Crye-Leike, Realtors - Pleasant Grove Highroller Cyclery Lifetime Dental Pillar Clinical Research RJW Logistics Group Xtreme Exteriors
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Many Thanks to Our 3rd Quarter Sponsors AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE Ribbon Cutting First National Bank
ART ON THE BRICKS ARTWALK
Presenting Arvest Bank Art Sustainers Printova Signs Rogers Experimental House Tyson Foods Media CitiScapes Magazine KNWA / KFTA Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Community Partners Java Dudes Coffee Company Ozark Regional Transit Visit Rogers Printing Broadway Printing
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Lunch Slim Chickens – July
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Presenting Great Southern Bank Gold Cherokee Casino & Hotel SERVPRO Host SALT Health – July Everest Rehabilitation Hospitals of NWA – August HOTWORX - Rogers – September COX Business – September Venue Partner Center for Nonprofits @ St. Mary’s Signage Minuteman Press
CANDIDATE FORUMS Host
Arkansas State Chamber AT&T Beaver Water District Black Hills Energy COX Communications AEP Southwestern Electric Power/SWEPCO Walmart
CHAMBER TUTORIAL Gold
Cox Business Breakfast Janes Insurance & Brokerage
CHAMBER 2 COMMUNITY Community Builders Black Hills Energy COX Communications
COFFEE CONNECTION
Presenting 7 Brew Coffee Aloft Rogers Bentonville Host Goldfish Swim School – July Ignite Chiropractic & Profile by Sanford – July V’s Barbershop – August 7 Brew Coffee – August Petland – September Woodridge Interactive – September
DOWNTOWN ROGERS INC. FARMER’S MARKET
Market Partners CEI Tyson Foods Markey Ally Honeycomb Kitchen Shop Season Roark Group Media COX Media KFSM Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
SPANISH SEMINAR SERIES
Presenting Beaver Water District Media Univision Arkansas Event COX Business First Security Bank Job Guide Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Signage Printova Signs
CENTRAL REFERRAL CONNECTION
Presenting Printova Signs Host Car Clinic – July Envision Nutrition – August Bankers Capital Funding – Philip Knight – September Venue Partner Golden Corral
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C h a m b e r Vo i ce | O C TO B E R 2 02 0
GOLF TOURNAMENT
Presenting Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall Lunch Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners Beverage Cart CEI Engineering Associates Landmark PLC, Certified Public Accountants Hole-In-One Arkansas Golf & Powersports Putting Contest Arrowhead Boat Sales Closest to the Pin Nabholz Construction Driving Range Servpro Hole AEP Southwestern Electric Power/SWEPCO APAC – Central, Inc. Burrell Behavioral Health Celebrate Arkansas Core Architects Cox Business Downstream Casino Resort Edafio Technology Solutions Golden Corral Janes Insurance & Brokerage Moe’s Southwest Grill Pepper Source Pet Supplies Plus Signature Bank of Arkansas Unilever Signage Minuteman Press
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Presenting Blacks Hills Energy Meeting Cox Communications Crafton Tull
HUSTLE IN HEELS – LADIES LEAD NWA
Empowerment Verizon Wireless Education Black Hills Energy Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest Health System Connection Arkansas BlueCross BlueShield Harps Stores Landmark, PLC Signage Printova Signs
LARGE INDUSTRY COUNCIL
Presenting BancorpSouth OneDigital Health and Benefits SERVPRO Lunch Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. Meeting Black Hills Energy Edafio Technology Partners
NWA EMERGING LEADERS Supporting Black Hills Energy
NWA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SUMMIT
Silver Benchmark Group Bronze Landmark, PLC Media KNWA / KFTA Lamar Advertising Company Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Signage Printova Signs
READY, SET, RUN!
Supporting Black Hills Energy Signage Printova Signs
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE QUARTER Presenting Showcase Trophy & Awards
THANK-A-TEACHER CELEBRATION PARADE Presenting Sam’s Furniture Platinum Glad Manufacturing Fair Hight Jackson Associates, P.A. Silver Arkansas State Teachers Association Black Hills Energy Kumon Math & Reading Center of Lowell Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc. Northwest Health System Sam’s Club Steve Landers Toyota NWA Bronze AEP Southwestern Electric Power/SWEPCO Arkansas BlueCross BlueShield Celebrate Arkansas Flintco Nabholz Construction Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette United Federal Credit Union Signage Minuteman Press
VIRTUAL ROGERS CYCLING FESTIVAL Presenting Crossland Heavy Contractors Rider Village A&B Distributors Gear Glad Manufacturing Gold Hight Jackson Associates, P.A. Ignite Chiropractic Phat Tire Bike Shop Media Sponsor
Chamber Networking & Educational Events The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a variety of events to help build your network and learn. Below are the upcoming events to note. For more event details and to register, visit us online at RogersLowell.com.
SPECIAL NOTE** | Participants of Events, Meetings & Gatherings As Northwest Arkansas gets back to business, the safety of our staff and
With this in mind, see some of our events below with requirements
our community is the number one priority. We want to ensure you that we
for in-person attendance or notes about ways to attend virtually. Be sure
take public health very seriously. In compliance with the health directives and
to check RogersLowell.com, review our eNewsletters (Monday Memo and
guidelines issued by Governor Asa Hutchinson and the Arkansas Department
Calendar at a Glance), and follow us on social media for updates about our
of Health, we are taking the necessary steps to slow the spread of COVID-19
events and meetings as well as developments that might affect business in
and protect those of high risk.
Northwest Arkansas.
Rules for In-Person Event Attendance
• Registering for in-person events beforehand is REQUIRED to help us plan and practice social distancing guidelines
• Please do not shake hands or engage in any unnecessary physical contact • Wearing a mask or face covering is required by the governor to help protect others
• Please do not attend if you have a cough or fever
• Business cards will not be collected by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce
• Maintain a minimum of six feet from other people
• No walk ups will be permitted
• Sneeze and/or cough into your elbow
• Door Prizes will be randomly selected before the event
Every Wednesday
OCT
OCT
22
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Presented By | Printova Signs & Graphics
Presented by | Great Southern Bank
Presented by | Great Southern Bank
October Host Sponsor | Juice Plus+
Host Sponsor | Northwest Medical Plaza - Pinnacle
Host Sponsor | Centennial Bank
Venue Partner | Golden Corral
Location | 2000 S. 42nd Street, Suite 100 | Rogers
Location | 4000 W. Walnut St. | Rogers
Location | 2605 W. Pleasant Crossing Dr. | Rogers
Business After Hours has proven to be the
This event is a weekly Business-to-Business
Business After Hours has proven to be the
Chamber’s biggest and most popular ongoing
Chamber’s biggest and most popular ongoing
networking and referral event that meets each
networking event. Grab a stack of business cards
networking event. Grab a stack of business cards
Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. at Golden
and come join us for some fun business branding,
and come join us for some fun business branding,
Corral in Rogers.
delicious food, drinks and great door prizes!
delicious food, drinks and great door prizes! Also at this Business After Hours (October 29) attendees are encouraged to decorate their face
OCT OCT
07
Empowerment Sponsor | Verizon Location | Courtyard by Marriott – Rogers and ONLINE Address | 4201 W. Green Acres Road | Rogers TOPIC | Leading and Living in Crisis Hustle in Heels - LADIES LEAD NWA is an initiative dedicated to empowering, educating, and connecting women with a modern approach to professional and business development. The pandemic and politics make it a difficult time to lead an organization but now it’s more important than ever to lead well. Dr. Debbie Jones
covering (no real Halloween masks permitted).
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Decorate your mask or face covering and have it judged for a chance to win a prize. The host will also have pumpkins available for decorating,
Presented By |
so bring your creativity and enjoy the night
7 Brew Coffee & Aloft Rogers Bentonville Host Sponsor | Burrell Behavioral Health
networking around the Halloween spirit!
Location | To Be Announced Set your alarm early, and join us for an awesome morning business-building networking event! This networking event is like a Business After Hours but held first thing in the morning.
REGISTRATION FOR ALL EVENTS REQUIRED AT ROGERSLOWELL.COM
Just bring plenty of business cards and get ready to make some new connections - think of it as a little business before business!
discusses the principles that guide her through times of crisis.
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | OCTOBER2020
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Check www.RogersLowell.com Often for Updates and Information on Meetings & Events
We are dedicated to getting as much information out as possible, both about the COVID-19 situation as well as our policies regarding events and our calendar. Thank you for your patience as we continue to work with our vendors, local officials, and everyone involved in the production of our events to set schedules moving forward throughout the year.
THE FUTURE OF NEWS HAS ARRIVED Join the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Digital Replica Program and experience the newspaper every day on an iPad that’s included in your subscription at no extra cost.*
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nwaonline.com/ nwaipad or call 1-866-927-5201
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