Chamber Voice of Business Magazine | February 2023 - Annual Report Edition

FEBRUARY 2023 | Vol. 18 Issue 2

annual report

2022

What’s INSIDE This Issue?

05����������� Vision & Mission Statements 06����������� Goals & Key Focus Areas 07 ����������� 2022 Strategic Goals 08����������� Executive Committee & Board of Directors 10������������ Chamber Core Values

04

12������������ Member Services Division Highlights Letter from the Chair

14 ����������� Marketing Communications Division Highlights

16������������ Accounting & Finance Division Highlights 18������������ Customer Service Division Highlights 20 ���������� Government Affairs Division Highlights 22 ���������� Community Development Division Highlights 24 ���������� Economic Development Division Highlights

09

26����������� Downtown Development Division Highlights 2022 Regional Recognition

28����������� Destination Marketing & Management Division Highlights

317 West Walnut Street Rogers, Arkansas 72756 P: (479) 636-1240 F: (479) 636-5485

Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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CHAMBER STAFF J.R. Shaw, IOM

Raymond Burns, CCE

Katie Burns

President/CEO

Executive Director/ Executive Vice President | DESTINATION Rogers

Vice President of Operations

rburns@rogerslowell.com

jr@rogerslowell.com

katie@rogerslowell.com

Shelle Summers, IOM

Steve Cox, IOM

Senior Vice President of Member Services

Senior Vice President of Economic Development

Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications

ssummers@rogerslowell.com

steve@rogerslowell.com

brad@rogerslowell.com

Ross Phillips

Vickie Grotts, IOM

Senior Vice President of Community Development

Senior Vice President of Accounting & Finance

Senior Vice President of Community Engagement & Inclusion

ross@rogerslowell.com

vickie@rogerslowell.com

geovanny@rogerslowell.com

Karen Wagaman

Sara Lynn Geiger

Vice President of Downtown Development

Vice President of Government Affairs

Creative Services Director

karen@rogerslowell.com

sara@rogerslowell.com

nick@rogerslowell.com

Loretta Gomez

Brad Phillips

Geovanny Sarmiento

Nick Smith

Luke Wiggins, TMP

Maggie Matuschka

Finance Manager

Director of Sales | DESTINATION Rogers

Special Events Coordinator

loretta@rogerslowell.com

luke@rogerslowell.com

Maggie@rogerslowell.com

Jacque Eakins

Marni Rogers, IOM

Account Executive

Member Relations Manager

Marketing Communications Manager

jacque@rogerslowell.com

marni@rogerslowell.com

skylar@rogerslowell.com

Justin Freeman

Mariana Osorio

Marketing Communications Manager

Community Engagement & Inclusion Manager

Sales & Services Coordinator | DESTINATION Rogers

justin@rogerslowell.com

Mariana@rogerslowell.com

dane@rogerslowell.com

Skylar Rutherford

Dane Clark

Meredith Alvarez Customer Relations Specialist meredith@rogerslowell.com

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A LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN 2022 was an exciting year celebrating our Centennial as the trusted source for growing business, activating leaders, and building community in our region. And to top off the year, we introduced a new and modern brand identity to better position the Chamber for the future with our next generation of community leaders.

Serving business & community together: For 100 years, generations of business and community leaders have helped the Chamber build a strong reputation of being influencers for responsible growth, catalysts for positive change and conveners of the community to facilitate collaborative solutions.

• Community Development outreach by our staff yielded 43 new minority Chamber memberships; they helped 92 minority entrepreneurs with business resources, and 31 with mentorship services.

• Destination Rogers (formerly Visit Rogers) efforts helped 2022 room tax revenue surge to over $1.47 million, an increase of 80% over 2021 and higher than 2019’s all-time high of $1.4 million.

• Chamber Membership grew by 219 businesses, for a total of 1,956 member businesses in 2022.

• Launched the Chamber’s new brand identity and tagline “Serving Business & Community Together”.

How we got here: Our “Roadmap to 2022” (100th anniversary date)

Dig deeper: In this Annual Report, you’ll learn more about our 2022

began in 2019 and included a comprehensive new Vision 100 Community Action Plan, a three-year Chamber Strategic Plan (2020-21-22) and a redefined Vision, Mission and set of Core Values to ensure we are relevant, necessary, and competent in this era of rapid change.

accomplishments and highlights. I encourage you to review it so you can discover how you can engage with us this year as we continue working together to create a cohesive and connected community where people are excited to visit, live, invest, work, and play.

Our mission-work is making a big impact: Your

One more thing: Remember to purchase your tickets to join us

investment in our mission-work impacts not only the success of your business but also the community’s quality of life. It helps sustain our momentum for the next 100 years:

as we kick off our Centennial Celebration on April 6. Stay tuned throughout the year as we continue to unveil our exciting new brand identity and other initiatives as part of Vision/NEXT, the theme of our pathway forward.

• Advocacy & Government Affairs (advocating for businessdriven public policy that positively impacts businesses of all sizes).

• Community Development (activating leaders and delivering programs that build a cohesive and welcoming community).

• Destination Marketing & Management (attracting visitors and promoting our world-class destination).

• Economic Development (developing the next generation workforce pipeline and fostering sustainable growth downtown).

• Small Business and Entrepreneurial Development (curating resources and educational opportunities and opening the doors to new connections for small businesses to succeed).

The year at-a-glance: Here are some highlights and accomplishments from last year: • In workforce development, Government Affairs and Economic Development staff toured our state and federal legislators through the Rogers Learning Center teaching them about program offerings, expansion plans, enrollment limitations, and legislative solutions for career development programs.

• Over $200 million in private capital investment (60 large-scale projects) began in Rogers last year.

• Rogers had collected $26.8 million in sales taxes at end of year, 12% above the record setting 2021.

• In Rogers-Lowell, 1,300 jobs were created in 2022 and the labor force grew by 1,150.

• The unemployment rate in Rogers at the end of the year was 2.1%, down from 2.5%.

• Downtown Rogers opened 26 new businesses last year and staff helped to attract investments such as large-scale developments in Mixed-Use and Single/Multi-Family Residential development.

Erin Kiefer

2022 Chairman of the Board President & CEO, Assembled Products Corporation

The Rogers Lowell Chamber is one out of just 132 chambers of 7,000+ nationwide accredited with Five Stars.

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Vision Statement

The center of world-class business, welcoming communities, and opportunities for all.

Mission Statement

We are influencers, catalysts and conveners; the trusted source for growing business, activating leaders and building community.

The center of world-class business, welcoming communities, and opportunities for all.

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GOALS & KEY FOCUS AREAS Goals & Key Focus Areas

2020 - 2021 - 2022 | Journey to Our 100th Anniversary

GOAL:

2022 | 100th Anniversary

EXCITING & UNIQUE BRAND KEY FOCUS AREAS: Segmentation and Brand Strategy Rebrand Launch at 100th Anniversary

GOAL:

GOAL:

KEY FOCUS AREAS: Keeper of the Vision Campaign Add 3200 S.F. Upstairs

SUSTAINABLE FUNDING STRATEGY KEY FOCUS AREAS: Dues vs. Campaign Investing Keeper of the Community Vision Bottom Line that Increases Reserve

GOAL:

UPGRADED FACILITIES

GOAL:

MEMBER/INVESTOR BASE KEY FOCUS AREAS: Customer-Member-Investor Path Mission-Focused Next Gen Development

STRONG STAFF KEY FOCUS AREAS: Continuing Education Professional Development Hiring the Best Qualified for Open Positions GOAL:

COHESIVE LEADERSHIP KEY FOCUS AREAS: Community Business

GOAL:

SOUND STRATEGIC PLANNING KEY FOCUS AREAS: Driven by Vision-Mission-Core Values Political Center ROI Centric Transparent Vision 100 Influence Inclusive

Arts & Entertainment Downtown

2020 | The Journey Starts Here

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20 2 2 S TStrategic R A T E G I C Goals GOALS 2022 BUDGET & FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP COALITION

VISION 100

MEMBER RETENTION & OUTREACH

DTR, INC. | GO DOWNTOWN ROGERS BRAND

DESTINATION ROGERS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & TALENT PIPELINE

LEADERSHIP ACTIVATION

PRO-BUSINESS ADVOCACY & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

BUILDING EXPANSION & REMODEL

Balance Budget Achieve Revenue Growth Grow Reserves Implement Sustainable Funding Model Cultivate Investors for Increased Funding

Integrate Citywide Communications Lead Collaboration & Cooperation

Deliver “Over the Top” Customer Service Optimize Retention Efforts Create a “Rejoin the Chamber Campaign” Targeting Members Lost During Pandemic Maximize Member Contact & Feedback Provide Relevant Opportunities for Customer, Member, & Investor Interactions

Sustain Economic Growth for Downtown Rogers Sustain Economic Growth for Lowell Attract New Business Investment for Rogers-Lowell Area Create Jobs & Business Expansion for Rogers-Lowell Area Promote Rogers-Lowell Area as a Vibrant Community to Live, Work, Play & Invest

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Champion New Initiatives & Best Practices Convene Frequently with the Minority Community Deliver Unique & Relevant Programming to the Business Community

Enhance & Create New Talent Pipelines for Workforce Needs Connect Education with Industry Increase Access for Early Childhood Education Support Key Partner Programs & Initiatives

Define Legislative Priorities for Economic Growth Advocate for Business-Driven Policy Engage Community in the Political Process Drive Change & Initiatives for the New Political Paradigm

ENTERPRISE ADOPTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY & PLATFORMS Continue Evolution to be a Data-Driven Organization Optimize Database & Reporting Adopt New Technologies to Improve Productivity Manage Accrisoft’s Freedom (Web Platform) and Memberclicks’ MC Trade (Association Platform)

Position Brand as the Resource for Promoting Downtown Programming, Merchants & Development News Evolve Brand Communication Channels (Website, Social Media, Newsletter & Community Calendar) Facilitate Programming for Downtown Attractions & Amenities Serve as Downtown’s First Point of Contact for Public Requests to use Public Spaces (Railyard Park, Butterfield Stage, etc.)

Integrate in Strategic Planning & Program of Work Champion Support of the Community Action Plan with Key Stakeholders Continue Resources Campaign Outreach to Investors & Develop Additional Funding Sources

Implement Group Sales Effort to Support Rogers Hotels Focus Digital Marketing Strategy to Grow Leisure Visitation Support & Grow Rogers Hospitality Industry Support Chamber Goals through Destination Leadership

Activate Next Generation of Leaders with Unique Programming Increase Leadership Development Engagement Sustain Increased Outreach to Minority Businesses & Community

Continue Due Diligence and Concept Planning Develop Phased Plan Seek Investors and Funding Options

2022 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

Deliver Successful Centennial Celebration of Business & Community Implement Launch Plan to Sustain Celebration throughout 2022 Adapt Communications to Utilize Refreshed Centennial Branding

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chairman of the Board

Erin Kiefer Assembled Products

Chairman-Elect

Mike Power First Security Bank

Treasurer

Tom Allen Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners

Past Chairman

RIDC President

President/CEO

Angie Tucker-Ridley Tucker’s Furniture & Appliances

Jerry Vest Regions Bank

Raymond Burns, CCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022 Directors

2023 Directors

2024 Directors

Ron Branscum, Strategic Business Consulting David Kimball, Benchmark Group Jerra Toms, University of Arkansas Walton College of Business John-Michael Scurio, George’s Inc. Tanya Smith, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Melissa Turpin, Honeycomb Kitchen

Kristen Boozman, Portfolio Sotheby’s International Realty Dean Fisher, Glad Manufacturing Angela Grayson, Precipice IP Patrick Kerrwood, Northwest Health Mat Mozzoni, Cox Business Knight Weis, Signature Bank of Arkansas

Michael Parker, Nabholz Charlotte Rankin, Mercy NWA Gaven Smith, J.B. Hunt Transport Stennett Thompkins, AAA Insurance Brandy Tuft, FORVIS Josh Vasquez, Encore Bank

Ex-Officio Directors Daizy Andrade, University of Arkansas Bruce Barkley, KHBS/KHOG Dr. Marlin Berry, Rogers Public Schools Andrew Branch, NWA National Airport-XNA Larry Cooper, Embassy Suites NW Arkansas Brad Crain, Arvest Benton County Ever Cuellar, First Security Bank Mike Dodge, Carroll Electric Coop. Corp.

David Faulkner, Pinnacle Hills Promenade

Cathy Foraker, AT&T David Foster, APAC - Central, Inc. Bradley Hardin, AEP/SWEPCO Greg Hines, Mayor, City of Rogers Tom Hopper, Tallchamps, LLC Corry Hull, BHC Insurance Emily Ironside, Crystal Bridges Museum Dr. Evelyn E. Jorgenson, Northwest Arkansas Community College Peter Lane, Walton Arts Center Chris Moore, Mayor, City of Lowell

Barry Moehring, Benton County Judge Joey Msall, Black Hills Energy Mickey Rapier, Fellowship Bible Church Rafael Rios, Yeyo’s Mezcaleria & Taqueria at the 1907 Dr. Jim Rollins, Northwest Technical Institute Denise Thomas, Arkansas World Trade Center Scott Tidwell, Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure & Thompson Dick Trammel, Chairman Emeritus Jeff Wood, Tyson Foods

Division Chairs Community Development – Josh Vasquez Membership Services – Tanya Smith Economic Development – Brad Crain

Audit Committee Government Affairs – Angela Grayson Destination Marketing – Larry Cooper

05

JAN

2022

03

Ron Branscum Knight Weis Brandy Tuft

10

Amazon Announces Plans to Open Warehouse in Lowell serving NWA.

JAN

10

94th meeting of Arkansas General Assembly convenes, and Governor Asa Hutchinson gives his State of Arkansas Address.

Year in Review

TIMELINE JANUARY Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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15

JAN

11

Chamber hosts U.S. Chamber 2022 State of American Business Watch Party at the Embassy Suites in Rogers.

2022 REGIONAL RECOGNITION 7,000+ Chambers | 201 Accredited

Only 141 5-Star HEARTLAND FORWARD MOST DYNAMIC METROPOLITANS RANKS NORTHWEST ARKANSAS: 3rd Best Mid-Sized Metro Area (under one million total population) 21st Best Overall Metro Area 8th Best Overall Metro Area for Per-Capita Personal Income 2nd Best Mid-Sized Metro Area for Per-Capita Personal Income 5th Best Mid-Sized Metro Area for Short and Medium Term Average Annual Pay Growth 5th Best Mid-Sized Metro Area of Medium-Term Job Growth A 2019 REPORT BY THE US CONFERENCE OF MAYORS RANKS NORTHWEST ARKANSAS: 7th overall for Most Economic Growth through 2024 95th overall in Gross Metropolitan Product $33.2 billion in Gross Metropolitan Product for 2020

U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN 2022-2023 RANKS NORTHWEST ARKANSAS: 7th Best Place to Live Overall 8th Most Affordable Place to Live FORBES BEST PLACES FOR BUSINESS & CAREERS RANKS NORTHWEST ARKANSAS: 10th Best Place for Business and Careers (all cities) 2nd Best Place for Job Growth (mid-sized cities) NEWGEOGRAPHY.COM RANKS NORTHWEST ARKANSAS: 2nd Best Mid-Sized City for Job Growth 10th Best Overall City for Job Growth

THE 2022 MILKEN INSTITUTE’S BEST PERFORMING CITIES LIST RANKS NORTHWEST ARKANSAS: 8th overall for the Best Performing Cities 5th overall in 1-year wage growth 9th overall in 5-year job growth 13th overall in 12-month job growth 18th overall in Five Year job growth

US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OF LABOR STATISTICS RANKS BENTON COUNTY: Largest 2nd Quarter Yearly Wage Gain in 2019

7,411 up 27% FOLLOWERS

9,640 up 12% likes 5,836 up 4%

page 112,992 TOTAL VISITORS | 221,679 views

up 39%

23,000 impressions 2,200 views

FOLLOWERS

5

20

JAN

18

up 25%

25

Chamber hosts annual Chamber Night event at Rogers School Board of Education, offering members opportunity to meet local school board administration and board members.

JAN

28

University of Arkansas Center for Business and Economic Research hosts annual Arkansas Business Forecast, bringing together international experts to discuss the state’s economic outlook.

JANUARY FEBRUARY2023 |

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JAN

31

Legislation Introduced to designate Butterfield Trail as new National Historic Trail in NWA.

CORE VALUES Passion

We are proud to work here; we are committed to creating an optimistic and balanced culture through passion, enthusiasm and dedication.

Integrity

We are the trusted and dependable source. We are honest and accountable in all endeavors and do the right thing because we are guided by a set of moral principles.

Service

We exceed expectations by providing knowledgeable, thoughtful solutions, and leading by example.

Community

We better our community through servant leadership, encouraging compassionate relationships, and collectively working toward a common goal.

Togetherness

We believe that through diversity, collaboration, and teamwork we create an inspired, open, and welcoming environment that leads to the greater good.

05

FEB

01

Ozark Regional Transit (ORT) announces expansion and improvement of on-demand transit model, unveiling ride-hailing service and more buses to serve NWA’s public transportation needs.

FEB

01

10

Chamber educates Rogers Public Schools students about the new LEAD (Leadership, Education, Activation & Development) program offered by the Chamber’s Community Development Division.

FEB

10

Chamber’s Hustle In Heels program hosts Empowering Your Physical & Mental Health event at Supply Chain Hall of Fame in Rogers.

FEB

14

FEBRUARY Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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10

Rogers Mayor Greg Hines issues Annual State of the City Address.

5

20

FEB

17

Chamber hosts Spanish Seminar Series: Empezando un Negocio en Arkansas event, educating members about best business practices in Spanish.

25

FEB

17

City of Rogers Refurbishes 12 Miles of Mountain Bike Trails at Lake Atalanta in Downtown Rogers thanks to Walton Family Foundation Grant.

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Membership in the Chamber is a direct investment in the work we do to grow business and build community. Our Member Services division helps you understand how to connect, invest and grow with us. Whether you are a community partner, member, or both, we provide “over-the-top” customer service by offering valuable information, services and programs to deliver value and return on your investment with the Chamber.

2022 Goals | Membership Services 1.

Shelle Summers, IOM

Provide Five-Star Customer Service to Customers, Members and Investors .

2.

Provide Value-Added Member Benefits.

3.

Increase Annual Investment Revenue.

4. Utilize Digital Tools for Data-Driven Efforts.

Jacque Eakins

Senior Vice President of Member Services

Account Executive

ssummers@rogerslowell.com

jacque@rogerslowell.com

Marni Rogers, IOM

Maggie Matuschka

Member Relations Manager

Special Events Coordinator

marni@rogerslowell.com

Maggie@rogerslowell.com

contacted

240 1600

ME MBE R TO U C H ES

1600

M E M BE R S TO H E LP M E MB E R S G E T TH E MOST O U T OF TH E IR M E M BE R SH IP

2 X M O R E T HA N LA S T Y EAR 05

10

MAR Chamber’s Destination Rogers (formerly Visit Rogers) Division attends Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism, learning best tourism marketing and MAR Arkansas Public Theatre hosts development practices.

2nd annual Rogers Short Film Festival in Rogers.

01

04

MARCH Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE

12

15

$336,300 $397,040 BUDGE TE D R EV E N U E

ACTUAL REVENUE WAS

$60,740

AC TUA L R EV E N U E

OVER BUDGETED REVENUE

TOP 3

M E MBE R RE PO RT NEW MEMBERS

DROPPED MEMBERS

NET

219 167 52 $71,757 $45,123 $26,643 VALUE

VALUE

5

VALUE

5476 91% RETENTION RATE

TOTAL REPS

VS

TOTAL # OF MEMBERS

1956 $695,990 VALUE

20

1.1.2022

1901 $620,839 VALUE

25

MAR City of Rogers announces construction of two new overpasses - the Uptown Overpass near Mercy Northwest and the Walmart AMP, and the Oak Street Overpass further north near exit 85 that will help with bumper-to-bumper traffic on Walnut Street.

28

MAR Chamber Celebrates Centennial Anniversary with 100th Annual Celebration of Business & Community at Rogers Convention Center.

29

MAR Chamber Receives 5-Star Accreditation from U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

30

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Our Marketing Communications division’s work impacts the Rogers-Lowell Area, Chamber members and partners, and the business community. They deliver easily accessible and up-to-date information about local businesses and our community by sharing stories about the Chamber’s mission, accomplishments, strategic programs and major events. They also help to unify communications and messaging into “one voice” for our community.

2022 Goals | Marketing Communications Produce Strategic Communications and Create Messaging to Deliver “One Voice to the Community” and Raise Awareness of the “Chamber’s Mission-5” .

2. Monetize Chamber’s Digital Advertising Assets to Generate Incremental Revenue 3. Advertise and Promote Chamber’s Mission-5 and Events Programming to the Public.

4. Grow Social Media and Interactions with Target Audiences (Customers, Members, Investors and Community).

5. Position Chamber as the “Voice of Business” and “Trusted Source” by Informing Target Audiences with timely and relevant and essential News, Information and Resources.

6. Promote RogersLowell.com to Increase Traffic and Convert Visitors to New Members via the Online Application Form .

7. Deliver in-house agency Design Expertise and Creative Production Services to support success of each Chamber’s division and save money for the Chamber.

8. Develop a new In-Bound Marketing Program for Lead Generation.

Brad Phillips

01

nick@rogerslowell.com

Justin Freeman

Skylar Rutherford

Marketing Communications Manager

Marketing Communications Manager

justin@rogerslowell.com

skylar@rogerslowell.com

Negotiated

$180K $72K IN MEDIA TRADE

S O L D IN ADVERTISING

Chamber announces 2022 Educator of the Year Award and 2022 Academic Awards for local students.

APR

01

Creative Services Director

brad@rogerslowell.com

05

APR

Nick Smith

Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications

1.

Chamber launches new and rebranded Go Downtown Rogers eNews and social media.

10

APR

05

Heartland Forward Ranks NWA as 21st Most Dynamic Metro in the U.S.

APR

07

APRIL Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE

15

14

5th Annual NWA Gives event supports fundraising efforts for more than 200 regional nonprofits.

585

HOURS O F VI S UAL DES I G N WO R K

ROGERSLOWELL.COM

TH AT EQUAT ES TO

$131K 74K HOURS O F

MA IN WE BS I TE ’ S TOTA L V I S I TO RS

IN RELATIVE PRODUCTION VALUE WITH AN AD AGENCY

247

2 0 2 1 : 58,07 0

VIDEOGRAPHY + VIDEO EDITING THAT EQUATES TO

IN RELATIVE PRODUCTION VALUE

$49K 125K MA IN WE BS I TE ’ S TOTA L S ES S I O NS

INCLUDES OVER 40 VIDEO PROJECTS, 5 TELEVISION COMMERCIALS AND 7 ANNUAL CELEBRATION VIDEO FEATURES

2 0 2 1 : 81, 554

70K 8.1M 289K 45 20K+ ALL RLC BRAND SOCIAL MEDIA PROPERTIES

AUDIEN CE

IMP RESSIONS

5

E NGAG E M EN T S

20

APR

11

VI DEOS

VIEWS FOR NEW MEMBERS

25

Walton Family Announces $225 Million Investment for Fitness and Childcare Centers on new Walmart HQ Campus.

APR

30

APRIL FEBRUARY2023 |

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Chamber hosts annual Rogers Cycling Festival, showcasing the great trails and cycling opportunities in Rogers.

Our Accounting and Finance division prepares useful, relevant, and clear financial information and statements for the Chamber in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the U.S. Working with both internal customers and external partners, they provide the right data to the right people at the right time to facilitate our organizational success. They also support the human resource needs of the organization.

2022 Goals | Accounting & Finance 1.

Provide quality financial data; understandable, reliable, relevant financial analysis and reporting.

2.

Engage and convene our finance support teams: Audit Committee and the 401(k)Trustee Committee, facilitating fiscal oversight, monitoring, and guiding Accounting & Finance.

3.

Vickie Grotts, IOM

6

Manage Human Resource Health and Wellness benefits for our staff.

5

Loretta Gomez

Senior Vice President of Accounting & Finance

Finance Manager

vickie@rogerslowell.com

loretta@rogerslowell.com

TAX RETURNS

R L ACC , R DF, R L E DC , C P I , R I DC# 2 , DTR

AN N UAL RE P O RT S FOR D OM ES T I C N ON P ROF ITS R LACC, R D F, R LED C, R ID C# 2, DT R

05

10

MAY Chamber highlights local MAY Rogers Local Food small businesses in social Market opens in media campaign for 2022 Downtown Rogers Small Business Week and revitalized Railyard Park.

Economic Development Week in Arkansas.

MAY Rogers Public Schools announces hire of Dr. Jeff Perry as new Superintendent; NWACC announces hire of Dr. Dennis Rittle as new President.

01

07

01

M AY

Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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15

5

28

WE MAN AG E D

9 2

BANK ACCOUNTS

C E RT I F I C AT ES O F D E P OS I T

I N V ES T M E N T ACCO U N T S

MAY Chamber’s Hustle In Heels program hosts Girls Night Out: Empower Your Money event at the Supply Chain Hall of Fame in Rogers.

20

16 1

C H EC K I N G, SAV I N GS O R M O N E Y M ARK ET ACCO UN T S

25

10

MAY Chamber hosts 2nd Annual Tee Off at Topgolf event, showcasing one of Rogers’ top new entertainment venues for members.

12

MAY CACHE announces 56 recipients of $169,000 Creative and Professional Development Funds through Creative Exchange Fund (CXF).

10

M AY FEBRUARY2023 |

LINE OF CREDIT

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Our Customer Service division has a reputation of delivering excellent customer service to external and internal customers. They ensure cohesion within the Chamber and Community through effective communications, processes and procedures. In addition to supporting the Chamber’s goals, they help our visitors, members, new residents and board members get information they need to know.

2022 Goals | Customer Service 1.

2.

3.

Provide “Over the Top” Customer Service to our Visitors, Residents, Members and Staff.

Katie Burns Vice President of Operations

Provide “Over the Top” Customer Service to our Campaign Donors/Investors.

Provide “Over the Top” Customer Service on behalf of the Rogers Development.

Meredith Alvarez Customer Relations Specialist meredith@rogerslowell.com

katie@rogerslowell.com

M A N AG E D T H E SCH E DU L I N G O F

C R EAT E D A

FO R EVE NT S, T R A I N E D STAFF M E E T I N GS U TI L I Z I N G T H E & I M P L E ME NT E D P RO C ESS TO C HA M B E R STREAMLINE CO N F E R E N C E R EG I S T RAT IONS RO O M S 05

JUN

01

U.S. News & World Report ranks four NWA high schools among top 10 in Arkansas.

JUN

01

10

JUN

03

Samaritan Community Center breaks ground on new location in southeast Rogers.

Chamber hosts Annual Chamber Picnic in Lowell, giving thanks to our members, volunteers, and special friends.

JUNE Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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15

D O N OR S SE RVI NG

STU D E N TS

5

20

E R E ER S

TO OV ER

MEMBER S , NEW R ES I D ENTS A N D V I S I TOR S

20

JUN

VIC

O

OM

T

FOR

R T E H V

E

SCHOL ARSH I PS

CON TI NUE TO PROVID E

CUS

T HRO U G H T HE RO G ERS D E VE LO P ME N T FO U N DATI ON

MA N AG ED

Blue Zoo Aquarium Announces New Location at Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall in Rogers Coming in 2023.

25

JUN

21

Chamber partners with Cox Communications to offer a Spotlight Series educating the community on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

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Our Government Affairs & Advocacy division serves as the link between members and local, state and federal government by advocating for pro-business and quality of life issues that are important to Northwest Arkansas. They also engage in activities that produce long-term positive impacts including voter registration and education, engagement of members in the political process and continuously improved outreach efforts.

2022 Goals | Government Affairs & Advocacy 1.

Sara Lynn Geiger

Serve as the regional link between business and government by defining legislative priorities that help our local community.

Vice President of Government Affairs sara@rogerslowell.com

2.

Ensure the voice of business is heard and represented on local, state, and national legislative policy issues.

3.

Advocate for business-driven policy that impacts businesses of all sizes (taxation, regulation, infrastructure, etc.).

YAY

4. Engage the community in the political process including registering to vote, contacting legislators, hosting educational forums, and organizing calls to action.

9/13 NEW

V P O F G OV E R N ME N T A F FA I R S 05

10

JUL

14

Chamber’s Destination Rogers (formerly Visit Rogers) Division hosts Annual Travel & Tourism Talk event at Butterfield Stage in Downtown Rogers, providing tourism industry trends and updates from leaders.

J U LY Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE

20

15

JUL

18

MaxMyMoney.org ranks Arkansas 10th in the U.S. for states the most people are moving to.

MET WITH ALL THE FEDERAL DELEGATION STARTED MEETING WITH ALL THE STATE DELEGATION STARTED CONVERSATIONS WITH OUR LEGISLATORS AS FAR AS HOW THE CHAMBER CAN PROVIDE INFORMATION REGARDING HOW CERTAIN THINGS AFFECT OUR BUSINESS (SMALL TO LARGE)

STARTED CONVERSATIONS WITH VARIOUS MEMBERS AS TO HOW WE CAN BEST COMMUNICATE THEIR NEEDS TO THE LEGISLATURE

5

20

JUL

22

Glad Manufacturing Co. celebrates 50th anniversary in Rogers as one of the companies that the foundation of commerce for Rogers was built on.

25

JUL

26

Chamber SVP of Community Development Ross Phillips selected as a featured speaker for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE)’s Annual Convention in Indianapolis.

J U LY FEBRUARY2023 |

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21

JUL

27

Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G introduces Choctaw Club Hospitality Space for spectators.

Programs in our Community Development division impact and enhance the quality of life in Rogers, Lowell and the region. They are committed to expanding our diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to better welcome the growing number of residents, workers, and visitors from all backgrounds. They also support educational programs and help develop our leaders for the future.

2022 Goals | Community Development 1.

Positively Impact Future Leaders.

2.

Ensure Leaders Represent the Entire Community.

3.

Increase and Activate Next Gen Leaders with Programming through Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders (NWAEL).

Geovanny Sarmiento

Ross Phillips Senior Vice President of Community Development

Senior Vice President of Community Engagement & Inclusion

ross@rogerslowell.com

geovanny@rogerslowell.com

Mariana Osorio Community Engagement & Inclusion Manager Mariana@rogerslowell.com

4. Monetize Chamber’s Spanish Seminar Series quarterly educational opportunities.

5.

COLLABORATED WITH MANY

ROGERS LOWELL CHAMBER

Increase Minority Small Business Membership.

TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL, LEGAL AND ACCOUNTING, OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR MIN

6. Improve Graduation Rates for Minority Students.

7.

122

Serve as the Welcoming Coordinator for the City of Rogers.

PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE

05

AUG

01

10

Rogers Noon Rotary Club Honors Chamber President/CEO Raymond Burns with 2022 Dick Daniel Distinguished Citizen Award.

AUG

01

AUG

01

Chamber partners with Arkansas Arts Academy and local organizations to implement new community programs for high school students focusing on the arts.

Onyx Coffee Lab in Rogers celebrates 10th Anniversary as one of the most-awarded coffee brands in the U.S.

AUG

09

AUGUST

Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE

15

22

Chamber’s Hustle In Heels program hosts Empower Your Personality luncheon at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Corporate Office in Springdale.

43 102 31 92

1500+ 68 826 87 15%

SIG

NE

DU

P

PA RT I CI PA N T S IN THE 2022 BOARD SERVICE PROGRAM

VOLUNTEER HOURS ARVEST FIRST LEADERSHIP, LEADERSHIP BENTON CO. AND NWA EMERGING LEADERS

AT 15 DIFFERENT LOCAL NONPROFITS

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

ATTENDED LEADERSHIP EVENTS NWAEL, LBC, AFL EVENTS + PROGRAMS

STUDENTS

SIGNED UP FOR THE LEAD PROJECT

R MEMBERS

NEW

I N C R EASE I N PART I C I PAT I ON IN NWAEL EVENTS, PROGRAMS AND VOLUNTEERISM

M I NO R I T Y- OW N E D B US I NE SSE S

PROVID E D 1- ON -1 M E N TOR S HI P & BU S IN ES S SOLUTI ON S I N S PAN IS H TO

P ROVID E D IN FO RM AT I O N AN D R ES O URC ES TO

M I NO R I T Y EN T R E P R E NE UR S

M I NO R I T Y E NT R E P R E N E U R S

, HUMAN RESOURCES, NORITY ENTREPRENEURS

ENTREPRENEURS ATTENDED OUR QUARTERLY SPANISH SEMINAR SERIES PROGRAMS

5

20

AUG

09

25

Chamber hosts 2022 Thank-aTeacher Celebration, partnering with members to donate needed items to teachers, and announces winner of Sam’s Furniture $10,000 home makeover to a deserving local teacher.

AUG

28

AUGUST FEBRUARY2023 |

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23

Railyard Park in downtown Rogers named Outdoor Facility of the Year by Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association.

New job creation and business expansion impact businesses by creating meaningful opportunities to sell goods and services to new businesses and residents. Our Economic Development division works with industries both large and small to increase job growth and business expansion. They also work with individuals to support and increase our growing small business community.

2022 Goals | Economic Development 1.

Be a Business-friendly Community focused on Business Growth and Commercial Development in Rogers and Lowell.

Steve Cox, IOM

2.

Invigorate Commercial Development in Lowell through business expansion and new retail opportunities through $5 million in new capital development.

3.

Create Workforce Development Opportunities in Our Community.

Senior Vice President of Economic Development steve@rogerslowell.com

4K

4. Engage the Small Business Community.

5.

Engage Minority Communities within Northwest Arkansas with Programs and Offerings.

THE CHAMBER IS PARTNERING WITH BE PRO BE PROUD TO HOST DRAFT DAY NWA THIS SPRING

6. Continue to Create Quality of Place Initiatives to Attract a Diverse, FirstClass Workforce.

STUDENTS REGISTERED

240 ASSISTED

$26.8M

SMALL BUSINESSES & ENTREPRENEURS

COLLECTED IN SALES TAX

SEEKING INFORMATION, RESOURCES, TRAINING AND FUNDING

12% ABOVE 2021 05

SEPT NWA community celebrates Welcoming Week NWA, designed to showcase the region’s diverse cultures, activate collection drives for local nonprofits and strengthen connections.

01

10

SEPT NWA Council Launches Health Literacy Campaign Targeting Hispanic and Marshallese Residents.

08

SEPTEMBER Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE

24

15

SEPT Chamber hosts Spotlight Series covering Workforce Housing Issues with NWA Council and Partners for Better Housing.

15

60 OVER

LARGE-SCALE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

$500M

MERCY ANNOUNCED

EXPANSION ALONG WITH

1K

$200M VALUED OVER

NEW JOBS

T H E CHAM B E R, VIS IT ROGE RS & T HE EMBASSY S U IT ES HOS T E D E D U CATORS FROM

7

HOSTED 2 JOB FAIRS WITH NEARLY

AREA 200 BUSINESSES

&

100

S T UD EN TS PA RT IC I PATE D

S H OWCAS ING HOS P ITALIT Y CARE E RS A S PART OF T HE K IN D E RGART E N TO J OB P ROGRAM (K2J) T H E C H AM B E R PART NE RE D W IT H CHILD CARE AWARE TO HOS T A K 2J EVE NT FOCU S E D ON EA RLY CHILD HOOD E D U CAT ION W ITH OVER

AND OVER

130

400 JOB SEEKERS

5

D IF F ER EN T S C H OOLS

STUDENTS PARTICIPATING

20

25

SEPT Banco Sí opens in Downtown Rogers as the state’s first dedicated bilingual bank.

23

SEPT Chamber hosts Large Industry Council meeting focusing on workforce development efforts in partnership with Rogers Public Schools and Be Pro Be Proud.

26

SEPTEMBER FEBRUARY2023 |

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25

SEPT Chamber celebrates graduation of 2022 Leadership Benton County class, kicks off 2022-23 class of Arvest First Leadership.

29

Our Downtown Development division is the primary point-of-contact for economic development in Downtown Rogers and provides resources and help implementing the Downtown Rogers Initiative Plan. They focus on increasing the number of businesses, employees, and residential properties in the downtown core. They also cultivate strong relations with existing businesses and government entities, identifying opportunities to activate underutilized properties, connecting potential partnerships and

2022 Goals | Downtown Development 1.

Increase Multi-Family/MixedUse Residential Development in Downtown Rogers.

2.

Attract Supplier, Professional Services and Light Manufacturing Employers and Jobs to Downtown Rogers.

Karen Wagaman Vice President of Downtown Development karen@rogerslowell.com

Establish the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce as the Primary Point-of-Contact for Doing Business in Downtown Rogers.

GO DOWNTOWN ROGERS NEWSLETTERS

Build Community Value through Effective Activation of Under-Utilized Properties.

05

OCT

03

Startup Loloft announces opening of flagship location in Downtown Rogers.

OCT

05

OPE

N

35% 42% TO

ABOUT DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES & EVENTS

10

Bikes, Blues & BBQ hosts Inaugural Event in Rogers.

OCT

05

OCT

10

Chamber hosts NWA Fall Job Fair at Frisco Station Mall in Rogers connecting employers to hundreds of job seekers.

OCTOBER Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE

ES

Showcase Why Downtown Rogers is an Ideal Place to Conduct Business, Raise a Family and Enjoy Quality of Life Amenities and Activities.

6. Develop and Promote Downtown Rogers as a Destination Location for Arts, Music, Dance and Other Interactive Experiences.

7.

NED

RAT

4. Connect All Activities to the Mission of Economic Development and the Master Plan with at Least Six Public Announcements.

5.

AI

2022 52 107 W E E K LY ARTICLES MA I NT

3.

facilitating business relations to maximize resources for downtown and the surrounding community.

26

15

Chamber’s Destination Rogers (formerly Visit Rogers) division hosts NWA tourism leaders for a listening session, identifying issues, trends, opportunities and challenges.

23

HELLO MY NAME IS

ATTENDED MUSIC CITIES CONFERENCE WITH 2 CITY OF ROGERS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT EMPLOYEES AND

IN TRODUCT IO NS

20

OF BUSINESSES TO DOWNTOWN ROGERS PROPERTY OWNERS

26

12

D OW N TOW N B U S I N ES S ES

ART ON THE BRICKS ART WALKS

CONNECTED WITH

PRESENTED

100%

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY MEMBERS

NEW

5

20

OCT

15

WE LEARNED HOW TO MAKE ROGERS MORE VIBRANT & ATTRACTIVE TO INVESTORS, VISITORS AND OUR LOCALS

25

Chamber hosts NWA Community Showcase in Rogers, creating an entrepreneurial platform for businesses to connect with each other and celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.

OCT

27

Chamber hosts Taste of Rogers event at the Founders Plaza Terrace featuring over 120 foodies and 26 local restaurants exhibiting.

OCTOBER FEBRUARY2023 |

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Destination Rogers creates economic opportunity for our community by attracting meetings, conventions, tournaments, events and leisure visitors to the city of Rogers and Northwest Arkansas.

Overseen by the Rogers Advertising and Promotion Commission, Destination Rogers is our Destination Marketing Organization responsible for marketing the city to visitors.

2022 Goals | Destination Rogers 1.

Promote Rogers as a World Class Destination, generating tourism revenue that funds investment in building the destination’s strength and quality of place.

2.

Build Awareness of Rogers as a WorldClass Destination through Digital, Print, and Social Media Marketing Strategies.

3.

Align the Rogers community around a shared value vision for tourism.

Luke Wiggins, TMP

J.R. Shaw, IOM Executive Director/ Executive Vice President | DESTINATION Rogers

Director of Sales | DESTINATION Rogers

jr@rogerslowell.com

luke@rogerslowell.com

Dane Clark Sales & Services Coordinator | DESTINATION Rogers dane@rogerslowell.com

4. Champion Destination Leadership Principles and Practices in Rogers .

5.

SO U RC ED FUTURE ROOM NIGHTS

PRO DUCE D DEFINITE ROOM NIGHTS

63K

Support Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Goals and Objectives with Destination Rogers (formerly Visit Rogers) Destination Leadership.

28K

G E N E R AT E D

138

S O U RCE D

104

LEADS TO PARTNERS

NEW BIZ LEADS

R ES U LT I N G I N

14K

NEW BIZ DEFINITE ROOM NIGHTS

05

NOV Destination Rogers (formerly Visit Rogers) honored with Annual Readers’ Choice Award for the fourth time by ConventionSouth Magazine.

01

10

NOV Election Day featured 904,345 Arkansans casting their votes in the midterm election and saw Arkansas make state history by electing its first female Governor.

NOV Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks Art Walk partners with Rogers Historical Museum to showcase art from U.S. Military Veterans for Veterans Day.

08

11

NOVEMBER Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE

15

28

VISIT ROGERS ONLINE

RED O V

PAG EV I EWS

3 5% I NC REAS E FROM 2 0 2 1

2 5% INC REA S E F RO M 2 0 2 1

3 6 3 FAC E B OOK P OSTS REACHED

1,9 20 IN STAG R A M P OSTS R EACH ED

2.6M U S E RS

317K

85K

USE RS

I M PRESSION S

GA

295K 627K 50 N E W US E RS

REGIONAL TOURISM PROFESSIONALS FO R TO U R I S M TA L K “DES TINATIO N C ENT ER S TAG E” EVE NT HIG HLIG H T I NG EF FORT S TO ALIG N CO M M UNI T Y, ECO NO MIC AN D TOUR I S M DEVE LO P ME NT EF FORT S IN RO GER S

33K

ENGAGEMENTS

2 60 TW EETS R EACH ED

TOTA L 202 2 VI SI T ROG ERS PAI D SOCIAL ME DI A M E TRICS O N FAC E B OOK

91,311

1,568

IMPRESSIONS ENGAGEMENTS

$1.47M

5.1M 56K 20

NOV Chamber’s Go Downtown Rogers Division launches monthly DTR Merchant Meetups, designed to help merchants collaborate and support each other.

12

ROOM TAX REVENUE 80% INCREASE FROM 2021 ECLIPSED 2019’s $1.4M BY 4%

E NGAGE M E NTS

I M PRES S ION S

5

ER

E H T

25

NOV Chamber hosts K2J Connect program at the Embassy Suites and Rogers Convention Center, convening Rogers middle and high school students to educate them about careers in hospitality.

14

NOV Chamber celebrates Small Business Saturday and launches #ShopNWA social media campaign promoting shopping local for the holidays.

26

NOVEMBER FEBRUARY2023 |

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Save the date...

The Chamber's Annual Celebration is the highlight of the Rogers Lowell Chamber year, recognizing the organization’s current and incoming leadership.

Since 1922, we’ve been working hard for our business and community – we have a passion for that. It’s a proud history of leadership and action and being your seat at the regional table. We appreciate your membership and support and invite you to celebrate our successes with us this year! We’ll be telling 2022's story through the lens of our unique history and featuring the diverse people and organizations that have made an impact on the Chamber’s successes.

Come celebrate everything we have to look forward to!

05

DEC

01

Preformed Line Products completes $16 million expansion in Rogers, adding up to 50 new jobs.

10

DEC

DEC

01

Leadership Benton County announces Alumni Association available to graduates starting in 2023.

01

15

Yeyo’s El Alma de Mexico named a top 50 restaurant in America by The New York Times.

DEC

02

DECEMBER Chamber Voice OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE

30

City of Rogers and Rogers Rotary Host 2022 Rogers Christmas Parade in downtown.

CHAMBER BUSINESS CONNECT & EDUCATIONAL EVENTS The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a variety of events to help build your network and learn.

Below are the upcoming events to note. For more event details and to register, visit us online at RogersLowell.com.

FEB

Every Wednesday

16

Presented By | Equity Business Solutions FEBRUARY Host Sponsor | BHC Insurance Location | Golden Corral Address | 2605 W Pleasant Crossing Dr., Rogers

Presented By | Promenade Commons Host Sponsor | BHC Insurance Address | 1626 Empire St., Ste. 201, Lowel

If you are looking to connect to businesses in Northwest Arkansas, come and join us for coffee, breakfast snacks and great connections.

FEB

Mix and mingle with other Rogers & Lowell business professionals and find out what other businesses have to offer. It’s a great way to make new contacts, generate business leads and find new vendors.

FEB

14

21 FEB

28

Presented By | Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield and SERVPRO Hosted By | Cadence Bank Address | 701 S. 52nd St., Rogers

in Lowell in Rogers

Set your alarm early, and join us for Coffee Connection, an awesome

Hosted By | Lowell City Hall & Rogers City Hall Location | Rogers Public Schools Admin Building Address | 500 W. Walnut St., Rogers, AR 72756

morning business-building networking event!

The Chamber Night Reception was designed to provide Chamber members the opportunity to not only learn more about our city staffs but also to confirm our business community’s support for elected and school officials.

5

20

DEC

05

25

Chamber partners with Rogers Public Schools to convene state legislators to educate representatives about the school district’s Launch program at their career center.

DECEMBER FEBRUARY2023 |

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31

annual report

2022 Contact

PHONE

ONLINE

ADDRESS:

PHONE:

EMAIL:

Rogers Lowell Chamber 317 W. Walnut St. Rogers, AR 72756 United States

(479) 636-1240

info@rogerslowell.com

FAX:

WEBSITE:

(479) 636-5485

www.rogerslowell.com