Chamber Voice | September 2015

SEPTEMBER2015 | Vol 10 Issue 9

Regional Coalition Celebrates 25 Years

by Jennifer Joyner NWA Business Journal (Reprinted with Permission)

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Alice Walton and Jim Walton listen to a speaker during the annual meeting of the Northwest Arkansas Council on July 20 at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville.

Photograph Courtesy of Beth Hall

or 25 years, the Northwest Arkansas Council has brought together business and civic leaders from throughout the region, identified common issues, and advocated for major projects that proved to be pivotal for the area. The council played a key role in the creation of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport and the Benton/Washington Regional Public Water Authority in the 1990s, and in helping procure funds for major, gamechanging highway projects throughout the years.

More recently, the organization helped establish a regional wayfinding system and has conceived and executed strategic plans to further develop the economy through programs that support education and workforce development.

Back in 1990, Northwest Arkansas had a number of elements that could promote economic development separately, boasting the world’s largest retailer, the state’s largest university and major players in the transportation and foodprocessing industries. But the council was formed because business leaders believed that, if these entities and the cities joined forces, the region would be greater than the sum of its parts.

“The best thing we could do was get together and build a regional solution or regional priority, and out of that became the genesis of ‘I don’t live in Fayetteville; I live in Northwest Arkansas,’” John Elrod, a founding member of the council, said in a video looking at the history of the organization. “In those days, the word Continued on Page 4...

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Events and Meetings

Engaging & Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders in the Region Regional Coalition Celebrates 25 Years (Continued) Leadership Benton County Announces Class 14 | 40 Participants Selected Small Business Corner – Join the Small Business Council; Small Business of the Month

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August Coffee Connection Attracts Crowd of Networkers 2015 NWA Business Expo | The Event in Pictures 2015 NWA Business Expo | The Event in Pictures (Continued)

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Welcome New Members | July 2015

Ribbon Cuttings | July 2015; Visit Rogers | See You in September Chamber Membership Renewals | July 2015

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Inaugural Rogers Cycling Festival a Success

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Chamber Welcomes Teachers Back to School in August

RogersLowell.com | SEPTEMBER2015

Chamber Networking & Educational Events

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business-building events designed for you

upcoming meetings

9.2 Sunrise Seminar Series | What’s New in Social Media 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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

9.3 Small Business Council Meeting 8:30 a.m.

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce 9.9 Rogers Advertising & Promotion Commission 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

9.8 Coffee Connection 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Fast Lane Entertainment

2015 DIRECTORS

Lori Brown, Kimberly Clark Dewayne Burns, eSCO Processing & Recycling Guy Cable, Grand Savings Bank Clay Conly, First Western Jeff Geurian, CEI Engineering Erin Kiefer, Assembled Products

9.10 Ambassadors Monthly Meeting 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

9.11 Fall Golf Tournament 8:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Tee Times Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club

2016 DIRECTORS

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

9.16 Member Orientation 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

2017 DIRECTORS

9.17 Business After Hours 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Tabi Lipscomb, Arvest Benton County Jeff Wood, Tyson Foods Kristen Boozman, Portfolio Real Estate Mauricio Herrera, Legal Center of NWA Eric Pianalto, Mercy NWA Frank Bailey, Bailey & Oliver Law Firm

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Jeremy Barclay, Northwest Health System Jerry Carmichael, TY International Inc. Mike Clawson, Del Monte Foods, Inc. Bob Clinard, Benton County Judge Dr. Janie Darr, Rogers Public Schools Rich Davis, SourceGas Arkansas Inc. Mike Dodge, Carroll Electric Coop. Corp.

Sandy Edwards, Crystal Bridges Museum Spencer Fox, NWA Emerging Leaders; Simmons Bank Dan Hendrix, World Trade Center Arkansas Greg Hines, Mayor, City of Rogers Chris Johnson, Cabela’s Brad Jones, New Creature Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson, NWACC Peter Lane, Walton Arts Center David Lang, Embassy Suites NWA Eldon Long, Mayor, City of Lowell Jeff Milford, AEP/SWEPCO Charles Nevin, Advantage Sales & Marketing Dawn Spragg, Central United Methodist Church Thom Stathakis, Everett Buick GMC Chris Sultemeier, Walmart Dick Trammel, Arkansas Highway Commission Vicki Vasser, Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure, Thompson, & Fryauf, P.A.

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

9.24 Community Diversity Celebration Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Taqueria Vega

View complete calendar at RogersLowell.com

9.30 Business to Business Luncheon 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Keypoint Church For information on other upcoming events visit the complete calendar online at RogersLowell.com

Paid for through Periodical “Chamber Voice” (USPS 492950) is published monthly in January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October November and December; (semi-monthly in April) by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc., 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756. Periodical postage paid at Rogers, AR.

DIVISION CHAIRS

Community Development – Erin Kiefer Membership Services – Vicki Vasser Economic Development – Jeff Milford Government Affairs – Jerry Carmichael Convention & Visitors Bureau – David Lang

9.18 Government Affairs Committee 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

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

AUDIT COMMITTEE Guy Cable Frank Bailey David Hale

POSTMASTER send address changes to: ROGERS-LOWELL AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER, 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756.

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

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

Brooklynn Wiley Director of Special Events brooklynn@rogerslowell.com

Katie Wright Assistant to the President katie@rogerslowell.com

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

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

Jacque Eakins Account Executive jacque@rogerslowell.com

Ashley Matsumura Information Specialist ashley@rogerslowell.com

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

Whitney Yoder, IOM Vice President of Community Development whitney@rogerslowell.com

Marni Rogers Member Services Representative marni@rogerslowell.com

Amanda Mills Information Specialist amanda@rogerslowell.com

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

Judy Diffee Finance Manager judy@rogerslowell.com

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

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

Nick Smith Creative Services Manager nick@rogerslowell.com

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

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Engaging & Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders in the Region

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orthwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders developed out of the Vision 2025 plan prepared by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. The leadership program was created in response to a need identified during the plan’s development: the need to engage professionals in the community and prepare the next generation of leadership. The organization formed in late 2008 and rolled out a full slate of programming and workgroups the following year. The first full year saw more than 250 people attend programs and events, and five workgroups formed. By the end of 2009, membership topped 100. Today, the organization has 616 members representing all sizes of businesses and a variety of local industries and even helps as a retention strategy numerous opportunities to develop leadership for suppliers and new companies relocating to skills like strategic thinking, communications the region. and negotiation, leading change, coaching and mentoring, problem solving and leading

teams. Membership also helps build important leadership competencies that companies are seeking today.

Impact to Community | Workgroups

Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders offers its members five workgroups to help them get involved in projects that seek to improve the community and make the region a better place to live, work and raise a family. Workgroups meet monthly. Members are encouraged to attend meetings and get involved by bringing ideas, input and energy to group projects.

NWAEL’s Mission

Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders exists to connect and engage Northwest Arkansas young professionals through personal and professional development experiences.

Impact to Self | Developing Leadership Skills

Membership is open to anyone in Northwest Arkansas that has a desire to get involved in the community, expand their leadership skills and become engaged in the program of work. There are no ongoing requirements or minimum participation levels. Joining simply requires completing an online registration form and passion. Joining opens the door to

RogersLowell.com | SEPTEMBER2015

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...Continued from Page 1

Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport – XNA

regionalism would be spoken in the same breath as the word Communism. There were very, very strong feelings,” said Elrod, a partner at legal firm Conner & Winters LLP in Fayetteville.

Some council members pointed to high school football rivalries as a source of underlying competition between the cities. The development of a united front and regional mindset did not just happen naturally and took a few years of planning. “It wasn’t always an easy start. It wasn’t easy conversation, but over the years it’s gotten easier, and that’s because of the camaraderie and the consistency of the people involved,” Rosalind Brewer, outgoing presiding co-chair, said at the meeting. Brewer, President and CEO of Sam’s Club Inc., said the work of the council has helped cultivate a region where she was happy to bring her family. “I have a 12-year-old daughter who absolutely loves this environment,” she said.

Who’s Who of NWA

cate. “It starts with building consensus within the region, finding a common voice to undertake major projects that are important to the entire region and everybody that lives in Northwest Arkansas,” Lindsey said. “The council has an ability to exercise a strong advocacy, giving community and civic business leaders within the region a common voice, supported by mayors, judges, quorum courts and city councils, which makes it easier when talking to members of Congress, governors, and any of the funding agencies, whether it’s the Federal Highway Administration or the Federal Aviation Administration, appro-priations committees in both Washington, D.C., and Little Rock,” Lindsey said.

At the 25th anniversary luncheon, fellow council members lauded Lindsey’s dedication during his years as executive director, and his knowledgeable insight on a wide range of subjects. He was also granted an honorary lifetime membership — a distinction previously given only to President Bill Clinton and Alice Walton.

According to a piece on the history of the NWA Council in its annual report, John Lewis, Co-Founder of The Bank of Fayetteville, and WalMart Stores Inc. Founder Sam Walton began discussing the idea of a regional business council in the late 1980s. When the council first got together in 1990, it was a motley crew of 25, also including Walton’s daughter, Alice Walton, named the first Chairman of the Council, Simmons Foods Chairman and CEO Mark Simmons, Tyson Foods Inc. Founder John Tyson, his son, Don Tyson, who served as Chairman of the company at the time, and J.B. Hunt, Founder of J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. ~ John Elrod In describing NWA Council’s impact on the Founding Member, NWA Council community, Uvalde Lindsey, Executive Director from 1990 to 2005, said the council itself as a pri- A Catalyst For Achievement vate, nonprofit organization cannot build anyU.S. Rep. Steve Womack gave remarks regardthing. Those tasks are left to the region’s public ing the council via a video that was shown during entities, and the council can only act as an advo- the meeting. “NWA and our entire state would not be

“The best thing we could do was get together and build a regional solution or regional priority, and out of that became the genesis of ‘I don’t live in Fayetteville; I live in Northwest Arkansas.’ ”

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the same, if not for the dedication of the NWA Council,” Womack said. “Thank you for being the catalyst for all we’ve become,” he said, pointing to what he called the council’s “countless achievements.”

The crown jewel of those achievements might be the founding of the regional airport, or XNA. Identified early on by the council as a key goal, the proposed project was met with its share of naysayers, who questioned the choice to build an airport “in a cow pasture, with no airlines convinced to go there,” said luncheon keynote speaker Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who served in U.S. Congress when the airport opened in 1998. “I’ll never forget the intensity of Alice Walton and her leadership,” Hutchinson said. “It took that intensity and vision to make sure that was accomplished with all of the mayors and the cities. It was really her heart that was put into that.“Years later, it exceeded all expectations — built on budget, built on time, and it transformed Northwest Arkansas,” he said.

In the early 1990s, the region had to work hard for any attention from state government. But now, Bentonville-born Hutchinson said the region is often the topic of discussion when he makes gubernatorial appointments. “We’re always looking at, is NWA being considered for this appointment? We want to make sure that one of the economic engines of our state is adequately represented in state government.”

Highways and Water

In addition to a regional airport, council members identified the completion of U.S. Highway 412, between Siloam Springs and Springdale, and improvements to U.S. Highway 71 as crucial projects for the region’s future in 1990, according to the council’s report. Those projects were completed in the mid-1990s.

Drinking water access to rural areas of Benton and Washington counties was also an issue identified early on by the council. It researched which towns needed the service and

potential routes for a pipeline bringing water from Beaver Lake, and then it worked with U.S. Sen. Dale Bumpers, a member of the appropriations committee at the time, to secure federal funding that jump-started the regional water authority, commonly known as “Two-Ton,” Lindsey said. The project was completed in 1999.

“Those are the things that the council does.

It puts together a plan, finds out the best way to proceed to carry out that plan and then finds the resources necessary to actually build the projects,” Lindsey said. Members say that, while the NWA Council did not single-handedly bring about change, it at least helped expedite the process.

“You could make the case that a lot of the projects might have eventually happened, but they would not have happened as quickly as they did and some might not have happened at all,” said Scott Van Laningham, Executive Director of XNA and Vice Chair and Secretary/Treasurer of the council.

Looking Forward

Also in the meeting, members of the council honored longtime member, former U.S. Rep. John Paul Hammerschmidt, who died in April. His fellow council members described Hammerschmidt as a visionary, and Hutchinson credited him as the driving force behind the establishment of what is now Interstate 49, another key infrastructure project. Hammerschmidt served as chair of the

Jim Walton, Chairman and CEO of Arvest Bank, is the co-chair for 2015-16, having held the position three times now. Fayetteville native Mike Malone has been President and CEO of the council since 2006, and the organization is now comprised of more than 100 members.

In 2014, the council declared an early victory on a five-year plan established in 2010 to boost economic growth, and it announced a new, threeyear plan in January. While the more recent plans still address infrastructure issues, there is an added focus on education, workforce development and quality of life.

In addition to a video looking back at the history of the council, a video titled “Looking Forward” was shown, featuring comments from young local business leaders, including Daniel Hintz, Chief Experience Architect at Velocity Group, and Karen Minkel, home region Program Director for the Walton Family Foundation. Hutchinson reflected on his recent visit to Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, California, as a source of inspiration for the region. He said that some elements at the headquarters were purposely council from 1993 to 2005.

His departure from the position led to the left unfinished, meant to serve as a reminder to implementation of a new chairman system everyone that the job is not yet completed.

“What a word picture as to where we are in that consisted of one-year terms. Since then, John Tyson, Simmons, and former University of NWA,” he said. “Great things have been done, but Arkansas Chancellor David Gearhart are among more needs to be done for this generation and those who filled the role as presiding co-chair. the next.”

New Wayfinding Sign in Northwest Arkansas

Leadership Benton County Announces Class 14 | 40 Participants Selected

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

The LBC program consists of 12 sessions held monthly from August to May. Sessions include an evening Orientation, a two-day Opening Retreat, a two day trip to Little Rock, eight day-long sessions, and a Graduation Celebration. Each session runs approximately from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Session topics include Local/County Government, Human Services, Leadership Workshop, Economy, Education, State Government, Humanities & Healthcare, a “Class-Planned” session, and NWA Quality of Life Day. Leadership Benton County is a regional leadership program coordinated by the RogersLowell Area Chamber of Commerce, Bentonville/ Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce and the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Leadership Benton County

Class 14

Jon Allen | Chambers Bank Jeremy Barclay | Northwest Medical Center Bentonville Lauren Blass | Collective Bias Jill Booker | Nabholz Construction Jill Bright | Parkway Bank Brian Buckley | Centennial Bank Amy Burleson | Mercy Health Northwest Arkansas Barb Busiek | NWA Regional Airport Karis Butler | Walton Family Foundation Christian Campbell | Arvest Bank Ben Carroll | Arvest Bank Jamey Clayberg | Walmart Shauna Collins | Boys & Girls Club of Benton County Jennifer Cozens | The Walmart Museum Derek Eckelhoff | First Security Bank Angie Ellis | Capital Abstract & Title Co. Cameron Fincher | Walmart Jeff Hatley | Ozark Regional Transit Jason Hedden | First National Bank of NWA Tiffany Hellerstedt | The Peel Compton Foundation

Eva Husky | Circle of Life Hospice Erin Jernigan | Visit Rogers Meghan Kenney | Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce Marion Knaust | Mercy Health Northwest Arkansas Kelsey Kreher | City of Rogers Dakota Leming | Arvest Bank Matt Loos | Crafton Tull Jennifer Luker | 1st Employment Staffing Katie Matzenbacher | Day Spring David McWhorter | Embassy Suites of Northwest Arkansas Johanna Musgrave | John Brown University Shea Nuckols | onIT Abigail O’Brien | Chick-fil-a Amy Rachel | Signature Bank of Arkansas Lisa Richards | Swim Instructor Tim Stachowiak | Ventura Foods Hunter Thomason | Flake & Kelley Commercial Jerry Walls | City of Bentonville Stephen Wright | Legacy National Bank Jay Yu | Gates Corporation

RogersLowell.com | SEPTEMBER2015

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Join the Small Business Council

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he Small Business Council (SBC) of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce was formed in 2005. It is made up 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 Chamber staff on the needs of the small business community within Northwest Arkansas. The SBC’s mission statement is: Promoting sustainable

growth for small business through awareness, diversity, and education.

The twenty member council meets on the first Thursday of each month to talk about the needs of the small business community, nominate and select a small business of the month, develop business education programming for Chamber University, and discuss and help implement small business programs for the Chamber. Members also help facilitate and run the bi-monthly Member Orientations held at the Chamber

offices. This gives the SBC opportunities to get to know new members and help share the vision of the Chamber.

Those wishing to serve on the SBC must fill out an application and be approved by a combination of Chamber staff and the executive committee of the SBC. The term of service starts in January 2016 and goes through December 2016.

If you are interested in learning more about the SBC or want to serve, contact Steve Cox at Steve@ RogersLowell.com for an application.

“Promoting sustainable growth for small business through awareness, diversity, and education.”

Congratulations to Startup Junkie Consulting LLC This month’s winner is Startup Junkie Consulting LLC |

This company is a great example of being innovative and having community spirit. Their efforts in helping budding entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses through programs like the Ark Challenge and G60 Elevator Pitch Contest is making great changes in and around Northwest Arkansas. Startup Junkie gives back to the community by working with area non-profit organizations like the Jones Center, Engage NWA, and area Chambers of Commerce.

Presented By |

September 2015 Winner | casIenc.

S h oy &wA w ards,

T roph

Engravable Gifts Awards Trophies

Rogers Historic District

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August Coffee Connection Attracts Crowd of Networkers

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t was one of the largest turnouts this year for Coffee Connection on August 4. Members gathered to start the day networking for new contacts, enjoying a light breakfast and entering to win some fantastic door prizes at Tropical Smoothie Cafe located at 3351 S. Pinnacle Hills Pkwy. in Rogers.

The August event was presented by Arvest Bank and George Nunnally Chevrolet. The event’s host sponsor was Cox Media | Cox Business. Thanks to the

sponsors for a successful and fun networking event.

If you could not join us in August, enjoy these pictures and be sure to set your alarm early for the September 8 Coffee Connection which will be held at Fast Lane Entertainment in Lowell. If you did attend in August, thanks for joining us for one of the most popular and growing morning networking events in town.

Coffee Connection is free and open to members and a fun way to start your day!

Special Thanks to Our Event Sponsors | Presenting Sponsors |

Host Sponsor |

Your daily subscription includes access to local, state, national and world news delivered to your home every morning and at your fingertips throughout the day. Stay connected to Your Community with #OurPaper.

RogersLowell.com | SEPTEMBER2015

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2015 NWA Business Expo

The Event in Pictures

NWA BUSINESS EXPO

The Northwest Arkansas (NWA) Business Expo is a partnership between the World Trade Center Arkansas and the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and is designed to help connect businesses of all sizes with other businesses, new contacts and new customers. This year a total of 130 businesses showcased their products and services at exhibit booths, and close to 600 people visited the expo floor.

KICK-OFF PARTY

On Monday night before the Expo, Crossland Construction hosted a fantastic Kick-Off Party at their corporate offices in Rogers located at 1800 S. 52nd St., Ste. 410, on their beautiful 4th floor balcony overlooking the Pinnacle Hills area of Rogers.

It was a fun night of delicious food, drinks and great door prizes, and provided excellent opportunities for sponsors, exhibitors and members to make connections with casual networking.

Over 100 people attended the Party.

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G60 ELEVATOR PITCH CONTEST

Back by popular demand this year was the Gone in 60 Seconds (G60) Elevator Pitch Contest held at noon inside the Expo. This event promotes start-ups, improves contestants’ communications skills, and increases “creative collisions” in emerging entrepreneurial ecosystems. Attendance was free for Expo attendees and no registration fee was required for the contestants. A total of 30 start-up entrepreneurs participated and had 60 seconds to pitch their concept with no slides and no notes in a standing-room only crowd of around 150 people.

Two $1,000 prizes were awarded: the People’s Choice went to Swivel Caddy pitched by two teenage girls - Cate Mertins (14 years old) and Ellen Timmerman (13 years old); and the Judges’ Award went to CartDelivered pitched by Joshua Ayres. The Swivel Caddy is a spinning tower of tools that provides the user easier access than having to dig through a tool box while working; CartDelivered was described as the “Uber of grocery delivery” a platform for pick-up and delivery of groceries by people already shopping at a store. Jeff Amerine (Founder of Startup Junkie Consulting) was the MC and Dr. John James (Acumen Brands), Amy Callahan (Collective Bias) and Nick Dozier (Atlas Technology Group) were the featured judges this year.

People’s Choice Winner | Swivel Caddy

Judges’ Winner | CartDelivered

Special Thanks to Our Event Sponsors | Expo Sponsors

G60 Sponsor

Exhibitors Lounge Sponsor

Media Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Expo Bag Sponsors

RogersLowell.com | SEPTEMBER2015

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Inaugural Rogers Cycling Festival a Success

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he Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders kicked off the inaugural Rogers Cycling Festival in Rogers on August 1-2 featuring an expanded menu of six cycling events. There were opportunities for all skill levels and events for road cyclists and mountain bike enthusiasts. Two of the events, a 3-person team time trial and a road race, were USA Cycling sanctioned. The Rogers Cycling Festival is supported in part by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation.

RACES AND RESULTS

Road Edition

This 11-mile mass start time trial began in Downtown Rogers, and raced to Avoca and back with the goal of beating the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad train back to downtown... as well as the mountain bikers. All who beat the train won an engraved railroad spike.

WINNERS | 1st Male - Derek Yorek (Team GPP Cycling) 1st Female - Ariel Wyant (Team Bixby Bicycles)

Mountain Edition

Mountain bike racers covered approximately six miles over the new single track trails at Lake Atalanta Park with a joint finish to beat the A&M train and road bike racers. All who beat the train won an engraved railroad spike.

WINNERS | 1st Male - Cooper Drummond (Team Drummond Family Racing) 1st Female - Allie Corlett (Team Phat Tire Bikes)

A two-person mountain bike relay format on the new single track trails at Lake Atalanta Park. Two categories: Sport and Novice. Total prize payout: merchandise valued at $500.

SPORT WINNERS | 1st Place - John Drummond and Cooper Drummond (Team Drummond Family Racing) NOVICE WINNERS | 1st Place - Josh Houghton and Derek Brewer (Team Josh and Derek)

A relaxed, family friendly 1.26-mile course laid on the brick streets of historic Downtown Rogers.

Prizes were awarded to the best poker hands.

There were a lot of winners!

A USA Cycling sanctioned road race held on a 6.1-mile loop in the Walnut Valley area outside of northeast Rogers. Total prize payout: over $2,000 in cash and merchandise.

WOMEN’S OPEN WINNER | Ariel Wyant (Team Bixby Bicycles) W O M E N ’ S 3 /4 W I N N E R | Susan Zehner (Team Girls Bike Bentonville) A 3-person USA Cycling sanctioned team trial for MEN’S 1/2/3 WINNER | road cyclists over a 10-mile course on N. Arkansas Gerald Drummond (Team Fayetteville Wheelman) St./Old Wire Rd. from Rogers to Avoca and back. Total MEN’S MASTERS WINNER | prize payout: over $1,400 in cash and merchandise.

Jason Vickery (Team Three Happy Cows) WINNERS | M E N ’ S 3 /4 W I N N E R | Scott Barnes, Will Frank and Paul Hunt Kevin Solomon (Team CARVE) (Team Barnes) MEN’S 4/5 WINNER | Andrew Evans (Team University of Arkansas) MEN’S JUNIOR WINNER | Walter Ferguson (Team HealthSouth Race Team) Photography of the event used on this page provided by Novo Studio MEN’S 5 WINNER | Vince Hess (Team Bixby Bicycle Works)

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Chamber Welcomes Teachers Back to School in August

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he Education Committee of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Teacher Education Fair & Appreciation Breakfast Friday, August 14 from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. at Rogers Heritage High School. This year’s fair and breakfast was presented by Hight-Jackson Associates, P.A. Breakfast was provided by McDonald’s. Close to 1,000 faculty and staff of the public schools, charter schools, private schools and the community college attended. Eighty Chamber members took advantage of the opportunity to purchase exhibit space and present their products and services. Members also showed support by providing giveaways for classroom use and donating door prizes for teachers to take back to the classroom.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors | Gold Sponsors |

Silver Sponsors |

Presenting Sponsor |

Bronze Sponsors |

RogersLowell.com | SEPTEMBER2015

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Welcome NEW MEMBERS | July 2015 B Scene Media Tony Beringer 609 S.W. 8th St., Ste. 600 Bentonville, AR 72712 (479) 286-1286 | b-scenemedia.com Marketing & Advertising Consultants

Fast Track It Adrian Dominguez 1315 N. 13th St. Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 282-3467 | bidfta.com Auction Sales

Northern Arkansas Entertainment Dylan Williams Fayetteville, AR 72704 (501) 766-8344 | northernarkansasentertainment.com Rentals - Party Supplies, Equipment

Rainbow Honda Rick Whitten 1050 W. Hudson Rd. Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 903-7373 | rainbowhonda.net Motorcycle Dealers

Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home Kelly Lowell 3800 W. Walnut St. Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 636-2412 | bentoncountymemorialpark.com Funeral Homes

Haverty’s Furniture Matthew Best 2203 Promenade Blvd., Ste. 20440 Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 202-7166 | havertys.com Furniture

NWA Identity Shield Kathy Bailey Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 426-2843 | forlegalaccess.com Legal Services

RE/MAX Real Estate Results Chase Tipton 3103 Moberly Ln. Bentonville, AR 72712 (479) 445-5543 Real Estate - Commercial and Residential

Blind Lady of NWA Nan House P.O. Box 575 Elkins, AR 72727 (479) 531-4785 | Find Us On Facebook Window Coverings B’s Closet Consignment Beverly Wilson 1400 W. Walnut St., Ste. 106 Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 531-5623 | Find Us On Facebook Consignment Shops CALL in NWA Ann Meythaler 203 W. Monroe Ave., Ste. O Lowell, AR 72745 (479) 418-1314 | thecallinarkansas.org Organizations Carters Audio Video Heather and Jeff Carter 2805 Rogers Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901 (479) 646-5901 | cartersav.com Audio-Visual-Equipment & Production Edward Jones Fred Fryer, Financial Advisor 3169 W. Walnut St., Ste. A Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 636-1191 | edwardjones.com Financial & Financial Advisors

Imagine Studios Melanie Hewins 3017 N. College Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72703 (479) 619-6085 | imaginestudiosnwa.com Recreation

NWA Premier Counseling Ryan Burchfield 5305 Village Parkway, Ste. 8 Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 372-7446 Counseling OK Let’s Talk LLC Martha Hamm P.O. Box 1017 Fayetteville, AR 72702 (479) 304-4904 | okletstalk.org Counseling

Innovative Objects Julie Damer 2340 S. Range Line Rd. Joplin, MO 64804 (417) 680-7060 | innovativeobjects.com Computer Software Development Ozark Regional Vein Center Lauren McInnes Intercut Productions - Film and Video 5507 Walsh Ln., Ste. 101 Zak Heald Rogers, AR 72758 1 Halsted Circle, Suite 4 (479) 464-8346 | Rogers, AR 72756 ozarkregionalveincenter.com (479) 381-9886 | ipfilmvideo.com Physicians & Surgeons Video Production Partytime Ponies Laser Wellness Center Jack and Julie Johansen Brad Hegerman 12395 W. Highway 62 2003 S. Horsebarn Rd., Ste. 3B Farmington, AR 72730 Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 267-2101 | partytimeponies.net (479) 250-9821 | Entertainment laserwellnesscenternwa.com Pain Management Pinnacle Roofing Amanda Johnson LaVida Massage & Medspa P.O. Box 2640 Gwen Heim Bentonville, AR 72712 103 S.W. Winsted, Ste. 15 (479) 250-1470 | mypinnacleroofing.com Bentonville, AR 72712 Contractors - Roofing (479) 876-8004 | lavidamassagebentonvillear.com Promenade at Pinnacle Hills 745 E. Joyce Blvd., Ste. 220 Holly Nunemaker Fayetteville, AR 72703 4101 W. Huntington Drive (479) 521-3232 | Rogers, AR 72758 lavidamassagefayettevillear.com (574) 247-3252 Massage Therapy Luxury Apartment Homes

SmileHard Car Services Eric and Lori Hull Rogers, AR 72756 (855) 995-7433 (RIDE) | smilehardcar.com Taxi/Car Services SNC Squared Technology Group John Motazedi 706 W. 26th St. Joplin, MO 64804 (417) 622-0933 | sncsquared.com Computer Services Soldier On Service Dogs, Inc. Michelle Nalley 205 N. Church Ave., Ste. 3 Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 521-9301 | soldieronservicedogsinc.org Organizations spa810 Chastity Bennicoff 5001 W. Pauline Whitaker Pkwy., Ste. 115 Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 877-7041 | spa810laserskinmassage.com Spa Therapies

Starbucks Coffee Melanie Little 111 Ozark Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8704 | starbucks.com 2117 W. Martin Luther King Blvd.

Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 957-0654 | starbucks.com 2605 W. Pleasant Grove Rd. Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 986-8875 | starbucks.com 2003 Promenade Blvd., Ste. 101 Rogers, AR 72758 (479) 636-0386 | starbucks.com 1401 S. Walton Blvd., Ste. 11 Bentonville, AR 72712 (479) 254-0943 | starbucks.com 913 S.E. Walton Blvd.

Bentonville, AR 72712 (479) 464-9069 | starbucks.com 3901 Shiloh Dr. Fayetteville, AR 72703 (479) 444-3380 | starbucks.com 4520 W. Walnut St. Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 936-8250 | starbucks.com Coffee Houses The Sweetery ShaLinda Boyd 1149 W. Walnut St., Ste. A Rogers, AR 72756 (479) 636-1941 | Find Us On Facebook Bakeries Women’s Health Associates Vie Samuelson 2900 Medical Center Parkway, Ste. 370 Bentonville, AR 72712 (479) 553-2525 | whanwa.com Physicians & Surgeons

Wynn’s Plumbing - ACG Dawn Wynn Stanford Coaching, LLC 320 N. Bloomington St., Ste. G Corey Stanford Lowell, AR 72745 Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 721-2706 | wynnsplumbing.com (479) 304-9003 | stanford-coaching.com Contractors - Plumbing Coaching - Business and Personal

Do You Have Open Positions? Post to RogersLowell.com The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce offers an online Job Bank available at no cost to members. The Job Bank enables members to post open positions along with job descriptions and requirements. This free service is available only to members, however, available jobs may be viewed by anyone visiting RogersLowell.com.

Go to RogersLowell.com, visit the “Live & Work” section and click on “Find a Job” 12 Chamber Voice | SEPTEMBER2015

July 2015

B’S CLOSET CONSIGNMENT

RAINBOW HONDA

1400 W. Walnut St., Ste. 106, Rogers

1050 W. Hudson Rd., Rogers

SPA810

5001 W. Pauline Whitaker Pkwy., Ste. 115, Rogers

STERLING GROUP INSURANCE 601 W. Walnut St. Ste. 15, Rogers

SAVE THE DATE | Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Sponsor |

Learn more about your Chamber of Commerce and the programs that benefit you and your business at Member Orientation.

Here’s an opportunity to familiarize yourself and your employees with all of the benefits available through your Chamber membership. You’ll learn more about the Chamber’s website and how it helps to promote your business, and more about Chamber advertising media to incorporate into your marketing plan.

Member Orientation is offered every other month during the year. This orientation is beneficial for new members, members that want a refresher on what the Chamber has to offer and new company representatives.

It’s an excellent overview of Chamber networking events and other programs all designed to help grow your business and make the most of your membership.

Member Orientation is conducted by members of the Small Business Council

Wednesday, September 16 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce 317 W. Walnut St. | Rogers Free and Open to Members Registration Required Presenting Sponsor |

Platinum Sponsor |

Gold Sponsor |

and is free and open to all members.

Please register as space is limited to the first 40 respondents.

Visit Rogers | See You in September Visit StayinRogers.com for a Complete List of Accommodations.

A Room for Every Taste.

And Every Budget.

Arkansas Razorbacks Football | Fayetteville Games

September 5, 2015 | UTEP September 19, 2015 | Texas Tech (Family Weekend) #RogersRocks Book your Razorbacks weekend in Rogers. Enjoy amazing Bikes Blues & BBQ shopping, plenty of places to grab September 23-26, 2015 some great food and a variety of The 2015 rally will hotel accommodations that make Rogers home base mark the 16th anniversary for your Northwest Arkansas getaway! Woo Pig Sooie! of Bikes, Blues and BBQ, the largest motorcycle rally in the Rogers Aquatics Center United States benefiting local Open Until September 7, 2015 charities. Last year, it was estimated that over 400,000 Beautiful three acre waterpeople attended the rally from all 50 states and many park filled with water fun for the other countries. Visit BikesBluesandBBQ.org for a whole family! complete list of activities and venue schedules.

The Walmart AMP

September 5, 2015 | Pedro Fernandez with Ninel Conde September, 15, 2015 | Hozier with Nate Ruess September 19, 2015 | Bryan Adams Reckless 30th Anniversary Tour September 25, 2015 | First Kiss: Cheap Date Tour; Kid Rock with Tim Montana & The Shrednecks

RogersLowell.com | SEPTEMBER2015

13

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS | July 2015 30+ years

Benchmark Group - 37 years War Eagle Cavern on Beaver Lake - 37 years

21-30 years

Altrusa International Inc. of Rogers Bekaert Corporation Burger King MetroPark Dental Arts Northwest Arkansas Council Northwest Arkansas Head Start

11-20 years

American Standard Foundation Repair ARC Construction & Development, Inc. Atlanta Bread Co. Cooper Communities / CRI Dixie Restaurants, Inc. Family Foot Health Center First Security Bank Hudson & Associates, Inc. KNWA / KFTA Lewis & Clark Outfitters Modern Fence & Supply Co., Inc. Northwest Communications Old Town Dry Cleaners Pile’s Concrete Inc. Sonic Drive-In Tatum-Smith Engineers, Inc.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vacation Rentals, Inc. Waco Title Company Walker & Associates Realtors, Inc. White River Gallery Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP

6-10 years

Alzheimer’s Association Arkansas State Teachers Association Bella Vista Village Property Owners Association Bentonville - Bella Vista Daybreak Rotary BKD, LLP Blue Cliff College BodyScan for Health, Inc. Career Development Partners Inc. Carrabba’s Italian Grill Catering Unlimited The Computer Hut Daylight Donuts Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Domino’s Education Association of Rogers Faithful Friends Animal Clinic Fast Lane Entertainment Handymann Matters of NWA John Brown University Rogers Center The Jones Trust Keypoint Church

14 Chamber Voice | SEPTEMBER2015

Legacy National Bank Merrill Lynch Orchestro PRO Clean Red Carpet Salon & Spa Rogers Outdoor Sports, LLC Scott Frame and Art Shady Beach Inc. TEKsystems

2-5 years

Benton County Gun Works Branch Photography Cintas Corporation Cutting Edge Glass & Grame Daniels & Flynt Diamond Internationsl The Egg & I EMBytz, LLC eSCO Processing and Recycling, LLC Event Production Group Flying Fish The Fresh Market Houlihan’s JMARK Business Solutions, Inc. LegalShield - Russell Anzalone LOL, Inc. (Rainbow fo Springdale) Lowell Small Engines Marty Jr’s Mobile Detail

Museum of Native American History My Dentist Northwest Arkansas Pool and Spa NWA Apartment Association Panera Bread Paul Law Firm, PLLC Precision Fitness Premium Brands of NWA Rausch Coleman Homes Red Carpet Salon & Spa Smooth Vapes Sprint Therapon Skin Health Titantic Museum Attraction Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

1 year

Aurora Tactical Billy Sims BBQ Dilbert Consutling Group Dream Design Events LLC Encore Realty The Green Box Resale Shoppe Juice Plus Plexus Worldwide - Kelli Declerk Pure Air Systems, Inc. - HYLA Servpro Vold Vision

Chamber Networking & Educational Events The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a variety of events to help build your network and learn.

For more event details and to register, visit us online at RogersLowell.com.

Location:

Hosted by: Presenting Sponsors:

Arvest Bank George Nunnally Chevrolet

September 8, 2015 Fast Lane Entertainment Fast Lane Entertainment 1117 N. Dixieland St., Lowell October 13, 2015 First National Bank of NWA

First National Bank of NWA 3706 Pinnacle Hills Pkwy St 1, Rogers

Hosted by:

Location:

September 17, 2015

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

1086 Athens Ave., Ste. G, Bethel Heights

October 15, 2015

Ozark Beer Company New Hope Animal Hospital

Ozark Beer Company 1700 S. 1st St., Rogers

Speaker:

Topic:

Jacqueline Wolven, Constant Contact

What’s New in Social Media - Is Your Organization Missing Out?

Host Sponsors:

Location:

Cox Business Keypoint Church

Keypoint Church 3700 Medical Center Pkwy., Bentonville

Hosted Sponsor:

Location:

Arvest Bank

Taqueria Vega 1553 W. Hudson Rd., Rogers

Presenting Sponsor: Cherokee Casino

Sunrise Seminar Series Presenting Sponsor: First Western

Sunrise Seminar Series Series Sponsor: KNWA

September 2, 2015

Sunrise Seminar Series Breakfast Sponsor: Sweet D’z Express Bakery

Presenting Sponsor:

Bailey & Oliver Law Firm

September 30, 2015 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Presenting Sponsor:

Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport - XNA

Platinum Sponsor:

September 24, 2015

Pinnacle Media Univision

Advertising with the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce e Your Banner Ad Her The Good Life

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

RogersLowell.com

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

Your Banner Ad Here Chamber Voice

Advertise and place promotional inserts in the monthly printed newsletter (also published online) that’s mailed to nearly 4,000 members at the first of each month. It’s an affordable and cost effective way to promote your business brand, products and services to decision-makers.

Ads are due on the 10th and inserts due on the 15th of the month prior to each issue. Call for an Advertising Contract now.

eNewsletters

On Mondays (Monday Memo) and Thursdays (Calendar at a Glance) the Chamber communicates weekly to over 5,000 members, business leaders and qualified buyers via professionally produced emails. Provide us your banner ad (design not included) by the last Friday of the month to advertise in the upcoming month’s issues. Call for an Advertising Contract now.

RogersLowell.com | SEPTEMBER2015

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317 West Walnut Street Rogers, Arkansas 72756 RogersLowell.com

Paid for through Periodical “Chamber Voice” (USPS 492950) is published monthly in January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October November and December; (semi-monthly in April) by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc., 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756. Periodical postage paid at Rogers, AR. POSTMASTER send address changes to: ROGERS-LOWELL AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER, 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756.