Annual Celebration of Business & Community:
On March 13, the Northwest Arkansas community came together to attend RLC’s Annual Celebration of Business & Community, honoring local leaders — and this year — the heroic response to the May tornado.
ANNUAL CELEBRATION
OF BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
On March 13, the Northwest Arkansas community came together to attend RLC’s Annual Celebration of Business & Community, honoring local leaders — and this year — the heroic response to the May tornado.
The Highlights:
As RLC looks forward to another years-worth of mission-work, this year’s event served as an opportunity to recognize those who played a part in last year’s outstanding resilience!
• Heard from Chancellor Charles F. Robinson
• Honored community awards winners
• Recognized our amazing sponsors
Our Annual Celebration of Business & Community is one of RLC’s highest honors in recognizing the community’s effort in helping us serve as the center of world-class business, welcoming communities, and opportunities for all.
EL PUEBLO MARKET #1 AWARDED
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE QUARTER
El Pueblo Market is a family owned & operated supermarket.
“We were able to use our savings to make repairs and replenish inventory and our customers were extremely appreciative,”
said Acosta
The RLC Small Business Council has named El Pueblo Market the recipient of the Small Business of the Quarter award for the first quarter of 2025.
Edwin Acosta, El Pueblo Market Owner, shared the importance of customer service, “I listen to my customers, learn what they want, and help those that come in and may not be able to read or write.” Acosta said, “I believe our customers enjoy the nostalgia of products we offer from Latin America, and we treat all our customers like family.”
El Pueblo Market was in business for 15 years, before the 2024 May tornado damaged the storefront and caused large losses of inventory. They were determined to re-open as soon as possible.
The owners and employees of El Pueblo Market lend their time and donate regularly to Head Start, Hispanic Women of Arkansas, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and with St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
Make sure to stop by El Pueblo Market, located at 1707 South 8th St., and congratulate them on being awarded the Small Business of the Quarter!
DESTINATION ROGERS TRADESHOW ROUNDUP
Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism
Feb. 23-25 in Bentonville
• Destination Rogers attended the Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism to attend sessions on tourism and travel trends, marketing strategies, the economics of the outdoors, industry workforce development efforts, and more!
“This event really put the heart in Arkansas. The tourism industry is so much more than a numbers game or the attractions we promote — it’s about the moments we create, the people we impact, and the legacy we build for future generations,” said Destination Rogers Sales & Services Manager, Samantha Rojas. “We don’t just invite people to visit Arkansas—we invite them to belong here. And it all starts with a visit.”
ABA Philadelphia 2025
Feb. 1-4 in Philadelphia
• Destination Rogers attended ABA to experience education and networking to expand motorcoach, group travel and tour businesses in North America.
• Destination Rogers Sales & Services Manager, Dane Clark participated in several trade show events including business appointments, expert education and revolutionary exhibits.
SPOTLIGHT SERIES: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF ROGERS
On March 5, more than 50 professionals — including developers, architects, engineers, realtors, and finance experts — gathered at Sterling Bank to gain crucial insights into the City of Rogers’ new Unified Development Code (UDC).
Why it matters: UDC is a form-based code. It’s in transition from the former usebased code — and represents a major step toward making Rogers more affordable, accessible, and future-focused.
Looking ahead: The Rogers City Council’s unanimous decision to carry out this vision, introduces a revised zoning map, a future land use plan, an engineering manual, and a drainage criteria manual — all designed to foster a safer, more vibrant community.
What
he’s saying: John McCurdy, Director of Community Development, led the discussion, offering a comprehensive progress update and expert insights into the city’s evolving landscape.
Background: His deep expertise in city planning and infrastructure provided invaluable perspective on how these changes will shape future projects and development opportunities — ensuring smart growth throughout the city.
This event — presented by Crafton Tull — served as a key networking platform, connecting industry professionals and city leaders in meaningful conversations about Rogers’ growth and development.
RLC’S AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
RLC’s Ambassador of the Year Award recognizes a standout volunteer from the Ambassador Program who has donated their time to assist the Chamber in various activities.
Congratulations to this year’s winner, Jaimie Brooks with Hyatt House!
“I am so grateful for all of the connects I have made within hospitality over the years and even more since I have become an ambassador; and definitely look forward to many more,”
Brooks said.
Brooks began his hospitality career in 2012 upon moving to the Northwest Arkansas area. He started in Fayetteville and Springdale, making his way into the Rogers and Bentonville area in 2023.
Joining the Rogers Lowell Chamber has helped Brooks not only grow his career, but also his personal life, he said.
“When I am not working at Hyatt House, I’m getting to help welcome business with the Rogers Lowell Chamber,” Brooks said.
“You can catch me traveling around to different cities and states getting to be a drag entertainer or relaxing at home with my wonderful husband, my best friend, and my two fur babies.”
On behalf of the Chamber, thank you for helping us continue to create a welcoming community with opportunities for all!
Jaimie Brooks with Hyatt House
ARVEST FIRST LEADERSHIP (AFL)
ARVEST First Leadership (AFL) invests in the future of our community by providing an innovative, student-focused program promoting personal growth and leadership development opportunities.
This free program introduces students to leadership skills and competencies, builds self-esteem, explores career paths, and develops interpersonal skills.
State Government Session Visit
On-site Learning: On March 5, AFL visited with some of our state-elected officials, took tours of the Arkansas State Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion, while also visiting the House and Senate Offices while in-session. The group learned about the processes and procedures of each Chamber, how our State Government works, and the avenues of feedback.
Mission work: As the Chamber continues its 28th year of AFL, we continue to increase engagement with the next generation of leaders and define pathways for leadership opportunities in both the Chamber and our community.
Have questions? Contact us to learn more about RLC’s various leadership programs.
LEADERSHIP, EDUCATION, ADVANCEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT (LEAD)
Financial Literacy Training:
This month, LEAD participants took part in a field trip to the Center for Non-Profits in Rogers, where they attended the annual Financial Literacy Training session, presented by executives from Arvest Bank.
By the Numbers: A total of 60 students participated in training session, where they gained valuable insights from Arvest Bank executives on personal finance topics, including:
• Managing checking & savings accounts
• Understanding borrowing & credit building
• Budgeting tips to achieve financial goals
• Investment strategies
LEAD offers a variety of enriching experiences to help students thrive, including:
• Mentorships with community leaders & peers
• Leadership development through service projects
• College guidance through campus visits & presentations
• Empowerment through experiential learning
• $1,000 scholarship for qualifying students
Mission Work: As the business community continues to grow and opportunities expand, having a well-trained workforce is crucial. In the face of a growing labor shortage, the L.E.A.D. Program’s efforts have never been more necessary. By preparing students with the skills they need, the program is helping to build a brighter future for both the students and the community.
LEADERSHIP BENTON COUNTY
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.
Who’s involved: LBC is open to persons 21 years of age or older, living and/or working in Benton County.
In Collaboration: LBC is run in partnership with the Rogers Lowell Chamber and Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Understanding Local Education:
In February, LBC participants attended local career program options for students in the area.
Here are the highlights: Ignite Program: LBC participants had the chance to tour Bentonville School District’s Ignite Program, where they listened to student’s experience on how the program is preparing them for a future career.
Rogers Career Center: LBC participants also visited Heritage High School’s new Rogers Career Center, where students are exposed to a variety of careers and given the tools and training to be successful in entering the workforce after high school.
Understanding Economic Development:
On March 12, LBC participants attended an economic development session hosted by Black Hills Energy.
Here are the highlights:
• Met with local developers to learn their role in building our region for the next generation of leaders.
• Talked with several startups to learn more about the new businesses popping up across NWA
• Met with local utility industry leaders to better understand how infrastructure plays a role in economic development.
Mission work: The Chamber’s goal of this 11-session program include:
• Identifying and motivating individuals with leadership potential.
• Acquainting participants with community needs, challenges and opportunities to activate their leadership skills.
• Challenging future leaders to become involved with local issues and the process of decisionmaking.
TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS
