Chamber Voice Newsletter | 2016 Annual Report (February 2017)

FEBRUARY2017 | Vol 12 Issue 2

PAGE

2

2016 Annual Report | FEBRUARY2017

A Letter from the Chairman The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce is the Voice of Business and will be celebrating its 95th year as the premier advocacy organization for businesses in our region this year. Over the years, our Chamber has built a reputation for impacting the community through its programs devoted to not only economic development and government affairs, but also to small business outreach, workforce recruitment and retention, destination marketing (attracting visitors to Rogers-Lowell and the region), education, quality of life, leadership development and long-range community strategic planning.

2016 was another very successful year growing business and building community in the Rogers-Lowell area. It was a year that may be described with one word: “momentum.” Let’s look back.

The Chamber started out the year being re-accredited as one of only 103 Five-Star chambers (out of 7,022 chambers nationwide) by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This is the highest level of accreditation awarded and represents sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.

In 2016, new business growth and expansions resulted in significant job creation and helped to create opportunities for Chamber members to sell their goods and services to new businesses and residents. Businesses in the Rogers-Lowell area created over 1,700 new jobs last year. Bekaert announced an expansion that will create 110 new jobs and $32,000,000 in capital investment. Mercy Northwest Arkansas announced a $247,000,000 expansion expected to create 1,000 new jobs over the next few years. 2016 turned out to be a fantastic year for economic development, continuing the momentum that started earlier this decade. For example, since 2011, over $145 million in public capital investment and over $1 billion in private capital investment have occurred in the Rogers-Lowell area.

The Downtown Rogers Master Plan (implemented in 2015 as part of the overall Community Strategic Plan) has also gained momentum lately, especially with the city’s attractions and amenities like The Railyard Bike Park (opened in 2015) and Lake Atalanta Park (re-opened in 2016). Over $60 million in private and public capital has been invested in Downtown Rogers alone since 2014. Last year, a total of 31 new businesses opened their doors in downtown, and at the end of the year, 20 downtown buildings were in various stages of renovations with tenants ready to move in upon completion.

New retail and restaurant development continued to build momentum last year, too. A groundbreaking was held for The District and The District 2 in Rogers, two (2) new retail centers along Pauline Whitaker Blvd. New restaurants including The Social Taco, Newk’s Eatery, IDK?Cafe, Raising Cane’s, Foghorn’s Wings, Burgers & More, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop and Sweetfish Sushi Bar & Restaurant opened in Rogers, and at the end of the year seven (7) additional restaurants had planned to open in 2017.

The Chamber’s Government Affairs division worked very hard in 2016 advancing issues key to the continued prosperity of Northwest Arkansas.

The division hosted public forums and educated members on critical issues that have an impact on the local, state and national levels. During the legislative session, staff played a significant role getting Issue 3 placed on the ballot as well as getting it passed in the general election. This new constitutional amendment will help bolster economic development momentum for the entire state of Arkansas. The year ended with staff completing the 2017 Northwest Arkansas Regional Legislative Agenda and presenting to the region’s legislative delegation at the offices of the Northwest Arkansas Council.

The tourism industry positively impacted the Rogers-Lowell economy in 2016 and helped contribute to this momentum. Last year, our community hosted major conferences and events like the Walmart FLW Tour fishing tournament on Beaver Lake, The Poultry Festival, the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G at Pinnacle Country Club and the Daisy National BB Gun Championship Match providing great exposure and revenue for area businesses. Visit Rogers generated 93 leads and booked 71 groups in Rogers last year, resulting in 22,066 room nights and 71,476 attendees.

I’m proud to say that our Chamber is ready to continue this outstanding momentum and build on its successes in 2017. Working within a regional context, the Chamber will further advance strong economic development, government affairs, community development and business-building initiatives and programs to benefit its members.

You’ll learn more specifics about these programs and goals in the 2017 Business Plan to be published in the March issue of the Chamber Voice.

On behalf of the entire Chamber, I sincerely thank you for your membership and involvement this past year. We couldn’t have created this momentum without you. Our members fuel the ideas, goals, manpower, drive and financial ability that enable us to create the ideal environment for businesses of all sizes to prosper.

In this Annual Report, we’ve outlined 2016 accomplishments and highlights of the Chamber’s leadership in our region. I hope you will be inspired by our achievements of the past year and join us this year as we continue the momentum of working together to make the Rogers-Lowell area a great place to live, work and play.

Nick Hobbs

2016 Chairman of the Board J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc.

The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce is one out of just 103 chambers of 7,000+ nationwide accredited with Five Stars.

2016 Annual Report | FEBRUARY2017

PAGE

3

CHAMBER STAFF Raymond Burns, CCE PRESIDENT/CEO rburns@rogerslowell.com

Jon Moran VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS jon@rogerslowell.com

J.R. Shaw EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT | VISIT ROGERS jr@rogerslowell.com

Karen Wagaman VICE PRESIDENT OF DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT karen@rogerslowell.com

Shelle Summers, IOM

Judy Diffee

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP SERVICES ssummers@rogerslowell.com

FINANCE MANAGER judy@rogerslowell.com

Steve Cox SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT steve@rogerslowell.com

Brooklynn Wiley

Erin Jernigan CONVENTION SALES MANAGER | VISIT ROGERS erin@rogerslowell.com

Kelly Parker SPORTS & TOURISM MARKETING MANAGER | VISIT ROGERS kelly@rogerslowell.com

Katie Wright

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS brooklynn@rogerslowell.com

OFFICE MANAGER/EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT katie@rogerslowell.com

Amy Gober

Ashley Matsumura

Brad Phillips SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS brad@rogerslowell.com

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT amy@rogerslowell.com

Vickie Grotts

Jacque Eakins

VICE PRESIDENT OF ACCOUNTING & FINANCE vickie@rogerslowell.com

Nick Smith CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR nick@rogerslowell.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE jacque@rogerslowell.com

INFORMATION SPECIALIST ashley@rogerslowell.com

Amanda Mills INFORMATION SPECIALIST amanda@rogerslowell.com

Marni Rogers MEMBER RELATIONS MANAGER marni@rogerslowell.com

WHAT WE BELIEVE MISSION

VALUES

To be the voice of business, to promote and initiate responsible economic growth, and to address community challenges in the Rogers-Lowell Area and the region.

We act ethically in all we do.

We honor and serve all business and our community.

We work together.

We believe in the Rogers-Lowell Area and NWA. We advocate a positive business environment.

VISION

We continuously improve the business climate.

Quality

We believe in and promote free enterprise.

Growth

Opportunity

We know that it is up to us to make a difference.

We promote quality, growth and opportunity.

We identify, develop and involve leaders.

We believe in preserving, promoting and enhancing the quality of life in the Rogers-Lowell Area.

We listen and respond to our membership.

We have fun.

We strive to cultivate a cohesive community.

PAGE

4

2016 Annual Report | FEBRUARY2017

Chairman of the Board Nick Hobbs JB Hunt Transport, Inc.

Chairman-Elect David Faulkner Pinnacle Hills Promenade

Treasurer Eric Pianalto Mercy NWA

Past Chairman Mike Watts FM Corporation

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President/CEO Raymond Burns, CCE

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Chairman of the Board – Nick Hobbs, JB Hunt Transport, Inc. Chairman-Elect – David Faulkner, Pinnacle Hills Promenade Treasurer – Eric Pianalto– Mercy NWA Past Chairman – Mike Watts, FM Corporation President/CEO – Raymond Burns RIDC President – Jerry Vest, Regions Bank

Jeremy Barclay - Northwest Health System Jerry Carmichael - TY North America - LLC Mike Clawson - Del Monte Foods - Inc. Bob Clinard - Benton County Judge Dr. Marlin Berry - Rogers Public Schools Rich Davis - Black Hills Energy Mike Dodge - Carroll Electric Coop. Corp.

Sandy Edwards - Crystal Bridges Museum Dan Hendrix - Arkansas World Trade Center Greg Hines - Mayor - City of Rogers Dr. Evelynn Jorgenson - Northwest Arkansas Community College Peter Lane - Walton Arts Center David Lang - Embassy Suites NWA Eldon Long - Mayor - City of Lowell Dawn Spragg - CUMC Thom Stathakis - Everett Buick GMC Chris Sultemeier - Walmart Dick Trammel - Arkansas Highway Commission Mike Williams - NWA Emerging Leaders (WorkMatters)

2016 Directors

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

2017 Directors

Tabi Lipscomb, Arvest Benton County Jeff Wood, Tyson Foods Kristen Boozman, Portfolio Real Estate Mauricio Herrera, Legal Center of NWA J.D. Davis, AMP Sign & Banner Frank Bailey, Bailey & Oliver Law Firm

DIVISION CHAIRS

Community Development - Tina Winham Membership Services - Keri Earwood Economic Development - Jeff Milford Government Affairs - Jerry Carmichael Convention & Visitors Bureau - David Lang

2018 Directors

Jon Harrell, Generations Bank Keri Earwood, Shelter Insurance Jeff Milford, AEP/SWEPCO Tina Winham Dennis Ferguson, Simmons Bank David Roth, WorkMatters

January 14: The first in a series of 2016 Benton County and Legislative Candidate Election Forums took place with candidates in the Republican Primary for Benton County judge and sheriff at the Shewmaker Center for Global Business Development at the NorthWest Arkansas Community College.

RIDC President Jerry Vest Regions Bank

January 26: Members and the public joined the Chamber and community leaders for a Chamber Night reception at Rogers City Hall. Mayor Greg Hines delivered the State of the City address following the reception.

TIMELINE: January 2016

January 27: Chamber University kicked off the new year with the “Making Technology a Business Advantage” seminar presented by John Pruett (Microsoft Certified Trainer) from Computer Hut by offering both a morning and afternoon session for members to choose.

2016 Annual Report | FEBRUARY2017

Celebrating a Successful 2016

February 3: Chamber University partnered with the Walton College Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) to provide members a Sunrise Seminar Series on the hot topic “Boosting Your Business with Online Reviews.�

February 11: The second in a series of 2016 Benton County and Legislative Candidate Election Forums took place with legislative primary election candidates at the Shewmaker Center for Global Business Development at the Northwest Arkansas Community College. Rusty Turner, Editor of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, moderated.

TIMELINE: February 2016

February 16: Members and the public joined the Chamber and community leaders for a Chamber Night reception at Lowell City Hall. Mayor Eldon Long delivered the State of the City address following the reception.

PAGE

5

February 27: The 94th Annual Banquet celebrated 2015 accomplishments and featured the 46th Governor of Arkansas, Asa Hutchinson, as keynote speaker.

PAGE

6

2016 Annual Report | FEBRUARY2017

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Economic Development Division proactively provides innovative programs, assistance and technology to aid, support and increase business opportunities for new and existing business and industry, and expands the retail and service business available in our community to increase the local tax base. New job creation and business expansion impacts businesses by creating meaningful opportunities for Chamber members to sell their goods and services to those new businesses and residents. The Economic Development Division will work with industries both large and small in our community to increase job growth and business expansion as well as with individuals to increase our growing small business community.

31 NEW BUSINESSES

2016 Objectives | Economic Development • Proactively promote expansion and retention of local businesses and industry.

• Support or lead the process to identify regional community development initiatives to advance the region’s competitiveness for jobs, workers and capital investment.

• Expand services and retail amenities to help attract a diverse, first-class workforce.

• Address employer and jobseeker needs through innovative web tools and other recruitment marketing.

• Recruit and retain a high-quality workforce.

• Engage in small business outreach.

• Implement Downtown Master Plan • Engage in minority business development.

• Engage in minority community outreach.

The following highlights are from the Chamber’s

2016 YEAR-END STAFF REPORT.

opened in Downtown Rogers

in 2016

25 BUILDINGS

in Downtown Rogers under renovation for new developments Staff met with over

130 INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS concerning Downtown Rogers development

For the full report visit

ROGERSLOWELL.COM/CHAMBER.HTML

March 1: The Chamber published its 2016 Business Plan providing members specific programs and goals for the year. In 2016, the Chamber celebrated 94 years as the premiere advocacy organization for business in the Rogers-Lowell area.

March 1: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced that the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce had achieved 5-Star Accreditation, which is the highest level of accreditation awarded to chambers of commerce nationwide. Accreditation status is awarded for sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.

TIMELINE: March 2016

March 3: Northwest Arkansas ranked third in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live rankings despite being the smallest region on the list. The report ranks the country’s 100 largest metropolitan areas based on affordability, job prospects and quality of life.

2016 Annual Report | FEBRUARY2017

PAGE

7

Bekaert announced a

Mercy announced a

to its Rogers plant that will create OVER 100 NEW JOBS for residents

to its location in Rogers that will create 1,000 NEW JOBS in the coming years

$32 MILLION EXPANSION $247 MILLION EXPANSION ROGERS CREATED OVER 1,250 JOBS THROUGH OCTOBER 2016 THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN ROGERS IS 2.6 Nine GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONIES for both retail, office space, residential, and class A office space were held in Rogers in 2016.

120 VENDERS and over 600 ATTENDEES in 2016

NWA Job Fairs had over

Chamber staff members assisted regarding

237 INQUIRIES

2 K2J Connect events held in 2016 with the goal of WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION for school officials, students, and parents

NEW BUSINESS START-UPS, FRANCHISEES AND EXISTING BUSINESSES

April 14-17: The 2016 Walmart FLW Tour on Beaver Lake and featured the world’s best bass anglers competing for a top award of $125,000, fishing and hunting exhibits from top companies, boat displays and free family activities including the first-ever Fish Fest in Downtown Rogers. Scott Canterbury from Alabama won the top prize.

April 29: The Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders “Lunch with a Leader” program featured an interactive discussion with Rod Bigelow, Executive Director of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, at Eleven Restaurant located at the museum.

TIMELINE: April 2016

The chamber initiated meetings for developers, engineers, architects and building owners to allow the City of Rogers Planning Department to share the draft of changes being made to the City of Rogers Development Code

April 30: The 2016 Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Bradford Marine & ATV Buddy Bass Tournament on Beaver Lake celebrated its 25th anniversary. The winning team, McClelland & Hubbard, had a total catch weight of 18.99 pounds. A tournament record 1,842.11 pounds of fish were caught and released.

April 30: The Downtown Rogers Farmers Market opened and featured a new, unique indoor-outdoor facility with over 40+ vendors. Families are able to ride their bikes to the market together, shop the market, dine together and enjoy the activities of a revitalizing and growing Downtown Rogers district.

PAGE

8

2016 Annual Report | FEBRUARY2017

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES The Membership Services Division attracts new members while providing existing members with the programs, information and services needed to enhance their competitive edge in the marketplace. Membership Services staff will provide over-the-top customer service for the membership of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce by providing valuable services and programming which yields a return on their investment. We will impact our members by offering business building events and educational opportunities to support local businesses.

COORDINATED 130 BUSINESS EVENTS & PROGRAMS FOR AND THE .

MEMBERS

2016 Objectives | Membership Services • Support the Chamber’s mission of “Growing Business, Building Community” through membership sales and event sponsorships.

• Provide networking events and educational programs to help members grow their businesses.

• Increase the number of membership renewals by providing support and meeting the needs of our members through great customer service.

The following highlights are from the Chamber’s

2016 YEAR-END STAFF REPORT. For the full report visit

ROGERSLOWELL.COM/CHAMBER.HTML

The

COMMUNITY

NWA BIZCON was held

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

This was a great event for the Chamber and the community with a successful conference featuring keynotes from

MIKE HARVEY (Interim CEO of Northwest Arkansas Council) & AUTUMN MANNING (Founder & CEO of YouEarnedIt.com)

The Chamber welcomed close to

1,000 LOCAL EDUCATORS back to school at the annual

TEACHER APPRECIATION BREAKFAST

AatNRogers D E DHigh UCATIO N FAIR School in August.

The Chamber entertained almost

250 PLAYERS at the SPRING AND FALL GOLF TOURNAMENTS,

which provided golfers a relaxed environment for business networking.

May: Northwest Arkansas ranked #1 in U.S News & World Report’s Best Affordable Places to Live 2016 rankings.

May 11: The Northwest Arkansas Spring Job Fair presented by Glad Manufacturing Company was held at the Frisco Station Mall in Rogers helping to connect job seekers to employment opportunities. A total of 50 companies exhibited to 300+ attendees.

TIMELINE: May 2016

May 16: Chamber members came together for a fun day of golfing and networking at the beautiful Shadow Valley Country Club in Rogers.

Prizes were awarded for top finishing teams and individual contest winners.

May 24: The Chamber hosted its K2J (Kindergarten to Job) Connect event at Nabholz Construction in Rogers bringing together area educators and industries to talk about workforce needs and development.

2016 Annual Report | FEBRUARY2017

28 BUSINESS-BUILDING NETWORKING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES Provided

in 2016 which allowed members to GROW THEIR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK and GENERATE BUSINESS LEADS. Events included:

4 events

12 events 12 events 63% of the businesses who joined from JANUARY 1, 2016 through DECEMBER 31, 2016 are located in Rogers and Lowell. A total of 78% of the member businesses are located in Benton County.

NEW MEMBERS BY CITY ROGERS

BENTONVILLE

FAYETTEVILLE

LOWELL

SPRINGDALE

OTHER

9% 11%

In 2016, the

8%

MEMBERS

1) COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT + INCREASING VISIBILITY

which includes

223

2) NETWORKING + NEW BUSINESS CONTACTS 3) MARKETING/ADVERTISING/ PUBLICITY OPPORTUNITIES

for new members in 2016.

9%

2,126

to Join the Chamber:

101 RIBBON CUTTINGS

sold during 2016 MARINE &A FORD AD TV BR

25TH ANNUAL BRADFORD MARINE & ATV BUDDY BASS TOURNAMENT KICK OFF DINNER

The

was held on Friday, April 29th at Bradford Marine & ATV in Springdale with over 150 people in attendance.

25TH ANNUAL BRADFORD MARINE BUDDY BASS TOURNAMENT

was held at Beaver Lake on Saturday, April 30th. The Youth Fishing Tournament had 50 kids in attendance.

The Buddy Bass tournament had over 600 fishermen.

61%

TIMELINE: June 2016

NEW MEMBERSHIPS

The

2%

June 12: The Rogers Board of Education hosted a retirement reception in honor of Dr. Janie Darr with special recognition for her many years of service to the children of our community.

9

Finished 2016 with

TOP 3 REASONS

Members of the AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE promoted membership growth & retention and event participation by functioning as a PROACTIVE, GOODWILL EXTENSION OF THE CHAMBER. They helped to host

PAGE

June 17: The Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee / Large Industry Council met to share important information about the overtime rule changes put forth by the Department of Labor and discuss the impact rule changes would have on businesses in our area.

June 20-26: Celebrating 10 years in Rogers, the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented

by P&G returned to Pinnacle Country Club. The event also featured BITE NW Arkansas celebrating the region’s best cuisines, restaurants and chefs with the Taste of NW Arkansas and NW Arkansas Beer & Burger Fest.

PAGE

10

2016 Annual Report | FEBRUARY2017

Visit Rogers’ mission is to positively impact the Rogers economy through the promotion of the area as a retail, business and convention destination.

61 BOOKED MEETINGS AND EVENTS | 23,052 TRACKED ROOM NIGHTS 71,476 ATTENDEES FROM 71 GROUPS MET IN ROGERS IN 2016

2016 Objectives | Visit Rogers • Generate overnight visitors that will produce room nights for Rogers hotels and business for our attractions, restaurants and retailers.

• Market Rogers as a premier destination for leisure travelers, conventions and sporting events.

• Establish credibility and awareness of Visit Rogers as the official destination marketing organization of the city.

• Provide excellent customer service to enhance the visitor experience and encourage repeat visits to Rogers.

The following highlights are from the Chamber’s

2016 YEAR-END STAFF REPORT. For the full report visit

ROGERSLOWELL.COM/CHAMBER.HTML

HOSTED 9 FAMILIARIZATION TOURS and site inspections for planners considering Rogers for their events.

July 3-5: The 50th Annual Daisy National BB Gun Championship Match was held in Rogers. An estimated 2,000 plus athletes, parents, coaches and guests attended festivities and the match.

Economic impact to the community of

$ 18 M I L L I ON*

NEW MARKETING AGREEMENT in place for 2017/2018 with MILES PARTNERSHIPS,

GLOBAL DESTINATION MARKETING SPECIALISTS, will include a NEW WEBSITE, DIGITAL MARKETING PLATFORMS and TARGETED COMMUNICATIONS.

Multi-year commitments signed for future groups represent

OVER 7,000 ATTENDEES & 4,000 ROOMNIGHTS as well as

,

OVER $2 MILLION IN ECONOMIC IMPACT*.

REGIONAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

Hosted bringing 46 teams from 11 states and 2,000 participants to NWA and Rogers Regional Sports park.

July 4: The City of Rogers Fireworks Spectacular featured the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SONA) with Music Director Paul Haas at The Walmart AMP offering a family-friendly event with fireworks and entertainment.

TIMELINE: July 2016

*Estimates as of January 2017

July 21: Main Street Rogers, Go Downtown Rogers, the Chamber and Visit Rogers launched a new “Man on the Street” style video series featuring “On the Bricks with Erik Hansen” with the goal of highlighting the growth and development of Downtown Rogers.

July 22-24: The Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders kicked off the Rogers Cycling Festival featuring an expanded menu of seven cycling events. The festival, supported in part by the Walton Family Foundation, provided opportunities for all skill levels and events for both road cyclists and mountain bike enthusiasts. Two events were USA Cycling sanctioned.

2016 Annual Report | FEBRUARY2017

PAGE

11

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Community Development Division creates and supports innovative leadership and educational programs that impact and enhance the quality of life in Rogers, Lowell and the region by improving lifestyles and amenities enjoyed by residents as well as newcomers and visitors.

Leadership Benton County

2016 Objectives | Community Development

class 14 ran from

AUGUST 2015 THROUGH MAY 2016.

34 PARTICIPANTS GRADUATED

• Further leadership potential in benton county • Introduce progressive leadership skills in the rogers school district • Convene young professionals to positively impact the community through NWA Emerging Leaders • Support education.

on May 20, 2016.

The following highlights are from the Chamber’s

The Chamber’s Education Committee recognized Ms. Donna James of Garfield Elementary School, Ms. Sherry Bray of Elmwood Middle School, and Mr. Jeremiah Tebbenkamp of Rogers High School as

For the full report visit

EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR

2016 YEAR-END STAFF REPORT.

ROGERSLOWELL.COM/CHAMBER.HTML

.

ACADEMIC AWARDS CEREMONIES took place in the Spring of 2016 for Rogers Heritage High School, Rogers High School and Rogers New Technology High School where

831 STUDENTS were awarded for high academic achievement.

The Community-based Scholarship Program awarded 217 students in the amount of with the support of 95 donors.

$373,375

The 2015/2016

ARVEST FIRST LEADERSHIP class held

the STATE GOVERNMENT/LITTLE ROCK EXPLORATION TOUR in February of 2016.

Graduation for the program was held on April 6 with

19 STUDENTS GRADUATING. August: The Chamber, in partnership with local governments, community organizations, businesses and community leaders, launched its Impact Possible 2021 capital campaign, an aggressive economic development and business expansion and attraction plan. Visit ImpactPossible.com.

August 10: A crowd of close to 1,000 Rogers Public School administrators and teachers gathered at Rogers High School for the first-ever ThankA-Teacher Celebration Presented by Sam’s Furniture to honor teachers who are making a difference in our community. Chamber members donated prizes totaling in value over $18,000.

TIMELINE: August 2016

August 12: The Education Committee of the Chamber hosted the annual Teacher Education Fair & Appreciation Breakfast at Rogers High School presented

by Hight-Jackson Associates, P.A. Close to 1,000 faculty and staff of the public schools, charter schools and the community college attended. A total of 89 Chamber member companies exhibited their products and services.

August 29: The Chamber launched a series of seven short videos on its website to showcase the Rogers-Lowell area and region: Rogers Welcome, Lowell Welcome, Shop Dine Explore, Live, Learn, Work and World Class Healthcare.

PAGE

12

2016 Annual Report | FEBRUARY2017

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS The Government Affairs Division serves as the link between Chamber members and local, state and federal government.

In this role, the Chamber advocates for pro-business and quality-of-life issues of importance to Northwest Arkansas. The Division also provides outreach by keeping its members informed on legislation and public policy that might have an impact on business.

2016 Objectives | Government Affairs • Enhance the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce’s capacity to effectively influence local, state and federal legislation.

• Establish regionalism to leverage economic development for coordinated marketing, messaging and advocacy efforts.

• Help Chamber members understand and navigate the governmental process.

• Aggressively advocate for pro-business public policy and issues.

• Pursue transportation infrastructure funding.

The following highlights are from the Chamber’s

2016 YEAR-END STAFF REPORT. For the full report visit

ROGERSLOWELL.COM/CHAMBER.HTML

ISSUE

Staff played an instrumental

role

in the initial meetings on crafting Issue 3 with the Governor’s

Office, AEDC, and the State Chamber.

Staff also played a strategic role in GUIDING ISSUE 3 through the

LEGISLATIVE AND CONSTITUTIONAL

AMENDMENT

COMMITTEE PROCESS in 2015, and advocated for its successful passage in the 2016

GENERAL ELECTION

.

3

Staff worked with other

chambers in Northwest Arkansas, leadership of the State Chamber, the

Arkansas Economic Developers Association, the

chambers across the state and

to promote the passage of Issue 3.

Staff attended ALL LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS held in conjunction with the special sessions and the fiscal session of the General Assembly in May 2016

September 9: Culligan of NWA won First Place at the Chamber’s 2016 Fall Golf Tournament held at beautiful Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club in Rogers. A total 26 golf teams representing 106 golfer played.

September 16: Main Street Rogers, Inc. announced the return of its popular 3rd Friday on the Bricks event featuring local artists, photographers, musicians, food trucks and special offers/sales from merchants. As part of the festivities, a movie was shown at the new Downtown Rogers Farmers Market, free of charge to the community.

TIMELINE: September 2016

September 19: The Chamber launched a lead generation and awareness radio advertising campaign targeting the community-at-large for its Impact Possible 2021 Capital Campaign investments. This 10-week campaign as advertised on iHeartMedia Northwest Arkansas’ four radio stations from September 19 through November 27, 2016.

2016 Annual Report | FEBRUARY2017

75

PAGE

13

Staff maintained a greater than

%

Staff attended the sponsored by the

attendance rate during the

SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION and the REGULAR FISCAL SESSION held in 2016.

REGIONAL GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS CONFERENCE

U.S. Chamber of Commerce held in Austin, TX where information and ideas on how to

MAXIMIZE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS WEBSITE were discussed.

Northwest Arkansas

Regional Legislative Agenda Staff collaborated with

THE NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COUNCIL, AREA CHAMBERS, and REPRESENTATIVES OF NWA REGIONAL BUSINESSES to draft the

Staff presented the

2017 Northwest Arkansas Regional Legislative Agenda to the Executive Committee of the

Staff presented and discussed the 2017 Northwest Arkansas

Regional Legislative Agenda 2017 Northwest Arkansas with AREA LEGISLATORS Regional Legislative Agenda.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COUNCIL, which subsequently adopted the agenda.

in December.

October 5: The Northwest Arkansas Fall Job Fair presented by Glad Manufacturing Company was held at the Frisco Station Mall in Rogers helping to connect job seekers to employment opportunities.

A total of 46 companies exhibited to 300+ attendees.

October 17: The Chamber produced a series of new streetlight banners to hang on W. Pauline Whitaker Pkwy. in the Pinnacle Hills area of Rogers and in various locations in Downtown Rogers. The goal of the banner campaign was to increase the community’s awareness of recent economic development successes.

Banners were hung starting late October and display through 2017.

TIMELINE: October 2016

October 29: The community and city officials came together for a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand re-opening celebration for Lake Atalanta. “The transformation, revitalization and resurgence of Downtown Rogers are a result of a tremendous community effort combined with hard work, dedication, and commitment from the City of Rogers,” said Mayor Greg Hines.

PAGE

14

2016 Annual Report | FEBRUARY2017

NWA EMERGING LEADERS Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders (NWAEL) exists to engage and connect Northwest Arkansas young professionals through personal and professional development experiences

2016 Objectives | NWA Emerging Leaders • Engage new or young business professionals in the region with professional development programs that focus on volunteerism, leadership skills development and board service.

• Increase membership and become more regionally diverse by partnering with other community leadership development organizations to invite new members from across the region.

The following highlights are from the Chamber’s

2016 YEAR-END STAFF REPORT. For the full report visit

ROGERSLOWELL.COM/CHAMBER.HTML

Sustainability Workgroup – This workgroup is focused on increasing sustainability in Northwest Arkansas and diverting recyclable material out of the landfill. In 2016, this

team had volunteers work several events such as their own Boys and Girls Club of Benton County Golf Tournament to ensure they were near-zero waste events.

Legacy Workgroup – This workgroup develops a leadership pool and links ready, willing and able emerging talent to organizations, public and private boards and

commissions and areas of leadership needed to benefit the community. In 2016, this workgroup held two Board Service Certification seminars to prepare attendees to serve on non-profit boards and commissions.

Greenways and Trails Workgroup – This workgroup links parks, trails and people; to provide, protect, develop and maintain parks, greenways and trails

throughout the community; and to promote public awareness of the benefits of green space. In 2016, this team worked to produce the third annual Rogers Cycling Festival which promoted access to cycling and supported the Community Bike Program.

Community Enrichment Team – Provides avenues for dialogue and education about community issues as well as opportunities to become engaged in projects that will enrich the region. The workgroup offers an avenue for members with project ideas that do not fit within existing work-groups an opportunity to use Community Enrichment as a platform for any project or program that could benefit the community.

In 2016, this team organized opportunities for members-at-large to work together in the community through volunteering for various service projects.

Political and Government Affairs Team – Non-partisan program intended to

assess current political issues and opportunities; educate on political and government processes; and engage and encourage participation in local, state and federal government. In 2016, this team hosted a bi-partisan election watch party to engage local young professionals in not only the national election but local elections on November 8.

November 1: The always popular Gone in 60 Seconds Elevator Pitch competition was held at the NWA BizCon 2016. Entrepreneurs pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges and the audience to win cash grand prizes. Judges chose Metknow App as its $1,000 Grand Prize Winner. The People’s Choice $1,000 Grand Prize Winner went to Prime Robotics.

November 4: The Chamber’s 7th annual Bowling for Business was held at Fast Lane Entertainment in Lowell with 15 teams participating – a total of 75 business men and women. The highest scoring team was Legacy National Bank.

TIMELINE: November 2016

November 7: The Arkansas General Assembly referred Issue No. 3 to Arkansas voters during the 2015 Regular Session giving voters the chance to improve economic development opportunities and create Jobs for Arkansas in communities all across the state. The Chamber played a significant role getting the measure placed on the ballot and encouraged voters to vote FOR Issue No. 3. On Election Day it passed.

November 11: The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) held its 2016 World Summit in Northwest Arkansas.

2016 Through the efforts of the Visit Rogers WOR LD SU M M I T team, over 500 IMBA attendees visited The NOV. 10-12 Railyard Bike Park and Lake Atalanta for trail rides, an expo, and demonstrations by world champ cyclists.

BENTONVILLE

ARKANSAS

2016 Annual Report | FEBRUARY2017

There were two

NWAEL held two

PAGE

15

NWAEL partnered with Rotary Clubs to host the inaugural

SERVICE CERTIFICATION LUN CH W I T H A L E AD E R BOARD seminars in 2016 with a total of NWA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS events in 2016 providing NWAEL 58 participants. members access to some of the SUMMIT.

region’s top leadership while facilitating a casual, informal discussion.

Rod Bigelow Joseph Steinmetz

The theme of the all-day summit was “Ignite Your

This year featured , Executive Director of Crystal Bridges and , Chancellor of the University of Arkansas.

4 MEMBER NWAEL Held

ORIENTATIONS with a total of

55 ATTENDEES in 2016.

The orientations allowed members to network as well as hear about the different teams and programs to choose.

December 1: SportsEvents Media Group, the leading industry publication focused exclusively on helping sports event planners produce excellent competitions in the United States, announced Visit Rogers as one of its 2017 Readers’ Choice Award winners.

Winners were announced in the January 2017 issue.

NWAEL membership rose by 160 MEMBERS in 2016 to

828 TOTAL MEMBERS

.

NWAEL | Connect is an informal event that allows members and

potential members the opportunity to connect with others, connect with the organization, and connect with Northwest Arkansas.

In 2016, these events included Happy Hour Socials, a Wine Walk at Sassafras Winery, a Night with the Naturals Minor League baseball game, and a TheatreSquared play which included a VIP discussion with the cast after the show.

December 5: American Airlines announced that beginning April 5, 2017, the airline will offer new, nonstop service between XNA (Northwest Arkansas) and the nation’s Capital, Washington, D.C. (DCA).

The daily non-stop flights, operated by Republic, opened for sale.

TIMELINE: December 2016

Passion: Personally, Professionally, and Philanthropically”.

275 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Over

attended this year’s event.

NWAEL raised

$50,000 in funding for the organization through

VARIOUS SPONSORSHIPS

and a grant through the Northwest Arkansas Council.

December 15: Congratulations to Julie Damer from First Western and Erik Hansen from Hansen Design and Construction on winning the two Grand Prizes for this year’s Business After Hours Sweepstakes. Special thanks to Adelman Travel for sponsoring the grand prizes.

December 31: The Chamber closed out 2016 with a total of 2,126 member businesses.

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; semimonthly in April by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc., 317 West Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756. Periodical postage paid at Rogers, Arkansas.

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

Rogers Chamber Office 317 West Walnut Street Rogers, Arkansas 72756 479-636-1240

Lowell Chamber Office

506 Enterprise Drive, Ste. 102 Lowell, Arkansas 72745 479-770-4400