Chamber Voice Newsletter | Special Edition – Centennial Celebration

SPECIAL EDITION

Centennial Celebration Journeys Back in Time and Envisions What’s Next Over 900 people attended the Chamber’s Centennial Celebration of Business & Community on March 29 at the Rogers Convention Center.

The annual Celebration is always the highlight of the Chamber’s year, recognizing businesses and individuals in the community as well as current, outgoing, and incoming leadership. This year’s event took attendees on a fun journey in time looking back at the last 100 years and exploring what’s next for the future.

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce 317 West Walnut Street | Rogers, Arkansas 72756 P: (479) 636-1240 F: (479) 636-5485 2

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CHAM BE R S TAFF Raymond Burns, CCE President/CEO rburns@rogerslowell.com

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

Nick Smith Creative Services Director nick@rogerslowell.com

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

Ross Phillips Senior Vice President of Community Development ross@rogerslowell.com

Loretta Gomez Finance Manager loretta@rogerslowell.com

Katie Burns Vice President of Operations katie@rogerslowell.com

Geovanny Sarmiento Senior Vice President of Community Engagement & Inclusion geovanny@rogerslowell.com

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

Justin Freeman Marketing Communications Manager justin@rogerslowell.com

Holly Clarke Special Events Coordinator holly@rogerslowell.com

Kelly Parker, TMP Director of Marketing & Communications | Visit Rogers kelly@rogerslowell.com

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

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

Marni Rogers, IOM Member Relations Manager marni@rogerslowell.com

Jivette De Jesus Community Engagement and Inclusion Manager jivette@rogerslowell.com

Luke Wiggins, TMP Director of Sales | Visit Rogers luke@rogerslowell.com

Karen Wagaman Vice President of Downtown Development karen@rogerslowell.com

Meredith Alvarez Customer Relations Specialist meredith@rogerslowell.com

Jacque Eakins Account Executive jacque@rogerslowell.com

BOARD OF D IREC TORS Executive Committee

Chairman of the Board | Erin Kiefer, Assembled Products Chairman-Elect | Mike Power, First Security Bank Treasurer | Tom Allen, Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners Past Chairman | Angie Tucker-Ridley, Tucker’s Furniture & Appliances President/CEO | Raymond Burns RIDC President | Jerry Vest, Regions Bank

Daizy Andrade, University of Arkansas Bruce Barkley, KHBS/KHOG Dr. Marlin Berry, Rogers Public Schools Andrew Branch, NWA National Airport-XNA Larry Cooper, Embassy Suites NW Arkansas Brad Crain, Arvest Benton County Ever Cuellar, First Security Bank

2022 Directors

Ron Branscum, Strategic Business Consulting David Kimball, Benchmark Group Jerra Toms, University of Arkansas Walton College of Business John-Michael Scurio, George’s Inc. Tanya Smith, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Melissa Turpin, Honeycomb Kitchen

2023 Directors

Ex-Officio Directors

Mike Dodge, Carroll Electric Coop. Corp.

David Faulkner, Pinnacle Hills Promenade Cathy Foraker, AT&T David Foster, APAC - Central, Inc. Bradley Hardin, AEP/SWEPCO Greg Hines, Mayor, City of Rogers Tom Hopper, Tallchamps, LLC

Corry Hull, BHC Insurance Emily Ironside, Crystal Bridges Museum Dr. Evelyn E. Jorgenson, Northwest Arkansas Community College Peter Lane, Walton Arts Center Chris Moore, Mayor, City of Lowell Barry Moehring, Benton County Judge Joey Msall, Black Hills Energy

Division Chairs Community Development – Josh Vasquez Membership Services – Tanya Smith Economic Development – Brad Crain

2024 Directors

Kristen Boozman, Portfolio Sotheby’s International Realty Dean Fisher, Glad Manufacturing Angela Grayson, Precipice IP Patrick Kerrwood, Northwest Health Mat Mozzoni, Cox Business Knight Weis, Signature Bank of Arkansas

Michael Parker, Nabholz Charlotte Rankin, Mercy NWA Gaven Smith, J.B. Hunt Transport Stennett Thompkins, AAA Insurance Brandy Tuft, Ernst & Young Josh Vasquez, Encore Bank

Mickey Rapier, Fellowship Bible Church Rafael Rios, Yeyo’s Mezcaleria & Taqueria at the 1907 Dr. Jim Rollins, Northwest Technical Institute Denise Thomas, Arkansas World Trade Center Scott Tidwell, Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure & Thompson Dick Trammel, Chairman Emeritus Jeff Wood, Tyson Foods

Audit Committee Government Affairs – Angela Grayson Destination Marketing – Larry Cooper

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Ron Branscum Knight Weis Brandy Tuft

Celebrating a Legacy of

Leadership Success

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e told our Chamber’s centennial story by featuring the people and organizations that have made us what we are today. Our legacy of success wouldn’t be possible without our business and community leaders. The night was a fun journey back in time through the lens of our unique history and diverse people and organizations that made an impact on the

Chamber’s successes the last 100 years.

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Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Staff take a group photo before the 100th Annual Celebration began

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Rogers-Lowell

Spirit Award

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Watch the award presentation for the Rogers-Lowell Spirit Award on our Chamber Voice of Business Video Channel on Youtube®

ngie Tucker-Ridley, Chairman of the Board for the Chamber, presented the first award of the evening for the Rogers-Lowell Spirit Award which recognizes an individual or organization for significant contributions to the betterment of our community. Angie said, “Tonight, I’m excited to announce that our centennial year’s Spirit Award goes out to our founders – The Rotary Club of Rogers. Congratulations and thank you for

envisioning what our organization could be and inspiring us to become it.”

The Chamber’s origin goes back to 1922 when local Rotary Club leaders founded the Rogers

Chamber of Commerce to help serve our community, and to this day, Rotary’s influence on the Chamber is still there. Angie noted, “one of the guiding principles of Rotary is The Four- Way Test. It’s a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians used for their personal and professional relationships and is recited at club meetings. Today, these same principles are deeply steeped in the Chamber’s DNA as much as our Vision and Mission.”

Jene Huffman-Gilreath (pictured) accepted the award on behalf of The Rotary Club of Rogers. www.Rog ersL owell.com | SPECIALEDITION

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The

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Leadership Challenge aymond Burns, President/CEO of the Chamber, told the audience that “the chamber’s story is one of working quietly behind the scenes to get things done successfully.” He said, “from our beginnings in 1922 to now, our Chamber has worked hard to remain relevant and necessary by cultivating and activating local business and community leaders from all backgrounds – the influencers and disrupters.”

Raymond issued a challenge to the future leaders in the room to step up and help lead us into the

future. He said, “throughout our history, when our leaders come to the table with us, we get the right things done. When we get things done that matter, we create momentum to sustain our success. That’s a big part of the Chamber’s story."

“I challenge all future leaders here tonight to activate your leadership skills with us, follow in your forefather’s footsteps, engage on what’s next with us and help us continue our excellence in growing business and building community.”

– Raymond Burns

President/CEO, Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

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Founder of Rogers,

B.F. Sikes Makes Appearance

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he first guest of the evening was B.F. Sikes (performed by local actor John Wayne Ford compliments of the Rogers Historical Museum).

Sikes owned the original 160 acres that became the town site of Rogers. He donated the right-of-

way to the railroad and laid the original town site. Sikes gave a brilliant performance and told the audience things they never knew about Rogers.

Watch "B.F. Sikes" present his historical perspective on the founding of Rogers and the start of Northwest Arkansas

www.Rog ersL owell.com | SPECIALEDITION

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Growth: From Subsistence Farming to Agribusiness

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he Rogers-Lowell Area has a rich community history. Much of the growth in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s was due to the area developing into both a local trading center and shipping point for locally grown apples.

Apples became the first major industry replacing subsistence

farming. After the Great Depression, the apple industry was in decline and farmers turned to more productive farming like raising poultry. Agriculture had taken off and by 1948 Benton County was leading the nation in broiler chicken production.

Watch "City of Rogers History - Community and Agribusiness" on Our Chamber Voice of Business Video Channel on Youtube®

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Infrastructure: Building the Region

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Watch "Foundations of Commerce - Cornerstones" on Our Chamber Voice of Business Video Channel on Youtube®

ill Watkins, Past Chairman of the Board, current President of the Beaver Water District Board of Directors, and Principal Attorney at the law firm of Watkins, Boyer, Gray & Curry, PLLC in Rogers continued the journey back in time looking back on how the Rogers-Lowell community addressed important infrastructure needs.

Today, our community leaders continue to work with the Chamber to make

the Rogers-Lowell Area the best place to live, work, play, visit and invest. Our quality of life is the result of years of their hard work addressing our infrastructure needs - from water, recreation, transportation, education, to healthcare and housing. Bill walked us through key historic milestones for each of these needs.

One infrastructure opportunity moving forward is ensuring responsible growth with attainable housing. This is now an ongoing and intentional effort for the entire region. NWA is expected to add more than 80,000 households by 2040.

The Northwest Arkansas Council's new workforce housing center is focusing on improving and creating well-designed housing opportunities for working families in the region.

“In 1912, Rogers City Council formed a commission of local businesspeople tasked with formulating a plan to help uplift the city. These leaders got together and in 1924 successfully completed the paving of downtown Rogers. This was an important leadership moment early in our history.”

Bill Watkins, Past Chairman of the Board, current President of the Beaver Water District Board of Directors and Principal Attorney at the Law Firm Of Watkins, Boyer, Gray & Curry, PLLC in Rogers, speaks during the "Growth" portion of the program

– Bill Watkins

Principal Attorney at the Law Firm of Watkins, Boyer, Gray & Curry, PLLC www.Rog ersL owell.com | SPECIALEDITION

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Cornerstones of Rogers Industry

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Watch "Building the Rogers-Lowell Area - Region Infrastructure" on Our Chamber Voice of Business Video Channel on Youtube®

Pat Harris, Past Chairman of the Board and CEO at Coldwell Banker Harris Mchaney & Faucette in Rogers, speaks during the "Infrastructure" portion of the program

at Harris, past Chairman of the Board and CEO at Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette, took us back in time exploring the foundations of commerce and cornerstones of industry.

Until the 1950's, farming was the primary

industry for Rogers and the entire business community's footprint was in a five-block area downtown. The population had remained constant at around 3,500 for 30 years.

“Local businesspeople saw the opportunity to develop the Rogers economy by attracting manufacturers. These leaders later formed the industrial foundation of Rogers and in 1959, Daisy Outdoor became the first company to relocate its plant to Rogers. Companies like Glad Manufacturing Company, Bekaert and Tyson Foods represent the foundation on which commerce was built and are cornerstones of industry for our region.”

– Pat Harris

CEO – Coldwell Banker Harris Mchaney & Faucette

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Westward Expansion

Rogers

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ince it was founded, Rogers has seen a significant westward expansion with residential and commercial development, and infrastructure and housing projects.

Expansion has given us Pinnacle Heights, Founders Plaza, a parking deck, One Uptown, Pinnacle Village and a variety of new retail experiences. The Centennial Celebration featured some of the leaders who were instrumental in the recent

westward expansion of Rogers.

Tom Allen, Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners, looked back at the last decade of

development and talked about how far we have come. He said, “the bottom line is that retail is still alive and well in the U.S. and especially in the Rogers-Lowell Area, from Downtown to Uptown (Pinnacle Hills)."

Watch "Rogers Westward Expansion" on Our Chamber Voice of Business Video Channel on Youtube®

Tom Allen, President of Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners in Rogers, speaks during the "Rogers Westward Expansion" portion of the program www.Rog ersL owell.com | SPECIALEDITION

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2022 Dick Trammel

Good Neighbor Award

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he Dick Trammel Good Neighbor Award, the Rogers community's highest honor, was first awarded in 1974 to recognize an individual who has contributed to the betterment of Rogers and the region.

This year's recipient was elected Mayor of The City of Rogers in 1998.

He worked with entrepreneurs like J.B. Hunt and John Q. Hammons to create

westward expansion that helped us become a vibrant destination for office space, healthcare, and professional services.

Our community owes much of this success to his leadership in bringing the city to the table as

a partner to create what we see in Rogers today. Congratulations to Congressman Steve Womack!

“The area between Walnut and Pleasant Grove was ripe for retail development. But we needed leaders to step up and help our community take advantage of this opportunity. Our Good Neighbor Award recipient was one of those leaders who stepped up to the challenge."

– Raymond Burns

President/CEO, Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

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Watch "2022 Dick Trammel Good Neighbor Award" on Our Chamber Voice of Business Video Channel on Youtube®

City of Lowell Development

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ick Hobbs, Past Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer and President of Contract Services for J.B Hunt Transport Services, Inc. talked about

Watch "City of Lowell Development" on Our Chamber Voice of Business Video Channel on Youtube®

Nick Hobbs, Chief Operating Officer and President of Contract Services for J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., speaks during the "City of Lowell Development" portion of the program

the history of Lowell.

Fast forward to today, and Lowell has become one of the friendliest and safest places to live, work and play with over 13,000 people calling it home.

Located in the heart of NWA's two largest counties, it is a growing, progressive city with a variety of eating establishments, lodging, entertainment, shopping, and recreational amenities.

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2022

Elbert S. Graham / Elza Tucker Award

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ur highest award for outstanding service to the community of Lowell is the Elbert S. Graham / Elza Tucker Award. It was first awarded in 1974 and

Watch "2022 Elbert S. Graham / Elza Tucker Award" on Our Chamber Voice of Business Video Channel on Youtube®

recognizes an individual for significant contribution to the betterment of the Lowell community.

This year's recipient began her career in Lowell in 2003 as a court clerk

and is now the Mayor's assistant. Her impressive volunteer service includes helping with the Mudtown Days festival, coordinating parades, and assisting with the Easter egg and Christmas parade events. Her selfless service to Lowell has enriched the lives of those around her.

Congratulations Melanie Houston!

“Our award recipient this year has been a face of Lowell for nearly two decades. She has a cheerful heart and welcoming attitude.

She is always willing to offer a kind word or lend a helping hand.

Congratulations to the City of Lowell’s Melanie Houston!”

– Nick Hobbs

Chief Operating Officer and President of Contract Services, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. Melanie Houston (pictured) received the Elbert S. Graham/Elza Tucker Award recognizing an individual for significant contribution to the betterment of the Lowell Community 16

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Small Business

of the Year

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Watch "Small Business of the Year Presentation" on Our Chamber Voice of Business Video Channel on Youtube®

artha Londagin, Business Consultant at Startup Junkie Foundation, and member of the Chamber’s Small Business Council presented the Small Business of the Year award.

This year’s winner supports nonprofits that benefit the children of wounded, ill and fallen military heroes and is passionate about giving back.

They also work to create exceptional dining experiences and cater many of the Chamber’s events.

Congratulations to GRO Catering!

“Small businesses are a vital part of our local, regional, and national economy. Small Business & Entrepreneurial Development is one of the Chamber’s five key mission-work areas and our Small Business Council guides us as the voice of small business. Each year, we recognize four outstanding small businesses of the quarter who are automatically nominated for Small Business of the Year.”

– Martha Londagin

Business Consultant, Startup Junkie Foundation The Owners/Operators of GRO Catering, (pictured left to right) Shane Waldrop, Anne Foster, and Jon Fritchey, accepted the Small Business of the Year award at this year's celebration www.Rog ersL owell.com | SPECIALEDITION

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Community Leadership in Action |

Vision 100

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Watch "Community Leadership in Action" on Our Chamber Voice of Business Video Channel on Youtube®

artha pointed out that the Chamber realized back in 2011 just how important having diverse representation and being inclusive were to the community. It became the first chamber in the region to hire a full-time staff position to help navigate the challenges of welcoming a growing and more diverse population.

She talked about our people having a willing spirit, a healthy focus, and a progressive

attitude and possessing the core values of faith, family, community, education, and economic prosperity. “These are the community’s shared values from the Vision 100 Community Action Plan – our roadmap to 2035,” she said.

Vision 100 was developed by engaging in a process of discovering the kind of future our Rogers-Lowell community wanted. Residents expressed their ideas in an online survey followed up by a series of community tables. Through this discovery, we learned what our community envisions for itself in anticipation of our area reaching a population of 100,000 before 2035.

Martha Londagin with Startup Junkie Foundation, introduces the "Leadership in Action | Vision 100" portion of the program.

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Vision/NEXT Exploring Our Future Together

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ric Pianalto, former Chairman of the Board and President of Mercy Hospital Northwest, began his portion of the program pointing out the evolution the Chamber has undergone over the immediate past 5 years. With its Chamber 3.0 initiative, the Chamber began an intentional effort to ensure it stays relevant, necessary and competent in the coming decade and beyond.

As a result of this initiative, the Chamber leaned into its role as "the Keeper of the Community

Vision and Voice of Business" by defining and focusing on it's mission-work with 5 key focus areas. Just like our Rotarian founders, the Chamber’s basic purpose will always be convening the community’s diverse group of business professionals to exchange ideas, work together, and form meaningful, lifelong relationships built on trust.

“As the Keeper of the Community Vision and Voice of Business, the Chamber will lead the way to sustain our prosperity for another 100 years. We will focus on our mission-work in five key focus areas – Community Development, Advocacy & Government Affairs, Small Business & Entrepreneurial Development, Economic Development, and Destination Marketing & Management.”

Eric Pianalto, President of Mercy Hospital Northwest, discusses advancements in mission and focus that the Chamber achieved in the immediate past 5 years

– Eric Pianalto

President, Mercy Hospital Northwest www.Rog ersL owell.com | SPECIALEDITION

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Leaders of Tomorrow Discuss Vision/NEXT

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ttendees of the Centennial Celebration heard from a panel consisting of Rogers City Councilwoman April Legere, Alex English of Northwest Arkansas National Airport, and Josh Vasquez of Encore Bank. The panel was moderated by incoming Chairman of the Board Erin Kiefer, President and CEO at Assembled Products Corporation. The discussion centered around the future of leadership in Northwest

Arkansas and what needs to happen for us to create a welcoming and vibrant community for our future residents, workforce, and the next generation.

Watch the Vision/NEXT Panel on Our Chamber Voice of Business Video Channel on Youtube®

The Vision/NEXT Panel discussion featured (pictured left to right) Josh Vasquez of Encore Bank, moderator Erin Kiefer, President and CEO of Assembled Products Corporation, Rogers City Councilwoman April Legere, and Alex English of Northwest Arkansas National Airport.

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Chamber Receives

5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

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id you know that the first known use of the term “chamber of commerce” occurred in

By earning Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a chamber shows its dedication to:

France in the late 17th century, and the oldest

• Reviewing, improving, and promoting strong business practices

chamber of commerce in America is that of

• Recognizing leadership and outstanding contributions to

the state of New York, organized in 1768?

By 1870, the number of local chambers of commerce had

increased to 40. Today, there are over 7,000 chambers in the United States. Out of those today, only 200 are accredited by the U.S. Chamber and only 136 are rated as 5-star -- the best of the best.

To close our Centennial Celebration, the Rogers-Lowell

the community • Supporting the principles of free enterprise and promoting pro-growth policies at federal, state, and local levels • Establishing best practices and staying in-step with industry changes Accreditation with the United States Chamber of Commerce

Area Chamber of Commerce announced that the U.S. Chamber

is the only program of its kind that defines excellence in

of Commerce has once again recognized our Chamber as one

chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding

of its 5-star accredited chambers and ended the evening with a

contributions toward positive change in their communities.

celebratory champagne toast and the ceremonial passing of the

There are over 900 chambers that have participated in the

gavel to Erin Kiefer, our 2022-23 Chairman of the Board.

program since 1964.

"This is a prestigious honor and recognizes the Chamber for its outstanding contributions toward making positive change in our community. It’s also acknowledgement from industry peers for the Chamber’s expertise, strong leadership and results fostering a pro-business environment."

– Raymond Burns

President/CEO, Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce www.Rog ersL owell.com | SPECIALEDITION

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Special Thanks to Our Centennial Celebration Sponsors!

PRESENTING SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

SILVER SPONSORS AEP Southwestern Electric Power (SWEPCO) Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure & APAC-Central, Inc. Thompson, P.A. Discover Lowell McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc. Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas Milestone Construction Company First National Bank of NWA Nabholz Construction FM Corporation Regions Bank Hight Jackson Associates, P.A. United Bank Watkins, Boyer, Gray & Curry, PLLC

DIAMOND SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

RECEPTION SPONSORS

PROGRAM SPONSOR

CENTENNIAL TOAST SPONSOR

America’s Car-Mart Arkansas State Legislators of Benton County AT&T BHC Insurance Black Hills Energy Branch Photography Carroll Electric Cooperative Corporation Centennial Bank Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners

DW2 Video Productions First Horizon Bank First Security Bank First Western Frazier Law Firm, PLC Generations Bank Golden Corral of Rogers/ GRO Catering Great Southern Bank Legacy National Bank Moser Corporation NOF Technologies Northwest Arkansas Food Bank

SPECIAL THANKS

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Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) Northwest Health System Portfolio Sotheby’s International Realty Rogers Insurance Agency, Inc. Rogers Public Schools SERVPRO Showcase Trophy & Awards, LLC TitleTech Title & Closing TLC Properties United Federal Credit Union Womack for Congress

One Quick, Final Note...

This year’s Centennial event was the first time that the Chamber has ever worked with an outside event production team to plan and manage our Annual Celebration of Business & Community.

One Chamber member, avad3, wanted to do something special for the Chamber and give back to the community that has supported them.

Owner Cameron Magee, and his talented team, approached the Chamber late last year in the spirit of helping us make this event one to remember.

We’re sure you’ll agree that they stepped up and delivered a show perfect for celebrating our 100 years.

So, we shout out a special thank you to the avad3 team who worked so hard with our staff to create a plan that brought our show flow to life by producing a flawless event with outstanding set design, staging, audio and video.

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