On July 16, Leadership Benton County (LBC) members participated in a local government tour at the Center for Nonprofits in Rogers, where they heard from several decision-makers in the community.
F E AT U R E D S P E A K E R S :
Barry Moehring - Benton County Government
Rob Smith - NWA Council
Jeremy Biggs - Rogers Lowell Chamber
Natalie Tibbs - Children & Family Advocacy Center
Adrienne Woods - Arkansas Board of Education
“You're looking at things that affect your local community,” said Ross Phillips, Chief Operating Officer. “So just a better understanding of the different roles that our local government plays in our day-to-day life.”
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.
APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW: Learn More Here
BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT CONNECT
Each quarter, Vice President of Government Affairs, Sara Lynn Geiger, hosts the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee to discuss current legislative happenings and local impact.
Topics include policies and issues occurring on all levels of government, ranging from different bills that have gone through legislature as well as ordinances going on within city council Membership is made up of large, small and mid-sized businesses, as well as a variety of interested community members.
“A lot of people think you have to have a government affairs title, or what have you, to be involved in the Government Affairs Committee, and that's definitely not the case,” said Geiger. “We want to have folks who are interested in the legislative process and the local processes, but also just those who care about what's going on and just making sure that they know that they do have a seat at the table, and that we are engaging in those conversations.”
Learn more about Government Affairs:
Sara Lynn Geiger
Vice President of
Government Affairs (479) 619 - 3193 sara@rogerslowell.com
GOLD STANDARD ACHIEVEMENT
Destinations International: 2025 Annual Convention: At this year’s event in Chicago, IL, Luke Wiggins, Vice President of Sales at Destination Rogers, earned his Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation which is recognized as the gold standard in destination marketing professional development.
CDME designations are one of the most respected certifications in the tourism industry, with fewer than 500 recipients globally making it a prestigious and rare accomplishment. •
Congrats Luke!
Earning the CDME designation not only elevates Luke’s professional credibility — but also brings national recognition to the Rogers Lowell Chamber and Destination Rogers. •
Ruth Fertel, Founder
CULINARY COMMUNITY EXPANDS
Destination Rogers is excited to announce a new restaurant in Uptown Rogers and the Pinnacle Hills area with Ruth’s Chris Steak House, a family-owned company with locations across the county.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House combines the refined charm of a traditional steakhouse with the modern era, featuring 20,000 square feet of dining and event space with 500+ seats open seven-days-a-week, for 365 days a year
Joining the Rogers Lowell Chamber in March 2025, the team at Ruth’s Chris Steak House integrated themselves directly into the Rogers community –becoming a Business After Hours host sponsor just four-months into their RLC Membership.
With over 2,000 attendees, the event’s local economic impact totaled to $1 5 million dollars spent and more $40,000 generated in local taxes
Destination Rogers Executive Vice President, J R Shaw, said Rogers has become the Air Gun Capitol of the World with Iconic Outdoor Group’s Daisy Outdoor Products headquartered in Rogers.
MPIONSHIP
“We have such a long history through the Chamber and the City of Rogers and Rogers tourism with Daisy,” said Shaw. “And we couldn't be happier for them.”
Through supporting events like this, Destination Rogers further positions our region as the destination for air gun sports and outdoor activities.
Get the full story on the Destination Rogers website and YouTube channel.
"This is what I look forward to every year," said Carly Liddle, 2X VA State Champ Rockin Shotz. "This is where I feel me the most. And I want that for everybody else too."
BLENDING B
Hotel Avail, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is designed to blend business and leisure in the heart of Uptown Rogers. In true Rogers fashion, the hotel offers guests an upscale yet relaxed experience with walkable world-class attractions and diverse cuisine.
Choose from 168 guestrooms, 8,000 square feet of meeting and event space, or experience locally inspired dishes and drinks at the Little Acorn Café & Bar or Oak Steakhouse open to both guests and non-guests.
“We were really developed with the founder’s vision in mind of the Rogers area,” said Bailie Sonnetag, Area Director of Sales at Motto by Hilton & Hotel Avail. “J.B. (Hunt) is known for a quote that says, ‘every trip is a good trip,’ and so we try to embody that at the hotel-level and make sure that regardless of what you’re here for in Northwest Arkansas, it’s a great trip for you.”
BUSINESS & LEISURE
“The Avail team has come in early and often in partnering with Destination Rogers, with the Chamber,” said J.R. Shaw, Executive Director of Destination Rogers. “It’s such a fantastic addition to our community, not just our lodging and hospitality community, but to our overall community as we keep growing and growing.”
By supporting local lodging options like Hotel Avail, Destination Rogers is promoting Rogers as a tourism destination and a worldclass community to live, work, invest, and play.
Get the full story on the Destination Rogers website and YouTube channel.
Q2 AMBASSADOR OF
THE QUARTER
Susie R. Kahler
Community Outreach, Xtreme Exteriors
“I started in the local office four years ago as the Office Manager Due to my involvement with networking through the Rogers Lowell Chamber of Commerce and other sources, our sales volume increased the first year in the office I now have the amazing role of Community Outreach that allows me to network in our community while sharing the services Xtreme Exteriors has to offer. We are able to address your exterior needs from siding, windows, roofing, decking, and so much more!
A few fun personal facts - I get to be a fur mama for my amazing Cockerpoo - Miss Coco Chanel. She is 19 months old and loves pup cups! I also enjoy a good cigar while driving my little convertible bug on a nice scenic adventure.
I like being a Chamber Ambassador because it allows me to represent Xtreme Exteriors and promote our services. I get to be out and about in the community, and it's a great way to support other small businesses. It’s also helped me build long-lasting relationships that have become the foundation of a strong and vibrant network.”
Alongside our Ambassador of the Quarter, we’d like to give a shoutout to our top point earning Ambassadors for this quarter:
Lexy Hill • The Agency
Toni Luetjen • Landers Toyota
Eyal Gallico • Apollo IT Services
Jesse Weegens • F1RSTNB
Rachel Korpella • Korpella Design
LEVEL UP LOCAL: SESSION 1 RECAP
The Rogers Lowell Chamber’s Small Business Council officially kicked off its new Level Up Local series July 10, marking a significant step forward in empowering small business owners with essential tools and knowledge to thrive in today’s complex business landscape
Designed as a free, value-added service for Chamber members, Level Up Local is a monthly event held on the third Thursday at 8:30 AM at the Chamber
“Each session focuses on a high-impact topic ranging from artificial intelligence and HR laws to marketing, emergency preparedness, risk management and more” said Jeremy Biggs, VP of Economic Development.
The session zeroed in on cybersecurity, a critical issue for small businesses. With over $16 billion in cybercrime-related losses reported by U.S. businesses last year alone, the topic struck a timely and urgent chord.
Eyal Gallico, of Apollo IT Services, led the session and emphasized practical ways businesses can protect themselves through strong password policies and the implementation of two-factor.
“Employees are your first line of defense and training is vital to protecting your business' financial assets and customer data,” Gallico said.
Join us for upcoming Level Up Local sessions and topics:
August 14 | HR Laws and Regulations, Risk Management
September 11 | Emergency Preparedness
Meet the 2026 Nominees for the
Rogers Lowell Chamber Board of Directors
Your Chamber welcomes individuals, businesses of all sizes, non-profit organizations and representatives of government, education, and industry to our membership We are a diverse and inclusive Chamber
Our members, partners, and investors come to learn, to teach, to grow, to connect, and to give back to our community They invest their time and money knowing that it takes all of us to build a vibrant community and sustain future success
Investing in the future: Volunteering for board service is an investment in the community. Board of Directors do it because they share our Vision and understand that supporting the work of our Mission will get us there. We thank them for their service, leadership, and fiduciary duty that contributes to our long-term success.
The Board Nominating Process:
The Chamber’s Bylaws state that additional nominees may be added to the Nominating Committee recommendation by a nominating petition signed by at least 15 Chamber members in good standing
All nominating petitions must be submitted to the President/CEO of the Rogers Lowell Chamber within ten days of the publishing of the Nominating Committee Report. This deadline is Friday, August 11 , 2025. th If no additional names are submitted by the membership, the Board of Directors will certify the six candidates submitted by the Nominating Committee at its September board meeting.
Bruce T. Barkley
President & General Manager, KHBS/KHOG-TV
Bruce T. Barkley has been President and General Manager of 40/29 KHBS/KHOG-TV in Fayetteville/Ft. Smith, AR since July 2020, overseeing news and sports programming for Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. Previously News Director at WYFF News 4 in Greenville, SC, he led the station to top ratings and multiple awards, including seven Southeast Regional Emmys and an Edward R Murrow award Bruce is a Hearst INCLUDE Certified Change Agent, completed the Riley Institute's Diversity Leadership Training, and has held leadership roles at various Hearst stations in Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee. He holds a B.A. in Communication from American University, where he captained the NCAA Division 1 baseball team. Bruce and his wife, Susan, recently moved to NW Arkansas and have three sons and a daughter-in-law across Arkansas, South Carolina, and Mississippi
Chad Evans
President & CEO, Arvest Bank, Benton County
Chad Evans is the President and CEO of Arvest Bank, Benton County In this role, he works with a dedicated team of financial service professionals to serve the banking needs of Northwest Arkansas and of parts of southern Missouri. Chad is a Bentonville native and a 30+ year banker, serving in many capacities for Arvest over those years. Prior to returning to Benton County, he served for nine years as President/CEO of Arvest Bank in Joplin, MO Chad and his wife, Jana, have two adult sons, both currently in college He holds degrees from Arkansas Tech University and the Southwest Graduate School of Banking, which complement his extensive industry experience He is passionate about his faith, his family, and serving the communities in Northwest Arkansas.
Debbie Jones
Director of Business Development & Marketing, CEI Engineering Associates, Inc.
With over 25 years of experience in Business Development and Marketing, she has led growth across Retail, Hospitality, Education, and Commercial sectors She specializes in negotiation, strategic planning, relationship building, operations, sales, and market research Known for her innovative mindset, she blends fresh ideas with sound business strategies. She collaborates with a wide range of industry professionals to build strong, lasting partnerships. Her approach centers on understanding each business’s unique needs and delivering a strategic, efficient, and enjoyable process For her, success means connecting the right people to the right resources
Kristin Baldwin
Chief Operating Officer, Smith Hurst, PLC
Kristin oversees business and financial operations, working closely with firm partners to drive growth and innovation in Northwest Arkansas’s legal sector. She manages budgeting, financial analysis, compliance, enterprise risks, and insurance programs, while building relationships with external stakeholders to strengthen the firm's competitive standing With over a decade of experience in various legal practice areas, Kristin is an active community member, serving on advisory boards and volunteering with local organizations. Her leadership and service have earned her recognition, including the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal's 40 Under Forty and several volunteer awards.
Natalie Tibbs
Executive Director, Children & FamilyAdvocacy Center (CFAC)
Natalie has worked since 2006 in various roles supporting the organization's mission to restore the lives of those impacted by trauma. The CFAC merged with Restoration Village in January 2023. Natalie holds an Associate Degree in Nursing from Northwest Arkansas Community College, a degree in Psychology, and an M S in Leadership from John Brown University She is the first certified full-time sexual assault nurse examiner in Arkansas and served as the Benton County Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator from 2009 to 2019 Natalie is on the boards of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas and Mercy Health System of NWA, and she has served on Mercy’s Community Health Subcommittee since 2018. She is passionate about protecting children, building resiliency in those impacted by trauma, and breaking the cycle of abuse. Natalie, alongside her husband, has seven children and enjoys outdoor activities
Spencer Fox
SeniorVice President & Benton County Lending Manager, Legacy National Bank
Spencer Fox has over 22 years of banking experience in Northwest Arkansas and currently serves as Senior Vice President and Benton County Lending Manager at Legacy National Bank A Pine Bluff native, he earned a B S in Finance from the University of Arkansas in 2003 and a graduate degree from the Barret School of Banking He began his career at Bank of Rogers, later working at Simmons Bank before joining Legacy National Bank. Fox is a past president of both the Rogers Early Risers Rotary Club and Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders, where he also served on the Rogers/Lowell Chamber Board. He’s active at First Baptist Church Rogers and coaches his son’s U11 soccer team He lives in Rogers with his two children, Will and Adeline
