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Welcome

Letter from Ronnie Williams

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

n behalf of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and its Board of Directors, thank you for your interest in our organization. This year

marks the Chamberâ€™s 120th anniversary. As a community we have progressed throughout the years, but four fundamental principles remain the focus of Chamber leadership: growing our local economy, governmental advocacy, education and quality of life. The Chamber remains steadfast in creating economic opportunities for our members through programming, recruiting high-wage jobs to our city and county, protecting businesses and representing the interests of our members at the local, state and federal levels of government. In 2010, Conway and our region were ranked as having the 5th Smallest Change in Unemployment and the 12th Best Unemployment Rate by the Brookings Institution and the 7th Best Place for Jobs by Forbes. Conway was named to the Top 10 Geekiest Cities according to OnLineUniversities.com. The knowledgebased economy we foster in the area has been compared to the likes of Boston, Austin, and San Diego. The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce is diligent in working to promote our city and region while serving as the voice of business. We believe the future of our area is ever-changing and promising. As you look for areas to invest and establish your business we invite you to join the ranks of 1,300 other businesses who find value in our mission. Together we can continue building a better community and stronger partnership. Sincerely,

sig Ronnie Williams, Chairman of the Board Conway Area Chamber of Commerce

Vision

onway, Arkansas â€“ home to three colleges,

a thriving business community, scenic lakes and parks, and a vibrant community with endless opportunities for culture, recreation and shopping. A creative blend of modern and quaint, Conway has the energy of a big city while it maintains its small-town quality of life that is simply second to none.

MISSION STATEMENT The Conway Chamber of Commerce focuses on enhancing the economic quality of life through leadership and the development of innovative and relevant services to create and maintain an enriched business climate.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The most important component of a Chamber of Commerce is economic development. In the past three years, the Chamber has worked to secure economic development projects that will add over 2,000 new jobs, $86,000,000 of payroll to the local economy and 150 million dollars in new Capital investment. The most recent successes are Hewlett Packard, Southwestern Energy and Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield. Regardless of the product or service you offer a thriving local economy is crucial to continued growth.

Vision

EDUCATION Education has been a cornerstone of the Conway

“I began using CAP after several failed

economy. Through such programs as Toad Suck Daze,

attempts of moving from provider to

Academic Signing Day and the Education Breakfast and

provider in search of lower premiums.

Teachers Fair the Chamber has been able to contrib-

During this time we have saved at least

ute over $1,000,000 in scholarship money to Faulkner

20% on healthcare and have been able

county students. In addition, the Chamber supports academic student achievement by spotlighting the best and brightest graduates in Conway while connecting education into the business community.

to offer individual plans to our employees. Something we’ve not found with other providers.” –TIM GLASSCOCK SUNBELT

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS Big projects don’t just happen. The Chamber has an active government affairs program that seeks to find ways to leverage state and federal money for major infrastructure projects. Through our lobbying efforts, the city will see nearly $70 million in new highway projects along the Interstate 40 corridor as well as the relocation of the Conway Airport.

Member to Member Business Opportunities The Chamber provides access to potential business that non members do not receive. Events such as Business Expo and Taste of Conway, Business After Hours, CEO Luncheons and Bowling for Business are some of the many networking resources provided to members. Getting involved in a committee of the Chamber is an avenue that many of our members have found as an added benefit of membership. Whether it’s the Small Business Council, Conway Young Professionals or Tourism Task Force there is an area designed to help your business.

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History

he Conway Chamber Of Commerce

started in 1891 as the Conway Board of Trade and in 1916 became the Conway Commercial Club. Since the early years, the Chamber’s primary focus has been to help with commercial, retail and community development. Sixty years ago in September 1946, 22 local business leaders became the first dues-paying members of the organization. Some of these early members are no longer in Conway, but they left large footprints on our city’s heritage: Simon’s Grocery, Southern Dry Cleaners, First State Bank & Trust, Clark & Adkisson Attorney’s, Homer Jones, First National Bank, and Massey Hardware. Ten of the first Chamber members continue to serve our community fueling this economy, serving the public and in some cases, fulfilling the legacy of their parents, and grandparents in the family business.

CONWAY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION This Corporation is organized and shall exist, not for the purpose of profit or gain to itself or to its stockholders, but to promote the industrial and economic growth and development of the City of Conway, Arkansas, and of Faulkner County, Arkansas; to attract and secure the location of new business and industrial plants in said city and County; to assist in every way possible the future growth and expansion of industries which are now or which may hereafter be located in said City or County; to buy, lease, or otherwise acquire and own real estate and personal property; to sell, lease, mortgage, assign, pledge, hypothecate, donate, or otherwise dispose of real estate and personal property; to borrow

“Almost every community in Arkansas has a Chamber of Commerce; what they don’t have is OUR Chamber of Commerce. In the past 5 years, our business has seen dramatic, positive results. Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers is 92 years old this year and although we may have survived this long without our chamber, we certainly would not have been as successful. With the support of the Conway Chamber we are confident we will see 100 plus years of business!”

money and to give security for the repayment of the same; and to do all things necessary or incident to the general purposes as set out above.

Downtown Partnership The Conway Downtown Partnership is a non-profit economic development organization focused on the promotion, planning and maintenance of an improved downtown Conway. The CDP supports goals and planning that bring downtown Conway together as a gathering place to live, work, play, shop and eat. The Partnership strives to serve as a full time advocate for these issues and is dedicated to stimulating and fully leveraging public and private investment within downtown Conway. It is our mission to improve the collective downtown community, serve as an active advocate of information, resources and intellectual capital.

Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau The fundamental purpose of a convention and visitors bureau is the promotion of the economic development of a city through increasing visits from tourists and business travelers, which generates overnight lodging, visits to restaurants and local sales tax revenue. Faulkner County generates travel expenditures in the millions of dollars and approximately 1,000 people are employed in travel generated jobs. As a CVB, we are directly responsible for marketing Conway to potential visitors and selling it to meeting planners, groups, sporting events and more. And when visitors come to Conway, the Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau is the location they visit for information on the area.

History

– SHERRY SMITH, OWNER FLETCHER SMITH’S JEWELERS

Benefits

e are at your Service. We promote your business

EVENTS

through publicity opportunities, membership directory, and

We offer a variety of events that provide valuable

Chamber events. We introduce you to business contacts

networking opportunities in various settings.

through our various networking functions and we can

These event include: Taste of Conway & Business

even answer your phone through referrals and serve as an information bureau.

CAP

Expo, Toad Suck Daze, Teacher’s Fair, Academic Signing Day, Annual Meeting, Bowling for Business, CEO Luncheons, and Small Business Lunch & Learns.

The Chamber Alliance Program (CAP) is a package of

TASTE OF CONWAY & BUSINESS EXPO

affordable insurance benefits designed for and offered

This is our most high profile event that provides

exclusively to members of participating Chambers of

members the ability to network and generate

Commerce in Arkansas. Members enjoy more competitive

business referrals. During Taste of Conway,

premiums through the purchasing power of CAP’s Health

restaurants showcase their business to the

Insurance Purchasing Group. The package includes health

community.

insurance by QualChoice; group life and disability by Unum Provident; and dental coverage by Delta Dental.

ANNUAL MEETING & CEO LUNCHEONS Members have access to some of the state’s largest companies and business leaders in the

LEADS Group

community and surrounding area.

LEADS Groups are comprised of business men and women from various industries in the Conway area and surrounding

BOWLING FOR BUSINESS

community. Individuals have the ability to network, build

This is a personal approach for business

relationships and generate referrals beneficial to their profession.

networking in a fun and relaxed environment.

EDUCATION Supports, attends and helps to facilitates several programs, including Academic Signing Day and the annual Teachers Breakfast and Education Fair. MISSION APPRECIATION TASK FORCE Each year, a group of Chamber volunteers personally distribute membership information to Chamber members while thanking them for their investment. This is a great tool for networking with other “The leads group is a tremendous selling tool for Netherton Promotions. Our company has generated 20% of sales this year alone. During a

members.

2009 to 2010. For $25 a quarter, it’s been a great

Serves to promote the impact and impor-

return on the investment.”

tance of game day on local business. This

– KIRK NETHERTON NETHERTON PROMOTIONS

committee approves annual logo design, judges decorating and coloring contests, locates “BEARaphernalia” and produces an

RIBBON CUTTING AND GROUND BREAKINGS

MEMBER ORIENTATION

As a Chamber member, you are provided

are invited to attend an orientation

SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL

a complimentary ribbon cutting hosted

explaining their benefits and further

Roundtable to identify needs and offer

at your business or a ground breaking at

opportunities to maximize their Chamber

solutions in the small business community.

the site of your future location. Chamber

membership.

economic impact study.

Each month new and renewing members

Ambassadors are invited to attend and

TOAD SUCK DAZE

help welcome you to the Chamber. Your

COMMITTEES

Conducts annual Toad Suck Daze Festival

ribbon cutting picture and business infor-

Getting involved with one of our many

raising scholarship monies for Faulkner

mation will be featured in the Chamber

committees or task forces is a smart way

County students.

Member Spotlight section of the Log

to network and grow your business

Cabin Democrat.

TOURISM TASK FORCE

AMBASSADORS serve as official hosts

Volunteers will contribute their

for the Chamber by attending ribbon

time and enthusiasm to extend a

PROMOTIONS

cuttings, grand openings and helping at

personal welcome to visitors at

Your Chamber membership provides count-

various Chamber networking events

Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau

less avenues to promote your business to

throughout the year.

happenings. Areas of volunteering

over 1,300 fellow members. Whether it’s

may include greeters, hospitality tables,

through an event or program sponsorship,

CONWAY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (CYP)

email blasts distributed to our entire mem-

Serves as a catalyst for leadership and

stuffing. As the CCVB secures events,

bership, an area to display your promotional

networking opportunities dedicated to

such as: fishing tournaments and

materials in the Chamber lobby, or a chance

engaging young business men and women

basketball tournaments, the Task Force

to advertise on our Conway relocation disc

through the areas of professional develop-

will be instrumental in making guests

there is a market for you.

ment and civic opportunity.

feel welcome in Conway.

registration booths and goodie bag

Benefits

recession, we show a 32% increase in sales from

PAINT THE TOWN PURPLE TASK FORCE

Take the

Next Step

he annual investment is determined

by the average number of employees. This schedule has been carefully developed in an effort to insure the most equitable investment. It is a suggested minimum and does not reflect community spirit and commitment to economic growth, but serves as a guide. Category Annual Investment

“To be successful, we must have

Individual $110 Non-Profit 1 to 5

access to a highly educated $150

$215

workforce and we must have an environment that produces a good

6 to 10 $260

quality of life for our associates.

11 to 20 $300

The Conway Chamber has been

21 to 30 $340

critical to the promotion of both

31 to 45 $395

in our community. It’s all about

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46 to 60 $440

partnership with the City, with local

61 to 75 $490

schools and institutions of higher

76 to 100 $545 101 to 150

$600

151 to 200

$650

201 to 300

$785

301 to 400

$920

401 to 500

$1,050

500+ over 500

partnerships and the Chamber’s

$1,050 plus $1.00 per employee

learning, and with local businesses all have had and continue to have a very positive impact on our ability to stand strong in Conway. ” –JEFF STANDRIDGE VICE PRESIDENT GLOBAL OPERATIONS ACXIOM CORPORATION

“Over the last 4 years, Hurley Chiropractic has benefited from networking and committee involvement opportunities provided by the Chamber. We have received new leads on business because we were able to network with others and share our message about chiropractic health. It is nice to have a chamber that gives back to the community and is concerned about member satisfaction. Being a member of the chamber has allowed us an avenue of gaining credibility with our clients. I have served on the Membership Committee, founded the LEADS Group program and served as ambassador; all of which are great opportunities to promote your business.” ” – DR. AMANDA BLEDSOE HURLEY CHIROPRACTIC

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for more informatoin

COMPANY & REPRESENTATIVE INFORMATION

Business Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________

Name of person submitting membership record: _____________________________________________________________

Prefix: ______Primary Contact Name: _____________________________________________________________________ (The primary contact will be listed on the Chamber website, in the business directory and serve as the primary contact for chamber communications unless otherwise noted.)

Position/Title: _________________________________________________________________________________________

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Mailing Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________________________State: ____________________ Zip:______________

Physical Address (If different than mailing address): __________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________________________State: ____________________ Zip:______________

Business Number: ______________________Preferred Contact Number: ______________________FAX: ______________

Preferred Email: __________________________________________Website: _____________________________________

(The billing contact will receive all invoices generated through the Chamber (i.e.: member renewal invoice)

Billing Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________________________State: ____________________ Zip:______________

Preferred Contact Number: ______________________ Preferred Email: __________________________________________

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: ________________________________________

CHECK YOUR EMAIL PREFERENCE(S) I wish to receive all Chamber emails (Member2Member and monthly Chamber eConnection newsletter) I wish to receive only the monthly Chamber eConnection Newsletter I do not wish to receive Chamber emails

How to acquire health insurance through the Chamber How to participate in Chamber events

Join!

Contact for Billing: ____________________________________________________________________________________

How to gain sponsorship opportunities

ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIVE LISTING(S) Representative Name: __________________________________ Title: _______________________________________

Phone: ________________________________Email: _____________________________________________________

CHECK YOUR EMAIL PREFERENCE(S)

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I wish to receive all Chamber emails (Member2Member and monthly Chamber eConnection newsletter) I wish to receive only the monthly Chamber eConnection Newsletter I do not wish to receive Chamber emails

Representative Name: __________________________________ Title: _______________________________________

Phone: ________________________________Email: _____________________________________________________

WHAT CHAMBER BENEFITS ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN? How to market/promote my business How to generate referrals How to network with businesses How to get involved in the community

INVESTMENT LEVEL & BILLING:

Annual Investment: $_______________________

CHECK YOUR METHOD OF PAYMENT Check: Make payable to Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and mail to 900 Oak Street * Conway, AR 72032 Credit Card: [ ] Visa

[ ] Mastercard

[ ] Amex

[ ] Discover

Card #: _______________________________________

Expiration Date: ________________ Name on card (please print): _________________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________

If selecting to pay by credit card, check the following: [ ] Yes, I wish to participate in automatic renewal of my membership fee. [ ] No, I do not wish to participate in automatic renewal.

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