SEPTEMBER 2024 | Vol. 19 Issue 9
The Rogers Lowell Chamber (RLC) and Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce (GBACC) partnered to host a Hob Nob with local political candidates at their joint August Business After Hours networking event August 22nd. It was an opportunity for the community to meet with those shaping future policies impacting the area. Hear from attendees on page 4 >>>
Presented by: AT&T, Tyson Foods Silver Sponsors: LRS, Pinnacle Hills Promenade, SWEPCO, Walmart Bronze sponsor: Cox Communications Venue sponsor: NWACC Media Partners: KHBS/KHOG-TV 40/29, KUAF, Talk Business & Politics Business After Hours Series Sponsors: Arkansas Federal Credit Union, Cherokee Casino & Hotel, Promenade Commons Signage sponsor: Minuteman Press
Convening the community: The Rogers Lowell Chamber (RLC) and Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce (GBACC) partnered to host a Hob Nob with local political candidates at their joint August Business After Hours networking event August 22.
• By the numbers: More than 40 candidates gathered inside the Walmart Auditorium at Northwest Arkansas Community College to mix and mingle with members of the Rogers and Bentonville community.
Hear from attendees:
Dawn Bachman, Owner for K9 Resorts Luxury
Pet Hotels, spoke to our mission-work in small business and government affairs, saying “The experience has been great. There are lots of new people to meet, which is really what draws us here, as well as the opportunity to meet up with the new potential elected officials.”
Carey Lingenfelter, Rogers Lowell Chamber Board Member. When asked why events like Hob Nob bring value to the community, he said “As a business member in Rogers, for over a decade, I saw so much value in participating in the Rogers Chamber events. And because of that, I built relationships not just in the Rogers-Lowell community, but throughout Northwest Arkansas, which completely enhanced my business.”
Andrea Prewitt, Owner of Andrea Pruitt Photography, highlighted the Chamber’s role in convening the community around government affairs. She said “it was really nice to put a face to a name,” when discussing her experience greeting candidates in-person.
Read more here!
Developing Communities from the Classroom
Why it matters: Our mission to develop the Rogers community and economy often starts with the next generation inside our school systems.
That’s why this year’s annual Thank-a-Teacher celebration presented by Sam’s Furniture honored over 2,000 incredible teachers and staff at Rogers Public Schools.
Local Businesses Giving Back Members of the Chamber generously donated nearly 200 door prizes valued at over $20,000 to teachers and staff to reward them for their commitment to
presented
by
education. Over 80 businesses were also on-hand to highlight their products and appreciation to our school system.
Makeover Giveaway: Each year, a special prize is given to a deserving teacher in need nominated by their peers. Sam’s Furniture honored the tradition this year by presenting TWO prizes of $5,000 to teachers both affected by the tornadoes.
Thank you to our incredible sponsors!
Since 1991, the Rogers Development Foundation, in partnership with Rogers Public Schools and the Chamber, has served as the scholarship administration for graduating high school seniors through the CommunityBased Scholarships Program (CBSP).
Hear from attendees:
Check out our Voice of Business Podcast to hear from teachers and business owners on why this event brings value to the community.
Why it matters: Education is one of the powerful pillars of success for our strong and vibrant RogersLowell Area community, making our CBSP program an essential key to opening doors to higher education opportunities.
By the numbers: Since its inception, and through the generous support of our donors, CBSP has distributed $9,244,613 in funds to 5,435 students in Rogers Public Schools.
What’s next: Participation in the scholarship program demonstrates and inspires philanthropy, as past student recipients have shown to be more likely themselves to give back to the community. By giving a little, our community donors make a big difference in the lives of others.
Become a scholarship partner today, by contacting the Scholarship Coordinator with Rogers Public Schools at (479) 636-3910.
To learn more, visit the Rogers Public School website.
As our brand and mission-work continues to grow and evolve, we’re excited about bringing new staff to the table to help us when implementing our Mission 5.
Book club: Raegan is always happier when she’s reading. It’s a happy place she’s discovered in her twenties and her favorite conversation starter!
Team Dunphy: Modern family is Raegan’s comfort show. She says it’s ALWAYS funny and never gets old.
Nostalgia at its finest: Katy Perry’s 2008 single, “Hot N Cold,” was a crowd favorite of Raegan’s growing up, and has since climbed its way to top of her list of karaoke classics.
Gas station order: Raegan is from Texas, so it’s no surprise her gas station order features Buc-ee’s and its iconic restrooms. IYKYK.
Crushing on Cedrick: Robert Pattinson is Raegan’s current, and continuous, celebrity crush.
Roll Call: Get to know our NEW team members through a series of 5 questions!
1. Where’s your happy place?
2. What’s your comfort show?
3. Go-to Karaoke song?
4. What’s your gas station order?
5. Who’s your celebrity crush right now?
Let’s get coffee: Halle’s happy place is anywhere by the water, or at Onyx Coffee Lab, where she’s gained the prestigious title of a “regular.”
The upside down: “Stranger Things” has made its way to the TOP of Halle’s list of comfort shows. She’s been a fan of the show from the start and says can’t wait for Season 5!
Sing along: Miley Cyrus is one of Halle’s favorite artists. And she’s taking us back to the beginning with the Miley’s 2007 hit, “See you again,” as her go-to karaoke song.
Sweet tooth: Halle’s gas station order is sweet and simple; sour gummy worms & a diet coke.
Crushing on Chalamet: Timothee Chalamet has quickly become a Hollywood heartthrob, and currently, Halle’s celebrity crush.
Family, Fall & football: Amy’s describes her happy place as time spent with her son, patios in the fall, and Razorback football. Woo pig sooie!
Reality TV > anything else: “Real Housewives” has captured, and held, the attention of the reality TV lovers across world –including Amy. She says it’s her comfort show, and one that holds up throughout the seasons.
Songs of the 70’s: Amy’s go-to karaoke song is fittingly titled, “Amie” by Pure Prairie League.
Go downtown Rogers: The BLT at Jiffy Kwick Deli was a sandwich to remember, as Amy describes her current gas station obsession.
Crushing on Kelce: Amy is a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs
AND their tight end, Travis Kelce. He tops the charts in football and ranks number 1 on her list for celebrity crushes
Connecting with nature: When asked to describe her happy place, Hailey highlighted her experience digging up crystals with her daughter, also known as her “mini-me.” She also hyped-up the Rogers local food & arts market.
True Crime obsessed: Hailey LOVES true crime. So, it’s no surprise her comfort show is Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
On the mic: Whether it’s in the car or at the karaoke bar, Hailey’s go-to song is “All I want to do” by Sugarland. It also happens to be her 6-year-old’s favorite too.
If you know, you know: Hailey is giving Springdale’s Fielding Station and Grocery a shoutout with her gas station order; a peppered turkey sandwich (all toppings) with a Dr. Pepper.
Crushing on country: Country music is Hailey’s genre of choice. So, when it came to choosing her celebrity crush, Colter Wall was her obvious pick.
Strong Economic Growth During Tornado Recovery: The May 26th tornado brought devastation to much of Rogers. Homes, businesses, and livelihoods were lost in minutes. Showing the resilience of the Rogers and Northwest Arkansas community, growth in jobs, sales tax, wages, and tourism continued despite the ongoing recovery. Every economic indicator grew in the weeks following the storm and we remain on pace to have record setting years.Over 450 jobs were created throughout the month which shattered previous years’ performance. This is well above expectations.
• The labor force also grew by nearly 600 people which is nearly a 400% increase from June 2023.
By the numbers:
• June Jobs—464 created
• Sale Tax Collections--$2.7 million (best in NWA)
• Average Weekly Wage Growth—6.2% (best in state)
• Hotel Occupancy—5% growth
• Hotel Revenue—13% growth
Why it matters: Continuing to see economic growth while recovering from a crisis shows a strong, vibrant, and healthy community. While it will take years to fully recover, starting strong in the initial recovery period puts us on a great path moving forward. The city of Rogers’ residents and businesses showed how resilient our community continues to be. We are in the process of rebuilding and due to the strength of our community, we will build back better and stronger than ever.
Recovery Resources
Business After Hours every 3rd Thurs. @ 5:00 p.m.
CONTACT:
MAGGIE MATUSCHKA 479-636-1240
MAGGIE@ROGERSLOWELL.COM
TEE TIMES:
REGISTRATION FOR MORNING FLIGHT | 7 a.m.
TEE TIME AT 8:30 a.m.
REGISTRATION FOR AFTERNOON FLIGHT | 12 p.m.
TEE TIME AT 1:30 p.m. LOCATION: THE
DETAILS:
Congratulations to the Chamber’s Outstanding Small Business of the Quarter 2024, Animal Medical Center!
Back to the beginning: Dr. Dwaine Dickey first opened Animal Medical Center in Rogers in 1990. They’ve since expanded to two locations and now employ 40 staff members! Read more here!
Ericka Young-Melber earned the Rogers Lowell Chamber Ambassador of the Second Quarter for 2024. Congratulations Ericka!
Backgrounder She is the owner of Young’s Moving Service; a local, award-winning, moving company. Ericka started the company at the age of 17 and has been in business for over ten years.
• Young’s Moving Service is the only 100 percent woman-owned moving company in the state of Arkansas.
• On a mission: They have remained a debt free company, so they are able to pour more resources into their staff and the community.
• One of the best: The business has won local awards including “Best of the Best” for the last five years and continues to show great growth.
• Reliable and professional: Services are designed to cater to the needs of individuals, families, and businesses. This makes them the go-to-choice for anyone in need of a reliable and professional moving company.
She does it all She is a mother of five and a devoted wife with her number one supporter being her husband, Nick. Together, you can catch them on Beaver Lake boating, working in the garden or traveling around to see new things.
• Ericka enjoys serving at Northwest Church, volunteering as an Ambassador with our Chamber, and giving her time to the local Rogers Iron Wrestling club.
Ericka Young Young’s Moving Service | 479.276.1738 | YoungsMovingService@gmail.com youngsmovingservice.com | “Moving the most, from coast to coast.”
Dig Deeper: Look back on 20 years with KNWA. CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
KNWA’s on-air debut began August 13th, 2004, after Nexstar Media Group purchased KPOM from Griffin Television. The call letters were changed to KNWA to reflect the location of its main newsroom operations headquartered in Fayetteville. Read the full article here.
Making momentum: KNWA’s 20th anniversary is another example of the momentum growing in Northwest Arkansas, as the Chamber continues to build a place where people want to visit, live, invest, work and play.
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