Chamber Voice | July 2025

July 2025

CHAMBER VOICE

Real Impact HEAR FIRSTHAND HOW THE CHAMBER HAS HELPED LOCAL BUSINESS THRIVE

pg. 10

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS ACADEMIC AWARDS

4

High school students were honored at RLC’s 49th annual Academic Awards Ceremony for their outstanding academic performance

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

6

The Arkansas Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas (AIA) stopped by RLC during the Arkansas Ahead tour

LOCAL RECOVERY EFFORTS

7

VP of Economic Development Jeremy Biggs teamed up with Mayor Greg Hines for June’s Spotlight Series: Local Government

CATCHING UP AT THE PICNIC

8

Chamber staff members showed their appreciation towards our members at the annual Chamber Picnic and Cornhole Tournament

R E A L I M PAC T F R O M R L C

10

Hear from several local business owners who have shared their experience after joining the Rogers Lowell Chamber

LOCAL LEADERS IN LR

12

Members of the Rogers Lowell Chamber Leadership Benton County (LBC) program attended a State Government Tour in Little Rock

P R E PA R I N G F O R T O M O R R O W

14

The RLC Workforce Council met at Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) for strategic discussion about workforce

FROM TRADESHOW TO TRAVEL

15

Destination Rogers showcased our region at this year’s Arkansas Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Tradeshow in Little Rock

RIBBON CUTTINGS NEW MEMBERS MEMBER RENEWALS

2

20

J U LY C A L E N DA R

1

st

M IXE R D E NEGO C I O S 9:00-10:15am @ Dance With Me Studio

th

10 17

L E V E L UP LOCA L : S e s s io n 1 8:30-9:30am @ Rogers Lowell Chamber

M E RC H A N T th M E E TU P 8:45-10am @ TBD

EVERY

WED

CENT R AL R EF ER R AL CO NNECT I O N 9:00-10:15am @ Golden Corral

10

th

17

ART O N T HE BR I CKS ART WALK 4:30-7:30PM @ Downtown Rogers

B US I N ES S th A FT ER H OURS 5-6:30pm

@ Ruth’s Chris Steak House

COFFE E

8

th

CONN ECT IO N 8:30-9:30am @ Everett Infiniti of NWA

CH A MBE R th T UTO RIAL

16

8:30-9:30am @ Rogers Lowell Chamber

UP COMING FAL L E V E NT S

T H A N K-A -T EAC HER CELEBRAT I O N Aug 7th • 8am-2pm @Rogers High School

N WA COM MU NITY S H OWCA S E Sept 13th • 10am-3pm @Butterfield Stage

N WA FA LL JOB FA I R Oct 1 • 10am-3pm @Rogers Activity Center

CH A M BER GO L F TOURN A M ENT Oct 10 • 7am-6pm @The Creeks Golf + RV Resort

RLC S PORT ING CLAYS CLA SSIC Nov 14 • 10am-3pm @Gunsmoke Sporting Clays

S I PS ON T HE BRI CK S Dec 6 • 4-8:30pm @Dowtown Rogers

3

A P R I L 3 0 - M AY 2

CELEBRAT ACADEMI ACHIEVEM MORE THAN 1,300 high school students were honored at the Rogers Lowell Chamber’s 49th annual Academic Awards Ceremony for their outstanding academic performance.

Each of these students maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher — a significant achievement that reflects dedication, discipline, and a commitment to excellence.

4

ROGERS HERITAGE

THE ACADEMIC AWARDS reflect the Chamber’s mission to support and invest in the future of the region by recognizing the incredible potential of its young people.

, 2025

TING IC MENT “We tell our students all the time that their hard work will pay off,” said Chip Greenwell, Principal at Heritage High School. “They got to see it celebrated. This recognition reminds them that they’re seen, they’re valued, and they’re capable of achieving incredible things.”

By celebrating academic achievement, the Chamber reinforces the message that hard work matters — and that the path to a strong, prosperous community begins with education. Events like the Academic Awards Ceremony serve as a reminder of the bright future being built — one student at a time.•

ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL

5

Arkansas Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Randy Zook

F R I DAY - J U N E 1 3 , 2 0 2 5

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK THE ARKANSAS CHAMBER of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas (AIA) stopped by the Rogers Lowell Chamber June 13 during its Arkansas Ahead Tour.

Through a data-driven presentation, President/ CEO Randy Zook with the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce/AIA discussed the state’s economic outlook. The region’s input helps shape the efforts of the State Chamber and ensures they’re tackling the challenges that matter most to businesses in Northwest Arkansas.

6

“It gives us an opportunity to build a grassroots effort all across the state, in partnership with the community chambers,” said Zook. “Our point is, Arkansas is more competitive than we have ever been before, and that competitiveness is paying off an accelerated economic growth.”

This collaboration allows the Rogers Lowell Chamber to maintain its position as the regional link between business and government. •

Rogers Mayor Greg Hines beginning the presentation

W E D N E S DAY - J U N E 4 , 2 0 2 5

LOCAL RECOVERY EFFORTS SPOTLIGHT SERIES | Local Government Update presented by Crafton Tull is designed to bring the right people together at the right time to spark innovation, inspire ideas and align our community around common goals.

projects have been delayed by insurance claims and red tape in FEMA reimbursement processes.

He stated the library should open by the end of the year and Northside Park and Victory Theater should be operational again by April of 2026.

IN JUNE, the Rogers Lowell Chamber featured Mayor Greg Hines to provide insight into the progress of recovery efforts being made across the city following last year’s devastating tornado.

Mayor Hines added “it was the honor of my career in public service to serve the City of Rogers through one of the most difficult times in city history”.

He shared updates and explained why some

Thank you to our sponsors!

RLC Vice President of Economic Development Jeremy Biggs

7

F R I DAY - J U N E 6 , 2 0 2 5

CATCHING UP AT THE CHAMBER PICNIC 8

RLC SHOWED ITS APPRECIATION for our members with our annual Chamber Picnic and Cornhole Tournament presented by GEICO. Each year, Chamber members provide hours of community service, give discounts on items needed for Chamber programs and donate everything from snacks to door prizes for Chamber events. Chamber Picnic is one of the many ways RLC shows its gratitude to our members’ contribution! •

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT Whether you’re a backyard pro or just in it for the fun, this was our member’s chance to aim, toss, and win fun prizes.

Congrats to this year’s winner, Penske Truck Rental!

Thank you to our sponsors!

9

MEMBER TESTIMONIALS

REAL IMPACT FROM RLC

AT THE to mak buildin tunity t

COOK’S

NATURAL FOODS After nearly a year of remodeling following the 2024 May tornado, RLC member Cook’s Natural Foods is back open.

In addition to their store’s grand reopening in April, the owners of Cook’s Natural Foods celebrated 30 years of business, 20 years in Downtown Rogers and more than 20 years with the Rogers Lowell Chamber.

“The tornado was not going to take our joy,” said Susana Cook, owner of Cook’s Natural Foods. “We knew we had a lot of work ahead of us — and that we were going to open up again. We didn’t know how long, but we were determined that, of course, we were not over.”

10

BETH DEVERRE GLASS

Beth DeVerre, owner of Beth Deverre Glass, has been an artist in Northwest Arkansas since 2006, opening her first stained glass studio in Washington County.

She’s since transitioned to Rogers, where she’s recently opened Beth Devere Glass, located at 921 S 8th St. in Rogers, AR 72756.

Beth first became a member of the Rogers Lowell Chamber in 2011 and has since rejoined following the opening of her new studio.

Looking ahead, Susana said she’s preparing her daughter, Shelby Cook, to take over the store and continue serving as the community’s quality food provider. •

“The Rogers Lowell Chamber of Commerce has, as far as I’m concerned, always been integral in supporting businesses in Northwest Arkansas,” said Beth. “They do a phenomenal job with advertising, marketing and supporting the small businesses in the area, it was kind of a ‘no brainer’ to join the Chamber.” •

Watch the full story on our Instagram and Facebook and visit Cook’s Natural Foods to support Rogers’ recovery following the 2024 May tornado.

Watch the full story on our Instagram and Facebook and visit Beth DeVerre Glass for all your stained-glass needs!

E ROGERS LOWELL CHAMBER, we pride ourselves in 5-star customer and member services. Our goal is ke sure we are the trusted source for growing our region’s business, activating high-impact leaders, and ng a strong and diverse community. As a chamber member, your investment is a partnership and opporto connect, invest, and grow with us. It impacts your business and the community’s quality of life. •

LASANG PINOY FILIPINO CUISINE

FIT BODY

Owner of Lasang Pinoy, Maria Smith, shared her journey of joining the Rogers Lowell Chamber before opening a family-owned scratch kitchen inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines in Downtown Rogers.

Fit Body Boot Camp owners, Bryon Bruce and Andreea Dinulescu-Bruce, shared their experience joining the Rogers Lowell Chamber after opening a fitness center designed to build confidence and connection.

“My mom is a part of this. My dad’s a part of this. My husband is a part of this. My kids work here. This is a family business, and this is an opportunity for us to get to know our Filipino heritage and bring that to Northwest Arkansas,” said Smith. “I couldn’t have asked for a better place to start my first restaurant than downtown Rogers.”

Maria has been an RLC member since 2023 and currently serves on the RLC Small Business Council. When describing her experience at the Chamber, she said, “It’s been really neat to see, you know, behind the scenes, the conversations that are had to support the revenue in Downtown Rogers.” • Watch the full story on our YouTube channel and visit Lasang Pinoy to support and experience the unique and inviting community of Downtown Rogers!

BOOT CAMP

“It’s more than just the workout. I see people who’ve never spoken to one another day in their lives, and now they’re high-fiving and they’re asking each other how they’re doing,” said Bryon. “That’s the type of community we want to build.”

Bryon and Andreea said they joined RLC, after being recommended by another RLC member, Bumble Bee Blinds of Northwest Arkansas.

“They were like, ‘You’ve got to look into the Chamber of Commerce. They’re great. They’ll help you. There’s many resources’,” said Bryon. “Every time I run into an issue, somebody helps me through it.” • Watch the full story on our YouTube channel, and visit Fit Body Boot Camp to support and experience the unique and inviting fitness community of Rogers.

11

12

JUNE 17 - 18, 2025

LOCAL LEADERS IN LITTLE ROCK MEMBERS OF THE Rogers Lowell Chamber Leadership Benton County (LBC) program attended a State Government Tour in Little Rock June 17-18.

The group toured buildings including Little Rock Central High School and the Arkansas State Capitol and heard from speakers at the Arkansas Department of Transportation and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.

“I think visits down to Little Rock and learning your state government is so important for leaders who are up and coming in the community,” said Vice President of Government Affairs, Sara Lynn Geiger. “Them being able to see the different touch points of where they can have an impact with those decision-makers and knowing how to get in

contact with them is something of extreme value to our up-and-coming leaders.”

Through this hands-on learning approach, members of LBC were exposed leaders at the state level, and how decision-makers in Little Rock impact the business community of Northwest Arkansas.

“Leadership Benton County is how I first came to the State Capital,” said Senator Jim Dotson, District 34 | North Central Benton County. “And so, I think it’s fantastic what the chamber’s put together with a program that allows young future leaders in their respective fields to have exposure to all of those different aspects of state and local government.” • 13

Left to right: RLC VP of Economic Development Jeremy Biggs, Mark Moreland, Bryan Evans, and Chris Lynch

PREPARING FOR TOMORROW

EMPLOYEE RETENTION AND SKILLED WORKFORCE IN ROGERS THE RLC WORKFORCE COUNCIL met at Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) on June 18 for a strategic discussion focused on employee retention and preparing a skilled workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.

Hosted by NWACC’s Workforce and Economic Development faculty, the meeting brought together manufacturing leaders, educators, and workforce development professionals to share insights into the region’s workforce challenges.

Topics ranged from pay scales and benefits to organizational culture and work-life balance.

A MAIN CONCERN RAISED was the lack of adequate onboarding and training offered by some 14

employers. In response, NWACC staff shared how the college is actively working to align its degree programs, certifications, and customized training options with industry needs. Their goal is to equip employees with the skills necessary to succeed and stay in their roles long-term.

WITH HIGH TURNOVER CONTINUING to impact Northwest Arkansas employers, the conversation underscored the importance of collaboration between education and industry.

NWACC’s commitment to tailoring workforce education to employer demands offers a promising pathway toward a more stable and skilled regional workforce. •

T U E S DAY - M AY 2 0 , 2 0 2 5

FROM TRADESHOW TO TRAVEL WE’RE PROUD to have showcased our region again at this year’s Arkansas Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Tradeshow in Little Rock.

As longtime Premier Partners of ASAE, Destination Rogers’ involvement strengthens the Rogers Lowell Chamber’s mission of driving economic development through tourism.

The purpose of ASAE is to provide an opportunity for association executives to network with their peers and learn more about convention planning, seminars and other topics related to association management.

This partnership helps Destination Rogers connect with association leaders and position Northwest Arkansas as a premier destination for meetings and events.

Wes Oliver (Visit Bentonville), Samantha Rojas (Destination Rogers), Dell Hall (Experience Fayetteville), and Patrick Reynolds (Hyatt Place, Springdale) 15

GET THE ONLY 100% RAZORBACK SPORTS NEWS SOURCE! Hawgs Illustrated Magazine + WholeHogSports.com Website • BREAKING RAZORBACK NEWS • GAME PREVIEWS AND REVIEWS • 20 ISSUES PER YEAR • FULL 24/7 ACCESS TO WHOLEHOGSPORTS WEBSITE

16

Scan this QR code for more details!

DARBY GETS BENTON COUNTY READY WEEKNIGHTS

4:00 . 5:00 . 6:00 . 9:00 . 10:00

ACCURATE FORECASTS ON THE GO! DOWNLOAD THE 40/29 NEWS AND WEATHER APP TODAY! 17

18

19

JUNE RIBBON CUTTINGS

M AY N E W M E M B E R S

M AY M E M B E R R E N E WA L S

20