CHAMBER VOICE
Real Impact
HEAR FIRSTHAND HOW THE CHAMBER HAS HELPED LOCAL BUSINESS THRIVE
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High school students were honored at RLC’s 49th annual Academic Awards Ceremony for their outstanding academic performance
ECONOMIC
The Arkansas Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas (AIA) stopped by RLC during the Arkansas Ahead tour
LOCAL RECOVERY EFFORTS
VP of Economic Development Jeremy Biggs teamed up with Mayor Greg Hines for June’s Spotlight Series: Local Government
CATCHING UP AT THE PICNIC
Chamber staff members showed their appreciation towards our members at the annual Chamber Picnic and Cornhole Tournament
REAL IMPACT FROM RLC
Hear from several local business owners who have shared their experience after joining the Rogers Lowell Chamber
LOCAL LEADERS IN LR
Members of the Rogers Lowell Chamber Leadership Benton County (LBC) program attended a State Government Tour in Little Rock
The RLC Workforce Council met at Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) for strategic discussion about workforce
TRAVEL
Destination Rogers showcased our region at this year’s Arkansas Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Tradeshow in Little Rock
JULY CALENDAR
MIXER DE NEGOCIOS
9:00-10:15am @ Dance With Me Studio
8:30-9:30am @ Rogers Lowell Chamber
9:00-10:15am @ Golden Corral
4:30-7:30PM @ Downtown Rogers
LEVEL UP LOCAL: Session 1 ART ON THE BRICKS ART WALK COFFEE CONNECTION MERCHANT MEETUP CENTRAL REFERRAL CONNECTION
8:45-10am @ TBD
Aug 7th • 8am-2pm @Rogers High School Sept 13th • 10am-3pm @Butterfield Stage Oct 1 • 10am-3pm @Rogers Activity Center Oct 10 • 7am-6pm @The Creeks Golf + RV Resort Nov 14 • 10am-3pm @Gunsmoke Sporting Clays Dec 6 • 4-8:30pm @Dowtown Rogers 1 10 10 17 16 17 8 st th th th th th th EVERY WED
5-6:30pm @ Ruth’s Chris Steak House
8:30-9:30am @ Rogers Lowell Chamber 8:30-9:30am @ Everett Infiniti of NWA
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS UPCOMING FALL EVENTS THANK-A-TEACHER CELEBRATION NWA COMMUNITY SHOWCASE NWA FALL JOB FAIR CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT RLC SPORTING CLAYS CLASSIC SIPS ON THE BRICKS
APRIL 30 - MAY 2,
CELEBRATING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT ROGERS
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.
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.
CELEBRATING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT ROGERS
“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.•
FRIDAY - JUNE 13, 2025
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.
“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 Cham
Arkansas Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Randy Zook
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.
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.
He shared updates and explained why some
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.
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”.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Rogers Mayor Greg Hines beginning the presentation
FRIDAY - JUNE 6, 2025
CATCHING UP AT THE CHAMBER PICNIC
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!
REAL IMPACT FROM RLC
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.”
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. •
Watch the full story on our Instagram and Facebook and visit Cook’s Natural Foods to support Rogers’ recovery following the 2024 May tornado.
to make building tunity to
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.
“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 Beth DeVerre Glass for all your stained-glass needs!
THE ROGERS LOWELL CHAMBER, we pride ourselves in 5-star customer and member services. Our goal is make sure we are the trusted source for growing our region’s business, activating high-impact leaders, and building 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
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.
“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!
FIT BODY BOOT CAMP
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.
“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.
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.” •
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
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. •
Left to right: RLC VP of Economic Development Jeremy Biggs, Mark Moreland, Bryan Evans, and Chris Lynch
TUESDAY - MAY 20, 2025
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.
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.
As longtime Premier Partners of ASAE, Destination Rogers’ involvement strengthens the Rogers Lowell Chamber’s mission of driving economic development through tourism.
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)
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