Local Ozark Student Competed in National Civics Bee Championship
Joah S. from Ozark Middle School placed in the ‘Top 10’ for the National Civics Bee ® Championship Nov. 12 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. Read his reaction on page 7.
POST ELECTION WRAP UP
Election Season:
The 2024 General Election had a major Republican sweep in the National Election.
Arkansas remained red, and a few local elections resulted in a runoff on Dec. 3.
National Election:
Dig deeper here.
• President Donald Trump reclaimed the White House, winning nearly 312 electoral votes, well over the required 270.
• The Senate was able to gain 4 Republican seats, which ultimately resulted in Republicans gaining control of the Senate
• The House still has some unresolved races; however, Republicans are also favored to maintain control in the House as well.
• Looking ahead: (Learn more about your post-election timeline here.)
State Elections:
Dig deeper here.
• State Senate: Though not all our State Senate seats were up for re-election due to them being on a 4-year cycle, quite a few in NWA were. Each incumbent that sought re-election won back their seat for the State Senate.
• State House seats were up for re-e lection due to them being on a 2-year cycle. The majority of incumbents won back their seat with the exception of two open seats, and one seat flip.
State Issues:
Though three issues were on this year’s ballot, only Issue 1 and Issue 2 had their votes counted.
• Issue 1, pertaining to extended lottery proceeds to fund scholarships to vocational & technical schools. It passed with an overwhelming majority of 90% of Arkansas Voters approving the measure.
• Issue 2 also passed but with much less of a majority at 56% of the vote. Issue 2 removes the casino license required in Pope County and ensures that any new casinos will have to be approved by local voters.
Local Elections: Dig deeper here.
• Rogers: The City of Rogers had five major races including four city council seats and a mayor’s race.
• Lowell: The City of Lowell had four City Council races: Ward 1, Position 1, Ward 2, Position 1, Ward 3, Position 1, and Ward 4, Position 1.
• Bentonville: The City of Bentonville had four major races: Mayor, City Attorney, Council Member Ward 3, Position 2, and Council Member Ward 4, Position 2.
Ozarks Coca-Cola
SPECIAL EVENTS RECAP
ARVEST First Leadership
ARVEST First Leadership (AFL) invests in the future of our community by providing an innovative, student-focused program promoting personal growth and leadership development opportunities.
• This free program introduces students to leadership skills and competencies, builds self-esteem, explores career paths, and develops interpersonal skills.
Leadership Retreat: Twenty-three high school students from Rogers Public Schools participated in an AFL Leadership Retreat at Salvation Army’s Camp Heart O’Hills Nov. 1.
• Together, the group tackled challenging outdoor activities including a ropes course.
College Visit: Twenty-three high school students from Rogers Public Schools participated in an AFL College Visit at John Brown University Nov. 13.
• Together, the group took a campus tour and learned more about career pathways and programs.
• Speaker: AFL founder Dick Trammel shared his motivation for starting AFL with the group, including the importance of investing in the next generation.
L.E.A.D. Program
Leadership, Education, Activation & Development (L.E.A.D) supports underserved students in Rogers Public High School, aiming to enhance academic success and prepare them for higher education and career opportunities.
This semester, over 60 students from Rogers Public Schools heard from speaker, Stephanie Martinez, at monthly L.E.A.D sessions to learn more about soft skills including firm handshakes, eye contact, power stances and using a load, clear voice.
Mission work: As the Chamber kicks off its 28th year of AFL, we continue to increase engagement with the next generation of leaders and define pathways for leadership opportunities in both the Chamber and our community!
Have questions: Contact us to learn more about RLC’s various leadership programs!
Looking ahead: L.E.A.D is scheduled to feature Marco Gutierrez with John Brown University in January to help answer any questions about college including: scholarships, enrollment, clubs and housing.
Have questions? Contact us to learn more about RLC’s various leadership programs.
NOVEMBER RECAP
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
NATIONAL CIVICS BEE
Record achievement:
Joah S. from Ozark Middle School placed in the ‘Top 10’ for
the
National Civics Bee ® Championship November 12th at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. !
What he’s saying:
After competing in Washington D.C., Joah sat down with the Rogers Lowell Chamber to reflect on his experience. He said,
“I think that … learning about your country and how it works is really important. But I also think learning how to critically think about problems in your community, or in life, and find an approach, I think that has really helped me personally learn how, and I think it would help a lot of other people.”
Background Information:
• In April, Joah won the National Civics Bee® LOCAL competition hosted by Rogers Lowell Chamber at Rogers Heritage High School. That’s where he qualified to move on and win the National Civics Bee® STATE competition in Little Rock hosted by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce !! Mission work:
The National Civics Bee® Championship helps the Chamber activate the next generation of business and community leaders through:
• Showcasing one of our community’s brightest young minds on a national stage, set against the historic scenery of America’s capital.
• Demonstrating our community’s commitment to fostering engaged, informed citizens during a highly polarizing time in our nation.
Looking ahead: The essay portal is NOW OPEN for the 2024 National Civics Bee ® The deadline is Feb. 4
Learn more about applying here!
Leadership Benton County: Class of 2025
LBC provides leadership training specific to regional issues facing our county and serves as the Chamber’s training ground for future leaders in Benton County.
Who’s involved:
LBC is open to persons 21 years of age or older, living and/or working in Benton County.
In Collaboration:
LBC is run in partnership with the Rogers Lowell Chamber and Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Mission work:
The Chamber’s goal of this 11-session program include:
•Identifying and motivating individuals with leadership potential.
•Acquainting participants with community needs, challenges and opportunities to activate their leadership skills.
•Challenging future leaders to become involved with local issues and the process of decisionmaking.
Why it matters:
The keys to our future are knowledgeable and skilled leaders, willing to step to the forefront – with an awareness and understanding of all facets of our community including: government, business, education, recreation, utilities, infrastructure, housing, healthcare, social services and more.
LBC has a reputation for producing these leaders!
Looking ahead:
LBC is excited to announce its class for the 2025 year! Congratulations on being selected to Leadership Benton County!
SMALL BUSINESS CORNER
Shop small this season right here in Northwest Arkansas!
Follow Go Downtown Rogers on Facebook and Instagram for a full guide on where to find local stocking stuffers and gifts!
Gelatissimo
Daisy Airgun Museum
Kaleidoscope
Dandy Roll
Honeycomb Kitchen Shop
SIPS ON THE BRICKS: HOLIDAY EDITION
15 Sips Stops!!
Saturday, December 7
4 - 7:30 p.m.
Downtown Rogers
$25 Tickets
Sips on the Bricks: Holiday Edition: Ring in the holiday season RIGHT!
Mission Work: Uplifting local businesses in Downtown Rogers through an event like Sips on the Bricks is another example of the Chamber’s mission work in economic development with a focus on small business and entrepreneurs.
On the agenda:
Best Sip: Downtown merchants will compete in a holiday drink contest, crafting creative sips for “sippers” to taste and vote on their favorites!
Sips Stops: Sips are free with purchase of event entry.
Poker Run Stops: Participants will complete a poker run card throughout the event for a chance to win a to-be-announced, Grand Prize — courtesy of BHC Insurance. Costume Contest: Grab your ugly sweater and Santa hat for a chance to win TWO tickets to Theater Squared’s “A Christmas Carol 2024.”
Thank you to our sponsors!
GIVING BACK
High School Visit:
On Nov. 29, RLC’s Marketing & Communications Department visited film students at Bentonville High School to share their experience working in the industry. Several topics included:
• Educational Experience: Through varying backgrounds in graphic design and journalism, RLC’s MarCom team provided diverse pathways for breaking into the industry of storytelling!
• Photography Preferences: MarCom discussed their photography workflow for different deliverables including event promotion and event coverage.
• The Role of Social Media: While discussing photography, the team also discussed the role of social media and how it influences our shot lists throughout the year.
Have questions: Contact us to learn more about RLC’s Marketing & Communications Department.
Sporting Clays Classic:
We had a wonderful turnout this year at our Sporting Clays Classic, offering local business members the opportunity to treat themselves, reward employees or say “thank you” to a client! Morning Winners
Mission Work:
By offering local business members an event like the Sporting Clays Classic, RLC is supporting its mission work in not only community and economic development — but also destination marketing!
Thank you to our sponsors
• Presenting Sponsor: Daisy Outdoors
• Ammo Sponsor: Benchmark Group
• Lunch Sponsor: Golden Corral, Jotto Desk
• Station Sponsor: Garver, Lamar, BHC Insurance, Cromwell, Showcase, Gold Mechanical, Renewal by Anderson, Caddell
• Beverage Sponsor: Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper Bottling Company
• Coffee Sponsor: Scooter’s Coffee
• Cap Sponsor: Outdoor Cap
• Signage Sponsor: Minuteman Press
AMBASSADOR OF THE QUARTER
Third Quarter Outstanding Ambassador:
Scott Howie
Bott Radio Network
Christian Talk Radio 89.3 F.M.
Celebrating our ambassadors:
The Rogers Lowell Chamber selected Scott Howie as the Ambassador of the Third Quarter for 2024. Congratulations Scott!
Meet Scott:
After many years serving our state: working as an administrator in Technical Education, as an instructor, and paramedic/firefighter -- Scott says he’s excited to now be helping spread God’s Word with Bott Radio Network, Christian Talk Radio 89.3 F.M.
What they do:
Scott strives to help businesses, churches, and organizations in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley by providing quality radio advertising to a very loyal group of listeners that seek opportunities to support businesses that support Christian Radio.
Why they do it:
Scott says he enjoys working with professionals that share the same values and are committed to success through connecting with the right customers at the right time and working together to create opportunities for mutual success.
Join the Ambassador Committee today and be part of the growth, connection, and success!
3RD QUARTER SPONSORS
Making local businesses stand out since 1902.
ACCURATE FORECASTS ON THE GO! DOWNLOAD THE 40/29 NEWS AND WEATHER APP TODAY!
DECEMBER RLC Events
Host Sponsor | CONEXIÓN & Dance with Me Studio by Aura
Location | Dance with Me Studio by Aura
Address | 210 E Chestnut Ave | Downtown Rogers Time | 9 - 10:15 am
$25 tickets | Free drinks, Poker Stops, & Prizes
Sponsor | Five Rings Financial
| 9 am - 10:15 am
Location | Rogers Lowell Chamber Address | 317 West Walnut Street, Rogers, AR Time | 2 - 4:00 p.m. Presented by | Equity Business Solutions
| Golden Corral
| 2605 W Pleasant Crossing Dr. | Rogers
Presented by | MOSER,T-Mobile Host Sponsor | T-Mobile Address | 2004 S. Promenade Blvd. Rogers
| 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
| Tusk and Trotter
Presented by | T-Mobile
| Downtown Rogers Time | 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
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